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

Tony Bennett's, UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. Gone from last year's team are big big men Hauser (16.0 & 6.8) and Huff (13.0 & 7.1) plus guard Murphy (11.3). UVA has opened 6-3 as it heads to Harrisonburg, Va to face James Madison. Head coach Mark Byington led James Madison to a Colonial Athletic Association regular-season title in his first season in charge in 2020-21 and this year's team is off to a 7-2 start, including a 4-0 start at home (JMU already owns wins against Virginia schools Old Dominion and George Mason).

The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark (10.7 & 4.2 APG). Guard Beekman (6.4-3.7-4.6) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (6.8 & 65.6), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner (14.1 & 7.9) comes from East Carolina and guard Franklin (11.6) comes via Indiana. As always, Bennett's team is one of the nation's best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 56.2 PPG (10th).

JMU has outstanding balance with SIX players contributing between 8.1 and 11.3 PPG. Canisius transfer Molson (11.3 & 6.) leads the team in scoring, followed by fellow guard Morse (11.2) and 6-6 Winthrop transfer Felden (10.5). The 6-7 Sule, a Texas St transfer, adds 8.8 & 6.3 and the 6-7 Amadi, a returning player, chips in 9.2 & 4.6. Returning guard Hodge (8.1) completes the 'six-pack!'

One could argue that if James Madison is ever going to beat Virginia, Tuesday night's home contest might be its best shot. However, the Dukes are also 0-11 in their intrastate rivalry with the Cavaliers and lost by 31 points in the most recent meeting in November 2019. Virginia has won FIVE of the last six meetings by double digits. What changes here? Nada!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Rivalry Game of the Month is on New Mexico St at 9:00 ET.

The 6-2 New Mexico State Aggies travel to The Pit to take on the 5-3 New Mexico Lobos Monday night in Albuquerque. TheAggies improved to 6-2 on the season after defeating the UTEP Miners 72-69 this past Friday. Meanwhile the Lobos haven't played since last Tuesday when they snapped a two-game losing streak by beating the Aggies 101-94 in Las Cruces.

Chris Jans is in his fifth season with the Aggies, going 95-25 in his first four. New Mexico St had a troublesome season last year, as a public health order would not allow them to play any games in the state, plus the team wasn't allowed to fully practice until mid-January. Despite all this, the Aggies did advance to the WAC championship game, before falling to Grand Canyon. The result? It was the first time that NMSU ended a season as neither the WAC's regular season champ or the WAC tourney champs. Swingman Allen (18.0 & 6.0) is a Nebraska transfer and joins last year's top scorer Rice (13.2), who is averaging 14.4 & 4.4 this season. The team features a solid trio up front in the 6-10 McNair (9.1 & 6.1), the 6-7 McCants (8.5 & 4.9) and the 6-7 Tillman (8.3 & 3.5).

The situation is MUCH different for New Mexico, who hired Richard Pitino after he was fired at Minnesota. Pitino has his fans and critics and I'm part of the latter. The Lobos are coming off an 'ugly' 6-16 year last season and have been rebuilt through the transfer portal. Guard Mashburn followed Pitino from Minnesota and leads with 20.4 PPG. ASU transfer House adds 18.1 & 4.6 APG plus Johnson, a 6-6 returnee, is a third player in double digits at 10.0 & 5.4. Adding depth on the perimeter are JC transfer Jenkins (8.8) and TCU transfer Todd (8.4). The 6-10 Muscadin played in 12 games last season (0.2 PPG!) but averages 9.6 so far this season plus the 6-9 Tovar (7.5 & 4.0) is another JC transfer.

New Mexico beat rival New Mexico St 101-94 in a shootout last Tuesday but I believe the Aggies are the better team (much better?) and turnabout is fair play. New Mexico St "gets even" with a win in "The Pit," which is no longer a feared venue.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 8:10 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks went 41-31 last season and advanced all the way to the Eastern Conference finals. That's after going 73-158 (.316) the previous three seasons. In STARK contrast, the T-wolves finished 23-49 last year, missing out on the playoffs for the 16th time in their last 17 seasons. That said, when the teams meet tonight in Minnesota, both teams are looking to snap two-game losing streaks, and the Hawks' record of 12-11 is only slightly better than that of the 11-12 T-wolves. Who'da thunk that?

Atlanta has dropped two straight and lost three of its last four. The Hawks were beaten 130-127 by the short-handed Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night and could really use a "W" in tonight's contest. PG Young (26.2 & 9.4 APG) is again the leader plus the frontcourt duo of PF Collins (17.1 & 7.9) and center Capela (11.5 & 12.4) are both playing much like they did last season. However, three key role players are currently sidelined, in Bogdanovich (11.6), Reddish (11.5) and Hunter (10.8). The good news is that the Hawks have excellent depth and Huerter (10.7), Gallinari (8.90 and even Williams (just 6.4) are more than capable of filling in.

The Timberwolves are led by center Towns (24.0 & 9.0), former No. 1 draft pick SF Anthony Edwards (22.0 & 6.3) and PG Russell (19.0 & 6.4 APG). Edwards scored a career-high 48 points against Golden State on Nov 10 to become the fifth-youngest player in NBA history to score 45-plus points. However, Towns is listed as questionable because of a tailbone issue and Russell is struggling with ankle issues.

Minnesota returns home off an 0-2 road trip, falling 115-107 at Washington, before then dropping a 110-105 decision at Brooklyn on Friday, while a date on the road is just what the doctor ordered for the Hawks, who have won three in a row away from friendly confines, while averaging 123.3 PPG. With Minnesota's best player (Towns) either out due to injury, or playing and not at 100 percent health, I like the Hawks to bounce back in this favorable spot.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Was Wizrads at 6:10 ET.

The Wizards opened the season on Oct 20 with a defensive-minded 98-83 victory over the host Raptors, who got their revenge at Washington with a 109-100 win on Nov 3. The teams meet again Sunday in Toronto, with Wizards checking in at 14-9 and the Raptors struggling at 10-13. The Wizards are coming off a 116-101 home loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, while the Raptors haven't played since Thursday, when they beat Milwaukee 97-393 in Toronto, as the Bucks olayed without some guy named Giannis Antetokounmpo (funny name, I wonder if he's any good?).

The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season. Guards Beal (22.3-5.0-5.9) and Dinwiddie (13.7-5.0-5.4) are the 'heart' of the team but a trio I like to call "Lakers-East," have been MAJOR additions. PF Harrell (16.2 & 8.1), SF Kuzma (13.0 & 8.7) and swingman Caldwell-Pope (10.8) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.1 & 5.9.

Toronto went 58-24 in the 2018-19 season (.707) and went on to win the franchise's lone NBA title led by Kawhi. Kawhi 'flew the coop' before the 2019-20 season but the Raptors had even a better regular season record, going 53-19 (.736). However, the Raptors couldn't replicate their postseason success. Last season, Toronto tumbled to a 27-45 record. OG Anunoby has blossomed this season, averaging 20.1 & 5.5 but a hip pointer has him sidelined plus center Khem Birch (6.9 & 5.4) is dealing with a knee issue. PG VanVleet (20.3-5.2-6.2) is a true All Star, as is PF Siakam (18.1 & 7.2), who is back after beginning the season injured. SG Trent (16.9) has been a valuable addition plus rookie Barnes (Florida) has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 15.3 & 8.1.

Playing at home has been anything but an advantage for the Raptors, as their win over Milwaukee snapped a five-game honme losing streak and Toronto checks in just 3-8 SU at home this season. That's not a good situation when a team needs to win in order to cover. Toronto is banged up and ripe for the picking by a Washington team looking to (needing to?) to bounce back from a Friday night shellacking at home buy the red-hot Cavs (when's the last timw anyone reffered to the Cavs as being red-hot?).

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Non-Confrerence Game of the Month is on Oklahoma St at 5:00 ET.

The 6-1 Xavier Musketeers are looking to reclaim a spot in the top-25 (after back-to-back wins), when they visit 6-2 Oklahoma State (coming off a loss at home against Wichita State on Wednesday) on Sunday in Stillwater as part of the Big East-Big 12 Battle.

Xavier head coach Travis Steele is badly in need of a 20-win season. He took over from Chris Mack (23.9 wins per season with NINE straight Big Dance bids), who took over from Sean Miller (24 wins per season and NCAA bids in his last four seasons of his five-year stint). The Musketeers entehavingred the season having won just 51 games (17 per) in Steele's first three seasons, without an NCAA bid. Guard Scruggs (11.0-3.7-4.3) is only back because COVID gave him an extra year of eligibility but fellow guard Jones has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 12.0 & 9.3, after chipping in a modest 7.7 & 4.8 last year. Nate Johnson averages a team-high 14.6 points and he's been on a roll the last two games with a combined 54 points on 12-of-19 shooting from three-point range. The team's top frontcourt players are the 7-0 Nunge (11.1 & 7.7) and the 6-8 Hunter (5.8 & 6.7).

Mike Boynton's fourth season at Stillwater was last year and led by Cade Cunningham (20.1 & 6.2), the Cowboys went 21-9 and made it to the NCAA's second round. However, Cunningham was the NBA's overall No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft. That said, the Cowboys return a solid group plus welcomes Kansas transfer Thompson and Memphis transfer Cisse to the fold. No player is averaging in double digits but OSU has balanced scoring and depth! Kansas transfer Thompson leads the team in scoring at 9.8 PPG, joined on the perimeter by returning guards Anderson (9.3), Boone (9.3), Williams (8.5) and Likekele (7.1 & 6.0). The 6-10 Cisse (6.9 & 5.9) joins the returning 6-7 Moncrieffe (6.1 & 6.3) up front.

This will be Xavier's first true road game, after two neutral site games resulted in an 82-70 loss to Iowa St and a 59-58 win over Va Tech. I forecast a comfortable win here by the home team. Lay the 'short' price!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* ACC Game of the Week is on Ga Tech at 3:00 ET.

North Carolina's first-year head coach Hubert Davis and his players took exception to criticism following a pair of defeats to top programs in Purdue and Tennessee the weekend before Thanksgiving. The Tar Heels responded with their best effort of the young season, routing No. 24 Michigan 72-51 on Wednesday in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. They now travel to Atlanta for their ACC openers against the Ga Tech Yellow Jackets, who enter Sunday's game off a 70-66 home loss Wednesday night against No. 23 Wisconsin in their ACC/Big Ten Challenge game. Both schools come in 5-2.

North Carolina has a frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (15.0 & 7.4), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (14.0 & 6.1) and Marquette transfer Garcia (11.1 & 6.1). Sophomore guard Love (16.1-3.7-4.1) teams with freshman Davis (13.0-3.9-3.6) and Walton (5.7) in the backcourt. "feel like we took a step in the right direction," said Armando Bacot, who had 11 points and 14 rebounds against Michigan. "I mean, we were all just pretty upset and really (ticked) off about it. And just some of the things that were said about us as a team, we didn't like it at all." Caleb Love scored a game-high 22 points against Michigan and Marquette transfer Dawson Garcia added 14. 

Josh Pastner (of Memphis fame) led Ga Tech Yellow Jackets to a 17-9 record and their first ACC tourney championship since 1993 last season. Ga Tech lost ACC player of the year Wright (14 & 8.0) and PG Alvarado (15.2-3.5-4.1) but this season features a guard trio of Devoe (25.0-5.7-4.3), Usher (14.3 & 7.7) and freshman Coleman (6.9) plus 6-10 center Howard (8.6 & 7.0). Also chipping in are guards Smith (7.8 & 4.3) and Sturdivant (6.4). Ga Tech played Wisconsin right to the wire and the defeat couldn't be blamed on Michael Devoe, the ACC's leading scorer (see above), who pumped in a game-high 33 points on 11-of-20 shooting. He making 56.5 percent from the floor and 59.0 percent on three-pointers.

This has all the makings of a classic letdown spot for the visiting side after its big win last time out. Conversely, the Yellow Jackets flirted with a near-upset of their own, only to be denied late in the game. I'm grabbing the points, noting that North Carolina comes in just 1-6 ATS on the season!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET.

The Sacramento Kings fired Luke Walton after a 6-11 start, ending, at least for now, his legendary 166-241 (.408) record as an NBA head coach. However, I'm sure there will be many opportunities for him down the road. The Kings have shown some 'life' and progress since being led by interim head coach Alvin Gentry, going 3-3. The LA Clippers have been without Kawhi up until now and may be without him all season. They visit Sacramento just 12-11, after beating the Lakers Friday night in Staples Center.

The Clippers played the Lakers for the first time this season on Friday night and came away with a 119-115 win to end a season-long three-game losing streak. SIX players reached double digits, with PG (25.6-7.3-5.3) just missing a triple-double with 19-8-9 and Kennard (10.4) matching him with 19 points. Kennard has played all 23 games this season (zero starts), as have PG Jackson (17.3 & 4.0 APG), center Zubac (10.2 & 8.1) and SG Bledsoe (9.7-4.1-3.4), while George has missed just one game. The Clippers had one of their most balanced scoring games of the season against the Lakers, as six players scored between 11 and 21 points. "Seeing us tonight, that's how we got to play," Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said. "That's the blueprint right there." However, Paul George rolled his ankle against the Lakers after initially injuring it against the Warriors but said he's hopeful to play against the Kings (??).

I've been saying the same thing for the last two seasons, the Kings have way more talent than their record indicates. Maybe Gentry, whom players like, can get the most out of these perennial underachievers. pG Fox (20.3 & 5.5) is joined on the perimeter by fellow starter Haliburton (1.5 & 5.5 APG) and Hield (16.2 & 4.3), who seems fine coming off the bench these days. Undersized center Holmes (15.2 & 9.8) has developed into a quality big manSF Barnes (19.0 & 7.2) has been terrific since arriving in Sacramento a few years ago. The Kings would get a major boost with the return of Barnes, who has missed the past four games because of a sprained right foot. He's questionable against the Clippers.

The Clippers win last night snapped a three-game slide, which included 124-115 loss in Los Angeles against these very same Kings. Beating the Clippers in back-to-back games would be a MAJOR step in the right direction for Sacramento and Gentry. The Kings won two of their first three under Gentry, including a wild triple-overtime win at the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov 26, when the lead changed 23 times. However, Sacramento didn't come near that performance in its next two games, losing by 27 points at the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday and by 25 at the Lakers on Tuesday. That bounce-back win 24 hours later against the Clippers was VERY welcoming. Another "W" here would be HUGE. 

Haliburton, for one, said he appreciates Gentry's hands-off style. "Coach Gentry has done a good job in letting the players kind of have a lot to say," he said. "He comes in and we're already talking and having that conversation, and he just lets us go." I'm "all over" the Kings in this one! Expect a double-digit win.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late Breaker is on Iowa St at 9:30 ET.

No. 19 Iowa State checks in at 7-0, as it takes on 7-1 Creighton in a Big East/Big 12 matchup at Omaha. The matchup also features the first meeting between Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott and Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger. The latter served on McDermott's Cyclones staff from 2006-10 when Iowa State went 59-68 during McDermott's tenure as head coach.

Creighton owns a rich basketball tradition but the last two seasons have been pretty special for Doug McDermott's team. The Bluejays won their first-ever Big East title in the 2019-20 season, only to see COVID shutdown the postseason. Then, Creighton spent all season in the top-25 and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1974 (finished 22-9). At 7-1, Creighton is off to its best start since winning its first 13 games in the 2016-17 campaign. As for Otzelberger, he has quickly changed the Cyclones' fortunes after bolting UNLV to take the Iowa State gig. Iowa St is 7-0 to open the current season, after going 2-22 last season, including 0-18 in the Big 12.

A trio of guards lead the way for Iowa St, starting with standout Izaiah Brockington, who leads the team in scoring (16.6) and rebounding (7.6). He's joined on the perimeter by Kalscheur (13.6) and Hunter (12.1). The team's frontcourt rotation is led by the 6-8 Kunc (6.7 & 4.3), the 6-9 Conditt (5.6 & 5.4) and the 6-8 Enaruna (6.0).

Creighton lost all FIVE starters from last year's team and are rebuilding this season. The starting guards are freshman Nembhard (13.0-3.8-5.3) and O'Connell (3.4 PPG last year), who is averaging 12.0 & 5.9 this season. 7-1 center Kalkbrenner returns (5.9 & 3.5 LY) and is a 'new man,' averaging 13.0 & 5.6. The 6-7 Hawkins is a Div II transfer and chips in 11.9 & 6.5 plus 6-7 freshman Kaluma adds 9.8 & 4.1.

Creighton's lone blemish this season came in a 95-81 loss to Colorado State, which knocked down 20 three-pointers in a win. That contest came as a shock, as the Bluejays have held five previous opponents to 65 or fewer points. Now, the Bluejays will be attempting to beat the Cyclones for the first time since Jan 16, 1990, in Ames. In contrast, the 7-0 Cyclones will be looking for SEVENTH straight win over Creighton. Noting that the Cyclones already own wins this season over then-No. 9 Memphis (by 19 points), then-No. 25 Xavier (12 points) and 2021 Elite Eight team Oregon State (10 points), why shouldn't I 'jump all over' the chance to take about a 'TD' with Iowa St?

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on SMU at 6:00 ET.

Vanderbilt's Jerry Stackhouse was just 20-37 in his first two seasons at Nashville, but he has this year's team off to a 5-1 start as the 'Dores visit Dallas to take on a 6-3 SMU team. The Mustangs' Tim Jankovich is just two years removed from severe sanctions that SMU faced due to none other than Larry Brown (great coach but one who knows how to leave a program in the dust!). SMU won 19 games before the 2019-20 season was shut down and then went 11-6 in a season that limited this team to 17 games because of COVID.

Vandy is led by the backcourt duo of Pippen (14.8-4.0-3.2) and Wright (14.8 & 5.3). Stackhouse got great news when Pippen decided to pull himself out of the NBA Draft and return to Nashville but bad news when the 7-0 Robbins (Minnesota grad transfer who averaged 11.7 & 6.6 LY, was sidelined by a foot injury with no timetable for a return. The 6-7 Stute (9.7 & 2.8) and guard Lawrence (8.2 & 3,2) are the team's next-best players. Vandy is NOT a deep team.

Meanwhile, SMU has returning gourds Davis (20.2-5.1-5.7) and Bandoumel (11.2), who can match Vandy's duo of Pippen and Wright. A great story is the reuniting of the Weathers' twins, who last played together at Mia-O back in the 2016-17 season. The two took different paths from there but are now 'one big family' at SMU. Marcus is averaging 11.3 & 6.7, while Michael adds 7.6 & 4.3. Fellow guard Nutall chips in 7.9 PPG plus the 6-10 Clark is a Baylor transfer. He was averaging 14.6 & 6.4 in the 2018-19 season before a serious knee injury forced him to the sidelines. This his last hurrah and he's adding 7.0 & 4.1 in 19 minutes.

I really like this SMU team and note the Mustangs are 6-0 at home, winning by an average of 20.5 PPG. This is just Vandy's second road game and in the team's first, it got a struggling Pittsburgh that the 'Dores beat 68-52. The 'test' will be much tougher here and my P/F grade for "The Harvard of the SEC" is an "F!". Lay the short points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on Missouri St at 4:00 ET.

BYU and Missouri State will come into their Saturday meeting in Springfield, Mo with each team coming off OT losses on Wednesday. The Cougars moved into the top-25 after a 6-0 start that included a nice win in Salt Lake City over Utah but were upset at neighboring Utah Valley St, 72-65 in overtime, dropping their first game of the season to fall to 6-1. Meanwhile in Normal, Illinois, the Bears (4-3) opened their Missouri Valley Conference schedule with a disappointing 79-74 overtime setback at Illinois State.

Mark Pope is in just his third season at BYU but has delivered a 44-15 two-year mark, including 20-7 last season. BYU got off to its best start under Pope, beating four NCAA Tournament teams from a season ago, Cleveland State, San Diego State, Oregon and Texas Southern. The Cougars did not begin the season ranked but moved to No. 18 in the AP poll, before rising to No. 12 (after the Utah win), the school's highest ranking this far into the season in 40 years. BYU lost guard Averette (11.7 PPG / 2nd-leading scorer) and the 7-3 Haarms (11.3 & 5.0) but got the unexpected return of guard Parcello (16.1-4.7-4.2 LY). He leads in scoring at 18.3 PPG and is surrounded by a 'deep' cast. Guard Lucas (10.1 & 5.0 APG) is the only other double-digit scorer but fellow guards Johnson (9.0 & 3.1) and Traore (6.8 & 6.5) are solid contributors. Up front, there are the 6-9 Baxter (7.6 & 3.4), the 6-8 Lohner (7.0 & 67.7) and the 6-6 George (5.7 & 7.0). George was sidelined because of a non-COVID illness vs Utah Valley St and then Baxter tore an anterior cruciate ligament.in the first half and is now out for the season.

Dana Ford is in his fourth season at Missouri St and led the Bears to a 17-7 record plus had all FIVE starters coming back. The 6-9 Prim (19.5) was the first-ever Missouri St player to lead the MVC in scoring and this season is averaging 20.0 PPG plus a team-high 10.6 RPG. The 6-8 Clay (8.7 & 4.7) joins him in the frontcourt. Mosley (18.3 & 5.1) leads a backcourt that also includes returning players Black (8.4), Hervey (6.2) and Sharp (5.4). The 6-8 Minnett is a Valpo grad transfer, and the swingman adds 12.8 PPG. Sharp will be unavailable due to a leg injury but besides that, Missouri St is "good to go."

Missouri St has underachieved so far, and I believe BYU is somewhat overrated and that was BEFORE the Cougars saw George sidelined with an illness and Baxter was lost for the season. I believe the WRONG team is favored in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Cle Cavs at 7:10 ET.

Two teams that were expected to struggle this season, but which have done better than projected to this point, collide on Friday night when the 12-10 Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Verizon Center for a game with 14-8 Washington Wizards. These teams met back on Nov. 10 in Cleveland, with the Wizards winning 97-94.

Talk about quick turnarounds! LBJ bolted Cleveland for a second time after the 2017-18 season and the Cavs entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the previous three seasons. However, the Cavaliers posted their third straight lopsided victory with a 111-85 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday and will try to match a season-high four-game winning streak tonight in D.C. The Cavs continue to play well despite losing standout guard Sexton (16.0) for the season due to a knee injury. PG Garland (18.5 & 7.2 APG) has been terrific plus the Cavs have found themselves quite a frontcourt. 6-10 center Allen leads the group in scoring (16.3) and rebounding (11.3) Then the Cavs have the 6-11 Mobley, the third pick of last year's draft, averaging 14.5 & 8.2), while the 6-11 Markkannen, formerly with the Bulls, is adding 14.5 & 6.2. Guard Okoro (7.9 & 4.2) has been starting lately in Sexton's place but picking up vet PG Rubio ahs been HUGE, as he has played in ALL 22 games, averaging 13.8-4.0-6.3. Formerr All Star Love is now more of a role player but he's a pretty good one, averaging 11.1 & 7.5.

The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season. Guards Beal (22.7-5.1-6.2) and Dinwiddie (14.1-5.2-5.5) are the 'heart' of the team but a trio I like to call "Lakers-East," have been MAJOR additions. PF Harrell (16.6 & 8.1), SF Kuzma (13.0 & 8.9) and swingman Caldwell-Pope (11.2) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.3 & 5.9.

A couple points of interest in this one. The Cavs are an impressive 15-7 ATS, while the Wizards are a more modest 12-10. I noted that the Cavs enter on a three-game winning streak (they are also on a 5-game ATS run) and they've allowed just 91.0 points in their three-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Wizards have allowed 112.3 PPG over their last three games. Jarrett Allen followed up a career-high 28-point, 14-rebound performance in Cleveland's 114-96 win in Dallas on Monday and then with his fifth straight double-double (19 & 11) two nights later in Wednesday's win in Miami. Mobley scored 15 of his 17 points in the third quarter versus the Heat and finished with 11 rebounds, as the Cavaliers moved to 9-2 in the last 11 games played with Mobley in the lineup. Love the way the Cavs are playing. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Pac 12 Game of the Month is on Oregon St at 10:30 ET.

Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle came from Montana to take over at Oregon St in the 2014-15 season. His overall record entering this season was just 113-109 but he did lead last year's team to the Pac 12 tourney championship and all the way to the Elite 8. Cal head coach Mark Fox is in his third season, entering the current season with a 23-38 record, including a 9-20 record (3-17 in the Pac 12). Cal began 0-2 but has gone 3-2 to enter its Pac 12 opener 3-4.

