My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Tor Raptors at 7:40 ET.

The Toronto Raptors are coming off a 98-83 home loss to Washington, while Boston has to be feeling a little "gassed," after an opening 138-134 setback in two OTs at Madison Square Garden vs the Knicks, The Raptors struggled offensively in their first game (leading scorer Siakam recently returned to practice in a limited capacity after undergoing offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder) but the defense was good in holding the high-scoring Wizards to just 98 points. Fred VanVleet had 12 points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while OG Anunoby had 11 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals. Toronto shot 30.9% overall, including 20.6% on threes.

While Toronto's first game saw both teams score under 100 points, the Celtics and Knicks each topped 130 points, albeit in two overtimes. Jaylen Brown went off for a career-high 46 points in Wednesday's season opener at the New York Knicks (grabbed nine rebounds and dished out six assists) but fellow All Star Jayson Tatum struggled with 20 points on 7-of-30 shooting, making just TWO of 15 shots from long distance.

Toronto had been one of the NBA's best teams for FIVE straight seasons, but dropped off last season in going just 27-45. Similarly, the Celtics made the Eastern Conference Finals in THREE of four seasons, before going just 36-36 and losing in the playoffs' first round last season. Head coaching 'savior' Brad Stevens is now in the front office and Friday's game will mark the regular season home debut for Celtics new head coach Ime Udoka. Toronto's Nick Nurse, NBA coach-of-the-year in the 2019-20 season, may just have a trick or two up his sleeve for Udoka. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* TNT game of the Month is on the LA Clippers at 10:00 ET.

The Warriors looked great in beating the Lakers 121-114 in Los Angeles on Opening night. The Warriors return to the Bay Area tonight to host the LA Clippers, who will be the last team to take the court for the 2021-22 NBA season. Stephen Curry opened the season with a triple-double (21-10-10) and the Golden St bench outscored LA's 55 to 29, which would turn out to be the difference in the end. The Clippers, who finished EIGHT wins ahead of the Warriors last season. Of note, they will tip off their new campaign without two of their top players, Kawhi Leonard (24.8-6.5-5.2) and Serge Ibaka (11.1 & 6.7). Leonard is coming off an ACL surgery that could cost him the entire season, while Ibaka is being brought along slowly after back surgery.

Clippers forward Paul George (23.3-6.6-5.2) was impressed that Golden State could take down the preseason Western Conference favorite on a night when star Stephen Curry shot just 5-for-21. "They move the ball. It's scary," George said. "Steph didn't shoot it well, and they still win." George was fantastic in last year's postseason after Kawhi went down and he's the clear leader this season. PG Jackson played excellently down the stretch and throughout the postseason and is joined in the backcourt by the newly acquired Eric Bledose (14.0-3.9-4.3 in his career). The Clippers also picked up Justice Winslow, who if healthy, is a talented player. 

The Clippers lost 14 of their last 15 games at Oracle Arena in Oakland but have won THREE of four since the Warriors moved into the Chase Center across the bay in San Francisco. In fact, the Clippers won the very first game played in this building two years ago, running away with a 141-122 victory. Ivica Zubac, who is expected to get the starting call tonight in Ibaka's place, recorded the first double-double in Chase Center history that night with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Golden State has a lot of young faces, and it's still playing without Klay Thompson as well.

I see a SU win by the Clippers but will of course, take the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the NO Pelicans at 8:10 ET.

The Philadelphia 76ers had the East's best record last season (49-23) but again flopped in the playoffs, As for the New Orleans Pelicans, they were a HUGE disappointment, finishing 31-41 (two games below the playoff 'cut line') despite the presence of 'King Zion.' The two teams opener their respective seasons tonight in New Orleans with BOTH playing without a marque player.

Ben Simmons (14.3-7.2-6.9) took most of the blame for Philly's playoff loss to Atlanta but backed off his holdout and reported to Philadelphia for a mandatory COVID test Oct 11, then passed through the NBA protocols and returned to practice Sunday. However, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers suspended Simmons for one game because of "conduct detrimental to the team" on Tuesday. Moving back to New Orleans, forward Zion Williamson (27.0 & 7.2) remains out indefinitely as he works his way back from offseason foot surgery.

"I just thought he was a distraction today," Rivers said Tuesday after practice. "I didn't think he wanted to do what everybody else was doing. It was early. It wasn't a big deal. I just told him he should leave. We went on with practice." The Sixers were the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference last season, but were knocked out of the playoffs at home when the Atlanta Hawks prevailed 103-96 in Game 7 of a conference semifinal series. Simmons averaged just 9.9 points in the series, made one-third of his free throws and passed up a layup down the stretch of the decisive game. He later demanded a trade. And the saga continues. However, Philadelphia is expected to be one of the top teams in the NBA again, with returning starters Joel Embiid (28.5 & 10.6), Seth Curry, Tobias Harris (19.5 & 6.8) and Danny Green.

New Orleans' starting lineup also is uncertain as first-year coach Willie Green evaluates his roster and prepares to go without Williamson. "We've got a ton of guys who can play," Green said. "I have some decisions to make." The Pelicans fired Stan Van Gundy after the team finished 31-41 in his only season. In addition to the coaching change, the Pelicans overhauled their roster, trading Lonzo Ball, Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe and bringing in Jonas Valanciunas (Memphis), Devonte' Graham (Charlotte) and Tomas Satoransky and Garrett Temple (both Chicago). Ingram (23.8-4.9-4.9) has developed into an outstanding small forward and will be the "go-to guy" until Williamson returns. Josh Hart (9.0 & 8.2) is also a very UNDERVALUED contributor. 

Philly's been a terrific home team the last few seasons but has been vulnerable on the road. I believe Valanciunas (15.0 & 9.8 LY with Memphis) will make a big difference this season for the Pelicans plus Simmons' offseason contract dispute has been a huge distraction for the 76ers. I think they'll struggle with consistency to begin the season. Home dog 'barks' LOUDLY in this one!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Season Opener is on the Hou Rockets at 8:10 ET.

Houston was a Western Conference-worst 17-55 last year, while Minnesota wasn't much better at 23-59. The Rockets initiated a full rebuild following the early-season trade of James Harden and will open the new season with an exciting, albeit overwhelmingly youthful, roster. As for the T-wolves, they missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season and posted a losing record for the 15th time in 16 years! Minnesota fired its lead basketball executive (Gersson Rosas) just prior to the start of training camp and head coach Chris Finch will enter his first full season on the bench trying to steer a long wayward ship on course (Finch is Houston' FIFTH coach in just seven years!).

