My 10* Western Conference O/U of the Month is on G St/Den Under at 9:10 ET.

The Golden State Warriors opened 18-2 but cooled some, before winning NINE straight from Jan 21 thru Feb 7. Golden St was 41-13 on the morning of Feb 8 and the Suns were 40-13. However, the Warriors lost FOUR of five prior to the break and then returned to play with a win over the depleted Blazers However, they have lost FOUR in a row since. Doing the math and it's EIGHT losses in 10 games, as the Warriors have fallen EIGHT games behind Phoenix. The Warriors are tied with Memphis for the No. 2 seed and now the Jazz are within 2 1/2-games of Golden St and Memphis.

The Nuggets outlasted New Orleans Sunday in OT, as Jokic had 30 of his 46 points after the third quarter and finished with 12 rebounds and 11 assists to notch his 17th triple-double of the season. Denver is 38-26 (No. 6 seed) and just ONE game behind Dallas (No. 5 seed) plus 2 1/2-games behind Utah (No. 4 seed). Denver's won the first two meetings this season against Golden St but that point seems moot. Why? Read along.

Golden State has already announced that Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Andre Iguodala and Gary Payton Jr. won't play in Monday's game. Curry, Thompson and Wiggins will sit for rest while Iguodala (back) and Payton (knee) are nursing injuries. Obviously, that makes the Warriors severely short-handed BUT they do catch a scheduling break. The Nuggets are coming off an overtime win against New Orleans on Sunday night, host Golden St tonight and then travel to Sacramento for a game Wednesday night. That means Golden State catches them on the second night of back-to-back games. One more thing. Jokic (25.8-13.8-8.0) was rested Friday and there was talk he might not play Sunday. Is it possible the Nuggets will rest him here, off last night's Herculean effort in OT? Go U-N-D-E-R!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* East Conf Game of the Month is on the Tor Raptors at 7:40 ET.

The Toronto Raptors had won 50-plus games for FIVE consecutive seasons, before falling all the way to 27-45. As for the Cleveland Cavaliers, they entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the previous three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time. The teams meet in Cleveland on Sunday with the 34-29 Raptors owning the No. 7 seed and the 36-27 Cavs holding onto the No. 6 seed, two games ahead of Toronto. Both teams are striving to avoid the play-in tournament, as they meet for the third time (of four) this season. Cleveland has won both meetings so far.

Toronto is starting a six-game road trip in Cleveland and the Raptors have been playing without two key players: OG Anunoby (ring finger fracture) and Fred VanVleet (right knee soreness). VanVleet is averaging 21.4-4.5-6.9 and Anunoby (17.5 & 5.5) is having a "career season." PF Pascal Siakam had 34 points and 14 rebounds in Toronto's 103-97 loss to Orlando on Friday and Raptors head coach Nick Nurse said Siakam "played his guts out." Siakam is averaging 21.5-8.5-5.0 on the season. SG Trent is averaging 17.9 PPG and rookie forward Barnes 14.9 & 7.5. The 6-8 Boucher adds 8.9 & 5.9 and the 6-9 Achiuma 8.2 & 4.7.

The Cavs have been one of the league's biggest surprises but have lost SIX of their last seven games, including three in a row. heading into their home game Sunday against the Toronto Raptors. The Cavs have been playing without guard Caris LeVert (sprained foot).and Rajon Rondo (sprained big toe). LeVert is the big loss, as he has averaged 18.2 PPG on the season (13.3 since coming to Cleveland). PG Darius Garland (20.7 & 8.0 APG) was outstanding in Friday's loss to Philadelphia with 26 points and a career-high 19 assists. Center Allen (16.3 & 10.9) added 20 & 7. Rookie Mobley (14.5 & 8.0) and Markkanen (13.7 & 5.7) plus Love 13.9 & 7.1) give the Cavs talent and depth up front.

The Cavs have been a nice story but they seem to be 'wilting' down the stretch. I'm taking the points and we may see VanVleet return to play. Wouldn't' that be nice!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Mil Bucks at 3:40 ET.

The Phoenix Suns entered the All-Star break at 48-10 but had just lost Chris Paul for six-to-eight weeks. There was 'talk' that just maybe, the Suns couldn't hold on the West's best record. Then, Booker entered COVID protocols and things looked even worse. However, the Suns are 3-2 since the break and with Golden St 'folding' (Warriors have lost four straight and right of 10)) the Suns still own a 'healthy' EIGHT-game edge on the West's No. 2 (now Memphis, as Golden St has fallen 8 1/2-games off the pace). The Suns visit Milwaukee Sunday after for a rematch of last year's NBA Finals, when after taking the first two games, the Suns lost FOUR in a row. The Suns got some satisfaction by trouncing the Bucks 131-107 back on Feb 10 in Phoenix. Milwaukee will be looking for its fourth consecutive win. After dropping back-to-back games against the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets sandwiching the All-Star break, Milwaukee has won its past three following a 118-112 road win over the Bulls on Friday night. Miami leads the East, Philly is three back and Milwaukee and Chicago are 3 1/2-games back. The East will be a 'battle to the end,' as despite sitting just 25-25, Boston has won 13 of 15 since Jan 29 and is only 1 1/2-games back of the Bucks and Bulls (five behind the Heat).

With Booker and Paul sidelined, the Suns' starting lineup in their last game was center Ayton (16.3 & 9.8) surrounded by SF Bridges (13.5 & 6.30 and PF Crowder (9.4 & 5.7). Starting the backcourt were Payne (10.5) and Shamet (7.4). SF Cam Johnson (12.8 & 4.1) has been a major contributor this season. With some of Phoenix's biggest names out, Johnson has stepped up as of late, scoring in double figures in each of the last six games, averaging 21.8 points during that span. However, he has been bothered with a right quad injury and he will not be active for today's game against the Bucks. "When it rains, it pours."

Giannis Antetokounmpo (29.4-11.6-6.0) poured in a game-high 34 points, 16 rebounds and five assists on 12-for-22 shooting to record his seventh straight double-double in Friday's win. Jrue Holiday (18.5-4.7-6.7) contributed 26 points, eight rebounds and five assists as Khris Middleton (19.7-5.4-5.3) supplied 22 points, six rebounds and seven assists. That's quite a trio. Center Brook Lopez is making progress toward his return from back surgery and will begin 5-on-5 five scrimmaging, according to The Athletic but what a 'savior' Bobby Portis has been, averaging 15.6 & 9.1. Guard Allen (11.3) rounds out Milwaukee's current starting-five.

I just don't see Phoenix 'hanging' with Milwaukee here with its starting backcourt out and now Johnson getting sidelined. Speaking of the Phoenix backcourt, Booker and Paul combine to average 15-plus APG, while the current starting duo (Payne and Shamet), combine to hand out 5.5!! Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division Game of the Year (Southeast) is on the Was Wizards at 7:10 ET.

The 30-32 Atlanta Hawks are currently tied with Charlotte for the No. 9 spot in the East's playoff race but the 28-33 Washington Wizards are just 1 1/2-games behind the two teams, looking to sneak into the 'play-in' round by earning the No. 10 seed. The teams have split the first two meetings this season, each winning on their home court.

Atlanta put together a strong second half on Thursday to beat the Chicago Bulls 130-124. The Hawks scored 40 points in the fourth quarter and used a late 11-0 run to erase a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit. Trae Young scored 39 points. Young had sprained his left ankle against Boston on Tuesday and had been a game-time decision because of the injury. How about here? Young (28.1 & 9.3 APG) leads the way but PF John Collins (16.8 & 7.9) has not played since Feb 11 and will likely miss again here. However, Atlanta's depth is impressive with FIVE more double digit scorers. Bogdanovic (14.0 & 3.9), Hunter (12.6), Huerter (11.7), Gallinari (10.8 & 4.6) and center Capela (10.6 & 12.1) make for a very solid group.

Washington hasn't played since Tuesday when it defeated the Detroit Pistons 116-113 to open a three-game homestand. The Wizards are trying to make a playoff run despite the absence of Bradley Beal (23.2) to season-ending left wrist surgery. Then there is Kristaps Porzingis and his right knee bruise. Porzingis has not played since being acquired in a trade with Dallas at the Feb. 10 deadline. The Wizards are led by Kyle Kuzma (17.0 & 8.8), who has a career-high 23 double-doubles this season and posted his first career triple-double on Feb 10 against Brooklyn. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is averaging 11.9 PPG and undersized center Gafford (9.1 & 6.0) has been quietly effective. Also note that with Harrell gone in a trade, the 6-8 Hachimura has scored in double digits in SIX of his last games (11.4 PPG).

Atlanta almost "gave one way" last night but saved itself with that late 11-0. It's hard to trust them away from (especially laying points), as the Hawks are only 11-19 on the road this season. Washington has won EIGHT of its last 11 meetings against the Hawks at Capital One Arena dating back to 2016. The Wizards beat Atlanta 122-111 on Oct 28 in Washington and the well-rested Wizards catch the Hawks in the second of a back-to-back. Take the home dog.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* 'Battle 4 LA' is on the LA Lakers at 10:10 ET.

The Lakers and Clippers meet for the fourth time this season Thursday night. The Lakers have lost three straight (six of their last seven), while the Clippers have won four straight (six of their last seven). The Clippers are stuck in limbo until Paul George and Kawhi Leonard return, while after standing pat at the deadline AND losing Anthony Davis (ankle) for at least a month, LBJ may have trouble even keeping the Lakers in the play-in tournament

James has missed 17 games with a number of ailments and has been playing through left-knee soreness. That said, he's averaging 28.9-8.0-6.3. Westbrook's numbers look good (18.1-7.7-7.3) but as all know, he has NOT fit in as well as the Lakers had hoped (how's that for an understatement?). Vet Anthony (13.6 & 4.2) has been steady all season off the bench plus guards Monk (12.7) and Horton-Tucker (9.5) have been valuable contributors in the backcourt.

The Clippers have played without star Kawhi Leonard all season and have been without Paul George (24.7-7.1-5.5) since before Christmas. More bad luck came when Powell, who averaged 21.0 PPG in three games for the Clippers (he was acquired in a trade), was lost to a broken bone in his foot. PG Jackson (16.7-3.6-4.6), guards Kennard (11.6) and Mann (10.6) plus center Zubac (9.9 & 8.2) have been the steadiest contributors.

According to LBJ, the Lakers have not lost confidence. "Obviously, at the end of the day we've got to come in here and win ball games and we got to play better," he said. "But as long as we got more games to play, we still have a chance. So that's my confidence. I hate losing." The Clippers have won all three of their previous meetings with Lakers this season but look at the final scores; 119-115, 111-100 and 105-102. FOURTH time IS the charm for the Lakers Take whatever points offered!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 7:10 ET.

The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference this season. However, coming off back-to-back losses, the 39-23 Bulls have fallen 1 1/2-games back of 41-22 Miami (current No. 1 seed). Atlanta finished last season strong (41-31 regular season record) and then beat the Knicks and 76ers, before losing to the Bucks, the eventual NBA champs, in the Eastern Conference finals. However, it's been a struggle for the Hawks this season, as they welcome Chicago to Atlanta just 29-32. The Hawks own the No. 10 seed (last to get into the 'play-in' round) but they are just ONE ahead of the Wizards.

Chicago's DeMar DeRozan (28.2-5.3-5.0) and Atlanta's Trae Young (27.9 & 9.3 APG), two of the NBA's top scorers, will be in the spotlight on Thursday night when the Bulls try to sweep the season series on their final trip to Atlanta. The Bulls have won the first three meetings against the Hawks, including 112-108 on Feb 24 in Chicago. LaVine (24.5-5.3-5.0) joins DeRozan for a potent 1-2 'punch,' while center Vucevic (17.9 & 11.6) is averaging a double-double on the season. PG Ball (13.0-5.4-5.1) is out until late-March and while he's missed, guards White (13.8) and rookie Dosunmu (8.2) have stepped up.

The Hawks got a scare on Tuesday when Young sprained his left ankle after Boston's Marcus Smart slid into him and earned a Flagrant 1 in the first quarter. Young returned midway in the second quarter and produced 31 points in 37 minutes. He said the ankle stiffened through the game, but did not foresee a long-term issue. PF John Collins (16.8 & 7.9) has played since Feb 11 and will likely miss again here. However, Atlanta's depth is impressive with FIVE more double digit scorers. Bogdanovic (13.9), Hunter (12.5), Huerter (11.6), Gallinari (10.8 & 4.6) and center Capela (10.6 & 12.1) make for a very solid group.

DeRozan is averaging 30.7 points, 7.0 assists and is shooting 62.7 percent from the floor against the Hawks this season, while Young is averaging 30 points and 10 assists against the Bulls. I'd call that a 'push!' Hawks head coach Nate McMillan recently told reporters. "We're still in the race, but we have to be better to finish the season and play ourselves into it." Well, it's time to step up NOW! I'm taking the points and calling for a SU win by the Hawks.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cha Hornets at 7:10 ET.

The Charlotte Hornet lost NINE of 10 prior to the break and after  a 125-93 victory in the first game coming off the break, have lost two in a row. Charlotte is now just 30-33. That gives them the No. 9 seed in the East but just ONE game ahead of the No. 11 seed, which is the "last team left out" of the play-in round. Charlotte was 33-39 last season (but lost its first game in the 'play in' round. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the last three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time, this time to Hollywood, instead of South Beach. However, the Cavs have EASILY been one of the NBA's biggest surprise teams this season with a 36-25 record (No. 5 seed) That said, the Cavs have lost FOUR of their last five contests heading into Wednesday night's home game against the Hornets.

The Hornets have FIVE players averaging 16 points  or more. PG Ball (19.9-5.4-7.) is followed by Bridges (19.9 & 5.2), Rozier (19.0-4.3-4.4), Oubre (16.3 & 4.2) and Hayward (16.1 & 4.6). Hayward is sidelined with an ankle injury but the newly acquired PF Harrell has averaged 14.6 & 7.0 in his seven games with the team. Cleveland lost Sexton (16.0 PPG) for the season to a knee injury early on and then vet PG Rubio (13.1-4.1-6.6) went down with a knee injury as well after 34 games (he's also done for the year). PG Darius Garland (20.3 & 8.0 APG) has a bone bruise in lower back and is listed as day-to-day. Caris LeVert (13.3), who has a sprained foot, and Rajon Rondo (sprained big toe) remain unavailable. Center Allen (16.2 & 11.0), rookie Mobley (14.8 & 8.2) and Markkanen (13.9 & 5.3) do give the Cavs an edge inside.

Both teams have current issues but I will note that the Hornets are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 road games.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Wet Conf "Best of the Best" is on the GS Warriors at 8:10 ET.

When Phoenix PG Chris Paul was lost for six-to-eight weeks, there was some talk that maybe the Warriors could 'run down' the Suns for the West's top record. However, while the Suns have lost two of three since returning from the break, the Warriors have yet to show any signs that they are ready to make a huge surge. Golden State dropped four of five going into the break and after a 132-95 rout of Portland, completely fell apart in the 4th quarter in Sunday's loss to Dallas (more in a bit). The Warriors visit Minnesota tonight to take on a Timberwolves team that has won 9 of 13 since Jan 30 to match its season high at four games above .500 (33-29).