Getting back to the 1-6 Beavers, they are in danger of going from reaching the Elite Eight last season to having an eight-game losing streak if the Beavers lose to Cal and to No. 11 Arizona on Sunday to start the Pac-12 season. Oregon St won its season-opener over Portland St but enters this contest on a SIX-game losing streak (1-5 ATS). Tisdale lost his top scorer in Thompson (15.7 & 4.0) plus starting yard Reichle (7.2) but returned SIX of his top-eight scorers. The 6-8 Alatishe (10.9 & 7.0), the 6-10 Calloo (8.5 & 4.5) are the best frontcourt players, joined by guards Lucas (10.4), Davis (6.5-4.2-3.3) and Hunt (4.9-3.0-2.7).

Matt Bradley took his 18 points and 4.6 rebounds per game with him when he transferred to San Diego St after last season but Cal has two 6-9 frontcourt players off to good starts in Kelly (16.1 & 9.0) and Anticevich (11.6 & 6.0). Shepherd leads with 13.1 PPG on the perimeter. Cal lost consecutive games last week in the Fort Myers (Fl) Tip-Off Classic against Florida and Seton Hall before returning home to beat previously unbeaten Fresno State 65-57 on Sunday.

The Beavers are most recently coming off a 60-45 defeat to Penn State. However, previous to that blowout loss, Oregon St lost by one point, and then by three in overtime. I like head coach Tinkle. who is a master at tinkering his line-ups and I think he'll start to create the same magic which saw his team make a deep tournament run last season. Oregon State has gone 4-1 ATS the last five in this series and tonight make it 5-1 with an outright win!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Big10/ACC Challenge Game of the Year is on Ga Tech at 9:15 ET.

Wisconsin won three straight games to claim the Maui Invitational in Las Vegas last week by defeating Texas A&M, then-No. 12 Houston before posting a 61-55 over St. Mary's in the title game. The 5-1 Badgers entered the new AP poll Monday at No. 23 and will take that ranking to Atlanta to face 5-1 Ga Tech in a Big Ten/ACC Challenge contest on Wednesday.

Wisconsin featured four, 5th-year seniors and three regular seniors alst season but of the 14 scholarship players this season, 10 are classified as freshmen for eligibility purposes. Guard Davison began the season with 124 career starts and is averaging 13.3 & 5.0. The great news for Wisconsin fans is, fellow guard Davis (7.0 & 4.1 LY) is averaging 20.2 & 5.6 this season. Also back, after limited playing time last season, are the 6-9 Wahl (9.3 & 5.0) and the 7-0 Crowl (9.2 & 5.2).

Josh Pastner (of Memphis fame) led Ga Tech Yellow Jackets to a 17-9 record and their first ACC tourney championship since 1993. Ga Tech lost ACC player of the year Wright (14 & 8.0) and PG Alvarado (15.2-3.5-4.1) but this season features a guard trio of Devoe (23.4-5.6-5.0), Usher (15.8 & 8.7) and freshman Coleman (7.7) plus 6-10 center Howard (8.5 & 7.3). Also chipping in are guards Smith (7.6) and Sturdivant (7.5).

No one will be surprised if Wisconsin makes it 22 NCAA appearances in the last 23 years this season but this is a tough spot for the Badgers, playing on the road against a team that is frankly, the defending ACC tourney champs. After losing its season opener at home to Miami-Oh (72-69), Ga Tech has won FIVE in a row and tonight is a home dog. Bow Wow! 

Good luck...Larry

The 2nd play of my STP is an 8* on North Carolina at 9:15 ET.

No. 24 Michigan opened the season No. 6 in the AP's preseason poll and North Carolina was ranked 19th. Both are 4-2 and while Michigan barely remained in the latest AP poll (Monday) at No.24, the Tar Heels welcome the Wolverines to Chapel Hill's "Dean Dome" unranked under first-year head coach Hubert Davis. North Carolina has not played since Nov 23rd and Michigan since Nov 24th, so both schools have had some extra time to prepare for their matchup in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.

Michigan played four games in nine nights prior to the break in the schedule, falling to two teams now ranked in the top-25. First came a two-point home loss to Seton Hall and then a 82-60 loss to Arizona in Las Vegas. "To get away from the game and be able to enjoy your family," Michigan coach Juwan Howard said of the gap in the schedule. "To reset the mind because they need it." Guar Brooks (15.7) leads in scoring, joined in double digits by 7-0 center Dickinson (14.8 & 8.2). Freshman forwards Houston (8.8 & 4.2) and Diabate (7.7 & 5.7) plus PG Jones (7.2-5.8-4.0) round out the core of the team.

North Carolina's Hubert Davis said the plan for his team during the layoff was to bond on and off the court. "We're going to practice a lot. We're going to get better," Davis said. "I'm excited about this (time) to get better as a team. North Carolina has a frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (15.7 & 8.7), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (14.8 & 6.3) and Marquette transfer Garcia (10.7 & 6.5). Sophomore guard Love (15.2-3.7-4.2) teams with freshman Davis (13.7 & 4.0 APG) and Walton (6.7) in the backcourt.

I believe Michigan has been overrated since the start and this marks its first true road game of the season. Michigan has struggled against the two skilled teams it has already this season and I expect that to continue here in this difficult road venue. "We were not a team," forward Manek said of the current situation at North Carolina. "We did not play as a team. ... We have to fix whatever is wrong. Everybody is down on us. We're down on ourselves. We have to get out of this hole that we dug for ourselves." Manek said the Tar Heels can't waste any time snapping out of the doldrums with the Wolverines in town. He's right about that and I believe this team has the talent to grab the win, plus we get some 'bonus' points. Take them.

Good luck...Larry

The 3rd play of my STP is an 8* on Miami-Fl at 9:15 ET.

The 4-3 Miami Florida Hurricanes come to 'Happy Valley" to take on the 4-2 Penn St Nittany Lions. Miami is led by the guard trio of McGusty (17.6 & 7.1), Wong (15.6) and Moore (10.7) but hasn't gotten much production from the 6-9  Walker (6.9 & 2.3) or the 6-10 Waardenburg (6.1 & 3.9) up front. Penn St is led by the 6-6 Lundy (15.3 & 5.7), who is getting help in the frontcourt by the 6-9 Harrar (9.7 & 10.8. A guard trio of Sessoms (15.3-5.2-3.5), Pickett (10.5-4.0-4.7) and Dread (6.2) round out Penn St's main contributors.

I wouldn't argue with anyone who said Penn St may be the better team but Miami is 6-2 ATS in its last eight road games vs a team with a winning home record (Penn St is 3-0 at home). More notably, I like the head coaching edge Miami owns with Jim Larranaga  over Penn St's Micah Strewsberry. Larranaga has led the Hurricanes to six, 20-win seasons in his 10 years, to all three of the school's 25-win seasons and two of the school's three Sweet 16 appearances. I could also throw him leading unheralded George Mason to a Final 4 appearance back in 2006. Meanwhile, this is Strewsberry's first head coaching gig at a Division I school. Take the points!

Good luck...Larry

The 1st play of my STP is on Oklahoma at 8:00 ET.

Mike White's Florida Gators are 6-0, off to the school's best record since 2012 (5-1 ATS). Still, White is looking to put more emphasis on cutting down turnovers and attacking the defensive glass. Maybe he should be complaining less, as the Gators are ranked higher than they've been since the 2019 preseason at No. 14. It also marks Florida's highest in-season ranking since December 2017. Porter Moser (of Loyola-Chicago fame) is in his first season at Norman and he has the Sooners off to a 6-1 start, with the team's lone loss coming 73-70 to Utah St in the championship game of the Myrtle Beach Invitational.

The Gators have won by an average of more than 21 points per game with a balanced lineup that features FIVE players averaging in double figures scoring, led by the 6-11 Colin Castleton's 14.8 PPG, who also leads in rebounding at 10.0 per game. He's joined up front by the 6-7 Duruji (10.2 & 4.8) plus a trio of guards in Jones (11.8), Appleby (11.3) and Fleming (11.0).

The Sooners' starting-five has been good, led by the 6-10 Tanner Groves (14.9 & 6.1, who gets some help up front from the 6-6 Hill (8.6 & 6.7). Like Florida, Oklahoma has a pretty solid troio of guards in Gibson (11.3), Goldwiree (9.6 & 4.3) and Harkless (8.3 & 5.1). Moser is hoping to build some depth by bringing along a trio of freshmen like Alston Mason, Bijan Cortes and C.J. Noland. So far, that trio has been 'quiet.' However, the Sooners got a significant contribution -- a season-high 12 points in 15 minutes -- from one of their more experienced bench players, 6-9 SMU transfer Ethan Chargois (5.4 & 2.6) in Saturday's win.

The time seems "just right" for the Gators' first loss of the season. The Lloyd Noble Center has always been a tough venue for visiting teams, and Porter is a quality coach getting his first shot with a so-called Power-5 school. Great price here on the homestanding Sooners.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division (Atlantic) Game of the Month is on the Phi 76ers at 7:40 ET.

Both the 76ers and Celtics have opened 11-10 and meet for the first time this season in Boston on Wednesday night. Philadelphia began its season with eight wins in 10 games before dropping eight of its next 11 amid a COVID-19 outbreak (more later). Boston has a new head coach this year (Ime Udoka) and opened just 2-5 but are now, like Philly, 11-10 on the season.

The 76ers' 101-96 win over Orlando on Monday snapped the team's two-game skid and the best news is that the team is back healthy. Seth Curry (16.2) led the way with 24 points while PF Tobias Harris (20.1 & 8.4) added 17 with nine rebounds and center Joel Embiid (22.8 & 10.3) contributed 16 & 13. Embiid has missed 10 games and Harris eight but both are AOK at the moment. Guard Maxey has played all 21 games and has averaged 18.0 & 5.0 APG. Milton (11.6), Niang (11.2) and Korkmaz (9.7) have mostly been used off the bench, adding excellent depth.

Boston played without guard Dennis Schroder (17.1-4.0-4.9) and center Robert Williams III (9.4 & 9.6) in its 109-97 win at Toronto on Sunday. Schroder was sidelined with a right ankle sprain while Williams sat out with a non-COVID-19 illness. All-Star Jaylen Brown (22.4 & 5.3) was a game-time decision as the team continued to manage his return from a hamstring injury. Brown played 27 minutes and scored 16 points. Tatum (24.3 & 8.5) has played in all 21 games and Horford is back in Boston, averaging 12.5 & 8.3 (he's missed just three games). Smart (11.2-4.1-5.7) has been Schroder's backcourt partner and Josh Richardson is adding 9.5 PPG, after scoring 18 points in Boston's latest game (he had missed three games with a non-COVID-19 illness).

Boston has struggled to shoot the ball this season, hitting 43.5 percent from the floor (24th), including only 32.6 percent on three-pointers (25th). As noted above, this the first of four meetings between Philadelphia and Boston and I'll add that the 76ers swept the three-game series between the teams last season. New season, same result!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on Syracuse at 7:00 ET.

3-3 Syracuse returns home to face 6-0 Indiana on Tuesday night in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. The Orange lost two of three games at the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament in the Bahamas and have given up 80 or more points in THREE of six games this season. Where's that famous Boeheim "2-3 Zone?" While Boeheim has been at Syracuse since 'FOREVER,' Indiana is led by first-year coach Mike Woodson, who has the team off to an undefeated start.

The Hoosiers have used a six-man rotation (all players averaging 22-plus MPG), led by the 6-9 Jackson-Davis (20.5 & 7.7) and Xavier transfer Johnson, who adds 11.8-3.8-3.8 as the team's PG. No other player is in double digits, The other four contributors are the 6-8 Thompson (8.7 & 8.0), 6-7 Northwestern transfer Kupp (7.2), freshman guard Bates (7.0) and guard Stewart (6.9).

Boeheim's team is led by his son Buddy, who is averaging 20.0 PPG as the team's SG. His backcourt partner Girard (13.8-3.2-4.7) returns at PG but two key transfers have made immediate impacts. Swider, a 6-9 transfer from Villanova, is averaging 12.5 & 6.8 plus Boeheim's oldest son Jimmy (a 6-8 graduate transfer from Cornell), is adding 12.3 & 6.7. The 6-11 Edwards returns up front and chips in 11.8 & 5.3.

Here's the deal. Indiana is off to a 6-0 start but this is the team's first road game, while Syracuse is more battle-tested and is a MUCH better team than its 3-3 record indicates. For history Buffs, this Indiana-Syracuse game is a rematch of the 1987 national title game, which the Hoosiers won 74-73 on a last-second Keith Smart shot. However, Syracuse has won five straight against Indiana since, including in the Sweet 16 of the 2013 NCAA Tournament. Wrong team is favored in this one!

Good luck...Larry

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

Minnesota saw a 9-1 start to its 2020-21 season (No. 21 in the AP poll) fall apart by losing 14 of its final 19 games to finish 14-15, That was enough to end Richard Pitino's 8-year run at Minnesota, as Ben Jonhson takes over (first head coaching gig). Johnson was hired and there was a mass exodus at Minnesota, as players transferred right and left (NONE of last year's starters are back!). Most notably, Minnesota lost (to Texas) one of last season's best backcourt players in Carr (19.4-4.0-4.9), and was picked to finish last in the Big Ten. However, Minnesota is off to a 5-0 start.

The Pitt Panthers have been ravaged by transfers, injuries and other issues over the last year. Jeff Capel has had a tough start at Pitt (40-48) and prepared for the season without his top three scorers from a year ago (one moved on to the NBA and two transferred to other programs). The Panthers then lost their fourth- and fifth-leading scorers from last season due to a suspension and an ACL tear, respectively. The Panthers welcome Minnesota to town for this ACC-Big Ten Challenge contest at 2-4.

The Golden Gophers are led by 6-7 George Wasghington transfer Battle (17.8 & 6.2) and College of Charleston transfer, guard Willis (16.6-5.6-3.4). Guards Stephens (11.4 & 3.8) and New Hamphire transfer Sutherlin (10.2 & 4.4) plus 6-9 SF Austin transfer Curry (7.0 & 6.8) join Battle and Willis to give Minnesota a whole new look this season.

The Panthers are led by the 6-9 John Hugley (14.3 & 7.2) and 6-5 gaurd Femi Odukale (13.2-3.8-3.5). Freshman Nate Santos (7.2 & 4.3) is off to a solid start plus senior guard Burton (8.5) and 6-7 sophomore Jeffress adds 6.5 & 6.3. All of Pitt's four defeats have come by double figures, including an 87-77 loss to UMBC over the weekend. However, the 77 points were a season-high for the etam. Head coach Jeff Capel afterward, "I thought we did some good things. For us to score 77 points, for us to make 11 threes. I thought that was good for us. So hopefully we can carry over and have some confidence."

I'm with Jeff. I believe Pittsburgh cand and WILL play better and expect a win here against an overrtaed Minnesota team playings its first true road game of the season.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cha Hornets at 8:10 ET

The Charlotte Hornets were 33-39 last season and the Chicago Bulls were 31-41. The two teams meet for the first time this season with the Hornets coming to Chicago with a 13-9 record and the Bulls checking in at 13-8. Charlotte had won EIGHT of nine before falling 146-143 in overtime at cellar-dwelling Houston on Saturday night. That was NO way to open a four-game road trip. As for Chicago, the Bulls have lost THREE of four, after Saturday's 107-104 home loss to the Miami Heat.

Charlotte is led by the outstanding trio of Bridges (20.3 & 7.4), Ball (19.4-7.9-8.0) and Hayward (17.0-4.9-3.5). Plumlee (6.8 & 7.3) started the first 20 games but is currently sidelined (right calf strain), with PJ Washintgton (9.9 & 4.3) filling in the last two (15.0 & 5.5 in his two starts!). Perimeter players Rozier (17.4-3.6-3.3) and Oubre (14.7 & 4.0) have also been regular and effective contributors.

The Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free-agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 25.8-5.2-4.1. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (25.3-5.1-3.7), Vucevic (13.4 & 11.0) and Ball (12.3-5.4-4.7). Vucevic missed time while part of the NBA's COVID-19 protocol but he returned three games ago and is just fine (12.3 & 11.3).

This contest is a "toss up" in my view and the Hornets come in on a 7-3 ATS roll, while the Bulls are 0-8 ATS in their eight SU losses this season. I 'smell' an outright win here by the Hornets and will gladly take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Month is on Virginia at 7:00 ET.

Fran McCaffrey is in his 12th season at Iowa City and he's delivered seven, 20-win seasons is his first 11. Gone are consensus National Player-of-the-Year Garza (24.1 & 8.7) and Wieskamp (14.8 & 6.6) but the Hawkeyes have opened 6-0 by averaging 97.2 PPG, tops in the nation. Tony Bennett's, UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. Gone from last year's team are big big men Hauser (16.0 & 6.8) and Huff (13.0 & 7.1) plus guard Murphy (11.3). UVA has opened 5-2 as it gets set to host Iowa as part of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge.

The 6-8 Murray twins (Keegan and Kris) were freshmen last season at Iowa. Keegan gained playing time as the year wound down but Kris was lost in the shuffle. This season, Keegan leads the nation in scoring (25.7 PPG), while adding 8.8 RPG. His brother Kris comes off the bench to chip in 12.8 & 6.8. Returning players like the 6-9 Patrick McCaffrey is averaging 12.5 PPG and returning guard Bohannon adds 10.0 PPG. 6-7 freshman Sandfort (9.7) and sophomore guard Perkins (9.0) round out the main contributors.

The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark (10.3 & 3.9 APG). Guard Beekman (6.7-3.7-2.9) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (6.6 & 6.3), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner (13.4 & 8.3) comes from East Carolina and guard Franklin (13.0) comes via Indiana. As always, Bennett's team is one of the nation's best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 53.6 PPG (4th).

Of course, one can't ignore that Iowa is averaging about five 'TDs' more per game than UVA (97.2-to-61.4) but it's rare that UVA doesn't control the flow of a game playing here at John Paul Jones  Arena. Iowa's gaudy numbers have been rolled up exclusively at home and against teams such as North Carolina Central and Portland State but now plays on the road for the FIRST time this season. What's more, Iowa could be peeking ahead to opening its Big Ten schedule in its next two games vs No. 3 Purdue and No. 14 Illinois.

Patrick McCaffery, the son of coach Fran McCaffery, says Iowa is eager for the challenge to face tough competition. "You love the increased competition," he said. "I'm ready and I've got a lot of dogs in the locker room who are ready." My response? Be careful what you wish for. The 'dogs' playing at UVA may reply, as a tribute to John Paul Jones, "I (we) have not yet begun to fight!" A closing note of interest. The Hawkeyes have struggled in this spot for bettors, going 0-8 ATS in their last eight road games following three or more consecutive home contests

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division (Central) Game of the Month is on the Ind Pacers at 5:10 ET.

The reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks carry a six-game winning streak into Indianapolis for a Sunday matchup with the Indiana Pacers. The Bucks got off to just a 6-8 start, before beginning their current winning run Nov 17. That gives them a 12-8 mark but no one is off to a blazing start in the East (like the 17-2 Warriors and 17-3 Suns out West), as the Nets lead the East at 14-6, just TWO games better than Milwaukee. The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. The Pacers opened 1-6 and were just 6-11 thru Nov 19 but do enter this contest having won THREE of four (lone loss was in OT vs the Lakers).

The Bucks had some health and injury issues early on but are in pretty good shape right now. Naturally, the Bucks are led by Giannis Antetokounmpo (winner of the MVP award the two previous seasons), whose line reads 27.1-11.7-6.0. However, FIVE more players are averaging in double digits. That group includes Middleton (17.1-5.2-4.8), Portis (15.4 & 8.5), Holiday (14.2-4.4-5.6), Allen (14.2) and Connaughton (12.1 & 5.1). Nwora (8.0) and Hill (7.4) are also reliable contributors.

The Pacers have All Star quality players in PG Brogdon (20.7-6.0-6.2) and PF Sabonis (18.0 & 11.5) plus a deep supporting cast. That list includes guards LaVert (14.2) and rookie Duarte (13.3 & 4.3) plus center Turner (12.9 & 7.6). Playing mostly in reserve roles, swingman Holiday (9.6) plus guards McConnell (8.7 & 5.2 APG) and Lamb (7.7) are effective contributors.

In their three wins over the last four games, the Pacers limited New Orleans, Chicago and Toronto to 94, 77 and 97 points, respectively. Indiana complemented its tough defensive play in Friday's 114-97 win over Toronto with balanced scoring. SEVEN Pacers scored in double-figures, including three off the bench: Kelan Martin with 15 points, Chris Duarte with 12 and Torrey Craig with 11. Caris LeVert scored 19 points, his most since returning to the lineup on Nov 13. Domantas Sabonis led the way with 23 points, and with 18 rebounds in his 15th double-double of the season.

This Indiana is WAAAY better than its record and a home win over the Bucks would be a much-needed confidence-builder. Yes, the Bucks have won six straight (just 3-3 ATS) but it's hard to ignore that Milwaukee is more than 10 points per game off of its NBA-leading scoring average of a season ago. The Bucks are averaging 109.5 PPG this season, down from 120.1 last season. I'm taking the home dog.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Late Breaker is on BYU at 9:30 ET.

When the 5-0 BYU Cougars and the 5-0 Utah Utes take to the court at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday night, it will mark the first time since the 1912-13 season where both rivals come in undefeated and with at least five wins. Other than that, it's "just another game!"

Mark Pope is in just his third season at BYU but has delivered a 44-15 two-year mark, including 20-7 last season. However, BYU is off to its best start under Pope, having already beaten four NCAA Tournament teams from a season ago, Cleveland State, San Diego State, Oregon and Texas Southern. The Cougars do not begin the season ranked but are currently No. 18. Craig Smith is in his first season as Utah's head coach (had a great three-year run at Utah St in going 74-24) and has led the Utes to wins over Abilene Christian, Sacramento State, Bethune-Cookman, Boston College and Tulsa with an average margin of victory of 19.8 points. However, the Utes haven't gotten the pollsters attention, as Utah did not receive even a single vote in last Monday's poll.

BYU lost guard Averette (11.7 PPG / 2nd-leading scorer) and the 7-3 Haarms (11.3 & 5.0) but got the unexpected return of guard Parcello (16.1-4.7-4.2 LY). He leads in scoring at 18.8 PPG and is surrounded by a 'deep' cast. Guard Lucas (10.0 & 5.0 APG) is the only other double digit scorer but fellow guards Taure (9.3 & 7.0) an Johnson 8.4) are solid contributors. Up front, there is the 6-9 Baxter (7.8 & 3.6), the 6-8 Lohner (7.0 & 6.2) and the 6-6 George (6.0 & 7.4). BYU has always scored well but this year's team has allowed opponents just 58.6 PPG (38th) and only 21.0% on threes (3rd).

Utah saw its best player Timmy Allen (17.2 & 6.4) transfer to Texas but key returning players from last year's team are the 7-0 Carlson (15.4 & 7.2) and the 6-9 Battin (5.2 & 6.0). Guards Wosrster (9.2-5.0-4.2) and Anthony (6.4 & 8.6) followed Smith from Utah st plus guard Jenkins (14.6) came via UNLV and Gach, who started at Utah but moved on Minnesota, returned this year to play for Smith (he's adding 10.0 PPG). I mentioned BYU's defense but Utah plays it as well, allowing 57.2 PPG (21st) on 36.8% shooting (23rd).

BYU has had the upper hand in the hoops rivalry in recent years, winning three of the four most recent games and 14 of 19. Utah will have had nearly a week off since beating Tulsa on Sunday, while BYU is coming off of an 81-64 home win over Texas Southern on Wednesday. Utah is at home but BYU is the better team and has played MUCH better competition. Let me also note that the Cougars have dominated in this spot recently for bettors, going 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight road games vs a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. BYU is the play at this basically pick'em price.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Daydream Believer is on Rutgers at 2:00 ET.

Rutgers' Steve Pikiell led the Scarlet Knights to their first 20-win season in 37 years in the 2019-20 season but COVID forced the NCAA to cancel its postseason. Rutgers came back and while its record was a modest 16-12, the Scarlet Knights made the Big Dance for the first time since 1991 and won a first-round game against Clemson, before running into an outstanding Houston team (Final 4 bound!). Coming off its most decorated season in 30 years, the team has struggled in all five games and lost its last two. UMass is coming off an 8-7 season (greatly limited by COVID), giving head coach Matt McCall a very mediocre 46-61 record in his four years at the school. The Minutemen have opened 4-3 and will welcome Rutgers to the Mullins Center with a 4-3 record to open the current season. 