The Rockets had a great haul in the recent draft with SG Jalen Green (No. 2 overall pick bypassed college to play in last year's G-League) plus the 6-10 Alperen Sengun (Turkey), the 6-8 Usman Garuba (Spain), and guard Josh Christopher (ASU). 2nd-year head coach Stephen Silas needs to blend that youth with veterans like Wall, Gordon, Augustin and Theis. A real player to watch will be Christian Wood, who averaged 21.0 PPG and 9.6 RPG in 41 games before getting hurt. The good news? Wood comes into this season with a clean bill of health.

Karl-Anthony Towns is a force to be reckoned with, coming off a season in which averaged 24.9 PPG and 10.6 RPG. SG Edwards (19.3 & 4.9) and PG Russell (19.0 & 5.8 APG) are both quality players. Minnesota didn't have a lot of room under its current salary structure to do much in the offseason but the potential for growth might come defensively (Minnesota allowed 117.3 PPG last season). Offseason additions of Patrick Beverley and Taurean Prince to Jaden McDaniels, Josh Okogie and Jarred Vanderbilt could help elevate Minnesota in the defensive rankings.

Taking it all in, I see this game as a coin flip and in a scenario like that, I'm going to grab the points. Excluding only the Sacramento Kings, the Timberwolves have become the NBA's picture of dysfunction and discord.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Non-Conference Game of the Week is on the Cle Cavaliers at 7:05 ET.

LBJ 'flew the coop' for a second time in Cleveland, after the 2017-198 season. The Cavs have gone 19-63, 19-46 and 22-50 in the three years since. However, "The Evan Mobley Era" in Cleveland Cavaliers history tips off Wednesday night when the Cavs visit the Grizzlies in Memphis. The 6-11 Mobley had a five-star high school career and then burst onto the national scene by leading USC into the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight last March (averaged 16.4 PPG on 57.8% shooting while grabbing 8.7 RPG ). Memphis finished last season 38-34 (42-30 ATS record was among the best in the NBA) and ended a three-year playoff drought (note: that drought was preceded by a seven-year postseason run!)

Mobley was the third overall pick was kept under wraps most of the preseason, averaging just 25.5 minutes per game, but nonetheless still found time to lead the Cavaliers in rebounds (7.6) and blocks (1.6). Jarrett Allen (13.2 & 9.9) was retained on a long-term deal to serve as Mobley's 'bodyguard' plus the 6-11 Markkanen was acquired in a trade in August after having spent his first four seasons in Chicago, averaging 15.6 & & 7.1. Veteran PG Ricky Rubio (4th team, averaging 11.0 PPG and 7.6 APG in his career) has been imported to help inspire a young backcourt. That backcourt is led by Sexton (24.3 & 4.4) and Garland (17.4 & 6.1 APG).

The Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. came into the league with much the same hype as Mobley 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 PG Ja Morant (19.1 & 7.4 APG) is terrific plus Dillon Brooks (17.2) and Kyle Anderson (12.4 & 5.7) are also back. A big change is the addition of center Steven Adams (just 7.6 & 8.9), who was swapped for Jonas Valanciunas (17.1 & 12.5) in a trade with the Pelicans, which I feel is a downgrade.

Cleveland made some nice moves in the offseason and I expect it to compete on Opening Night. Yes, the Grizzlies still have their key pieces in place, but I think there'll be an adjustment period with Valanciunas out of the picture. Interestingly, the Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games played in this building. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Suns.

I had a play on the Suns in Game 5 and while that pick obviously fell flat, I think that Phoenix will at the very least, take Game 6 right down to the wire.

Many felt that the Suns were going to sweep the Bucks in four straight in this series and it definitely appeared as if that could happen after Phoenix took the early 2-0 lead. But it's been all Milwaukee since, as the Bucks have a golden opportunity to close out and win the title this evening.

It's difficult to beat a team in three straight games. No matter who the opponent is. I think Milwaukee is going to struggle to put away this talented and desperate Suns side.

One constant throughout for Phoenix has been the steady play of Devin Booker, who has 82 combined points over his last two games.

The Suns bench only produced 15 points last time out, but I don't expect that to happen twice.

Phoenix is also 8-2 ATS in its last ten in trying to revenge two straight SU/ATS losses to an opponent as well.

Look for Chris Paul to bounce back with a big game here and for the Suns to fight tooth and nail until the final buzzer.

While the outright win is possible, in the end I'll recommend to grab as many points as you can.

The play is Phoenix.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NBA GAME OF THE MONTH is on the Suns.

I've been riding the Bucks the last couple of games, but here I'm going the other way in Game 5. 

So far home court advantage has proven to be the difference-maker for these teams, with the Suns winning Game's 1 and 2 handily, before the Bucks responding in kind in Milwaukee in Game's 3 and 4.

Khris Middleton had his biggest game of the Finals so far for the Bucks in Game 4, scoring 40 points, grabbing six boards and dishing out four assists. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 26 points, 14 boards and eight assists. 

Antetokounmpo has been unbelievable so far in the Finals, but other than his big Game 4 appearance, Middleton hasn't been a very big factor in this series.

The same thing can be said for the struggling Jrue Holiday, who was just 4 of 20 for 17 points in Game 4 for the Bucks.

Clearly, Phoenix has to be happy its back home. That includes Chris Paul, who uncharacteristically struggled in back-to-back games in Milwaukee.

Suffice it to say, I don't expect lightning to strike a third time tonight. I say Paul bounces back here at home. 

Devin Booker led the way in a losing cause for the Suns in Game 4 with 42 points.

Paul and Booker have to be feeling confident here though finally, as note that Phoenix is 36-16 ATS in its last 52 home games and 46-19-1 ATS in its last 66 against teams with winning records.

After back-to-back victories, a letdown is imminent here for Milwaukee, which is in fact a poor 3-11 ATS in its last 14 as an underdog.

I look for this home court trend to continue in Game 5. And if this keeps up, we're heading for a Game 7 before you know it!

Lay the points, the play is Phoenix.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game 4 Las Vegas Insider is on the Bucks.

Gentlemen. I had a play on the Bucks in Game 3, a blowout winner and if you didn't get to read that analysis, I'm going to share it now, as the logic and reasoning behind that pick, for the most part also directly apply to my Game 4 selection on Milwaukee as well:

GAME 3 ANALYSIS

I had a play on Milwaukee in Game 1. I then had a play on the Bucks in Game 2.

I'm going back to the well here in Game 3, as I do finally expect Giannis Antetokounmpo's teammates to show up tonight.

Antetokounmpo exploded for 42 points, 12 boards and four assists in Game 2, but it wasn't enough to avoid the 0-2 hole.

But now that this series is shifting back to Milwaukee, I think the momentum will shift in favor of the Bucks here.

The Suns are a better team at home and they took advantage of a tired Milwaukee club in Game 1. Game 2 wasn't nearly as easy, and Antetokounmpo almost pulled off the upset with little help.

