My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the New Orleans Pelicans (10:05 EST).

The 1-2 New Orleans Pelicans will look to use their size to score an upset win over the smaller 2-1 Portland Trailblazers today.

New Orleans comes in off a 119-112 road win over the Lakers on Saturday, while the Blazers look poised for another letdown here in my opinion after their first loss of the season in a 113-110 setback at Milwaukee. 

If recent history is any precedence though, then the Pelicans have to be liking their chances tonight as they’d go on to take three of four in the series last season.

So far New Orleans is averaging 110 PPG, while allowing 114.3. Anthony Davis is averaging 31.7 PPG and 17.3 RPG. DeMarcus Cousins is posting 28.3 points and 11.7 boards per contest. 

Portland is so far averaging 116 points and conceding just 95. Damian Lillard is averaging 23.7 points and 5.3 assists per game while CJ McCollum has posted 27 PPG thus far. 

I’ll also point out that the Blazers are a poor 2-6 ATS in their last eight against good offensive teams which average 106 plus points per contest, while the Pelicans are 23-20 ATS in their last 43 in the same position.

The duo of Davis and Cousins is a considerable one and now it appears as if their supporting cast is finally starting to wake up after the convincing road win over the up-start Lakers. The Blazers got out to a quick start, but looked exposed in the loss to the Bucks.

While I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for New Orleans to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire.

Good luck…Larry

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

Chris Paul is out for the Rockets for 2 to 4 weeks, but I don’t think that’s going to matter in the end. 

The Mavs look horrible, losing their opener 117-111 at home and then falling 93-88 to the Kings as a 6 point favorite just last night.

Houston has won two in a row after beating Sacramento 105-100 on Wednesday. 

And if recent history is any precedence, then the home side has to be liking its chances tonight, as the Rockets would go on to take all four games in the series last season.

Depth seems to be a major issue early in Dallas and the second game of a back-to-back doesn’t bode well for Dirk Nowitzki and company (note that the Mavs are a poor 6-11 ATS in their last 17 off an upset loss as a favorite.)

Houston knocked off Golden State by 1 point on Opening Night and then battled from behind to beat Sacramento as well. So far the Rockets have averaged 113.5 PPG, while allowing 110.5. James Harden led the way last year and so far this season he’s also leading the team with 27 points, 4.5 board and 9.5 assists per night. 

Note that the Rockets hit 27 of 29 free throws in the victory over the Kings as well.

Additionally I’ll point out that Dallas is just 1-5-1 ATS in its last seven against the Western Conference, while Houston is 3-1 ATS in its last four when playing on two dasy of rest.

I like Harden to push the pace from start to finish and for the home side to pull away for the comfortable ATS cover once it’s all said and done. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

While I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I do definitely feel this is a few too many points to be giving up to what will be a highly focused and prepared home side.

Besides, the Warriors come to town off a satisfying and harder than expected 128-120 win at New Orleans just last night. 

Note that Golden State has been bad in this spot for bettors over the last few years as well, going just 14-19 ATS in its last 33 after allowing 115 points or more. 

Golden State was pretty good in the second game of back-to-backs last year, but the Grizzlies are a tough home team. In its win over the Pelicans most recently, Memphis would go on to force 18 turnovers. Mike Conley went on to post 27 points. 

Additionally note that the Grizzlies have played well against the tough Pacific division, going 4-1 ATS in their last five against it.

I think the Memphis defense keeps the home side competitive late, so grab as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

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

I’m expecting a rout from start to finish in this one.

Despite finishing among the best in the East the last few years, I think that the Raptors are being severely undervalued in this spot. 

Last season the Raptors were tenth in scoring with 106.9 per contest, while eighth on the defensive side in conceding 102.6. 

The 76ers were one of the worst teams in the league last year, but they should be vastly improved this season with a young core of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz.  

The sky is the limit for this young Philadelphia team, but clearly it’s going to take more time for it to reach its full potential.

With Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan leading the show in Toronto though, the time is NOW for the Raptors. Note that Jonas Valanciunas had 23 points and 15 boards in his team’s 117-100 win over the visiting Bulls on Opening night. 

Embiid is out for this one, as the 76ers work him back into game shape after sitting out most of last season with injury, meaning that Valanciunas has a major advantage tonight.

I’m banking on Toronto’s depth to be too much for the younger 76ers to handle down the stretch. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

Jeff Teague replaces Ricky Rubio as point guard in Minnesota this year. Rubio returns to Minnesota tonight as part of the Utah Jazz. 

Minnesota head coach Tom Thibodeau brought over Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler to the Wolves as well in the offseason. 

Minneosta now looks to punch its first win of the year after falling 107-99 at San Antonio in its season opener on Wednesday. Andrew Wiggins had 26 points, while Karl Anthony Towns had 18 points and 13 boards:

"We didn't close out the way we needed to against a team like that," Thibodeau said. "You have to play, particularly down the stretch. We just have to do better. We didn't have a lot of turnovers, but the ones we had were very costly. That's something we have to take a look at."

I think the Jazz come in a bit complacent here after their big 106-96 opening night win agaisnt the Nuggets on Wednesday. Big man Rudy Gobert was a standout with 18 points and ten boards. 

Minnesota though plays with revenge tonight after Utah took took three of four meetings a year ago. 

Additionally I’ll point out that Utah is just 22-23 ATS in its last 45 following a victory by ten points or more, while Minnesota is 45-31 ATS in its last 76 against a team with a winning record. 

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

Good luck…Larry

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

Portland was 41-41 last year and got swept in the first round by the Warriors.

Phoenix was just 24-58 and missed the postseason for a seventh consecutive year. 

Note that this is a revenge game for the Suns after the Blazers took three of four meetings last season, including in the last one, a 130-117 home win on April 1st.

The Blazers averaged 107.9 PPG last season and conceded 108.5. Damian Lillard averaged 27 PPG and 5.9 assists, while CJ McCollum chipped in 23. 

The Suns averaged 107.7 PPG and allowed 113.3, which was last in the league. Phoenix added Josh Jackson, Mike James, Alec Peters and Davon Reed in the offseason. Eric Bledsoe led the nightly charge with 21.1 PPG last year, while Devin Booker averaged 22.1 PPG. 

Phoenix won’t have McCollum in the ilne-up though due to a one game suspension, which I think will be a big difference maker on Opening Night.

I like the Suns to hold serve on their own floor and to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Minnesota Timberwolves (9:30 EST).

Minnesota was 31-51 last year, but is expected to make big strides this season with the continued development of star players Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. 

The Wolves also brought in veteran guard Jimmy Butler from Chicago, who looks re-focused and in great shape coming out of the preseason. Last year the Wolves averaged 105.6 PPG and allowed 106.7.

The Spurs averaged 105.3 PPG and allowed 98.1. San Antonio should once again be a strong defensive club, but it lacks offensive firepower. The team signed Rudy Gay, but Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss tonight’s game.

San Antonio signed big man LaMarcus Aldridge to a long-term deal, but along with Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, the Spurs are certainly not getting any younger right now.

With Parker and Leonard out of the line-up for the home side, I have a hard time seeing the Spurs keeping pace with the high-flying Wolves. While I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

Play on Minnesota.

Good luck…Larry

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

Boston lost its Opening Night game in Cleveland last night and it also lost All Star Gordon Hayward for the season after he suffered a gruesome leg injury.

Now the deflated C’s have to retiurn home and try to muster up the same energy to face a Bucks team that can smell the blood in the water. 

Milwaukee made the playoffs last year and then lost in six games to the Raptors in the first round. The Bucks didn’t make too many changes in the offseason

Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to have a massive year for the Bucks. He’s joined by Jabari Parker and Greg Monroe and in my opinion, they have a very legitimate shot at taking this one outright.

Kyrie Irving looked pretty good last night for his new team, but with the knowledge that Hayward is now out for the year and coming off the setback in Cleveland, I think this absolutely sets up as a classic “letdown” spot for the Celtics right out of the gates here.

No need to overthink this one in my opinion, I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Houston Rockets (10:35 EST).

Houston won 55 games last year and finished as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. James Harden averaged 29.1 PPG and posted an NBA best 11.2 assists and finished second in the MVP race behind Russell Westrbrook.

Harden has some big time help in the form of All-Star point guard Chis Paul and now the Rockets will look to even better their results in 2017/18.

And what better test than against the best in the league? The Warriors are back on top after defeating the Cavaliers in five games last season.

Golden State didn’t do too much to its lineup and is once again expected to contend for the NBA title once it’s all said and done. 

I’ll point out though that Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last five on the road, while Golden State is interestingly just 1-2 ATS in its last three Opening Night games.

Houston is out for revenge here after faling in five games to Golden State in the conference finals last year, except this time it has arguably the best point guard in the World running the show. 

While I’m not calling for an outright upset, I do definitely believe this is a few too many points to be giving up here. Play on Houston.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (9:00 EST).

With their backs against the wall, I think the Cavaliers will at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with what I feel to be a very healthy spread afforded to them in this one.

Down 3-0, the Cavs came out like gang-busters and never looked in their big Game 4 victory and clearly there won’t be any change in game-plan tonight.

Cleveland will have to throw everything it has at the Warriors once again if it has any hopes of taking this one back to its own floor. The Cavs though finally solved the Warriors defense after setting several offensive records in Game 4.

One of the biggest differences though was the play of the Cavs role players, who finally stepped up and made their presence known.

Am I suggesting to you to “sprinkle a little on the money line?” I’m not. I simply feel that the Cavs made some big time adjustments in Game 4 and I believe they’re going to take what they learned and make it extremely difficult on the Warriors again tonight.

I’ll also point out that Cleveland is 3-1 ATS in its last four after scoring 115 points or more, while Golden State is just 1-5 ATS this year after a loss by ten points or more and only 5-7 ATS this season after allowing 115 points or more.

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

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (9:00 EST).

I took the Cavs in Game 1 and lost badly. I took the Cavs in Game 2 and lost badly. I’m taking the Cavaliers in Game 3 as well and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can.

The addage: “Don’t underestimate the heart of a champion,” is pretty apt in this situation as far as I’m concerned. It’s do-or-die for LeBron James and company, as clearly a 3-0 hole against these 2017 Warriors would simply be too much overcome. And for me, that’s what this pick comes down to, as I’m expecting the defending champs to risk life and limb tonight to secure a victory.

The difference in this series so far hasn’t been the superstars on each side. James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love have all played well for Cleveland and Golden State has been getting big time production from its three stars as well in Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. 

The difference has been the bench production. Golden State’s role players have to this point absolutely domianted their counterparts. But with the shift in venue, I think that major factor is about to change.

And that’s going to be the difference for James, Irving and Love, over their three all star counterparts.

I’ll point out as well that the Warriors are just 7-8 ATS this year when playing on two days rest, while Cleveland is 3-1 ATS in its last four in the same position.

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

Good luck…Larry

This is a 10* SIDE OF THE MONTH on the Cleveland Cavaliers (8:00 EST).

I played Cleveland in Game 1 and felt pretty good about the pick heading into half. LeBron James looked strong and the Cavaliers were only down by five.

But Golden State was able to slow down James in the second half and unfortunately, no one else was really able to step up. Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving both had decent outings, but not spectacular.

For Cleveland to beat Golden State, James needs both Love and Irving to play spectacular every night. He also needs his bench to give him some support, as the Warriors’ reserves drastically outplayed their counterparts.

Am I suggesting to you to “sprinkle a little on the money line” as well? Of course not. I simply feel this is too many points to be giving up to the defending champs, as I expect coach Tyrone Lou to make adjustments.

I’ll point out as well that Cleveland has performed well for bettors in this spot over the last couple of years, going 6-4 ATS in its last ten when trailing in a playoff series, while Golden State has struggled in this position by going just 6-8 ATS this season when playing with two days rest.

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

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (9:00 EST).

I’m with Golden State head coach Steve Kerr on this series. How come the Warriors are such massive favs to win it all? Cleveland is the defending champ and it’s stacked top to bottom with talent.

It’s also led by the single best player on the planet in LeBron James. Am I saying the Cavs are going to win this series? I am not. Am I saying that Cleveland is going to win Game 1 outright? Also, I am not.

But I do think that this veteran laden Cavaliers team can at the very least, take this one down to the wire and cover with what I feel to be a very ample spread.

From a situational stand point, this one also sets up extremely well for the Cavaliers, as this is in fact a spot in which Cleveland has performed extremely well in for bettors all season, while this is a position in which the Warriors have struggled in mightily. As note, the Cavs are a perfect 4-0 ATS this year when playing with three or more days rest, while the Warriors are just 3-4 ATS in the same position. 

Both teams have great offenses, but the Warriors are better on that end of the floor. Both teams have adequate defenses, but the Cavaliers are slightly better on that end of the floor. 

I think Cleveland comes to play in Game 1 as it looks to at the very least, get a split in Golden State before heading back to Defend The Land! Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the San Antonio Spurs (9:00 EST).

Will the Warriors stumble like the Cavaliers did last night and lose this one outright? Probably not. But the Spurs won’t be going down without a fight, so while I’ll stop short in calling for the upset, I do think that the home side will play with pride and keep this one competitive until the final moments.

Other than Za Za Pachulia’s injury, there’s nothing much to report about the Warriors. They remain the highest scoring team in the playoffs, while ranked in the middle of the pack defensively. Exactly the same as in the regular season.