Rutgers opened 3-0 but was hardly impressive in doing so and then lost back-to-back close games 73-70 at Depaul and 53-51 at home to Lafayette. However, even if the Scarlet Knights were 5-0, there would be alarm bells. Rutgers trailed at halftime in its first four games (against Lehigh, Merrimack, NJIT and DePaul) and is averaging 63.4 PPG (304th in the nation), while shooting 24.2% on threes (346th!). The 6-6 Harper (leads in scoring (15.8) and rebounding (9.8) and is joined by double digit corers PG Baker (11.2 & 4.0 APG) and the 6-11 Omoruyi (11.4 & 7.6). Baker hurt his leg in the loss to Lafayette (three points in 26 minutes) and his status is uncertain for this one.

UMass is scoring well (81.9 PPG ranks 44th) but also allows points, giving up 79.3 PPG to rank 329th. This Atlantic 10 team is 3-0 at home after outlasting in-state rival UMass Lowell 92-81 on Wednesday, as SIX players scored in double figures, led by Javohn Garcia's 18 points. 6-10 Montana transfer Michael Steadman made his debut for the Minutemen in that game and provided 10 points and four rebounds in just 12 minutes off the bench. However, leading scorer Fernandez (15.2 PPG) missed for undisclosed reasons and his availability is up in the air, here! The 6-9 Buttrick (15.1 & 4.9) will love the help he'll get from Steadman plus a trio of guards are around even if Fernandez doesn't play. That group is CJ Kelly (12.5), Rich Kelly (11.4) and Weeks (9.4).

Here's the bottom line. "I think we're a lot better than this, obviously," Rutgers' head coach Steve Pikiell told reporters. "We lost two one-possession games. I'd like to be 5-0. That's where I thought we'd be right now, but we're not there and there's nothing you can do about the past. You only can work on what you need to do to get better in the future. We'll devour film, we'll keep working." It would be great if Baker is able to go but I believe Pikiell has "had enough" and will have his team ready for a very beatable UMass team. The fact that the Minutemen routed Penn State 81-56 on Nov 15 only serves as a stark reminder that Rutgers needs to "step up" its game. Don't forget, Rutgers knows how to pay D, allowing just 58.4 PPG (34th). That's the bet!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Missouri at 9:00 ET.

4-1 Wichita State and 3-2 Missouri are from bordering states but one could hardly call this a rivalry, as tonight's contest in Columbia, Mo will be just the FIFTH time (and second time since 1951) that the schools will meet on a basketball court. Wichita State is coming off a 74-73 victory over UNLV in the consolation game of the Roman Main Event in Las Vegas on Sunday, where teams and coaches had to be separated after the midcourt handshake. Meanwhile, Missouri is reeling from an 81-58 loss to Florida State Monday in the championship game of the Jacksonville Classic in Jacksonville, Fl.

Gregg Marshall was forced out at Wichita St (verbal and physical abuse of players) and Isaac Brown took over, leading the Shockers to a 16-6 season, where they lost in the NCAA's First Four. Gone are guard Gilbert (10.3 & 4.1 APG) and the 6-6 Wade (6.7 & 5.6), who transferred to Arkansas. However, the team has five guards and two frontcourt players in the regular rotation. Etienne scored 23 of his game-high 28 points in the second half vs UNLV and leads the team at 18.8 PPG. Joining him on the perimeter are Council (11.0), Dennis (8.0 & 6.0), Grant (7.6) and Porter (4.8 & 4.8). Up front, it's the 6-8 Udoze (7.0 & 6.0) and the 6-11 Pohto (6.2 & 2.8).

Cuonzo Martin (earlier stops at Mo. St, Tenn and Cal) is in his fifth season at Missouri, where he's led the Tigers to two NCAA tourneys, including last season. However, he lost three double-digit scorers from that team, guards Smith (14.3 & 3.8 APG) and Pinson (13.6) plus forward Tilman (12.4 & 7.3). This year's team is led by 6-7 Brown (16.0 & 7.2) plus the 6-6 DeGray (11.4 & 6.6), a UMass transfer. The perimeter has a quartet of guards all playing 29-plus minutes while chipping in between 7.2 and 9.4 PPG.

I noted above that this is just the second meeting since 1951 between the schools but that other meeting was last season, when Missouri won 72-62! First thought? Revenge for Wichita St. However, my bet says that the Tigers, coming off that embarrassing 81-58 loss to Florida State on Monday, are ready for a bounce back game here and last season's win over Wichita St provides some much-needed confidence. Home court means something here with visiting teams being forced to travel during the holiday weekend. Take the small home dog.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NBA Game of the Month is on the Ind Pacers at 8:10 ET.

The 9-10 Toronto Raptors play the 8-12 Indiana Pacers at Indianapolis on Friday night. Toronto went 58-24 in the 2018-19 season (.707) and went onto win the franchise's lone NBA title led by Kawhi. Kawhi 'flew the coop' before the 2019-20 season but the Raptors had even a better regular season record, going 53-19 (.736). However, the Raptors couldn't replicate their postseason success. Last season, Toronto tumbled to a 27-45 record. The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. As one can see by the team's current records, the 2021-22 season has not exactly gone too well for either team.

OG Anunoby has blossomed this season, averaging 20.1 & 5.5 but a hip pointer has caused him to miss FOUR straight games (he's questionable again here). Center Khem Birch (6.9 & 5.4) also did not play on Wednesday due to a knee issue. PG VanVleet (19.4-4.9-6.8) is a true All Star, as is PF Siakam (17.8 & 6.6), who is back after beginning the season injured. SG Trent (17.5) has been a valuable addition plus rookie Barnes (Florida) has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 14.8 & 8.4.

When healthy (and that's the current situation), the Pacers have All Star quality players in PG Brogdon (21.3-6.1-5.8) and PF Sabonis (17.8 & 11.2) plus a deep supporting cast. That list includes guards LaVert (13.8) and rookie Duarte (13.3 & 4.2) plus center Turner (12.7 & 7.5). Playing mostly in reserve roles, swingman Holiday (10.0) plus guards McConnell (9.0 & 5.2 APG) and Lamb (7.7) are effective contributors.

Here's the catch. This contest marks Toronto's final one of a six-game, 11-day road trip that began back in Portland on Nov 15. The Raptors have already beaten the Packers TWICE this season in late-Oct, when Indiana opened 1-6. The Pacers are hardly 'rolling' since but they have gone 7-6 since that 'ugly' start. Toronto's been good on the road but the Raptors are a poor 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 following an ATS victory. Indiana, on the other hand, is 5-1 ATS in its last six home games against teams with winning road records. What a GREAT spot for the Pacers in this one!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on Louisville at 9:30 ET.

4-0 Mississippi State and 3-1 Louisville have gotten off to good starts at home, as both hit the road for the first time this season when the two schools meet in the Bahamas Championship in Nassau on Thursday night. Both teams are led by outstanding head coaches, Ben Howland of Miss St and Chris Mack of Louisville. However, each team is coming off a disappointing 2020-21 season. Louisville was just 13-7, after the program had won 20-plus games in 18 of the previous 19 seasons, while Miss St had averaged 22.7 wins per season the previous three, before last year's 18-15 finish. Both teams have made 'heavy' use of the transfer portal.

Louisville's leading scorer is Florida transfer Locke (16.0), who is joined in the starting backcourt with Marshall transfer West (7.0) and returning swingman Davis (7.3). The 6-11 Williams (6.8 & 9.3) and the 6-8 Withers (7.5& 5.8) are both returnees but the 6-7 Cross (9.0) comes via Miami. Throw in the 6-8 Williamson's 8.3 & 6.5 numbers and Mack has PLENTY to work with in the 2021-22 season. PG Molinar (15.8-4.0-5.3) is back for Howland and is leading the way. However, fellow guard Moore (13.8) is an NC St transfer plus the 6-9 Brooks (11.5 & 7.3) comes via North Carolina and the 6-7 Jeffries (11.3 & 5.3) via Memphis.

This is the first real test for each team. A quick look shows that Miss St is allowing only 52.0 PPG (3rd) on 34.2% shooting but again, the competition has not been great. The Bulldogs are only 3-7 ATS in their last 10 neutral site games and I believe the Cards should be favored by a handful of points in this one (I took 1 1/2-points!). Expect Louisville to deliver the goods here on Thanksgiving.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Notre Dame at 11:30 ET.

Fifth place in the eight-team relocated Maui Invitational comes down to 5-1 Texas A&M and 3-1 Notre Dame on Wednesday night in Las Vegas. Both teams lost Monday but each bounce back with wins last night. The Aggies got 15 points and five steals from Quenton Jackson, marking his fifth consecutive game with at least 13 points, and held on for a 57-50 win over Butler. Texas A&M led by 12 points at halftime but by just three with 27 seconds to play. Notre Dame trailed by four twice in the first half against Division II Chaminade but used a 21-0 run over the first seven minutes of the second half to seize control of the game the Irish won 90-64.

Buzz Williams is in his third season at College Station but has gone a disappointing 24-24 in his first two. Jackson is the team's leading scorer at a modest 12.2 PPG, while the only other player in double digits is the 6-7 Henry Coleman (11.0 & 6.2), who pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds for the Aggies. Three more guards are just under double digits in Radford (9.8 & 6.0), Williams (9.8) and Gordon (8.0). Defense has so far been the key for Williams' team, as the Aggies are allowing just 58.2 PPG (35th).

Notre Dame's Mike Brey began at South Bend way back in the 200-01 season and while he's led the Irish to 12 NCAA appearances, the most recent was back in 2017. Notre Dame is off a poor 11-15 last season and this year's team is pretty much new, as four starters are gone. The 6-9 Paul Atkinson (Yale transfer) is leading Notre Dame by averaging 15.0 points and 8.5 rebounds, while getting help from guards Dane Goodwin (14.3 & 5.3), Wesley (11.0) and Ryan (10.3). A real area of concern is guard Prentiss Hubb, who led the team last season by averaging 14.6 points but is averaging only 6.3 PPG on 24.3% shooting, including 14.3% on threes. He HAS to improve, right? Joining Atkinson up front is the 6-10 Laszewski (7.8 & 11.5).

I had a free play win on St Mary's over Notre Dame on Monday but I believe the Irish match up VERY well here vs A&M. The Irish have the defense to match the Aggies, as the Irish are allowing just 59.8 PPG but Atkinson and Laszewski will be too much for A&M's 6-7 Coleman and Notre Dame's perimeter game is better and DEEPER than A&M's.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET.

The Portland Trail Blazers have made the NBA playoffs in each of the last EIGHT years, while the Sacramento Kings own a 15-year postseason drought! Other than that minor fact, it's hard to tell these two franchises apart! The Blazers are near-perfect at home (9-1) but will bring a 1-7 record with them to Sacramento, which is just 6-12 (2-7 at home) and will be playing its second game after the firing of head coach Luke Walton.

The Blazers have been led by one of the NBA's best backcourt duos for quite some time now. Lillard (21.8 & 7.9 APG) has taken over the scoring lead from backcourt partner McCollum, shaking off a poor start by scoring at least 20 points in EIGHTstraight games. McCollum (21.0-4.2-4.3) is right behind Lillard, as the duo is joined in the starting lineup by SF Powell (16.7), center Nurkic (10.8 & 11.8) and PF Covington (7.1 & 4.8). Guard Simons (11.6) plus forwards Little (8.2 & 5.4) and Nance (6.6 & 5.1) add depth off the bench.

There is NOTHING wrong with the talent Sacramneto puts out on the court, it's just the Kings can't seem to "get it right." Fox (19.9 & 5.6 APG), Haliburton (12.1 & 5.1 APG) and Hield (16.8) are a terrific guard trio plus SF Barnes (19.3 & 7.4) and undersized center Holmes (14.4 & 9.8) are quality players. Harkless is a nominal starter at PF but big men like Metu (8.7), Len (6.2 & 4.1) and Thompson (4.8 & 5.3) are gaining more playing time. Baylor rookie Mitchell (8.7) has also shown promise on the perimeter.

Here's the 'dope.' Portland's only road win came back on Nov 12 in a 104-92 victory at Houston, which owns an NBA-worst 1-16 record. Ironically, Portland's only home loss came in its season-opener, when the Kings beat the Blazers 24-121 victory. "Revenge" would be an easy call but "not so fast." Sacramento forward Harrison Barnes established career bests of 36 points and eight 3-pointers in that win and I believe Alvin Gentry can help this team to perform up to the level of its talents.

The Kings have lost EIGHT of nine (including four straight) and their first game under Gentry looked a lot like most Kings games. "I do think our confidence has been rattled a bit," Gentry said. "You do have a tendency to go through that somewhat. The one message I said from Day 1 is that the only thing and the only one that's going to rescue us from this is us. There's nobody in this league, not in the 35 years I've been in it, that has any sympathy for us. So you have to come together and you have to find a way to bail yourself out of this."

Here's the perfect spot for the Kings to earn a much-needed win. They should have some confidence from theri win at Portland but they also catch Portland on the second of a back-to-back, having won 119-100 last night at home over the Nuggets.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Vandy at 9:00 ET.

The Pitt Panthers have been ravaged by transfers, injuries and other issues over the last year.Jeff Capel has had a tough start at Piit (40-48) and prepared for the season without his top three scorers from a year ago (one moved on to the NBA and two transferred to other programs). The Panthers then lost their fourth- and fifth-leading scorers from last season due to a suspension and an ACL tear, respectively.Pitt started 0-2 but has bounced back with back-to-back wins. Jeff Capel knows Vandy head coach well, as Jerry Stackhouse, like Capel, is a "Dookie." Stackhouse has opened his career at Vandy 20-37 in his first two seasons, so this year's 3-1 start is promising

The 'Dores travel to Pittsburgh led by a backcourt duo of Wright (18.& 5.23) and Pippen (16.5 & 3.8). Wright had 28 points and Tyrin Lawrence (8.0 & 3.3) had 20 points (each set a career high in scoring), as part of a strong bounce-back effort in which Vandy responded from an ugly 48-37 loss to VCU by defeating Winthrop 77-63 on Saturday. Stackhouse got great news when Pippen decided to pull himself out of the NBA Draft and return to Nashville but bad news when the 7-0 Robbins (Minnesota grad transfer who averaged 11.7 & 6.6 Y), was sidelined by a foot injury with no timetable for a return.

The 6-9 Hughley leads Pitt in scoring (16.0) and rebounding (8.0) but guard Odukale (11.5-3.8-3.8) is the only other player in double digits. Some good news was that freshman Nate Santos (7.5 & 4.8) rose to the occasion with 14 points and eight rebounds in Friday's win over Towson.

I won't make too much of Pitt's wins over NC-Wilmington (59-51) and Towson (63-59) and the oddsmakers agree, making Vandy, a team with a 20-37 two-year record, a small road favorite. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Tourney Takedown is on Ohio St at 8:30 ET.

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

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Cle Cvs at 7:10 ET.

The Phoenix Suns used their perfect 8-0 record in the Orakndo 'bubble' two years ago, to end a 10-year playoff drought last season, finishing just ONE game behind the Utah Jazz for the best regular season record. The Suns extended their win streak to 13 games in Monday's opener of a four-game road trip with a 115-111 victory over the San Antonio Spurs and can match the third-longest win streak in franchise history with a victory tonight in Cleveland on Wednesday. The Cavaliers have been an early-season surprise but their 117-112 loss to Brookly on Sunday give them a season-high four-game losing streak.

Guards Booker (22.4-5.6-4.9) and Paul (13.9-4.0-10.3) plus center Ayton (16.0 & 12.) are the Suns' version of a "Big Three." Devin Booker had 23 in the win over the Spurs, while Ayton added 21 &14 for his sixth double-double in his last eight games. Cameron Payne added 20 points off the bench to lead six players in double figures for the Suns, who shot a blistering 51.1 percent from the floor. Obviously, the Suns are more than just their "Big Three."

Darius Garland (18.2 & 6.8 APG) scored 24 points in the loss to the Nets but was absent for an extended period after absorbing an accidental elbow to the face in the third quarter. Garland's backcourt partner Sexton (16.0) has already been lost for the season. The good news is that the Cavs' addition of veteran PG Rubio (15.1 & 6.3 APG) now looms large! The team's No. 1 pick, Evan Mobley (14.6 & 8.0) is also currently sidelined but the 7-0 Lauri Markkanen (13.9 & 6.1) collected 22 points and eight rebounds in his return from a nine-game absence due to COVID-19. Center Jarrett Allen (14.6 & 11.2) added 20 and 15, respectively, in his return from a three-game absence due to a cold.

Now we all know the Suns will eventually lose but I'm not big on trying to predict when that will happen. That said, this Cleveland team has shown some 'guts' this season. Cleveland 'hung' with the Suns in Phoenix (lost 101-92 back on Oct 30) and even though the Cavs are not 100% healthy, here's my reason for playing them here. The Cavs opened the season 0-2 SU and ATS (were underdogs in bothe contests). However, since then, the Cavs are 10-4 ATS as an underdog. The Suns may get their 14th straight win but it won't come easily. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Marquee Classic is on UCLA at 10:00 ET.

It's just a little more than seven months ago that Gonzaga eked out a 93-90 OT win over UCLA in a national semifinal contest on Jalen Suggs' 37-foot three-pointer. Gonzaga opened as the AP's preseason No. 1 and has began 5-0, while UCLA opened No. 2 and has matched the Bulldogs by starting 5-0 as well. The nation's top-two teams square off Tuesday night in the Good Sam Empire Classic in Las Vegas, making it the first game between No. 1 and No. 2 since Michigan State beat Kentucky 69-62 in the Champions Classic to open the 2019-20 season (fourth No. 1 vs No. 2 since 2016).

Gone from Gonzaga's near-perfect team last year are the 6-7 Kispert (18.6 & 5.0), PG Suggs (14.4-5.3-4.5) and guard Ayayi (12.0 & 6.9) but Mark Few's team hasn't missed a beat. The 6-10 Timme (18.8 & 5.6) and PG Nembard (7.0 & 4.8 APG) return, joined by a recruiting haul that netted Gonzaga THREE of nation's top 25 high school recruits in ESPN's rankings, including 7-footer Chet Holmgren, the top overall prospect who has been called a "unicorn." Holmgren has averaged 12.8 & 6.8. 6-7 freshman Julian Strawther is averaging 12.8 & 6.8 plus transfer Rasir Bolton (Iowa State/Penn State) is the fourth double digit scorer at 10.4. The above-mentioned are the starting-five plus 6th-man Hickman chips in 9.4. The bottom line is this; Gonazag is averaging 93.2 PPG (2nd) on 55.5% shooting (1st), while holding opponents to 59.8 PPG.

UCLA has the most-talented perimeter group in college basketball, as a trio of 6-7 players (guards/swingmen) lead the way. Juzang (19.8 & 4.2) is the top-scorer, while Jaquez and Bernard each average 15.4 PPG, plus add 7.6 and 4.8 rebounds, respectively. PG Campbell (10.8 & 4.8 APG) runs the show plus guards Singleton (9.0), Clark (6.8 & 5.2) and Watson (6.4) add incredible depth. The 6-9 Hill hurt his knee in the team's first game (return status uncertain) but 6-10 senior Johnson (4.2 & 7.0) has filled in admirably.

I guess one could make a case for either side but I just love Mick Cronin's team and I believe its OUTSTANDING perimeter game (and depth) will keep the Bruins in this game all the way. I could argue the revenge motive and it deserves a mention but more importantly, I think this Bruins team has an eerily similar make-up to the Baylor team that routed Gonzaga in the national championship game last year. Yes, I'll issue an "Upset Alert" but of course, I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on Washington at 9:00 ET.

It's the opening round of the Crossover Classic in Sioux Falls, SD on Monday, as 4-1 George Mason takes on 2-2 Washington. George Mason has a new coach in the 32-year-old Kim English (first-ever head coaching gig). Washinbton head coach Mike Hopkins is in his fifth year at Seattle.

English is a former standout at Missouri who played briefly in the NBA. he inherited a team that was 13-9 last season but saw the transfer of four starters. However, he reloaded with his own set of new players. Guard D'Shawn Schwartz (Colorado) is averaging 15.4 points per game and shooting 47.1 percent from beyond the arc, while adding 5.8 RPG. 6-7 guard Davonte Gaines (Tennessee) is the top rebounder at 8.8 RPG, while averaging 12.8 points. Then there is guard DeVon Cooper (Morehead State), who adds 12.4 PPG. 6-9 holdover Josh Oduro is the leading scorer (15.8) and holdover guard Xavier Johnson, leads in assists (4.6 per game) and adds 7.8 PPG and 5-0 RPG. George Mason owns a "signature win" when it beat 20th-ranked Maryland, 71-66 (1st win in 10 tries vs Maryland) but enters this tournament off its first loss, 67-64 Friday night at James Madison.

Hopkins was a longtime assistant to Jim Boeheim and won 21 and 27 games in his first two seasons in Seattle but the Huskies fell to 15 wins in his third season and then had a 'nightmare' season last year, going 5-21 (4-16 in the Pac 12). It's been a COMPLETE makeover (turnover) for Washington for the current season, losing players right and left to the transfor portal but also the team was able to bring in a similar group of transfers, themselves. Transfers like Brown (20.8-3.3-4.0), Matthews (11.3 & 5.8), Davis (7.8 & 4.0) and Fuller (7.0 have made an immediate impact among the newcomers. Returning players like the 6-6 Bey (11.3 & 5.8) and the 6-11 Roberts (4.5 & ) have both begun playing well.

Washington opened 2-1 but fell to 2-2 after a late lead against Wyoming on Thursday, before losing 77-72 in overtime. The Huskies missed 13 of their last 14 tries from beyond the arc. "They went zone and we weren't able to get great shots," Hopkins said. "It's a fine line. We missed some bunnies. We had some right there that hopefully the next game we don't miss." Washington needs to get some wins, as it opens December with a game at Arizona, a home game vs No. 2 UCLA and then a game at No. 1 Gonzaga. 

George Mason has been the better team so far but Hopkins' 2-3 zone is the same one used by his mentor (Jim Boeheim) with so much success for decades at Syracuse. Hopkins NEEDS some wins here in South Dakota and grabbing the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late Breaker is on the Ind Pacers at 8:10 ET.

The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. They visit Chicago Monday night with an underachieving 7-11 record, for a road game with the 12-5 Bulls.

Indiana snapped a three-game losing streak Saturday with a 111-94 home victory against New Orleans. The Pacers seemingly got the message from a night before, when coach Rick Carlisle benched the starters midway through the third quarter of an eventual three-point loss at Charlotte. The Pacers' second and third units nearly helped the team erase a 25-point deficit against the Hornets. Saturday night, Indiana led New Orleans by 13 after one quarter before pulling away behind a 38-18 third quarter. The Pacers have talent, led by PG Brogdon (21.2-6.2-6.0) and PF Sabonis (17.8 & 11.1). LeVert (14.4) and rookie Duarte (13.4 & 4.2) are excellent perimeter scorers, while Turner (12.7 & 7.4) is an effective center. Swingman Holiday (9.4) and PG O'Connell (9.2 & 3.2 APG) are also valuable contributors.

The Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free-agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 26.8-5.4-5.2. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (26.5-5.6-3.7), Vucevic (13.6 & 10.8) and Ball (12.7-5.2-4.1). 

Chicago is coming off a come-from-behind, 109-103 victory against the visiting New York Knicks on Sunday and will look to extend its home winning streak to four (Bulls are 6-2 at home on the season). Vucevic returned to the team Sunday (has been sidelined since Nov 11)  but it still is unknown when he'll be able to resume game action. Head coach Billy Donovan confirmed Sunday that "it's all up to the doctors at this point," saying "the next step is clearing all the cardiovascular protocols."

I'm expecting this Indiana team to start playing up to its talent level and why not start here, as the Bulls returned home after a 5-game West Coast trip and are now playing on back-to-back nights. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Belmont at 8:00 ET.

3-1 Belmont and 4-0 LSU will face each other Monday night in Baton Rouge, before traveling for Thanksgiving weekend tournaments. Belmont is used to winning, having won 20-plus games in 15 of the last 16 seasons (exception was a 19-win season), with EIGHT trips to the Big Dance. The Bruins return all five starters from last season's 26-4 team. LSU's Wiil Wade had success at VCU (took over for Shaka Smart) and taht got him the gig at LSU. His first team went 18-15 (NIT) but his teams have won 25, 21 and 19 games the last three seasons (two NCAAs, which would have been three except for COVID cancelation)

Belmont lost its opener (92-80 at Ohio U) but has rebounded to win three straight. The 6-11 Nick Muszynski (17.5-6.5-3.5) leads the way with guards Murphy (11.5-6.3-5.8) and Smith (10.3). The 6-6 Sheppard was the 6th-man last season but he's now starting, averaging 15.0 PPG) plus 6-5 freshman Richard (11.3 & 5.5) has also joined teh starting lineup.