Khris Middleton hasn't been effective to this point, but I don't expect that trend to continue here on his own floor.

This is it for Milwaukee. A 3-0 hole will be too much to climb out of (just ask the Montreal Canadiens!).

Phoenix will likely win this series. I think they're the better overall team. But the Suns haven't been perfect either.

Phoenix might not even be in the Finals if Kawhi Leonard was playing for LA, as Paul George and company gave Phoenix a real test.

Milwaukee shut down the Nets and I think it can bounce back here in this crucial moment.

So that's my read on this one gentlemen, I say the Bucks do indeed bounce back in Game 3.

I'll further add here in Game 4, that the Suns are now going to be forced to double and triple-team Antetokounmpo after his back-to-back historic performances, which will finally give Middleton and Holiday a golden opportunity to break out of their respective funks with a huge game.

I say the momentum has now swung back in favor of Milwaukee and I believe the "home court" advantage will once again prove to be a difference-maker as well.

Lay the points, the play is Milwaukee.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Milwaukee Bucks.

I had a play on Milwaukee in Game 1. I then had a play on the Bucks in Game 2.

I'm going back to the well here in Game 3, as I do finally expect Giannis Antetokounmpo's teammates to show up tonight.

Antetokounmpo exploded for 42 points, 12 boards and four assists in Game 2, but it wasn't enough to avoid the 0-2 hole.

But now that this series is shifting back to Milwaukee, I think the momentum will shift in favor of the Bucks here. 

The Suns are a better team at home and they took advantage of a tired Milwaukee club in Game 1. Game 2 wasn't nearly as easy, and Antetokounmpo almost pulled off the upset with little help.

Khris Middleton hasn't been effective to this point, but I don't expect that trend to continue here on his own floor.

This is it for Milwaukee. A 3-0 hole will be too much to climb out of (just ask the Montreal Canadiens!).

Phoenix will likely win this series. I think they're the better overall team. But the Suns haven't been perfect either.

Phoenix might not even be in the Finals if Kawhi Leonard was playing for LA, as Paul George and company gave Phoenix a real test.

Milwaukee shut down the Nets and I think it can bounce back here in this crucial moment.

So that's my read on this one gentlemen, I say the Bucks do indeed bounce-back in Game 3.

Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* GAME 2 SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on the Bucks.

I had a play on Milwaukee in Game 1 and while that play came up short, I think the Bucks will make the necessary adjustments to be much more competitive in Game 2.

Phoenix had significant advantages in Game 1, which it won't have here. It had a few days of rest between series to focus and regroup.

The Bucks finished their series with the Hawks and almost immediately got on a plane to Phoenix.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was also a huge question mark going into Game 1. The Bucks had to have two games plans, with or without their super star in the line-up.

He played, he was decent and his injury is now behind him. Now Milwaukee can properly focus with its full line-up and I say that's a huge difference here in Game 3.

The Suns haven't been perfect during the playoffs, with big lapses in form from game-to-game throughout the Clippers series.

This Bucks team is better than Los Angeles in my opinion. Especially with Antetokounmpo now back to full health.

I'm not trying to take away how great Chris Paul, Devin Booker and De'Andre Ayton are and have been leading up to this moment, but there's no way the Suns are sweeping this series.

While I'll stop short in calling for the outright upset, everything points to this one coming down to whichever of these talented teams has its hands on the ball last.

I'm grabbing the points, the play is Milwaukee.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Milwaukee Bucks.

I think there's value to be had here on the undermanned and underdog Milwaukee Bucks.

The Suns had a hell of a time putting away Paul George and the Clippers, who had to play without star Kawhi Leonard, arguably a top 3 player on the planet.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is out. Clearly, that's a huge issue for the Bucks. But I say it's more of an issue over the long-term. Milwaukee will throw its best possible shot here in an attempt to pull off an upset. The Bucks are deep and aren't going to be afraid of Devin Booker whatsoever. 

Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez have the talent and experience here to pull off an outright upset.

That's easier said than done though obviously. The Suns are 33-11 at home. Milwaukee is 25-20 on the road. 

These teams played twice in the regular season. The Suns won both. 

Both by a single point.

It's double-revenge time here for Milwaukee. With Giannis in the line-up, this line drops to right around +2.5 for the Bucks likely. 

The Bucks are sitting pretty heading into Game 2 if they can somehow pull off the outright here, as Antetokounmpo would be expected to then return. 

I say Milwaukee fights tooth and nail and at the very least, takes this one right down to the wire.

Grab the points, the play is the Bucks.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* GAME 6 SHOWDOWN is on the Bucks.

Whether Trae Young plays here or not, I like the Bucks to dig deep and find a way to end this series here and now.

They'll be doing that without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who hyper-extended his knee. But Milwaukee was able to win Game 5 handily without its super star as well.

The Hawks managed a Game 4 victory at home without Trae Young, but his absesnce was definitely felt in Game 5.

Young is listed as a "GAME TIME DECISION" for Game 6.

Clearly, if Young does play, he's not going to be at 100% health. 

Khris Middleton is averaging 22.7 points and 4.7 assists in the playoffs, and he and Jrue Holiday, who is the third double-digit scorer, definitely stepped up and filled the void last time out. Brook Lopez was also key.

I think this group has what it takes to end this series, whether Young plays or not.

Bobby Portis was another player who stepped up big for Milwaukee, and with group contributions like that, I can't see Atlanta keeping pace down the stretch.

While clearly the outright win is very possible, in the end I'll recommend that you grab as many points as you can.

The play is Milwaukee.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Bucks.

The Hawks managed a win at home without Trae Young in the lineup in Game 4, but I think the Bucks will bounce-back and take advantage of familiar surroundings on Thursday night.

Young will almost assuredly being play tonight, but even if he does suit up, one has to wonder about his health/form?

Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.2 PPG for Milwaukee, but he's out in this one most likely because of a knee injury he suffered last time out.

Expect Khris Middleton to pick up the slack here. Much like Atlanta winning without its star in Game 4, I believe Milwaukee can rally here and do the same here on its own floor. 

Note that Milwaukee is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent in which it was held to 90 points or less in.

These are two tired and banged up teams. I say though that it's Atlanta which is primed for a letdown here after its upset win in Game 4. 

The Bucks are 5-1 ATS in their last six when playing on one days rest as well.

With its leader sidelined with injury, look for the home side to dig deep and to post a solid SU/ATS victory on Thursday night.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* GAME 5 SHOW-DOWN is on the Clippers (analysis posted shortly).

Kawhi Leonard will not be playing in this contest, but I think that Paul George and this veteran Clippers team won't be going down without a fight.

George had 23 points and 16 boards in his team's 84-80 Game 4 loss. Reggie Jackson added 20 points. George though had an uncharacteristically poor shooting night, finishing just five of 20 from the floor and only one of nine from range.