Sunday's loss was the Warriors' first in two games since returning from the All-Star break but was their FIFTH in the last seven games dating back to Feb 9. The Warriors led throughout on Sunday, building an advantage of as many as 21 points. However, the Mavericks went on a 26-3 run in the fourth quarter. Dallas did not hold its first lead until 3:21 remained in regulation but never trailed again from that point in a 107-101 win. Curry's (25.7-5.3-6.5) had a terrific season, with Wiggins (17.6 & 4.2) making his first-ever All-Star game this season and Poole (16.1) crafting a 'career year!' Center Looney flies under the radar but has started all 61 games, averaging 6.4 & 6.60. Thompson is back on a game-by-game basis averaging 17.1 PPG in 17 games. However, he remains out with a calf injury but the Warriors have a ton of depth.

Minnesota won 127-122 at Cleveland last night and will play the second of a back-to-back Tuesday against the Warriors. The T-wolves are currently the No. 7 seed in the West, as they look to earn a playoff berth for just the SECOND time since 2004! PG Russell scored a team-high 25 points for Minnesota in the win at Cleveland, while Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jaden McDaniels all scored 17 points in the victory. Minnesota revolves around its "Big 3" of center Towns (24.2 & 9.6), swingman Edwards (21.4-4.7-3.7) and PG Russell (19.4 & 6.9 APG). Guard Beasley (12.0) joins that trio in double digits, while FIVE more players averaged between 7.1 and 9.2 PPG.

Minnesota will have a tough time moving into the top-six in the West (Dallas and Denver are three games up on the T-wolves) but are 7 1/2-games clear of the West's 11th seed, pretty much assuring a chance to make the postseason via the 'play-in' round. I like what I've seen lately from Minnesota but this is a tough back-to-back situation, with the Warriors coming off a total collapse Sunday vs Dallas. Golden St opens a four-game road swing in Minneapolis and forget about catching Phoenix, the Warriors are in danger of being caught from behind by Memphis, as the Grizzlies (current No. 3 seed) are just ONE game behind!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Chi Bulls at 7:40 ET.

The Chicago Bulls had won six in a row before dropping a 116-110 decision to Memphis on Saturday. The 39-22 Bulls now head to 'South Beach' tonight to take on the 40-21 Miami Heat, who own a slim ONE game lead over Chicago for the East's No. 1 seed. The Eastern Conference's top-4 teams are separated by a modest 3 1/2-games and its top-six by just five!

The Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference this season. Billy Donovan's team is led by wing players DeRozan (28.3-5.3-5.1) and LaVine (24.6-4.8-4.5). DeRozan comes in having scored 31-plus points in each of his last 10 games. Chicago center Nikola Vucevic chips in 17.9 & 11.7) and while PG Ball is missed, White (13.9) and rookie Dosunmu (8.1) have stepped in to replace Ball as the lead guards. Ball was averaging 5.1 assists before he got hurt but White (2.9) and Dosunmu (3.1) are sharing playing time in his place. Tristan Thompson, who signed with Chicago on Feb 19, gives the Bulls a fierce rebounder off the bench. Thompson has averaged 8.5 & 5.0 in his two games but has an 8.5 career rebound average!

Butler, who played his first six NBA seasons with the Bulls, leads Miami in scoring (21.9) and steals (1.8). Herro, who is averaging 20.3 points, is one of the top bench players in the NBA, and versatile center Bam Adebayo leads the team in rebounds (10.3) while averaging 19.0 points and 3.5 assists. PG Lowry and defensive-minded forward P.J. Tucker are both VERY important to Erik Spoelstra. Lowry ranks eighth in the league in assists (7.9) and Tucker leads the NBA in three-point percentage (45.4). However, Lowry is sitting out Monday's game due to personal reasons(?).

Yes, it's been a terrific turnaround for Chicago BUT...the Bulls are a combined 1-10 against the six other teams that started this week with a winning percentage of better than .600: Phoenix (0-1), Golden State (0-2), Memphis (0-2), Utah (1-0), Miami (0-2) and Philadelphia (0-3). That said, the Bulls have yet to have a losing month this season (are 8-4 in February). Miami is 20-7 at home but are only 14-13 ATS. I just feel as if Chicago is due for a win here against one of the East's best teams. Take the points!

Good luck...Larry 

My 9* Late Show is on the LA Lakers at 10:10 ET.

The NBA returned from the All-Star break with both the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers looking to strengthen their postseason prospects. The teams meet tonight in LA and here's a statement and question surrounding the contest. Right now, Zion Williamson does NOT look like the cornerstone the Pelicans had hoped for and after standing pat at the deadline and losing Anthony Davis (ankle) for at least a month, can LeBron drag LA into the playoffs? New Orleans took advantage of the absence of Chris Paul (who has a fractured thumb) in its first game back, winning 117-102 and snapping the Suns' eight-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Lakers lost105-102 to the Clippers. The Lakers missed their first 10 shots and fell behind by as many as 16 points in the first half. They rallied to take a six-point lead at the end of three quarters but fell behind again and in the final seconds, LBJ's potential tying jumper from the corner bounced off the rim.

New Orleans's win at Phoenix was just the Pelicans' second victory in six games since CJ McCollum joined the team in a trade with Portland. McCollum (21.7-5.3-6.5 on the season) had 32 points and Brandon Ingram (22.2-5.7-5.4) had 28, for their most productive combined performance. Center Jonas Valanciunas (18.0 & 11.6), who had 18 points and 17 rebounds said, "It was a defensive effort. We played good basketball for 48 minutes. After the (All-Star) break, we want to establish that we are a good team, and we're doing it now." He may be a tad too optimistic!

LBJ (28.9-8.0-6.4) scored 21 points but made just 6 of 18 shots in the loss to LA's crosstown rivals. "For us to go down in the fashion that we went down ... we definitely need to play better basketball to where we're not building deficits like that early on." Said Carmelo Anthony (13.5 & 4.2), who scored 18 points in his first appearance in three weeks due to a hamstring injury, "This is a game we're supposed to win." Russell Westbrook (18.3-7.7-7.4 but 29.5% on three-pointers), who scored 18 points but has been a HUGE disappointment added, "Not good enough," Hey Russ, that's been your entire effort this season.

Getting to the postseason for both teams will likely be via the 'play-in' tournament, as LA is 27-32 (No. 9 seed) and New Orleans is currently 24-36, one game behind Portland for the No. 10 seed. The Lakers lost for fourth time in five games on Friday and for the EIGHTH in the last 11. However, the last three of those losses have been by ONE possession. LA "gets it right" tonight vs the Pelicans.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Dal Mavs at 7:40 ET.

The Golden State Warriors 'limped' into last week's All-Star break having lost FOUR of five games to fall 6 1/2 behind first-place Phoenix. However, Golden State returned to action on Thursday, knowing that Suns have lost PG Chris Paul and just maybe, there's a window of opportunity for them to catch the Suns. The Warriors had little trouble in Portland on Thursday, winning 132-95 (note: The Suns opened the door a bit with a home loss to the New Orleans Pelicans the Friday night. The Warriors will host the Dallas Mavericks tonight and know that the Mavs are a team playing VERY well, despite a 114-109 loss at Utah in the team's return from the All-Star break on Thursday.

The Mavs were just 15-17 through Christmas but have gone 20-8 since. Dallas is now 35-25 and tied with Denver. Those two are battling for the No. 5 and 6-seeds, the final two guaranteed playoff spots in the West. Doncic (27.4-9.1-9.0) was just 8-for-24 while scoring 23 points in the loss at Utah but had just come off a 10-game run in which he had averaged 35.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 9.8 assists. Brunson (16.3 & 5.4 APG) and the newly acquired Dinwiddie (12.3-4.6-5.7) join Doncic to make a terrific guard trio. Dinwiddie had 20 points in the game vs Utah (he's finding his groove with the Mavs) plus I'm not sure Porzingis will be missed. The 6-10 Powell had 22 & 7 vs Utah starting at center and the newly acquired 6-10 Davis Bertans (came with Diwiddie from Washington for Porzingis) had 17 points on 5 of 8 shooting from beyond the arc.

Curry (25.7-5.3-6.5) had a season-best 14 assists to complement his 18 points in the win over Portland, with head coach Steve Kerr calling it a "beautiful game." Thompson is back (17.1 PPG in 17 contests) plus Wiggins (17.6 & 4.2)) and Poole (16.3) have been excellent all season. That said, I believe the idea of the Warriors catching the Suns is 'Fool's Gold!' for Golden St. These teams have split a pair of games this season, but it is more than just a little notable that Dallas harassed Curry into 5-for-24 shooting and just 14 points in its 99-82 win on Jan 5. Three weeks later, Golden State got its revenge with a 130-92 rout of the Mavs in San Francisco, but Curry again struggled with his shooting (just 2-for-10 on three-pointers). I won't ignore that the Mavs come to San Francisco having gone 9-3 ATS in their last 12 as an underdog. Take the points!

Good luck...Larry 

My 10* O/U Game of the Month is on SA/Mia Under at 8:10 ET.

Prior to last year, San Antonio had never missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons. Now, three straight is a very real possibility, as the Spurs are just 24-36. That leaves them 11th in the West, one game behind the No. 10 seed (last of the play-in' teams). The Spurs won 157-153 in double-overtime at home last night over the Washington Wizards and then caught a late-night flight into Miami for tonight's game vs the Heat. Miami lost in the 2020 NBA Finals to the Lakers, but last season fell to 40-32 and got eliminated 4-0 in the first round of the playoffs by the Bucks. However, Miami is currently 39-21, tying them with Chicago for the East's No. 1 seed.

I'll make this short and sweet. The Spurs will need to call on all of their physical reserves for tonight's game in 'South Beach' (second of a road back-to-back, off Friday's 2-OT shootout). Keldon Johnson led San Antonio with 32 points, and Dejounte Murray racked up 31 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds for his 12th triple-double of the season. Jakob Poeltl added 28 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists; Lonnie Walker IV went for 23 points, and Devin Vassell and Doug McDermott had 12 each for the Spurs. Any rest the Spurs had in the tank from their 12-day All-Star break was likely used up last night.

 
The Heat also played last night, earning a 115-110 win over the Knicks at MSG. Miami has won SEVEN of its last eight games and was led by Tyler Herro's 25 points off the bench and 23 from Jimmy Butler. Kyle Lowry added 19 points for the Heat, with Bam Adebayo racking up 16 points and 16 rebounds. The Heat will play 15 of their final 21 regular-season games at home, after playing the second-most road games in the NBA (33) before the All-Star break. Miami has the third-best home record in the NBA this season at 19-7. BOTH teams are playing back-to-back games since returning from the break and I see a contest that will be MUCH lower scoring than the O/U number indicates. The Heat rolled past the Spurs in San Antonio 112-95 in the two teams' first meeting this season on Feb 3, as the final of 207 points was WELL below the current O/U number for tonight. Go UNDER!

Good luck...Larry

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

The Toronto Raptors played better than .700 basketball for THREE straight seasons (won the NBA title in 2019) but last year fell all the way to 27-45. Toronto won EIGHT straight from Jan 29 thru Feb 10, to climb back into the East's playoff picture. However, Toronto has lost THREE of four since, including an 'ugly' 125-93 loss at Charlotte last night (Hornets entered the game on a 1-9 run). The Raptors never led and trailed by as many as 41 points. The Raptors will be in Atlanta tonight to take on the Hawks. Atlanta came into last season having gone 73-1598 (.316) the previous three years but went 41-31 during the regular season. The Hawks then reached the East Final, before falling to Milwaukee. This season has been a HUGE disappointment, as after losing 112-108 Thursday in Chicago, the Hawks are just 28-31.

Toronto is currently 32-26, leaving them 1 1/2-games behind the No. 6 seed (last guaranteed playoff spot). However, Toronto is 5 1/2-games clear of the No. 11 seed (7-10 sees enter the play in round). Toronto has FIVE players averaging 14.5 PPG or more. PF Siakam (21.6-8.5.5.1) and PG VanVleet (21.3-4.5-6.9) lead the way, joined by guard Gary Trent (18.4), SF Anunoby (17.5 & 5.5), who is having a career-year, and Florida rookie Barnes (14.7 & 7.4). Big men Boucher (9.1 & 5.9) and Achiuwa (7.4 & 6.9) are regular contributors. Anunoby sat last night (finger) but the good news may be that in the blowout, Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and Gary Trent Jr. did not play in the fourth quarter. 

PG Trae Young (27.8 & 9.2 APG) has done his part to get Atlanta moving and averaged 29.2 points in his final nine games before the break, including outings of 43 and 41 points during the span. However, he scored just 14 points on Thursday (?). PF John Collins (16.8 & 7.9) has played at an All-Star level but has missed the last four games (heel injury). However, the Hawks are a deep team. Bogdanovic (13.6), Hunter (12.7), Huerter (11.6), Gallinari (10.9 & 4.5) and Capela (10.8 & 12.2) all average in double digits. Center Clint Capela missed time with a back injury, but his absence gave former No. 1 draft choice Onyeka Okongwu an opportunity to show what he can do. Okongwu didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery, but after some early tenuous performances he has become increasingly productive. He's up to 8.6 & 5.4 on the season.

The Raptors have beaten the Hawks twice already this season, but Atlanta HAS to view this game as VERY important. The Hawks are in a key part of their schedule. as after the Raptors, Atlanta plays at the surging Boston Celtics, hosts the Bulls again before a road game at Washington. "It's a tough stretch, and we know that," Hawks coach Nate McMillan said. Anunoby has a displaced fracture of his right ring finger and will be out indefinitely. Siakam had flu-like symptoms (non-COVID) before the game vs the Hornets but decided to play through it, plus VanVleet had been questionable for the game as he continues to deal with knee soreness. That's a lot of "ifs" plus is there ANY chance that Young repeats his game vs the Bulls, where he was 3-for-17 from the floor? Atlanta is the play.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Dal Mavericks at 9:10 ET.

The Utah Jazz owned the NBA's best record last season and at 28-10 in early January, were in the mix for the West's best record along with Phoenix and Golden St. However, the Jaz would close January on a 2-11 run. Utah rebounded to win its first six games of February but blew a late 12-point lead in losing to a Los Angeles Lakers team finishing without injured Anthony Davis, in its final game before the All-Star break. The Jazz return from the break at 36-22, fourth in the West. They welcome the Mavs to Salt Lake City tonight, a team that was just 15-17 through Christmas but one which has gone 20-7 since. Dallas is now 35-24 and just 1 1/2-games behind Utah in the West standings (No. 4 seed earns home court in the first round).

Doncic (27.5-9.2-9.0) is averaging almost a triple-double on the season and has been 'on fire' lately (10-game run in which he's averaged 35.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 9.8 assists). Brunson (16.3 & 5.4 APG) and the newly acquired Dinwiddie (12.3-4.6-5.7) make for a terrific backcourt duo. It's recently come to light that Utah's top-two players, guard Mitchell (25.7-4.2-5.2) and center Gobert (15.7 & 14.8), have not been on the same page. They've downplayed reports and rumors that their locker room chemistry issues are serious or a threat to title aspirations. "It starts at me and big fella," Mitchell said in a podcast with Yahoo. "If we want to ultimately win a championship, it's going to start with us."

"Where there is smoke, there is fire?" Dallas ended the break on a 6-1 SU & ATS run and visits Utah having gone 8-3 ATS in its last 11 as an underdog. I'm taking the points with Dallas and the dominating Luka Doncic.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Min Timberwolves at 8:10 ET.