The Spurs on the other hand are now ravaged with injury. They lost Tony Parker in Round 1, then Kawhi Leonard in Game 1 of this series. David Lee went down in Game 3 and is out for the remainder of the year as well.

But San Antonio still has weapons in LaMarcus Aldridge and Manu Ginobili. Like the Celtics, one of the main strengh’s of the Spurs is their incredible depth.

I think the Spurs’ effort in this one will be the difference maker in the end. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is the Boston Celtics (8:30 EST).

I got down on this one early (before it was announced that Celtics’ star Isaiah Thomas would be out for the remainder of the playoffs) and have a poor line. But regardless, I still like this play as I expect the undermanned Celtics to fight hard, to keep this one competitive down the stretch and I look for it to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the ample amount of points they’ve been afforded.

Cleveland will look to jump out to an early insurmountable lead, but with the knowledge that Thomas is out, will the Cavs rest some of their starters in the second half? Very likely, as the defending champs can now safely start “looking ahead” to their third straight matchup with the Warriors in the Finals.

I’ll point out though that Boston is still 10-5 ATS this year after a loss by ten points or more, while Cleveland is just 3-4 ATS this season after allowing 90 points or less.

Even with Thomas out, I think the Celtics respond after their historic beatdown loss in Game 2. The Spurs weren’t able to cover last night with their superstar out, but I believe all signs point to Celtics being able to succeed, where San Antonio failed.. Grab as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

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

This has been a back-and-forth series. So far the home team has won every game “straight-up,” but the Celtics were able to cover the spread in Game 6 despite the setback.

I think the Celtics are the better overall team and have a clear advantage in this situation on their home floor and in the end, I expect them to find a way to get the job done.

Washington shot only 43 percent from the floor and was just 5 of 24 from range in Game 6, while also hitting only 13 of 21 from the charity stripe. Bradley Beal was a standout with 33 points, while John Wall added 26.

Boston had a chance to wrap this up in six games, but was sunk by the last second shot by Wall. Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas had 27 points apiece in the setback.

I’ll point out though that Washington is just 1-5 ATS in its last six on the road and 0-6 ATS in its last six road games against teams with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while Boston is 4-0 ATS in its last four at home and 6-1 ATS in its last seven following an ATS victory. 

Boston fought tooth and nail for the entire regular season so that it could ensure home court throughout the playoffs and in pivotal Game 7 scenarios just like this. So here we are. I think the Celtics pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the San Antonio Spurs (3:30 EST).

If the Spurs have any hopes of pulling off an upset in this series, I think they obviously have to gain a split in Golden State. And of the two games, I believe Game 1 is the best opportunity for an underdog to steal one. 

Last night I had a play on the +190 Senators in their Game 1 upset over the Penguins in the NHL. While I will stop short in calling for an outright upset in this one, I do expect San Antonio to throw its best punch in Game 1 and I look for it to keep this one competitive until the final moments (remember, San Antonio started the season off with an opening night win in Golden State this year.)

The Spurs last played on Thursday, while the Warriors have been off since Monday. Will rest lead to rust? Probably not, but the extra few days off has also been beneficial for San Antonio, as top scorer Kawhi Leonard who sat out the Game 6 blowout over the Rockets, has been given the green light to go in this one.

Clearly it won’t be easy. The Warriors are favored for a reason as they have an offense which is almost impossible to stop. The Spurs though did completely stop the Rockets’ James Harden in Game 6 though, holding him to a season-low ten points. 

San Antonio has a flexible defense that’s built around trying to stop Golden State in the playoffs. So here we go. The Spurs had the No. 1 defense in the regular season and the Warriors had the No. 1 offense. 

I’ll point out that San Antonio is 20-15 ATS this year following a win by ten points or more, while Golden State is just 2-3 ATS this season when playing with three or more days rest.

Surely the Spurs could have run the table on the Jazz as well. And likely the Rockets could have taken at least one game from the Warriors if these teams had switched second round opponents.

Regardless, I think San Antonio is not getting nearly enough respect here. Play on the Spurs.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Washignton Wizards (8:00 EST).

I played on Boston in Game’s 1 and 2 and then backed Washington in Game’s 3 and 4. So far home floor advantage has meant everything in this series, but I think that changes tonight.

The Wizards made some key adjustments over the last two games that I think the Celtics will continue to struggle with. 

And I also believe that Boston star Isaiah Thomas is much more mentally burnt than even he realizes. 

Thomas’ sister was tragically killed in a car accident the night before his first round series with the Bulls. The Celtics went on to lose the first two games of that series at home, but then Thomas was able to recover a bit from the initial shock and he used his anger to fuel his team to six straight victories.

Boston needed two epic come-from behind efforts in Game’s 1 and 2 of this series, but with Thomas once again starting to struggle, I have a hard time seeing the C’s keeping pace with the high-flying Wizards in Game 5. 

I’ll point out as well that Washington is a near-perfect 8-1 ATS in its last nine when playing on two days rest, while Boston is just 7-19 ATS in its last 26 in the same situation.

I think the duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal continues to be just too much for the Celtics to handle and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. It’s a perfect storm of factor working in favor of of the Wizards.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Western Conference SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Golden State Warriors (9:00 EST).

Just like the Cavaliers did to the Raptors last night, I’m expecting the Warriors to put the Jazz out of their misery this evening.

Golden State is in the drivers seat and will be wanting to match Cleveland with the perfect 8-0 start. Kevin Durant was a monster in Game 3, finishing with 38 points in the 102-91 victory. 

Even without Durant in the lineup near the end of the regular season, the Warriors cruised to 14 straight victories. None were even close. 

Golden State has yet to win a game in this series in blowout fashion, but I think the deflated Jazz are ripe for the picking here.

Gordon Hayward was a standout for the Jazz in Game 3 with 29 points and big man Rudy Gobert contributed 21, but they didn’t get much help after that.

The numbers/trends definitely support us today as well, as Golden State is 8-0 ATS its last eight on the road and 10-2-1 ATS in its last 13 when playing on one days rest, while Utah is just 1-4-1 ATS in its last six in front of the home town crowd.

The Warriors have been toying with the Jazz to this point in my opinion and I’m expecting the biggest rout of the series in Game 4. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the Houston Rockets (9:00 EST).

The Rockets crushed the Spurs by 27 points in Game 1, but San Antonio has bounced back to take the next two. 

I think Houston is going to rally in Game 4 though as it’ll look to push the pace from start to finish and run San Antonio off the court.

This is essentially a “do-or-die” for the Rockets, as a 3-1 deficit would likely just be too much for the team to overcome, especially with all of the experience on the Spurs.

So this is it. Houston will be leaving everything it has on the floor tonight. 

Clearly this one means just as much to the Spurs, but I’ll point out that they’re just 4-7 ATS in their last 11 when leading in a playoff series and just 2-3 ATS this year off an upset win as an underdog.

And note, the Rockets have performed extremely well for bettors in this spot this season, going 9-3 ATS in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent and 11-6 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite.

Despite the Game 3 setback, Houston is still 3-1 on its home floor this year. I think the desperate home side is the correct call tonight. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Washington Wizards (6:30 EST).

I played Boston in Game’s 1 and 2 and then backed Washington in Game 3. For a number of different reasons, I think the home side will also take Game 4.

Clearly “home court” is going to play a significant role in this series. After two opening losses to Chicago, Boston rattled off six straight wins and looked primed for a letdown in Game 3. 

The Wizards had double digit leads in both Game’s 1 and 2, so Washington was finally able to play a complete four-quarters in Game 3 and suffice it to say, I think the teams carries over that confidence and momentum in Game 4. 

The Celtics have been playing extremely “emotional” in these playoffs and that can be very draining. Isaiah Thomas’ sister was tragically killed just before Boston’s opening series with the Bulls and the Celtics’ superstar has used her death to drive him to this point. However, I think Thomas is gassed both physically and mentally right now.

The Wizards’ Kelly Oubre Jr. has been suspended for this game after he body checked Kelly Olynyk in the second quarter. Washington vowed to be more physicaly in Game 3 and it certainly was, as there were three ejections and 52 personal fouls overall. 

Washington did a great job on the boards, winning 50-38 while also knocking down 22 of 25 from the charity stripe. 

I’ll point out that Boston is just 7-18 ATS in its last 28 when playing on two days rest, while Washington is 7-1 ATS in its last eight in the same position.

It’s a perfect storm of factors working in favor of the home side, play on the Wizards.

Good luck…Larry

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

The public has been cleaning up in this series, as the Cavs and the “over” have both gone on to cash with ease over the first two games.

Kyle Lowry may be out of this game, but I think the Raptors have a fantastic opportunity to steal one from the defending champs and get right back into this series.

So far it’s been fairly “easy” for the Cavs, who steamrolled the Pacers in four games in their opening round matchup, only to then also dominate the first two games against Toronto.

If ever Cleveland was going to have a “letdown,” then this is it. The Cavs have been playing at an extremely high level for six straight games and now hit the road to face a Raptors teach which is in “do-or-die” mode.

The same sort of situation occured last night with the Celtics. I had played Boston in Game’s 1 and 2 of its series against Washington, but came back with the Wizards in Game 3 last night. 

The C’s had won six in a row after dropping the first two to the Bulls in their opening round, but finally looked primed for a letdown in Game 3 after the extended stretch of high-level play.

The exact same thing applies to Cleveland tonight. 

I’ll point out that the Cavs are just 9-13 ATS this year after three or more consecutive SU victories, while the Raptors are 7-4 ATS after playing three consecutive road games and 3-1 ATS in their last four after allowing 115 points or more.

I think the dynamic of this series shifts dramatically tonight. Play on Toronto.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Washington Wizards (8:00 EST).

I played on Boston in Game’s 1 and 2, but with their backs against the wall and essentially in a do-or-die scenario, I think the Wizards play their best game of the series and claw their way back into it.

Washington had its chance in Game 2, but would eventually fall apart down the stretch, losing 129-119 in OT on Tuesday. 

Boston has been on an absolute tear since Game 3 of its opening round series against the Bulls by winning six straight. That’s an awful lot of high-intensity, focused games in a row and suffice it to say, I think Game 3 sets up as a classic “letdown” spot for the visitors, who I think will finally be caught a little “flat-footed” tonight.

And clearly for the Wizards, this is a “must win” game, as a 3-0 deficit would likely be too much for the team to overcome. 

I’ll point out that Boston is already just 5-15 ATS this year after three or more consecutive SU victories and only 9-11 ATS after a victory by ten points or more, while Washington is 3-1 ATS in its last four after allowing 115 points or more.

The Wizards are fighting for their playoff lives, while the Celtics are looking to catch their breath after an extended streak of high-level play. When you add it all up, the correct call is indeed on the home side in this one. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Toronto Raptors (7:05 EST).

I played the Raptors in Game 1 and obviously came up short. I think Toronto though can make adjustments and keep Game 2 a lot closer than what the oddsmaker’s are leading us to believe.

Am I going to suggest to you to “sprinkle a little on the money line” as well? No I am not.

Cleveland took Game 1, 116-105 on Monday. Last year the Cavs knocked off the Raptors in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals. If Toronto is going to “get over the hump,” it has to figure out a way to win in Cleveland.

Kyle Lowry was a bright spot with 20 points and 11 assists. Clearly head coach Wayne Casey is going to have to make some adjustments.

The Cavs came out with a lot of energy, but weren’t overly effecient in Game 1, shooting 45.9 percent from the floor, including 14 of 34 from range. LeBron James dominated with 35 points and ten boards.

I’ll point out though that the Raptors have performed well in this spot for bettors, going 5-1 ATS in their last six following a straight up loss and 4-1 ATS in their last five following a SU loss of more than ten points, while the Cavs are interestingly 0-4 ATS in their last four when playing on one days rest.

Toronto has an infamous reputation now in dropping Game 1 of its recent playoff series the last few years as Monday’s setback made it ten straight Game 1 losses in a row.

The Raptors bounced back against the Bucks in Game 2 in their opening series and as I stated off the top, I think they’ll be much more competitive tonight as well. I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the Boston Celtics (8:00 EST).

I played the Celtics in Game 1 and after a slow start, Boston would put the foot on the gas and pull away for the eventual 123-111 victory. I think the C’s come out much more prepared from the start tonight though and look for them to once again find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Washington is crushed, it had a 22-5 lead at one point in the first quarter, but things went South quickly after that. The Wizards struggled with the inside-outside game of the Celtics and the dynamic guard duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal were effectively “shut down” by Boston’s Isaiah Thomas and company. 

The Celtics shot a blistering 51.1 percent from the floor and hit 19 of 39 from range. Thomas was a standout with 33 points and nine assists.

And I’ll point out that Washington is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against teams with a winning percentage above. 600, while the Celtics are 4-0 ATS In their last four following an ATS/SU victory.

“Momentum” is a very real, almost tangible factor in the playoffs and it’s one which I believe the books often have a hard time properly quantifying into a line. And that’s the case here I think. 

The Wizards’ suspect defense comes back to haunt them again in Game 2, play on Boston.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the San Antonio Spurs (9:35 EST).

The home side has to be feeling pretty confident here as it took three of the four regular season meetings from the Rockets this year.