LSU lost guard Thomas (22.8), forward Watford (17.0 & 7.4) and guard Smart (16.8-5.2-4.2) to the NBA and others to the transfer portal, leaving just FOUR returning players. The 6-7 Day decided to return and he's leading the team with 21.8 PPG (7.5 RPG) and is part of a strong frontcourt that includes the 6-8 Eason (13.3 & 9.3), a Cincy transfer, and 7-0 freshman Reid (9.8 & 5.3).

LSU has cruised so far (avergae margin of victory being 35.5 points) and has a huge edge in the frontcourt, but Belmont has a much better perimeter game and has the kind of depth that can bother LSU. LSU will be lucky to vcome away with a "W." Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Tourney Takedown is on Ohio St at 6:30 ET.

Seton Hall has opened 3-0, including a surprising 67-65 win on the road on Tuesday at then-No. 4 Michigan. Ohio St opened 3-0 but fell 71-65 at Xavier on Friday night. The two schools meet tonight at the Fort Myers Tip-Off in Florida.

Seton Hall head coach Willard said after his team's upset of Michigan, "This is where we are as a program. I expected us to win this game. This wasn't a shock to me. I feel we can play against anybody in the country, any night, and I think we've done that for the last seven years and we've proved it. So, for me, this is what the program should be doing." The 6-10 Mamukelashvili (17.5 & 7.6) was co-player-of-the-year in the Big East and is gone but the Pirates have SEVEN players scoring between 9.0 and 12.3 PPG. Harvard transfer Aiken is finally healthy and leads the team at 12.3 PPG. Swingman Rhoden checks in at 12.0 & 7.5 and 6-6 guard Cale averages 11.3 & 5.3). Two 6-10 players are the main contributors up front, Jackson (10.7 & 6.0) and Samuel (9.7 & 7.3)

Ohio St head coach Chris Holtmann has won 25, 20, 21 and 21 games in his first four season in Columbus and it's hard to believe that a fifth straight 20-win season isn't in the cards this season. The team's top player is the 6-7 Liddell (21.0 & 6.5) and he's joined up front by the 6-8 Key (10.8 & 5.8 / up from 5.2 & 3.4 LY) and the 6-6 Ahrens (6.8). The starting backcourt is freshman Branham (7.3) and PG Wheeler (5.8 & 4.5 APG), who is a transfer from Penn St. The 6-8 Young comes off the bench to chip in 8.3 & 6.0.

Seton Hall is brimming with confidence after rallying from 11 down at Michigan and the Pirates are holding opponents to 31.4 percent shooting from the floor, including 13.3 percent from three-point range (52.7 PPG ranks 10th). However, after Michigan got routed 80-62 by Arizona last night, the Pirates' win over the Wolverines has lost some luster. Meanwhile, Ohio St is looking to rebound from a loss at Xavier, in which the Buckeyes were outrebounded 43-35 and allowed 16 offensive rebounds.

Ohio St has the best player on the floor in Liddell and should be playing with some EXTRA motivation after the loss at Xavier. Note: Xavier's a quality program and owns a HUGE homecourt edge. A neutral setting plus catching Seton Hall off its upset of Michigan makes Ohio St the play.

Good luck...Larry

My CBB 9* Tourney Game of the Week is on St Bonny's at 7:30 ET.

No. 22 St. Bonaventure (4-0) will face 5-0 Marquette in Sunday's championship game of the Shriners Children's Charleston Classic in South Carolina. The Bonnies are the defending Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament champions and were ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press preseason poll, the school's first ranking in the media poll since January 1971 (Can you say Bob Lanier?). Marquette is coming off an 11-13 season and lost all FIVE starters plus added a new head coach in Shaka Smart. 

Marquette's 72-61 semifinal win Friday over West Virginia was no 'walk in the park,' but St Bonaventure's victory over Clemson seemed unlikely midway through the second half. However, Kyle Lofton and Jaren Holmes rallied the Bonnies from a 14-point, second-half deficit with 13:30 left by leading a 21-2 run to pull out a 68-65 win. Lofton leads the team in scoring at 18.3 PPG (4.0 RPG & 5.3 APG), while Holmes chips in 16.8 & 7.0. Two more guards, Adaway (13.3) and Welch (9.8 & 5.8) plus the 6-10 Osunniyi (6.3 & 7.0) round out the team's starting-five. Marquette is led by SG Morsell (20.2-4.2-3.0) and PG Kolek (10.0 & 6.2 APG) on the perimeter, while the 6-7 Lewis (17.8 & 8.0) is the team's top frontcourt player.

Shaka Smart was one of the hottest coaching commodities after leaving VCU for Texas but he was fired after six seasons with zero NCAA wins! I'm not sure how Marquette is 5-0 (own a 67-66 win over No. 10 Illinois) but St Bonaventure head coach Mark Schmidt has five senior starters (as above), who have collectively accounted for 87 percent of all the team's scoring this season.

The Bonnies may not have a coach with the name recognition of Smart, but their experience and leadership will help them control the tempo of this contest from start to finish. St Bonaventure is allowing 58.3 PPG (on 35.8% shooting), almost two 'TDs' less than Marquette, which is allowing 71.2 PPG. Lay the points and expect a decisive victory.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Oregon St at 3:00 ET.

Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle came from Montana to take over at Oregon St in the 2014-15 season. His overall record entering this season was just 113-109 but he did lead last year's team to the Pac 12 tourney championship and all the way to the Elite 8. Princeton's Mitch Henderson had four, 20-win seasons at Princeton in his first nine seasons at the school (just one NCAA appearance) but like all coaches and players, Ivy League schools did not play due to COVID.

Princeton has opened 3-1 and is scoring 80.0 PPG (more than a typical Princeton team) plus as always, is playing excellent defense in allowing 59.5 PPG. Guards Llewellyn (13.5) and Wright (10.3 & 8.0) are the lone double digit scorers among the starters but guard Langborg averages 11.6=5 PPG off the bench. The Tigers' best frontcourt player is the 6-9 Evbuomwan (9.0-5.3-4.8).

Tisdale lost his top scorer in Thompson (15.7 & 4.0) plus starting yard Reichle (7.2) but returned SIX of his top-eight scorers. Three are averaging in double digits, the 6-8 Alatishe (14.0 & 6.5), the 6-10 Calloo (12.8 & 4.5) and guard Lucas (10.5). The starting PG is Hunt (4.3-3.5-4.3) but his backup (Davis), has come off the bench to add 6.3-4.0-4.7.

I'm not sure why Oregon St has opened just 1-3. The Beavers are coming off a 78-77 home loss to Samford on Thursday night in which they trailed by 10 at halftime and spent the entire second half attempting to catch up. "I tried to hit them from a very, sincere, heartfelt place," said Tinkle of his pregame talk, which didn't work. He added: "(We're) very selfish right now, and I've done a bad job of not bringing this group together right now. Unfortunately, we haven't been able," he added, "to put all that stuff aside and play the way we're supposed to play. We are not good enough right now to think that it should be a blowout or an easy win."

I expect a big bounce back from Oregon St here, as the team is loaded with players that won last year's Pac 12 tourney AND advanced to the Elite 8. Meanwhile, fatigue could be a factor for Princeton, as the Tigers are playing their FOURTH game in 10 days on the other side of the country in Corvallis. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

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

Full, detailed analysis Sunday morning by 8:30 ET.

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on Tulsa. at 7:30 ET.

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane and Rhode Island Rams meet Saturday at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Fl. Tulsa has opened 2-1 and Rhode Island 3-0.

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

Lamont Paris enters his fifth season at Chattanooga and after going 22043 in his first two, has gone 38-20 in his last two. The Mocs returned four starters from last season and have opened 3-0. VCU's Mike Rhoades has some pretty good credentials in his first four seasons in Richmond, going 80-41 with two NCAA bids. Last season's NCAA bid ended before his team was able to play its first round game with Oregon, as the VCU team had a COVID outbreak. VCU has opened 2-1 this season and the Rams welcome the Mocs to Siegel Center for a late afternoon game.

Chattanooga is led by the excellent backcourt duo of Jean-Baptiste (17.30 and PG Smith (14.7-5.7-5.30 plus the 6-6 Banks (12.3 & 5.7) and the 6-7 Hankton (8.0 & 5.7) up front. The Rams lost Hyland (9.5 & 4.7) to the NBA and this season, have used a seven-man rotation but not a single player is in double digits. 6-5 senior forward Williams (9.3 & 4.30 and senior guard Curry (9.3) come the closest. 

At first blush, taking the points may seem like the 'right side' but "Not so Fast!" Rhoades is an excellent coach and the Siegel Center has earned a reputation as one of the most difficult venues for visiting teams. With full crowds this season, expect VCU to centuries its home success (42-7 at home the previous three seasons). VCU may not score much but the Rams are allowing 49.7 PPG (3rd) on 30.4% shooting (3rd), including 19.0% (4th) on threes. Home team wins by double-digits! 

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on North Carolina at 4:00 ET.

No. 6 Purdue and No. 17 North Carolina will meet Saturday in the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament in Uncasville, Ct. 3-0 Purdue has dominated three games at home, rolling over Bellarmine, Indiana State and Wright State, as the Boilermakers have scored more than 90 points in each of those games, something that Purdue hadn't done in three straight games in almost 21 years. "Now we'll get a real test in our next tournament with the teams that we're going to play," Purdue head coach Matt Painter said, pointing to North Carolina first. "They have great individual players. They're like everybody else, trying to find themselves, especially defensively." North Carolina won 94-83 on Tuesday night at College of Charleston in a hostile environment to also open 3-0 and is hoping a good test away from home will help build toward something even better in this tournament setting. "To see them respond on the road in a packed house," North Carolina's first-year head coach Hubert Davis said, "... This builds a lot of confidence for us moving forward. I love it now that we won. Everybody tells us that this is going to make us better."

Both teams are 'loaded.' 7-4 sophomore Edey (18.7 & 10.3) teams with 6-10 senior Williams (11.7 & 9.3) and 6-10 freshman Furst (9.3 & 9.3) up front. The perimeter is handled by Ivey (15.3 & 6.7), Stefanovic (13.7) and Newman (12.3). That's quite a six-man rotation. However, North Carolina counters with a frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (18.0 & 9.3), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (17.0 & 7.3) and Marquette transfer Garcia (8.7 & 7.7). Sophomore guard Love (19.0-3.7-4.3) teams with freshman Davis (12.7 & 5.0 APG) and Walton (10.0) in the backcourt.

I realize that Matt Painter is in his 17th season at Purdue (the Boilermakers are 3-0 for the 11th time in his tenure) and that Hubert Davis is in his first season as a head coach but I don't see much difference between these two teams. Both teams play again Sunday against either No. 5 Villanova or No. 17 Tennessee in a championship game or consolation game depending on Saturday's results. Is it just me, or does it seem strange for North Carolina to be in an in-season tournament as the lowest-ranked team of the four entrants. In both previous Purdue-North Carolina meetings, the Tar Heels won November games on neutral courts (1998 in New York, 1999 in Honolulu). 'Third verse, same as the first (two).' Points are a HUGE bonus.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on CS-Fullerton at 10:00 ET.

The CSU Fullerton Titans and San Diego Toreros meet Friday at the Jenny Craig Pavilion in San Diego. The Titans have opened 1-2, while the Toreros own a 3-1 record.

The Titans are off a disappointing 6-10 season but retur seven players who averaged 16-plus minutes, including four starters. While the Titans are 1-2, they have five double digit scorers and a sixth who just misses. The 6-7 Anosike (19.3 & 10.0) is joined up front by the 6-8 Lee (12.0 & 7.7). In the backcourt, Dante (12.3 & 4.7) and Tray (10.3) Maddux are joined by Milstead (10.0) and Wrightsell (9.0).

San Diego starts four guards plus the 6-10 Brown (11.5 & 9.3). Starting guards Townsend (13.8), Calcaterra (11.5) and Earlington (10.5 & 4.8) are averaging in double digits. San Diego's only loss came in a 75-70 setback to Cal at Berkeley. The Titans are off a convincing 74-59 home win over George Washington the last time out but now need to show they can play away from home (both losses were at Santa Clara and San Jose St). I think the Titans can make it two in a row tonight. The titans are VERY capable of winning but I.m NOT about to ignore taking about a 'TDs' worth of points!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Rivalry Game of the Month is on Ga Tech at 9:00 ET.

The 'Devil is down in Georgia' tonight, as the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets visit the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, Ga. Both schools have opened 2-1 but come off very different seasons last year. Josh Pastner (of Memphis fame) led Ga Tech Yellow Jackets to a 17-9 record and their first ACC tourney championship since 1993. In stark comparison, Tom Crean's three-year run as the Bulldogs' head coach ended with a 14-12 mark (41-49 three-year record).

Ga Tech loses ACC player of the year Wright (14 & 8.0) and PG Alvarado (15.2-3.5-4.1) but this season features a guard trio of Devoe (18.0-5.3-5.0), Usher (13.7 & 9.3) and freshman Coleman (11.7) plus 6-10 center Howard (7.0 & 8.3). Georgia's three-guard trio is unique, consisting of the 6-11 Bridges (16.0 7 8.0), PG Cook, a Gonzaga transfer, (14.0 & 8.3 APG) and Oquendo (8.7) plus the 6-7 Ingram (8.0 & 5.0) is the best frontcourt player.

Here's the rub. The schools didn't meet last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but the Bulldogs have won the past FIVE meetings by an average of 13.4 points. Enough is ENOUGH say the Yellow Jackets. Note that the SEC has sent 13 of its 14 schools to the CCAA tourney since the 2016-17 season with the LONE exception being Georgia. The Bulldogs last made the Big Dance in the 2014-15 season. The school's last NCAA tourney win? The year was 1996!

Ga Tech IS the better team and five straight losses to Georgia ends here! A couple of interesting facts are that Georgia Tech's bench has outscored its opponents' bench in all three games so far this season and the Yellow Jackets have outrebounded all of their opponents as well (by double digits in each game!). I'm laying the points and expecting a decisive victory.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Ind Pacers at 7:10 ET.

The Charlotte Hornets opened the season 5-2 but then lost FIVE straight games (nov 1-8), before turning things around with FOUR straight wins. They look to extend their winning streak to FIVE in row when they welcome the Indiana Pacers to Charlotte on Friday night. The Pacers are currently just 6-10 and are considered an underachieving bunch right now.

"We've got to compete better, harder, more consistently," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said. "Create better space on the floor. I'm not interested in talking about offensive rhythm right now," he said. "I'm interested in competing hard and letting our offense come more off our defense. That's how we're going to have to play. The Pacers have talent, led by PG Brogdon (22.2-7.1-6.5) and PF Sabonis (18.3 & 11.5). LeVert (16.6) and rookie Duarte (14.3 & 4.4) are excellent perimeter scorers, while Turner (13.4 & 7.5) is an effective center.

However, Charlotte can match Indiana' frontline players with forwards bridges (21.3 & 7.5) and Hayward (17.6-4.9-3.5) plus PG Ball (18.8-7.4-7.5), Rozier (15.5) and Oubre (13.9 & 4.1) Plumlee (6.8 & 7.8) has started all 16 games at center and is quietly effective.

Charlotte has gained attention by defeating 11-2 Golden State and 10-5 Washington in back-to-back games but that could mean a 'let down' here vs the Pacers (the pointspread sure indicates the Pacers have a good chance to win). Indiana may be without Duarte but the Pacers are playing with revenge after falling 123-122 at Charlotte in their season-opener. This calls for an 'Upset Alert,' although at this number, it will hardly be a surpise.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere Play is on Liberty at 5:00 ET.

The Liberty Flames and Iona Gaels meet Friday night at the HP Field House (Disney complex in Orlando). Both these schools made NCAA appearances last season but while Liberty has opened 1-1, the Gels are 3-0.

Liberty is off a 23-6 season, following a 30-4 one the year before (COVID shut down NCAA tourney). The season before that (2018-19), Ritchie McKay led the Flames into the NCAA tourney and upset No. 5 seed Miss St (ended with a 29-7 record). That's a pretty strong three-year run. PG McGhee (21.5-4.5-4.5) leads the way with fellow guards Peebles (11.0) and McDowell (10. & 3.5) scoring in double digits. Up front, it's the 6-7 Preston (7.0 &4.0), the 6-7 Robinson (4.5 & 5.0) and the 6-7 Rode (3,0-6.5-4.5).

COVID limited the Gaels to just 13 regular season games last season (8-5 / 6-3 in the MAAC). However, tourney time was NOT head coach Rick Ptino's 'first rodeo!' Iona beat FOUR opponents (Gaels held those opponents to just 53.8 PPG) on its way to the tourney title and an NCAA bid. Iona fell to two-seed Alabama in the Big Dance, but held them 12 points less than its season average and covered, in a 68-55 loss. Iona lost its two top guards in Ross (18.4) and Gist (13.3). However, Pitino likes his three transfers, Joiner (9.0-5.3-4.3) from Tulsa, Jolly (18.7-3.7-3.0) from SMU and the 6-8 Slazinski (8.3 & 3.0) from Louisville. He loved the potential of 6-9 PF Joseph (11.1 & 7.5 as a freshman) and he has delivered (17.3 & 5.0). 6-8 veteran van Eyck (14.7 & 5.3) has joined Joseph to form an excellent frontcourt duo.

Yes, Iona is 3-0 but all games were played on its homeourt and this is a neutral-site one. I respect Pitino but Liberty's McKay has led the Flames to FIVE consecutive 20-win seasons. I'm laying the points and then will order up a Bombay & tonic. You in?

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Late Show Crusher is on Washington at 11:00 ET.

The 2-0 Wyoming Cowboys are giving up an average of just 46 points per game heading into their first road contest of the season, a Thursday night contest against 2-1 Washington in Seattle.at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

Jeff Linder left No. Colorado to take over in Laramie and his first team went 14-11 (Cowboys had won nine and eight games the previous two seasons). It's the first time since 1981-82 the Cowboys have limited their first two opponents to fewer than 50 points. They opened with an 85-47 victory against Detroit Mercy, then defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 85-45 on Sunday. "Defense is where winning lies," Linder said. "You can't just be a really good offensive team and be a mediocre or bad defensive team if you expect to win. We have some length, and we have some athleticism that contributes to us being good defensively." Marcus Williams (14.8 & 4.3 APFG) left for A&M and is a HUGE loss but the 6-9 Ike (21.5 & 6.5) and 6-7 swingman Maldonado (17.5-6.0-6.5) return; The 6-8 Oden (4.0 & 2.7 LY), has exploded out of the gate, averaging 15.5 & 4.5. Jeffries (11.0 & 7.) and DuSell (7.1) start in the backcourt.

Mike Hopkins was a longtime assistant to Jim Boeheim and won 21 and 27 games in his first two seasons in Seattle but the Huskies fell to 15 wins in his third season and then had a 'nightmare' season last year, going 5-21 (4-16 in the Pac 12). It's been a COMPLETE makeover (turnover) for Washington for the current season, losing players right and left to the transfor portal but also the team was able to bring in a similar group of transfers, themselves. Transfers like Brown (17.3-3.3-4.3), Matthews (11.3 & 6.0), Davis (9.3 & 4.00 and Fuller (6.3) have made an immediate impact among the newcomers. Returning players like the 6-6 Bey (11.7 & 5.0) and the 6-11 Roberts (5.0 & 10.0) have both begun playing well.

I'm not quite sure what to make Wyoming's dominant start but it's just TWO games against questionable opponents. Meanwhile, Huskies coach Mike Hopkins eschewed his preferred 2-3 defense (that's the same famous Boeheim Zone) at times in the second half to go with a smaller lineup using a full-court press and a man-to-man defense. "I thought our press changed the game. To be able to have both weapons is a good thing, obviously," Hopkins said. "We still have to get better in our man. We have to get better in our zone. That's part of the growth."

It's early but Hopkins has to win home games against teams from non-Power conferences and the Huskies h will pay their next five games against such teams, before the end of November. Washington opens December with a game at Arizona, a home games vs No. 2 UCLA and then a game at No. 1 Gonzaga. If Hopkins' team is not at least 6-2 before that three-game stretch, his 'seat' will start getting pretty 'warm.' First thinsg first. Lay the points here vs a Wyoming team that just may not be nearly as good as its 2-0 start looks.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Sitautional Stunner is on the Tor Raptors at ET.

The Toronto Raptors began the season with Pascal Siakam on the sidelines but the All Star returned on Nov 7 and has looked good, averaging 17.0-7.3-4.3 but after winning FIVE straight from Oct 27 thru Nov 3, the team has lost FIVE of six, including all four games in which Siakam has played. The jazz opened 7-1 but have dropped four of their last six, although they are hoping they got their 'groove back' during a commanding 120-85 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. As for Toronto, the Raptors are hoping a couple of days off will help them resume the level of play they had while winning those five straight games a couple of weeks ago.

Siakam's return IS a good thing, as he joins a frontcourt that features Anunoby (20.1-5.4) who is having a career season, and rookie Scottie Barnes, who has played like a vet (16.3 & 8.3). VanVleet is a top-of-the-line PG (19.4-5.1-7.1) and SG Trent is a solid scorer, averaging 16.1 PPG.

The jazz owned the NBA's best regular season record last year and the core of that team is back. Mitchell (24.6-4.3-4.9) and PG Conley (13.8 & 5.6 APG) are a terrific guard duo, while Bogdanovich (17.7 & 4.4) and O'Neale (7.1 & 4.6) surround All Star center Gobert (14.9 & 15.4). Clarkson was named 6th-man-of-the-year last season and is adding 15.4 PPG so far.

Toronto might be without leading scorer OG Anunoby, who banged his hip at practice, and is listed as questionable (not good if he can't go). However, I will note that the Raptors are 5-2 SU & ATS on the road this season. I'm not ready to send out an "Upset Alert" but I do expect the Raptors to make the Jazz 'sweat.' Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late Breaker is on South Carolina at 7:00 ET.

UAB is coming off a 22-7 season last year and has opened 3-0 but will play on the road for the first time Thursday night in Columbia, SC against the 2-1 South Carolina Gamecocks. UAB (has taken care of all of its business early, scoring 95 points per game and limiting the opposition to 69.7 in three impressive home victories. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks are looking to shake off a disappointing early season tournament in neighboring North Carolina, where they split their two games in the Asheville Championship, losing Friday to Princeton 66-62 before claiming a 75-64 victory over Western Kentucky in Sunday's contest.

Andy Kennedy spent 12 seasons as the head coach of Ole Miss and took the Rebels to eight postseasons (two NCAA bids), while averaging 20.4 wins per season. However, he resigned after the 2017-18 season, citing he was drained and worn out. He surprisingly showed up at UAB last season and led the Blazers to 22 wins, Four starters return from that team. They are guards Jackson (16.0), Ertel (12,3) and Lovan (11.5 & 3.5) plus the 7-1 Jemison (7.3 & 6.7). All, as you can see, are participating nicely, Kennedy picked up a terrific PG from Tulane in Walker, who is averaging 21.0 & 5.0 APG, The 6-7 Buffen (7.3 & 5.3) comes from Ole Miss and has contributed off the bench.

The ever-lovable Frank Martin sure built up some goodwill by leading South Carolina to the school's only Final 4 back in 2017 but these last four seasons, the Gamecocks have gone 17-16, 16-16, 18-13 and an 'ugly' 6-14 last season. That goodwill is about ALL used up. South Carolina added North Texas transfer Reese (9.3) to the backcourt featuring Couisnard (15,7-5.0-3.0) and Stevenson (10.0 & 5.7). Freshman guard Carter is adding 9.7 & 4.0. The 6-10 Levesque (11.3 & 9.7) and the 7-0 Gray (4.7 & 6.3) up front and Martin thinks his frontcourt is about to get a big boost from the 6-7 AJ Wilson, a graduate transfer from George Mason (8.5 & 5.1 LY). He has been bothered by a back injury and distracted by a recent death in the family.

I expect Kennedy's UAB tean to again win 20 games playing in C-USA but this a road game (1st of the season) at an SEC school with MUCH to prove. South Carolina is full of newcomers but there is a 'ton' of talent. Bow Wow! I'm taking the small house dog.

Good luck...Larry

A pair of unbeaten teams get together tonight as 3-0 Ohio St (ranked No. 21 in the latest AP poll) and 2-0 Xavier meet from Cintas Center in Cincinnati (Xavier's homecourt).