The "big story" surrounding this meeting is that James Harden (22.5-8.0-10.2 with the Nets) is expected to make his long-anticipated debut for the Philadelphia 76ers when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Harden sat out the first four games since the trade with a strained hamstring, although the Sixers went 3-1. He hasn't played since Feb 2, when he scored four points for the Nets in a road loss to the Sacramento Kings. Philly is 35-23 (current No. 3 seed in the East), three games behind the top-seed 39-21 Bulls. As most are aware, it's a real logjam in the East, as the top-six seeds are separated by just 4 1/2-games. Minnesota returned from the All-Star break last night with a 119-114 win over red-hot Memphis, moving to 32-28. However, the T-wolves are currently just the No. 7 seed in the West, as they look to earn a playoff berth for just the SECOND time since 2004!

Harden joins a Philly team that remains deep, despite sending Curry and Drummond (along with Simmons) to Brooklyn for Harden. Embiid (29.6 & 11.2) is the current favorite for league MVP plus PF Harris (18.7 & 7.3) is of All-Star quality. Maxey (16.9 & 4.6 APG) has replaced Simmons at PG (an upgrade?) and THREE more players (guards Milton and Korkmaz plus SF Niang), chip in between 8.9 and 9.9 PPG.

Minnesota revolves around its "Big 3" of center Towns (24.4-9.7-4.0), swingman Edwards (21.6 & 4.8) and PG Russell (19.2 & 7.0 APG). Guard Beasley (12.0) joins that trio in double digits, while FIVE more players averaged between 7.2 and 9.3 PPG. In last night's win, Russell had 37 points and nine assists, while Towns added 22 & 11. However, Edwards made just 1 of 11 shots (0-6 on threes) for just FIVE points. Beasley came up big with 17 points off the bench.

These teams met way back on Nov 27 in Philly, as Embiid won his personal 'battle' with Towns, going for 42 & 14, while Towns had 28 & 10. However, Minnesota eked out a 121-120 win in two OTs. I'm sure anyone yet knows how well Harden will "blend in" with Philly, so I'm backing the small home underdog in this one (expect Edwards to bounce back with a big effort!), to win "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* West Conf Game of the Month is on the Min T-wolves at 8:10 ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies opened the season 9-10 but now have the league's third-best record at 41-19. The Grizzlies take to the road tonight, as the NBA gets back on the court after its All-Star break. The Timberwolves welcome the Grizzlies to Minnesota having won SEVEN of 10 and at 31-28, own the West's no. 7 seed. The T-wolves are looking to secure only their SECOND playoff berth since 2004. Minnesota seems assured of a "play-in" spot (EIGHT games clear of the No. 11 seed) but it would surely love to earn a top-six seed (currently trail Denver by a modest 2 1/2-games).

Memphis is led by one of the league's emerging stars in Ja Morant, who is averaging 26.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.9 assists a game. The third-year PG had a season-high 44 points, with 11 assists and five rebounds, in the Grizzlies' final game before the All-Star break, a 123-119 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The team's second-leading scorer is Brooks (18.4) but he remains out with an ankle injury (last played Jan 8). Guard Bane (17.9 & 4.5), plus forwards Jackson 16.7 & 6.0) and Clarke (10.5 & 5.5) also average in double digits. Memphis also hac FIVE others averaging between 7.0 and 9.9 PPG. Minnesota revolves around its "Big 3" of center Towns (24.4-9.7-4.0), swingman Edwards (21.9-4.8-3.6) and PG Russell (18.8 & 7.0 APG). Guard Beasley (11.9) joins that trio in double digits, while FIVE more players averaged between 7.2 and 9.2 PPG.

Memphis leads the NBA by going 40-20 ATS (22-5 SU and 21-6 ATS its last 27 games prior to the break) but don't dismiss the Timberwolves. They hobbled into the All-Star break after playing SEVEN games in 11 days but the break should have them fresh. Minnesota has the best offensive efficiency in the NBA over the past 15 games and are more than capable of matching Memphis on the offensive end (Grizzlies are tied with the Hornets for the league scoring lead at 113.8 PPG). Take the home dog!

Good luck...Larry

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

Atlanta finished last season strong and then beat the Knicks and 76ers, before losing to the Bucks, the eventual NBA champs, in the Eastern Conference finals. However, it's been a struggle for the Hawks this season, as they return from the break just 28-30. That leaves them with the East's No. 10 seed (last of the 'play-in' round seeds) and just one game better than the Wizards. In contrast, the Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference this season. Chicago's 38-21 record leaves them tied with Miami for the East's best record, although as many likely know, the top-six seeds in the East are separated by only 4 1/2-games.

PG Trae Young (27.8 & 9.2 APG) is doing his part to get Atlanta moving and averaged 29.2 points in his final nine games before the break, including outings of 43 and 41 points during the span. PF John Collins (16.8 & 7.9) has played at an All-Star level but he missed the final three games before the break (heel injury) and appears unlikely to play against Chicago after sitting out practice on Tuesday. However, the Hawks are a deep team. Bogdanovic (13.3) scored at least 23 points in three of the last four games plus Hunter (13.0), Huerter (11.6), Capela (10.7 & 12.1) and Gallanari (10.6) all average in double digits. Center Clint Capela missed time with a back injury, but his absence gave former No. 1 draft choice Onyeka Okongwu an opportunity to show what he can do. Okongwu didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery, but after some early tenuous performances he has become increasingly productive. He's up to 8.7 & 5.5 on the season.

DeRozan (28.1-5.2-5.1) is the first player in NBA history to score 35 or more points and shoot 50 percent or better in seven consecutive games. The legendary Wilt Chamberlain twice did it in six straight contests. Guard LaVine adds 24.6-4.9-4.5 and while he missed the final three games before the break, he played in the All-Star game in Cleveland and is slated to play against the Hawks. Center Vucevic contributes 18.2 & 11.7. The loss of PG Ball (13.0-5.4-5.1) has not hurt as much as one would have expected, as White is averaging 14.0 PPG and rookie guard Dosunmu (8.1) has made the most of his extra "PT."

Chicago has averaged 121.2 points during its five-game winning streak but I'm expecting another late-season surge from Atlanta. "We understand exactly where we are and what we need to do," Hawks coach Nate McMillan told reporters. "We're still in the race, but we have to be better to finish the season and play ourselves into it." I'm taking the points and calling for a SU win by the Hawks.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Western Conf O/U Game of the Month is on Hou/LAC Under at 10:40 ET.

The Houston Rockets and the LA Clippers meet tonight in LA, as the NBA's All-Star break is set to begin on Friday (teams don't return to play until next Thursday). Both teams are coming off contests against the NBA-best Phoenix Suns (48-10 ), as the Clippers are coming off a 103-96 road defeat to the Suns on Tuesday, while the Rockets gamely battled the Suns on Wednesday in an eventual 124-121 defeat. Houston had a slim lead with 1:56 to play before the Suns pulled ahead.

The Rockets own the West's worst record at 15-42, while the Clippers are 29-31, leaving them as the West's No. 8 seed. LA is just three games behind the Nuggets (No. 6 seed, the last of the guaranteed playoff spots) but are also FIVE games clear of the No. 11 seed (New Orleans. The Rockets played inspired basketball against Phoenix, out rebounding them 49-42, while taking 97 shots to 86 for the Suns. All that without Christian Wood (17.6 & 10.2) and Kevin Porter (13.7 & 6.2 APG). who were late scratches due to a stomach bug. Dennis Schroder scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half of his second game and first start with the Rockets. He added nine assists and six rebounds but had six turnovers. Jae'Sean Tate (12.5 & 5.6) scored 22 for the Rockets with 10 rebounds, while Eric Gordon (14.3) had 10 of his 20 in the fourth quarter. Houston's Alperen Sengun (8.8 & 4.8) tied his career hi14.3gh with 19 points and set a career high with 14 rebounds in his fifth career start.

The Clippers have been without Kawhi Leonard (knee) all season and without Paul George (elbow) since December. The most recent injury was to new arrival Norman Powell (18.7 PPG in 40 games for Portland) who is out indefinitely with a broken bone in his left foot. Powell and Robert Covington (7.6 & 5.7 in 48 games for Portland) were picked up before the trade deadline to give the Clippers more firepower down the stretch, but it remains unclear when Powell will return. That said, the Clippers still gave the Suns a game Tuesday as Marcus Morris (15.9 & 4.8) scored 23 points and Nicolas Batum (9.0 & 4.5) added 18. The Clippers forced 16 Suns turnovers, but Phoenix shot 48.9 percent from the floor to 41.2 percent for Los Angeles.

I'm assuming BOTH teams are looking forward to the break and with SO many missing and questionable players, I see this game as a 'dead' Under. That's the play!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Brk Nets at 7:40 ET.

The Washington Wizards were 34-38 last season and qualified for the playoffs via the 'play-in' round. However, they were quickly bounced 4-1 by the 76ers. The Brooklyn Nets were 48-24 last season (East's No. 2 seed) and after taking out the Celtics in five games, played a thrilling seven-game series against the Bucks, losing Game 7 at home 115-111 in OT. Expectations this season were for Washington to again be contending for one of the East's lower seeds, but the Nets were favorites to win the East behind the trio of KD, James and Kyrie. The two teams meet Thursday (final game for all NBA teams before a six-day All Star break), with Washington at 26-31 and the Nets at 31-27. The Wizards are currently 1 1/2-games behind the No. 10 seed (last of the play-in spots) but also just two games back of the No. 9 seed. As for the Nets, the team imploded by losing 11 straight games from Jan 23 thru Feb 12, to fall from being at or near the top of the East standings to currently owning just the No. 8 seed, leaving them among the 'play-in' seeds. The good news is, the Nets enter this game on a two-game winning streak and are just two games back of the No. 6 seed.

Washington eked out a 113-112 home win over the Nets a week ago but is 3-10 in its past 13 contests. Three of the team's five double digit scorers on the season ware currently not available. Leading scorer Beal (23.2-4.7-6.6) is out for the season with an injury plus PF Harrell (14.1 & 6.7) and guard Dinwiddie (12.6 & 4.7 APG) have both been traded. More bad news comes in the fact that undersized center Gafford (8.9 & 6.0), is also out with an illness. Kristaps Porzingis has yet to make his debut due to a bruised right knee after being obtained from Dallas. Porzingis has missed NINE straight games since his last appearance on Jan. 29 and will sit out again Thursday. Taht leaves SF Kuzma (16.5 & 8.8) and guard Caldwell-Pope (11.7) as the only regulars from the Washington team that went 13-7 in its first 20 games.

The Brooklyn story is well-known. It began with Kyrie's non-vaccinated status, making him ineligible to play home games and then KD went down with an injury (last played on Jan 15 and is not expected to be back until sometime after the All-Star break). The final 'kicker' was Harden's trade deadline deal that sent him to Philly. However, the Nets may be regaining their footing following a pair of drastically different wins. After matching the largest comeback in franchise history, the Nets attempt to reach the All-Star break with three straight wins Thursday night when they host the Washington Wizards. The Nets halted their 11-game skid with Monday's 109-85 wire-to-wire rout of the Sacramento Kings. Two days later, the Nets erased a 28-point deficit and pulled off an impressive 111-106 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden last night, putting them in position for three straight wins for the first time since getting four straight wins Dec 10-16.

Simmons has yet to play for Brooklyn but both Curry (20 points last night) and center Drummond (11 & 19 vs the NYK) have made immediate impacts. Patty Mills is also new and he's averaging 13.2 PPG on the season. Rookie Cam Thomas (9.6) scored 16 of his 21 points in Brooklyn's 38-point fourth quarter, while LaMarcus Aldridge (13.7 & 8.8) added 18 points and James Johnson (5.9) finished with 14. Here's the bottom line. Washington 'limps' into its final game before the All-Star break having gone 3-16-1 ATS its last 20 contests. "W-I-P-E-O-U-T Alert!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the GS Warriors at 10:10 ET.

The Phoenix Suns have pulled away in the West and at 47-10, own a 5 1/2-game lead over the 42-16 Warriors. Golden St will host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday in San Francisco The Nuggets enter at 32-25, which places them 6th in the Western Conference, the last guaranteed spot in the playoffs

Denver has played all season without Murray (21.2 PPG last season) and Porter played just NINE games (9.9 & 6.6) before going down. Last year's MVP Jokic (25.8-13.7-7.9) has basically 'mirrored' his stats from last season and is still surrounded by some solid talent. Swingman Barton (15.4-5.0-4.0), PF Gordon (14.6 & 5.7), PG Morris (12.6 & 4.3 APG) and SF Green (10.5) have been consistent. Unfortunately Morris is dealing with a concussion and will miss this game. That means Denver's reserves will need to step up. Hyland (8.8) has moved ahead of Campazzo (6.0 & 3.7 APG) as the team's second-string PG but both will get more minutes with Morris out. Swingman Forbes has been an excellent pickup, averaging 9.8 PPG in his 14 games with the team.

Curry (25.8-5.3-6.3), Wiggins (17.9 & 4.2) and Poole (16.4) have been Golden St's "Big 3" this season but now Thompson (17.1 PPG in 15 games) is back. When Thompson starts, Poole comes off the bench. Golden St has gotten used to playing without Green (7.9-7.6-7.4) with Porter (8.3 & 8.2) stepping up. Forward Kuminga (7.9) plus guards Lee (8.1) and Payton (6.7) have been valuable contributors. Then there is center Looney, who has started all 58 games, averaging 6.2 & 7.5).

Golden St lost 119-104 Monday night.at the LA Clippers, the team's THIRD loss in its previous four games. In that stretch, the Warriors have been outrebounded by an average of 48.5 to 40.3. That has to change and of course, Denver is led by Jokic, the NBA leader in double-doubles (45) and triple-doubles (15), having 15 of the former and eight of the latter in his past 16 games. Golden State has allowed at least 111 points in each of its past four games but still ranks 4th in points allowed (103.5 per), plus 2nd in both opponents FG percentage (43.%) and three-point percentage (33.3%).

I believe this is Golden St's "game to win," remembering an 89-86 home loss to Denver way back on Dec 28th. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

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

The Toronto Raptors have followed an eight-game winning streak with back-to-back losses, and they will try to rebound Wednesday night when they oppose the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minneapolis. Toronto fell all the way to 27-45 last season but that eight-game winning streak has them 'knocking on the door' for a guaranteed playoff spot in the East. The Raptors are currently just 1 1/2-games behind the red-hot Celtics, who have taken over the No. 6 seed. However, it should also be noted that in the East, Toronto is still within FIVE games of the No. 1 seed (Miami, which is 37-21).

The Timberwolves will be going for their third consecutive victory on Wednesday, after defeating the visiting Charlotte Hornets 126-120 in overtime last night. Like Toronto in the East, 31-27 Minnesota is the West's No. 7 seed, just 1 1/2-game behind the No. 6 seed. However, unlike Toronto, Minnesota sits a whopping 16 1/2-games behind the West's No. 1 seed (Phoenix at 47-10).

Toronto has FIVE players averaging 14.5 PPG or more. PF Siakam (21.4-8.6.5.6) and PG VanVleet (21.6-4.7-7.2) lead the way, joined by guard Gary Trent (18.3), SF Anunoby (17.7 & 5.6), who is having a career-year, and Florida rookie Barnes (14.5 & 7.5). Big men Boucher (9.2 & 5.8) and Achiuwa (7.4 & 6.9) are regular contributors. Fred VanVleet left the Monday game in the third quarter with a sore knee after scoring 20 points and is listed as questionable against Minnesota.

Minnesota relies on its "Big 3" of center Towns (24.4 & 9.7), SG Edwards (22.2 & 4.8) and PG Russell (19.1 & 7.0 APG). All three were first round picks! Guards Beasley (12.0) and Beverley (9.7-4.4-4.9) contribute in the backcourt, while the 6-10 McDaniels (8.7 & 4.2) and the 6-11 Reid (8.2 & 3.8) help out up front. Like Toronto, Minnesota could be missing a key player tonight in Edwards, who left last night's game with an ankle sprain and is listed as questionable.