Suffice it to say, I don't expect that to happen twice, especially with elimination on the line.

The Suns have been fantastic, exceeding everyone's expectations all year. There's also no question that they're in unchartered territory here. 

I think Phoenix is going to struggle to put away this desperate LA side. The Clippers earn a win here, and they have nothing to lose heading back home for a Game 6. 

Also note that the Clippers are 8-2 ATS in their last ten in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent in which they were held to 95 points or less in.

In what I expect to be another really tight game, I'm grabbing the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* GAME 3 TIE-BREAKER is on the Hawks.

I think this is going to be a war until the final bucket. Whichever of these hungry teams has its hands on the ball last is going to be the winner in my estimation, so because of that, I'm going to grab the points.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.9 points and 13.2 rebounds for the Bucks in this series, while Trae Young is averaging 29.4 points and 9.9 assists for the Hawks. 

Milwaukee was much better at home than on the road this year.

It's 32-11 ATS at home, and a mediocre 23-19 on the road.

Atlanta is better at home too than on the road, going 22-23 away from friendly confines and 28-13 ATS on its own floor.

In fact note, the Hawks are 20-6 ATS their last 26 here. Atlanta hasn't lost back-to-back games since May 1st and it's done a great job in making adjustments after a setback each time during the playoffs.

I look for that trend to continue here from Nate McMillan, who would have also been a great candidate for Coach Of The Year honors. 

Grab the points, but don't be shocked if it's outright.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* GAME 3 THRILLER is on the Clippers.

Devin Booker and Chris Paul looked exhausted and out of sync in Game 3. I think that Paul George and the Clippers can take advantage here in Game 4 and post a second straight victory on their own floor.

Paul had 15 points, 12 assists and three steals, while Booker had 15 points in the setback. Paul was just five of 19 from the floor, while Booker was just 5 of 21.

George had 27 points and 15 points, while Ivica Zubac and 15 points and 16 boards. Patrick Beverely had a decent game with eight points and six boards, but he played really good defense against Booker and I expect the veteran to bring that same intensity tonight in Game 4.

The Clippers are now 5-0 ATS in their last five at home and they have the experience and home floor advantage to take Game 4 outright.

In fact, if not for a tight loss in Game 2, one which could have easily gone in favor of LA, this series would have an entirely different feel to it right now.

Even with Paul in the line-up for the Suns and Kawhi Leonard out for the Clippers, I don't think Phoenix is the better team.

It's been a great team all year, but it's in unchartered territory at this point. The Clippers are seasoned veterans, all playing with a chip on their shoulders.

I think LA is the better team and I expect it to even things up before heading back to Phoenix.

The play is the Clippers.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* EASTERN-CONFERENCE FINALS Game 1 DECIDER is on the Bucks.

Am I impressed by the Atlanta Hawks?

How could you not be! Ever since Nate McMillan took over as head coach, this has been a "different" Atlanta team. Many feel McMillan should have actually won Coach Of The Year, instead of Tom Thibedeux. 

Regardless, a renewed commitment on the defensive end is the reason why the Hawks are where they are right now. They shut down Julius Randle and the Bucks and they did the same to everyone on the 76ers with the last name that's not Embiid.

And the Hawks did have troubles with the 76ers big man, who pretty much did what he wanted. 

The Bucks have a similar type player in Giannis Antetokounmpo (who is averaging 28.8 points and 13.6 rebounds in the playoffs), but he's even more dynamic and a bigger matchup issue overall in my opinion.

And the steady play of Khris Middleton is another issue that the Hawks will have to contend with.

I think the public is enamoured with Atlanta, but the sharp call is with Milwaukee to comfortably pull away down the stretch.

I'm laying the points, the play is the Bucks.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Clippers.

LA had its chances in Game 1. Paul George looked great. LA was unable to take advantage of a Suns side without star Chris Paul in the line-up in Game 1, but it'll try to do so here.

LA has been masterful in making game-to-game adjustments, even without start Kawhi Leonard in the line-up.

Devin Booker got the last laugh in Game 1, but George and the Clippers have played well in a revenge spot, going 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to avenge a road loss against an opponent in which they allowed 120 or more points in.

Phoenix had the advantage with a couple extra days off between series, and that helped down the stretch. LA though still has to be encouraged that it was right in Game 1 until the end, despite shooting a poor 45 percent form the floor. 

I say that LA can keep the foot on the gas for a full four quarters in Game 2. The outright upset is possible, but in the end my official recommendation will be to grab as many points as you can.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* GAME 1 DECIDER is on the Clippers.

Two major players are out for each team. The Clippers are without star Kawhi Leonard, and the Suns will be without star Chris Paul.

LA advanced by taking out the Jazz in six games, while Phoenix swept Denver in four games. 

The Clippers took two of three in the regular season.

Paul George has filled in admirably though in place of Leonard and there's no reason not to think that he can't carry over that momentum here. George averaged 29.2 points to beat Utah.

Terance Mann had a career night with 39 points in the Game 6 win over the Jazz as well.

The big question here is, will rest lead to rust for the Suns? It might. And then throw in the additional factor of not having your floor general to guide them, this does indeed set up as a letdown spot for Phoenix in my estimation (note that they are in fact just 6-16 ATS in their last 22 when playing with three or more days rest.)

And conversely, the Clippers couldn't be more in-sync with each other right now, despite the absence of Leonard.

I thinks "Playoff P" is for real and while I do believe the outright victory is possible, in the end let's grab the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* GAME 7 DECIDER is on the Bucks.

If Kyrie Irving and James Harden didn't get injured, this series would be over.

But they did get injured. Irving won't be playing in this game, and clearly James Harden is far from being 100%.

Kevin Durant is playing out of his mind right now, but the veteran has to be fatigued at this point and I think that the depth and experience that the Bucks bring to the table in Game 7 will be the difference-maker in the end.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 30 points with 17 rebounds and three assists for the Bucks in their dominant Game 6 victory and I can't see the short-handed Nets slowing him down tonight either.

Durant had 32 in a losing cause in Game 6, but Harden added just 16, while Blake Griffin had only 12 points.

Khris Middleton though had 38 points and ten boards for Milwaukee last time out.

I think Brooklyn's injury issues do now finally come back to haunt it here in Game 7. 

A healthy and focussed Antetokounmpo is the correct call in Game 7.

I'm on the Bucks.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* WIPEOUT WINNER is on the Philadelphia 76ers.

This has been a back-and-forth series. I think that trend continues here, as I like Philadelphia to bounce back after the Game 4 loss.

It's all tied up now at 2-2, but the 76ers have to be feeling confident that they can recover at home.

Philadelphia actually had a 13-point half-time lead. Somehow the Hawks managed to claw their way back into it, despite 76ers big man Joel Embiid going for 17 points and 21 boards.