Houston outmatched OKC in its 4-1 series victory over Oklahoma City, however San Antonio clearly presents a much bigger challenge.

The Spurs are loaded with talent from top to bottom and can hurt you on the inside and outside. San Antonio has experience, from head coach Greg Popovich, to Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. 

The Spurs also have an MVP candidate to rival the Rockets’ James Harden in Kawhi Leonard, who is a much better two-way player than Harden. In fact, Leonard has been defensive player of the year, so there is no comparison whatsoever in that regards.

And in the postseason, playing defense does help of course. San Antonio had a top 3 defense in the regular season and I think it will prove to be a difference maker here today as well. The Spurs have the talent to slow down Harden and have the muscle down low to have their way on the glass and offensive end.

I’ll point out that Housont is just 2-8 ATS In its last ten following an ATS loss, while San Antonio is 7-1 ATS in its last eight when playing on three or more days rest.

I’m expecting a rout, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

Toronto will look to steal Game 1 of this Eastern Conference semi-finals against rival Cleveland. The Cavs took three of four in the regular season series.

This is a big time revenge scenario for the Raptors, who lost the Eastern Conference Finals 4-2 to the Cavs just last year. 

Toronto had a top five offense in the regular season, but the series against the Bucks was a slower-paced one. The Raptors averaged only 93.8 PPG over the six game series win, but they conceded just 93.2. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 23.5 points and 5.5 boards per game. 

Big man Serge Ibaka put up 12.8 points, 8.3 boards and 2.33 blocks per game and is expected to be a difference maker in this series as well.

Cleveland averaged 112.8 PPG against Indiana in its four game opening series sweep, while allowing 108.8 in the process. LeBron James was a standout with 32.8 points, 9.8 boards, nine assits, three steals and two blocks per game average.

I’ll point out though that Toronto is 4-0 ATS in its last four against a team with a winning percentage above .600 and 6-1 ATS in its last seven road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while Cleveland is 0-4 ATS in its last four at home and 0-2-2 ATS in its last four home games against a team with a winning road record.

Cleveland’s four-game series victory came by a combined total of 16 points over Indiana, with six being the largest margin of victory. James looked fantastic, but Kevin Love struggled in Game’s 3 and 4 and the bench has also stumbled with production. 

I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, but in the end I’m going to grab the points. Toronto needs to make a statement and there’s no better moment than right now. 

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Boston Celtics (1:05 EST).

Washington advanced to the second round by knocking off Atlanta in six games, including a 115-99 road win in Game 6. Boston also won its opening round series with the Bulls 4-2, including a 105-83 victory in Game 6 on the road. These teams split four meetings in the regular season.

John Wall and Bradley Beal had their way for the most part with the Hawks, with Wall going for 42 points and eight assists in the Game 6 victory. But now the team faces a much stiffer test in my opinion, as I think the Celtics match up much better against Wall and Beal. 

The Wizards have been poor on the defensive end, conceding 105.5 PPG in the playoffs. The Celtics have been conceding just 96.5 in the postseason. 

Isaiah Thomas has gotten progressively better with each game since Game 3 (was blindsided by the death of his sister just before the series started) and so too has everyone around him, including Jae Crowder (12 points, 5.3 boards in the playoffs), Avery Bradley (16 points, four bouards, three assists) and Al Horford (15.3 points, 8.3 boards and 6.5 assists). 

I’ll point out though that the Wizards are just 1-4 ATS in thier last five road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, whil Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last five following a SU victory.

The Wizards looked great at home in their opening series, but struggled on the road, going 3-0 at the Verizon Venter and just 1-2 away from friendly confines. 

The C’s dropped those first two games at home to the Bulls, but that was under extraordinary conditions, a factor that no one could have anticipated. Since then though, Boston has fully recovered and note that it did go 30-11 at home in the regular season, while the Wizards were just 19-22 on the road.

I’m laying the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the San Antonio Spurs (9:35 EST).

The best player in this series has been Kawhi Leonard for the Spurs, so far he’s averaged 31 points per game on 57 percent shooting.

I’m expecting the best player in this series to lead his team to a convincing series clinching victory on the road tonight.

San Antonio steam rolled its way to two big wins at home, but then the Grizzlies responded in kind on their home floor in Game’s 3 and 4. 

The Spurs once again defended their home court in Game 5 with a resounding 116-103 victory.

So far home court has played a big part in this series, but I think that trend ends this evening.

The Spurs are shooting a combined 48.3 percent from the floor, as Memphis’ normally stout defense has started to show signs of fatigue. Experience, depth and leadership (Popovich) all count at this point of a series.

I’ll point out that San Antonio is 10-4 ATS this year after scoring 115 points or more, while Memphis is just 1-3 ATS in its last four following a loss by ten points or more.

The Grizzlies put up a much bigger fight than expected, but all signs point to a Spurs blowout. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

I’ve successfully played on and against each of these teams so far in this series.

So far in this series, home floor has not been an advantage, with Chicago taking Game’s 1 and 2 and the Celtics returning the favor in Game’s 3 and 4. 

Isaiah Thomas was blind-sided by the death of his sister just before the series started, so it was a great situation to take advantage of in the first two games. But as the series wore on, Thomas was able to adjust and cope and clearly he looked a lot better on the road.

I think Thomas though continues his dominant play and has his best game of the playoffs thus far. 

Chicago got big production from Rajon Rondo in the first two games, but he injured his wrist and missed the next two. He’s also been ruled out for Game 5. Clearly it’s a big blow for the chemistry of the Bulls’ offense.

Thomas had 33 points in Sunday’s 104-95 victory:  “I just try to play the same way no matter who’s out there on the floor (defensively),” Thomas said. “I have a job to do, and that’s to score the basketball, make plays for others and be the leader.”

I’ll point out that Chicago is already just 5-10 ATS this year in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while Boston is 3-1 ATS in its last four after holding an opponent to 96 points or less.

Look for Boston to continue its surge and lay the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Washington Wizrds (6:00 EST).

As I mentioned in my writeup on the “under” in the same game, this contest clearly means a lot to both teams.

So far each team has dominated on its home floor, with Washington winning 114-107 and 109-101 and Atlanta prevailing 116-98 and 111-101.

I think the home floor advantage trend continues in Game 5. The Hawks are averaging 108.8 PPG in the playoffs, which is over six points higher than their regular season average. 

Atlanta though is just 1-4 ATS in its last five on the road, while Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last five at home. Washington was one of the best shooting teams in the regular season and now that the series is back at the Verizon Center, I think the Wizards will rebound.

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Golden State Warriors (10:30 EST).

Head coach Steve Kerr won’t be on the sidelines, but with a chance to end the series tonight, I look for the high-powered Warriors to put the foot on the gas from start to finish and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover.

Portland is in a 3-0 hole and I think it’ll fold up its tents early in this one. Golden State averages 115.9 PPG this year, while the defense concedes only 104.3. 

Portland averages 107.9 PPG, but allows 108.5. Golden State is just too deep, too skilled defensively and too experienced overall for Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum to overcome themselves.

I’ll point out that Golden State is 6-0 ATS in its last six away from friendly confines and 13-3-1 ATS in its last 17 after scoring 100 points or more in its previous contest, while Portland is just 5-12 ATS in its last 17 in this series in front of the home town crowd.

Portland’s only hope was Game 3. Look for the Golden State to deliver the knock out blow, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

Washington took the first two games at home, but stumbled in Game 3’s 116-98 setback in Atlanta on Saturday. Suffice it to say, I like the Wizards to bounce back here and to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

John Wall was a standout in the loss for Washington, finishing with 29 points and seven assists. 

Washington has to be feeling confident, it shot 37 percent from range in the regular season and averaged 109.2 PPG, ranked fifth overall. The defense was the weak point, but the Hawks only average 103.2 PPG, ranked 22nd overall. 

This is a spot in which the Wizards have excelled in all year as well, going 5-1 ATS in their last six following a straight up loss of ten points or more, while note that the Hawks have struggled in this position by going a poor 1-8 ATS in their last nine following a straight up victory over ten or more points.

Wall’s teammate Bradley Beal had an “off” night in Game 3, but it’s hard to imagine the talented guard being held down twice. I have a hard time seeing Atlanta duplicating its 49 percent shooting performance as well. 

While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the LA Clippers (9:00 EST).

Blake Griffin is out, but I think the Clippers are still the deeper, more skilled, more experienced and better coached team.

Griffin was out in Game 2, but veteran point guard Chris Paul took over, leading a 15-0 fourth quarter run, en route to the 114-106 Game 3 victory: “He has an amazing will,” Clippers’ head coach Doc Rivers assessed afterwards. “He’s just a tough guy. He’s stubborn in a very, very positive way. All the great ones have that in them. They’re stubborn like they aren’t going to lose.”

Paul went on to finish with 34 points, ten assists and seven boards, while DeAndre Jordan added 17.

Gordon Hayward was once again the focal point for Utah, he’d play 42 minutes and pour in 40 points. George Hill also showed up with 26 points. Of course, big man Rudy Gobert missed Game 3 and is listed as doubtful for Game 4 as well.

For arguments sake, lets call Gobert and Griffin a “wash.” 

When looking at the remaining pieces, in my professional opinion, LA has still has several advantages.

And I’ll point out that the Clippers are 3-1 ATS in thier last four after scoring 113 points or more, whle Utah is just 16-20 ATS this year in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent. 

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

Good luck…Larry

My 10* 33-Club Play is on the LA Clippers (10:00 EST).

These teams are 1-1 so far in this series and depending on when/where you played it, they’re also 1-1 ATS.

Utah stole Game 1 97-95, while LA bounced back with a 99-91 win in Game 2. 

LA held an 18-0 advantage with points in the paint in the first quarter and used that strategy throughout the game, as Utah struggled with the loss of big man Rudy Gobert. The Clippers shot 52.4 percent from the floor and held a 39-33 edge on the boards. Blake Griffin had 24 points, while Chris Paul added 21 points and ten boards.

Gobert has once again been ruled out for Game 3. The Jazz managed go go 17 of 22 from the free throw line in Game 2, the only factor that kept the game as close as it was. Gordon Hayward was a lone bright spot with 20 points in the setback. 

I’ll point out that LA is 3-1 ATS in its last four when playing on two days rest, while Utah is only 1-3 ATS in its last four in the same position.

I think the extended absence of Gobert comes back to haunt the Jazz again tonight, play on the Clippers.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the San Antonio Spurs (9:30 EST).

The Grizzlies showed some life in Game 1, but were clobbered in Game 2, 96-82. San Antonio’s depth is once again proving to be just too much for Memphis to handle and I believe nothing will change in Game 3.

The Spurs have to be feeling pretty confident as they’ve now won 16 of the last 20 in this series. 

Keep your eyes on San Antonio star Kawhi Leonard, who had a career playoff-high 37 points in the Game 2 win. Veteran point guard Tony Parker contributed 15 points as well.

Mike Conley was a standout for the Grizzlies in Game 2, finishing with 24 points. Tony Allen missed Monday’s game with a calf issue and is questionable for tonight as well (note that he’s averaging just 9.1 PPG this year).

I think a 4-0 sweep is very possible in this series. I believe the Spurs win big again in Game 3, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

These teams are tied at one game a piece as their Eastern Conference series shifts to Milwaukee. Toronto though is 0-2 ATS at this point.

Suffice it to say, I think the road will work well for the Raptors, who can escape the media frenzy North of the border and concentrate completely on themselves.

The Bucks have put up a hell of a fight to this point, but I think the Raptors’ depth will prove to be the difference maker. In Game 3 anyways.

Toronto averages 106.9 PPG and concedes 102.6. 

Milwaukee averages 103.6 PPG and concedes 103.8.

And I’ll point out that the Raptors are 6-1 ATS in thier last seven on the road and 5-1 ATS in their last six road games against a team with a winning home record, while the Bucks are just 1-4 ATS in their last five at home and a horrible 1-7 ATS in their last eight after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Experience at this time of the year is invaluable. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry both looked a lot better in Game 2 and I believe that momentum gets carried over here. Play on Toronto.

Good luck…larry

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

I’ve bet against the Cavaliers in each of the first two games of this Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Cleveland is 2-0 SU and 0-2 ATS. 

With a chance to take a strangle-hold on this series, I’m expecting Cleveland to put the foot on the gas from start to finish and look for it to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable win and cover.

The Pacers are wearing down and they had no answers for the Cavs in Game 2 as Cleveland would go on to shoot a sizzling 55.3 percent from the floor. 

The Cavs will be looking for a better defensive performance themselves after allowing the Pacers to hit 51.2 percent. Keep your eyes on guard Kyrie Irving, who appears to be heating up at the most opportune of times, he had 37 points on 14 of 24 shooting in Game 2.

Also note that Kevin Love, LeBron James and Tristan Thompson combined for 31 rebounds.

Paul George continues to carry the Pacers and he did his best last time out, finishing with 32 points, eight boards and seven assists. 

I’ll point out though that Cleveland is 12-8 ATS in its last 20 when leading in a playoff series, while Indiana is interestingly just 14-18 ATS this year against poor defensive teams which allow 106 points per contest. 

I think the Cavs fight hard on the road and find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on Cleveland.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is is on the Portland Trailblazers (10:30 EST).

Portland got 41 points from CJ McCollum and 34 from Damian Lillard, but it still wasn’t enough in the 121-109 Game 1 loss to the Warriors.