Ohio St head coach Chris Holtmann has won 25, 20, 21 and 21 games in his first four season in Columbus and it's hard to believe that a fifth straight 20-win season isn't in the cards this season. The team's top player is the 6-7 Liddell (22.3 & 6.3) and he's joined up front by the 6-8 Key (12.3 & 7.0 / up from 5.2 & 3.4 LY) and the 6-6 Ahrens (8.0). The starting backcourt is freshman Branham (7.3) and PG Wheeler (5.7 & 4.0 APG), who is a transfer from Penn St.

Xavier head coach Travis Steele is badly in need of a 20-win season. He took over from Chris Mack (23.9 wins per season with NINE straight Big Dance bands), who took over from Sean Miller )24 wins per season and NCAA bids in his last four seasons of his five-year stint). The Musketeers have won just 51 games (17 per) in Steele's first three seasons, without an NCAA bid. Leading scorer Scruggs (20.0-6.0-4.5) is only back because COVID gave him an extra year of eligibility and Steele would be in deep trouble without him. Fellow guard Jones has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 17.5 & 6.5, after chipping in a modest 7.7 & 4.8 last year. The team's top frontcourt players are the 7-0 Nunge (9.0 & 5.0) and the 6-8 Hunter (6.5 & 9.0).

Xavier still has a ways to show "what it will be made of" this season, while I believe Ohio St has already shown it will be a top-25 team this season. Ohio State beat Bowling Green 89-58 on Monday, as FIVE players scored in double figures, Xavier is off a 73-59 win over Kent State on Friday, a game in which the Musketeers shot 40.3 percent from the floor, while turning the ball over 16 times.That type of sloppy play and poor shooting isn't going to cut it against an opponent like Ohio State. Lay the small points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Por Blazers at 10:00 ET.

The Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free-agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. Chicago visits Portland tonight at 10-4, just a half-game back of the 10-3 Wizards for the East's best record. Portland is led by the dynamic guard duo of Lillard and McCollum plus owns a deep roster but is just 7-8 through 15 games.

There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 26.9-4.6-5.4. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (25.9-5.6-3.8), Vucevic (13.6 & 10.8) and Ball (12.9-5.4-4.6). Chicago is 2-1 on this current five-game road trip that includes wins on back-to-back nights in Los Angeles over the Clippers and Lakers. Another big part of Chicago's turnaround is the team's improved defensive play, with the Bulls allowing 102.7 PPG (6th).

As noted, Lilard (20.3-4.3-8.1) and McCollum (21.3-4.2-4.3) lead the way for Portland but the team's other three starters are quite good.They are SF Powell (16.7), center Nurkic (10.6 & 11.1) and PF Covington (6.8 & 4.7). Add to that group, Simons, Little, Nance and Zeller, who have each played in all 15 games and have combined to average 32.0 PPG.

Here's the rub. The Blazers are just AWFUL on the road (1-7) but are 6-1 at home. Lillard is among the players perplexed over the difference in performance at home and on the road. "When we play at home, it's a different team than when we play on the road," Lillard said. "That's just the truth. And I'm not sure what it is. I think when you're at home there's just a level of comfort and support that you feel from the fans. But at the same time, we're NBA players. We play on the road a lot."

Portland lost its home opener to the Kings but has won SIX straight since. The Bulls are playing without Nikola Vucevic (health and safety protocols)and Patrick Williams (left wrist), who was the 4th pick in the 2020 Draft. What's more, Chicgo has lost EIGHT of its last nine meetings with Portland. "Batten down the hatches," the Blazers are the play.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on Missouri st at 8:30 ET.

The Missouri State Bears are in Huntsville, Texas to face the Sam Houston State Bearkats. Dana Ford is in his fourth season at Springfield and is coming off a 17-7 season with his Bears opening 1-1. James Hooton enters his 11th season with the Bearkats and is coming off an 18-13 season. However, his teams had won 20-plus games in FIVE of the previous six seasons.

The Bears return all FIVE starters from last year, most notably the duo of big guard Mosley (19.8 LY) and the 6-9 Prim (16,7 & 9.1 LY). The two are in fine form after two games, Mosely is averaging 23.5 & 3.5, while Prim is averaging 19.5 & 14.5 RPG. Seven players are averaging 22-plus minutes. Hooton lost two key players from last season, Southland POY Nutall (19.3 & 5.7) and Southland Freshman of the Year Monroe (10.1). Nutall transferred to SMU and Monroe to San Diego. Guard Flagg is off to a great start (25.5 & 9.0) but fellow guard Lampley (13.5) is the only other player in double digits.

I think this could be a really good season for the Bears, who not only have the '1-2' punch' of Mosely and Prim but 11 of the team's 17 players have three or more years of experience. Want a clincher? The Bears were 12-1-1 ATS when favored last season!

Good luck...Larry

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

The Drexel Dragons and the St Joseph’s Hawks meet Wednesday night from Hagan Arena in Philadelphia. Drexel is 1-1 so far this year and coming off a 15-point loss at Syracuse. As for Saint Joseph’s, the Hawks have opened 2-0 with home wins over Maryland-Estern Shore and Mount St Mary's.

Drexel opened with a romp over Neumann, taking a 44-29 halftime edge and never looking back in a 103-74 blowout win. In Game 2 at Syracuse, the Dragons had a slim 33-32 lead at the break but were outscored 43-27 from there in a 75-60 defeat. This team is deep, with EIGHT players getting 17-plus minutes per game but only PG Wynter is topping double digits (11.0-4.0-5.0).The other seven chip in between 5.0 and 9.5 PPG, with the 5-11 Williams (9.0 & 6.5) checking in as the team's best frontcourt player. St Joe's is led by 6-8 senior Funk (20.0 & 6.5) plus 6-10 grad transfer Obinna (from Vandy), who is averaging 14.5 & 10.5. Junior guard Brown is back and is the team's third-leading scorer at 12.0 PPG

While I won't exactly 'sing' the praises of Drexel, but the Dragons did make the NCAA field last season, meanwhile, I'll caution against being too optimistic regarding St Joe's Billy Lange is in his third season as the team's head coach and the Hawks were able to win just 11 games, while losing 41. Home wins over Maryland-Estern Shore and Mount St Mary's hardly prove much. I'll add a trend that makes St Joe's a 'no play' in this situation, as the Hawks are 16-35-2 ATS in their last 53 after an ATS win. Wrong favorite in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Tourney Takedown is on Butler at 7:00 ET.

Michigan State and Butler meet tonight in the Gavitt Tip-off at Indianapolis. Michigan State threw itself into the fire right off the bat, witha season-opening game against No. 3 Kansas in the Champions Classic at MSG, suffering an 87-74 loss. The Spartans bounced back with an easy 90-46 home win over Western Michigan to enter against Butler with a more positive frame of mind. The Bulldogs, coming off an 'ugly' 10-15 season, have opened with three successive home wins, beating IUPUI 56-47, Central Arkansas 85-53 and Troy 70-59.

Tom Izzo's starting five features a solid trio of big men in the 6-8 Brown (13.5 & 4.5), the 7-0 Bigham (11.0 & 7.5) and the 6-9 Hauser (10.0 & 9.5. The starting guards are freshman Christie (7.5 & 4.5) plus Northeastern transfer Walker (5.45-.Freshman guard Hoggard is averaging 12.0 & 5.5 APG off the bench, while the 6-9 Marble chips in 9.0 & 6.5 coming off the bench as well. Butler has a deep guard trio in Harris (15.7-4.7-3.3), Bolden (14.2) and freshman Taylor (13.3) plus the 6-7 Nze (8.3 & 7.3) is back again (he may NEVER leave the program!).

This will be Michigan State's first true road game and it comes at legendary Hinkle Fieldhouse. The Spartans are 0-4 ATS their last four on the road, while the Bulldogs are 7-1 ATS in their last nine non-conference home games as underdogs in the +1.5 to +3.5 points range. Not surewht MSU is favored but I;ll take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Nevada at 9:00 ET.

A pair of well-known CBB head coaches square off tonight when the Nevada Wolf Pack and Santa Clara Broncos meet Tuesday at the Leavey Center in Santa Clara. Nevada's Steve Alford has a resume which includes stops at Missouri St, Iowa, New Mexico, UCLA and now is at Nevada. Herb Sendkek has stops at Miami-O, North Carolina St, Arizona St and now Santa Clara. Nevada has opened 1-1 and Santa Clara 2-0.

This is Alford's third season at Nevada, having gone 19-12 and 15-9 in his first two seasons. However, with all five starters returning plus adding the highly-regarded 6-7 Bramah as a transfer from Roberts Morris, a big season was anticipated. Barhmah debuted with 17 points and nine rebounds in a win over Eastern Washington but a concussion forced him to miss the team's loss to San Diego (questionable here). Then there was Desmond Cambridge, one of Nevada's two outstanding returning guards, who scored just five points on 2-of-12 shooting, after scoring 22 points in the opener. Sherfeld (18.6 & 6.1) is the other half of that guard duo and he's averaged 15.0 & 6.5. The 7-0 Washington (16.5 & 9.0) had 18 points and 10 rebounds in the loss plus is now joined in the frontcourt by 7-0 Texas transfer Baker, who is averaging 12.5 PPG.

Sendek's first five seasons at Santa Clara have not been anything special, as he entered this season 76-72 without a postseason bid of any kind. Santa Clara has opened 2-0 and is coming off an 88-72 win over Stanford on Friday night. PJ Pipes, a Green Bay transfer) finished with 24 points against Stanford and is averaging 17.0 & 5.0 APG. the 6-6 17.5 & 4.5 APG. The 6-9 Josip Vrankic is the team's leading scorer at  22.5 PPG (6.0 RPG) plus the 6-7 Justice adds 14.0 & 8.0.

Both teams could be headed for strong seasons but I favor Nevada coming off its loss over Santa Clara coming off an impressive win over the Pac-12's Stanford. The difference in the early going is that Nevada has uncharacteristically struggled from the floor (last game shot 43 percent from the floor, including 27 percent from three-point range), while Santa Clara has uncharacteristically dominated from the floor, shooting 58.1%, which is third-best in the nation. Here's some trends backing the play. The Wolf Pack are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games and 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games overall. Meanwhile, the Broncos are 5-18 ATS in their last 23 games following an ATS win. 

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Battle 4 Nebraska at 7:00 ET.

It's 2-0 Creighton at in-state rival Nebraska (1-1) from Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln in this 'Battle for Nebraska.' Creighton owns a rich basketball tradition but the last two seasons have been pretty special for Doug McDermott's team. The Bluejays won their first-ever Big East title in the 2019-20 season, only to see COVID shutdown the postseason. Then, Creighton spent all season in the top-25 and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1974 (finished 22-9). As for Nebraska, Fred Hoiberg was lured to Nebraska after leading Iowa St to four straight "Big Dance" appearances and a 'nightmare' coaching experience in the NBA. However, the first two years of the 'Hoiberg era' have ended with records of 7-25 and 7-20.

Creighton lost all FIVE starters from last year's team and are rebuilding this season. Starting guards are O'Connell (3.4 PPG last year) and freshman Nembhard. O'Connell leads the team with 16.5 PPG, while adding 7.5 RPG, while the 6-7 Hawkins is a Div II transfer and chipping in 11.0 & 10.5. 7-1 center Kalkbrenner returns and is averaging 8.0 & 5.5 RPG plus 6-7 freshman Kaluma adds 9.0 & 6.5.

Hoiberg has brought in a special freshman in the 6-7 Bryce McGowens, who is averaging 27.7 & 5.5 His brother Trey is a junior guard, who has added 8.5 & 6.0. A HUGE addition is ASU transfer Verge, averaging 19.5-7.0-6.0, while big men like 7-0 freshman Andre (11.0 & 7.0) and the 6-8 Walker (5.5 & 8.0) are off to good starts.

Creighton has dominated this series (for bettors anyways), going 12-2 ATS the last 14 meetings. However, Creighton's scoring is down (70.5 PPG) and in fact, its 51-44 win over Kennesaw State last Thursday, was Creighton's fewest points in a win since the team beat Missouri State 50-49 in 2008. Nebraska has the best player on the floor in Bryce McGowens (Verge is the second-best) and it's time for the 'Huskers to win this 'Battle 4 Nebraska.'

Good luck...Larry

The Winthrop Eagles and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders meet tonight from the Murphy Athletic Center in Murfreesboro, Tn. Both have opened 2-0, after Winthrop escaped with an 88-85 overtime win over Mercer in their last game and MTSU  won 71-51 win over Bethune-Cookman in its last matchup. Belmont is off a 26-4 season with all five starters back, while MTSU has fallen on hard times after a 31-and 25-win season a few years back. The Blue Raiders went 5-18 last season, coming off 8-win and 11-win seasons prior to that.

The 6-9 D.J. Burns leads the Eagles in scoring (23.0) and rebounding (7.0) and is joined up front by the 6-7 Hightower (15.0 & 5.0). Jones (12.0) and Good (11.5) average double digits in the backcourt plus McMahon (7.5) and Corbin (7.0); Guard Josh Jefferson is averaging a team-high 13.5 PPG for MTSU, while the 6-9 Isaiah Turner has chipped in 11.5 PPG. Guard Eli Lawrence (10.0 PPG) makes it a trio of double-digit scorers for the Blue Raiders through their first two games of the year. The 6-7 Teafale Lenard has a team-high 6.5 RPG and adds 7.0 PPG.

I don't see this as being a  "close call," although the oddsmakers do, considering the pointspread. Winthrop owns the 'pedigree' plus I don't think the Blue Raiders can match Winthrop's up-tempo pace (Eagles are averaging 99.0 PPG). Winthrop is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 against teams with winning records and I expect the Eagles to pull away for the comfortable cover once it's all said and done.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on Washington St at 11:00 ET.

The Washington State Cougars have opened 2-0 with non-conference victories over Alcorn State and Seattle but gets its toughest test of the early going on Monday when it hosts UC-Santa Barbara in Pullman, Wash. The UCSB Gauchos were the regular-season and Big West Tournament champions last season and have FOUR consecutive seasons of at least 21 wins to their credit. UCSB has only played once, and it was against Division II San Francisco State. That said, it WAS a convincing 119-65 blowout that tied for the fourth-most points scored in program history.

Head coach Joe Pasternack enters his fifth season in Santa Barbara and as noted above, he's run an excellent program. The Gauchos did lose Big West p-o-y McLaughlin (16.0-3.5-5,2) but the cupboard is far from bare. Two seniors, the 6-9 Sow (25 points and seven rebounds) and the 6-10 Norris (14 & 8) both played well in the opener, as did Pierre-Louis (a Temple transfer), who is expected to take over McLaughlin's role. Yes, it was just against San Francisco St but Pasternack has to be pleased with his 25 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Squaring off against Pasternack is Wash St head coach Kyle Smith. In his final season at Columbia, his team won the CIT championship and finished 25-10. That led to a three-year stint at San Francisco, where his teams went 63-40. However, his first two teams at Washington St have been disappointing (16-16 and 14-13). This could be (should be?) a breakout season for Smith's Cougars. They lost leading scorer Bonton (17.7 & 4.0) to the transfer portal but FOUR starters return. It's a perimeter-dominated lineup, as the team's top-five scorers are guards. Roberts (16.5) and Williams (10.5) lead the way, while guard Flowers adds 8.5 PPG and 5.5 RPG. Two 6-10 players are the top frontcourt contributors, Jackson (7.5 & 6.0) and Abugidi (5.5 & 4.5).

I have a ton of respect for the Gauchos but I agree with the high expectations for this year's Cougars. Note that Friday's win over Seattle was Washington St's 15th consecutive non-conference victory, with 14 of those at home! Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Cal at 9:00 ET.

Cal head coach Mark Fox is NOT a 'happy camper!' Matt Bradley took his 18 points and 4.6 rebounds per game with him when he transferred to San Diego St after last season. The Bears then followed up an embarrassing 80-67 home loss to UC San Diego with a 55-52 defeat at UNLV on Saturday night, a game in which Cal pulled to within one with two minutes remaining before not scoring again. Cal looks for the team's first win tonight when it welcomes 2-0 San Diego to Berkeley. In stark contrast to Cal, the Toreros have jumped out of the gate with a pair of wins Including 75-68 at Nevada on Friday night), coming off a 3-11 season last year.

San Diego starts four guards plus the 6-10 Brown (14.5 & 7.0). Starting guards Townsend (15.5) and Earlington (10.0 & 7.0) are averaging in double digits, plus Pinchuk is adding 11.0 PPG while playing just 12 1/2-minutes per game. Cal has veteran players in seniors like guard Shepard (18.0) plus two 6-9 seniors in Kelly (12.5 & 10.0) and Anticevich (7.5 & 8.0). Junior guard Brown adds 8.5 PPG.

The Toreros pulled away for a 75-68 victory at Nevada as 14-point underdogs, setting up a predictable letdown spot vs Cal, a team DESPERATE for its first win. Cal gets that win "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Dal Mavericks at 8:10 ET.

The 9-4 Denver Nuggets just completed a 5-0 homestand with a 124-95 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday but are right back on the court tonight in Dallas to face the 8-4 Mavs, who have won FOUR of their last five games. These teams met back in Denver on Oct 29, with the Nuggets routing the Mavs 106-75.

It's no surprise that Nikola Jokic (last year's MVP) is averaging 25.5-13.7-6.3 but Denver's bench is not quite as 'deep' this season. First off. no one knows for sure when Murary can play plus SF Porter, who averaged last eason, is averaging just 9.9 & 6.8 TY.  What's more, Porter (back) remains out for the "foreseeable future," according to recent reports. Morris (10.9 & 3.9 APG) is starting for Murray but he's NO Murray

Dallas is led by the "do-everything" Luka Doncic, who is averaging 25.1-8.3-7.7 and the 7-3 Porzingis finally looks to be coming around. He's averaged 17.9 & 7.4 in his seven games but the duo look to build on their best outing of the young season when the Mavericks face the visiting Nuggets in this one. Dallas bounced back from a 10-point loss to the Chicago Bulls with an impressive 123-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, as Porzingis scored a season-high 32 points in the victory while Doncic recorded his 37th career triple-double with 32 points, 12 rebounds and a season-high 15 assists. Swingman Hardaway (14.2) is now a starter and guard Brunson is averaging 14.9-4.6-4.6 off the bench.

Denver is unrested, while Dallas hasn't played since Friday. The Mavs are 6-1 against Western Conference teams this season and have gone 5-1 at home. Throw in a HUGE revenge motive from that October beatdown in Denver (see above) and I'm "all over" the Mavericks.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the NY Knicks at 7:40 ET.

The Indiana Pacers were a postseason participant for NINE of the previous 10 years, prior to sitting out last year's playoffs with a 34-38 record.The Knicks ended a seven-year postseason drought last year by going 41-31 but lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, who made it all the way to the East Conference Finals. The two teams meet tonight in MSG. The 6-8 Pacers have a worse record through 14 games this season than last, when they were one of the biggest disappointments in the league. As for the 7-6 Knicks, they have a better record through 13 games this season than last season, when they were one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. The Pacers earned their second straight win Saturday by racing to a 20-point lead before edging the visiting Philadelphia 76ers 118-113, while the Knicks have been off since Friday, when they squandered a 16-point lead and fell to the host Charlotte Hornets 104-96

PF Sabonis (18.3 & 11.3), center Turner (14.6 & 8.1) and rookie guard Duarte (14.3 & 44.4) have started all 14 games, while PG Brogdon (22.4-7.2-6.8) has missed five games and SG LeVert (16.3 & 4.2 APG) eight games. However, all were in the starting lineup in the last game. Duarte does have an ankle issue and is listed as questionable,

PF Randle (21.0-10.le R3-5.2), plus guards Barrett (15.8 & 5.5) and Fournier (13.2) have started all 13 gamess, while Rose (12.8) and Burks (8.4) have played in all 13. Rose has one start, filling in for Kemba Walker (12.3), who has started the other 12. The Knicks appeared ready to build on last season's late success when they opened this season with five wins in their first six games but New York has lost five of its last seven, a stretch in which one of its wins required a 21-point comeback against the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks. Chemistry within the starting five has been an issue as the Knicks, who signed Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier to go along with holdovers Julius Randle, RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson.

However, this marks the start of a favorable stretch for New York, with upcoming home games against Orlando and Houston up next. The Pacers are underachievers, whose talent is better than the team's record. The Knicks need to get back on the winning track and can't possibly forget their 'ugly' 111-98 loss at Indiana back on Nov 3. Yes, Indiana has gone 5-2 after a 1-6 start but the Pacers are just 2-6 SU on the road. New York is MORE than capable of winning AND covering this 'short' price. That's the bet.

Good luck...Larry

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

The 4-9 Atlanta Hawks will try to end a SIX-game losing streak when they return home on Sunday. Their opponent is the reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks, who beat them in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, on their way to the title. However, the current Bucks are struggling (6-7), as they finish the final leg of a five-game road trip.

The Bucks hope to get Giannis Antetokounmpo (26.6-11.8-6.0) back on Sunday. He was a late scratch on Friday night because of a right ankle injury sustained in the previous win over Philadelphia. "He kind of tested it a little bit twice and he's just not able to go," Milwaukee head coach Mike Budenholzer said Friday. "He'll do everything he can to get back as soon as possible." Milwaukee has been without Khris Middleton (20.0-4.7-4.5) because of COVID protocol since Oct 31, but he is expected to be available on Sunday. Other injuries, which include Brook Lopez (back) and Donte DiVincenzo (ankle), have caused the Bucks to use SEVEN different starting lineups this season. Guards Grayson Allen (15.8), Pat Connaughton (11.2 & 5.0) plus the 6-10 Portis (13.8 & 7.3) have seen more time because of all the injuries.

The Atlanta Hawks began last season off FIVE consecutive fifth-place finishes but won the Southeast Division last year with a 41-31 record. They then made it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals, beating the East's top-seeded 76ers, before losing to the Bucks, the eventual NBA champs. Atlanta opened 3-1 this season but has suddenly 'fallen apart,' by losing EIGHT of nine, including SIX in a row. There is really no way to explain Atlanta's poor start, as the team has a terrific team leader in PG Young (24.5 & 9.2 APG), who is surrounded by a strong starting cast and plenty of depth. PF Collins averages 16.3 & 8.5 and center Capela adds a double-double (10.2 & 11.2).

Atlanta did not win on its four-game swing against Western Conference teams and HAS to be VERY glad to get home. Facing Milwaukee sets up all the motivation the team should need (see above). Hawks forward John Collins told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "I see a team that underachieved (on the road trip). ... We've got to look in the mirror and understand what each of us needs to do to win." Yes, the Hawks have lost their last six games, but five of those were on the road against some of the best teams in the league. This is the opener of FIVE straight at home for Trae Young and the Hawks and a win tonight could jump start a MUCH-needed turnaround, as Orlando comes to town tomorrow, followed by Boston, Charlotte, and Oklahoma City. That's a VERY favorable schedule! But, FIRST things FIRST. The Hawks need to win here! That's the bet!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Rivalry Rout is the SA Spurs at 3:40 ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers are REALLY struggling and have to be 'scratching their heads' after suffering a 107-83 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in which LA scored just 34 points in the second half. LBJ missed the game with an abdominal strain, dropping the Lakers to 3-4 this season when James (24.8-5.5-7.0) has not played (Lakers are 7-6, overall). LA looks to bounce back against longtime rival San Antonio, which comes to Staples Center just 4-8 on the season, after a poor showing in a 123-109 home loss to Dallas on Friday.

The 'ugly' loss to Dallas, came right after playing so well in a 136-117 win over Sacramento on Wednesday. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said it's not the first time this season that his team has not followed up a big win with another consistent performance. "It's really the first or second time they've been disappointing in that regard where we didn't play the usual move-the-basketball type play," Popovich explained. "I think we created one turnover in the first half, so the mental toughness is something that has to be understood and acted upon. We need that. To me, it's a mental toughness exercise where you just have to realize that everybody has to bring it every single night," he added. "You can't get satisfied because you won a game, and the next game is going to be the same way. You have to bring it. Our physicality was lacking (against Dallas)." The spurs are playing center Poeltl (13.9 & 9.7) who is currently enrolled in the league's health and safety protocols, However, 'Pop' has options. Devin Vassell (12.3 & 4.0) led the Spurs with 20 points in the loss to Dallas, with Keldon Johnson (15.4 & 6.6) and Dejounte Murray (18.1-7.7-7.8) scoring 15 each, Doug McDermott (11.0) doing for 14 points, Drew Eubanks (7.0 & 5.0) scoring 12 and Lonnie Walker IV (11.8) chipping in 10 for San Antonio.