I had a play on the 76ers in Game 4, on the money line. Obviously I was not too happy the way that one ended.

The price is too steep to play on the money line here, but I'm expecting a decisive victory anyways.

The Hawks are still only averaging 107 PPG in the playoffs, while the 76ers lead all teams in the postseason with an average of 121 per contest.

Philadelphia is also a perfect 4-0 ATS in its last four following an ATS loss, while Atlanta is just 1-4 ATS in its last five on this floor.

Look for the 76ers to answer here with a resounding victory after the Game 4 loss.

The play is Philadelphia.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* WEEKLY WIPEOUT WINNER is on the Brooklyn Nets.

The Bucks have evened this series back up.

Milwaukee has been less than impressive in this series though. It got destroyed in both games in Brooklyn, before then barely holding on for an 86-83 win in Game 3 at home.

The Bucks looked a bit better in their 107-96 win in Game 4, but they still could barely pull away, even with the injury to Kyrie Irving.

Now Irving is out for Game 5 and James Harden is also still sidelined with injury. But Kevin Durant is playing. And the Nets are still a deep and well-coached team.

It's now or never for Brooklyn's role players to step and contribute here. The Bucks have struggled with consistency from game-to-game, especially on the road.

The Nets have done well in this spot for bettors, going 13-3 ATS in their last 16 at home and a near-perfect 7-1 ATS in their last eight in trying to revenge back-to-back losses to an opponent.

I like KD to defend home court. Outright victory? I'd say it's worth sprinkling a little on the money-line, but in the end my official call will be to grab as many points as you can.

The play is Brooklyn.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on the Nuggets.

I thought Denver would put up a better fight than it has in this series. My hat goes off to the Phoenix Suns, who definitely look like the team to beat in the West this year.

However, I don't expect the Nuggets to get swept in this series. I believe Nikola Jokic will dig deep here and carry his team with his biggest game yet so far in the series and playoffs. And I do finally expect his teammates to give him support.

The Suns are dominating in almost every facet right now, so it's really difficult to say anything negative about Chris Paul, Devin Booker and company, but after three straight victories over this really good Denver team, I absolutely am now finally predicting a letdown here for Phoenix.

The Suns would love to clinch this series in front of the hometown crowd anyways! Obviously that's not really the case, Phoenix will try its hardest to end the series here and now, but with the knowledge that it can still do that at home in Game 5, it does add to our theory here of this being a "letdown" spot for the visitors today.

The Nuggets are also 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to revenge a ten points or greater home loss to an opponent.

My "SITUATIONAL STUNNER" packages are based upon a great "situation" and this particular contest lines up great in every respect in my opinion.

While the outright is clearly possible, in the end let's grab the points.

The play is Denver.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Clippers.

It appears more and more that it'll be the Suns and Jazz playing for the Western Conference crown. I don't think the Clippers are going to get swept and if there's no better time than now if they're going to get back into this series.

The Jazz held serve on their own floor, but star Donovan Mitchell was seen limping back to the locker room. He'll play, but his health is a concern here for Utah. Especially with a 2-0 lead, it's hard to know exactly how hard to play Mitchell, or to continue to play him if they go down early in Game 3.

The Clippers return home and I think Kawhi Leonard and Paul George hae more than enough in the tank to get back into this series. LA has been great in this position for bettors as well, going 4-1 ATS in its last five as a favorite.

Utah on the other is just 2-10 ATS in its last 12 on the road against teams with winning home records.

And the Clippers did win at home, as they're 27-13 ATS overall here this season.

The stage is set for a LA bounce-back.

Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* WESTERN-CONFERENCE SEMI-FINAL PLAY is on the Nuggets.

The Suns have been impressive. They beat the Lakers in six games, but there was an asterisk beside that series win, because of the injuries to both Anthony Davis, Lebron James and others. 

Denver isn't at full strength either, with star player Jamal Murray suffering a season-ending injury about a month before the regular season ended.

The Nuggets' strength has always been their depth and experience though, and with league MVP Nikola Jokic now playing with a chip on his shoulder here in an attempt to get his team back into this series, I do indeed expect Denver to do just that in this crucial Game 3 at home.

D'Andre Ayton has so far been up to the task of "slowing down" Jokic, but note that the Suns have always struggled in this building, going just 3-7 ATS in their last ten on this floor.

An 0-3 hole will clearly be too much to climb out of. Will Barton and Michael Porter Jr. were non-existent over the first two games, but I say a little "home cooking" is just what the doctor ordered for Denver in Game 3.

Lay the short points, the play is the Nuggets.

Good luck...Larry

My 8* EASTERN-CONFERENCE SEMI-FINAL PLAY is on the Hawks.

Atlanta beat the Knicks in five games, and then it absolutely accomplished what it set out to do in the first two games in Philadelphia, and that was to simply earn a "split."

Now returning home, I think this deep and talented Hawks side under the guidance of Nate McMillan have what it takes to rebound here and take the series lead again.

Atlanta had a significant home-court advantage thoughout the regular season, going 25-11, and it's also 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent in which it gave up 115 or more points in (lost Game 2 by a score of 118-102.) 

Finally, note that the Hawks are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games against a team with a winning home record, while the 76ers are just 1-4 ATS in their last five road games against a team with a winning home record.

Atlanta has covered the spread at home in almost 66 percent of its games on its own floor, which is No. 1 in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia on the other hand has only covered the number in 47 perecnt of its road games thi syear, which is the eighth worst in the league overall.

I'll bank on Trae Young and these young Hawks bouncing back on their own floor in Game 3.

The play is Atlanta.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Bucks.

Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets have a 2-0 lead in this series, but there's no way (in my opinion right now anyways), that the Bucks are going to get swept in this series.

And what better time than now to try and get back into it with their first game back at home where they went 28-10 ATS this seaosn. Brooklyn has been decent on the road as well with a 21-17 ATS record, but it's still a lot better at home than away from friendly confines.

And so this is it for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Is he the MVP? Is he able to carry this Bucks team on his back in his own building to a single victory? He's so far been "OK" in this series, averaging 24.3 points and 13.7 boards per game. 

Milwaukee struggled with its outside shooting in Brooklyn, but I just can't see that trend continuing for a third-straight game, especially on its own floor. 

The Nets were one of the worst defensive teams in the league during the regular season, but somehow they've been amazingly consistent on that end of the floor now that the playoffs are here.

But with the continued absence of James Harden putting extra minutes onto KD and Kyrie Irving, fatigue is a major concern now for the Nets at this point as well.

In this essentially do or die scenario, I'm banking on Giannis doing more than enough to cover this small spread.

Lay the points, the play is Milwaukee.