I’m not going to predict an outright upset here or anything, but I do think that the Blazers can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

Game 1 was actually tied entering the fourth quarter, but an early 9-2 run by the Warriors would spell the end for Portland’s chances. It wasn’t a perfect game for Golden State by any sense though, as the Warriors did go on to concede 19 points off 16 turnovers. 

And I’ll point out that Portland is 8-1 ATS in its last nine after scoring 100 points or more in its previous game and 6-1 ATS in its last seven following a SU loss, while Golden State is 4-12-2 ATS in its last 18 when playing on two days rest.

I think Golden State takes the foot off the gas tonight and I expect the desperate visitors to sneak in through the back door down the stretch. Play on Portland.

Good luck…Larry

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

I had a play on the Jazz in Game 1. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting the Clippers to risk life and limb in Game 2 to secure a victory and expect the Jazz to fold up their tents early and be completely content with the split before heading home.

Utah played great defensively and got a buzzer beating 3-pointer from Joe Johnson to seal the 97-95 victory in Game 1. The Jazz were the No. 1 defensive team in the league in conceding only 96.8 PPG, but they were ranked 28th overall on the offensive end in averaging 100.7.

This is do-or-die essentially for the Clippers, as an 0-2 hole heading back to Utah would likely be too big of a climb to get out of. LA has to be feeling confident though, it averaged 108.7 PPG and conceded 104.4 in the regular season. 

I’ll point out that Utah is just 4-6 ATS this year when playing with two days rest and only 7-10 ATS after three or more consecutive SU victories, while LA is 7-5 ATS this season in revenging a home loss against an opponent and 6-4 ATS in its last ten against good defensive clubs with allow only 98 plus points per contest.

Jazz center Rudy Gobert was injured in the first few minutes of Game 1 and basically didn’t even play and somehow Utah still managed the dominant victory. Gobert is listed as doubtful this evening as well. I think this will have an impact on the visitors.

For all the reasons listed above, I’m laying the points and expecting a blowout.

Good luck…Larry

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

I played Chicago in Game 1 and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I expect the visitors to at the very least, take this one down to the wire and keep it competitive until the final moments.

I based my Game 1 selection primarily on the issues that Celtics star’ Isaiah Thomas was dealing with as the night before Game 1 his sister was killed in a car crash. 

Thomas is expected to play again tonight, but I still think that he’ll struggle to keep his head in the game. Boston is a deep team, but without a 100% focused Thomas, it’s going to be very difficult for it to succeed. 

Besides, the Bulls looked pretty dominant in Game 1, including winning the rebounding battle 53-36, with 20 of those boards coming on the offensive glass. Chicago also was 20 of 23 from the charity stripe, while limiting the C’s to just 43 percent from the floor overall. 

Chicago won’t be rolling over here obviously. All signs point to a nail-biter, so grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the San Antonio  Spurs (9:30 EST).

I played on San Antonio in Game 1 and I think it will once again lay the hammer down in Game 2. Home court is going to be important in this series I think from an “Against The Spread” angle anyways.

Memphis got off to a good opening quarter in Game 1, but the Spurs were able to reign in the Grizzlies and then pull away before the half. Memphis shot just 39 percent from the floor, including only 7 of 20 from range. Marc Gasol was a standout with 32 points on 11 of 18 shooting.

Memphis averages only 100.5 PPG, but makes up for it on the defensive end in conceding only 100.5

That vaunted defense looked pretty mediocre against the Spurs though, who would go on to shoot a blistering 53 percent from the floor. 

Kawhi Leonard led the charge for San Antonio with 31 points. Leonard played smothering defense all season and the Spurs would go on to allow just 98.1 PPG.

I’ll point out that Memphis is just 1-4 ATS in its last five on the road, while the Spurs are 2-1 ATS in their last three following an ATS victory.

I think the Grizzlies have no answer for the Spurs on either end of the court and while I do believe Memphis will look a lot better on its home floor, all signs point to another blowout this evening. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Indiana Pacers (7:00 EST).

I played Indiana in Game 1 and I think the Pacers can once again take Game 2 down to the wire.

Indiana managed to cut the lead to just one in the waning moments of Game 1, but a missed CJ Miles shot at the buzzer sealed the 109-108 home win for the Cavs.

Paul George led the way for Indiana with 29 points, five boards and seven assists, while Lance Stephenson chipped in 16 off the bench. 

The Cavs backed their way into the playoffs, losing four straight and were lucky that Miles missed the shot and that George wasn’t taking it. LeBron James was a standout with 32 points, six boards, 13 assists and three steals. 

I’ll point out though that Indiana has performed extremely well in this spot for bettors all year, going 4-0 ATS in its last four after allowing 100 points or more and 6-0 ATS in its last six following an ATS victory, while Cleveland is a poor 1-5 ATS in its last six when playing on one days rest.

Indiana won’t be rolling over. In fact, this is pretty much do-or-die for the Pacers, as an 0-2 hole would likely be just too much for the team to recover from.

While I won’t be so bold as to predict the outright upset, I do think that the hungry visitors can at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch.

Play on the Pacers.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the Houston Rockets (9:00 EST).

The 47-35 OKC Thunder are in Houston to take on the 55-27 Rockets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

This one features the two leading candidates for MVP in James Harden and Russell Westbrook. 

Westbrook is probably the better oveall player, but I think that Harden has the better overall team. The Rockets also have home court advantage and I think that will be a crucial deciding factor once it’s all said and done this evening.

Houston has to be feeling pretty confident as well as it took three of the four regular season meetings. 

OKC averages 106.6 PPG and concedes 105.8. 

Houston averages 115.3 PPG and concedes 109.3.

From a trend based stand point, this one heavily favors the home side, as note that OKC is just 12-19 ATS this year against good offensive clubs which average 106 plus points per contest and only 19-22 ATS on the road overall, while Houston is 18-11 ATS after allowing 115 points or more and 3-1 ATS when playing with three or more days rest.

I think home court advantage will be important in this series and look for the Rockets to set the early tone. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Chicago Bulls (6:30 EST).

The 41-41 Chicago Bulls are in Boston to take on the 53-29 Celtics and while I’ll stop short in calling for an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can, because for a number of different reasons I think this one favors the visitors.

This is strictly a “situational” play. Isaiah Thomas is the heart and soul of the C’s. Thomas’ sister was tragically killed in a car accident early Saturday and he may not even play in this game. If he does, clearly his head won’t be in it.

Boston is a deep team, but without their floor general completely focused, I think it is going to struggle tonight. 

I’ll point out as well that Chicago is 6-1 ATS in its last seven when playing with three or more days rest, while Boston is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven at home and only 1-5 ATS in its last six home games against a team with a losing road record.

These teams split four games this year, and three of those four were decided by seven points or less. 

I think Chicago does in fact have a shot at a victory today, but as mentioned off the top, I’m grabbing the points in the end.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Washignton Wizards (1:00 EST).

The 43-39 Altanta Hawks are in Washington to take on the 49-33 Wizards and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Atlanta had won four straight before dropping its regular season finale104-86 at Indiana on Wednesday. 

The Wizards lost five of the final eight, including a 110-102 road defeat to Miami on Wednesday. 

If histoy is any precedence though then Washington has to be liking its chances as it would go on to take three of four in the regular season series, including a 104-100 home win in the most recent on March 22nd. 

Atlanta averages only 103.2 PPG, whil conceding 104. 

Washington averages 109.2 PPG and concedes 107.4 

I’ll point out though that Atlanta is just 3-9 ATS in its last 12 following a straight up loss, while Washington is 6-0 ATS in its last six conference quarterfinals games.

The Wizards “struggled” down the stretch, but the team had nothing to play for, locked into its position for a while now. Washington domianted this series in the regular season and I expect that to continue in the Playoffs. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 51-31 Utah Jazz are in LA to take on the 51-31 Clippers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

The Clippers took the tie-breaker by winning three of four in the season series. Utah though won its last game over the Spurs on Wednesday. Utah hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2012 and will clearly be leaving everything on the floor tonight as it looks to score the upset and gain the early upperhand.

The pressure is clearly on LA this year. It comes in having won seven straight, but I think this sets up as a classic trap/letdown spot for the home side.

As note that Utah is 3-1 ATS in its last four in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent, while LA is just 15-16 ATS after a win by ten points or more and only 9-15 ATS after scoring 115 points or more. 

While I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I do think that the stage is set for a nail-biter. In a contest which I believe will be decided in the closing moments, I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 43-39 Memphis Grizzlies are in San Antonio to take on the 61-21 Spurs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

If recent history is any precedence, then the Spurs have to be loving their chances today as they swept the Grizzlies in the first round last year. 

Memphis averaged just 100.5 PPG, but made up for it on the defensive end in conceding just 100.

The Spurs averaged 105.3 PPG and conceded just 98.1. 

I’ll point out though that Memphis has struggled in this spot for bettors this year, going just 1-11 ATS when playing with two days rest, while the Spurs are 7-4 ATS in their last 11 in the first round of the playoffs.

Memphis was consistently inconsistent this year, while San Antonio remained in the Top 3 in the league the entire way. Experience and coaching counts in these situations. Lay the points, play on the Spurs.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Toronto Raptors (5:30 EST).

The 42-40 Milwaukee Bucks are in Toronto to take on the 51-31 Raptors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Bucks backed their way into the playoffs, dropping four of six, falling 112-94 at Boston on Wednesday.

The Raptors trended the other way to finish the season with four straight victories, most recently an impressive 98-83 win on the road in Cleveland on Wednesday. 

Toronto has to be feeling pretty confident here, as it’s won 13 of the last 15 in the series, including a 101-94 home win in the latest on March 4th. 

The Bucks averaged just 103.6 PPG (ranked 20th), while ranked ninth defensively in conceding 103.8.

Toronto averaged 106.9 PPG (ranked 10th), while conceding just 102.6. 

I’ll point out that Milwaukee is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against a team with a winning SU record, while Toronto is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 when playing on two days rest. 

Milwaukee’s struggles cost it a matchup against the Wizards, which would be preferable than having to travel North of the border. 

The Raptors have momentum and coupled with their recent playoff experience, suffice it to say I’m expecting a complete blowout in Game 1. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Indiana Pacers (3:00 EST).

The 42-40 Indiana Pacers are in Cleveland to take on the 51-31 Cavaliers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the underdog.

Now that the playoffs are here, are the Cavs just going to “flip-a-switch?!” That’s what the all the talking heads out there will lead you to believe.

Does this one mean more to Cleveland that it does to Indiana?

The answer to that one is clearly a resounding “no.” 

Indiana clinched a spot with a 104-86 win over the Hawks on Wednesday, while the Cavs backed their way into the postsesaon, losing four straight to end the year. 

This is a revenge game for Indiana, as it lost three of four in the season series, including a 135-130 doulbe OT thriller on April 2nd.

The Pacers average 105.1 points per night and concede 105.3. The Cavs average 110.3 PPG and concede 107.2

What’s with this 9-point (give or take upon the closing line) spread? 

I’ll point out that Indiana is 5-0 ATS in its last five following an ATS victory, while Cleveland is just 3-12-1 ATS in its last 16 games following a double-digit loss at home. 

Until Cleveland can prove to me that it’s turned the corner, I’m going against the Cavs to open the playoffs. Too many points, play on Indiana.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Memphis Grizzlies (8:00 EST).

It’s the final day of the regular season, so many of the techniques that handicappers have used for the regular season just don’t pertain in this situation.

This is a great situational play in my opinion, as the Mavs come in off a game just last night against the Nuggets and will now look to put the final nail in the coffin in another disappointing season. 

The Grizzlies on the other hand would love to have a win before the postseason as they’ve stumbled of late, losing four of their last five, most recently a 103-90 setback to Detroit on Sunday. 

I’ll point out that Dallas is just 1-3 ATS in its last four in the second game of a back-to-back, while Memphis is 3-1 ATS in its last four after scoring 90 points or less. 

I like the Grizzlies to push the pace and end the season on a high note in front of the home town crowd, while I also expect the visitors to simply go through the motions in this one. 

Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* EASTERN-CONFERENCE SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Washington Wizards (8:00 EST).

The 48-32 Washington Wizards are in Detroit to take on the 36-43 Pistons and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. 

The Wizards lost for a fourth time in their last six games with a 106-103 setback to the Heat on Saturday night, dropping the team back into fourth place in the East. 

Washington remains fifth in the league in scoring with 109.3 per contest, while ranked 21st in conceding 107.4. John Wall leads the team with 23.1 points, 10.7 assists and 2.01 steals per game. 

The Pistons average 101.2 PPG and concede 102.4. Tobias Harris leads all players with 16.2 points, plus 5.1 boards per game.

I’ll point out that Washington is 23-13 ATS this season in trying ot revenge a loss against an opponent, while Detroit is just 15-22 ATS as an underdog.

The Pistons have nothing to play for right now except the role of spoiler. There’s nothing to spoil for Washington though, which has already punched its ticket to the posteason.

Detroit looked bad against Memphis last time out and I don’t think it’ll put up much of a fight here either. The Wizards are cold at the worst possible time, but have a big opportunity here to get untracked and gain some momentum as they head into the playoffs. 

Lay the points, play on Washington.