Both teams played last night and with VanVleet and Edwards listed as questionable, my play is on the UNDER!

Good luck...Larry

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

The Philadelphia 76ers acquired James Harden along with Paul Millsap on Thursday from the Brooklyn Nets for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round draft picks. However, Harden's strained hamstring is expected to be sidelined through at least the All-Star break. 34-22 Philadelphia defeated Oklahoma City and Cleveland in consecutive games this past weekend without Harden and tonight welcome rival Boston to Philly on Tuesday. The red-hot Celtics will be looking for their NINTH consecutive victory in Tuesday's game.

The Celtics were a season-worst three games under .500 when they were 18-21 thru Jan 6 but have since gone 15-4 to reach 33-25. EIGHT straight wins (10 of 11) have moved Boston into the East's No. 6 seed (last guaranteed playoff spot) and just 4 1/2-games back of top-seeded Miami (37-20). The Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks 105-95 on Sunday thanks in large part to Jayson Tatum's 38 points and 10 rebounds. Jaylen Brown added 17 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics, who looked completely in sync offensively. Tatum (25.7 & 8.4) and Brown (23.5 & 6.6) lead the way but there have been times when Tatum and Brown have been criticized for "not playing well with others" but Celtics first-year head coach Ime Udoka recently said, "We know we're much harder to beat when both are firing on all cylinders. They've been shooting better, attacking better, and making plays, and we expect that from those two." However, Boston needs to keep others involved. Boston was active at Thursday's trade deadline. First, they acquired point guard Derrick White from the San Antonio Spurs for Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford and a 2022 first-round pick. Then, they acquired forward Daniel Theis from the Houston Rockets for guard Dennis Schroder and big men Enes Freedom and Bruno Fernando. Theis, a former Celtic, is averaging 8.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in 26 games (21 starts) this season. White has averaged 14.5-5.0-3.5 in his two games and along with Smart (11.8-4.0-5.4) form an excellent backcourt. Big men Horford (10.0 & 7.5) and Robert Williams (10.0 & 9.7) give Boston the look of a "real contender!"

Philadelphia is 34-22 (No. 4 seed) but as I've mentioned often, the top-5 East teams are separated by just 2 1/2-games. The Sixers have been resilient while waiting for Harden to make his team debut. Joel Embiid produced his fourth career triple-double with 40 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in a 103-93 win over the Cavaliers on Saturday. Embiid (29.5-11.2-4.5) joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only other Sixers player in history to accumulate a 40-point triple-double. Philly guards Thybulle (5.9) and Milton (10.1) are back and join Maxey (17.0-3.6-4.7), who is developing as a star at PG. Harris (18.9 & 7.4) forms an excellent center/PF duo with Embiid. SF Niang (9.3) continues to play well plus Korkmaz (8.9) and Green (6.6) add depth.

Yes, Boston has won EIGHT straight but look closer. FOUR of those wins have been on the road to. Boston's 'victims' have been 23-34 New Orleans, 12-45 Detroit, 13-46 Orlando and the free-falling Brooklyn (has lost 11 of 12). Philadelphia has taken TWO of three from Boston this season and in this final regular season meeting, will make it THREE wins in a row over the team's hated-rival.

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Chi Bulls at 8:10 ET.

The SA Spurs had their playoff streak of 22 in a row snapped in the 2019 season when they went 32-39. The Spurs went 33-39 last season, qualifying for the play-in' round but failed to advance, making it TWO straight non-playoff years for "Pop." The Spurs are currently 22-35 and one behind the No. 10 seed, the final spot for the 7-10 'play-in' round. The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent prior to this season. Chicago is currently 36-21, one game behind the top-seeded Miami Heat in the East (note: top-5 seeds separated by just 2 1/2-games).

The Spurs head to Chicago after a 124-114 win in New Orleans on Saturday (team's third straight win), as Dejounte Murray (20.0 & 9.3) scored 31 points and distributed 12 assists in the victory, giving him the 30-10 achievement in back-to-back games. The Spurs also have five more players averaging in double digits. The group includes Johnson (15.6 & 6.0), Poeltl (13.0 & 9.0), McDermott (11.7), Vassell (11.6 & 4.3) and Walker (10.9).

The Bulls came from behind to beat Oklahoma City 106-101 at home on Saturday (also the team's third straight win) behind DeRozan's 38 points. DeRozan (27.7-5.2-5.1) has now scored 30 or more points in six consecutive games (a career-high), and the last Bull to score 30-plus in seven straight games was Michael Jordan in 1996-97. Zach LaVine (24.6-4.9-Center 4.5) missed Saturday's game with a sore left knee and left the team on Sunday to see a specialist. He is considered questionable for the contest with the Spurs and could miss the rest of the week leading up to the All-Star Break. Center Vucevic missed some time due to COVID and is currently dealing with a knee issue but he's playing these days and is averaging a double-double (18.0 & 11.7) on the season. Ball is sidelined but rookie guard Dosunmu (8.0) has made the most of his extra "PT." He is averaging just over 10 PPG since Jan 1 and in his last two games, he has scored 26 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and handed out 19 assists.

The Spurs beat the Bulls 131-122 in San Antonio back on Jan 28, but expect the Bulls to 'return the favor tonight,' in a BIG way!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Den Nuggets at 7:40 ET.

The Den Nuggets were just 18-18 thru Jan 5 but have won 12 of 18 (SEVEN of their last 10) to move to 30-24. Denver is now the West's No. 6 seed, the final guaranteed playoff spot. The Nuggets will have a tough job moving up in the 'loaded' West, so keeping teams like Minnesota and both LA teams 'at bay,' is priority No. 1. Denver is in Boston tonight to take on the Celtics, who enter on a SIX game winning streak (eight of 10 since sitting 23-24 on Jan 21). 31-25 Boston is currently the East's No. 7 but is just ONE game back of the No. 6 seed plus more notably, only FIVE games behind the East's No. 1 seed.

Denver has played all season without Murray (21.2 PPG last season) and Porter played just NINE games (9.9 & 6.6) before going down. Last year's MVP Jokic (25.8-13.6-7.9) has basically 'mirrored' his starts from last season and is still surrounded by some solid talent. Swingman Barton (15.6-4.0-4.1), PF Gordon (14.7 & 5.7), PG Morris (12.6 & 4.3 APG) and SF Green (10.3) have been consistent. Unfortunately Morris is dealing with a concussion and will miss this game. That means Denver's reserves will need to step up (more in a bit).

Tatum (25.5 & 8.4) and Brown (23.9 & 6.5) lead the way. There have been times when Tatum and Brown have been criticized for "not playing well with others" but Celtics first-year head coach Ime Udoka recently said, "We know we're much harder to beat when both are firing on all cylinders. They've been shooting better, attacking better, and making plays, and we expect that from those two." However, Boston needs to keep others involved. Boston was active at Thursday's trade deadline. First, they acquired point guard Derrick White from the San Antonio Spurs for Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford and a 2022 first-round pick. Then, they acquired forward Daniel Theis from the Houston Rockets for guard Dennis Schroder and big men Enes Freedom and Bruno Fernando. Theis, a former Celtic, is averaging 8.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in 26 games (21 starts) this season.

Denver's offense still revolves around Jokic, who has posted four straight games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. However, the team's bench has played a key role over the past week. The Nuggets' bench outscored the Knicks' reserves 61-34 in Tuesday's 132-115 win over the Knicks. Hyland (8.6) scored 22 points vs the Knicks and has moved ahead of Campazzo (5.8 & 3.7 APG) as the team's second-string PG. Both will get more minutes with Morris out plus swingman Forbes has been an excellent pickup, averaging 9.9 PPG in his 11 games with the team. Boston lost Schroder (14.4) and Richardson (9.7) in Thursday's trades, which will put more pressure on Smart (11.5-54.0-5.4). Up Front, Horford (10.0 & 7.5) and Robert Williams (9.8 & 9.5) have been reliable all season.

These teams are pretty evenly matched, so taking the points makes sense. In fact, with Boston shaking its roster up Thursday, I'm calling for Denver to win this game OUTRIGHT!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NBA Finals Rematch is on the Mil Bucks at 10:00 ET.

The Milwaukee Bucks are the defending champions but it's been far from 'smooth sailing' this season. However, the Bucks wrap up a four-game Western road trip tonight in Phoenix, having won EIGHT of 10. It has been a much-needed surge, after the Bucks lost SIX of eight from Jan 3-17. Milwaukee is now 35-21, just a half-game behind the 35-20 Heat, for the East's top record (note: The East's top-5 teams are separated by just 2 1/2-games). I'm sure Milwaukee has not forgotten the thrill of winning the NBA title but I'm equally sure that the Phoenix Suns haven't shed themselves of "the agony of defeat." Tonight is the first rematch of the teams that battled in last season's NBA Finals, Milwaukee visits 44-10 Phoenix.

Milwaukee has been dominant while winning the first three contests of this four-game game road trip, as the Bucks have averaged 135 points with a winning margin of 22.7 points. Antetokounmpo scored 44 points on 17-of-20 shooting during Tuesday's demolition of the Lakers. Milwaukee led by 30 in the third quarter before cruising to a 131-116 win. Antetokounmpo (29.2-11.3-6.0) leads the way for Milwaukee, joined by SF Middleton (19.5-5.6-5.3), PG Holiday (17.9-4.7-6.7) and PF/C Portis (15.6 & 9.1). Guards Allen (11.7) and Connaughton (10.2 & 4,4) have been regular contributors plus Cousins has been a valuable signing, averaging 9.1 & 5.8 in just 17 minutes over 17 games (five starts).

Phoenix ended a 10-season playoff drought last year by going 51-21 (one win shy of Utah's NBA-leading 52 wins) and made it all the way to the Finals. The Suns took the first two games at home but then saw the Bucks win FOUR in a row, to win the team's second-ever NBA title. The first came way back in the 1970-71 season, led by Lew Alcindor (now Kareem) and the Big O. The Suns opened the current season just 1-3 but then ripped off 18 consecutive wins! Another 1-3 'drought' followed, but the Suns are currently on a 17-2 run, giving them a 44-10 (.815) record. The balanced Suns can place six or seven players in double figures on any given night. Booker (25.7-5.3-4.3) and Paul (15.0-4.5-10.4) are a terrific guard duo. Center Ayton (16.1 & 10.4) is surrounded by SF Bridges (13.1 & 4.3) and PF Crowder (8.9 & 5.2). The Suns also have SF Johnson (11.9 & 4.2), guard Payne (10.5) and center McGee (10.0 & 7.1). Throw in the 6-8 Biyombo, who was signed in January and over 15 games has averaged 8.9 & 6.9 in 22 minutes. Talk about an embarrassment of riches!

Both teams come in healthy, although the Suns' Payne will sit with a wrist injury. The revenge motive is clearly with the Suns plus Phoenix has won five of the last six regular-season meetings against the Bucks. Neither team has a weakness and both enter on a roll. "It is kind of like a rematch, right?" Bucks PG Jrue Holiday told TNT after Tuesday's 131-116 road win over the Los Angeles Lakers. "We know what's at stake. We know what happened last year. We know they're going to be focused and we're going to be focused as well." Forget revenge, Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

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

The Golden St Warriors battled the Phoenix Suns for the top spot in the West since Opening Day but have recently fallen three games behind the Suns (Phoenix is 44-10 and Golden St 41-3). The Utah Jazz won an NBA-best 52 games last season and 'hung' right with Phoenix and Golden St early on, but after opening the season 28-10, the Jazz are now 33-21 (well off the place of the West's top-two teams) plus Utah has also fallen behind the red-hot 38-18 Grizzlies.

 
I just mentioned that the Warriors have fallen three games behind the Suns but that's NOT due to the team's recent play. Klay Thompson, who is 12 games into his return from a two-and-a-half-year absence due to knee and Achilles injuries. hit a pair of crucial three-pointers Monday to help stave off an Oklahoma City rally as the Warriors won their NINTH game in a row, 110-98 over the Thunder. Thompson (16.7 PPG) is expected to be rested tonight but that means Poole (16.6) will return to a starting lineup led by Curry (25.7-5.4-6.4) and Wiggins (18.1 & 4.3). Golden St has gotten used to Green (7.9-7.6-7.4) with Porter (8.5 & 8.2) stepping up. Lee (8.1) is a valuable backcourt reserve plus the guard duo of Kuminga and Payton combine to chip in 14.5 PPG.

The Jazz went 4-12 in January but will welcome Golden St to Salt Lake City looking for a FOURTH straight win. It certainly helps that Donovan Mitchell (25.7-4.0-5.2) is back in the fold. He led the Jazz over the New York Knicks 113-104 Monday night with 32 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals. It was his second game since returning from the NBA's concussion protocols that kept him out for eight games. He and PG Conley (14.4 & 5.3 APG) make for a formidable guard duo, with 6th-man Clarkson (15.5) coming off the bench. Obviously, Gobert (16.0 & 15.1) being out until sometime around the All Star break hurts but recently, the Jazz are getting  contributions from an unexpected source, the 22-year-old Udoka Azubuike, a 7-foot center from Kansas. Azubuike hauled in 14 rebounds, including six on the offensive end plus blocked three shots with seven points in Monday's win. The third-year center is averaging 11.7 rebounds per game during the Jazz's winning streak.

Utah made a late push late in its most recent game against Golden State, but the Warriors held on for a 94-92 win two weeks ago. The Warriors also won the first matchup back on New Year's Day in Salt Lake City, 123-116. I guess the Jazz are "due" but I'm NOT buying it. Overlooked is Golden St's defensive numbers, which show that the Warriors are allowing 102.6 PPG (2nd) on 42.9% shooting, including 33.0% on threes (both of those numbers rank 1st in the NBA). Golden St pushes its winning streak to 10 in a row!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Pho Suns at 7:10 ET.

Phoenix ended a 10-season playoff drought last year by going 51-21 (one win shy of Utah's NBA-leading 52 wins) and made it all the way to the Finals. The Suns took the first two games at home but then saw the Bucks win FOUR in a row, to win the team's second-ever NBA title. The first came way back in the 1970-71 season, led by Lew Alcindor (now Kareem) and the Big O. As for the Suns, it was the team's third appearance in the Finals, losing previously back in 1976 to the Celtics (if you don't remember Gar Heard, you are too young!) and in 1993, when MVP Sir Charles and Co. lost to MJ and the Bulls. The Suns opened the current season just 1-3 but then ripped off 18 consecutive wins! Another 1-3 'drought' followed, but the Suns are currently on a 16-2 run, giving them a 43-10 (.811) record. The Suns traveled to Chicago and defeated the Bulls 127-124 last night and continue on to Philly on Tuesday.

The 32-21 76ers are the East's No. 5 seed but are only two games back of the top-seeded Bulls. The last few seasons, the 76ers have been a dominant home team but struggled on the road. That's changed this season, as the 76ers are a modest 14-11 at home but an Eastern Conference-best 18-10 on the road. The Philadelphia 76ers are capable of beating any team in the NBA, thanks mostly to center Joel Embiid, who is looking for his 21st straight game with at least 25 points. Embiid joined Allen Iverson as the only two players in franchise history to produce 20 consecutive games of 25 or more points. Iverson had a 27-game streak in the 2000-01 season.

Devin Booker's 38 points led SIX Phoenix players in double figures in last night's win over the Bulls. The balanced Suns can place six or seven players in double figures on any given night. Booker (25.5-5.3-4.2) and Paul (15.0-4.5-10.4) are a terrific guard duo. Center Ayton (16.2 & 10.5) is surrounded by SF Bridges (12.9 & 4.7) and PF Crowder (9.1 & 5.0). The Suns also have SF Johnson (12.0 & 4.3), PF Kaminsky (10.6 & 4.6), guard Payne (10.5) and center McGee (9.8 & 7.0). Talk about an embarrassment of riches!

Philly guards Thybulle (5.7) and Milton (10.5) are out but Maxey (16.9-3.5-4.8) is developing as a star at PG, He is joined in the backcourt by Curry (15.3 & 4.1 APG) and Korkmaz (9.0). Embiid (29.3 & 10.9) and Harris (18.9 & 7.7) combine for an excellent center/PF duo. SF Niang (9.5) continues to play well and backup center Drummond averages 6.1 & 8.8 in just 18 1/2-minutes per game.

I agree that Philly can beat anyone at anytime but tonight is NOT one of those times. The Suns come in with a 21-5 road record, the best road mark in the league, and leave with another "W!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Cha Hornets at 7:10 ET.

The Toronto Raptors fell all the way to 27-45 last season but woke up Monday morning at 28-23, having just moved into the East's No. 6, as the Nets have lost EIGHT in a row. The Charlotte Hornets were 33-39 last season (lost their first game in the 'play in' round) and begin the new week at 28-26 but still among the 'play-in' teams, owning the No.9 seed. However, the Hornets are just 1 1/2-games back of the 6th-seeded Raptors. The Raptors and Hornets meet Monday night in Charlotte, with Toronto arriving on a five-game winning streak, while Charlotte 'limps' in on a four-game losing streak (three of those defeats have come at home).

Toronto has FIVE players averaging 14.7 PPG or more. PG VanVleet (21.6-4.7-7.2) and PF Siakam (21.4-8.6.5.6) lead the way, joined by SF Anunoby (18.4 & 5.6), who is having a career-year, and Gary Trent (18.1). Florida rookie Barnes (14.7 & 7.4) rounds out the 'Group of 5.' Big men Boucher (9.1 & 5.9) and Achiuwa (7.8 & 7.2) are regular contributors.

SF Bridges (19.7 & 7.2) is having a 'career season,' while PG LaMelo Ball (19.6-7.1-7.5) has missed some games earlier with COVID issues but it's pretty obvious that last season's rookie-of-the-year is the 'real deal!' Three more players are scoring 16-plus PPG. Guar Rozier (18.4-4.2-3.9) lead that group, followed by swingman Oubre (16.6 & 4.1) and SF Hayward (16.4-4.7-3.4). Plumlee (6.8 & 7.7) is an underappreciated starting center plus Washington (9.9 & 5.3) and Martin (8.0 7 4.2) contribute to make the Hornets the NBA's second-highest scoring team at 113.6 PPG.

The Hornets have wavered on defense most of the season and the Hornets have held second-half leads in each of their last two games (both losses). Charlotte's four-game losing streak is its his second-longest losing skid, as the Hornets dropped five in a row in November. However, the team responded from that by winning FIVE straight. The Raptors beat the Hornets 125-113 on Jan 25 at home in the first meeting of the season (note: the Hornets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent of 10 or more points). That adds some extra motivation for the Hornets, as if winning and moving up in the standings to avoid the 'play-in' round is not enough. I'm "all over" the small home dog!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late Show O/U is on Mil/LAC Under at 9:10 ET.

The LA Clippers acquired guard Norman Powell (18.7 PPG and 40.7% on threes) and forward Robert Covington (7.6 & 5.7) from the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, and both are in line to make their debuts with the team. The move cost Los Angeles veteran guard Eric Bledsoe and forward Justise Winslow, among other pieces, but a scorer like Powell is what the Clippers were desperate to add. Los Angeles still doesn't know if stars Kawhi Leonard (knee) or Paul George (elbow) will return this season, but a mix-and-match roster has found some success. The Clippers have won four of their last six games and five of eight, as they welcome the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks to Staples Center.

The Bucks enter off Saturday's 137-108 victory over the short-handed Trail Blazers, giving Milwaukee a SIXTH win in eight games. It has been a much-needed surge, after the Bucks lost SIX of eight from Jan 3-17. Milwaukee is now 33-21, just ONE game behind the 33-19 Bulls and 34-20 Heat, who are in a virtual tie for the East's No.1 seed. Milwaukee had little trouble with Portland, as Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.9-11.3-6.0) scored 29 points with nine rebounds and six assists, while Bobby Portis (15.2 & 9.1) added a season-best 30 points to kick off a four-game Western Conference road trip. Milwaukee is undergoing its own change. The Bucks signed free-agent big man Greg Monroe, a veteran of 10 seasons, who made his return to the team Saturday on a 10-day deal. He had six points with six rebounds in 15 minutes.

The Clippers are just 27-27 (current No. 8 seed in the West), but just two games behind the No. 6 seed, which is the last guaranteed playoff spot. With Kawhi out since the start of the season and George since Christmas, LA's best regular contributors have been PG Jackson (16.7 & 4.1 AP), forward Morris 915.8 & 5.10 and swingman Kennard (12.1). However, Morris has only played in just 29 of 54 games. I'm too sure Powell and Covington will blend all that quickly. Milwaukee stays in LA until Tuesday, when the Bucks take on the Lakers and then head to Phoenix (Thursday), to face the 42-10 Suns. After last night's big (easy!) road win, I expect the Bucks will NOT want to turn this one into a "run and gun" shootout. Pretty sizable over/under number here and expect a more methodical pace from these teams tonight. Go U-N-D-E-R!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* East/West Game of the Month is on the Dal Mavs at 6:10 ET.

It's Atlanta at Dallas on Sunday, Trae Young vs Luka Doncic. The two young stars will forever be compared after essentially being traded for one another on the night of the 2018 NBA Draft. Doncic was originally taken No. 3 overall by the Hawks but was immediately traded to Dallas for a pick that turned out to be Young and another No. 1 pick that wound up being Cam Reddish (recently traded to the NYK). Doncic has the statistical edge this season, averaging 26.2-8.9-9.1 assists, with Young averaging 27.9-4.0-9.3. However, more importantly, BOTH teams come in after turning their respective season around. The Hawks were just 17-25 through Jan 15 but have won EIGHT of 10 to move up to the East's No. 10 seed (last of the 'play-in' spots). The Mavs' climb began earlier, as they were just 16-18 the morning of Dec 31 but have won 14 of 19 to reach 30-23 (No. 5 seed in the West, just two games behind 4th-seeded Utah).

Yes, the Hawks have won eight of their last 10 but could not overcome Toronto's 17-for-27 with threes in Friday's 125-114. Young had 22 points and 13 assists, joining John Collins (23) and De'Andre Hunter (23) atop the stat sheet. Fatigue was obvious in the second half for the Hawks, who were playing the second leg of a back-to-back and for the fifth time in eight days. "We definitely had heavy legs," Atlanta coach Nate McMillan said. "They had heavy legs as well. I thought it affected our shooting." Young leads the way (see above), while PF Collins (16.9 & 7.9) continues to put up All Star-like numbers. Center Clint Capela (11.1 & 12.2) is back from an injury, but his absence gave former No. 1 draft choice Onyeka Okongwu an opportunity to show what he can do. Okongwu didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery, but after some early tenuous performances he has become increasingly productive. He's up to 9.0 & 6.1 on the season. I mentioned earlier that Reddish was traded to the Knicks, but the Hawks have plenty of depth. Hunter (13.2), Bogdanovich (12.7), Huerter (11.6) and Gallinari (10.2 & 4.4) all contribute double digit scoring.

Doncic had his 44th career triple-double on Friday when the Mavericks ended a two-game losing streak with a 107-98 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. He finished with 33 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists to help Dallas overcome a 16-point second-quarter deficit. It was his eighth triple-double this season, breaking a tie with Fat Lever and leaving him alone in 10th place on the all-time list with 44 (at his age!). Some perspective, Larry Bird is No. 9 with 59. Doncic is joined in the starting backcourt by Brunson (15.9 & 5.5 APG), who is having a very nice season. Center Porzingis (19.2 & 7.7) and 6th-man Hardaway (14.2) are both currently out, but Powell has averaged 10.2 PPG in place of Porzingis and Bullock has taken over for Haraway by averaging 18.2 PPG in his last five games. Forwards Finney-Smith (10.1 & 4.8) and Kleber (7.6 & 5.9) have both recently been healthy.

Some injury news reveals that Collins is questionable with a heel injury, although that was the case Friday, when he scored 23 points. However, Gallanari is likely to miss with a hamstring injury. On the Dallas side, PF Kleber did not play Friday and is questionable for Sunday. Series history notes that Atlanta has won 12 of the last 16 games in the series and captured the season opener 113-87 in Atlanta. However, the home team has taken SEVEN of the last eight meetings, and Dallas has won the last three contests on its home court. I have to like Dallas in this spot, playing with revenge from that season-opener in Atlanta plus riding some excellent 'mojo' since New Year's Eve (see above). 'Short' price. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider Game of the Year is on the LA Lakers at 8:40 ET.

The Knicks ended a seven-year postseason drought last year by going 41-31 but lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, who made it all the way to the East Conference Finals. Expectations were high in Madison Square Garden to open the season but so far, the Knicks have been a disappointment. The Knicks enter the opener of a five-game Western Conference road swing following a 120-108 home loss to the red-hot Memphis Grizzlies. New York has lost FOUR of its last five games, including its last three on the road. The Knicks have also lost SEVEN of nine, killing off any momentum built from a run of five victories in six games last month. New York is 24-28 and it will likely be in the play-in' round, at best (currently one game back of the No. 10 seed.

Meanwhile, the 25-28 Los Angeles Lakers are desperate for something to feel positive about as they prepare to host the New York Knicks on Saturday. The Lakers have lost NINE of their last 13 games. LeBron James (29.1-7.7-6.3) has missed the last five of those games, and veteran forward Carmelo Anthony (13.4) left the loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday before halftime with a hamstring injury. He did not return. The Lakers are currently the West's No. 9 seed and find themselves 3 1/2-games behind the Nuggets, who own the No. 6 seed (last guaranteed playoff spot).

PF Randle (18.5-9.9-5.1) and SF Barrett (17.5 & 5.7) have led New York all season. The undersized Robinson (8.5 & 8.4) starts at center and PF Toppin (7.7 & 3.2) contributes up front, usually off the bench. New York has a deep backcourt, although Rose (12.0-3.0-4.0) has been out since mid-December. Fournier (14.1), Walker (12.0-3.3-3.4), Burks (11.1 & 4.2) and Quickley (10.0) all get their minutes. The Lakers have played just one game with James and Anthony Davis since Dec 17, as Davis missed 17 consecutive games with a knee injury, while James hasn't played since Jan 25. The Lakers are 1-4 during James' latest absence, and while their rally from a 17-point deficit against the Clippers was commendable, they could have used another dependable defender on the floor at the end. They lost 111-110 to their local rivals when Reggie Jackson of the Clippers split the defense of Lakers guards Austin Reaves and Russell Westbrook and scored the game-winner on a spinning layup with 4.1 seconds remaining. A.D. (23.6 & 9.9), Westbrook (18.7-7.8-7.7) and Monk (12.6) are the Lakers' three best options these days. However, it's good news that defensive guard Bradley (6.9) is back healthy and that Horon-Tucker (9.7) is a dependable role player

The Knicks just seem listless these days and while the Lakers still "have their issues," the team's comeback from 17 points down (to almost win) against the hated-Clippers, shows there is more than a little 'fight' in this team. "The Price is Sure Right," as the Lakers are undervalued in this one. Double digit win predicted!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Dal Mavs at 10:10 ET.

The Philadelphia 76ers are currently 30-21, placing them in a virtual tie with the 33-21 Milwaukee Bucks. Both teams are just ONE game back of the 32-19 Bulls and 33-20 Heat, who are in a virtual tie for the East's top record. The Sixers will head to Dallas with an impressive 14-7 record against the Western Conference, with the Mavs sporting a 29-23 record. Dallas is a whopping 12 1/2-games back of the West's No. 1 seed (Phoenix) but it is just two games back of the 4th-seed Jazz (top-four seeds earn the home court edge in the opening round of the playoffs).

Philly's Joel Embiid (29.1 & 10.8) continues to make a strong case for the Most Valuable Player award and PF Harris (18.9 & 7.4) joins him up front. I'd say the 21-year-old Tyrese Maxey 16.9-3.6-4.8) was 'flying under the radar" but he was recently chosen for the Rising Stars competition during All-Star Weekend. However, Philly has some backcourt concerns, as Curry (15.5-3.5-4.1) is listed as questionable, while fellow guards Milton (10.5) and Korkmaz (9.0) are out. Dallas knows about injuries as well. Center Porzingis (19.2 & 7.7) will miss his third straight game Friday because of a bone bruise on his right knee and valuable swingman Hardaway (14.2) is out with a foot injury. The starting backcourt is strong, with Doncic (26.0-8.8-8.9) and Brunson (15.8 & 5.5 APG). Powell (7.1 & 4.3) will step in for Porzingis plus both starting forwards are healthy, in Finney-Smith (10.0 & 4.9) and Kleber (7.6 & 4.9). Some excellent news is that guard Bullock has averaged 17.8 PPG his last four, 6-6 forward Green 9.3 PPG in his last three and PF Chriss has gotten extra time the last two games (with Porzingis out), adding 20 points and six rebounds.

Philly has an important date with Chicago on Sunday and just may get caught 'peeking ahead.' Even if that isn't true, the Mavs surely want to regain the momentum they had, having won 13 of 16, before back-to-back losses. I've got the home team in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Eastern Conference Game of the Month is on the Atl Hawks at 7:40 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks will visit the Toronto Raptors Friday night, with both teams coming off Thursday wins. The Hawks beat the Suns 124-115 in Atlanta, upping their record to 25-26. Atlanta is now the No. 10 seed in the East, the last of the 'ply-in' seeds. Meanwhile, the Raptors beat the Bulls 127-10 at home, upping their record to 27-23. That gives them the No. 7, but they are just 1 1/2-games back of the 6th-seeded Nets (last guaranteed seed). The two teams just met this past Monday in Atlanta, with the Raptors winning 106-100, snapping the hawks' seven-game winning streak!

The Toronto Raptors won the NBA title (led by Kawhi) back in 2019 and even after he "went Hollywood" on them, followed with records of 58-24 and 53-19 the next two seasons. However, the Raptors fell to just 27-45 last season. However, Toronto has moved to the right side of .500 with FOUR straight wins to reach 26-23. Toronto has FIVE players averaging 14.7 PPG or more and all five tallied 16 points or more in beating the Bulls. PF Siakim (21.1-8.5-5.2) led with 25 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists, Three more Raptors scored exactly 21 points, PG VanVleet (21.5-4.7-7.1), SF Anunoby (18.7 & 5.4) and rookie Barnes (14.7 & 7.8). Trent (18.1) had his streak of five games with 30 or more points end when he scored 16 points. The streak matched the team record set in 2016 by DeMar DeRozan. The 6-9 Boucher (9.0 & 5.9) came off bench to add 16 points.

Atlanta PG Trae Young (28.1 & 9.2 APG) returned from a shoulder injury to lead the Hawks with 43 points against the Suns. PF Collins (16.7 & 8.0) had 19 points and 10 rebounds but went to the locker room with a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter. He returned to the bench and said his shoulder has hurt all week, and it was aggravated when he tangled with Chris Paul on Thursday. Collins expects to play Friday. Center Clint Capela (11.1 & 12.7) is back from an injury, but his absence gave former No. 1 draft choice Onyeka Okongwu an opportunity to show what he can do. Okongwu didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery, but after some early tenuous performances he has become increasingly productive. He's up to 9.2 & 6.1 on the season. PG Young (27.9 & 9.5 APG) is now a bonafide All Star plus Collins just continues to put up All Star-like numbers. Then there is Atlanta's depth, with Hunter chipping in 12.8 PPG, Bogdanovich 12.5 PPG, Huerter 11.7 PPG and Gallinari 10.2 PPG.

Atlanta's loss on Monday to Toronto is its ONLY "L" in its last NINE games. While the Hawks were handling the Suns last night, the Raptors needed a three-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into OT, where they would go on to get the win AND the cover. I'm 'all over" the red-hot Hawks in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week ('Battle 4 LA') is on the LA Lakers at 10:10 ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers are co-tenants at Staples Center but have met just ONCE so far this season. However, the two intra-city rivals will meet tonight for the first of THREE games in the span of a month. The Lakers are expected to be without LeBron James (29.1-7.7-6.3) for a fifth consecutive game as the star deals with swelling in his left knee. Meanwhile, the Clippers will be without a pair of stars, Kawhi Leonard, who hasn't played all season after knee surgery, and Paul George (24.7-7.1-5.5), who is out due to a torn ligament in his right elbow. The injury woes of both teams have them struggling in the playoff race. Both are currently headed for the 'play-in' round, as the 26-27 Clippers are the West's No. 8 seed and the 25-27 Lakers the No. 9 seed.

The Lakers have played just one game with James and Anthony Davis since Dec 17. Davis missed 17 consecutive games with a knee injury, while James hasn't played since Jan 25. There is no timetable for James' return, which will happen once the knee swelling subsides, according to coach Frank Vogel. The Lakers won last night (99-94 victory over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers), as Davis (23.4 & 9.7) scored 30 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Despite playing in just four games since he has returned, Davis is expected to be back on the court Thursday on consecutive days. He has scored at least 27 points in each of the past three games. Westbrook (18.7-7.9-7.8) was supposed to give LA a 'Big 3' but there remains talk that he could be moved by the trade deadline. Carmelo (13.6) remains ageless and scored 24 points last night. Monk (12.4) has been a steady presence as of late and scored a season-high 33 points and matched his career high of 10 rebounds in LA's 129-121 loss in Atlanta on Sunday.

The Clippers are back home after a 4-4 road trip and were dragging at the end of the road swing, looking sluggish on defense in a 122-116 defeat against the Indiana Pacers on Monday. George hasn't played since Christmas, with the Clippers going 9-12 over that time. Two-way player Amir Coffey (8.5 & 3.1) has emerged, averaging 13.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game since Dec 26 and 15.3 points with 4.2 rebounds since Jan 9. Withe George sidelined, the team's leading scorer is PG Jackson (16.5 & 4.0 APG), with PF Morris (15.3 & 5.1) right behind him. Swingman Kennard (12.1) and guard Mann (10.1 & 5.1) also score in double digits. The 7-0 Zubac (9.6 & 8.0) is questionable with a calf injury and that's NOT good news for the Clipps. 

The Clippers won the first meeting with the Lakers, 119-115 back on Dec 3 but I expect the Lakers to win Part 2 of this 'Battle 4 LA.' The Clippers return home after that eight-game road trip but have no home court edge here vs the Lakers, who also call Staples Center home. Take the points. Just a thought. One of these days LBJ will get back in the lineup, "Wouldn't it be Nice" (as the Beach Boys sang) if he joined the fray tonight?

Good luck...Larry 

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Tor Raptors at 7:40 ET.

The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. Chicago surged to the top of the Eastern Conference on the strength of a nine-game winning streak from Dec 19 thru Jan 7, averaging 120.2 points per game over their winning streak and never scoring fewer than 108 points in any of those outings. However, the Bulls have 'cooled, going 6-8 over their last 14, although they come into this game on a 4-1 run. The Toronto Raptors won the NBA title (led by Kawhi) back in 2019 and even after he "went Hollywood" on them, followed with records of 58-24 and 53-19 the next two seasons. However, the Raptors fell to just 27-45 last season. Toronto has moved to the right side of .500 with three straight wins to reach 26-23.

There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career, but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 26.5-5.1-5.0. Zach LaVine (24.9-4.8-4.3) is back after missing a few games plus backup PG White (12.8) is around to fill in for Ball (13.-5.4-5.1), who is out until mid-March (knee). Center Vucevic (16.8 & 11.4) is playing through a knee issue. Rookie guard Dosunmu (7.7), is averaging 12.7 PPG in 10 games since Jan 15. Toronto has FIVE players averaging 14.5 PPG or more. PG VanVleet (21.5-4.7-7.0) and PF Siakam (1.0-98.5-5.10 lead the way, joined by SF Anunoby (18.7 & 5.6), who is having a career-year, and Gary Trent (18.2). Trent has matched a team record by scoring 30-plus points in FIVE straight games! Florida rookie Barnes (14.5 & 7.8) rounds out the 'Group of 5.' Big men Boucher (8.9 & 5.8) and Achiuwa (7.8 & 7.3) are regular contributors.

The Bulls lead the East by ONE game and the top-six teams are separated by just 3 1/2-games. Toronto is currently in the 'play-in' round but sits just TWO back of the current No. 6 (last guaranteed playoff spot). Toronto just played the Bulls tight when the Raptors lost by six (getting 4) at Chicago on Jan 25. Yes, Chicago has won the last FIVE meetings with Toronto, but I believe 'Tonight's the Night' the Raptors break through and deliver a decisive win.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Por Blazers at 10:40 ET.

The Portland Trail Blazers are 21-30 (current No. 10 seed in the West) as they end a four-game road trip tonight in LA against the 24-27 Lakers, who are 24-27 (current No. 9 seed). The Lakers are back home after a six-game road trip in which they went just 2-4. LA got Anthony Davis (23.2 & 9.5) back from a knee injury but in the process, lost LeBron James (29.1-7.7-6.3) to his own knee issue at the same time.

The Trail Blazers know injury issues well. Star guard Damian Lillard (24.0 & 7.3) has been out since the start of the new year and had abdominal surgery. He won't be evaluated again until later this month. Center Cody Zeller and forward Larry Nance Jr. are out with knee injuries and forward Nassir Little had season-ending shoulder surgery Tuesday. However, a look at the team's starting lineup in its last game, shows a team capable of competing. McCollum (20.8-4.2-4.5) was joined in the backcourt by Simons (15.6), while center Nurkic (14.6 & 10.7) was surrounded by SF Powell (18.4) and PF Covington (7.8 & 5.6), who is an excellent defender.

Davis and James have played together just ONCE since Dec 19, a 106-96 road victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Jan 25. At 16-14 before Davis went down for 17 consecutive games, the Lakers are 24-27 now and as noted, headed for the 'play-in' round. "I still believe that we got a good team, we just haven't been all the way healthy for our team," Davis said, according to the Los Angeles Times. "LeBron is now out, I just came back. I think the most frustrating part is that we can't finish games. We've had a lot of games that we had won and teams come back and beat us." Westbrook (18.9-7.8-7.7) was supposed to give LA a 'Big 3' but there remains talk that he could be moved by the trade deadline. Carmelo (13.4) remains ageless and Monk (12.6) just scored a season-high 33 points and matched his career high of 10 rebounds in LA's last game (a 129-121 loss on Sunday).

However, the Lakers continue to lack any real sort of 'chemistry' and after routing the Blazers 139-106 New Year's Eve in Portland, may just get caught 'flat' here, even though they've lost THREE in a row coming in. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

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

The Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets enter their Wednesday matchup in Salt Lake City coming off losses to the same team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Denver's case, the Nuggets saw their five-game winning streak come to an end Tuesday in a 130-115 loss at Minneapolis. In comparison, not only did the Jazz fall 126-106 to the host Timberwolves on Sunday to extend their losing streak to five games (11th loss in last 13 games), but they also lost Joe Ingles (7.2) for the rest of the season due to a torn left anterior cruciate ligament. Utah's slump has dropped them to 30-21, 11 1/2-games behind the West's top team, Phoenix. In fact, the Jazz have fallen to the No. 4 seed, four games behind Memphis. Denver checks in at 28-22, placing them 6th (last guaranteed playoff spot) and just 1 1/2-games back of the Jazz.

Denver has played all season without Murray (21.2 PPG last season) and Porter played just NINE games (9.9 & 6.6) before going down. Last year's MVP Jokic (25.9-13.8-7.8) has been brilliant and is still surrounded by some solid talent. Swingman Barton (15.3-4.8-4.2), PF Gordon (14.5 & 5.6), PG Morris (12.6 & 4.2 APG), SF Green (10.5) and the recently acquired Forbes (8.6), give head coach Malone plenty to work with. Meanwhile, the Jazz will play the Nuggets without All-Stars Donovan Mitchell (25.5-4.0-5.2) who is in the concussion protocol and Rudy Gobert (16.0 & 15.1) because of a calf injury). In addition, Jazz coach Quin Snyder and backup Danuel House Jr., who led the team with 21 points against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, are in COVID-19 protocol. Then there is Hassan Whiteside (8.5 & 7.2 in 18 MPG), who is listed as questionable with a back injury.

This game will be the final meeting between the Jazz and Nuggets during the regular season and Utah has won the first three. However, the Nuggets catch this Jazz team at the right time, playing its worst basketball of the season. I expect a competitive, but ultimately lower-scoring game. The play is under!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Bos Celtics at 7:40 ET.

As the final day of January dawns, the 32-18 Miami Heat own the East's best record but just barely. Bottom line is, the top-six teams in the East are separated by just 2 1/2-games. It's my opinion that Miami's Erik Spoelstra doesn't get his due when the discussion of the NBA's best coaches comes up. He led the 'South Beach 3' to four NBA Finals (2-2) and in 2020, shocked the NBA with his team's run to the Finals, before losing 4-2 to the Lakers. The Heat have dealt with numerous injuries and COVID absences, but despite all that, they are 32-18 (.640) up from last season's 40-32 (.556) record. As for the Celtics, they are 26-25 on the season and the franchise which is tied with the LA Lakers for the most all-time NBA titles (each own 17), is currently the East's No. 9 seed, Boston may quite possibly need to the reach the postseason by making it through the 'play-in' round (how the mighty have fallen).

Miami is coming off a 124-120 loss in overtime at home on Saturday to the Raptors. Miami played without former Raptors All-Star guard Kyle Lowry (13.4-4.5-8.3) because of personal reasons and it's unclear if he will play here. The good news for Miami fans is that the team's top-three players are all healthy and/or COVID-free. Swingman Butler (22.0-6.3-6.3), guard Herro (20.3-4.9-4.0) and center Adebayo (17.8 & 10.1) make for quite a trio. Miami's depth is also impressive and one of the main reasons it sits atop the East. Five more players chip in between 8.6 and 12.0 PPG.

Boston is coming off a 107-97 win over the Pelicans on Saturday. Tatum (26.2 & 8.4) and Brown (24.3 & 6.6) again led the way. Tatum scored 38 points, while adding eight rebounds and seven assists. Brown chipped in 31 points for Boston, whose only other double-digit scorer was Josh Richardson with 10 off the bench. "We know we're much harder to beat when both are firing on all cylinders," Celtics head coach Ime Udoka said. "They've been shooting better, attacking better, and making plays, and we expect that from those two." However, Boston needs to keep others involved. It's not as if Boston lacks talent. Schroder (14.8-3.4-4.5), Smart (11.3-4.0-5.4) and Richardson (9.7) form a solid backcourt, while big men Horford (10.1 & 7.2) and Roberts Williams (9.9 & 9.6) are quality NBA players.

Miami has a rematch with the Raptors in Toronto tomorrow night and I'm looking for Tatum and Brown to continue their hot play and lead Boston to the "W" and cover!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the SA Spurs at 8:40 ET.

The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent prior to this season. Chicago surged to the top of the Eastern Conference on the strength of a nine-game winning streak from Dec 19 thru Jan 7, averaging 120.2 points per game over their winning streak and never scoring fewer than 108 points in any of those outings. However, in its 11 contests since, Chicago has averaged 106.5 points and failed to score more than 96 in three of them, going 4-7. The Bulls are currently 30-17, just a half-game back of the top seeded Heat (31-17). Note that the East's No. 1 thru No. 6 seeds are separated by just TWO games.

The SA Spurs had their playoff streak of 22 in row snapped in the 2019 season when they went 32-39. The Spurs went 33-39 last season, qualifying for the play-in' round but failed to advance, making it TWO straight non-playoff years for "Pop." The Spurs are currently 18-31 (No. 12 seed), 2 1/2-games behind the No. 10 seed, the final spot for the 7-10 'play-in' round. The good news for Spurs fans is that currently, they are as healthy (injuries/COVID) as the team has been all season.

There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career, but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 26.4-5.0-4.8. However, PG Ball (13.-5.4-5.1) is out until mid-March (knee). Zach LaVine (24.9-4.9-4.3) is back after missing a few games plus backup PG White (12.6) is around to fill in for Ball. Center Vucevic missed some time due to COVID and is currently dealing with a knee issue but he's playing these days and has averaged a double-double (16.6 & 11.4) on the season. Rookie guard Dosunmu (7.5) has made nine starts recently and is averaging 16.2 PPG his last six games.

The Spurs lost 118-110 at home to red-hot Memphis (Grizzlies have won 14 of 17) on Wednesday but their starting-five all average in double digits plus Walker (11.5 & 4.2) and Vassell (11.0) were the first two off the bench. PG Murray (19.2-8.4-9.1) is the team's best player and here's the rest of that starting-five from Wednesday's game. Forward Johnson (15.0 & 6.1), guard White (14.2 & 5.6 APG), center Poeltl (13.0 & 9.0) and forward McDermott (11.2).

Wednesday's game was tied at 106 with just under five minutes remaining, but the Spurs were worn out from the rigors of playing the second game of a road-home back-to-back. By the way, Murray had 16 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, amassing his 10th triple-double of the season. Murray's triple doubles this season already are more in one season than any other player in Spurs history. The San Antonio team record for triple doubles in a season was five by Robinson (1993-94) and Johnny Moore (1984-85). Adding interest to this meeting is the fact that DeRozan played for the Spurs for three seasons (2018-21) and the team's leading scorer in two of those campaigns. No 'free pass' here for DeRozan from "Pop." Spurs get the win AND by a margin!

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

Full, detailed analysis Wednesday by 12 noon ET.

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

There can be no doubt that the Warriors are back, even with Klay Thompson and last year's overall No. 2 draft pick (James Wiseman) still sidelined. Stephen Curry takes his pursuit of the NBA's all-time 3-point record on the road but much more importantly, he's been a great leader that has Golden St at 21-5, a half-game behind the 21-4 Suns for the NBA's best record. The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. The Pacers opened 1-6 and were just 6-11 thru Nov 19. The Pacers did win three of four (reaching 9-12) but then lost FOUR in a row before ending that skid last Monday night with a 116-110 win over the Wizards. Indiana added home wins Wednesday (122-102 over the NYK) and Friday (106-93 over Dallas). Still, the Pacers are just 12-16 on the season.