Good luck...Larry

10* THIRD ROUND GAME OF THE YEAR on the Clippers.

It took the Clippers seven games to advance, but I think they can keep the momentum rolling here after back-to-back victories over the pesky Mavericks.

The Jazz have been off for over a week, and yes, I do absolutely think that "rest" will lead to "rust" here. 

Kawhi Leonard has refound his MVP form after a slow start to the playoffs. He enters this series off a huge Game 7, pouring in 28 points and grabbing ten boards with nine assists and four steals. Marcus Morris and Paul George have also found their stride.

Utah rolled over the Grizzlies in five games, but that was almost a week ago. Can Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert pick up where they left off?

I'll point out that the Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last six on the road, while the Jazz are just 1-4 ATS in their last five when playing with three or more days of rest.

Timing and chemistry is crucial to success in the playoffs. The Clippers have "found their groove" finally in my opinion.

I'll stop short in calling for an outright upset, but in a contest which I see coming down to whichever of these talented teams has its hands on the ball last, I'm grabbing the points.

The play is LA.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* WEEKLY WIPE-OUT WINNER is on the Bucks.

I like the Bucks to bounce back here and find a way to "steal" Game 2.

So far in the playoffs the Bucks are averaging 116.2 PPG, while conceding 101.4. Clearly, Game 1 didn't go as planned. Expect to see another big game from star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 25.6 points and 14.2 rebounds.

The Nets are averaging 122 points and allowing 111.3. No big surprise that Kevin Durant has so far led the way offensively, as he's averaged 32 points and three assists so far. 

The loss of James Harden is a big one for the Nets. Now Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant have to log considerably more minutes. They're a handful, but the Bucks have to be liking their chances for a bounce back here (note that they're 5-2 ATS in their last seven when playing on one days rest.)

Milwaukee shot terribly from the floor in Game 1, which is very atypical. Look for the Bucks to come out and take advantage of what will be a tired Nets side.

Obviously the outright is possible, but let's grab the points.

The play is Milwaukee.

Good luck...Larry

10* LAS VEGAS INSIDER on the Hawks.

Whether 76ers' big man Joel Embiid plays or not, I like the visiting side to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire.

Atlanta made the surging Knicks look like the Knicks of old in its opening round series win. The Hawks were dominant defensively, effectively slowing down the red hot Julius Randle.

Clint Capela is a force to be reckoned with down low for the Hawks, and he's an X-factor in this play for me.

Trae Young averages 29 points and 9.8 assists against a stingy Knicks defense, and there's no reason not to think those numbers can't improve here against a less impressive 76ers' defense.

With Embiid either out, or hobbled, the door is open here for Atlanta in Game 1. 

Nate McMillan has been a big difference-maker for Young and company and I believe he'll have something up his sleeve as well for the 76ers today.

Outright win? Of course. But in the end my official recommendation will be to grab as many points as you can.

The play is the Hawks.

Good luck...Larry

10* WEEKEND WIPEOUT WINNER on the Bucks.

This is going to be an interesting series. I think that Game 1 will be decided by whichever of these talented teams has its hands on the ball last, and in a scenario like that I'm definitely going to grab the points.

Milwaukee rolled to four straight victories over the Heat, while Brooklyn needed five games to get past the Celtics.

The Bucks led the league in scoring with 120.1 PPG. Giannis led the way with 23 points, 15 boards and 7.8 assists against the Heat.

The Nets averaged 118.6 PPG during the regular season. Kevin Duran, Kyrie Irving and James Harden played just eight games together in the regular season.

There are a couple of strong trends worth mentioning here, as Brooklyn is just 1-8 ATS in its last nine at home here against the Bucks, while Milwaukee is 7-2 ATS in its last nine as a road dog in the +3.5 to +5.5 points range.

As I stated off the top, this one is going to come down to the final moments.

Grab the points.

Good luck...Larry

10* ROUND 2 GAME OF THE YEAR on the Lakers.

The question is. Can LeBron James dig deep here and rally whatever teammates he has around him to beat Chris Paul and Devin Booker at home here in Game 6?

The Suns rode 30 points from Booker to a big 115-85 win in Game 5. James had 24 points and seven assists for the Lakers.

Andre Drummond and Dennis Schroder were absolute "no shows" though for the Lakers, and I do expect a much better effort from each here at home. 

You simply can't count out King James in big games. He's also never lost a first round series in his career. Clearly, this is the Lakers biggest game of the year.

I just don't think the Suns have the experience to take out the defending champs on their own floor, especially with the knowledge that they have one last chance in their own building to finish it.

Phoenix has actually also been an absolute train-wreck in this spot for bettors, going just 1-4-1 ATS in its last six on the road and a terrible 0-6-1 ATS in its last seven following a win of more than ten points.

LA on the other hand is 4-1 ATS in its last five following a SU loss.

I say "The King" has enough left in the tank to push this series to a Game 7. 

Lay the points, the play is the Lakers.

Good luck...Larry

10* LEGEND on the Clippers.

Dallas won the first two games. LA won the last two games.

So far home-court advantage has been anything but in this series, but I expect that trend to end here.

The Clippers come in off a dominant 106-81 win in Game 4, as Dallas star Luka Doncic has just 19 points, while teammate Kristaps Porzingis added 18. 

Doncic had a neck strain that clearly affected his play and one has to wonder what his current form is here as well?

Kawhi Leonard has had a fire lit under him and now the Clippers are in "kill mode." Leonard has 29 points on 11 of 15 shooting in the Game 4 victory. 

LA looked great on the defensive end and in the transition game and with Doncic still ailing, I see an exact repeat of Game 4 occurring here in Game 5 as well.

The Clippers now clearly have the momentum back in this series and I expect them to ride the wave.

Look for LA to jump out to an early lead, and to never take the foot off the gas until it hears that final buzzer.

Lay the points, the play is the Clippers.

Good luck...Larry

10* SITUATIONAL STUNNER on the Cetlics.

I don't think that Jayson Tatum and the Celtics will go down without a fight. The Nets are obviously a really difficult team to play against with three bonafide superstars that can score at will. 

Tatum is averaging 30.3 points and five boards in the playoffs. Marcus Smart and Evan Fournier have experience, and note that Boston is 7-2 ATS in its last nine in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent in which it conceded 135 or more points in (lost 141-126 last time out.)

Tue Nets were unbelievably efficient with their shooting in Game 4, but despite the victory, they did struggle on the defensive end.

Outright victory? I'm definitley not calling for that. But I'll point out that the Celtics are a strong 9-3 ATS in their last 12 on the road.

I say the Nets have a small mental letdown here, leaving the backdoor open just enough for the hungry visiting side to comfortably sneak in through down the stretch.

Grab the points.

Good luck...Larry

8* LAS VEGAS INSIDER on the Grizzlies.