Good luck…Larry

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

I played on Cleveland in its big win over the Celtics earlier in the week, a victory which would give the Cavs the No. 1 spot in the East at the time. 

A favorable matchup the following night against an Atlanta Hawks team which would be without most of its starting players looked like a perfect opportunity to keep the momentum rolling, but the home side would come out flat and inexplicably fell 114-100 on Friday.

Suffice it to say, I think it’s payback time today as note that ATL has in fact taken two of three in the season series from the Cavs already.

The Cavs are still fighting for the No. 1 seed in the East. They average 110.4 PPG and concede 106.8. LeBron James had 27 points, eight boards and seven assists in the setback on Friday.

The Hawks average 103.1 PPG and concede 104.1. Note that ATL hits just 34.2 percent from range, ranked 24th overall.

Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson are both doubtful for this one, but I don’t think it’s going to matter. The Hawks are also dealing with injury issues. 

I believe Cleveland feels embarrassed by its performance last time out and I look for it to make amends with a decisive effort this evening. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* EASTERN CONFERENCE SIDE OF THE MONTH is on the Washington Wizards (7:05 EST).

The 38-41 Miami Heat are in the nation’s capital to take on the 48-31 WIzards and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Heat’s playoff hopes are fading quickly after falling 96-94 in Toronto just last night. 

The Wizards are trending in the opposite direction, as they’ve won two straight after edging by the Knicks 106-103 on the road Thursday. 

This is a double revenge scenario, as Miami has taken the first two meetings this year, including a 112-101 home victory in the last matchup back on December 12th.

It was an amazing run for the Heat after the All Star break, but they’ve now run out of gas. Miami has lost three of its last four. 

The Heat are a poor offensive team, averaging 102.9 PPG. Miami makes up for it on the defensive end though by conceding just 101.9.

The Wizards are a good offensive team, averaging 109.4. Washington is poor defensively though in conceding 107.4 per night. 

But the situational and motivational factors are clearly working in favor of the home side in this one. Washington now looks to close the season strong, to avenge the two earlier losses and to take advantage of what will clearly be a very tired Heat side. Lay the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Western Conference SIDE OF THE MONTH is on the Portland Trailblazers (10:30 EST).

The 31-46 Minnesota Timberwolves are in Portland to take on the 38-40 Blazers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

With just four games to go, Portland has a one-game lead over Denver for the eighth spot. The Blazers will be desperate to maintain that position obviously, but also to get back on track after a two-game slide, one of which came by one point at the hands of these very Timberwolves in Minnesota on Monday night.

Suffice it to say, it’s payback time on Thursday!

Minnesota has won three of its last five, but has nothing to play for other than spoiler now. And that can only provide so much motivation for so long before everyone just throws in the towel. This is what I envision happening this evening as Portland risks life and limb tonight to get off the schneid with a decent full four-quarter effort.

And if history is any precedence, then the Blazers have to be loving their chances today as they’ve won 20 of the last 22 meetings at home against Minnesota: “We’re ready to go home and finish the season out strong and we know that we control what happens,” Portland’s star point guard Damian Lillard said last night.

I’ll point out that the Wolves are just 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight on the road and just 1-6 ATS in their last seven when playing on one days rest, while the Trailblazers are 6-0 ATS in their last six when playing on one days rest and 4-0 ATS in their last four at home against clubs with losing road records.

I think the Wolves check out of this one early and expect Portland to put the foot on the gas from start to finish. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 49-27 Cavaliers are in Boston to take on the 50-27 Celtics and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

This is the biggest regular season game for both teams so far as first place is up for grabs in the Eastern Conference. 

Boston won its second straight and sixth in its last seven with a 110-94 victory over New York on Sunday, while Cleveland cruised to a 122-102 win over Orlando at home last night.

The Cavs have taken two of three so far this year, but it was the C’s which won 103-99 at home in the latest on March 1st.

Cleveland has now won three straight. It averages 110.3 PPG and concedes 107. LeBron James leads the nightly charge with 26.3 points, 8.5 boards and 8.7 assists per game. Note that the Cavs are second in the NBA in made threes with 13 triples a game.

Boston averages 107.8 PPG and concedes 105.1. Isaiah Thomas averages 29.1 points and 5.9 assists per game. Boston is ranked fourth in three points with 11.9 per contest.

I’ll point out though that Cleveland is 12-9 ATS this season following a win by ten points or more, while Boston is just 11-15 ATS this year against poor defensive teams which allow 106 plus points per contest (also only 5-9 ATS following a win by ten points or more). 

For many, the Cavaliers playing the Warriors this year was the “biggest” regular season game. Perhaps the Warriors and Durant against the Thunder as well. However, this is the biggest game in terms of it actually meaning something for the postseason. 

That means that it’s “go” time for James and company. I look for the defending champs to put on a show tonight and at the very least, take this one down to the wire. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NAT CHAMP GAME SIDE WINNER is on Gonzaga (9:20 EST).

Arguably the two best teams in the nation collide on Monday night and as you can tell, the oddsmakers feel that they’re pretty evenly matched.

However, I don’t. I think the Bulldogs superior defensive play will turn out to be the difference this evening.

Keep your eyes on Nigel Williams-Goss for Gonzaga, he’s averaged 16.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists this season. The Bulldogs have two seven footers on their team as well, including the giant Przemek Kanowski, who averages 12.2 points and 5.8 boards per game.

Justin Jackson leads the charge for the high-flying tar Heels with 18.2 points and 4.7 boards per game. Also in double figures are Joel Berry II (14.5) and Kennedy Meeks (12.3 points and 9.3 boards per contest).

I’ll point out though that Gonzaga is 9-2-1 ATS in its last 12 following an ATS loss, while UNC is just 1-3-1 ATS in its last five following a SU victory.

Ultimately I think it will be the Bulldogs’ size and defense which turns out to be the difference in the National Championship game. Play on Gonzaga.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SIDE OF THE MONTH is on Gonzaga (6:05 EST).

The South Carolina Gamecocks and Gonzaga Bulldogs are in unchartered territory right now.

The Gamecocks knocked off Florida 77-70 to advance, while the Bulldogs smashed Xavier 83-59 last Saturday. 

South Carolina is in over its head here in my opinion. So far the Gamecocks have trailed three times in four games in this tournament, only to rally and win the contest with a big second half. South Carolina would shoot 49.1 percent from the floor in the win over Florida, despite going just 2 of 10 from range. Sindarius Thornwell was a standout with 26 points and seven boards.

Overall though the Gamecocks are nothing special offensively, they average 73.2 PPG. But they make up for it on the defensive end though, conceding only 64.9 PPG, ranked 31st in the nation. 

The Bulldogs limited the Musketeers to just 20 second half points last weekend, while also going on to hit 47.5 percent from the floor themselves, including knocking down 12 of 24 from range. Xavier was held to just 2 of 16 from behind the arc. Nigel Williams-Goss led Gonzaga with 23 points and eight boards. 

The Bulldogs are 14th in the country in scoring with 83.2 PPG, while ranked fourth on the defensive end in conceding just 60.9. 

I think ATS stats are pretty meaningless at this point and as these teams have no real prior history against each other, this particular selection is based primarily on the situation.

I think the over-achieving Gamecock’s Cindarella run comes to an end here. Gonzaga is very well coached under Frank Martin and has vastly more experience in its line-up, something that can’t be overlooked whatsoever at this point of the tournament.

The Bulldogs are superior on both sides of the ball and in my opinion, this spread should in fact be a lot larger. And that’s why Gonzaga is my April CBB Game Of The Month.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on the Indiana Pacers (7:05 EST).

The 37-38 Indiana Pacers are in Toronto to take on the 45-30 Raptors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Pacers come in desperate here, they lost for the fourth time in five games in a 110-97 road defeat in Memphis on Wednesday. 

Toronto looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after it had its six game win streak snapped in a 110-106 home loss to Charlotte. Momentum is difficult to attain and once lost, it’s sometimes even more difficult to get back.

Also note, to say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement I think as Toronto has taken three straight and eight of the last nine in the series, including a 116-91 victory at home in the first matchup of the year on March 19th.

Indiana is in eighth spot in the East and will be desperate here as it looks to break the slide of poor play. Indiana averages 104.3 PPG and concedes 105.4. Paul George leads the nightly charge with 22.8 points plus 6.4 boards per game.

The Raptors average 107.2 PPG and concede 103. DeMar DeRozan leads everyone with 27.2 points and 5.3 boards per contest. 

I’ll point out though that Indiana is 11-6 ATS this year following a loss by ten points or more, while Toronto is just 1-2 ATS in its last three off an upset loss as a favorite. 

I think the “hungrier” team is the way to go in this one and while I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can, play on Indiana.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 47-26 Cleveland Cavaliers are in Chicago to take on the 35-39 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

It’s going to be all hands on deck for the Cavs today, they’ve lost four of their last six, most recently a humbling 103-74 road loss in San Antonio on Monday. With two extra days off between games and after losing top spot in the East to the Celtics, I’m absolutely expecting LeBron James and company to lay the hammer down tonight though.

Note as well that this is a quadruple revenge game for the Cavaliers, having lost each of the last four meetings with the Bulls. 

Chicago sits just a game behind Miami for the final spot in the East, but note that it’s just 8-10 ATS this year off an upset win as an underdog and only 6-8 ATS following a divisional contest.

Also note that the Cavs have excelled in this spot for bettors, going 4-1 ATS in their last five when playing with two days rest.

This is Cleveland’s most important game so far this entire season and suffice it to say, I look for the defending champions to respond with a resounding performance. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* BAIL-OUT is on the LA Clippers (10:35 EST).

The Washington Wizards are in LA to take on the 44-31 Clippers on Wednesday night and for a couple of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Note that Washington played just 24 hours previous against the Lakers and suffice it to say, I think it’s going to be “gassed” in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. 

And with tough games at Utah and at Golden State upcoming respectively, it’s certainly not too hard to imagine the Wizards also in some small way getting caught “looking ahead” to those very tough contests. 

The Clippers will be looking to take out their frustrations on someone after letting an 18-point fourth quarter lead go by the way side in a 98-97 setback at home to the Kings. LA currently sits 1.5 games behind Utah for the fourth seed, so it needs to start winning immediately if it has any hopes of securing home court advantage in the first round. 

Also note that this is a “revenge” game as well for LA after the Wizards won 117-110 in Washington on December 18th (note though that the Clippers have won eight straight at home in this series).

With two whole days off to rest, prepare and re-focus, I love the home side to lay a severe beating from start to finish. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* CBI GAME 2 CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY is on Wyoming (9:00 EST).

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers get ready to battle the Wyoming Cowboys in Game 2 of the CBI Championship and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

It’s a best of three Championship round and Coastal Carolina has already taken the first game 91-81. No need to overanalyze this one in my opinion, as it’s do or die for the Cowboys.

Coastal Carolina took an early 6-4 lead in Game 1 and then never looked back. The Chanticleers average 73.4 PPG and concede 72.8. Jaylen Shaw has averaged 20.2 points over his last four games.

Wyoming averages 77.7 PPG and concedes 75.5. Jason McManamen had 19 points in the Game 1 loss.

I’ll point out though that Coastal Carolina is just 1-4 ATS in its last five on the road, while Wyoming is 5-1 ATS in its last six at home and 20-7-1 ATS in is last 28 following a SU loss. 

The Cowboys are 17-3 at home this year, while the Chanticleers are a pathetic 3-10 on the road. Lay the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Eastern Conference SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Boston Celtics (7:35 EST).

The Milwaukee Bucks are in Boston to take on the 48-26 Celtics on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Milwaukee has a solid defense which ranks in the top 10 in the league, but it plays in Charlotte on Tuesday night and suffice it to say, I think it’s going to be “gassed” in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. 

Boston has taken over top spot in the East and won’t want to give it up. The C’s have won four in a row and seven of their last eight. Boston is ranks eighth in scoring and 14th in points allowed. 

Isaiah Thomas averages 29.1 PPG and six assists per night for Boston. Note that the Celtics are 27-9 at home, while Milwaukee is a few games under .500 on the road.

Also note that the Bucks are just 10-14 ATS in their last 24 in Boston, while the Celtics are 17-12 ATS against teams with winning records this year and interestingly, 10-4 ATS against Central division opponents.

I think Milwaukee comes in flat-footed after the game last night and look for the Celtics to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SUPER SHOCKER is on the LA Lakers (10:35 EST).

The 45-28 Washignton Wizards are in LA to take on the 21-52 Lakers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

I’m not going to be so bold as to predict an outright upset here, but I do definitely believe that the home side will catch the Wizards “looking past” their lowly opponent today and keep this one a lot closer than what Vegas is leading us to believe.

At the very least, Washington will have the No. 3 seed in the Eastern conference.

Clearly the Wizards are the better team, both on paper and on the floor. However, with a game against the Clippers tomorrow night, followed by tough outings at Utah and Golden State respectively, the stage is set for a classic “trap” game this evening.

LA has nothing to play for and will almost assuredly be the second worst team in the league behind the Nets. But with one of the few remaining home games to put on a show for the crowd, I think the young Lakers come to play.

And I’ll point out that Washington is just 16-17 ATS on the road this season and only 9-15 ATS overall since the All Star break, while LA is 2-1 ATS this year after scoring 85 points or less and interestingly, 6-2 ATS against the Southeast division.