Anthony Davis (23.8 & 11.0) led the Lakers with 22 points and eight rebounds, with Russell Westbrook (19.4-8.8-8.5) adding 20 points and Dwight Howard (4.7 & 5.2) pulling down 10 rebounds off the bench. Los Angeles was outscored 40-12 in the third period, when it saw a five-point halftime lead turn into a 24-point deficit. It was the Lakers' lowest-scoring quarter of the season. "We just had no effort in the third quarter," Davis said. "We're not going to win a championship the way we're playing -- that's not us right now. We have to be better, and we've got to decide who we want to be." Minnesota had dropped SIX straight games before surprising the Lakers.
James has not played.

Neither of these teams look like their respective championship teams of yore but as long as 'Pop' is coaching the Spurs, it's a RIVALRY! Los Angeles beat the Spurs 125-121 in overtime in San Antonio on Oct 26 in one of the three games the Lakers have won this season without LBJ. The Spurs WILL remember that and while a bounce-back by LA off its humiliating loss to Minnesota makes sense, there is NOTHING that makes sense about this LA team so far. How is 'multiple NBA champion Russell Westbrook' faring guys? I'm taking the points, as 'Pop' steals one!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on South Dakota St at 3:00 ET.

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits and the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks meet Sunday in college basketball action from William R. Johnson Coliseum in Nacogdoches, Tx. Both of these programs have been big winners for some time now and the Jackrabbits return all FIVE starters from last season, while the Lumberjacks return FOUR of five. South Dakota State has a 1-1 record so far, beating Bradley 81-65 at home but losing 104-88 at No. 14 Alabama As for Stephen F. Austin, they’ve won both their games this year versus LSU-Alexandria and Mary Hardin-Baylor

All five starters are averaging in double digits for the Jackrabbits, who start four guards and the 6-7 Wilson 16.0 & 5.5). Freidel (19.5) leads the team in scoring, while fellow guards Arians (11.5), Mayo (10.0) and Scheierman (10.0) round out the group. I almost forgot to mention that the 6-6 Scheierman is averaging a whopping 16.0 RPG! Cameron Johnson (15.3 & 4.5) will be missed by SF Austin, which owns a winning percentage of .840 over the last four seasons, 4th-best in the nation. Forwards Kensmil (16.0 & 9.5), Soloman (10.0 & 7.5) and Hall (7.0 & 5.0) are an excellent trio, as are guards Ware (13.0-4.-3.0), Jackson-Posey (10.0) and Kachelries (7.7-3.5-3.5) in the backcourt.

I won't dismiss SF Austin's pedigree but the Lumberjacks haven't been tested (see above). SF Austin RARELY loses at home but oddsmakers are not so convinced, considering this pointspread. Meanwhile, the Jackrabbits were within three at the break (41-38) but ran out of gas in the second half during a 104-88 loss at a VERY good Alabama team. South Dakota St takes a 10-4-1 ATS record in its last 15 on the road into this contest and picks up a "W" and cover, "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

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

Florida State (No. 20 preseason poll) and Florida will renew their in-state rivalry when the Seminoles travel to face the host Gators in Gainesville on Sunday afternoon. However, in recent years, it's been a one-sided feud, as the Seminoles have defeated the Gators SEVEN seven times (won 83-71 in Tallahassee last season).

Leonard Hamilton has built quite a program in Tallahassee but lost a 'ton' of talent from last year's team. However, the cupboard is hardly bare. The 6-9 Malik Osborne, despite dealing with a recent bout with the flu, scored 17 of his 18 points in the first half and finished with 13 rebounds in a 105-70 rout of Penn. Guard Anthony Polite added 17 & 6, while swingman RayQuan Evans had 14 points. Caleb Mills, a transfer guard from Houston, scored 14 points and had five rebounds in his Seminoles debut. FSU's signature defense was already evident as it forced 26 turnovers and turned those into 37 points.

Mike White's Gators return six seniors or graduate transfers. The Gators secured a 74-61 victory at home against Elon on Tuesday night to open their season, as the 6-11 Colin Castleton led Florida with 18 points. Returning starters guard Tyree Appleby (14) and the 6-7 Anthony Duruji added 10 points. Myreon Jones (Penn St transfer) had a line of 18-6-3. Phlandrous Fleming Jr. (20.1 & 7.4 at Charleston Southern last season) was dealing with a groin injury. He played in the second half and scored four points in 17 minutes. "One of our best players throughout the course of this summer and fall," White said of Fleming Jr. "He's been banged up a little bit. We didn't even know he was gonna play until an hour before the game, so it was nice to see him get going and play a game and not hamper what he had going on."

Mike White has led the Gators to four NCAA berths in the last five seasons (would have been five, except for COVID cancellation) but he really NEEDS to get a win over FSU in this "Florida Cup" game. Paraphrasing Rod Stewart, "Today's the Day!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on Gonzaga at 10:30 ET.

No. 5 Texas will be in Spokane, Wa tonight to take on No. 1 Gonzaga at the McCarthey Athletic Center. The Texas Longhorns 'warmed up' with a 92-48 win over Houston Baptist in their opener, while the Gonzaga Bulldogs rolled over Dixie State in their first game. After six years with ZERO NCAA tourney wins, 'Shaka Ball' was "sent packing," as Texas brought in the highly-respected Chris Beard. He 'exploded' on the national scene by going 30-5 with Arkansas-LR in the 2015-16 season and used that ONE season to get the job at Texas Tech, where he's had an excellent five-year run (lost championship to UVA in 2019, finishing with 31 wins0. While Beard is a terrific coach, he has NOTHING on Mark Few of Gonzaga. He has led Gonzaga to 21 straight NCAA berths in his 22 years (2020 tourney was cancelled). He's done everything but win a national championship but he's led the Bulldogs into the title TWICE in the last four seasons. Last year's loss was a 'killer,' as Gonzaga was No. 1 wire-to-wire and at 31-0, was looking to match Bob Knight's 1975-76 team, which was the last team to go unbeaten (32-0) and win the title.

Chris Beard brought in seven transfers with NCAA Division I experience. SIX players reached double-digits against Houston-Baptist. Returning guards Ramey (14) and Jones (11) led the way, with freshman guard Tyson also adding 11 points. The 6-10 Mitchell (18.8 & 7.2 plus 17.7 & 7.2 the L2 years at UMass) had 10 & 5, while Minnesota transfer Marcus Carr (19.6-3.9-49 LY) chipped in 10-3-7. The 6-6 Timmy Allen was named All-Pac 12 at Utah last season (17.2 & 6.4) and will be a MAJOR factor, although he ahd just 8 & 6 in the team's opener.

Gone from Gonzaga's near-perfect team last year are the 6-7 Kispert (18.6 & 5.0), PG Suggs (14.4-5.3-4.5) and guard Ayayi (12.0 & 6.9). The 6-10 Timme (19.0 & 7.0) and guard Nembard (9.2) return, joined by a recruiting haul that netted Gonzaga THREE of nation's top 25 high school recruits in ESPN's rankings, including 7-footer Chet Holmgren, the top overall prospect who has been called a "unicorn." Holmgren had 14 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and tied a school record with seven blocked shots in his debut. 6-7 freshman Julian Strawther scored a team-high 17 points and added 10 rebounds, in making his first collegiate start. Transfer Rasir Bolton (Iowa State/Penn State) added 15 points and Drew Timme, the reigning Karl Malone Award winner as the nation's top power forward, scored 11 in limited minutes.

I have little doubt that Beard will greatly improve on the Longhorns' recent past but Gonzaga is a 'monster!' Gonzaga's rout of Dixie State marked the team's  52nd consecutive home win, a program record. The team's last home loss was Jan 18, 2018, to Saint Mary's. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

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

The Trojans were a terrific defensive team last season, as they conceded only 65.1 PPG but the Owls have always been known for their defense (Can you say John Chaney?) and even in last year's COVID-interrupted 16-game season, allowed just  68.8 PPG. The Trojans were impressive at home but I think they'll have a much more difficult time finding open shots here in this difficult road venue, plus they can't expect Temple to shoot 32.8% like Northridge did (Temple shot 49.1% in its opener). Temple has the depth to compete and I believe it has a very realistic shot at winning this one outright.

My 10* Late-Breaker is on the Mi Heat at 5:00 ET.

The Heat beat the Jazz 118-115 back in Miami on Nov 6 but have lost three in a row since. Utah gets a quick chance at revenge but welcomes the Heat to Salt Lake City having dropped three of four games, beginning with that Miami loss. The Jazz were 7-1 prior to that Miami game, while the Heat opened 6-1 but now sit 7-5. Both teams come into this early tip-off (3:10 p.m. Mountain Time) in hopes of getting back on track.

Miami most recently lost to the Lakers and Clippers on consecutive nights in Los Angeles after beginning a five-game Western trip with a defeat in Denver. Kyle Lowry, trying to get back into a groove after an ankle injury, was a bright spot in Miami's 112-109 loss to the Clippers on Thursday with 25 points. That said, Lowry is averaging just 12.1 PPG, although he is handing out 7.3 APG. Butler (23.6-5.5-5.1) is dealing with an ankle injury (questionable here) but Herro (21.1 & 5.4) and Abebayo (20.3 & 11.5) are off to great starts. For Utah, Mitchell (25.9-4.7-5.2) leads five double digit scorers, including center Gobert (15.0 & 15.5) and 6th-man Clarkson (14.3).

The Jazz and Heat have each made headlines this week for the wrong reasons. Miami center Markieff Morris exchanged hard body blows with Denver's Nikola Jokic on Monday, and Utah's Rudy Gobert got into a tussle with Indiana's Myles Turner in Thursday's 111-100 loss. I always look to see if there is a "revenge" angle between teams. Sometimes the "revenge factor" can absolutely work in a team's favor, but other times I think it's meaningless. I'm voting for "meaningless" in this one. Both teams have some injury issues but I will note that Lowry is MORE than capable of stepping up and he did have a triple-double of 20 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the Heat's 118-115 win over Utah a week ago. 

"Upon further review," I'll take the points with Miami.

Good luck...Larry

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

Johnny Dawkins' UCF team led off with a 69-59 win over Roberts Morris and visits Miami on Saturday afternoon, which opened with a 77-67 home win over Canisius. All five starters are back from an 11-12 team. Miami's Jim Larranaga has led the hurricanes to six, 20-win seasons in his 10 years, to all three of the school's 25-win seasons and two of the school's three Sweet 16 appearances. However, his teams have won 14, 15 and 10 games( 4-15 in the ACC last year) the last three seasons.

The Knights have an experienced squad full of high-leaping dunkers, and bring back almost all of their scoring and minutes played from last season, when they finished 11-12. Guard Darius Perry led the team with 14.7 PPG last season and had a game-high 18 points against Robert Morris. Fellow guard Green (11.3 LY) added 14 points. UCF's bench is led by former five-star Oregon recruit C.J. Walker, who named the AAC's top defensive player in a preseason poll. He had 12 points and eight rebounds against Robert Morris. The Knights have also added a 6-11 transfer in Cheikh Mbacke Diong, a Senegal native who was a team captain at UNLV. The center had a team-high five blocks against Robert Morris. Other starters back from the Knights' 2021-2022 roster are Brandon Mahan, who averaged 12.3 points last season and the 6-6 Isaiah Adams, an AAC All-Rookie pick who averaged 8.9 points.

Sixth-year senior Kameron McGusty is the type of experienced player Miami will be counting on this season. He transferred in from Oklahoma in 2018 and has played 112 games, including 65 starts.. He scored a team-high 20 points and grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds in the win over Canisius. Fellow guard Wong (17.1 & 4.8 LY) added just seven points. That duo is joined in the starting lineup by the 6-10 Sam Waardenburg, who sat out last season due to injury plus transfers Jordan Miller (15.8 & 6.1 at George Mason) and Charlie Moore (14.4 & 4.2 APG at DePaul). Waardenburg opened with 10 & 6, Moore with 13-4-4 and Miller with eight points

The road team has covered in four straight in this series and dating to last year Miami is 0-4 ATS in its last four at home and a terrible 0-5-1 ATS in its last six as a favorite. UCF, on the other hand, is 7-1 ATS in its last eight following a straight-up victory. Expect those trends to continue today. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Marquee Classic is on UCLA at 11:30 ET.

It's an early season showdown of top-four teams, as No. 2 UCLA welcomes No. 4 Villanova to Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Friday night. The Bruins are coming off a season in which they won five NCAA Tournament games to reach the Final 4, where they lost to Gonzaga in dramatic fashion in OT! Villanova is coming off an 'average' season these days for head coach Jay Wright, going 18-7 after a loss in the Sweet 16. As evidenced by the schools' preseason rankings, big things are expected of both teams.

Villanova visits the City of Angels having welcomed back star PG Collin Gillespie from an MCL injury that ended his 2020-21 campaign early. Gillespie showed no rust with 13 points, five assists and two steals in the Wildcats' 91-51 romp over Mount St. Mary's. Fellow guard Justin Moore shot 6-of-8 from three-point range en route to a career-high 27 points, while a pair of 6-7 frontcourt players, Slater (14-4-5) and Samuels (17 & 6), got their respective seasons off to a good start.

UCLA had little trouble in its season opener on Tuesday, winning 95-58 against Cal State Bakersfield. Five UCLA players scored in double figures to usher in a campaign filled with expectations. The perimeter quartet of Juzang (19 & 4), Bernard (19), Jaquez (14 & 4) and Campbell (10 & 4 assists) were joined by 6-5 sophomore Clark (10-7-3) in double digits. The news wasn't all good though, as the 6-9 Cody Riley (10.0 & 5.5 LY) left the game with an apparent knee injury. His status for Friday is unknown.

Friday's contest is an opportunity for either team to "send a message" about this campaign's early pecking order. Both UCLA and Villanova have national-championship aspirations and bring similar styles. Jay Wright has two national titles in his resume but all of his success, Mick Cronin is still searching for his first. However, I believe the Bruins are the better team and this is a reasonable price to lay at home. Cronin-coached teams have long been known for their defensive intensity and in the opener, held Cal State Bakersfield to just 37.5 percent shooting from the floor. Pair that with UCLA's balanced scoring and I'm laying the 'short' price.

Good luck...Larry

My NBA 10* ESPN Game of the Month is on the Chi Bulls at 10:10 ET.

The Golden State Warriors went from FIVE consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals to 15-50 in the 2019-20 season. Last season was better (39-33) but NO one expected the Warriors to open the current season 10-1. Any doubts these days regarding Steph's greatness? The Warriors will welcome the Chicago Bulls to San Francisco tonight in front of the ESPN cameras. The Bulls are coming off a 31-41 season, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. However, Chicago has opened 8-3, after routing the Brooklyn Nets 118-95 on Monday and following with a 117-107 win over Dallas (both games were played in Chicago).

The Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine (25.9-5.5-4.2) and the free-agent signing of DeMar DeRozan (26.0-5.8-43.8). Picking up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) has given him 'new life' and he has opened this season averaging a double-double (13.6 & 10.9). Lonzo Ball is also new this season and despite all the negativity surrounding him, the guy is an excellent teammate, a VERY good defender and in his fifth NBA season owns a career line of 11.8-4,7-5.8. The Bulls defense ranks third in allowing opponents only 102.4 PPG.

Curry's been amazing, averaging 27.4-6.5-6.5, joined by three other double digit scorers plus the "do-everything" Green. Those double digits scorers are Poole (17.8), Wiggins (17.4 & 4.3) and Lee (11.9(, while green is averaging 7.8-8.2-7.2. The problem here is that Lee is out with a hip issie and Green is listed as questionable with a thigh injury.

That said, Chicago is not without an issue or two. First off, Vucevic did not make the trip to San Francisco because of COVID-related reasons. The Bulls are also currently missing last year's first-round pick, Patrick Williams, who underwent surgery on his left wrist last month. However, here's the bottom line. The Warriors have benefited in the early going from what several ratings services calculate to be the NBA's easiest schedule. The only teams they've played so far that currently sport winning records are the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, the Warriors will be the eighth team with a .500 or better record that the Bulls have faced this season. They've gone 4-3 in their first seven and are getting almost a 'TD' worth of points in this one. This is the opener of a tough five-game Western swing for the Bulls (the Clippers, Lakers, Blazers and Nuggets are next). This contest begins a stretch of games that will really show us what DeMar DeRozan, Zach Lavine, Lonzo Ball, and company are all about. Take the points

Good luck...Larry

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

Both the San Diego State Aztecs and the BYU Cougars basketball programs have produced some impressive AP-ranked teams for many seasons now. SDSU's Brian Dutcher took over for his mentor Steve Fisher and is entering his fifth season, He's gone 96-31 in his first four, inducing 23-5 last year. Mark Pope is in just his third season at BYU but has delivered a 44-15 two-year mark, including 20-7 last season. Neither team is in the latest top-25 poll but expect to see them sometime during the current season.

The Aztecs opened with a 66-53 win over UC-Riverside. Matt Bradley, who was an All Pac 12 player at Cal last season averaging 18.0 & 4.6 LY, led SDSU with 23 points on 8 of 13 shooting while returning PG Trey Pulliam had 15 points on 7 of 16 shooting. They were the lone players in double digits, although returning 6-10 center Nathan Mensah (8.1 & 6.1 LY) added eight points with a team-high 10 rebounds. That trio will be the core of this year's team, having lost forward Mitchell (15.4 & 5.6) and guard Schakel (14.4) from last season (the top-two scorers).

BYU lost guard Averette (11.7 PPG / 2nd-leading scorer) and the 7-3 Haarms (11.3 & 5.0) but got the unexpected return of guard Parcello (16.1-4.7-4.2). He led the Cougars with 24 points on 5 of 6 shooting with a perfect 13 of 13 mark from the foul line along with 4 assists. Guard Spencer Johnson added 13 points, while the 6-7 Caleb Lohner added seven points with a team-high nine rebounds. Making contributions up front were the 6-6 George (seven rebounds) and the 6-6 Traore (8 rebounds and 3 blocks in 24 minutes off of the bench).

San Diego St is playing with revenge from BYU beating them last season but winning in Marriot Center has NEVER been easy for any visiting team. Mark Pope is carry on with that tradition, as the Cougars are 25-3 SU under his guidance. Lay the VERY 'short' price.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* ESPN 'Table-Setter' is on the Bos Celtics at 7:40 ET.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks will visit Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics on Friday night. Neither team can be too happy where it stands coming into this one. The Bucks are 6-6 and the Celtics are 5-6. Milwaukee let a 24-point lead slip away vv New York on Wednesday night, but the Bucks still found a way to pull out a 112-100 win on the road against the Knicks. Milwaukee has now won back-to-back games, after dropping five of its prior six games. As for Boston, the Celtics got some revenge with a 104-88 home win against the Raptors on Wednesday after being blown out by Toronto in a 32-point defeat in the Celtics' home opener.

Antetokounmpo (26.6-11.8-6.0) posted a near triple-double with 15 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in a team-high 38 minutes in the win over the Knicks. Pat Connaughton (10.9 & 5.0) led all scorers with 23 points on a career-high seven three-pointers to help keep the Bucks afloat. The Bucks have played without star Khris Middleton (20.0-4.7-4.5), who has now missed the last six games due to health and safety protocols. Center Brook Lopez has played in just ONE game all season while dealing with a back injury plus PG Donte DiVincenzo remains out with a foot injury.

Tatum (23.5 & 8.6) led the charge with 22 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists against Toronto, while new PG Dennis Schroder (14.5 & 5.8 APG) added 20 points for Boston, which had SIX players score in double figures. Jaylen Brown (25.6-5.8-6.1) missed his second straight game with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain. The swingman is not expected to return against the Bucks, but said he could return sooner than the original one- to two-week timeline.

The loss of Brown is HUGE but the Celtics come in playing their best basketball so far and I think that momentum gets carried over here. Boston most recently beat Toronto 104-88, giving the team its fourth straight ATS win. Boston has found a good rotation with Josh Richardson (8.3) and Romeo Langford (6.1) off the bench and will 'hit the road' for three straight after this, adding more emphasis to win tonight's home game, where Boston has opened just 1-3. I'm in! Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Non-Conference Game of the Month is on Western Ky at 6:30 ET.

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers meet Friday from US Cellular Center in Minneapolis (not the Gophers' homecourt). The Hilltoppers are coming off a 21-9 season in which they lost in the C-USA championship game while Minnesota saw a 9-1 start to its 2020-21 season (No. 21 in the AP poll) fall apart by losing 14 of its final 19 games to finish 14-15, That was enough to end Richard Pitino's 8-year run at Minnesota, as Ben Jonhson takes over (first head coaching gig). In contrast, Rick Stansbury enters his sixth season at Western Ky, having won 20-plus games in each of his last four.

Gone from last year's team are the 6-9 Bassey (17.6 & 11.6) and guard Holingsworth (13.9). However, Stansbury has a solid core of two guards and two froncort players on this year's team. The Hilltoppers' 79-74 opening win over Alabama St was hardly impressive but the 6-8 Hamilton had 21 points and the 6-9 Butz added 12 & 6. Guards McKnight (19-5-6) and Anderson (12 & 7) both played well. Minnesota also opened with a less-than-impressive win over UMKC. There was a mass exodus at Minnesota, as players transferred right and left (NONE of last year's starters are back!). Most notbaly, Minnesota lost (to Texas) one of last season's best backcourt players in Carr (19.4-4.0-4.9). The 6-7 Battle (18 points) and the 6-9 Curry (7 & 7) look like Minnesota's best frontcourt players and Willis and Stephens (both had 13 points vs UMKC) as the best backcourt performers.

The Golden Gophers were picked to finish last in the Big Ten preseason media poll and the team has more questions than answers. Yes, WKU came out slow in its opener as a big favorite but the team made adjustments and came out with a win. Rick Stansbury led Miss St to 11 postseason bids in hsi 14 years at Starkville and is again proving he's a winner at Western, ky. The hilltoppers win "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Ls Vegas Insider is on Detroit at 9:00 ET.

The Detroit Titans and the Wyoming Cowboys meet tonight in the season opener for both schools at Arena-Auditorium in Laramie, Wy. The Titans finished 12-10 (10-6 in the Horizon) last season but there is MORE to this story (see below). The Cowboys enter the season off a 2020-21 season in which they went 14-11, including a 7-9 record in MWC play.

Mike Davis led the Indiana Hoosiers to a runner-up finish in the 2001-02 season, losing to Maryaland in the title game. That now seems like 50 years ago. He took over at Detroit in the 2018-19 season and inherited a 'MESS!' The Titans had won just eight games in each of the two previous seasons and his first two teams won 11 and eight games. Looking at last season, it should be noted that Detroit opened 1-7 with EIGHT games canceled due to COVID-related circumstances. However, 6-11 transfer Noah Waterman became eligible and the team would go 11-3 the rest of the way. Waterman averaged 11.9 & 4.5 plus leading scorer Davis ended by averaging 24.0 PPG (3rd-best in the nation), as well as with 4.7 APG. Again, looking more closely, Davis averaged 16.7 PPG in the team's 1-7 but then 28.0 PPG and 5.6 APG in its 11-3 finish. Both return, along with Matt Johnson (8.5 PPG), who was named Horizon's 6th-man-of-the-year.

Jeff Linder left No. Colorado to take over in Laramie and his first team went 14-11 (Cowboys had won nine and eight games the previous two seasons). Marcus Williams (14.8 & 4.3 APFG) left for A&M and is a HUGE loss but the 6-7 Maldonado (12.5 & 6.8) and the 6-9 Ike (11.2 & 5.4) return up front, while DuSell (9.1) steps in at PG (he shot 45.6% on threes last season). Joining him in the backcourt will be Foster (9.1) and Jefries (7.4).

Detroit has the best player on the floor tonight in Davis and after the Titans finished off last season strong, I expect them to carry that confidence and momentum over into this one. Grab the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the SA Spurs at 8:40 ET.

The San Antonio Spurs return home after a 99-94 loss in Oklahoma City on Sunday, a game in which they squandered a 16-point first-half lead before fighting back to make it a one-possession game in the final seconds. The ability to "close out games" has been lacking so far for the 3-7 Spurs (more later). The Sacramento Kings are 5-6 this season, as they look to end the longest active playoff drought of any NBA franchise (Kings have missed the last 15 postseasons!).

San Antonio led by 10 at the half at OKC but was outscored 34-14 in the third period as it missed 11 of its final 13 shots in that quarter. "We got to learn from that -- not just settling and doing what we do to keep those leads," guard Lonnie Walker IV said. "We just got to come together. When these scoring droughts come, we try and do it ourselves." Keldon Johnson (16.2 & 5.8) led the Spurs with 22 points in the loss while Walker (12.3 & 5.6 APG had 15 off the bench, Drew Eubanks scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Dejounte Murray, Doug McDermott and Thaddeus Young added 10 points apiece. Eubanks and Young are role players but PG Murray (17.6-8.1-8.3) is San Antonio's best player. As for center Poeltl (13.9 & 9.7), Popovich added that he isn't sure about his availability this week as he deals with health and safety protocols. "We know he is not going to be ready for (the Kings game) or Friday (against Dallas)," Popovich said.

The Kings visit San Antonio on the heels of a 109-104 home loss to defending Western Conference champion Phoenix that went down to the final seconds. Sacramento's poor third quarter allowed the Suns to build a 21-point lead early in the fourth, but the Kings rallied to within a possession before a late turnover and free throws by Phoenix closed out the game. The Kings played against Phoenix without guard Tyrese Haliburton (13.6 & 5.0 APG), who had lower back tightness. Sacramento has depth at the guard position with PG Fox (18.6 & 6.2 APG) and Hield (17.4 & 5.4), who started (has been coming off the bench). SF Barnes (22.5 & 8.7) is having a career season plus undersized center Holmes (14.6 & 10.5) just seems to get better. Baylor rookie Mitchell IS getting better by the game and is up to 9.9 PPG on the season. 

The 3-7 Spurs have good peripheral numbers, as they're ranked third in the league in pace, ninth in the league in field goal percentage, second in assists, sixth in steals, and they're tied for fifth in defensive rating. Maybe that's why they are 6-4 ATS. Six of San Antonio's seven losses this season have come by an average of five points and while they'll have to win to cover here, I have little faith in the Kings, who just NEVER seem to fulfill any perceived promise. Pop over Luke Walton ANYTIME!

Good luck...Larry

My NBA 10* East/West Game of the Week is on the Atl Hawks at 9:10 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks began last season off FIVE consecutive fifth-place finishes but won the Southeast Division last year with a 41-31 record. They then made it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals, beating the East's top-seeded 76ers, before losing to the Bucks, the eventual NBA champs. Atlanta opened 3-1 this season but has suddenly 'fallen apart,' by losing SIX of seven, including four in a row. The Hawks are in Salt Lake City along with the team's 1-6 record on the road. The Jazz owned the NBA's best regular season record last season but lost in the second round of the playoffs to Denver. The Jazz opened the current season 7-1 (won 116-98 in Atlanta on Nov 4) but enter this contest off back-to-back losses at Miami (no big deal) but also at Orlando (not good!). The Jazz are 7-3 on the season (3-0 at home).

No way to explain Atlanta's poor start, as the team has a terrific team leader in PG Young (23.7 & 9.5 APG), who is surrounded by a strong starting cast and plenty of depth. Young plus PF Collins (16.3 & 8.9), SG Bogdanovich (12.4) and center Capela (9.6 & 10.9) have started all 11 games, while SF Hunter (11.7) has started 10 of 11. Throw in Reddish (11.9), Gallinari (7.3) and Huerter (6.9) and it's a 'head scratcher' that the Hawks are playing this poorly.

Utah can easily match Atlanta's 'cast of characters.' SG Mitchell (25.8-4.3-5.3) and PG Conley (16.1 & 4.8 APG) are the starting backcourt (Conley has missed three games), while SF Bogdanovich (16.9 & 4.6) and PF O'Neale (7.3 & 4.6) surround center Gobert (15.2 & 16.1). Clarkson (14.4) was 6th-man-of-the year last season and comes off the bench with guard Ingles (8.5),who has started the three games that Conley missed, and center Whiteside (7.1 & 7.9).

The Charlotte Hornets lost to the Clippers 120-106 as six-point underdogs (got outscored 27-4 to end the game) on Sunday but then last night the Hornets played the second game of a back-to-back and lost to the Lakers just 126-123 in overtime. This Atlanta Hawks team finds itself in a similar position, as it comes to Utah off a 127-113 road loss at Golden State just last night. If this were the end of the season, fatigue would be an issue. However, we're still in the first month of play and these elite athletes will only benefit from the quick turnaround as they try to get back into the winner's circle.

I like betting on motivated teams and after arguably being the biggest surprise team last season, their early play sio far has been a HUGE dissappointment. A little revnge motive from a beatdown by the Jazz back in Atlanta (see above), only adds to the motivation. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Rice at 8:00 ET.

The Pepperdine Waves and the Rice Owls meet Tuesday in college basketball action from Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston. Pepperdine had an up-and-down campaign in 2020-21, going 7-6 in WCC play. The Waves ended up in fourth-place in the conference standings behind Gonzaga (15-0), BYU (10-3) and Loyola Marymount (7-5). Pepperdine took out Santa Clara 78-70 in the quarterfinals of the WCC Tournament but lost in OT to BYU 82-77 in the semis. The Waves got an invite to the CBI, where they beat Longwood, Bellarmine and Coastal Carolina en route to a tournament championship, finishing 15-12. As for Rice, the Owls dealt with injuries and COVID issues all season, finishing 6-10 in C-USA West play. However, the team won TWO games in the C-USA tourney, before falling in the semis 73-60 to UAB (ending the year at 15-13),

Heading into this season opener, Pepperine has lost its two-best players, PG Ross (17.5-4.1-7.7) and 6-7 forward Edwards (17.2 & 6.8). The leading returning starter is the 6-9 Zidek at 9.4 PPG. In contrast, Rice returns all FIVE starters from last year's team which showed 'some life' in the C-USA tourney. A trio of double-digit scoring guards are back in Olivari (16.3 & 5,3), Evee (13.7) and Mullins (10.4) plus the 6-11 Fielder (11.2 & 8.8) joins them.

The Waves have more questions than answers as they try to navigate and find their identity without Ross running the show. Meanwhile, the Owls return some valuable experience and note that Rice is on an 7-0-1 ATS run over its last eight home games. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Champions ClassicShowdown is on Kansas at 7:00 ET.

Bill Self's Jayhawks finished 21-9 last season, including a loss in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.Not what was expected of a team ranked No. 6 in the AP's preseason poll. Michigan St owns a pretty famous head coach as well in Tom Izzo and his Spartans started at No. 13 at the opening of the 2020-21 season struggled in the regular season. Mich St made the NCAA tourney at 15-12 but was eliminated in a First Four game by UCLA. Kansas begins the current season ranked No. 3, while Michigan St is unranked (Spartans received the most votes of any team left out of the Top 25). Kansas faces Michigan State on Tuesday in college basketball's annual season-opening showcase (State Farm Champions Classic) at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Self's team is 'loaded.' Remy Martin (19.1 PPG last season), an Arizona State transfer, was named the preseason player of the year in the Big 12. Two other veterans, the 6-10 David McCormack (13.4 & 6.7) and SG Ochai Agbaji (14.1), were also named to the preseason all-conference team. Another returning starter, Jalen Wilson (11.8 & 7.9), will miss the Champions Classic after drawing a four-game suspension for an arrest on DUI charges.

No Michigan State returnee averaged double figures in scoring last season. However, Northeastern transfer Tyson Walker should provide punch after averaging 18.8 & 4.8 APG while also being named the CAAs top defender. Max Christie (24.0 & 10.1 in HS) is the top addition among freshmen and will play along the wing with long-range marksman Gabe Brown (42% on three-pointers). A late-season push enabled Michigan State to earn its 23rd consecutive NCAA Tournament bid a year ago before it finished an uncustomary 15-13. Tom Izzo enters his 27th season as head coach. 

Izzo should have an NCAA tourney team by year's end but Kansas is the MUCH better team here on Nov 9.

Good luck...Larry

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

The Toledo Rockets of the MAC and Valparaiso Beacons (former Crusaders) of the MVC meet Tuesday in college hoops at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso, In. The Rockets won the MAC last season at 15-4 but lost in the MCA tourney so missed the NCAAs (finished 21-9). The now-Beacons have a rich tradition (can you say the Drew family) but won just 10 games last year (18 losses), as they enter Year Six under head coach Matt Lottich.

Tod Kowalczyk enters his 12th season at Toledo and loses his best player, PG Jackson (18.1-6.1-5.9), who transferred to Arizona St. Three-point shooter Littleson (47.2% on threes last season) also left to play in Belgium. However, three double-digit scorers return in guard Ryan Rollins (13.7 & 5.2) plus frontcourt players the 6-6 Millner (12.9 & 6.8) and the 6-7 Shumate (11.3 & 4.4). Kowalczyk is hoping Boise St transfer Dennis (8.6 PPG) will be his new point guard. If the 6-10 AJ Edu could stay healthy (this year?), he is a force on the glass.

After some mediocre seasons, Valparaiso believes it "has to get better." The 6-9 Ben Krikke (12.3 & 4.2) returns, as does guard Edwards (6.8 & 5.1). However, the season will go as Valpo's EIGHT new players do. Lottich brought in four Big Ten transfers and recruited four true freshmen.

Valparaiso has been a dangerous home underdog but that was then and this is NOW! The Rockets are favored for a reason and that's because they have the talent to make another run at being the MAC's best team and will win here against a Valpo team that is in rebuilding mode.

Good luck...Larry

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

The Belmont Bruins and Ohio Bobcats meet Tuesday in college hoops at the Convocation Center in Athens, Oh. (I know it well!). The Belmont Bruins are coming off a 26-win season but losing in the OVC tourney cost the Bruins an NCAA bid. The Ohio Bobcats finished a modest 9-5 in MAC play but surprised most by winning the MAC tourney and then upset 4th-seed Virginia 62-58 in the first round of the "Big Dance." Ohio would lose its next game 72-58 to Creighton but no one was complaining in Athens.

Belmont is used to winning, having won 20-plus games in 15 of the last 16 seasons (exception was a 19-win season), with EIGHT trips to the Big Dance. The Bruins return all five starters from last season, starting with the 6-11 Nick Muszynski (15.0 & 5.6), guards Smith 12,7), Wood (11.3) and Murphy (10.9 & 5.8 APG) plus the 6-8 Hollander (9.3 & 4.7). 6th-man, the 6-6 Sheppard (10.5), is also back. Ohio guard Preston (15.7-7.3-7.3) left for the NBA (1st Ohio player picked in the draft since Brandon Hunter is 2003) but PG Sears (8.5 & 3.3 APG) plus perimeter players Roderick (12.4) and McDay (10.2) also return. Up front, the 6-8 Vander Plas (12.8 & 5.8) and the 6-8 Wilson (14.5 & 8.7) are still around.

I have the utmost respect for Belmont but this Ohio U team is 'sneaky' good. In fact, Ohio ended last season on a 10-2 ATS run, including 6-1 as an underdog. "The Convo" will be 'rocking' tonight. Grab any points available.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NBA Game of the Week is on the Chi Bulls at 8:10 ET

The 7-3 Brooklyn Nets are in the midst of a six-game road trip (longest of the season) and visit Chicago tonight after winning at Detroit and Toronto, extending the team's overall winning streak to FIVE in a row. The Bulls opened the season 6-1 but are coming off consecutive losses against the Philadelphia 76ers.

As all know, the Nets are playing without Kyrie and despite scoring about 12 points lower than they they averaged last season (106.1 TY compared to 118.6 LY), are right at the top on the Estern Conference with Philadelphia (8-2), Miami (7-2) and Washington (7-3) are seeking quicker starts to games. KD has started all 10 games and is averaging 28.6-8.6-5.40. Harden is well below his recent scoring averages at 18.7 PPG but also chips in 7.7 RPG and 8.9 APG. Harris (11.3 & 4.3) has also started all 10 games. Defense has been the key to Brooklyn's five-game winning streak, as the Nets are holding opponents to an average of just 98 points during their streak.

The Chicago Bulls are coming off a 31-41 season, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, However, behind Zach LaVine (26.4-5.9-3.7) and the free-agent signing of DeMar DeRozan (26.8-5.8-4.2), the Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference. picking up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) has given him 'new life' and he has opened this season averaging a double-double (13.4 & 10.8). Lonzo Ball is also new this season and despite all the negativity surrounding him, the guy is an excellent teammate, a VERY good defender and in his fifth NBA season owns a career line of 11.7-5.8-6.3 (it's 11.9-5.6-4.6).

The Bulls enter having lost two straight but note that they're 8-3 ATS in their last 11 after a SU/ATS home loss in which they allowed 110 or more points, Chicago is also 8-2 ATS in its last 10 as a favorite. Nets winning streak ends here!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* 'Late Show' play is on the Cha Hornets at 9:10 ET.

the Charlotte Hornets began the season with a 3-0 record but they've tailed off since then and visit Staples Center tonight just 5-5, after getting blown out 140-110 in Sacramento Friday night. As all know, the Clippers began the season without Kawhi (he may miss the entire season) and opened 1-4. However, the Clippers have returned to their winning ways on the strength of more consistent defensive play. Los Angeles has held opponents to an average of 98 points a contest over the last three games, wins over the Thunder and back-to-back victories on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That said, OKC and Minnesota are not exactly a 'Murderer's Row' of opponents.

Miles Bridges (22.7 & 7.7) is enjoying a 'career year' early on for Charlotte, as his average over his first three seasons was 10.6 PPG. Bridges is joined by the impressive trio of Ball (19.9-5.7-7.0), Hayward (18.1-4.7-3.6) and Oubre (12.5 & 4.50). Plumlee has started all 10 games at center, chipping in 6.5 & 7.9. Charlotte has reached 100 points in all except two of its 10 games. The Hornets check in as the NBA's highest scoring team, averaging 114.2 PPG, but are allowing a league-high 117.4 PPG.

As expected, George (27.9-8.1-4.9) leads the way for the Clippers, with PG Jackson (16.8-3.9-4.1) SG Bledsoe (8.8-3.4-4.3) and center Zubac (8.9 & 6.6) also starting all eight games. Jackson has heated up in averaging 21 points a contest during L.A.'s three-game winning streak plus Kennard (11.1) and Mann (10.4) are both averaging double digits off the bench.

The Hornets have struggled defensively this year (to say the least) but they catch a break facing this LA offense which is averaging only 105.4 PPG (ranked 19th). Paul George and the Clippers have been strong defensively (102.1 PPG ranks 6th), but I think the home side gets caught flat-footed here in the opener of its six-game homestand. The game marks the return of LaMelo Ball to his hometown. The second-year pro out of nearby Chino Hills played for the first time in Los Angeles last season, back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, both losses. However, this weekend will be the first time Ball plays in L.A. with fans in attendance. I'm grabbing the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Cha Hornets at 10:10 ET.

The Charlotte Hornets began the season with a 3-0 record but they've tailed off since then and head to Sacramento just 5-4. However, Charlotte head coach James Borrego said those early outcomes should be remembered for some of the things that were learned. 4-4 Sacrameto topped the New Orleans Pelicans 112-99 on Wednesday night, as the Kings won a home game for the first time this season.

Miles Bridges (24.1 & 8.0) is enjoying a 'career year,' as his average over his first three seasons was 10.6 PPG. He racked up 32 points, reaching the 30-point mark for the fourth time this season in Wednesday's 114-92 loss at Golden St. Bridges is joined by the impressive trio of Ball (19.4-6.0-6.3), Hayward (17.3-5.0-3.8) and Oubre (12.9 & 4.6). Charlotte has reached 100 points in all except two of its nine games, after scoring a season-low total in Wednesday night's loss (see above). However, the Hornet's still check in as the NBA's highest scoring team, averaging 114.7 PPG, while also shooting a league-high 39.6% on threes.

The Kings own a terrific guard trio. Fox (17.9 & 6.5 APG) and Haliburton 13.1 & 5.5 APG) are starting, with Hield coming off the bench to average 16.8 PPG. The Kings will have to see if there's any fallout from the league regarding center Richaun Holmes' second-half ejection Wednesday night. He was restrained from team staff members prior to exiting the court. He's an undersized center averaging 15.0 & 9.9. Then there is SF Harrison Barnes, who has a 14.0 PPG average over his 11 seasons but has been spectacular so far, averaging 23.3 PPG and 9.5 RPG.

The Kings remain an enigma, as the team's Wednesday win over the Pelicans was the FIRST time in their eight games that the Kings held an opponent under 100 points (99). In fact, half (2 of 4) of the Kings' wins have come over New Orleans. Charlotte should come in confident, as it has won its last FIVE meetings with Sacramento. Play the Hornets.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Mem Grizzlies at 7:10 ET.

The Washington Wizards opened 5-1, the franchise's best start in 16 years. However, as they welcome the Grizzlies to the nation's capital, Washington is looking to shake off a two-game losing skid. Memphis is off back-to-back home wins against the Nuggets, winning 106-97 (Mon) and 108-106 (Wed). Both teams will take the floor with 5-3 records.

To no one's surprise, Ja Morant (27.0-5.5-7.5) is setting the pace for Memphis early. Second-year wing Desmond Bane is elevating his play early on, helping fill the void with Dillon Brooks sidelined due to a broken hand. Bane has averaged 17.5 & 4.1, while shooting better than 41 percent from beyond the three-point arc on almost eight attempts per game. Guard Melton has also been a nice surprise, averaging 12.6 PPG. Then there is Jaren Jackson Jr, who is coming off a 2020-21 in which he missed all but 11 regular-season games due to injuries. The fourth-year forward is averaging 13.6 & 5.4, while scoring in double-figures in six of the Grizzlies' first eight games. The team's new starting center is Steven Adams and he's close to averaging a double-double (9.4 & 9.1).

Washington's starting guard duo is Beal (24.4-5.7-4.9) and Dinwiddie (17.9-4.9-5.9). Then there's the "Lakers-East" trio of PF Harrell (18.0 & 9.9), SF Kuzma (14.1 & 9.9) and guard Caldwell-Pope (9.5 & 4.0). However, Washington comes into Friday's matchup with more than a few issues. Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant have not yet played this season and neither has a clear timetable to return. Davis Bertans is out indefinitely with an ankle injury, and now Kyle Kuzma is questionable for Friday after leaving Wednesday's game with an arm injury.

I think Washington is going to take another step back here. Defending champion Milwaukee is coming to D.C. on Sunday, while Memphis will enjoy two whole nights off after this before a favorable home stretch starting with Minnesota on Monday. Scheduling (for both teams, in every sport) is always something I look at carefully when assessing a contest and this one favors Memphis in that department. Memphis is the play.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* 'Battle at The Alamo' is on the SA Spurs at 8:40 ET.

The San Antonio Spurs need to shrug off their worst defensive performance of the young season when they return home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. The Spurs were routed 131-118 Monday at Indiana, as the Pacers shot 63.8 percent from the floor in the first half while building a 22-point lead at the break and never looked back. The Spurs have dropped five of their last six games, as they welcome the 4-3 Mavs to the Alamo City. It's the second game of a home-road back-to-back for Dallas, which began with a 125-110 defeat to the visiting Miami Heat on Tuesday. 

Doncic is one of the league's best, although his scoring is down some (24.0-7.7-7.1). Swingman Hardaway spent the better part of last season as the team's 6th-man but he started all seven games, averaging 13.9 PPG. Kristaps Porzingis, nicknamed the "Unicorn," has missed the last four games due to back tightness. Porzingis missed 29 of Dallas' 72 games last season due to his back issues and is off to a slow start even in the three games he has played. He is averaging 12.7 PPG (six below his career average) and is shooting 30.2 percent from the floor and 23.5 percent on three-pointers. His career averages are 44 percent on field goals and 36 percent on threes."We want him to be right," Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said of Porzingis. "If he's not right, he can't play.

The Spurs started the same five players in each of their first four games but McDermott (11.5) has missed all three games of San Antonio's just-concluded road trip with a balky right knee. He will be a game-time decision. Walker (12.7) has started in his place, joining Murray (17.6-7.6-8.5), Johnson (14.9 & 5.3), Poetl (13.9 & 9.7) and White (13.1 & 6.3 APG). This year's version of the Spurs is running a free-flowing offense (110.0 PPG ranks 13th) and should be able to outscore a Dallas team that is having offensive struggles. Dallas is averaging 100.0 PPG (28th) on 40.9% (29th).

I had a play on Dallas last night and lost. I rarely "play on" a team one night, and then go against them the next, but there are exceptions to every rule. That's the case here. These contests really do need to be viewed and assessed individually and this is simply a bad spot for the scuffling Mavericks. They're dealing with several key injuries (Porzingis) and they're facing a Spurs team that returns home eager to bounce back after a 131-118 at Indiana on Monday. San Antonio is also  playing with the immediate revenge factor here after falling 104-99 at Dallas on October 28th. That is significant, as dating to last year the Spurs are 5-1 ATS in their last six in trying to avenge a road loss against an opponent in which they were held to 99 or fewer points in. Spurs win in 'The Battle 4 Texas.'

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Tor Raptors at 7:10 ET.

The Toronto Raptors are still without All Star Pascal Siakam, who is not expected back until mid-November. However, since the Raptors lost their season-opener 98-83 at home to the Wizards, they've won FIVE of their last seven games, including FOUR in a row. Toronto will be out to avenge that opening-night loss and extend their winning streak to five when they conclude a three-game road trip Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards. The Wizards lost 118-111 to the host Atlanta Hawks on Monday, snapping a three-game winning streak to fall to 5-2.

Rookie Barnes (18.1 & 8.9) has been terrific for Toronto but he suffered a sprained right thumb late in Toronto's win Saturday night against the Indiana Pacers. His status for Wednesday is uncertain. SF Anunuby scored a career-best 36 points Monday in a 113-104 victory over the New York Knicks and leads the Raptors in scoring at 20.3 PPG (adds 5.6 RPG). VanVleet started slowly but is up to 17.0-5.5-7.4 and Trent (15.1 PPG) has been a consistent producer. Starting center Precious Achiuwa played only 17 minutes with two points and nine rebounds on Monday. He was replaced by Khem Birch, who had six points, eight rebounds, one blocked shot and two steals. However, Achiuwa is averaging 8.3 & 8.6 in a modest 23.5 MPG (pretty good).

The Wizards are led by the guard duo of Beal (24.3-5.5-4.5) and Dinwiddie (18.8-4.7-5.3) plus a trio of former Lakers. PF Harrell (18.4 & 9.9), SF Kuzma (15.9 & 11.0) and guard Caldwell-Ppe (9.7) kinda makes the Wizards, the "Lakers-East!" The Wizards had starting point guard Spencer Dinwiddie, who did not play Thursday (rest), and starting center Daniel Gafford (right quadriceps contusion), who missed the two previous games, back in the lineup Monday. However, Washington had too many wasted possessions against the Hawks.

Toronto has won with its defense, allowing just 100.3 PPG (3rd). The Raptors will remember that in their home loss to the Wizards, they held a team averaging 112.4 PPG (6th) to just 98 points. The Raptors come in on a four-game winning streak and have also won their last FOUR visits to the nation's capital. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* East/West Game of the Week is on the Dal Mavs at 7:40 ET.

Miami made an improbable run to the NBA Finals in 2020 but last year, aftera modest 42-30 sesson, got swept 4-0 by the Milwaukee Bucks (eventual champs) in the first round. However, the Heat have come out like gangbusters this season, opening 5-1 (only Chicago, yes Chicago, is better at 6-1). The Mavericks welcome the Heat to Dallas with a 6-4 overall record, including a perfect 3-0 mark at home.

Swingman Jimmy Butler (25.3-7.0-5.5) is healthy and playing great, as is the ever-improving Bamm Abedayo (20.6 & 14.0). However, major addition, PG Lowry (from Toronto), is off to a sow start, averaging only 8.4 PPG (in 31 minutes), shooting an 'ugly' 33.3% overall (26.9% on threes). Picking up the slack is third-year gaur Herro, who is averaging 22.0-6.5-4.5 off the bench.

Doncic is one of the league's best, although his scoring is down some (22.5-8.5-7.97). Swingman Hardaway spent the better part of last season as the team's 6th-man but he started all six games, averaging 13.3 PPG. Kristaps Porzingis, nicknamed the "Unicorn," has missed the last three games due to back tightness. Porzingis missed 29 of Dallas' 72 games last season due to his back issuea and is off to a slow start even in the three games he has played. He is averaging 12.7 PPG (six below his career average) and is shooting 30.2 percent from the floor and 23.5 percent on three-pointers. His career averages are 44 percent on field goals and 36 percent on threes."We want him to be right," Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said of Porzingis. "If he's not right, he can't play.

A lot has gone right for Miami so far, but I am still not sold on the Heat being quite as good as they've looked so far. Dallas will need Porzingis to get healthy for the Mavs to be a strong playoff contender but I believe the Mavs are in a great spot for a win tonight as a small home underdog.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Bos Celtics at 7:40 ET.

The Chicago Bulls are coming off a 31-41 season, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, However, behind Zach LaVine (25.5-5.2-4.5) and the free-agent signing of DeMar DeRozan (23.7-5.5-4.3), the Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference. Chicago has won FIVE of its first six games, including a 107-99 win against the Utah Jazz on Saturday.

After playing in three of four Eastern Conference finals, the Celtics fell to just 36-36 last season. Those struggles have continued, as Boston has its first 2-4 start since the 2013-14 season. First-year head coach Ime Udoka has publicly criticized his players' focus at times and the Celtics were 'booed off the court' in the team's 115-83 loss the the Raptors back on Oct 22 (the team's home opener!).

LaVine and DeRozan are averaging a combined 49.2 points, nearly half of Chicago's average of 106.7 PPG. That said, picking up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) has given him 'new life' and he has opened this season averaging a double-double (15.8 & 11.0). Lonzo Ball is new this season and despite all the negativity surrounding him, the guy is an excellent teammate, a VERY good defender and in his fifth NBA season owns a career line of 11.7-5.8-6.3.

The Celtics feature the 'Dynamic Duo' of Jayson Tatum (26.7 & 9.2) and Jaylen Brown (26.4 & 6.4). PG Denis Schroder has as many critics as supporters but has played well so far, chipping in 14.2 PPG and 6.7 APG. Horford is back in Boston 'green' and is averaging a double-double (13.0 & 10.5). Center Robert Williams (10.4 & 9.2) and guard Smart (7.-4-4.0-4.8) are listed as probable. Uduka also has veterans like Parker (No. 2 overall pick in 2014 with a career avegae of 14.5 PPG) plus Josh Richardson (has averaged double digits in each of the last five seasons) to rely on in coming off the bench.

I like the new-look 5-1 Bulls but I think they'll have their hands full today with this determined 2-4 home side. This is the opener of a tough stretch for Chicago with back-to-back games against Philadelphia, followed by the Nets after that. Meanwhile, Boston is coming off back-to-back losses to the Wizards (home and away).

Expect Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to dig deep here and defend their home floor against the surging Bulls. The Celtics have yet to win at home (just 0-2) and that WILL end here! Great price!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Mem Grizzlies at 10:10 ET.

Klay Thompson missed the last two seasons and the latest word is that he is expected to be cleared to return to full-contract practices within a month. The latest word on the team's highly-touted No. 1 pick from the 2020 Draft (James Wiseman), is the following. The Warriors' training staff has targeted Friday as the date Wiseman should be able to start jumping and working out at full speed, and a "full clearance" is expected to be in the next couple weeks. In the meantime, the Warriors have opened 4-0. The Warriors welcome the 2-2 Memphis Grizzlies to Chase Center tonight, a team that is coming off an 'ugly' 116-96 loss last night in Portland (note: I had the Blazers in that one).

Memphis opened the season with an 11-point home win over the sad-sack Cavs (although the Clippers may argue that Cleveland is NOT that bad!) but then set out on a four-game Western road swing. Memphis began with back-to back games at Staples Center against the Clippers (won) and then the Lakers (lost by three). PG Ja Morant (35.0 & 8.0 APG) led the way through three games for Memphis (no surprise there) but Desmond Bane's and De'Anthony Melton's play had SURE been eye openers. Bane was averaging 19.3 & 4.7 and Melton 18.3 & 4.7. Memphis also picked up center Stevens Adams in the offseason and he had the front office 'patting its own back'  by averaging 13.0 & 13.0. Some great news was that Jarren Jackson Jr. looks completely healthy, averaging 15.3 & 6.0, after an injury-riddled season last year. However, not much went right in Portland on Wednesday night. Morant was jst 5 of 12 for 17 points, Adams shot 2 of 8 for four points with seven rebounds, Jackson had just seven points and two rebounds plus Melton imploded, missing all eight FG attempts in 25 scoreless minutes. Only Bane held up his end with 19 points, as Memphis shot 36.5% (17 of 50 on threes).

Curry has led Golden St in scoring in all four games and enters tonight with a line of 29.0-8.3-6.3. SF Wiggns eventually got vaccinated and has opened averaging 16.8 & 5.3. The team's other three starters are Poole (15.3 & 4.3 APG), PF Green (9.5-7.3-6.8) and center Looney (6.5 & 5.8). Golden State head coach Steve Kerr has to be smiling (although maybe a little concerned) as each of the team's four wins have come despite a halftime deficit, a season-opening feat accomplished just once previously in NBA history by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1985-86.

The eighth-seeded Warriors and ninth-seeded Grizzlies put on an entertaining show in the inaugural NBA play-in tournament last May, with Memphis getting two late hoops from Ja Morant to pull out a 117-112 overtime victory and enter as the West's No. 8 seed. However, I'm not reading much of anything  into the "revenge" angle here though. New season, new faces and new circumstances. There's no bad blood between these teams, so in my opinion, the revenge factor is a moot point. Sure, it's back to-back nights for Memphis but off an AWFUL effort last night in Portland, I expect Memphis to play VERY well. Golden St has made a  habit of falling behind and then coming back to win (see above) to open this season but a trend like that is unlikely to continue. Without Thompson and Wiseman, I don't believe the Warriors are the better team. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Por Blazers at 10:10 ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies have opened 2-1 but 3-0 ATS. The team continues its four-game Western road trip tonight in Portland, after splitting two games at Staples Center. The Grizz beat the Clippers but lost a close one to the Lakers. As for the 1-2 Blazers, they are 1-2 and will be looking to put a humiliating performance behind them when they play host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.The Trail Blazers are adjusting to new head coach Chauncey Billups and the transition looked ugly in Monday night's 116-86 road loss to the Clippers. Portland committed 30 turnovers in a defeat that shooting guard CJ McCollum termed "a shellacking."

To no one's surprise, PG Ja Morant (35.0 & 8.0 APG) is leading the way for Memphis. However, after three games, Desmond Bane's and De'Anthony Melton's play have SURE been eye openers. Bane is averaging 19.3 & 4.7 and Melton 18.3 & 4.7. Memphis picked up center Stevens Adams in the offseason and he is sure making the front office look good, avergaing 13.0 & 13.0. Some great news is that Jarren Jackson Jr. looks completely healthy, averaging 15.3 & 6.0, after an injury-riddled season last year.

All discussion surrounding Portland revolves around guards Lillard and McCollum but after three games, it;s McCollum and Lillard. McCollum is averaging 27.3 PPG and 4.3 RPG, while Lilard is averaging a modest 17.0 PPG (for him) plus 7.3 APG. Center  Nurkic can match up well vs Adams, as he's also averaging a double-double on the season at 11.0 & 12.0.

Memphis is off its first loss of the year ,a tough 121-118 setback at the Lakers and I believe the Grizzlies will also have their hands full here with a 'hungry' Portland  team, looking to bounce back from an embarrassing effort. Billups was an assistant with the Clippers last season and said after Portland's loss, "It was embarrassing, it was really embarrassing, Just the effort. I don't think we started the game off with the right mindset. ... At the end of the day, there is no excuse. It's tough to compete in a game when you have 30 turnovers." Portland also won't win often with Lillard scoring just 12 points on 4-of-15 shooting while missing all EIGHT of his three-point attempts versus the Clippers.

Lillard is averaging just 17.0 points through three games, after scoring at a 28.8 PPG clip last season. However, no one expects this to be more than just a 'blip on the radar. I will remind all that Portland routed Phoenix 134-105 in its lone home game this season (team shot  53.0% from the floor), so I'm expecting a BIG bounce-back here off Monday's "Embarrassment at Staples!" Note that the Blazers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 off a SU/ATS loss in which they scored 100 or less points in. Lilard rises to the challenge of a matchup vs Morant, as the Blazers get the win and cover.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late Breaker is on the Was Wizards at 7:40 ET.

Boston opened the season losing at New York (138-134 in 2 OTs) and then returned home and got 'spanked' 115-83 by the Toronto Raptors. That result was the team's worst home loss since March of 2007 and was an 'ugly' home debiut for Boston's first-year head coach Ime Udoka. The etam was booed off the floor with Udoke saying recently, "I think the Toronto game was an aberration. We were building on that, playing the way we wanted to." He's referring to Boston winning its next two games, 107-97 at Houston and 140-129 (in OT) at Charlotte. The 2-2 Celtics are back in front of the hometown crowd again tonight, hosting the 2-1 Washington Wizards. Washington opened with two straight wins but lost 104-90 at the Brooklyn Nets on Monday for their first loss of the season.

Despite the loss, the Wizards were happy to get Bradley Beal (21.0) back after their All-Star guard missed one game with a right-hip contusion. Beal led the team with 19 points against Brooklyn, although his points didn't come easily on an 8-for-22 shooting night, including 3-of-13 from 3-point range. PG Dinwiddie (19.0-5.0-7.0) is off to an excellent start with his new team plus a trio of former Lakers (can we call Washington, LA Lakers-East?) have made immediate impacts. PF Harrell (15.3 & 7.7) is coming off the bench (his preferred role), while Kuzma (14.3 & 13.0) and Caldwell-Pope (7.7) are starting at SF and PG, respectively.

The Celtics feature the 'Dynamic Duo' of Jaylen Brown (28.3 & 7.3) and Jayson Tatunm (27.5 & 8.3), although Brown didn't play on Sunday at Houston. However, he returned Monday at Charlotte and scored 30 points while grabbing nine rebounds. Tatum was the star, scoring a game-high 41 points plus handed out eight assists. The Boston Celtics return home with momentum on their side after back-to-back road wins but starting center Al Horford (14.0 & 10.5) sat out Monday with a left- adductor strain. He is listed as probable.

Washington's l104-90 oss at Brooklyn was a predictable letdown spot, as the Wizards were off a drawing 135-134 OT win at home over the Pacers, while the Nets needed a win to avoid a 1-3 start. The Wizards were still clearly "gassed" from their emotional win over Indiana but there's no better time to refocus and get back on track than right here and now in Boston. The Celtics enter his game with 'heavy legs,' off back-to-back victories (Sun & Mon), needing overtime to pull away for the 140-129 victory at Charlotte on Monday night. Grab the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the LA Lakers at 8:40 ET.

The Lakers were taken out in the first round of last season's playoffs by the Suns, as A.D. was hurt during the series and who knows what may have happened if he didn't go down with that injury? The Lakers then opened teh current with back-to-back home losses to the Warriors and Suns, before edging the Grizzlies at Staples Center on Saturday, 121-118. San Antonio lost the "play-in" game last year and finished as the 10th seed in the West with a 33-39 record. The Spurs saw the departures of DeMar DeRozan (21.6-4.2-6.9), Rudy Gay (11.4 & 4.8) and Patty Mills (10.8) this past offseason, leaving a group of supporting players playing in a free-flowing offense. San Antonio opened with a home rout of Orlando but then lost at Denver and back at home to Milwaukee.

LBJ (26.0-6.3-5.3) is expected to play on Tuesday despite suffering a leg injury midway through the win over Memphis. James ended up playing 40 minutes. He said afterward that his leg was "sore" and that he would receive continual treatment on it heading up to the dustup with the Spurs. LA woke up offensively against Memphis, shooting 53.6 percent from the floor and 53.3 percent from three-point range. Veteran Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 28 points and he has averaged 17.7 PPG in three games. Anthony Davis added 22 points and eight rebounds and checks in at 25.7 & 11.0 so far. Westbrook (12.0-7.7-8.7) has yet to find his rhythm and I will make no predictions as to whether he will fit in well or not.

The Spurs' Johnson (20.7) is a rising star and leads six players in scoring double digits. Starting alongside Johnson are guards White (15.3 & 6.7 APG) and Murray (13.3-8.0-7.0) plus forward McDermott (14.0) and center Poetl (12.3 & 9.3). Guard Walker (13.3) adds double digits off the bench.

The bottom line is, coming off their first win of the year over a quality Grizzlies team, I believe that the Lakers win again here in this favorable matchup with "room to spare!" Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Ind Pacers at 7:10 ET.

The reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks opened by crushing the Kyrie-less Nets 127-104 but then were humbled in their next game 137-95 at Miami in their second game. Milwaukee moved on to San Antonio on Saturday and beat the Spurs 121-111. All five Milwaukee starters and George Hill off the bench scored in double figures. The balanced scoring marked a return to Milwaukee's championship form of 2020-21, when the Bucks led the NBA in points per game (120.1). 

The Pacers opened the season with a 123-122 loss at Charlotte and then lost again by one point at Washington, 135-134 in OT. Indiana played at home for the first time this season on Saturday and the game went to OT again. However, the Pacers pulled away to win 102-91. The Pacers were a postseason participant for NINE of the previous 10 years, prior to sitting out last year's playoffs with a 34-38 record.

Six Milwaukee players are averaging in double digits, led by Giannis (227-10.7-5.7). The Pacers have four double digits and all four are off to VERY impressive starts. PF Sabonis (26.0-12.0-4.3) leads the way, followed by PG Brogdon (24.7-8.7-7.7), Oregon rookie SG Duarte (20.3 & 4.7) and center Turner (17.7 & 7.0).

This marks Milwaukee's third straight on the road and while the Pacers are 1-2, a lucky bounce here or there and they could in fact be coming into this game at 3-0. Saturday was Indiana's first regular-season home game with a capacity crowd since the hiatus during the 2019-20 season due to COVID-19. Rick Carlisle, coaching the home team in Indiana for the first time since 2007, said in his postgame press conference that "the home crowd has an ability to make it tough on the road team." Yes it does. I want the home dog!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the LA Lakers at 9:40 ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their season opener 121-114 to the visiting Golden State Warriors and then lost another home game on Friday, 115-105 to the Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, Memphis began its season by scoring 132 points in an 11-point home win over the Cavs and then last night, right here in Staples, beat the Clippers 120-114.

Memphis PG Ja Morant (19.1 & 7.4 APG last season) has scored 65 points in the two wins, which is no surprise. However, De'Anthony Melton's 42 points (on a combined 17-for-30 from the floor) and Desmond Bane's 41 points have SURE been eye openers. Jaren Jackson Jr. missed the Grizzlies' first 56 games last year while rehabbing a knee injury suffered the previous season. He wound up taking the court just 16 times, the last two of which being arguably his best, when he averaged 18.0 points in losses to Utah in Games 4 and 5 of their first-round playoff series Jackson looks very healthy so far, averaging 17.0 & 6.5. The team's new center, Steven Adams, looks like he's lovin' Memphis, averaging a double-double 12.5 & 11.5 for his new team.

LBJ had 34 points and A.D. had 33 but the revamped Carmelo Anthony-led bench chipped in with just 29 points, 26 fewer than the Warriors' backups were able to contribute to the win, as the Warriors beat the Lakers on Tuesday. Russell Westbrook was one Lakers starter not at the top of his game in his Los Angeles debut. He was held to eight points, five rebounds and four assists, missing all four of his three-point shots and hitting just 4-for-13 from the floor. Against Phoenix, LBJ (25) and A.D. (22) were far from in top form plus Westbrook struggled again, despite almost recording a triple-double (15-11-9). Russell was 6 of 15 from the floor (0-3 on threes) plus made just 3 of 8 FTs. 'Melo had 16 points and LA's reserves played a little better, combining for 37 points to the Suns' 28.

So what's up in LA? Will Westbrook eventually fit with James and Davis? Time will tell. Right now, after an 0-6 preseason, the Lakers are looking to avoid starting 0-3 for the SECOND time in their LeBron James-era. LA does catch Memphis in a tough spot here, playing on back-to-back in Staples, as part of a four-game Western trip that will conclude with Games against the Trail Blazers and the Warriors. In contrast, the Lakers' upcoming schedule is favorable, with games against the Spurs, Thunder, Rockets twice (both at home), followed by another home game against Oklahoma City. LA will never admit to it, but the "panic button" has been pushed. Expect to see a full four-quarter effort from the home side and I believe that'll result in the Lakers' first win and cover of the season.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Memphis Grizzlies at 10:40 ET.

The Los Angeles Clippers will look to bounce back in the team's first home contest of the season Saturday against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, after opening the campaign with a 115-113 road loss against the Golden State Warriors (Curry had 45 points). The Memphis Grizzlies are the opponent, coming in off a 132-121 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.

Jaren Jackson Jr. came into the league when Memphis made him the No. 4 pick in 2018. The former Michigan State star has averaged 15.4 points in his first three seasons. Jackson missed the Grizzlies' first 56 games last year while rehabbing a knee injury suffered the previous season. He wound up taking the court just 16 times, the last two of which being arguably his best, when he averaged 18.0 points in losses to Utah in Games 4 and 5 of their first-round playoff series Jackson contributed 13 & 6 in the win but the star was none other than PG Ja Morant (19.1 & 7.4 APG last season), who scored 37 points and handed out six assists. Bane (22 points) and Melton (20) were surprise contributors, while Kyle Anderson added 10-7-4 and the team's new center, Steven Adams looked very good (eight points and 14 rebounds). Memphis shot 53.0% as a team, including 14 of 33 on threes!

Paul George finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in a losing effort against Golden St but said his team will work to put the loss behind them and get a home victory against a tough Memphis team. "It was a good test for us in Game 1," George told reporters. "We know what we have to do going forward against these fast-paced teams. It doesn't get better than them (Golden State) in terms of how fast they play, and how much that ball is hopping around. All are aware that the Clippers are playing without superstar Kawhi Leonard, who suffered a partially torn ACL in his right knee during the playoffs last season and had surgery in July (he could miss the entire season). PG Jackson played excellently down the stretch and throughout the postseason last year but finished with just 11 points on 4-of-19 shooting in a loss. Some good news was that the Clippers got 22 points from new edition Eric Bledsoe. All five starters scored in double digits but it was not enough to overcome Steph's 45 points.

The Grizzlies' game against the Clippers is the start of a four-game Western trip for Memphis that includes games against the Lakers, the Trail Blazers and the Warriors. Memphis sur won't want to start off that trip with a loss. Meanwhile, the Clippers will play three straight at home, as after Memphis, they have games with Portland and Cleveland. My feeling is that the Clippers are going to need some time to develop a chemistry, while Memphis seems MUCH more settled. I know the Grizzlies' win came against the Cavs (not a real test) but the 'old and now' parts blend well. I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Tor Raptors at 7:35 ET.

The Toronto Raptors flopped in their season-opening game Wednesday, falling 98-83 at home to the Wizards. However, Toronto rebounded last night with an impressive 115-83 upset victory at Boston. The Raptors travel tonight to Dallas to play the Mavericks, who got served in their season-opener 113-87 in Atlanta. Normally I avoid "playing on" teams in the second game of a back-to-back, but this is different. It's the start of the season, so fatigue simply is not an issue at this point of the campaign. Plus, this is a difficult travel spot for the Mavericks, as they make a rare trip "North of the Border." Let's take a closer look.

Lowry's gone for Toronto and it's playing without All Star Pascal Siakam (21.4 & 7.2 LY), who is recovering from Shoulder surgery. However, Toronto received an impressive performance Friday from rookie Scottie Barnes (fourth overall pick in the recent draft!), who scored 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in 35 minutes. The cupboard is hardly bare, with PG VanVleet (19.6-4.2-6.3 LY), SF Anunoby (15.9-5.5 LY) and PF Boucher (13.6 & 6.7 LY) all returning. Trent was a late season pick-up from Portland last season and has averaged 13.0 PPG in two games plus PF Achiuwa came from Miami (as did veteran PG Dragic) and has averaged 10.5 & 11.0 in his two games. Gary Trent Jr. replaced Goran Dragic in the starting lineup against Boston, adding 20 points and four steals for the Raptors last night, while Precious Achiuwa had 15 points and 15 rebounds.

Luka Doncic has established himself as an elite player is just three short years but new head coach Jason Kidd would like to reduce Doncic's workload this season as the primary ball-handler to keep defenses off balance and to keep him fresher for late in games. Doncic was involved in 27.6 percent of the Mavericks' plays when on the court Thursday, which was lower than all but four of his 73 games last season, when he ranked second in the NBA at 35 percent. However, Doncic shot poorly (6-17) and his 18 points were a team-high (not a good stat!). Dallas big man Kristaps Porzingis had just 11 points and shot worse than Doncic, making only 4 of 13 shots. Overall, Dallas shot 33.3% as a team, including an 'ugly' 13 of 43 on threes.

Jason Kidd will now seek his first win with his new team, laying points in Toronto, a team that is coming off an impressive win in Boston. What's more, Toronto's loss to Washington was the franchise's first game in front of its home crowd, after playing all of last year's 'home' game in Tampa (due to COVID travel restrictions). A now-confident Raptors team gets a second chance to play in front of a packed house and in my opinion, Toronto is being underestimated by the bookmakers. Raptors head coach Nick Nurse is a better game coach on his WORST day, than Kidd is on his BEST. Take the home dog!

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* Game of the Week is on the Sac Kings at ET.

The Utah Jazz compiled the best record in the league last season (52-20) but suffered the disappointment of a second-round playoff exit. As for the Sacramento Kings, they finished 31-41 last season, extending the team's almost unfathomable 15-year playoff drought (longest active in the NBA). The Jazz opened with a 107-86 home victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder (held the Thunder to just 37.4% shooting), while the Kings opened their season with an impressive 124-121 road win over the Portland Trail Blazers (both played on Wednesday).

Naturally, the Jazz are a better team than the Kings (duh!) and series history points to Utah (Jazz have won 13 of the past 15 meetings) but I've got a feeling the Kings will be much more competitive in the 2021-22 season. Utah had six players in double digits against the Thunder, led by Bogdanovich's 22. Gobert had a double-double (16 & 21) but Mitchell (26.4 PPG last season) had a modest 16 on 6 of 17 shooting (including 3 of 10 on threes). The Kings' Harrison Barnes carried the Kings with career highs of 36 points and eight 3-pointers. PG De'Aaron Fox added 27 points and eight assists plus center Richaun Holmes had 21 points and 11 rebounds (Buddy Hield scored 17 points off the bench).

Here's the rub. As noted above, the Jazz have won 13 of the last 15 against the Kings and that includes all three last season, with an average winning margin of 29 points. In fact, Utah set a franchise record for points when it demolished the Kings 154-105 in Sacramento on April 28. My bet? The Kings 'sneak up' on the Jazz, who could be forgiven for taking Sacramento lightly in only the second game of the season. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the SA Spurs at 9:05 ET.

The San Antonio Spurs and the Denver Nuggets each opened the new season with wins. The Spurs destroyed the Magic 123-97 at home in their opener, while the Nuggets beat the Suns 110-98 in Phoenix, getting a measure of revenge after Suns swept the injury-depleted Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs last June. San Antonio lost the "play-in" game last year and finished as the 10th seed in the West with a 33-39 record. Life gets tougher for the Spurs tonight in Denver.

The Spurs saw the departures of DeMar DeRozan (21.6-4.2-6.9), Rudy Gay (11.4 & 4.8) and Patty Mills (10.8) this past offseason, leaving a group of supporting players playing in a free-flowing offense. Dejounte Murray (15.7-7.1-5.4 in 2020-21) is now the "go-to" guy in San Antonio and with DeMar DeRozan gone, Derrick White (15.4 last season) is expected to take on a much bigger role this season for Greg Popovich. All five SA starters scored in double digits vs the Magic, while Vassell (19) and Walker (17) were the top-two scorers for the Spurs, coming off the bench.

Denver is much healthier than it was at the end of last season but Jamal Murray is still rehabbing from his ACL tear suffered in April. Forward Aaron Gordon, who came over in a trade with the Magic in March, looks 100 percent and Will Barton has his legs back after struggling with knee and ankle injuries in the spring. Most significant is the health of reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. He is the key to the Nuggets' offense, which he showed in Wednesday's win by finishing with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. signed an extension before the season and had 15 points plus Gordon, who also signed an extension, had 12 points and a huge block in the fourth quarter that helped the Nuggets keep the lead.

Denver has the depth and talent to step up over the first half of the season until star guard Jamal Murray finally returns from injury. However, as noted above, Popovich has a roster of players to run his free-flowing offense. Case in point, SEVEN players scored in double digits vs Orlando. The Spurs got a 'breather' vs the Magic but now play their next three games against the Nuggets, Bucks and Lakers. San Antonio's depth could be the difference here (ATS), as Denver's reserves struggled in the preseason against Phoenix. Collectively the bench was a minus-52 but played better in the second half when Malone kept one or two starters in the game with reserves. The starters were a plus-112. Grab the points.

Good luck...Larry