Curry will take the court SIX 3-pointers short of Ray Allen's all-time career record of 2,973. Is he 'forcing' things? The numbers say just maybe, as in a home win over Portland and a loss at Philadelphia, he's combined to make just 9-of-31 from beyond the arc, Draymond Green said he didn't believe Curry's unsuccessful quest to break the record and the Warriors' lackluster play of late are related. Then again, anyone interested in Green's thoughts on ANY subject. Curry is averaging 27.1-5.5-6.3, Wiggins 18.5 & 4.4 and Poole 18.2, plus the Warriors own a plethora of role players. Mix them all up and the Warriors rank third in both scoring (112.5 PPG) and FG percentage (47.0%). Then there is the team's defense, which ranks 1st in both points allowed (100.4 PPG) and defensive FG percentage (42.5%).

The Pacers have All Star quality players in PG Brogdon (19.9-5.5-6.2) and PF Sabonis (18.2 & 11.9 plus a deep supporting cast. That list includes guards LaVert (15.5) and rookie Duarte (13.3 & 4.0) plus center Turner (13.1 & 7.4). Playing mostly in reserve roles, swingman Holiday (9.9) plus guards McConnell (8.4 & 4.8 APG) and Lamb (6.8) are effective contributors. However, Holiday will miss here due to health and safety protocols and McConnell to a wrist injury. That means Lamb, Martin (6.9) and Craig (5.0) will get some extra "PT."

Whether Curry is "forcing things" or not, the record book reveals that the Warriors were 18-2 and owners of the best record in the NBA two weeks ago, but have split their last SIX games. The Pacers enter this contest playing as well as they have all season. Bow Wow! Take the home dog.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Sac/Tor Over at 7:10 ET.

The Sacramento Kings are trying to salvage one win from a three-game road trip. They lost 124-123 to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, ending a three-game winning streak, and then lost 117-103 at Cleveland on Saturday. The Kings are in Toronto tonight to face the Raptors, who are hoping to complete their seven-game homestand with a winning record. The Raptors evened their record on the homestand to 3-3 with a 90-87 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday.

We all know that Sacramento hasn't made the playoffs for 15 straight seasons The Kings.fired Luke Walton after a 6-11 start, ending, at least for now, his legendary 166-241 (.408) record as an NBA head coach. However, I'm sure there will be many opportunities for him down the road. The Kings have shown some 'life' and progress since being led by interim head coach Alvin Gentry, going 5-5. I've been saying the same thing for the last two seasons, the Kings have way more talent than their record indicates. Maybe Gentry, whom players like, can get the most out of these perennial underachievers. PG Fox (20.1 & 5.1 APG) is joined on the perimeter by fellow starter Haliburton (12.0 & 5.6 APG) and Hield (15.7 & 4.2), who seems fine coming off the bench these days. Undersized center Holmes (14.0 & 9.3) has developed into a quality big man but he is expected to miss here with an eye injury. SF Barnes (18.0 & 6.8) has been terrific since arriving in Sacramento a few years ago.

Toronto went 58-24 in the 2018-19 season (.707) and went onto win the franchise's lone NBA title led by Kawhi. Kawhi 'flew the coop' before the 2019-20 season but the Raptors had even a better regular season record, going 53-19 (.736). However, the Raptors couldn't replicate their postseason success. Last season, Toronto tumbled to a 27-45 record. The Raptors are just 12-14 so far this season. OG Anunoby has blossomed this season, averaging 20.1 & 5.5 but a hip pointer has kept him on the sidelines since. PG VanVleet (19.7-5.1-6.4) is a true All Star, as is PF Siakam (18.9 & 7.7), who is back after beginning the season injured. SG Trent (17.0) has been a valuable addition plus rookie Barnes (Florida) has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 15.1 & 8.3. However, depth is an issue right now. I referred to Anunoby at the top but PG Dragic, PF Achiuwa and center Birch are all expected to miss as well.

That lack of depth should hurt on the defensive side of the ball and the Kings show up in Toronto with a defense allowing 114.0 PPG (29th). The Kings' last three games have averaged 246.3 points per game and I view this as a "run-and-gun shootout." Go O-V-E-R!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Phi 76ers at 8:40 ET.

There can be no doubt that the Warriors are back, even with Klay Thompson and last year's overall No. 2 draft pick (James Wiseman) still sidelined. Stephen Curry takes his pursuit of the NBA's all-time 3-point record on the road but much more importantly, he's been a great leader that has Golden St at 21-4, tied with the Suns for the NBA's best record. The 76ers earned the East's No. 1 seed last year but then fell in the second round of the playoffs, to the Hawks. The current season began and remains with Ben Simmons 'pouting' plus COVID protocols and injuries have limited the team's two-best players, Embiid and Harris.

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Curry is averaging 27.5-5.5-6.3, Wiggins 18.5 & 4.4 and Poole 18.0, plus the Warriors own a plethora of role players. Mix them all up and the Warriors rank third in both scoring (113.2 PPG) and FG percentage (47.3%). Then there is the team's defense, which ranks 1st in both points allowed (110.3 PPG) and defensive FG percentage (42.3%).

With Joel Embiid back in the lineup after missing nine straight games for COVID reasons, including a 116-96 loss at Golden State, the 76ers had won three in a row before falling 118-96 at home to the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Embiid played through right abdominal pain, with 19 points against the Jazz, while Steph's brother Seth, added 18 points. The 76ers own a deep team, led by Embiid (24.1 & 10.9), Harris (19.1 & 8.2) up front, plus Maxey (16.5-3.7-4.7), Curry (16.3) and Milton (11.3) on the perimeter. SF Niang (10.8), guard Korkmaz (8.6), swingman Green (7.4) plus center Drummond (6.2 & 9.7) also contribute.

There is some concern regarding Embiid's status and also Maxey (head?) but trying to 'read into' injury reports have been nearly IMPOSSIBLE for quite some time now. TV cameras will be on hand for Steph and after a shellacking from the Jazz, I expect the 76ers to play very well in this one. Take the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Was Wizards at 7:10 ET.

The Utah Jazz owned the NBA's best regular season record last season but injuries kind of derailed them in the playoffs. Utah opened the current season a modest 8-5 but enters tonight's game at Washington (final contest of a 5-game road trip) having won 10 of 12, including SIX in a row. Utah is 18-7 on the season. The Wizards snapped a three-game losing streak with a 119-116 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday and will welcome the Jazz to the Verizon Venter at 15-11 overall, including 8-3 at home.

A disappointing 98-97 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans back on Nov 26 has sparked Utah's five-game winning streak. The Jazz have averaged 126.0 points per game in their winning run, shooting 50 percent or better from the floor in FOUR of those six contests. Only two teams have held Utah under 100 points this season: the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans. Donovan Mitchell (24.6-4.0-5.0) has been highly efficient on offense and center Rudy Gobert (14.9 & 14.7) has been stifling on defense. Mitchell is averaging 29.7 PPG over Utah's last six games, while shooting 54.9 percent from the floor. Gobert is averaging 13.5 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks.

The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season. Guards Beal (22.6-4.7-5.7) and Dinwiddie (13.4-5.0-5.3) are the 'heart' of the team but a trio I like to call "Lakers-East," have been MAJOR additions. PF Harrell (15.2 & 8.2), SF Kuzma (13.4 & 8.3) and swingman Caldwell-Pope (11.4) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.0 & 6.2. Kuzma hit the game-winning three-pointer with 0.6 seconds left to help the Wizards beat the Pistons, after they blew a 13-point fourth-quarter lead.

Believe it or not, the 34-38 Wizards swept the season series with Utah a year ago as Beal averaged 38.5 points in the two games. Washington is greatly improved this season and catches the Jazz at the end of their five-game road trip. Washington has a tough six-game road trip over the holidays, starting in Denver on Monday night, so this home contest takes on added importance. Great situation for the home dog. Bow Wow!

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the NY Knicks at 7:40 ET.

The Knicks ended a seven-year postseason drought last year by going 41-31 but lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, who made it all the way to the East Conference Finals. Expectations were high in Madison Square Garden to open the season but so far, the Knicks have been a disappointment. New York snapped a three-game losing streak Tuesday night, when it didn't trail in the final three quarters of a 121-109 win over the host San Antonio Spurs; However, the Knicks fell Wednesday night 122-102 to the Indiana Pacers at Indianapolis.

Toronto went 58-24 in the 2018-19 season (.707) and went onto win the franchise's lone NBA title led by Kawhi. Kawhi 'flew the coop' before the 2019-20 season but the Raptors had even a better regular season record, going 53-19 (.736). However, the Raptors couldn't replicate their postseason success. Last season, Toronto tumbled to a 27-45 record. The Raptors are just 11-14 so far this season, after they lost 110-109 at home on Wednesday to the Oklahoma City Thunder (8-16), dropping their home record to 4-9.

"Just having the necessary energy at the start of the game ... that's probably the biggest thing (that was missing)," Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said abou Wednesday's loss to the Pacers. "Just our defense. They're a good team. I thought we scored, but we didn't guard." The good news for New York fans is that the Knicks are as healthy as they've been all season. SIX players are averaging in double digits, with guard Quickly (9.7) and the 6-9 Toppin (8.3 & 3.)6 coming close. The only starter not in double digits is center Robinson (6.9 & 7.7). PF Randle (19.8-9.8-5.2) is again having an All Star-like season, joined by SF Barrett (15.0 & 5.6) plus guards Fournier (12.8) and Burks (11.8). Guards Rose (12.1) and Walker (11.7) are coming off the bench.

OG Anunoby has blossomed this season, averaging 20.1 & 5.5 but a hip pointer has caused him to miss FOUR straight games (don't expect him to play here). PG VanVleet (19.8-5.1-6.3) is a true All Star, as is PF Siakam (19.4 & 7.4), who is back after beginning the season injured. SG Trent (16.7) has been a valuable addition plus rookie Barnes (Florida) has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 15.2 & 8.0. However, depth is an issue right now. I referred to Anunoby at the top but PG Dragic, PF Achiuwa and center Birch are all expected to miss as well.

The Knicks lost 113-104 at home to the Raptors back Nov 1 and you know what they say about paybacks?

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late Breaker is on the Dal Mavs at 7:10 ET.

The Dallas Mavs opened 9-4 but followed by losing EIGHT of 10 to fall under .500 at 11-12. Dallas capitalized on 26 points, eight rebounds and seven assists from Luka Doncic, and 19 points from Kristaps Porzingis to win at Memphis 104-96 on Wednesday and get back to .500 (12-12). The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. The Pacers opened 1-6 and were just 6-11 thru Nov 19. The Pacers did win three of four (reaching 9-12) but then lost FOUR in a row before ending that skid Monday night with a 116-110 win over the Wizards and following with a 122-102 rout of New York on Wednesday.

Doncic (25.6-8.0-8.5), Porzingis (19.5 & 8.0), Hardaway (14.3 & 3.8) and Brunson (14.3-3.8-5.0) all average in double digits plus the Mavs have excellent depth when the roster is healthy. That's the case right now, so add in frontcourt players Finney-Smith (9.3 & 4.5), Kleber (7.3 & 5.3) and Powell (6.0 & 4,5) plus guard Bullock (6.0). The Pacers have All Star quality players in PG Brogdon (20.3-5.7-6.1) and PF Sabonis (18.0 & 12.0) plus a deep supporting cast. That list includes guards LaVert (14.9) and rookie Duarte (13.5 & 4.0) plus center Turner (12.9 & 7.7). Playing mostly in reserve roles, swingman Holiday (9.9) plus guards McConnell (8.4 & 4.8 APG) and Lamb (7.3) are effective contributors. However, Holiday will miss here due to health and safety protocols and McConnell to a wrist injury. Lamb (7.2), Martin (6.9) and Craig (5.2) will get some extra "PT."

When healthy, the Mavs are a quality, playoff-bound team. That CAN NOT be said of the Pacers. Take Dallas.

Good luck...Larry

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

The Utah Jazz owned the NBA's best regular season record last season but injuries kind of derailed them in the playoffs. Utah opened the current season a modest 8-5 but enters tonight's game at Philly (4th contest of a 5-game road trip) having won NINE of 11, including FIVE in a row Utah is 17-7 on the season). The 76ers were the East's No. 1 seed last year but were upset in the second round of the playoffs by the red-hot Hawks. Of course, all know about the Simmons situation (hasn't played yet TY) but Philly has also been besieged with injuries and COVID-19 issues. However, Philly is back healthy and welcomes the Jazz to town on a three-game winning streak (76ers are 14-11 on the season).

A HUGELY disappointing 98-97 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Nov 26 sparked Utah's five-game winning streak. Utah handily defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 136-104 on Wednesday in Minneapolis behind 36 points from Donovan Mitchell and 21 from Bojan Bogdanovic. Mitchell (24.7-4.1-5.0) has been effective all season and enters this contest on a four-game run of 30-plus-point performances. Jazz PG Mike Conley (12.0 & 4.5 APG) also is playing well. The 34-year-old veteran has steadily improved his shooting, as he is hitting 50.9 percent from the floor, which would be a career high, and is leading the league with a 47.6 percent success rate from three-point range. SF Bogdanovic (17.0 & 4.0), center Gobert (14.8 & 14.5) and PF O'Neale (8.0 & 5.1) complete the starting lineup. 6th-man Clarkson (14.9) leads the reserves.

The best news for Philly fans is that the team is back healthy. Center Embiid (24.5-11.1-4.3) and PF Harris (19.3 & 8.3) have missed time because of COVID protocols but that's behind them. Simmons has NOT been missed, as PG Maxey (16.8 & 4.2 APG) has been very good, while Curry adds 16.2 PPG in the backcourt. Guards Milton (11.6) and Korkmaz (8.8) add depth on the perimeter, while the 6-7 Niang (10.9) and the 6-10 Drummond (6.5 & 10.0 in about 21 minutes per game) fill in nicely in the frontcourt.

Both teams played last night (Philly won 110-106 at Charlotte), giving a slight edge to the home team in this one. The 76ers are a good defensive team, as evidenced by last night's victory over the highest-scoring team in the league, and while Utah center Rudy Gobert is a defensive specialist, Embiid is a matchup issue for ANY opposing center, as he's averaged 34.3 PPG in Philly's three-game winning streak.

Bow Wow! Take the home dog.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Bos Celtics at 10:40 ET.

The inconsistent Los Angeles Clippers will host the equally inconsistent Boston Celtics tonight at Staples Center. The Celtics should feel 'right at home,' as they lost 117-102 to the Lakers last night, right here at Staples. The loss left them 13-12, while Clippers 'ugly' 102-90 win over the injury-depleted Blazers gives them the exact same record as Boston (also 13-2).

Jayson Tatum (25.5 & 8.8) scored 34 points for the Celtics but none of his teammates had more than 13, as Boston was outrebounded 51-34. Meanwhile, the Celtics' defense let the Lakers shoot 51.6 percent from the floor. brown (21.4 & 5.2) remains questionable (conditioning), leaving guards Schroder (17.5 & 4.9 APG) and Smart (11.1-3.8-5.5) plus big man Horofrd (12.5 & 8.2) as the team's only other double digit scorers. The good news is that big man Robert Williams (9.3 & 8.4) returned at the beginning of November, after missing time due to COVID.

The Clippers won in Portland without Nicolas Batum (COVID protocols) and with Luke Kennard making his first start of the season. However, the victory had more to do with the shortcomings of the Blazers, who were without stars Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum because of injury. Even so, the Blazers still had the chance to tie or take the lead with possession of the ball down 90-88 with less than three minutes to go. Paul George (25.0-7.3-5.4) had 21 points for the Clippers and Marcus Morris Sr. (12.1 & 3.7) added 17 as he quickly rounds into form after missing 15 games with a left knee injury. After finally returning Nov 23, Morris has averaged 19.7 points over his past three games. PG Jackson (17.2 & 4.0 APG) has been solid plus Kennard (10.6), center Zubac (10.0 & 8.1) and guard Bledsose (9.1-4.0-3.4) have all not missed a single game.