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

Good luck…Larry

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

The 41-30 Oklahoma City Thunder are in Dallas to take on the 31-41 Dallas Mavericks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

OKC comes in off a loss in Houston yesterday afternoon and I think will be “gassed” here. Dallas will now look to take advantage and to get back into the winners circle after a 94-86 home loss to Toronto in its latest action.

These teams have already split a pair of meetings this year, each earning the victory on its home floor. Suffice it to say, I expect that trend to carry on here.

Dallas is 21-17 on its home floor and needs to start stringing some wins together immediately if it has any chance whatsoever at making it into the postseason. Desperation breeds motivation and note that the Mavericks are 3-1 ATS in their last four after scoring 86 points or less, while OKC is just 1-2 ATS in its last three in the second game of a back-to-back.

After yesterday’s high-scoring defeat, I think the Thunder come out flat here. The correct call in this one is on the home side, play on Dallas.

Good luck…Larry

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

San Antonio is in a dog fight with the Warriors for top spot in the West and now faces a daunting schedule with the suddenly underachieving defending champion Cavaliers coming to town tonight, followed with matchups at home against Golden State and then at Oklahoma City and then back home for Utah and Memphis.

Cleveland has dropped six of its last ten, including three of its last four.

After tonight’s tough road contest though, the Cavs have much more “winnable” contests against Eastern Conference cellar dwellers in Chicago, Philadelphia, Indiana and Orlando respectively. 

From a situational stand point, this one definitely sets up nicely for San Antonio as it looks to start this tough stretch off on the “right foot,” while Cleveland could very well be caught “looking ahead” to the “vanilla” stretch in its schedule.

Also note that the Cavs are just 2-3 ATS this year in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent and only 8-13 ATS after allowing 115 points or more, while San Antonio is 18-6 ATS this season against good offensive teams which score 106 plus points per contest.

Cleveland will be fine, but I think this one means a lot more to the red hot home side. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 27-46 Orlando Magic are in Toronto to take on the 44-29 Raptors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

Orlando comes in complacent here in my opinion, it’s out of the playoff race for a while, but is contented after winning for the third time in four games in Friday’s 115-87 home victory over Detroit. 

The Raptors are rolling, but can ill afford to take the foot off the gas after a previous rough stretch, they enter this one having won five straight, most recently a 94-86 win over Dallas on the road on Saturday. 

Note that this sets up as a “revenge” game as well for Toronto, which has dropped two of three in the season series with Orlando so far, including a 102-94 setback in in the most recent matchup on February 3rd.

Despite the recent “up tick” in play, the Magic are still just 28th in the league in averaging 100.4 PPG, while ranked a sub-par 19th on the defensive end in conceding 106.3 per game.

The Raptors average 106.9 PPG and concede 102.8. Keep your eyes on DeMar DeRozan, who leads the nightly charge with 27.1 points, plus 5.3 boards per game. 

I’ll point out that Orlando 0-4 ATS in its last four when playing on two days rest, while Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last five when playing on one days rest.

Toronto is just three games behind the Celtics with nine games to go. This is a very important contest for the Raptors, one which could be a difference maker in the next two weeks. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting the home side to come in focused on the task at hand and look for it to easily pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on North Carolina (5:05 EST).

The No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats get ready to play the No. 6 North Carolina Tar Heels in the Elite Eight on Sunday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors UNC.

Kentucky rolled by UCLA 86-75 on Friday, while North Carolina edged Butler 92-80. 

Note that the Tar Heels play with revenge here after falling 103-100 at Kentucky on December 17th.

The Wildcats average 85.2 PPG, while conceding 71.4. Malik Monk leads all scorers with 20.1 PPG. One glaring weakness for the Cats is their proficiency at the charity stripe, going a poor 70.5 percent collectively from the foul line this season.

UNC averages 85.2 PPG and leads the nation rebounding with 43.7 boards per game. The Tar Heels concede 70.5 PPG and Justin Jackson leads the nightly charge with 18.2 points and 4.7 boards per game.

I’ll point out that Kentucky is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following an ATS victory, while UNC is 6-2 ATS in its last eight tournament games and 4-1 ATS in its last five non-conference contests.

A lot of talent on display here, but I think UNC’s veteran experience wins out over Kentucky’s youth. Play on the Tar Heels.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SUPER SHOCKER is on the New York Knicks (8:35 EST).

The 27-45 New York Knicks are in San Antonio to take on the 55-16 Spurs and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do think that the situation favors the visitors and look for them to keep this one a lot closer than what Las Vegas is leading us to believe.

The Knicks come in under the radar here, they’ve lost four straight and seven of their last eight, most recently a 110-95 setback at Portland on Thursday. 

Conversely, the Spurs come in complacent after winning their third straight and fifth in their last seven by outlasting the Grizzlies 97-90 at home on Thursday. 

New York comes in averaging 105.1 PPG and is fourth in the NBA in rebounding with 45.5 boards per game. The Knicks are poor defensively though, conceding 108.7 per contest. 

San Antonio averages 106.3 PPG and concedes 98.4 Kawhi Leonard leads the way with 25.9 points, 5.9 boards and 1.84 steals per game. 

I’ll point out though that New York has excelled in this spot for bettors this year, going 7-3 ATS after three or more consecutive losses and 22-13 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record, while San Antonio is just 11-16 ATS this season after three or more consecutive victories and just 5-8 ATS following a divisional contest.

Clearly this is a matchup of David vs. Goliath on paper, but not only do the trends support the Knicks in this situation, but so too does the overall “situation.” There’s no doubt that this sets up as a classic “trap” game for the Spurs, with games against the Cavaliers and Warriors on Sunday and Tuesday resepectively. 

I think the visitors do more than enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the ample spread they’ve been afforded as they catch the home side “looking ahead.” Play on New York.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* ELITE 8 SIDE OF THE YEAR is on Gonzaga (6:05 EST).

The No. 11 Xavier Musketeers get ready to battle the No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs in the Elite Eight on Saturday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the favorite.

Neither team has made it to the Championship game in school history. 

Xavier though looks poised for a classic letdown here in my opinion after its upset win over Arizona in the last round. The Musketeers shot a great 52.8 percent from the floor, but were outrebounded 35-27. They also missed five of their 16 free throws. It was an atrocious performance for the Wildcats too.

Suffice it to say, I think Xavier is going to have a much tougher time on the offensive end tonight.

The Bulldogs come in off a 61-58 win over West Virginia, holding the Mountaineers to just 26.7 percent from the floor and only 5 of 23 from behind the arc. 

The Musketeers are overmatched here completely and I’m expecting a complete blowout from start to finish. One player to keep your eyes on is Nigel Williams-Goss, who was held to just ten points last time out, but who presents a difficult matchup for Xavier.

Lay the points with confidence, play on Gonzaga.

Good luck…Larry

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

Clearly the Warriors are the superior team, they come into this one having won five straight, including covering the spread in their last four as well. 

The last time Golden State faced Sacramento, it would smash the Kings 109-86 on February 15th. 

So am I suggesting to you to “sprinkle a little on the money-line” as well? Of course not.

I simply feel that this sets up as a “trap” game for the Warriors, who will next face the Grizzlies, the Rockets and Spurs respectively. It’s not too hard to imagine the home side taking the foot off the gas a little bit tonight as it focuses on its much tougher upcoming schedule.

The Kings have struggled with offensive consistency since making the DeMarcus Cousins trade, but note that they’ve excelled in this spot for bettors this season, going 8-5 ATS after allowing 115 points or more and 11-4 ATS after three or more consecutive losses.

And it’s interesting to note that Golden State is just 3-7 ATS this season when playing with two days rest and only 10-16 ATS against poor defensive teams which allow 106 points per contest. 

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

Good luck…Larry

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

The 30-41 New Orleans Pelicans are in Houston to take on the 49-22 Rockets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

New Orleans comes in off a 95-82 win over Memphis, while Houston nipped by Denver 125-124 in its latest action. 

James Harden had 39 points and 11 assists in the Rockets most recent win. 

DeMarcuas Cousins had 41 points and 17 boards in the Pelicans victory over the Grizzlies. 

I’ll point out though that New Orleans is just 6-8 ATS against the division this year and only 3-5 ATS after allowing 90 points or less, while Houston is 17-7 ATS after allowing 115 points or more and 24-11 ATS against teams with losing records.

I think the Pelicans finally stumble as they hit the road and Houston pulls away for the comfortable ATS cover down the stretch. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 46-24 Cleveland Cavaliers are in Charlotte to take on the 32-39 Hornets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

These teams have played twice this year and the Cavs have won both, most recently a 121-109 decision on December 31st. 

But Cleveland has lost two of its last three, while Charlotte comes in having won three straight. Suffice it to say, I think the Cavs are the much “hungrier” team today, especially the way LeBron James called out the rest of his team after the disturbing loss in Denver last time out. 

Newcomer Deron Williams was a stand out in that one with 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting. 

Charlotte comes in off a 109-102 win over the Magic on Wednesday, led by 19 points from Terrence Ross. 

I’ll point out though that Cleveland is 3-1-1 ATS in its last five after scoring 100 points or more in its previous contest, while Charlotte is just 4-10 ATS in its last 14 in front of the home town crowd.

The Cavs have dominated this series this year and I don’t expect anything to change. Lay the points with confidence as James and company come in razor focused and lay the hammer down from start to finish.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SWEET 16 PERFECT STORM is on North Carolina (7:10 EST).

The Butler Bulldogs are getting ready to battle the North Carolina Tar Heels on Friday night on the second day of the Sweet 16 and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the favorite.

Butler comes in off a 75-65 win over MTSU and it’s now won six of its last eight, while UNC is off a 72-65 win over Arkansas and it’s now won eight of its last ten.

The Bulldogs average 76.2 PPG and allow 68.2. Kelan Martin was a stand out in the last round with 19 points. Butler has looked sharp defensively down the stretch, but it now faces one of the nation’s top offenses and suffice it to say, I think it’s going to have its hands full tonight.

UNC averages 85.1 PPG and concedes 70.3 (note though that the Tar Heels have averaged 88.6 PPG on 48.8 percent shooting and allowed just 70.0 in all neutral site games this year). Kennedy Meeks had 16 points to lead four other players in double figures last time out.

I’ll point out that Butler is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven following an ATS victory, while UNC is 20-7-2 ATS in its last 29 neutral site games when playing the role of favorite.

The Tar Heels have been especially sharp on the defensive end of late, allowing just 62.4 PPG over their last nine. Lay the points with confidence, play on North Carolina.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 27-43 New York Knicks are in Utah to take on the 43-28 Jazz on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The Knicks are now officially looking ahead to next season with nothing but pride to play for the rest of the way. The Jazz on the other hand are trying to hold on to fourth place in the West playoffs, a spot which would give them home floor advantage in the first round. 

New York comes in off two straight losses, losing at home to Brooklyn on Thursday and then starting this trip with a 114-105 seback at the Clippers on Monday. The Knicks play a game tomorrow night, so could also be caught looking ahead here.

Utah comes home in a foul mood after dropping three straight to close a four-game road trip. Gordon Hayward was a bright spot with 38 points in the most recent setback.

I’ll point out though that New York is just 1-2 ATS this year against good defensive teams which concede 98 points or less per contest, while Utah is 12-7 ATS this season against poor defensive clubs which allow 106 points per contest.

With a big game against the Clippers on Saturday (the team sitting a half game back in fifth spot in the West), the Jazz can ill afford to drop another “gimme.” This has essentially become a “must win” game for Utah, so lay the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 37-33 Atlanta Hawks are in Washington to take on the 42-28 Wizards and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Atlanta comes in with zero momentum, it’s lost four straight, most recently a 105-90 setback at Charlotte on Monday. The Wizards can empathize, they’ve also been scuffling of late, having lost two in a row and four of their last five, most recently a 110-102 setback at Boston on Monday night.

Washington has already won two of three in the season series with Atlanta, including a 112-86 victory on the road in the last matchup back on January 27th.

Atlanta averages 103.4 PPG and concedes 104.5. Paul Millsap leads all scorers with 18.1 points, plust 7.7 boards and 3.8 assists per game. 

The Wizards average 108.8 PPG and concede 106.8. John Wall leads the nightly charge with 22.9 points, 10.8 assists and 1.96 steals per game. 

I’ll point out though that Atlanta is just 3-11 ATS against the division this year and only 8-10 ATS after a loss by ten points or more (also only 2-7 ATS this year after three or more consecutive losses), while Washington is 21-16 ATS at home this season and 16-12 ATS against teams with winning records.

Neither team instills much confidence, but the Wizards are a strong 27-10 at the Verison Center. Atlanta has been without Millsap in the lineup the last two games and I think that once again hurts the Hawks tonight. Look for the Wizards to find a way to get the job done, lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (8:00 EST).

The 26-44 Philadelphia 76ers are in Oklahoma City to take on the 40-30 Thunder and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

The 76ers just blew a 15 point halftime lead in a 112-109 setback in OT to Orlando on Monday, while the Thunder had their five-game win skein snapped with a 111-95 home loss to the Warriors later that same evening.

If history is any precedence though, then OKC has to be loving its chances today as it’s taken 15 straight in the series, including a 103-97 victory in the most recent, back on October 26th.