Memphis rode the wave from its two "play in" victories to an upset road victory at Utah in Game 1, but since then it's been the Jazz which has been the better team in this series.

Donovan Mitchell didn't play for Utah in Game 1, but he's been key in its success over the last two games.

Now, it's the Grizzlies turn to respond. The outright victory is definitely possible in my opinion. Memphis has already proven it can beat this Jazz team outright.

This will be the Grizzlies "best shot," as a 3-1 hole heading back to Utah is going to be just too much for this young team to climb out of.

Despite the Game 3 setback, note that Memphis is still 10-4 ATS in its last 14 as an underdog. 

Utah shot nearly 50 percent from the floor in Game 3. That's amazing. I don't see that happening again here. It also hit 19 three pointers. That's also not going to happen again.

This is a "must win" game for the Grizz and while they may not pull off the outright upset, everything in my opinion points to this one being a "nail-biter."

Grab the points.

Good luck...Larry

10* WEEKEND WIPEOUT WINNER on the Heat.

Will Miami storm back and win four games in a row? Almost assuredly not.

The Heat surprised everyone last season with their timely run to the Finals, but since then they've struggled to gain that same consistency. 

Milwaukee has played very well to this point, but not spectacularly. Miami though has for sure struggled across the board, which is uncharacteristic over three sraight games.

Despite their win last time out though, note that Giannis and company are still just 1-4 ATS in their last five on the road.

And despite losing Game 3, note that the Heat are still 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight at home. 

I say Jimmy Butler and the Heat don't go down without a fight today. This is a proud organization, filled with experienced talent and while the outright may not occur, everything does point to this one being decided by whichever of these team's has its hands on the ball last.

In a scenario like that, I'm grabbing the points every time.

The play is Miami and the points.

Good luck...Larry

10* LAS VEGAS INSIDER on the Miami Heat.

With their backs against the wall and desperate to avoid an 0-3 hole, I like the Heat to dig deep here in Game 3 and find a way to win and cover.

Milwaukee barely held on for the 109-107 OT home win in Game 1, but it definitely looked like the better team in its 132-98 Game 2 victory.

Miami is interestingly 7-1 ATS in its last eight in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent in which it was held to 100 points or less in.

The Bucks were 28-10 at home this year, and a mediocre 20-16 on the road.

The Heat are 19-19 on the road, but 21-15 at home. I can't see Jimmy Butler held down for three straight games. 

Milwaukee is also just 1-4 ATS in its last five on the road, while the Heat are 5-1 ATS in their last six at home.

17,000 people will be in attendance here for the Heat, and I say that matters!

Look for Miami to claw its way back into this series.

Good luck...Larry

10* SITUATIONAL STUNNER on the LA Lakers.

The Lakers didn't look great in Game 1. Over the last two years, the Lakers though have been fantastic at making adjustments from game-to-game and I absolutely expect that to be the case today.

The Suns had a few extra days off to prepare for Game 1, but I think LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the defending champs will indeed throw an entirely different look at Phoenix tonight.

There was plenty of on-court drama between LeBron James and Chris Paul in Game 1. Paul and Devin Booker looked fresh, but we can expect the Lakers tough-nosed defenders to play much more aggressively here on those two players.

LA even had a chance late, as they got very close, but it missed several wide-open three-point shots and was then never able to close the gap. 

Davis had a poor game as well, and said after that the Game 1 loss was his fault.

It's that type of veteran leadership which is going to help LA bounce back here in Game 2 vs. this younger Suns side.

In what I expect to be another tight game, look for the Lakers to ultimately pull away down the stretch, and to improve to 8-2 ATS in their last ten in trying to revenge a road loss vs. an opponent in which they were held to 90 points or less in.

The play is LA to STUN the Suns in Game 2.

Good luck...Larry

8* play on the Celtics.

Yes, it's been a difficult for Boston. A transition season, and one filled with plenty of injury issues.

Despite that though, Boston is now in the playoffs and I believe it'll throw its "best shot" it has at the mighty Nets tonight. 

The Celtics didn't play well down the stretch of the regular season, but they looked great in their 118-100 play in victory over the Wizards. Jayson Tatum had 50 points, and he's going to be a matchup issue for this very poor Brooklyn defense.

Brooklyn won its final five regular-season games. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden are clearly an unbelievable trio of talents, but they haven't ever played a lot of meaningful games together as a team. That's important at this time of year.

The Celtics have been to hell and back together and they know what it takes to win in the playoffs.

The players on the Nets have a lot of experience and individual successes in the playoffs, but never together as a team. 

I say that matters in Game 1.

I'm not calling for an outright upset, but much closer than what this spread would suggest.

Grab the points.

Good luck...Larry

10* WEEKEND WIPEOUT WINNER on the Heat.

The Heat made it all way to the NBA Finals last year, as they caught fire late in the season and then snowballed that momentum all the way until the end.

Miami beat the Bucks in five games in the ECF last year and I believe it'll at the very least, take today's game right down to the wire.

Jimmy Butler missed all three regular season games agains the Bucks, but he's back to 100% health, and I think he's a big time "X factor" in this game (and series.) Butler averages 21.5 points, 6.9 boards and 7.1 assists per game.

Miami also has three "lockdown" defenders to body up on Bucks' star Giannis Antetokuonmpo in Andre Igoudala, Butler and Bam Adebayo. 

Milwaukee is a great regular season team, but its big knock is that it can't perform in the playoffs. I'd argue, that Milwaukee's team this year isn't nearly as good as it was last season.

The Bucks may go on to exorcise their demons here in this series, but I expect them to come out flat in Game 1.

Grab the points.

Good luck...Larry

10* WEEKLY WIPEOUT WINNER on the Grizzlies.

My NBA Game of the Year was on the Warriors in their 113-101 regular season finale victory over these very Grizzlies, but for this final "play in" contest, I'm going with Memphis to exact a little revenge.

The Warriors enter off a tight loss to the Lakers, losing straight-up, but covering the spread.

The Grizzlies held on for a 100-96 victory over the Spurs, but they were unable to cover the 4.5 point spread.

Memphis is healthier right now, and that's going to matter after so many tight and important games. These players are giving their all, and the Grizzlies' depth is going to play a big part here.

Yes, Golden State has Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, but they're down James Wiseman, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Damian Lee.

Golden State is coming off a crushing last-second loss to LeBron James, and now it faces a revenge-minded Grizzlies team that loves to body up on teams and get physical.

Clearly, I believe the outright win is possible, but in the end let's grab the points.

Good luck...Larry

10* LAS VEGAS INSIDER on the Wizards.

The Wizards came close to pulling off an upset in Boston, but now they'll have to play the Pacers here to see who gets the eighth seed in Eastern Conference.