One never knows when Brown will get back in the lineup (tonight would be nice) but let me note that Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last seven road games against a team with a winning home record. I'm taking the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Ind Pacers at 7:10 ET.

The Knicks ended a seven-year postseason drought last year by going 41-31 but lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, who made it all the way to the East Conference Finals. Expectations were high in Madison Square Garden to open the season but so far, the Knicks have been a disappointment. New York snapped a three-game losing streak Tuesday night, when it didn't trail in the final three quarters of a 121-109 win over the host San Antonio Spurs but the "W" only got them back to .500 on the season.

The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. The Pacers opened 1-6 and were just 6-11 thru Nov 19. The Pacers did win three of four (reaching 9-2) but then lost FOUR in a row before ending that skid Monday night with a 116-110 win over the Wizards (Pacers check in at 10-16).

The good news for NY fans is that the Knicks are as healthy as they've been all season. SIX players are averaging in double digits, with guard Quickly (9.7) and the 6-9 Toppin (8.1 & 3.7) coming close. The only starter not in double digits is center Robinson (7.0 & 8.0) but after NOT starting last night vs the Spurs, came off the bench with a double-double (11 & 14). PF Randle (19.9-9.9-5.4) is again having an All Star-like season, joined by SF Barrett (14.8 & 5.8) plus guards Fournier (13.0) and Burks (11.6). Guards Rose (12.3) and Walker (11.7) are coming off the bench.

The Pacers have All Star quality players in PG Brogdon (20.5-5.8-6.2) and PF Sabonis (17.8 & 12.0) plus a deep supporting cast. That list includes guards LaVert (14.9) and rookie Duarte (13.1 & 4.1) plus center Turner (12.6 & 7.5). Playing mostly in reserve roles, swingman Holiday (9.9) plus guards McConnell (8.4 & 4.8 APG) and Lamb (7.3) are effective contributors. Holiday will miss here to health and safety protocols.

The Knicks haven't won consecutive games in more than a month, so why expect them to build on their 121-109 win in San Antonio last night. I had a 10* on the Knicks last night (great situational spot against the Spurs) but I want no part of the Knicks on the second of this back-to-back situation. The Pacers are also playing with some revenge after falling to New York 92-84 back on November 15th. Pacers win this "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the NY Knicks at 8:40 ET.

The San Antonio Spurs head home after their most successful road trip of the season to take on the NY Knicks. Monday's 108-104 loss in Phoenix last night snapped a season-best, four-game winning streak. However, the loss came after road wins over the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors. Those wins had to give 8-14 San Antonio some needed momentum for the upcoming stretch of five games in eight days (note: the good news is, all will be played at home). In contrast, the 11-12 Knicks travel to San Antonio on the heels of a 113-99 home loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. New York has now dropped three straight and four of its past five games to fall under .500 for the first time this season.

The Knicks ended a seven-year postseason drought last year by going 41-31 but lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, who made it all the way to the East Conference Finals. Expectations were high in Madison Square Garden to open the season but so far, the Knicks have disappointed. The good news here is that the Knicks are as healthy as they've been all season. SIX players are averaging in double digits, with guard Quickly (9.4) and the 6-9 Toppin (8.1 & 3.7) coming close. The only starter not in double digits is center Robinson (6.9 & 7.7). PF Randle (20.1-10.0-5.3) is again having an All Star-like season, joined by SF Barrett (14.0 & 5.8) plus guards Fournier (13.3) and Burks (11.3). Guards Rose (12.4) and Walker (11.7) are coming off the bench.

"Pop" is still coaching in San Antonio but these are NOT your grandfather's Spurs. SEVEN players are in triple digits, although second-year guard Vassell (11.6 & 3.7) will not play. The starters are PG Murray (19.0-8.5-8.5) and backcourt partner White (12.7 & 5.0 APG), center Poeltl (12.3 & 9.4) plus forwards Johnson (14.8 & 6.5) and McDermott (11.2). Guard Walker (10.2) is a sometime starter but mostly comes off the bench.

A good part of the problem for the Knicks has been a lack of attention on defense. After finishing fourth in defensive rating last season, New York is 22nd this season. The Knicks are allowing 106.5 PPG and are scoring 107.7 PPG. The Spurs average 107.5 PPG and allow 107.7. New York has been drastically underperforming of late, but here's the perfect opportunity to get back on track. After all, the Spurs are just 8-14, including 4-6 at home. Yes, the Spurs are now home for FIVE straight games but tonight is the second of a back-to-back, as they played the Suns in Phoenix last night, taking them to the wire. Fatigue works against them here plus the Knicks haven't played since Saturday.

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

My NBA 10* O/U Game of the Week is on Phi/Cha Under at 7:10 ET.

The Philadelphia 76ers are in Charlotte tonight to take on the Hornets. Philly (49-23) was the East's No. 1 seed last season but lost in the second round to the Hawks, As for the Hornets, they were 33-39 last year and were part of the NBA's "Play-In" round, but got crushed 144-117 at Indiana. However, as the teams meet Monday night, the Hornets are 14-11 and the 76ers 12-11,

The 76ers should be well-rested, as while Philadelphia played three games in an eight-day period (2-1), the most recent-game for the 76ers was Friday night's 98-96 win in Atlanta. The best news for Philly fans is that the team is back healthy. Center Embiid (22.5 & 11.0) and PF Harris (19.2 & 8.2) have missed time becai-use of COVID protocols but that's behind them. Simmons has NOT been missed, as PG Maxey (17.2 & 4.9 APG) has played all 23 games plus Curry adds 16.3 PPG in the backcourt. Guards Milton (11.5) and Korkmaz (9.2) add depth on the perimeter, while the 6-7 Niang (11.3) and the 6-10 Drummond add 6.5 & 10.5 in about 21 minutes per game.

Charlotte is led by the outstanding trio of Bridges (20.4 & 7.3), Ball (20.0-7.7-8.3) and Hayward (17.2-4.9-3.4). Plumlee (6.8 & 7.3) started the first 20 games but is currently sidelined (right calf strain), with PJ Washintgton (10.5 & 5.2) filling in the last two. Perimeter players Rozier (17.7) and Oubre (15.8) have also been regular and effective contributors. The Hornets go into Monday night's home game against the Philadelphia 76ers coming off an unlikely result. Down four players because of COVID protocols, the Hornets pulled out Sunday night's 130-127 road victory against the Atlanta Hawks. Charlotte won despite the absences of LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Mason Plumlee and Jalen McDaniels. All except McDaniels are considered starters.

These teams meet again Wednesday night (also in Charlotte)but let; stay "in the moment." Charlotte is the highest-scoring team in the league, averaging 115.5 PPG but with the 76ers running the majority of their offense through their big man, I expect a much more methodically-paced affair than what this Over/Under line is suggesting. Play the U-N-D-E-R!

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

My 10* O/U Game of the Week is on Det/Pho Over at 9:10 ET.

The Phoenix Suns tied a franchise record with their 17 straight win on Tuesday by defeating Golden State 104-96 on. The Suns held the Warriors to 61 points after the first quarter and outscored them 24-18 in the fourth. They have a golden opportunity to pass the 2006-07 Suns with an 18th consecutive win when the hapless 4-17 Detroit Pistons visit Phoenix on Thursday night.

Detroit visits Phoenix on a SEVEN-game losing streak and will look to salvage the finale of a five-game road trip, having already lost at Milwaukee, to both Los Angeles teams and Portland. The Blazers dominated them 110-92 on Tuesday despite the absence of perennial All-Star Damian Lillard and another starter, Norman Powell. Cade Cunningham, the top pick in the 2021 draft, had a season-high 26 points. His line reads 13.8-6.6-4.6 and head coach Dwane Casey said, "He's coming around. He can't do it by himself. We've got to get some people to join the party and join the shot-making club. He's doing exactly what he's supposed to do as a young player in our league." PF Grant (19.5 & 4.7), SF Bey (12.5 & 6.2) plus center Olynyk (12.5 & 6.3) join Cunningham in double digits. However, Olynyk is sidelined for at least six weeks with a MCL sprain.

The Phoenix guard duo of Booker (23.2-4.0-4.9) and Paul (14.5 & 10.1 APG) has been superb, while center Ayton averages 16.0 & 11.5 (10 double-doubles in his last 12 games). Joining that trio in the starting lineup are SF Bridges (12.4 & 3.9) and PF Crowder (8.9 & 4.7). The Suns got past Golden State without their star on the court in the second half, as Devin Booker suffered a hamstring injury (he will miss Thursday's game). That said, guard Payne (9.4) is more than capable of stepping in, especially against the sad-sack Pistons.

Expect Phoenix to lay the hammer down early, knowing the team has a date with the Warriors Friday night in San Francisco. That could leave the 'back door' open for the Pistons (note: Detroit covered in both of its losses in LA, before then getting destroyed 110-92 at Portland). Detroit ranks 30th in both scoring (98.7 per) and FG percentage (40.1) but I believe that the Pistons will reach triple-digits here. What's more, a Detroit defense allowing 108.2 PPG (21st), should have little success slowing down a Phoenix team averaging 112.2 PPG (4th) on a league-best 48.1% shooting.

Scoring is down around the NBA this season, but this number is a little too low. The play is O-V-E-R!

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout O/U is on Pho/Brk Under at 7:40 ET.

When the Phoenix Suns ended a 10-year postseason drought last year, finishing just ONE game behind the Utah Jazz for the NBA's best regular season record. The Suns made it all the way to The Finals but after taking a 2-0 lead over the Bucks, lost FOUR in a row. Based on 'early returns,' the Suns REALLY mean business this season. 16-3 Phoenix takes the court tonight at Barclay Center and will put its 15-game winning streak on the line (the longest since a team-record 17-game run in 2006-07) to take on the 14-5 Brooklyn Nets. The Nets opened 2-3 but have won 12 of 14 since. Brooklyn suffered an 18-point loss to Golden State on Nov 16 but enters this contest on a four-game winning streak.

The Suns are averaging 114.3 points during their winning streak and notched their seventh double-digit win of the streak when they cruised to a 118-97 rout of the New York Knicks Friday night for their seventh straight road win. SG Booker (23.6-5.3-4.7), center Ayton (14.1 & 10.4) and PG Paul (15.8 & 10.4 APG) comprise the Suns' version of a "Big 3," but there is plenty of depth to go along with that trio. Of course, all know the Kyrie situation, leaving Brookly one person short of its "Big 3." That said, KD and Harden are a pretty sweet "Big 2,' plus Aldridge is playing like he did five years ago. Durant checks in at 28.1-7.6-5.3, Harden at 20.7-7.6-9.2 and Aldridge at 13.6 & 5.9. The most notable changes to Brooklyn's lineup of late are inserting LaMarcus Aldridge as the starting center in place of a struggling Blake Griffin on Wednesday and giving rookie Cam Thomas more minutes. Thomas had 13 points in Brooklyn's last game, less than a week after getting 46 in a G-League game.

Here's the rub. Clearly, scoring is down in the NBA this season. The Nets and Bucks NBA season opener had an opening posted total of 243.5. Tonight's game between two of the best teams in the league is more than 20 points less than that. Regardless, I am expecting more of a defensive affair in this one between two teams that are both 'smelling' an NBA Finals appearance. The offensive stars will dominate the pre-game 'talk' but note that Phoenix allows 104.9 PPG (9th) on 43.1% shooting (5th), while Brooklyn allows the same 104.9 PPG on 42.5% shooting (2nd). Expect a 'Thunder Down Under' result!

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck...Larry

My 10* O/U Game of the Week is on Cha/Was Over at 7:10 ET.

The Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards have each produced a five-game winning streak this month as the 10-8 Hornets travel to D.C. to take on the 11-5 Wizards. Charlotte lost five straight from Nov 1-8 but then won FIVE in row, before seeing its streak end with a 115-105 loss Saturday night in Atlanta. Washington won FIVE in a row from Nov 5-15 and welcomes the Hornets to the Verizon Center where the Wizards own a 7-1 record, including the last four.

Charlotte is led by the outstanding trio of Bridges (21.6-7.6-3.4), Ball (19.3-7.8-7.7) and Hayward (17.7-5.1-3.5). Plumlee (6.7 & 7.4) has started all 16 games at center plus perimeter players Rozier (14.7) and Oubre (13.7 & 4.2) have been regular contributors. Beal (23.7-5.2-5.9) and Dinwiddie (15.7-5.0-5.6) make for an excellent backcourt duo, joined by a trio of players I've dubbed, "Lakers East!" PF Harrell (17.1 & 8.4), SF Kuzma (13.6 & 9.6) and guard Caldwell-Pope (9.6) are very happy on the East Coast.

Charlotte has seen the total go under the number in five of its last six, but I think that the value has now swung the other way as far as the total is concerned here for the Hornets. One of those "unders" included a low-scoring 97-87 win at home over these very Wizards on November 17th. The Hornets have struggled defensively, conceding 118 PPG over the last two weeks plus Charlotte ranks second in the NBA in scoring (112.3 PPG). This is a difficult stretch for the Hornets, who began a road stretch Saturday and will be playing their THIRD game in four nights. I think that will make them even more vulnerable defensively and therefore I'm Goin' Over!

Good luck...Larry

There is talk that the Lakers are about to get their 'King' back, as LBJ (24.8-5.5-7.0) could be set to return from an abdominal injury when the Lakers visit the Celtics on Friday night. The NBA's two most successful franchises renew their storied rivalry on the parquet tonight in Boston with the Lakers coming 8-8 and the Celtics at 7-8.

LBJ has missed his team's last eight games (3-5), including a 109-102 loss at Milwaukee on Wednesday, but was listed as questionable for Friday's contest. "I hope, I hope," James told ESPN after Wednesday's game when asked if he would play Boston. The Lakers were not able to stop Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored a season-high 47 points for the Bucks. LA's Anthony Davis (23.8 & 10.8), Russell Westbrook (19.4-8.4-8.8) and Carmelo Anthony (15.2 & 4.1) combined to only equal Antetokounmpo's point total. Some VERY good news for LA has been that Talen Horton-Tucker led the Lakers in scoring for a second straight game with 25 points. The 6-4 shooting guard played for the first time this season on Nov 14 and has averaged 23.3 PPG in his three games.

The Celtics remain without Brown (hamstring), who has averaged 25.6 & 6.1). Big man Robeet Willimas (10.0 & 9.2) is listed as questionable with a knee issue. Tatum (24.2 & 8.5) needs to pick up the slack with Brown out and has gotten some excellent support from PG Schroder (17.0-3.8-5.1). The return of Horford (13.1 & 8.7) has been a blessing but the Celtcs are still one game under .500 for the season, including 2-3 at home.

That said, a game with the hated-Lakers should (will) bring out the best in Boston. "That game is special," Tatum said of Friday's game against Los Angeles. "Everyone knows the history between the two franchises, and I've been fortunate enough to be a part of that going on five years now." Chemistry is the main issue with LA right now, especially with LeBron James having been sidelined for nearly a month now with injury. The Lakers have struggled defensively all season, allowing 112.3 PPG. However, LA has averaged 109.3 points per game, which ranks ninth overall. The Celtics' defense has struggled this season, as they're allowing opposing teams to shoot a whopping 48 percent from the floor in their own building (that's dead last in the league!). I am expecting a faster-paced game tonight and for the total to go over.

Good luck...Larry.