Despite its recent “up-tick” in play, Philadelphia still ranks 24th in the league in scoring with an average of 102.4 PPG. The 76ers are also below average defensively in conceding 107.6 a night. 

OKC averages 106.7 PPG and concedes 106. Russell Westbrook leads the way with 31.4 points, 10.5 boards and 10.3 assists per game.

I think Philadelphia has a predictable letdown here after its shocking collapse in its last game. The Thunder had been averaging 112 points during their five-game win streak before losing to the Warriors. Suffice it to say, I think Westbrook and company take out their frustrations on their lowly visitors and pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS victory. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* CBI TOURNEY SIDE OF THE YEAR is on George Washington (8:00 EST).

The George Washington Colonials are getting ready to battle the Illinois-Chicago Flames in the second round of the CBI.

Last year the Colonials won the NIT title. George Washington opened the CBI with a win over Toledo, while Illinois-Chicago earned a slim two-point win over Stony Brook in the round of 16.

The Colonials had a tough non-conference schedule and dropped five games to Georgia, UAB, Penn State, Florida State and Miami, but they’d also pick up quality victories over Harvard, South Florida, Temple and UCF. Tyler Cavanaugh had 29 points in the victory over Toledo.

The Flames finished the season three games below .500, but still managed to earn a postseason birth. After getting through the first round though, I’m expecting a letdown tonight. Dominique Matthews was a standout with a game-high 21 points in the win over the Seawolves.

Illinois Chicago is just happy to be here, while George Washington would love to add the CBI tournament title to its resume after winning the NIT last season and I’m expecting this experienced team to do more than enough to come away with the comfortable ATS victory tonight. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* 33-Club Play is on South Caroilna (8:40 EST).

The South Carolina Gamecocks are ready to battle the Duke Blue Devils on Sunday night in the second round of the NCAA Tournament and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the underdog.

South Carolina smashed Marquette 93-73 in the opening round, while Duke got by Troy 87-65. The Gamecocks average 72.7 PPG this year, but make up for it on the other end by conceding just 64.7. They also rank seventh overall in 3-point defense in allowing just 29.7 percent. Sindarius Thornwell had 29 points in the victory over the Golden Eagles.

Duke has averaged 80.8 PPG this year, while allowing 69.7. Grayson Allen had 21 points in the victory over the Trojans. 

I’lll point out though that South Carolina is 9-5 ATS in its last 14 neutral court games and 8-4 ATS in its last 12 when playing with one or less days rest, while Duke is just 13-16 ATS as a favorite this year and only 7-9 ATS after scoring 80 points or more.

South Carolina’s offense was firing on all cylinders against Marquette and I’m expecting it to carry that momentum over here. The Gamecocks have a fantastic defense as well and while I won’t be so bold as to call for an outright upset, I do think that South Carolina can at the very least, take this one down to the wire and keep it competitive until the final moments. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* UNDERDOG SUPER SHOCKER is on the Memphis Grizzlies (9:05 EST).

The 52-15 San Antonio Spurs are in Memphis to take on the 39-30 Grizzlies and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

San Antonio comes to town off a 110-106 home loss to Portland, while Memphis beat Atlanta 103-91 on Thursday. 

If recent history is any precedence, then the Grizzlies have to be loving their chances for an upset today, because in the lone meeting between the clubs earlier in the year, they’d score the 89-74 home victory. 

San Antonio has started to show some signs of fatigue finally, it’s just 2-2 over its last four after winning nine in a row. The Spurs average 106.5 PPG and concede 98.5.

The Grizzlies average just 101.4 PPG, but make up for it on the defensive side in conceding just 98.2. In the win over Atlanta, they’d hold the Hawks to 40 percent shooting. Big man Marc Gasol had 18 points, ten boards and ten assists. 

I’ll point out that San Antonio is just 4-8 ATS this year against the division and only 3-7 ATS when playing on two days rest, while Memphis is 10-7 ATS off an upset win as an underdog and 15-11 ATS against good offensive teams which average 106 points or more per contest.

With a much “easier” game at home tomorrow night against the Kings, it’s not too hard to imagine the visitors also in some small way getting caught “looking ahead” to that one. 

I like the Grizzlies to battle hard until the final moments, grab as many points as you can.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* SECOND ROUND NCAA SIDE OF THE YEAR is on Gonzaga (5:15 EST).

The No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs get ready to battle the No. 8 Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday night in the second round of the NCAA tournament and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Bulldogs.

Northwestern advanced by upsetting Vanderbilt, led by Bryant McIntosh who poured in 25 points. 

Gonzaga advanced by crushing South Dakota by 20 in the first round. The Bulldogs have now won 33 straight.  Gonzaga features the No. 1 ranked defense, while the offense is ranked 13th. Nigel Williams-Goss has averaged 16.6 points, 5.8 boards, 4.8 assists and 1.7 steals in 33 games this year. 

The Wildcats simply do not have an answer for Williams-Goss, who I’m expecting to have another big game here. 

I’ll point out as well that Northwestern is just 1-2 ATS in its last three against good offensive teams which score 77-plus points per contest, while Gonzaga is 22-8 ATS as a favorite this season.

I think the No. 1 seed sends a message to the rest of the tournament with a full four quarter effort and expect it to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 8* END-OF-NIGHT BAIL-OUT BLOWOUT is on UCLA (9:55 EST).

The 22-13 Kent State Golden Flashes get ready to battle the 29-4 UCLA Bruins in the first round of the NCAA tournament and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the favorite.

Kent State won the MAC Tournament title and the automatic bid to the Big Dance after beating Akron 70-65 on Saturday, while UCLA fell to No. 7 Arizona 86-75 in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals on Friday. 

The Golden Flashes average 76.9 PPG and concede 72.3. Jaylin Walker led the way with 30 points and six boards in the win in the championship game. 

UCLA is No. 1 in the nation in averaging 90.4 PPG, while allowing 75.3. Isaac Hamilton had 20 points in the loss to the Wildcats.

i’ll point out that Kent State is just 1-3 ATS in its last four non-conference games, while UCLA is 10-3 ATS this year in non-conference contests and 4-2 ATS in all neutral court affairs. 

The Golden Flashes had a great tournament run, but I have a hard time seeing Kent matching pace with the high-powered Bruins. Lay the points with confidence.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* LEGEND is on Michigan State (9:20 EST).

The 19-14 Michigan State Spartans get ready to battle the 21-11 Miami Florida Hurricanes in the opening round of the NCAA tournament on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors MSU.

The Hurricanes were 10-8 in the ACC and lost to UNC in the Quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament contest. The Spartans were 10-8 in league play and fell to Minnesota in the Quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tourney.

Miles Bridges had 20 points for the Spartans in the Quarterfinal loss. The Spartans averaged 71.4 PPG and allowed 68.4 this season.

Miami averages 69.4 PPG and concedes 63.7 Davon Reed finished with seven points in the loss to the Tar Heels.

I’ll point out that Michigan State is 3-0 ATS this year after scoring 60 points or less, 6-2 ATS off a loss against a conference rival and 4-1 ATS against good defensive teams which allow 64 points or less per contest, while Miami is just 2-8 ATS in non-conference games and 2-4 ATS in all neutral court affairs this season. 

I think the Spartans are the better coached team and expect them to at the very least, take this one down to the wire. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the New Orleans Pelicans (8:05 EST). 

The 47-21 Houston Rockets are in New Orleans to take on the 27-41 Pelicans and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

I think the Rockets are poised for a letdown here after three straight wins, including a victory over the Cavs in that stretch. 

New Orleans though will be hungry here, it had won two straight before then suffering a loss at red hot Miami on Wednesday.

Houston is in third in the West, with no real shot at being able to catch either the Warriors or Spurs.

New Orleans still has a playoff shot, but its hopes are dwindling. This is the most important stretch of the enitre season for the Pelicans, with three straight at home. 

I’ll point out though that Houston has in fact struggled in this spot already this year, going just 11-16 ATS after a win by ten points or more and only 4-5 ATS after scoring 130 points or more. 

And note that New Orleans has excelled in this position, going 14-8 ATS this season against poor defensive clubs which allow 106 points per contest. 

While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I’ll recommend grabbing the points in the end. Play on New Orleans.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NCAA OPENING ROUND DOG OF THE YEAR is on Troy (7:20 EST).

The 22-14 Troy Trojans are looking to upset No. 2 seed Duke and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the underdog.

I’m not predicting an outright upset or anything, but I do think that the Trojans own an offense capable of keeping it a lot closer than what Las Vegas is leading us to believe.

Duke could get caught looking past its lowly opponent today, after going 11-7 in the ACC regular season and finishing fifth overall, the Blue Devils would steam roll through the conference tournament, en route to the title over Notre Dame.

Troy won the Sun Belt title to punch its ticket to the Big Dance.

The Trojans average 78.4 PPG and concede 71.1. Jordan Varnado leads the team with 16.5 poitns, 7.1 boards and 1.4 blocks per contest. 

Duke averages 80.7 points and concedes 69.8. This team is loaded and had four players that average in double figures.

I’ll point out though that Troy is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 as an underdog, while Duke is already 0-2 ATS this year as a neutral court favorite of 12.5 points or more.

The Blue Devils don’t play defense very well and they very easily could have already peaked. I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* OPENING ROUND BLOWOUT is on Oregon (2:00 EST).

The 22-12 Iona Gaels are getting ready to battle the 29-5 Oregon Ducks on Friday night in the opening round of the NCAA tournament and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Ducks.

The Gaels beat Siena 87-86 in OT in the MAAC touranment final last Monday, while Oregon had its eight game win streak snapped with an 83-80 setback to No. 7 Arizona in the Pac-12 Tourney Final. 

Iona got 21 points and ten boards from Jordan Washington in the win over the Saints. The Gaels average 80.5 PPG and concede 76.4. 

Oregon averages 79.1 PPG and concedes just 65 (33rd in the country). Dillon Brooks leads the nightly charge with 16.3 PPG. 

I’ll point out that Iona is just 1-5 ATS in its last six following a SU win and 0-4 ATS in its last four NCAA Tournament contests, while Oregon is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 NCAA Tournament games.

Chris Boucher is out for Oregon, but the Ducks are deep and have stifiling defensive attack. Iona is unable to stop anyone and I’m expecting it to fall away as the game comes down the stretch. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Virginia Tech (9:40 EST).

The 22-10 Virginia Tech Hokies are in Wisconsin to take on the 25-9 Badgers on Thursday night in the first round of the NCAA tournament and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can, because for a number of different reasons I think this one favors the underdog.

The Hokies won six of their last nine, ending with a 74-68 loss to FSU in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals last week. 

The Badgers had their three-game win streak snapped in a listless 71-56 setback to Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament title game on Sunday. 

I simply feel that Virignia Tech has the offensive firepower to test the Badgers’ stout defense. Note that the Hokies average 79.3 PPG, while conceding 74.4. Zach LeDay leads the nightly charge with 16.3 points and 7.4 boards per game. 

Wisconsin started the year 20-3, but then struggled down the stretch by going 5-6 over its final 11. The Badgers average 72.4 PPG, but make up for it by conceding just 61.1. Bronson Koenig leads the way with 14.1 PPG.

I’ll point out though that Virginia Tech is already 4-1 ATS in all neutral court affairs this year and 11-4 ATS when playing the role of underdog, while Wisconsin is just 3-4 ATS in all neutral court games and just 3-4 ATS in its last seven as the favorite.

For all of the reasons listed above, I’m grabbing the points. Play on the Hokies.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* TOURNEY SIDE OF THE MONTH is on VCU (7:20 EST).

The 26-8 VCU Rams are getting ready to face the 28-4 Saint Mary’s Gaels in the opening round of the NCAA tournament on Thursday and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Virginia Commonwealth.

Saint Mary’s was second best to Gonzaga in the WCC this year and would lose in the Championship game to the Bulldogs. 

VCU was the second-best team in its conference as well and it would lose in the A-10 Championship to Rhode Island.

It’s a matchup of two teams looking to bounce back and I’m expecting an all out battle until the final moments. 

One player to keep your eyes on for the Rams is Jequan Lewis, who led the way with 14.7 points, 4.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game this season. VCU’s normally stout defense stumbled uncharacteristically in the loss to Rhode Island, but it was a strength of the team throughout the season, allowing just 66.3 PPG, ranked 44th in the country. 

The Gaels got destroyed 74-56 in the Championship game last Tuesday. Calvin Hermanson was a bright spot with 14 points in the setback. Saint Mary’s would go on to allow the Bulldogs to shoot 50 percent from the floor, which was out of the norm, as they allowed the second fewest points in the nation this year, allowing only 56.5 PPG.

I’ll point out though that VCU is 3-0 ATS in its last three NCAA tournament games, while Saint Mary’s is just 1-2 ATS in its last three NCAA tournament contests and only 1-2 ATS this year after scoring 60 points or less. 

I think Saint Mary’s is the better team, but it’s not THAT much better. VCU won’t be rolling over here and it will believe it has every opportunity to win this one straight up as well. The Rams’ defense has been suffocating as well this season and they have the offense to match pace.

I’m grabbing the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Toronto Raptors (7:05 EST).

The 38-29 Oklahoma City Thunder are in Toronto to take on the 39-28 Raptors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

OKC comes in complacent in my opinion after rolling to a third straight win, most recently a 122-104 road victory in Brooklyn on Tuesday. 

The Raptors had lost four of six before smashing Dallas 100-78 on Monday and suffice it to say, with two nights off to focus and prepare, I’m looking for the home side to build off that impressive performance.

The Thunder average 106.6 PPG and concede 106.2. The error of margin is obviously extremely slim. Russell Westbrook leads the way wih 31.8 points, 10.6 boards and 10.1 assists per game. 

Toronto averages 107.2 PPG and concedes 103.4. DeMar DeRozan leads the nightly charge with 27.2 points and 5.4 boards per game. 

I’ll point out that OKC is just 1-4 ATS in its last five road games and only 1-5 ATS in its last six on the road against teams with a winning home record, while Toronto is 8-1 ATS in its last nine when playing on two days rest and 4-1 ATS in its last five against the Western Conference.

Kyle Lowry is still missing from the mix in Toronto, but despite that, the Raptors are still the deeper team. Serge Ibaka gets a shot at his old club tonight, so look for the home side to come out extra motivated. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Virginia (12:40 EST).

The 29-5 NC Wilmington Seahawks get ready to battle the 22-10 Virginia Cavaliers at 12:40 EST on Thursday to open the NCAA Tournament for real and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Cavs.

The Seahawks won the regular season and tournament title in the Colonial conference. NC Wilmington averaged 84 PPG and allowed 75.3 on neutral courts this year. Over their last six games though the Seahawks have given up an average of 77.3 points. NC Wilmington has six players that average at least 7.8 PPG, led by CJ Bryce with 17.6 PPG. 

Virginia has won four of its last five and owns the nation’s No. 1 defense, allowing just 55.6 PPG. The Cavs average just 66.7, but they catch a break today clearly in facing the Seahawks mediocre defense. 

I’ll point out as well that UNC Wilmington is just 1-5-1 ATS in its last seven following an ATS victory, while Virginia is 16-7 ATS in its last 23 following a SU loss.

The Cavs have a weak offense, but they’ve played well against weaker defenses. The Seahawks have played exceptionally well this year, but now face the No. 1 defense in the entire country. 

I think Virginia pulls away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Princeton (12:15 EST).

The 23-6 Princeton Tigers are ready to battle the 25-9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at noon EST on opening Thursday of the NCAA Tournament and while I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can, because for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the underdog.

Princeton knows how to win. The Tigers come into the Tournament having won 19 straight after beating Yale in the championship game of the Ivy League Tournamant Final. 

ND won eight of ten to close the year, falling 75-69 to the Blue Devils in the ACC Touranment title game on Saturday. 

Princeton went undefeated in league play and held Yale to just 37.7 percent shooting in the championship game. Myles Stephens had 23 points and eight boards.

The Tigers average 72.1 PPG and concede just 61.6, ranked tenth overall in the country.

The Fighting Irish average 78 PPG and allow 69.2. Notre Dame though allowed Duke to shoot a smoking 60.8 percent from the floor in the title game. Bonzie Colson leads all players with 17.5 points and 10.2 boards per game.

I’ll point out though that Princeton is 8-5 ATS this year after allowing 60 points or less and 2-1 ATS in all neutral court affairs this season, while Notre Dame is just 3-4 in non-conference contests and just 1-2 ATS in its last three neutral court contests.

The Tigers are pretty thin after their starting five, but they’ll be leaving everything they have on the floor tonight, as there’s no point in trying to reserve anything at this point. Notre Dame has looked brilliant at times this year, but has also struggled in the “bigger” moments. 

I think Princeton takes this one down to the wire. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 32-34 Milwaukee Bucks are in LA to take on the 40-27 Clippers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. 

Milwaukee’s big six-game SU/ATS win streak is over and suffice it to say, I think the team will suffer a predictable letdown here as it hits the West Coast to take on a revenge minded Clippers team. 

The Bucks got smashed 113-93 in Memphis, allowing the Grizzlies to shoot 52 percent from the floor and go 14 of 27 from range. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 18 points. 

The Clippers will be in a foul mood after falling 114-108 in Utah on Monday. It was a tough matchup, as LA had won nine straight in Utah previous to that, so the Jazz were extra fired up for that one. Chris Paul had 33 points in the setback. 

I’ll point out though that Milwaukee is just 4-11 ATS in its last 14 following a straight-up loss and just 1-4 ATS in its last five following a straight up loss of more than ten points, while LA is 3-1 ATS in its last four in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent.

Milwaukee beat LA, 112-101 in Milwaukee back on March 3rd. Suffice it to say, I think its “payback” time. Milwaukee has only covered in four of its last 14 trips to LA. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 37-30 Memphis Grizzlies are in Chicago to take on the 32-35 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors.

The Grizzlies broke a five game losing streak with a convincing 113-93 win at home on Monday over the Bucks and I think the visitors carry that momentum over here.

Chicago had also lost five straight before managing a 115-109 road win over Charlotte on Monday. 

Note that this is a revenge game for Memphis after it fell 108-104 at home to the Bulls back on January 15th.

Memphis only averages 101.4 PPG, but the 100.7 they concede is ranked fourth in the league. Marc Gasol averages a team high 20.1 PPG.

Chicago averages just 102 PPG and concedes 103.3. Jimmy Butler leads everyone with 23.4 points and 6.2 boards per game, while Dwayne Wade adds 18.8 points and 4.5 boards per contest. 

I’ll point out though that Memhis is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 against teams with a losing straight-up record, while Chicago is 0-5 ATS in its last five when playing on one days rest.

I have a hard time seeing the Bulls post another 115 points like they did against the Hornets in their last game, note that previously they had not exceeded 95 during their five-game losing streak. I think the Grizzlies find a way to get the job done at the end of the night.

Good luck…Larry

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

The 29-37 Portland Trailblazers are in San Antonio to take on the 52-14 Spurs and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do think that the hungry visitors can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe.

The Blazers are 2.5 games behind Denver for the final playoff spot in the West and were likely caught “looking ahead” to this game against the Spurs after suffering a poor 100-77 loss in New Orleans just last night. Suffice it to say, I think the Blazers bounce back here after that listless performance. Damian Lillard was a bright spot with 29 points. 

San Antonio on the other hand looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion, it’s won 11 of its last 12 after beating Atlanta earlier in the week. Kawhi Leonard had 31 points in Monday’s 107-99 win over the Hawks.

I’ll point out though that Portland is 12-8 ATS this season against good offense clubs, while San Antonio is interestingly just 5-8 ATS in its last 13 against teams with losing records. 

To say this is a “revenge” game for the Blazers would be an understatement as they’ve dropped five straight in the series and both so far this season. I like the visitors to play with a lot more intensity tonight. Grab the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* NIT OPENING ROUND SIDE OF THE YEAR is on Central Florida.

The 19-14 Colorado Buffaloes are battling UCF in the opener of the NIT on Wednesday and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Knights.

The Buffs were eliminated from the Pac-12 Tournament by Arizona, while the Knights lost to SMU in the semi-final of the AAC tournament. Colorado finished the season with an offense and defense each ranked outside the top 100 in the nation.

The Knights ran into a tough Mustangs team in their 70-59 loss in the ACC tournament. But the 22 wins on the year was a school best. BJ Taylor had 20 points in the eventual loss.

I’ll point out though that Coloardo is just 1-4 ATS in its last five allowing more than 90 points in its previous game, while UCF is 4-0 ATS this year following an ATS loss and 4-1 ATS in its last five at home.

Colorado has to travel across the country after a lackluster performance in its conference tournament and I think it’s overmatched here anyways. UCF put together a great overall season and making it to the semi-finals of the ACC Tournament is a big accomplishment. UCF is at home and I think will take full advantage of this opportunity. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on North Carolina Central (6:40 EST).

The 25-8 North Carolina Central Eagles get ready to battle the UC Davis Aggies in the First Four and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Eagles.

After losing two in a row, NC Central won its last three games of the year to win the MEAC conference tournament, led by its 22nd ranked defense.

UC Davis upset UC Irvine in their conference tournament to advance to this point. Note that the Aggies rank lower than NC Central in both PPG and points allowed. 

NC Central would hold Norfolk State to just 35.4 percent shooting in its 67-59 Championship victory, holding it to 21 points in the second half and forcing 17 turnovers. Patrick Cole was a standout with 18 points and eight boards to lead three other players that also scored in double figures.

Note that the Eagles have won all three of their neutral site affairs already this season.

UC Davis only shot 38 percent from the floor, but it would hold UCI to just 34.6 percent in its 50-47 conference victory. The Aggies would force 20 turnovers, but also had 16 of their own. It wasn’t a pretty victory and I think the team has to be feeling pretty good about itself in just scoring the upset in the Conference tournament and is likely just happy to be here. Brynton Lemar scored 20 points in the Championship game. 

I’ll point out that NC Central is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 neutral site games, while UC Davis is just 1-4 ATS in its last five as an underdog.

I think the Eagles are the better all around team in this matchup and I expect their smothering defensive play to be just too much for the Aggies to handle tonight. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on on Wake Forest (9:10 EST).

The 19-13 Wake Forest Demon Deacons are getting ready to battle the 20-13 Kansas State Wildcats in “The First Four” on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Deacons.

Kansas State lost 51-50 to West Virginia in its latest action, while Wake Forest fell 99-90 to Virginia Tech in its conference tournament. 

The Demon Deacons though come into the NCAA tourney playing solid ball, they’ve won four of their last five. Wake Forest is a weak defensive team, it allows 83 PPG in neutral court affairs this year, but the offense continues to shine, averaging 88. 

The Wildcats have averaged 69.8 PPG and conceded 60.7 in neutral court contests this season. Also note, that the Wildcats have in fact allowed 72 PPG in true road games this year. 

And I’ll point out that Wake Forest is 6-1 ATS in its last seven after allowing more than 90 points and 5-0 ATS in its last five against the Big 12, while Kansas State is a dismal 1-4 ATS in its last five NCAA tournament games.

For the most part the Wildcats have struggled against the “elite” offenses this year. True they just held the Mountaineers to 51 points, but they also allowed an average of 81.4 PPG when facing Oklahoma, Iowa State, Oklahoma State and WVU earlier in the season. 

Wake catches a break in facing the anemic Wildcats’ offense, a unit which has managed a paltry 61.4 PPG in its last five games.

The Demon Deacons’ dynamic offense turns out to be the difference in the end, play on Wake Forest.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Indiana Pacers (7:05 EST).

The 31-34 Miami Heat are in Indiana to take on the 33-32 Indiana Pacers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side.

No need to overthink this one in my opinion. This one sets up great for Indiana in that Miami played just last night, hammering the Raptors in a very satisfying 104-89 victory.

Indiana on the other hand comes in desperate, it’s lost two of its last three, including a listless 99-85 setback at Milwaukee on Friday. 

The Pacers also play with double revenge after dropping both games to the Heat this year.

Miami still only averagses 102.3 PPG despite its recent turnaround in play.

Indiana averages 104.8 PPG and will be risking life and limb today as it fights for playoff positioning.

With two nights off before a long home stretch, I think the tired Heat come out flat tonight and the hungry home side takes full advantage. Lay the points.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on SMU (4:15 EST).

The 29-4 Cincinnati Bearcats are ready to battle 29-4 SMU in the AAC Championship Game this afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Mustangs. 

SMU would finish 17-1 in league play, it’s only loss coming at the hands of Cincinnati. The Mustangs would later go on to avenage that setback at home and suffice it to say, I’m expecting another rout here today as well.

Cincinnati advanced by taking down UConn 81-71, while SMU beat UCF 70-59. 

Despite the victory, the Bearcats struggled with consistency yestreday, shooting just 40 perecent from the field. They’d also miss 29 of 47 field goal attmeps and 12 of 19 three-pointers. Things clearly won’t get any easier in facing the Mustangs.

SMU has now won 15 in a row after yesterday’s complete performance, dominating on both ends of the court. Sterling Brown had 20 points, making all seven free throws in the process in the victory. 

I’ll point out that Cincinnati is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against teams with a winning percentage above .600, while SMU is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 in the same position. 

Ultimately though I think the Mustangs are playing better than the Bearcats right now. I’m expecting a comfortable ATS victory once it’s all said and done. Play on SMU.

Good luck…Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Wisconsin (4:00 EST).

The 23-11 Michigan Wolverines are getting ready to battle 25-8 Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship game and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Badgers.

Michigan has had to win three straight to make it here, most recently getting the better of Minnesota 84-77 yesterday. I unfortuantely had the Gophers in that one. 

No. 2 Wisconsin has cruised to the finals with two straight victories, destroying the Hoosiers by ten and then annihilating Northwestern by 28. 

These teams split a pair of games this year. Each was within six points.

Michigan averages 74.9 PPG and concedes 65.8 Derrick Walton Jr. leads the nightly charge with 15 points and 4.6 assists per game.

Wisconsin is among the best in the nation on the defensive end of the floor though and I believe this will be the difference maker today (allowing 61.1 PPG, ranked seventh overall).

I’ll point out as well that Michigan is just 1-2 ATS in its last three as an underdog, while Wisconsin is 10-6 ATS this year after allowing 60 points or less.

Wisconsin has looked untouchable over the first two games of this tournament. I’m expecting a comfortable ATS victory, play on the Badgers.

Good luck…Larry