Indiana is coming off a 144-117 win over Charlotte (I had the Pacers in that one), but I think it'll struggle to find the same energy here. 

And if recent history is any precedence, then the home side has to be loving its chances for a bounce-back performance this year, as it took all three regular-season meetings between the clubs, winning 132-124, 154-141 and 133-132 in OT in Indiana.

Indiana got a huge performance from Doug McDermott and Oshae Brissett, with issues to Myles Turner, Jeremy Lamb and Caris LeVert. Malcolm Brogdon played in the victory, but he's questionable here as well.

The Wizards are tough on their own floor, and after the sub-par effort in Boston, they'll be out to push the pace from start to finish. They've been great in this spot recently for bettors as well, going 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 vs. the Eastern conference.

Washington is healthier and playing on its own floor. Everything points to a comfortable home side cover here in my opinion.

Play on the Wizards.

Good luck...Larry

10* PLAY-IN GAME OF THE YEAR on the Pacers.

I don't think that the home-court advantage can be overlooked as a very real deciding factor in this contest.

The Hornets enter the playoffs banged up and with zero momentum, as they've lost five in a row. Overall they average 109.5 PPG, while allowing 111.4. Terry Rozier averages 20.4 PPG and 4.2 assists, while LaMelo Ball adds 15.7 points and 5.9 boards.

The Pacers have split their last ten games. Overall Indiana averages and concedes 115.3 PPG. Domantas Sabonis will be leaned upon heavily here with injuries to Brogdan and Turner.

Charlotte has a bright future, and even making it into the "Play-In" tournament is a huge accomplishment for it. The Hornets though are a terrible 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games and 2-6 ATS in their last eight as an underdog.

I won't try to convince you that the Pacers are a great team, as that's not the case. But this is a game that I think they can win handily (and note that Indiana is a sharp 5-0 ATS in its last five at home.)

Despite the injuries, Indiana is the smart play at home here in my opinion, as I look for Sabonis to lead his team to a comfortable win and cover.

For all the reasons listed above, the play is Indiana.

Good luck...Larry

10* GAME OF THE YEAR on the Warriors.

To say this is a "big" game would be an understatement. Both teams come into this contes on fire as well.

Memphis enters having won five straight, while Golden State has also won five in a row.

The winner of this contest will secure eighth spot in the Western Conference playoff race, and in my opinion, home court advantage simply can't be overlooked as a very real deciding factor here.

The Warriors play with the added incentive of revenge as well after losing the most recent matchup between the clubs 111-103 back on March 20th. 

Overall Memphis averages 113.5 PPG, while allowing 112.3. Golden State averages 113.7 PPG, while allowing 112.8 as well.

This is a pressure packed situation, and who better to deliver than Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Andrew Wiggins and Kelly Oubre Jr. have also emerged as fantastic talents.

Listen, the Grizz are filled with great talent as well, and admittedly Jonas Valanciunas will be a matchup issue, but as stated above, I can't see the visiting side slowing down this veteran group on their own floor.

The Warriors are 5-0 ATS their last five at home and 7-2 ATS in their last nine in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent in which they conceded 110 or more points in.

Lay the points, expect a decisive victory.

Good luck...Larry

10* WEEKEND WIPEOUT WINNER on the Bucks.

I like the Bucks to take care of business on their home court here.

THe Heat have won seven of eight, but they're primed for a letdown in my estimation in this difficult road venue. Overall Miami averages 107.9 PPG, while allowing 107.9 as well. 

The Bucks are equally as hot, and they're going to keep the foot on the gas here at home. Milwaukee has won seven of eight, and it averages 120.2 PPG, while conceding 114.3.

Milwaukee wins at home by an average of 7.2 points. After five straight losses against-the-spread, and playing with revenge after a 119-108 loss to the Heat on December 30th, I look for the home side to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable cover.

Lay the points, the play is Milwaukee.

Good luck...Larry

10* SITUATIONAL STUNNER on the Grizzlies.

The Kings have won six of their past eight games, but off a 116-110 road loss here just last night vs. the Grizzlies, I expect an even bigger final discrepancy in the score in tonight's game for the home side.

Justin James exploded for 31 points for the Kings, and I am definitely not expecting "lighting to strike twice." 

The Grizzlies though have been steamrolling teams to end the season, healthier than they've been all year, they come into this one having won five of their last six games. Dillon Brooks had 30 points last night, while Jonas Valanciunas had 24.

This one means a lot more for Memphis, as it continues to jockey for playoff positioning. Scheduling is also working in its favor in the second game of the back-to-back.

This one has blowout written all over it. I expect the Grizzlies to STUN the books here, and to win handily by double-digits.

Good luck...Larry 

8* WEEKLY WIPEOUT WINNER is on the Nuggets.

The Nuggets aren't going to take the foot off the gas with the finish line so close in sight now.

Denver is 45-24 and it's won 11 of its last 14. Most recently it took down Charlotte on the road by a score of 117-112. Nikola Jokic had 30 points, 11 board and six assists. 

Minnesota has won six of nine, so the Nuggets won't be taking anything for granted here either. Most recently it won 119-100 at Detroit.

But hammering the Pistons is one thing, and beating Jokic and the Nuggets is quite another. Even on your home floor.

Denver has also dominated this series in this building, going 21-4-1 ATS the last 26 here.

Denver is in a dog-fight for positioning until the end. The thrill of playing spoiler doesn't last too long for teams out of contention. Look for the Wolves to have a letdown here vs. this powerhouse visiting side.

Lay the points, the play is Denver.

Good luck...Larry

10* ODDSMAKER ERROR on the Hornets.

The Clippers have split their last eight games, but I think they get caught looking past their opponent today. Outright win? Probably not, but I absolutely expect this one to be a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe.

LA averages 114 PPG, while allowing 107.8. Kawhi Leonard is averaging 25 points and 6.5 boards for the Clippers.

The Hornets are fighting, and they'll be hungry here after losing six of their last nine. Charlotte averages 109.7 PPG, while allowing 111.3. Terry Rozeir leads the nightly charge with 20.6 points and 4.2 assists per contest.

LA has struggled in this spot for bettors as well, going 1-4 ATS in its last five on the road.

The Hornets are healthier than they've been in a long time and this is an important game to them. Look for LA to come in complacent and for the home side to be risking life and limb tonight.

As I said above, probably no big outright upset victory, but I definitely expect a "nail-biter" until the end.

Grab the points, the play is Charlotte.

Good luck...Larry

10* NBA PERFECT STORM on the Hawks.

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

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

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

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

Lay the points, the play is Atlanta.

Good luck, Larry

10* GAME OF WEEK on Bulls.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck, Larry

10* SITUATIONAL STUNNER on the Spurs.

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

Good luck, Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

This home dog 'barks' LOUDLY!

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry