My 10* Game of the Month is on the LA Clippers at 10:35 ET.

The 45-12 Lakers continue to hold onto the West's No. 1 seed. Tonight in Staples Center, the Lakers' two-closest competitors, the 40-18 Denver Nuggets (5 1/2 back) will take on the LA Clippers (6 1/2 back). Injuries have hampered both teams throughout the season but that hasn't prevented them from being among the leaders in the Western Conference standings. The Nuggets and Clippers both expect to be at full strength for their Friday night showdown in Los Angeles. The Nuggets have played without Paul Millsap, Gary Harris, Jamal Murray, Will Barton and Michael Porter Jr. for time this season but all are expected to play on Friday. The Clippers have been without Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Patrick Beverley for stretches this season as well, but that trio is "set to go," as are recently acquired Marcus Morris (from the NYK) and backup PG Reggie Jackson (from the Pistons).

Just like last season, center Nikola Jokic leads the team in scoring (20.8), rebounding (6.8) and assists (6.8). Joining him in a now-heathy starting lineup are PF Milsap (12.1 & 5.9) and SF Barton (14.8-6.4-3.8)  up front, plus PG Murray (18.9-3.9-4.8) and SG Harris (10.2) in the backcourt. Depth is a team strength with frontcourt players Grant (11.5 & 3.6), Porter (7.9 & 4.4) and Plumlee (7.3 & 5.5) plus guard Morris (8.5 & 3.6 APG). Guard Patrick Beverley (8.5-5.7-3.9) is back from injury (he’s also back up to his full minutes allotment) plus fellow guard Shamet (10.4) has proven himself to be a solid NBA player. PF Morris has averaged 11.7 PPG in his six games with LA and  scored 18 points, his most in six games since being acquired by the Clippers, in LA's last game. PG Reggie Jackson scored 12 points in 16 minutes in his third game with Los Angeles, as the team showed off its new depth.

These teams met back in Denver on Jan 12, with the Nuggets prevailing 114-104. However, George missed that game plus LA had yet to acquire Morris and Jackson. Gaining the No. 2 seed is huge, as that means avoiding the Lakers until the conference finals. Leonard and George 'drive the engine' but the Clippers now have the surrounding pieces to "state their case." Expect a 'BIG' statement, here!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Mem Grizzlies at 8:05 ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies embarked on a four-game Western swing right after the All Star break and 'limp' home after going 0-4 SU and ATS. The now 28-30 Grizzlies have fallen 7 1/2 games back of Dallas (No. 7) but still lead the race for the No. 8 seed (final playoff spot), THREE games clear of Portland and New Orleans. Memphis hosts the Kings tonight and the Lakers on Saturday but then are back out on the road for SIX of its next eight games. The Kings opened Memphis four-game road trip by beating The Grizz 119-115 back on Feb 20 in Sacramento but saw a three-game winning streak end last night in a 112-108 loss at OKC. The Kings are 24-34, leaving them FOUR games back of the Grizzlies for the West's final playoff spot.

PG De'Aaron Fox (19.9-4.1-6.9) missed Thursday's game due to lower abdominal tightness, although he indicated postgame that he hopes to be in the lineup against the Grizzlies. Veteran Cory Joseph (6.4) started in Fox's place and handed out 11 assists, his second-best total this season. A healthy Fox and Hield (20.1-4.9-3.2) give Sacramento an impressive young backcourt duo, while Bogdanvich (14.4) can be counted on to provise consistent scoring on the perimeter. With Marvin Bagley III (14.2 & 7.5) and Richard Holmes (13.1 & 8.5) out of action, Harrison Barnes has helped take up the scoring slack for the Kings. He's proven to be a consistent scorer since leaving Golden St, first for Dallas and now for Sacramento (15.0 & 4.7). He had 32 points, including seven 3-pointers, in the win over the Grizzlies last week, then contributed 21 points to the win over Golden State on Tuesday and had another 21-point effort in Thursday's loss to Oklahoma City. Big men Alex Len (4.7 & 7.7), Harry Giles III (6.4 & 4.0) and Nemanja Bjelica (12.1 & 6.4) combined for 48 points and 28 rebounds while shooting a collective 18-of-27 from the floor in last night's loss.

Rookie PG Ja Morant (team's No. 1 pick in 2019 draft) is averaging 17.5 & 6.8 APG. Memphis chose the 6-11 Jarren Jackson in the 1st round of the 2018 draft and he averages 16.9 & 4.7. SG Dillon Brooks (15.3 PPG), while SF Clarke (also a 1st round pick from 2019, 21st overall) is averaging 12.0 & & 5.8. Veteran center Valanciunas (14.5 & 10.5) has really turned out to be a valuable addition. However, here's the rub. Jackson Jr. (knee) missed his second straight game and is still about 10 days away from being re-evaluated. Valuable reserve Brandon Clarke was lost to a strained right quad on the recent road trip and he is out indefinitely.

Both teams are 'hurting' to some extent (we are not sure Fox will play tonight) but this feels like a "must-win" for the Grizzlies, who will host the "Best in the West" Lakers, Saturday night (then play six of their next eight on the road). Memphis has been nearly unbeatable at the FedExForum since mid-December, going 13-2 SU and 12-3 ATS (80%). I'm backing the home team.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Ut Jazz at 10:35 ET.

The 40-17 Boston Celtics will likely never catch the Bucks in the East but the Celtics would 'LOVE' to earn the East's No. 2 seed and they enter this contest just 1 1/2 games back of the defending champion Raptors for that No. 2 spot. The Celtics conclude their post-All Star break four-game road trip with a visit to Salt Lake City tonight to face the 36-21 Utah Jazz. The Jazz have returned from the break to lose THREE straight games (all at home), coting themselves a spot in the West's top-four. The Jazz are currently the No. 5 seed and are just a half-game up on OKC (No. 6 seed) and 1 1/2 games up on Dallas (No. 7 seed).

The Celtics feature three-20-point scorers in Tatum (23.1 & 6.9), Walker (21.8-4.1-5.0) and Brown (20.4 & 6.4), with Haywood (the former Jazz player) close behind at 17.3-6.7-4.2. Marcus Smart (12.5-3.7-4.8) has become an important cog for this team, while Boston has made the center duo of the 6-8 Theis (8.8 & 6.5) and the 6-10 Kanter (8.6 & 8.0) work. Tatum takes the court averaging 36.0 PPG over his last five games, as he's matched his career high of 41 points and also had a 39-point outing during the stretch). However, All-Star PG Kemba Walker (knee) has missed the last three contests. Boston would love to get Walker back in the lineup for the first time on the trip in Utah, but head coach Brad Stevens noted Monday that his title-contending club would rather err on the side of caution with the veteran's sore knee.

The Jazz won 19 of 21 games (16-4-1 ATS) from Dec 11 through Jan 25 but then lost FIVE in a row. Monday's 131-111 loss to the struggling Phoenix Suns drew the following comment from SF Joe Ingles. "When you play the way we've been playing, there's a lot more bad than good right now," he said after the loss. "It's draining. ... It's just embarrassing." Hard to argue. All-Star SG Donovan Mitchell (24.3-4.3-4.3) scored 38 points against Phoenix but was lacking for answers after the latest subpar performance by his team. The 131 points allowed was the second-worst of the season by the Jazz, who compounded their issues by committing 20 turnovers. Utah, which began the season by holding its first five opponents under 100 points, has now allowed 12 of its last 13 foes to score in triple figures, including the last seven in a row.

Ok, so why the Jazz, here? We've seen this team go 19-2, 0-5, 4-0 and now 0-3 since Dec 11. Utah just has too much talent with Bogdanovich (20.6 & 4.2) and Gobert (15.5 & 14.3), not to mention Clarkson (16.3 PPG in 27 games with the Jazz), Conley (13.4 & 4.1 APG), Ingles (9.9-3.9-4.2) and O'Neale (6.0 & 5.2). Boston is playing its FOURTH game in six days and this one is "at altitude," off a game last night in Portland. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Brk Nets at 7:35 ET.

The 24-32 Orlando Magic own the 8th and final playoff seed in the East, 3 1/2 games clear of the Washington Wizards. The Magic travel to Brooklyn Monday night to take on the 26-29 Nets, who own the East's 7th-seed, 2 1/2 games ahead of Orlando. The Magic easily handled the Nets 101-89 back on Jan 6 in Orlando but this contest marks the first of THREE meetings down the stretch between these two teams (note: Nets trail the 6th-seeded Pacers by 6 1/2 games).

The Magic turned their season around last year by going 20-9 down the stretch to earn an Eastern Conference playoff spot for the first time in seven years. Do NOT expect a similar finish from the Magic this season but as just noted, the Magic are currently inside the playoff 'cut line' with 26 games remaining. However, Orlando is trending in the wrong direction. The Magic were 20-21 in mid-January but entered the break having lost 10 of 14 and in the team's lone game since returning from the break, lost 122-106 at home to Dallas. Center Nikola Vucevic leads the team in scoring (19.1) and rebounding (10.8). Along with forwards Gordon (14.1 & 7.4) and Isaac (12.0 & 6.9), the Magic featured a strong frontcourt. However, Isaac has been ruled out for the remainder of the season (has not played since Jan 1). Fournier (18.8) has been the leading scorer on the perimeter and SG Ross has added 13.5 PPG, despite not starting any of the 54 contests he has played. A pair of solid PGs are former overall No. 1 pick Fultz (11.9 & 5.0 APG) and Augustin (10.4 & 4.6).

While the Magic are struggling (4-11 their last 15), the Nets are playing well despite the fact that PG Kyrie Irving (27.4-5.2-6.4) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season to undergo shoulder surgery. Kyrie last played on Feb 1 but the Nets have gone 5-2, since. Dinwiddie (20.8-3.5-6.7), LeVert (15.6-3.7-3.6) and Temple (10.2) make up a strong backcourt trio, while SFs Harris (13.8 & 4.3) and Prince (12.4 & 6.21) are solid NBA players. Allen (10.9 & 9.6) and Jordan (8.3 & 9.9) form an underrated center combo, as both are nearly pulling down 10 RPG despite only playing around 26 minutes and 22 minutes, respectively. Then there is guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, who led EIGHT players in double figures with a season-high 21 points at Charlotte on Friday, as Brooklyn posted its third win of at least 22 points since Irving left the lineup for good earlier this month (Nets routed the Hornets, 115-86!).

The Magic are just 4-11 since getting within one game of .500 on Jan 15 and own one of the league's worst offenses (104.9 PPG ranks 29th on the season), while averaging 103.5 points in those last 15 games. This contest begins a stretch in which the Magic will play SEVEN of their next nine on the road (Orlando is just 9-18 SU on the road, so far), while the Nets have won EIGHT of 12 since losing five straight games from Jan 14-23 (note that five-game stretch came against elite teams like the Jazz, the 76ers twice, Bucks and Lakers!). Looking more closely at the team's recent 12-game stretch, we find that the Nets have six wins over sub-.500 teams in this span and SEVEN victories by double digits! Brooklyn wins this one "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Por Blazers at 9:05 ET.

The Portland Trail Blazers advanced to the Western Conference Finals last season but the current season has, to say the least, NOT gone well. The Blazers came out of the All Star break 3 1/2 games back of the final playoff spot in the West and lost Friday night 128-115 at home to New Orleans. All-Star PG Damian Lillard (29.5-4.4-7.9) suffered a groin injury in a loss at Memphis in the final game before the All-Star break and expects to miss a few more after sitting out Friday night. Portland has dropped its last three games overall and remains 3 1/2 games behind eighth-place Memphis in the West, as the Blazers welcome the Pistons to Moda Center. Detroit is sliding toward the bottom of the standings in the East with losses in FIVE straight and 11 of its last 13 (19-39 Pistons are 19-39, just THREE game better than the East-worst Cavs) and begins a four-game West Coast trip with this visit to Portland.

Detroit is in the process of a full roster rebuild. Detroit traded away former franchise center Andre Drummond (17.8 & 15.8) prior to the All-Star break and reached a buyout agreements with veteran PG Reggie Jackson (14.9 & 5.1 APG) during the break plus reached a buyout agreement with SF Markieff Morris (11.0 & 3.9) on Friday. PG Griffin (15.5 & 4.&) is out for the season and SG Kennard (15.8 & 4.1 APG) hasn't played since before Christmas and remains "a ways away" from a return, although he has progressed to taking some contact in practice, according reports in The Detroit News. That leaves Derrick Rose, John Henson, Tony Snell and Langston Galloway as the only healthy veterans drawing regular minutes.

With Lillard sidelined on Friday, Portland got at least 13 points from all FIVE of its starters, led by CJ McCollum's 27 points and 10 assists. However,  the Blazers allowed the Pelicans to shoot 53.6 percent from the floor. Gary Trent Jr. (7.0) started in place of Lillard and contributed 15 points The other  starters are McCollum (21.4-3.9-3.9), Whiteside (15.8 & 14.0), Anthony (15.2 & 6.6) and  Ariza.  Portland traded for Ariza (Sacramento) and he's been a solid addition, averaging 10.3 & 4.8 in 12 games (he's also an excellent defender).

Portland's goal is to stay afloat while Lillard recovers from a groin injury and if the blazers can't handle the Piston's talent-challenged lineup at home, the team may as well just as well 'wave a white flag.' The "Price is Right" even without Lillard against this Detroit 'JV' team.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the LA Lakers at 3:35 ET.

The NBA's two most decorated franchises renew their historic rivalry Sunday at Staples Center when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Boston Celtics. Boston and Los Angeles have 33 NBA championships between them and have met in the Finals a record 12 times. Both are once again title contenders, with the 39-16 Celtics sitting third in the Eastern Conference and the 42-12 Lakers leading the Western Conference. The Celtics hosted the Lakers back on Jan 20 (MLK Day) and broke out of slump that had seen them lose SIX of eight with a dominating 139-107 victory. The victory jump-started Boston's current 12-2 stretch, in which the Celtics have gone 10-4 ATS. Los Angeles has bounced back just fine from that loss and got back into action following the All-Star break with a 117-105 win over Memphis at home Friday night.

Boston's 127-117 win at Minnesota on Friday came without All-Star PG Kemba Walker (21.8-4.1-5.0), who recently received an injection in his ailing knee and had it drained (he will miss this one, as well). Gordon Hayward picked up plenty of the slack with 29 points while Daniel Theis broke out for career highs of 25 points and 16 rebounds. Tatum (22.5 & 7.0) and Brown (20.3 & 6.4) join Walker as 20-point scorers, while Hayward (17.6-6.7-4.1) is close to playing at "peak-level." Smart (12.5-3.6-4.8) has developed into a team leader, while Kanter (9.0 & 8.2) and Theis (8.7 & 6.4) have developed into a solid center duo.

Anthony Davis (26.7 & 9.3) has a calf issue but led LA with 28 points and seven blocks on Friday night. LBJ (25.1-7.7-10.7) ain't bad either (he had 32 vs the Grizzlies) but only Kuzma (12.5 & 4.4) joins that Dynamic Duo in double digits. That said, SIX Lakers are averaging between 7.0 and 9.6 PPG, including the solid center duo of Howard (7.7 & 7.8) and McGee (7.0 & 5.8) plus defensive specialist Bradley (8.7), who has reached double digits in FIVE consecutive games.

Four Celtics, Brown, Tatum, Hayward and Theis, each scored at least 25 points in Friday's 127-117 win at Minnesota, marking the first time since 1960 that four Boston players hit that mark in the same game. However, Minnesota is the NBA's worst ATS team 21-36-1 and has lost 16 of its last 17 SU. The Lakers are NOT the T-wolves and will surely want some "payback" from that 139-107 'spanking' back in Boston on Jan 20. Tatum, Walker and Jaylen Brown all scored 20-plus points in that one but as noted above, Walker will not play in this one. The Celtics held the Lakers to 43.8 percent shooting from the floor, 26.9 percent from three-point range, and forced 15 turnovers. LBJ was limited to 15 points (more than 10 below his season average) and A.D. had just NINE points, almost 18 fewer than his season average. Think those two are looking forward to this one? Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Ut Jazz at 9:05 ET.

The San Antonio Spurs' 23-31 record is their worst at the All-Star break since the 1996-97 season, which just happens to be the last time they failed to make the playoffs. Pop's Spurs have made 22 consecutive postseason appearances (it's the longest active streak in any major North American pro sports league), winning FIVE titles but this year's team is clearly NOT "your father's Spurs!" San Antonio resides in 10th place in the Western Conference, 4 1/2 games behind the eighth-place Memphis Grizzlies, with the 9th-place Blazers one game up on the Spurs. San Antonio visits Salt Lake City Friday night to take on the 36-18 Utah Jazz. The Jazz are currently the West's No. 4 seed but sit just 1 1/2 games back of Denver, the West's No. 2 seed. The Jazz won 19 of 21 games (16-4-1 ATS) from Dec 11 through Jan 25 but then lost FIVE in a row. However, they rebounded right before the break with FOUR straight wins.

San Antonio has been led all season by guard DeMar DeRozan (23.0-5.7-5.2) and PF LaMarcus Aldridge (19.1 & 7.6). The Spurs don't feature the great depth of past San Antonio teams but guards Mills (11.7), Forbes (11.1), Murray (10.4-5.8-4.0) and White (10.2) plus SF Gay (9.5 & 5.3) are all solid NBA players. DeRozan missed the final two games before the All-Star break due to back spasms but practiced on Wednesday and indicated he was fine afterward. DeRozan has scored 20 or more in 22 of his last 25 games. PG Murray is averaging 18.7 points, eight rebounds and seven assists over his last three games.

While the Spurs didn't feature an All Star in Sunday's game, Utah SG Donovan Mitchell (24.3-4.3-4.3) and center Rudy Gobert (15.6 & 14.6) were both worthy participants. Bogdanovic (21.0 & 4.1) is having an excellent season, while role players Ingles (10.0-4.0-5.2) and O'Neale (5.9 & 5.2) are undervalued league-wide but NOT by the Jazz. Free agent PG Conley (13.5 & 4.2 APG) has been a disappointment but when Conley went down with an injury, Utah traded for Jordan Clarkson. He's been a HUGE addition, averaging 16.2 PPG in 24 games (think he misses Cleveland?).

Both teams have been San Antonio off since Feb 11 but while the Jazz resume play at home, the Spurs continue their annual "Rodeo Road Trip" in Salt Lake city, before completing the stretch of EIGHT straight road games in Oklahoma City on Sunday. The Jazz had won SIX of their past eight matchups but the host Spurs prevailed 127-120 on Jan 29, when Utah was in that five-game slide. The Jazz have been OUTSTANDING on the offensive end of the court, scoring 119.3 points per 100 possessions and face a San Antonio team that Popovich has described as being "defensively challenged." Spurs are allowing 114.5 PPG (2nd), reminding all again, this is NOT "your father's Spurs." Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Total of the Week is on Ind/NYK Over at 7:35 ET.

The Indiana Pacers knew Oladipo was not going to get back on the court until right before the All Star break. Oladipo finally returned on Jan 29 and the Pacers beat the Bulls 115-106 in OT, giving them a 31-17 record. However, the Pacers then lost their 1st SIX games in Feb, before ending that skid with an 118-11 win over Milwaukee on Feb 12 (note: Giannis didn’t play!). Indian comes out of the break at 32-23, 15 games back of the NBA-best Bucks. The No. 6-seeded Pacers are hoping to carry the momentum of beating Milwaukee into their final 27 games of the regular season but realistically, Indiana's best hope is to inch past No. 5 seed Philly (35-21) and No. 4 seed Miami (35-20) to earn a first-round bye. The Pacers visit MSG on Friday to face the NY Knicks, a team which has LONG ago shelved any postseason aspirations. It's true that the 17-38 Knicks have gone 13-20 SU since Mike Miller took over on an interim basis for David Fizdale in December (Knicks were 4-18 under Fizdale), but the rest of the season is more about player development and finding out if R.J. Barrett is the piece the team wants to build around for the future.

Here's the latest update on the Indiana star. Oladipo will be playing in his eighth game since missing a little more than a year with a ruptured quadriceps injury. In his first seven games, he averaged 25 minutes and did not play more than 29 minutes in any game (11.1 PPG on just 32.9% shooting). However, head coach Nate McMillan recently told reporters that doctors cleared Oladipo to start playing 32 to 34 minutes, which is on par with his career average of 33.1 minutes per game. Oladipo averaged 31.9 minutes and 18.8 points before getting hurt last season and two years ago, in his first season with the Pacers, averaged 23.1 points while playing 34 minutes. Also arriving with Oladipo from OKC in the trade for Paul George was PF Sabonis, who has developed into an All Star (18.3-12.5-4.8). The Pacers have OUTSTANDING depth with SF Warren (18.5) and PG Brogdon (16.6-4.7-7.3) playing a high levels. Then there are SG Lamb (12.9 & 4.4), center Turner (119. & 6.1) and SF McDermott (10.40 also averaging in double digits.

The Knicks traded away one of their top-two performers this season in SF Morris (19.6 & 5.4) at the deadline, leaving PF Randle (19.3 & 9.60 as the team's lone marquee plyers (and that's a stretch). As noted above, Barrett was the third overall pick of the 2019 draft and management will be;\looking closely at his performance the rest of the way (he starts the second-half averaging 13.6 & 5.1. Reggie Bullock signed with the Knicks in July of 2019 and underwent successful surgery on the next day for a cervical disc herniation. He debuted with the Knicks on January 1, 2020 and is averaging 9.8 PPG. PG Payton (9.7-4.7-6.9) has been decent plus PF Portis (9.4 & 5.3) and center Robinson (9.2 & ) have had their moments.

Indiana's six-game slide began back on Feb 1 with an 'ugly' 92-85 home loss to the Knicks, who were 11-point 'dogs. That defeat snapped a SEVEN-game Indiana winning streak in the series. The Pacers will play SEVEN of their next nine on the road and the team can't afford NOT to win road games against highly beatable teams like the Knicks. I like Indiana in the game but 'LOVE' the total to go over. The Pacers have gone over in EIGHT of their last 10 contests, averaging 115.6 PPG in NINE of the 10. The exception was that 85-point effort on Feb 1 vs the sad-sack Knicks. What's more, the Pacers have allowed 116.7 PPG in NINE of the last 10 games, with the anomaly again being the 92 points allowed against the Knicks on Feb 1. This one is Goin' Over!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Ut Jazz at 9:05 ET.

6-7 swingman Jimmy Butler was Miami's major off-season acquisition and his return to the floor at Golden St on Monday sparked the Heat's 113-10 win over the Warriors. The victory ended Miami's season-worst three-game losing streak, as Butler returned from missed two games with a shoulder injury to record 21 points and 10 rebounds. The 35-18 Heat play their final game before teh All Star break tonight in Utah, as they conclude a five-game road trip. The Jazz  won 19 of 21 games (16-4-1 ATS) from Dec 11 through Jan 25 but then lost FIVE in a row. However, they have rebounded with THREE straight wins and check in with the same record as Miami at 35-18. Both teams own the No. 4 seed in their respective conferences but while the Heat are 11 games back of the East's No. 1 seed (Bucks) the Jazz are only 5 1/2 games back of the West's No. 1 seed (Lakers). What's more, the Jazz are just 2 1/2 games back of the West's No. 2 seed, while the Heat are 4 1/2 back of the East's No. 2 seed.

Butler (20.5-6.8-6.2) has delivered as promised but he's far from the only player making significant contributions. The 6-9 Adebayo (16.0-10.4-4.9) has played in all 53 games (Butler has missed EIGHT), thriving after Whiteside left for Portland. Undrafted rookie Nunn (15.4) and the team's  No. 1 pick Herro (13.1 & 4.0) have both been important additions, while veteran PG Dragic has played almost exclusively off the bench to average 16.1 & 5.0 APG (he's missed 11 games, though). Trade deadline additions are Iquodola and Crowder but Iquodola needs to get in shape after not playing all season for Memphis. He's averaged 2.0 & 5.5 in 20 minutes per game in two contests. However, Crowder has been terrific in his two games with Miami, averaging 19.5 & 9.5.

Utah's "Big 3" are All Star guard Mitchell (24.3-4.3-4.3), SF Bogdanovich (21.0 & 4.1) and center Gobert (15.6 & 14.5). The signing of free agent PG Conley (13.5 & 4.2 APG) has not quite gone as hoped, as he's shot poorly and missed 21 games to injury. However, SG Ingles (10.2-4.1-5.1) and SF O'Neale (5.9 & 5.2) have each played in all 53 games, while regularly providing support. When Conley went down with an injury, Utah traded for Clarkson and he's averaged 16.0 PPG in 22 games (he's had 30 and 25, the last two).

This is tough spot for the Heat, as they are playing their FIFTH game in EIGHT days, and check in a modest 13-15 on the road (4-8 post-Christmas), compared to 25-2 at home.As for Utah, the Jazz ended their five-game slide with a pair of razor-thin wins (over Portland and Houston) but looked "back in form" Monday at Dallas, building a 21-point halftime lead before settling for a 123-119 road victory. The Jazz almost beat the Heat in Miami back on Dec 23 (lost just 107-104 as 4 1/2-point road underdogs) and should win "with room to spare" here vs Miami, a mediocre road team that has to be road-weary (see above).

Good luck...Larry

My 10* TV Game of the Month is on the Hou Rockets at 9:35 ET.

The Boston Celtics lost SIX of eight from Jan 6-18 but since Jan 20 have won 10 of 11, including SEVEN in a row. Boston trails Milwaukee by 8 1/2 games and has watched Toronto win 15 straight. The Celtics are currently 2 1/2 games back of Toronto and also 2 1/2 games up on No. 4 Miami. The Rockets lost FIVE of six from Jan 9-20 but rebounded with SEVEN wins in nine games, before losing their last two. The 37-15 Celtics and the 33-20 Rockets meet tonight in Houston with each team coming out on opposite ends of one-point decisions on Sunday. The Celtics won 112-111 at Oklahoma City, while the Rockets lost 114-113 at home to the Jazz, when Bojan Bogdanovic hit a three-point shot as time expired.

The Celtics have struggled through nagging injuries and are looking forward to the All-Star break but still have this game and a home contest with the Clippers on Thursday, still to go. Boston has plenty of offensive depth with All-Stars Jayson Tatum (22.2 & 6.9) and Kemba Walker (22.0-4.0-5.0) surrounded by Jaylen Brown (20.2 & 6.5) and Gordon Hayward (17.1-6.5-4.0). Center Daniel Theis (8.2 & 6.2) is backed up by Enes Kanter (9.4 & 8.4) plus guard Marcus Smart (12.2-3.5-4.8) drew praise from Walker. "Where do I start? He's just the ultimate competitor," Walker told reporters of Smart. "He definitely gets overshadowed. I think his offense gets overshadowed as well. He continuously just makes huge plays for us. He just does. Shots, stops, rebounds, blocks. He's incredible, man."

With center Clint Capela (13.9 & 13.8) sidelined, Houston has recently gone to a "small lineup," starting no player over 6-6. Houston then sent Capela to Atlanta around the trade deadline, while acquiring the 6-7 Covington from Minnesota. The extra space in the middle without a big man in the lineup is proving to be a benefit to PG Russell Westbrook (27.0-8.0-7.3), who led the team with 39 points on 18-of-33 shooting on Sunday. Westbrook, who shot 42.6 percent from the floor through the first 31 games, has scored 30 or more points in SIX of the last seven contests and is operating efficiently while knocking down 52.8 percent of his shots over his last 13 contests. Harden (35.2-6.5-7.3) still leads the NBA in scoring but went 2-of-13 from three-point range on Sunday but recorded a triple-double with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Gordon (15.3) sat out Sunday and is day-to-day but the quartet of House (10.5 & 4.8), McLemore (10.3), Rivers (8.6) and Tucker (7.4 & 7.0) are solid contributors. Covington has made a significant impact in his first three games with Houston, averaging 12.3 & 6.0

This is Houston's final game before the break (won't play again until Feb 20) and the LAST thing the Rockets need is to return on a THREE-game losing streak. The "Price is Right" for a Houston win and COVER!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Dal Mavs at 8:35 ET.

The 34-18 Utah Jazz travel from Houston off their buzzer-beating 114-113 win last night in Houston, to take on the 32-21 Dallas Mavericks. The Jazz currently own the West's No. 4 seed, withe the Mavs trailing them by 2 1/2 games and holding down the No. 7 seed. This marks the second meeting (of three) between Dallas and Utah this season, as Jazz beat the Mavericks 112-107 on Jan 25 in Salt Lake City. Monday's game carries some long-term playoff implications for both teams, as a Utah win would earn Jazz a crucial tie-breaker over the Mavs.

Bojan Bogdanovic (20.9 & 4.1) nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer in a wild 114-113 win at Houston on Sunday. The highly-contested shot was launched several feet beyond the arc but ironically, it capped his lowest-scoring effort (eight points) of the season and was just his SECOND made shot in seven tries. "I wasn't supposed to be on the court, the way I was playing," he told AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain postgame. "The coaching staff, they believed in me. They gave me an opportunity to shoot a game-winning shot and I stayed confident." Jordan Clarkson scored 30 points for Utah off the bench, for his third 30-point game of the season and second with the Jazz. Clarkson has turned into the sort of instant-offense-providing sixth man that Utah lacked earlier in the season, as he's averaging 15.6 points in 22 games with the Jazz so far, while shooting 47.3 percent from the floor. All-Star Donovan Mitchell (24.3-4.3-4.3) scored 24 points, PG Mike Conley (13.5 & 4.2 APG) added 20 points and center Rudy Gobert (15.5 & 4.5) delivered yet another double-double (12 & 15).

The Mavericks will once again go without All-Star guard Luka Doncic (28.8-8.1-9.5), who has been out with an ankle injury for each of the last six games. Head coach Rick Carlisle indicated he would like Doncic to get into a game prior to the All-Star break, which leaves Wednesday's matchup with Sacramento at home as the last opportunity. The Mavericks have gone 3-3 without Doncic but rode the hot hand of Seth Curry, who hit his first 10 shots en route to 26 points, in Saturday's 116-100 win at Charlotte. Curry (11.3)  finished 6-of-8 from three-point range and is 15-for-24 from beyond the arc in three games this month, a stretch in which he is averaging 20.3 points in 25.7 minutes. Kristaps Porzingis (18.0 & 9.1), who averaged 35 points in his first three games following Doncic's injury, sat out Saturday's win due to a sore knee but is expected back for this one. Losing center Powell (9.4 & 5.7) for the season was a big blow to Dallas but maybe getting center Willie Cauley-Stein from Sacramento will work out. He is 12-of-14 from the floor over his last three games!

The Jazz won 19 of 21 games (16-4-1 ATS) from Dec 11 through Jan 25  but then lost FIVE in a row. Yes, they have rebounded with back-to-back wins (home to Portland and at Houston) but BOTH came in dramatic fashion. This is a tough spot coming off last night's buzzer-beating win and while the Mavs have been better on the road (18-8) than at home (14-13), I'm 'jumping all over' the Mavs in this one. Utah looked 'lost' for five straight games and I'm not 'sold' that two fortunate wins mean that the Jazz have straightened things out!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Orl Magic at 7:05 ET.

The 15-29 Atlanta Hawks will be in 'Disney World' tonight to take on the 22-31 Orlando Magic. The Hawks are only 2 ½ games better the NBA-worst Golden State Warriors but they are 5-5 after pulling out a 140-135 victory over the New York Knicks in double overtime Sunday night (note: 5-5 is considered a 'winning streak' in Atlanta). Trae Young returned to the lineup for Atlanta after missing the previous game with an ankle injury and responded with 48 points and 13 assists Sunday, as the Hawks rallied from eight points down in the final 90 seconds of the first overtime. Orlando is NINE games under-.500 but remains in a playoff position due to the weakness of bottom nine teams in the conference. However, after Saturday's 111-95 home loss against the NBA-best Milwaukee Bucks, the magic have lost EIGHT of their last nine.

Some doubted Young's ability at the NBA level but it would be awfully hard to support that case now. Young upped his season average to 29.7 PPG after last night, plus he's adding 4.5 RPG and 9.1 APG. 6-10 forward John Collins missed all of Nov and didn't get back on the court until Dec 23 but he had 32 points along with 16 rebounds in the victory over the Knicks for his SEVENTH consecutive double-double, during which he has averaged 26 points and 13.1 rebounds (he's averaging 20.5 & 10.5 in 28 games). Rookie forward De’Andre Hunter (from UVA) added 19 points in Sunday’s victory and is now averaging 12.3 PPG, while guard Kevin Huerter is scoring 19 per outing in February (had 16 against the Knicks) and matches  Hunter at 12.3 PPG.

Center Nikola Vucevic recorded his second double-double in three games with 21 points and 14 rebounds against Milwaukee and leads the team in scoring (18.8) and rebounds (10.9). SG Evan Fournier has led the team in scoring for most of the season but now barely trails Vucevic at 18.6 PPG. PF Aaron Gordon scored just seven points (on 2-of-12 shooting vs  Milwaukee) after averaging 19.8 points in the previous four games, but is a dependable player at 13.7 & 7.3. Terrence Ross came off the bench to score 20 points on Saturday (he's played in 51 games without a start), upping his season mark to 13.7 PPG. PF Markelle Fults was the NBA's first overall pick in the 2017 draft but after some struggles, just may be a solid NBA player (he's averaging 11.7 & 4.8 APG this season)

Will former-Rocket Clint Capela (13.9 & 13.8 in 39 games) make the Hawks a better team? He won't be available to play until after the All-Star Game because of a right heel issue, so we'll need to wait awhile to find out. Here's what we do know. Orlando was nine games under .500 at this point last season but won 20 of 29 down the stretch to earn an Eastern Conference playoff spot for the first time in seven years. With the weakness in the bottom-half of the East, the Magic won't need to play that well to return to the postseason this season. However, the Magic will HAVE to improve on their recent play. Why not start here vs the Hawks, who enter this game in the second of a back-to-back set. The Hawks are 0-5 SU & ATS in the second of B2B games when playing that second game on the road and while it seems a little hard to believe, the five losses have come by an average margin of just over 20 points ATS!! Want more? Orlando has already lost TWICE to Atlanta this season! Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Non-Conference Game of the Month (East/West) is on the Por Blazers at 9:05 ET.

The 45-7 Bucks have led the East (the entire NBA, as well) right from the opening 'bell,' with FIVE teams trading places in the No. 2 through No. 6 seeds. However, Toronto's 14-game winning streak has seen the Raptors move two game ahead of the 3rd-seeded Celtics and four game up on the 4th-seeded Heat (34-17 Miami has also moved FOUR games up on the 6th-seeded Pacers). Many feel like the Heat made one of the bigger moves of the trade deadline by bringing in veteran forward Andre Iguodala from the Memphis, Iguodala won three NBA Championships with the Golden State Warriors before being traded to Memphis in the offseason and had sat out the first four-plus months of the season waiting to be traded. Miami will visit Portland Sunday night to take on a Blazers team struggling, after reaching the Western Conference Finals last season. Portland is just 24-29, leaving them 2 1/2 games back of Memphis, which holds down the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. Portland also sits EIGHT games back of the 7th-seeded Mavs and with less than 30 games remaining in the regular season, Portland's ONLY realistic postseason hope seems to be capturing the eighth-seed.

Tonight's contest is the Heat's third game of a six-game road trip. Miami is 22-3 at home but after losing at the Lakers and Kings to open this trip, are 12-14 on the road, going 11-14-1 ATS. All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler (20.5-6.8-6.7) is expected to miss his second straight game with a shoulder issue. The first without him didn't go well, as the Heat were outplayed in a 105-97 loss at Sacramento on Friday. Miami allowed the Kings to make 19 three-pointers after letting the Clippers knock down 24 in a 128-11 setback to begin the trip. Iguodala will go through practice on Saturday and shootaround Sunday before the team makes a determination about his status.Remember, he has NOT played a single game this season.

Portland's Lillard (29.8-4.3-7.9) has scored 40-plus points in SIX of his last nine games, including 42 points against the Utah Jazz on Friday. However, he came away from the game in a rage after a non-call on a clear goaltending in the closing seconds of a 117-114 loss. McCollum (21.4-4.0-3.8) joins Lillard to form one of the NBA's best backcourts but Portland just hasn't jelled this season. Former Miami center Whiteside (15.8 & 14.1) is a double-double machine' plus Anthony (15.2 & 6.6) has surprisingly (to me) played well.

I'm confused as to why Portland has struggled this badly but this is NOT a good spot for Miami. Butler is out and undrafted rookie Nunn (15.8) missed d three games in January due to an Achilles injury and while he has logged consistent minutes since his return, his shot has fallen off a cliff, making just 36.2 percent of his field goals and 33.3 percent of his three-point shots during his four February games so far. No. 1 pick Herro (13.1 & 4.0) sat out the last two games and is questionable, as are Solomon Hill and Jae Crowder, who arrived from Memphis in the Iguodala deal. Miami's road woes continue, as Lillard lead the Blazers to a win and COVER!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Ind Pacers at 8:05 ET.

Kawhi Leonard led Toronto to its first-ever NBA championship last season but left during the offseason for LA. The Raptors also lost starting SG Danny Green to LA (the Lakers) but head coach Nick Nurse has done a truly impressive job in leading this year's team to a 37-14 record, second to only the NBA-best Milwaukee Bucks in the East. The Raptors just hosted the Pacers on Wednesday and was outscored 43-18 in the second quarter to trail by 15 points at the half. The Raptors still trailed by 10 with 2:27 remaining but rallied to earn a 119-118 triumph, extending their winning to a franchise-record 12 consecutive games. Indiana shot 52.4 percent from the floor and knocked down 19 three-pointers but committed 19 turnovers, including one in the final 30 seconds that set up the Raptors to take the lead. Still, the 31-20 Pacers (current No. 5 seed) have had  a solid season plus the team's best player the last couple of years , Victor Oladipo, has finally returned to the court.

Pascal Siakam leads Toronto in scoring at 23.7 PPG (adds 7.7 RPG) but it was All -Star PG Kyle Lowry (19.7-4.6-7.3) who led the way on Wednesday, scoring 32 points with 10 assists. Serge  Ibaka (15.8 & 8.0), who is starting in place of injured center Marc Gasol (hamstring), went for a season-high 30 points on 13-of-21 shooting and is now is averaging 23.4 points over the last five games (he's averaging 18.9 points on 57.4 percent shooting in 18 starts on the season!). VanVleet (17.6 & 7.0 APG) has made Toronto fans easily forget Green while SF Anunoby (10.1 & 5.4) has had a solid season, until recently. He was held scoreless while missing his lone shot attempt Wednesday and scored in single digits in NINE of the last 10 contests. Areas of concern are the loss of sixth-man Norman Powell (15.3) to a broken finger and how long Gasol (7.8 & 6.5) will be out with his hamstring problem.

Wednesday's loss stung but the good news was that Indiana moved Victor Oladipo to the starting lineup for the first time since his return from quad tendon surgery last week. His shot remains a work in progress (was 5 of 14 on Wednesday / 24.5% overall, including just 18.5% on threes) but he did reach double figures for the first time in four games with 13 points (averaging 9.5 points in his four games back). All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis (18.3-12.6-4.3) showed off his wide range of skills with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in the loss plus Malcolm Brogdon (16.9-4.6-7.3) broke out of a slump with 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting. Indiana's depth is impressive with guard Lamb (12.7) and center Turner (11.9 & 6.0) having been regular starters plus the following players contributing almost nightly. SF McDermott (10.6) plus PG McConnell (6.8 & 5.4 APG) are joined by the Holidays, with Aaron adding 10.2 & 3.5 and Justin adding 8.4 & 3.4.

The Pacers KNOW they let one "get away" on Wednesday (see above) but that almost HAS to be a great motivator in this quick turnaround. The Pacers would love to get TJ Warren (18.1) back from being in concussion protocol but as noted above, the Pacers' depth can carry the day. Note that when the Pacers hosted the Raptors back on Dec 23, they closed as 5 1/2-point favorites (won 120-115 in OT). Here, a SU win means an ATS one and the Raptors are OVERDUE for an "L!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Total of the Week is on Orl/NYK Over at 7:35 ET.

Full, detailed analysis by 11:00 ET Thursday morning.

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Ut Jazz at 9:05 ET.

The 35-16 Denver Nuggets look to beat the 32-17 Utah for the second time in seven days when they visit Salt Lake City on Wednesday. Denver has won 11 of its last 16 games and rolled to an easy 127-99 home win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. Utah had won 19 of 21 games from Dec 11 through Jan 25 but has suddenly lost FOUR in a row. The slide began with a 126-117 home loss to the Rockets on Jan 27 , when Houston was without Harden AND Westbrook. The Jazz then went 0-3 on the road, including that 106-100 defeat last Thursday at Denver.

Jokic is again leading the Nuggets in scoring (20.4), rebounding (10.1) and assists (6.8). He stood out against Portland last night with 29 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and three blocked shots as the Nuggets posted their second-largest margin of victory this season. PG Jamal Murray (17.6-4.1-4.6) returned from a 10-game absence because of an ankle injury to contribute 20 points and six assists in only 20 minutes. PF Paul Millsap (11.9 & 5.8) remains out, as is reserve PF/C Plumlee (7.7 & 4.0 in about 17 minutes). While Murray returned, the 6-8 Jerami Grant departed in the fourth quarter with an ankle and head coach Michael Malone said he was unsure if he will be available against the Jazz. Grant has been terrific of late, scoring double digits in 14 of his last 15 games, including 10 straight. The Nuggets could find themselves with a short bench, as Malik Beasley (7.9), Juancho Hernangomez and Jarred Vanderbilt were just traded to the Timberwolves.

Utah has dropped a season-worst four straight games and was blown out 124-107 in Portland on Saturday. "No need to panic but we've got to figure it out," Jazz All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell told reporters. "It's a complete 180 to where we were about a week ago so we've got to lock in and fix it, otherwise it's going to be a (bad) All-Star break." Donovan Mitchell (24.6-4.2-4.3),  SF Bojan Bogdanovic (21.2 & 4.1) and center Rudy Gobert (15.6 & 10.8) have been terrific all season. PG Conley (12.9 & 4.1 APG) is back in the starting lineup plus Ingles (10.4-4.1-5.0) and O'Neale (6.1 & 5,20) have been solid riole players all season. Clarkson is averaging 14.9 PPG in his 19 games since coming over from Cleveland and has been an excellent addition.

Denver's in a tough scheduling spot traveling off last night's game, while the Jazz haven't played since Saturday. Not sure just how the Jazz have gone from going 19-2 SU and 17-4 ATS to an 0-4 SU & ATS skid but I'm laying the points with them here, as they had beaten the Nuggets THREE straight times prior to last week's setback (note: Clarkson scored a season-best 37 points in the recent meeting with the Nuggets).

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Tor Raptors at 7:35 ET.

The 31-19 Indiana Pacers have finally gotten Victor Oladipo back but they are still trying to figure out how to run the offense. They had better figure it out quickly, as they visit 36-14 Toronto on Wednesday to face the Raptors, who own the NBA's longest active winning streak at 11 in a row. The Pacers have stayed competitive without Oladipo, as they currently own the No. 5 seed but they are starting to lose touch with Toronto, which is FIVE games ahead of them as the East's No. 2 seed (Pacers are 12 games back of the Bucks, plus 3 1/2 games back of the Celtics and Heat, who are tied for the No. 3 seed). Toronto has sure made do without Kawhi, plus has fought through injuries to Siakam, Lowry, Ibaka and VanVleet.

Oladipo is on a minutes restriction and is coming off the bench while trying to find his spots in an offense that had seven scorers averaging in double figures prior to his return. He's averaged8.3 PPG in three games, while shooting horribly (20.5%, including 14.3% on threes). Oladipo wasn't the only player struggling during Monday's 112-103 home loss to Dallas, as starting PG Malcolm Brogdon went 6-of-17 from the floor, after going 4-of-13 in a 92-85 loss to New York on Saturday.That said, Brogdon has played well on the season, averaging 16.7-4.5-7.4. Sabonis (18.3-12.7-4.6) has developed into an All Star but SF Warren (18.1) sat out Monday and is questionable while in the league's concussion protocol (not good news for the Pacers).

The spot for a high-scoring, strong-shooting sixth man is open with Norman Powell (15.3) going down with a broken finger last week and Terence Davis (7.7 & 3.4) took his turn as the scoring star with a career-high 31 points on Sunday, as Toronto rolled over the Chicago Bulls 129-102. Toronto matched the franchise's longest winning streak with that triumph (note: the Raptors have won 11 straight games twice previously in franchise history: Feb 26-Mar 16, 2018, and Jan 6-30, 2016). Guards Lowry (19.4-4.5-7.3) and VanVleet (17.8 & 7.0 APG) have been excellent, while Siakam (23.7 & 7.6), Ibaka (15.5 & 8.0) and Anunoby (10.3 & 5.4) have played so well in the frontcourt  that the loss of Kawhi has been FAR from devastating.

The Raptors are averaging 120.7 points and shooting 50.4 percent from the floor, including 39.7 percent from three-point range during their 11-game winning streak. I guess Toronto has to lose sometime but why should it be here vs the Pacers, a team the Raptors have won 11 straight regular-season home games against?

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on 7:05 ET.

The Golden State Warriors ended a five-game losing streak with Saturday's 131-112 victory at Cleveland. The performance brough back memories of the team which went to FIVE straight NBA Finals and won three championships in the last five seasons. SEVEN players scored in double figures in a balanced effort, as Golden State shot 53.3 percent from the floor and totaled 39 assists on 48 made field goals, while knocking down 18 three-pointers. However, the reality is that the win was just the 11-39 Warriors' SECOND in their last 16 games! The 17-31 Washington Wizards are not much better than Golden St but the Wizards have picked up wins in each of their last two games, improving to .500 at home (11-11) with a 113-107 in over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday.

Forward Draymond Green (8.4-6.3-6.2) is the lone key player remaining from the team's recent championship core and he matched a career high with 16 assists on Saturday, while adding seven rebounds. However, while Green has been a major part of Golden State's success the last five season, he thrives with talent around him, which this team can't provide with its current make-up. D'Angelo Russell (23.8 & 6.3 APG) is the team's top-producer these days, while Burks (15.8 & 4.7) is the team's second-leading scorer, mostly off the bench. SF Glenn Robinson III (12.7) and guard Damion Lee (11.7 & 5.1) combined to go 17-of-24 from the floor on Saturday but expecting this team to put together a string of good outings has proven to be a 'bridge too far' this season.

Washington guard Bradley Beal (28.8-4.5-6.3) was miffed about not being included on the All-Star team when reserves were announced on Thursday and  he's responded with 34 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in a win over Charlotte the night before scoring 34 again in Saturday's triumph. Beal got plenty of help against the Nets, with the team's four-man bench crew of Thomas Bryant (17 points), Davis Bertans (11), Ish Smith (11) and Troy Brown (eight) combining for 47 points. That quartet is better than most think, as Bertans averages 14.9 & 4.6,  Bryant 12.9 & 7.4, Smith 11.0 & 4.6 APG and Brown 10.6 & 5.8. More good news comes Washington's way in that rookie  PF Rui Hachimura (13.9 & 5.8) sat out the last 23 games with a groin injury but is practicing with the team and could return Monday.

I have mostly stayed away from Golden St games this season but I'll "get involved" here. The ONLY time the Warriors have posted back-to-back wins this season was their four-game winning streak From Dec 20-27. It was right after that, when the Warriors began their recent 2-14 SU run. Note that ALL four of the Warriors' wins in that four-game win streak came at home and  Golden State had lost 10 in a row and 16 of 17 SU as a visitor prior to winning Saturday at Cleveland. Don’t  look  now but Washington is 6-1 SU & ATS in its last seven at Capital One Arena. What's more, Beal has backed some strong words about not being selected among the Eastern Conference reserves by scoring 34 or more points in SIX straight games, a run in which he's averaged 38.2 PPG, the second-best clip in the NBA behind Damian Lillard's historic 48.8. Never thought I'd say this but lay the points with the Wizards against the Warriors!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Hou Rockets at 2:05 ET.

The New Orleans Pelicans lost 13 straight games from Nov 23 through Dec 17 and sat at 6-22. However, the Pelicans head to Houston on "Super Sunday" having gone 14-7 (16-4-1 ATS) since snapping that 13-game slide and at 20-29, find themselves within 'shouting distance' of the West's No. 8 seed (4 1/2 games back). You may have heard the "Zion the Great' made his much-anticipated NBA debut on Jan 22 and in his first five games, has averaged 19.2 & 7.8. New Orleans lost his first two games but the Pels are 3-0 SU & ATS the last three times out, averaging a whopping 129.0 PPG.

The Houston Rockets were an NBA-best 65-17 in the 2017-18 season but won 12 fewer games last season, going 53-29. Houston enters this contest 30-18, which puts them on a pace to win 51 games this season.The Rockets lost four in a row from Jan 14-20 but have won four of six while dealing with Harden's shooting slump and some nagging injuries to center Clint Capela. Houston received a combined 67 points, 22 rebounds, 15 assists and seven steals from former MVPs Russell Westbrook and James Harden in Friday's 128-121 win over Dallas. That contest began a three-game homestand but while Harden continues to lead the NBA in scoring at 35.6 PPG, he's fallen shy of that mark in SEVEN straight outings.

Zion Williamson has the look of a player who could win multiple MVPs one day and New Orleans outscored Memphis by 25 points while Williamson was on the court Friday. However, the good news coming out of New Orleans in NOT just about Zion. The Pelicans have to be thrilled with the three Lakers they got for A.D. SF Ingram (24.9-6.3-4.3) has been the team's best player from Opening Day, while PG Ball (11.9-4.7-5.9) continues to improve his game and SG Hart (10.5 & 6.2) has been a steady player. Holiday (20.0-4.8-6.4) was already an established All Star plus FA addition Redick is doing what he does best. He's averaging 15.6 PPG, while shooting 46.7% on threes. Then there are PG Moore (9.9), center Favors (9.8 & 10.0 in 30 games) and rookie PF Hayes (8.4 & 4.5).

Is the Harden (35.6-6.4-7.20 and Westbrook (26.5-8.0-7.4) pairing going to allow Houston to "take the next step?" The early call would have to be, "not likely." Gordon is back healthy and averaging 16.0 PPG plus center Capela (13.9 & 13.8) has been VERY good. The Rockets have quality role players in House (10.3 & 4.1), McLemore (10.1), Rivers (8.6) and Tucker (7.5 & 7.1). Capela (heel) sat out Friday's game vs Dallas and head coach Mike D'Antoni started a small lineup that featured nobody taller than 6-6. Houston became the first NBA team to play a game without a player listed taller than 6-foot-6 since the Knicks in a Jan 31, 1963, loss to the Chicago Zephyrs. "You've got to hunker down and let's go and get in front of guys,"  D'Antoni told reporters of the mindset with a height disadvantage. "If we do that and we get conscientious about boxing out and getting back, we could make this lineup pretty good." Capela's expected to miss Sunday's game, so the Rockets could opt to go small at center with the 6-6 P.J. Tucker or go with 7-0 rookie Isaiah Hartenstein (5.1 & 3.4 in 20 games, averaging 12 1/2 minutes).

I'm really no fan of D'Antoni, Harden or Westbrook but that has NOTHING to do with "picking games!" I realize that New Orleans has covered the first three meetings this season with Houston , despite losing the first two SU, but "my gut" says the hype on New Orleans is 'growing' too fast. The Pelicans have played FOUR of Zion's first five games at home and the lone road game came at sad-sack Cleveland (win there means little). This is a BIG showcase and test, playing on ABC on "Super Sunday." The former MVPs should "come up big" here, vs "Zion the Great" and his talented cast. I'm laying the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Bos Celtics at 8:35 ET.

Boston had Philly’s number the past couple of years and won another three of four last season. The teams met way back on Oct 23 at Philly, with the Celtics taking a 7-2 SU & 8-1 ATS run the last nine meetings against the 76ers. However, what a difference a year can make. Philadelphia beat Boston 107-93 in that season-opener for both teams and has since beaten them twice more, 115-109 in Boston and 109-98 at Philly, despite playing without Embiid.Philly goes for the series sweep tonight in Boston, with the Sixers checking in at 31-18 (No. 6 seed) and the Celtics at 32-15 (No. 3 seed). All East teams are chasing Milwaukee but the FIVE teams from the No. 2 through the No. 6 seed in the East are separated by only 4 1/2 games.

Joel Embiid (23.3& 12.3) missed nine games with a finger injury (Philly went 6-3) but has shown no rust in two games since returning. He averaged 22.5 points on 63.0 percent shooting and 12.0 rebounds since coming back earlier in the week, as Philadelphia defeated Golden State at home but then fell 127-117 in Atlanta. PG Ben Simmons (16.6-7.7-8.3) joined Embiid as an All-Star selection Thursday, scored 31 points at Atlanta and finished January with an average of 22.2 points on 62.6 percent shooting. Embiid's return has been somewhat muted as SG Richardson (15.0 PPG) was diagnosed with a left hamstring strain and will be reevaluated in 2-to-3 weeks. However, Shake Milton (6.3 PPG in 16 games) had the best game of his career with personal bests of 27 points and six assists while making 5-of-9 three-pointers in the loss at Atlanta.. Power forward Al Horford (12.5-6.7-4.0) sat out vs the Hawks with a sore knee but he is expected to play tonight against his former team.

The Celtics dropped SIX of eight from Jan 6-18 but have won FIVE of their last six, after a 119-104 victory over the Warriors on Thursday. Gordon Hayward (17.2-6.3-3.9) scored 25 points and Jayson Tatum (21.5 & 6.9) marked his first career All-Star selection with 21 points as Boston improved to 19-5 at home. Tatum had missed the previous three games with a groin issue before going 7-of-14 in 24 minutes vs Golden State. PG Kemba Walker (22.0-4.0-5.) also made the All Star team but was added to the injury report Friday with left knee soreness and is questionable for tonight's game. Walker missed a game with the ailment earlier this month and  he was held to 13 points on 5-for-13 shooting in a 119-104 win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. Reserve big man Enes Kanter (9.5 & 8.2) has a right hip contusion and could also miss. Theis (8.1 & 6.2) typically starts but Kanter is the more conventional center.

Figuring out injuries (how serious and who will or will not play) has become a daily challenge this year, along with the infamous "load management" issue. I've "passed on" games this season only to see a player listed as "doubtful" or even "out" play and play WELL! I'm done over-analyzing these things (it's been a GREAT season, so far!). After dominating Philly recently (see above), the Celtics are 0-3 against them this season. How CAN'T the play be on Boston here, which needs to prove it can beat the Sixers? After all, Philly is just 9-16 SU on the road this season, going 7-16-2 ATS. Walker or NO Walker, I'm on Boston.

Good luck...Larry

My free play is on the Hou Rockets at 8:05 ET.

The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets are both 29-18, leaving them tied for 5th in the Western Conference, SEVEN games back of the top-seeded Lakers and three games back of the Clippers and Nuggets (tied for the second seed). The Mavs enter this game on a 2-3 run and will take on the Rockets without Luka Doncic, who did not accompany the team on the flight to Houston after spraining his right ankle in practice late Thursday. Houston followed a spirited, short-handed 126-117 win at Utah on Monday but then with both Harden and Westbrook back in the lineup on Wednesday, threw in a defensive clunker in losing 125-112 at Portland on Wednesday.

Dallas is looking to rebound from a shaky performance of its own, as it allowed a season-worst point total in Tuesday's 133-14 home loss to the Suns. Doncic (28.8-9.5-8.7) is having a Westbrook-like season and Porzingis (16.8 & 8.9) has thrived serving as a second fiddle to Donci. Hardway (14.1) been a consistent scorer plus Seth Curry is adding 10.6 PPG. However, the season-ending injury to center Powell (9.4 & 5.7) hurts. Willie Cauley-Stein made his team debut against the Suns on Tuesday but had four points and three rebounds in 12 minutes.

James Harden (35.7-6.2-7.2) is in a deep shooting slump. He returned from a two-game injury hiatus against Portland but went just 5 of 18 in the loss. He's now 69-of-210 (32.9 percent) from the floor over his last 10 appearances (Rockets are 4-6 in those games). Westbrook (26.3-8.1-7.4). Westbrook has scored 30-plus points in EIGHT of his last nine contests but the Rockets are just 3-9 in that nine-game span. Is the Harden/Westbrook combo really working? Shooting guard Eric Gordon (15.9) has been back healthy for awhile now but scored just eight points on 2-of-10 shooting in the loss at Portland, just two nights after erupting for a career-best 50 points in Utah.

Doncic missed four games in December with a sprain of the same ankle, with the Mavericks splitting the four contests. Porzingis averaged 22.5 points and 13.8 rebounds while blocking 2.8 shots during that stretch. However, Powell is lost for the season now and Hardway is listed as questionable with a bad back. I'm no fan of either Harden or Westbrook (not sold on the duo's meshing, either) but the Rockets will surely remember the Mavericks winning 137-123 at Houston back on Nov 24 (note: Doncic recorded 41 points and 10 assists in the victory). No Doncic or Powell plus maybe no Hardaway. I want no part of Dallas in this one, so I'll make a small play on the Rockets. Houston not only has Harden and Westbrook but Gordon and Rivers (he scored 17 points vs Portland for his fifth straight double-digit outing) in the backcourt plus center Capela (13.9 & 13.8) and PF Tucker (7.5 & 7.2) up front. Then there are House 10.2) and McLemore (10.0) on the wings.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Den Nuggets at 10:35 ET.

The Utah Jazz won 19 of 21 games from Dec 11 through Jan 25 but have suddenly lost back-to-back games, 126-117 at home vs the Rockets on Monday and 127-120 last night in San Antonio to the Spurs. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have led the Northwest Division for most of the season but in January, have been dealing with injuries to key rotation players. That said, they had won EIGHT of 11 contests before suffering a 104-96 road loss against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. The two teams share the third-best record in the West (32-15), as they meet tonight in Denver for the first of FOUR times over the final 35 games of the season.

Utah's 19-2 run saw them go 17-4 ATS but all of a sudden, the team's defense has 'gone missing!' Despite playing without Harden and Westbrook, the Rockets scored 126 points in Salt Lake City, with Eric Gordon scoring a career-high 50 points. Utah then allowed 70 first-half points on Wednesday at San Antonio, as the Spurs shot 56.1 percent from the floor and DeMar DeRozan scored a season-best 38 points. Donovan Mitchell (25.0-4.2-4.2) scored 31 points last night, topping 20 for the eighth consecutive time and is averaging 29.1 points during that stretch. Backup guard Jordan Clarkson (13.8 PPG in 17 games since coming over from Cleveland) had 20 off the bench, while center Rudy Gobert (15.7 & 14.6) had 17 points and 19 rebounds for his 11th straight double-double. SF Bojan Bogdanovic (21.2 & 4.1) has been terrific all season and is 26-of-54 from three-point range (48.1%) over the last six games.

Denver came out 'flat' at Memphis, getting outscored 76-22 in the paint and head coach Michael Malone sensed troubles from the outset. "It's unfortunate," Malone told reporters "These are the dog days, we have eight games to go until the All-Star break. Everyone's tired, everyone's beat up, but we've got to be mentally tough." The Nuggets have been short-handed in recent weeks and PG Jamal Murray (17.6-4.1-4.6) will miss his eighth straight game with an ankle injury, while PF Paul Millsap (11.9 & 5.8) is expected to sit out for the 12th consecutive contest with a knee injury. Reserve PF/C Plumlee is also out and his 7.7 & 4.0 in about 17 minutes will be missed. However, starters Jokic (19.8-10.1-6.5), Barton (14.7-6.5-3.7) and Harris (10.7) won't "go it alone." PF Grant (11.1) has scored in double digits in 10 of his last 11 (he's averaging 18.7 over the past six games), plus PG Morris 7.8 & 3.6 APG), now healthy PF Porter (7.7 & 4.0) and SG Beasley (7.5) are all MORE than capable.

Utah should be motivated now that it has lost consecutive games for the first time since dropping three in a row from Dec 1-4 but I see them dropping a THIRD straight, here. Denver  is 'wounded' but note that Tuesday's loss at Memphis ended a stretch of 24 games of scoring 100 or more points. Denver's depth has kept them going. The Nuggets have to play tomorrow night in Milwaukee and the Bucks are an NBA-best 41-6, so the importance of winning here, is CLEAR & PRESENT. Take the Nuggets.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on the Mem Grizzlies at 8:05 ET.

The Denver Nuggets were a 'sexy' pick to contend for the Western Conference title entering the season led by center Nikola Jokic and supported by one of the NBA's deepest teams. The Nuggets posted a crucial 117-110 home triumph over the Houston Rockets on Sunday. All teams in the West are chasing the 36-10 Lakers but the 32-14 Nuggets are tied with the Jazz, just four games back (the Clippers are 33-14, a half-game ahead of Denver and Utah). The Nuggets visit Memphis Tuesday night, having won the first two meetings between the teams, including a 131-114 rout at the FedEx Forum on Nov 17. The more recent meeting came Dec 28 in Denver, which the Nuggets won by nine However, the Nuggets will face a different Grizzlies team a month later, as Memphis has won 10 of the 13 games played since then to climb into the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference at 22-24.

Jokic is again leading Denver in scoring (19.7), rebounding (10.1) and assists (6.5). He recorded 24 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for his ninth triple-double of the season and 37th of his career in Sunday's win over Houston. Jokic has posted SIX consecutive double-doubles and EIGHT in the past nine games. Denver has played through the injuries of continues of PG Jamal Murray (17.6-4.1-4.6) and PF Paul Millsap 11.9 & 5.8). Murray is expected to miss his seventh straight game and Millsap is set to sit out his 11th consecutive contest. SF Barton (14.8-6.5-3.7) and Harris (10.7) are regular starters plus Denver's deep bench will get extra time. PF Grant (10.9 & 3.5) scored a season-best 25 against the Rockets and is averaging 18.2 points over the last five games. Guards Morris (7.8) and Beasley (7.6) and the now healthy PF Porter (7.7 & 4.0) are all capable of stepping up.

The Grizzlies committed a season-worst 26 turnovers on Sunday but prevailed 114-109 over the visiting Phoenix Suns. Rookie PG Ja Morant (team's No. 1 pick in 2019 draft) led the way by scoring 14 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter. Morant is averaging 17.6 & 7.1 APG. Memphis chose the 6-11 Jarren Jackson in the 1st round of teh 2018 draft and he leads the team in scoring at 18.0 PPG (4.8 RPG). He had 20 points and has hit the mark a team-best 20 times during the season, including the past two games in which he averaged 24.5 points on 17-of-26 shooting. SG Dillon Brooks (15.9 PPG) continues to be a lucky charm for Memphis, as he scored 20 points and the club is 15-1 when he reaches that output. SF Clarke (also a 1st round pick from 2019, 21st overall) is averaging 12.1 & & 5.8 and along with veteran center Valanciunas (14.8 & 10.0) and veteran SF Crowder (9.8 & 6.2) give Memphis a formidable frontcourt.

I noted at the top that Memphis has won 10 of 13 since last playing (and losing to) Denver and that includes a 7-1 mark here at  FedEx Forum. Memphis is playing VERY well right now and why did this contest open pick (I took plus-1), when Denver recently was getting plus-4 at 15-32 Minnesota and at 18-26 New Orleans? Memphis is the play.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Mia Heat at 7:35 ET.

The Orlando Magic are second in the Southeast Division to the Miami Heat but sit 11 games back, as the Magic are just 21-26, while the Heat are 31-14. The Heat currently own the East's No. 3 seed, as they are mired in a five-team 'scrum' (No. 2 and No, 6 seeds are separated by only 2 1/2 games). Despite being FIVE games under .500, the Magic own the No. 7 seed and are 4 1/2 games clear of the East's 'cut line.' The two Florida-based teams meet Monday in Miami, both coming off losses to the LA Clippers. The Heat dropped a 122-117 decision Friday night, falling to 20-2 at home. As for the Magic, playing hours after the NBA world was rocked by the news of Kobe Bryant's sudden death, offered much less resistance to the Clippers in Sunday's 112-97 loss.

Orlando 'limps' into Miami off an 0-3 homestand and the Magic find themselves just 2-5 since veteran point guard D.J. Augustin (10.7 & 4.7 APG) went down with a knee injury. Carter-Williams is trying to fill some of the gaps and chipped in eight assists along with seven rebounds while committing zero turnovers in 23 minutes during Sunday's loss. Terrence Ross has ZERO starts in his 45 appearances this season but has added need scoring off the bench, averaging 13.4 PPG. However, he was held to eight against the Clippers while shooting 3-of-15 overall, including 0-of-6 from three-point range. SG Fournier (19.0) leads the team in scoring at 19.0 PPG, while Vucevic is close behind at 18.8 PPG, while leading in rebounding (11.0). Gordon (13.3 & 7.2)  and Isaac (12.0 & 6.9) join him up front but Isaac won't play due to a knee injury.

Butler leads the Heat in points (20.3), assists (6.5) and steals (1.8). He had 20 points in Friday's loss but is questionable for this one due to an ankle injury. The Heat have been missing Winslow for some time now but also saw key players Kendrick Nunn (foot) and Goran Dragic (calf) miss vs the Clippers. Nunn is an undrafted rookie averaging 16.2 PPG and Dragic a veteran PG who has come off the bench to average 15.8 & 5.0 APG. The 6-9 Bam Adebayo has thrived with more playing time (with the Whiteside trade), averaging 15.9-10.4-4.7 with a team-leading 24 double-doubles. 6-7 second-year player Robinson (11.9) has been a steady contributor all season plus while Leonard (6.0 & 4.9) typically starts at center, Olynyk adds 7.8 & 4.6 off the bench. With Nunn and Dragic both out on Friday, Dion Waiters scored 14 points in his season debut after serving three suspensions.

We won't know to game-time about Butler, Dragic and Nunn but Waiters can play, as he's averaged 13.2 PPG in his career (1st season was back in 2012-13). I also didn't mention rookie guard Herro (13.3), who has stepped up with extra "PT" the last two games to score 44 points. The Magic are just 8-15 on the road and 1-6 SU on the back end of back-to-back games on the season. Meanwhile, Miami has an advantage with the extra rest (off since Friday) and note the Heat are 9-1 (8-2 ATS) this season when they have at least two days off before a game. Let's also NOT forget Miami's 20-2 SU (15-6-1 ATS) here at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Good luck...Larry

My NBA 10* Game of the Week is on the Den Nuggets at 3:35 ET.

The Houston Rockets broke a four-game losing streak by beating the Nuggets 121-105 in Houston on Wednesday. The Rockets followed up that win with a 131-124 victory at Minnesota on Friday, as Russell Westbrook had 45 points, six rebounds and 10 assists. Westbrook had 28-16-8 in the win over Denver and his surge has helped cover a slump from fellow former MVP James Harden, who went 3-of-13 from the floor and finished with a season-low 12 points in the win over the Timberwolves. The Nuggets rebounded from their loss at Houston by holding off Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans in a 113-106 on Friday to finish off a three-game trip at 2-1. Denver is 31-14 (No. 4 seed in the West) and 4 1/2 games back of the top-seeded Lakers, while Houston is 28-16, SEVEN games back of the Lakers (currently own the No. 5 seed).

Westbrook (25.8-8.1-7.4) is averaging 34.2 points on 57 percent shooting over the last five game,while Harden (36.1-6.2-7.3) is trending in the opposite direction, shooting 33.3 percent over the last five games, including 6-of-44 from beyond the arc (13.6%). Of greater concern here, he's questionable for Sunday due to a thigh contusion. Houston SG Eric Gordon is averaging 26 points over the last two games and is rounding back into form. He's played in just 20 of Houston's 44 games this season but is now up to 14.5 PPG, just below his career average of 16.6 PPG. Center Capela (14.4 & 14.0) is a steady presence, as is PF Tucker (7.6 & 71.). SF House (10.0) has started 29 games and SG McLemore (9.9) has started 15.

The Nuggets were down three starters (Murray, Millsap and Harris) and two reserves (Michael Porter Jr. and Mason Plumlee) in Wednesday's loss at Houston but they got Gary Harris and Porter back Friday night when they beat the Pelicans in New Orleans. Porter (7.4 & 3.9) was excellent on Friday, with 15 points and 10 rebounds in 24 minutes. PG Murray (17.6-4.1-4.6), PF Millsap (11.9 & 5.8) and Plumlee (7.4 & 5.6) will all miss again, here. However, Denver's strength is its depth. Center Jokic leads the team in scoring (19.6), rebounding (10.0) and assits (6.4) plus SF Barton has stayed relatively injury free (has played an started 42 of 45 games), averaging 14.9-6.6-3.7. Harris (10.9) is a solid player plus PF Grant (10.6 & 3.5), PG Morris (7.6 7 3.5 APG) and SG Beasley (7.5) will all be happy to get more minutes. .Even point guard PJ Dozier has played well in spurts (7.3 PPG in about 14 minutes per game in six contests), after getting called up from the G-League

Denver was the NBA's best home team last season (34-7) but has not been quite that good so far this season (17-6). However, the home team has won the last SIX meetings in this series, including Denver's 105-95 triumph over visiting Houston back on Nov 20. Remember, Harden may not play, could be limited or could just continue his poor shooting. 'The price is sure right' in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on the Utah Jazz at 5:05 ET.

The Utah Jazz have won 18 of their last 20 games to, at 31-13, pull into the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference, 4 1/2 game behind the Lakers. Four teams are within 'shouting distance' (three games) of the Jazz, including their opponent tonight, the 28-16 Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks have won FOUR of five and more notably, own a 15-5 SU road record. Only the 20-4 Lakers and 19-4 Bucks own better away records.

The Mavericks survived a barrage of three-pointers from the Trail Blazers in a 133-125 victory at Portland on Thursday with their own, knocking down 22 from beyond the arc and shooting 51.6 percent from the floor. That contest marked  Dallas' first game playing  without center Dwight Powell, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Tuesday's loss to the LA Clippers. Powell was averaging 9.4 & 5.7 but was an important part of the team. Porzingis (17.1 & 9.2) was in the middle most of the night and he responded with 20 points and five rebounds while Luka Doncic led SEVEN scorers in double figures with 27 points. Doncic has elevated his game beyond what he showed a season ago, when he captured NBA Rookie of the Year honors, posting a Westbrook-like season (29.1-9.6-9.0). Hardaway (14.3) and Seth Curry (10.6) are the only other Mavericks in double digits.

Depth is NOT an issue for the Jazz. SF Bogdanovic (21.1 & 4.1) and PG Conley (13.0 & 4.3 APG) were the team's major off-season acquisitions and although Conley has underwhelmed, the Jazz were able to 'steal' Clarkson away from the Cavs, when Gonley was sidelined. He's been OUTSTANDING, playing in 14 games while averaging 14.4 PPG, as the Jazz are 13-1 since he joined the team. Mitchell (24.7-4.2-4.2) remains Utah's best player but center Gobert (15.6 & 14.5) could be its most valuable. Ingles (10.9-4.2-5.0) gives Utah SIX double digit scorers plus four more players chip in between 5.9 & 7.8 PPG.

Much of Gobert's effectiveness starts with his willingness to do little things to get teammates going. He is one the best in the league in creating screen assists. His energy in locking down on the defensive end also gives them confidence that they can do their job. He is averaging 17.7 points, 15.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in January. The Jazz are 16-4 ATS during their current stretch of  winning 18 of 20 and the team's last three wins have come by an average margin of 28.3 points.The Mavs are said to be in the process of acquiring big man Willie Cauley-Stein from the Warriors but facing the Jazz (and Gobert) without a quality center, spells bad news. This is the first meeting of the year for these teams but the Jazz took three of the four meetings last season, including both games at home by margins of 15 and 16 points. Nothing much changes here, as this price is WAAAY to 'cheap.'

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Mia Heat at 8:05 ET.

It's an East vs West matchup Friday night in South Beach, as the Clippers take on the Heat. The Clippers are 31-14, FIVE games back of the Lakers for the West;s best record but just a half-game back of the Jazz for the West's No. 2 seed (Nuggets are just a half-game back of the Clippers plus the Mavs are only 2 1/2 games back). The Heat check in at 31-13 and that leaves them second to only the NBA-best Bucks in the East. Of course, Milwaukee's 98-6 record gives them an EIGHT-game lead over Miami. Catching Milwaukee may be a 'bride too far' for any East team but there is a rel 'scrum' right behind the Bucks, as the while the Heat are currently the No. 2 seed, Miami's margin over the East's No. 6 seed is only THREE games.

The LA Clippers are 12-10 on the road, after dropping a 102-95 decision to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. Paul George (23.5-7.4-5.0) has missed SEVEN straight games due to a strained left hamstring and will not play here. However, Kawhi Leonard will return to the lineup after sitting out on the second end of a back-to-back in the loss to the Hawks. He's averaging 27.1-7.4-5.0 on the season and has been OUTSTANDING in averaging 36 points during a stretch of six straight 30-point outings, the franchise's best such streak since scoring machine Lloyd Free put together 11 straight during the 1979-80 season when the club was located in San Diego. Without Leonard and George, LA held a 19-point halftime lead against the Hawks, before being outscored 61-35 in the second half. Backup PF Montrezl Harrell (19.4 & 7.2) scored 30 points for his fifth 30-point effort of the season. He and Low Williams (19.9 & 6.1 APG) typically come off the bench but with George out and guard Beverley (8.3-6.0-4.0) out tonight with a groin injury, Doc Rivers may start Williams again (not his preferred role).

Miami let a 21-point lead get away at home on Wednesday vs the Wizards, before escaping with a 134-129 overtime victory. That gives the Heat an NBA-best 20-1 home record plus the Heat are a PERFECT 8-0 in OT games this season. Jimmy Butler (20.3-7.0-6.5) had 24 points and 10 assists against Washington, while undrafted rookie Nunn (16.2) added 14 points and PG Goran Dragic (15.8 & 5.0 APG) produced a big game off the bench with 22 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. However, all three are questionable for this game with nagging injuries. That said, with the Clippers in town and the Heat not playing again until Monday, I'm not buying all three will miss. By the way, rookie guard Herro (13.3 & 4.1) scored 25 points off the bench vs Washington and made seven 3-pointers to set a franchise record for most by a rookie. The 6-9 Adebayo has thrived with more playing time (with the Whiteside trade), averaging 15.8-10.5-4.6 with a team-leading 24 double-doubles. 6-7 second-year player Robinson (11.8) has been a steady contributor all season plus while Leonard (6.1 & 5.0) typically starts at center, Olynyk adds 7.5 & 4.5 off the bench. There has also been a James Johnson 'sighting' lately, as the former 2009 first round pick recently played In a season-high 29 minutes and scored  22 points when Butler sat out Monday against Sacramento.

My point is, I'd obviously prefer "all hands on deck," but a few 'missing pieces' will NOT get me off Miami here, as a home dog (20-1 SU at home, remember?). The George-less and Beverley-less Clippers are playing their FOURTH game in seven days. Take the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* West Conf Game of the Month is on the Hou Rockets at 8:05 ET.

The Rockets lost their showdown last Saturday at home vs the Lakers 124-115, despite LA playing without A.D. Houston then welcomed OKC to the Toyota Center on MLK Day and took an 87-71 into the fourth quarter, before collapsing as the Thunder outscored the Rockets 41-20! Houston (26-16) takes the court tonight against the Nuggets looking to snap a four-game losing streak, one in which Harden is shooting an abysmal 9-of-51 over that four-game span. Denver won 107-100 at Minnesota on Monday in the opener of a three-game road trip, its SIXTH win in eight games. The Nuggets have scored 100 or more points in each of their last 21 games and are 16-5 during the stretch. Denver is currently 30-13 (tied with Utah), just a half-game back of the Clippers, as that trio chases the Lakers for the top-seed in the West,

Denver is led by center Nikola Jokic, who is again (just like last season), leading the team in scoring (19.4), rebounding (10.0) and assists (6.3). However, the Nuggest also own arguably the deepest team in the league. However, here's the rub. Swingman Will Barton (15.2-6.7-3.7) had 18 points and center Nikola Jokic 17 & 13 vs the T-wolves but they were the only regulars in the starting lineup on Monday, as power forward Paul Millsap (knee), shooting guard Gary Harris (groin) and point guard Jamal Murray (ankle) all remain sidelined. Murray averages 17.6-4.1-4.6, Millsap 11.9 & 5.8 and Harris 11.0. Millsap and Murray are out indefinitely, while Harris is listed as doubtful.  Millsap's absence has opened up more playing time for promising forward Michael Porter Jr. and he recorded 20 points and established career highs of 14 rebounds and four 3-pointers for his second career double-double against Minnesota.. "He's an amazing talent," Jokic told reporters. "You see how his ball is going into the hoop. It's a swoosh every time."

Harden (36.9-6.3-7.4) has scored fewer than 20 points in two of the last six games and has shot below 50 percent in his last SEVEN contests, after making 50 percent or better in the previous seven games. PG Russell Westbrook (25.3-7.9-7.3)  is on a roll with five straight 30-point efforts and has two triple-doubles in the past three games but to no avail, as Houston has lost FOUR in a row and FIVE of six. The Rockets were a defensive sieve in allowing 41 fourth-quarter points in the loss to OKC. Center Capela (14.3 & 14.2) and PF Tucker (7.7 & 7.1) both known for their defense, HAVE to do a better job.

Can (will?) the Rockets continue their funk? The Nuggets are nowhere 100 percent and the Rockets have won 11 of the last 13 meeting betwen the two teams. What's more, the Nuggets have dropped their last SEVEN games in Houston with the Rockets crushing the Nuggets by an average of 23 points the last three times in Houston (the most recent being, 130-104 this past Dec 31).

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Tor Raptors at 7:05 ET.

The 29-16 Philadelphia 76ers and the 29-14 Toronto Raptors square off Wednesday in Toronto, as both teams are part of the 'scrum' that sees FIVE teams separated by only 2 1/2-games (No. 2 thru No. 6 sees) in the East Conference, all chasing the NBA-best Milwaukee Bucks (30-13 Miami currently owns the No. 2 seed, EIGHT games back of Milwaukee). The 76ers are playing without All Star center Joel Embiid (23.4 & 12.3), who last played back on Jan 6. The Sixers won their first game without Embiid, lost their next two but enter this game on a FOUR-game winning streak. The Raptors have fought through injuries early on to Lowry and Ibalka and more recently to Siakam, VanVleet, Powell and Gasol. However, through it all, Toronto has "held its own" and is currently the East's No. 3 seed.

The 76ers won 117-111 at Brooklyn on Monday, as PG Ben Simmons (16.0-7.8-8.5) finished with a triple-double (34-12-12) while adding five steals. Forwards Harris (19.3 & 6.7) and Horford (12.6& 6.5) plus guard Richardson (15.4) join Simmons in the starting lineup but with Embiid sidelined, Horford has moved over to the center position, with the Sixers having started both PF Scott (5.6 & 3.4) and rookie guard Thybulle (4.7) in recent games.

When "all hands are on deck," Toronto has a deep team. PF Siakam (23.7 & 7.4) has played at an All Star level, while PG Lowry (20.1-4.5-7.6) has been an All Star regular. VanVleet (18.4 & 6.7 APG) has carried his strong play in LY's NBA Finals into this season, while SG Powell (15.8), PF Ibaka (14.9 & 8.4) and SF Anunoby (11.0 & 5.7) are all in double digits. Center Gasol checks in at 7.5 & 6.4

Siakam returned Jan 12 and after the Raptors lost his first game back, they have won FOUR in a row, averaging 128.5 PPG. Powell returned at the same time and has topped 20 points in each game, averaging 23.6 points. Van Vleet has been back for just the last two, but he's scored 49 points! How can one trust Philly away from home (especially without Embiid), as the Sixers had lost SIX straight road games before back-to-back wins at the Knicks (12-32) and Nets (18-24). The Raptors have beaten the 76ers 11 of the last 12 times at home. Lay the reasonable number.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Late-Breaker is on the Ut Jazz at 8:05 ET.

The Utah Jazz saw their 10-game winning streak come to an end at New Orleans on Thursday in a 138-132 loss at New Orleans. However, they had no problems getting right back into the win column by shooting 50.6 percent from the floor and riding a 28-point effort by Rudy Gobert in a 123-101 rout on the Sacramento Kings on Friday night. The now 29-13 Jazz are tied with the Nuggets for the West's third-best record, just a half-game back of the LA Clippers. Utah completes a quick two-game homestand by hosting the streaking Indiana Pacers on Monday. The Pacers began a five-game road trip Sunday night with their FIFTH straight win, rallying to beat Denver 115-107. Doug McDermott hit 6-of-7 from three-point range en route to a season-high 24 points in just 21 minutes, while Domantas Sabonis recorded his first career triple-double (22-15-10) as Indiana improved to28-15. The Pacers are currently the East's No. 5 seed but as FIVE teams chase the 38-6 Bucks (closest team is EIGHT games back), the East's No. 2 thru No. 6 seeds are separated by just TWO games.

 Indiana is scheduled to get Victor Oladipo back on Jan 29 but this team has sure done an excellent job without him. McDermott (10.0) is just one FOUR role players making significant contributions. The Holidays, Aaron (10.2 & 5.2 APG) and Justin (8.0 & 3.4) plus PG McConnell (6.7 & 5.2 APG) round out the 'foursome.' TJ Warren was a scorer for the Suns and he currently leads Indiana by averaging 18.2 PPG. Sabonis (18.0 & 13.0) has developed into an All Star, while PG Brogdon (17.8-4.5-7.5) has become a team-leader with Oladipo sidelined. SG Lamb (12.9 & 4.8) and center Turner (12.3 & 5.9) round out the team's typical starting-five (when all are healthy).

Gobert (13.1 & 14.5) centers the defense, while Mitchell (24.7-4.4-4.3) continues to prove that he was the 'steal' of the 2017 draft. Bogdanovich (21.3 & 4.1) is a reliable point-producer and SF Ingles (11.0-4.3-4.9) is an "under the radar' good player. Green, Mudiay and O'Neale have all contributed and when PG Conley went down, Clarkson was picked up from Cleveland. He's played 12 games and averaged 15.4 PPG, as the Jazz have gone 11-1 (lone loss in OT at New Orleans) in those contests. Utah's already deep lineup was bolstered Saturday by the return of Mike Conley (13.1 & 4.6 APG, who missed 19 of the previous 20 games with a left hamstring strain. "Mike is a key piece of what we want to do. I know we didn't want to rush him but it's great to have him back," Gobert told reporters.

Yes the Pacers have won FIVE in a row but the Jazz have gone 16-2 SU & 14-4 ATS over their last 18 games and on the season, are 16-3 SU at home. Indiana is in a tough scheduling spot, coming off a win last night in Denver. Playing "at altitude" and with no rest against the red-hot Jazz, who should remember losing121-102 back on Nov 27 at Bakers Life Fieldhouse. Lay the points. Good luck...Larry

My 10* Rivalry 'MONSTER' is on the Bos Celtics at 7:35 ET.

The Boston Celtics are clearly in a rut, as Saturday's 123-119 loss to the Phoenix Suns was their SIXTH loss in eight games. Boston is now 27-14 on the season and finds itself as the East's No. 4 seed, just 1 1/2 games back of the No. 2 seed (Miami) but also just a half-game up on the No. 6 seed (Philadelphia). Meanwhile, the Lakers have managed to survive a big absence on their end by going 4-1 in the five games that Anthony Davis (27.1 & 9.4) has missed with a back issue. LeBron James scored 31 points and three others hit the 20-point mark in Saturday's 124-115 triumph at Houston, LA's 10th win in 11 games overall. LA visits Boston at 34-8, giving them a 4 1/2-game lead in the West.

LBJ was 13-of-25 from the floor and handed out 12 assists Saturday night to help Los Angeles bounce back from a one-point home loss to Orlando three days earlier. James (25.5-7.7-10.9) leads the entire NBA in assists. Kyle Kuzma (13.2) added 23 points while starting again in place of Davis, who is expected to return soon. The Lakers start McGee (7.1 & 5.9) at center, while Howard (7.6 & 7.5) comes off the bench.LA has a bevy of backcourt players, none of whom average in double digits, but who seemingly "take turns" at making game by game impacts. Recent case in point is Caldwell-Pope (9.7), who has averaged 18.5 points over the past two games.

Boston's Saturday loss came Kemba Walker (knee) and Jaylen Brown (thumb) sidelined. Walker is averaging 22.1-4.0-4.9 and Brown 20.0 & 6.9. Both could play here (fingers crossed). Tatum (21.3 & 7.0), Hayward (16.3-6.0-4.1) and Smart (12.5 & 4.7 APG) are sure to be ready, with Smart coming off a game in which he set the franchise-record for three-pointers (has 11 vs the Suns).
Tatum is averaging 26.3 over his last four games. Theis (7.7 & 6.0) has started 36 of 37 games this season up front, while Kanter (9.1 & 8.1) comes off the bench to give Boston a more traditional center.

Obviously, Walker and Brown joining the fray would be helpful but I'm backing the Celtics here regardless, expecting the Lakers to bring out the best in whomever takes the court tonight at TD Garden for Boston. As the chant goes..."Beat LA!"

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Hou Rockets at 5:05 ET.

Oklahoma City and Houston made a blockbuster trade last off-season, one which was supposed to help the Thunder rebuild and propel the Rockets to greater things. However, that hasn't been the case. The Rockets hardly looked like a Western Conference favorite last Saturday night, losing 124-115 against the Lakers, who were playing without Anthony Davis. Houston has dropped four of its last five (three in a row) and at 26-15 is 7 1/2 games back of the top-seed Lakers. Meanwhile, OKC' s 119-106 win over Portland on Saturday improved the Thunder to 16-7 over their last 23 games and at 24-19, are the West's No. 7 seed, just THREE games back of Houston.

Former Rocket Chris Paul (16.7-5.0-6.5) traded for one-time Oklahoma City superstar Russell Westbrook last July, led the way with 30 points against the Blazers. Gilgeous-Alexander (20.0-5.8-3.1) chipped in 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in the win over the Blazers, as he and Paul helped Oklahoma City shot 51.8 percent despite playing without No. 2 scorer Danilo Galinari (19.0 & 5.6), who was rested (a common practice these days).Depth is an issue for OKC, as Backup PG Schroder (18.2-3.8-3.8) and center Adams (11.6 & 9.9) round out the Thunder's regular contributors.

The arrival of Westbrook was meant to get Houston over the hump in the West but the team reached the halfway point of the season Saturday, staring up at FIVE other teams in the conference standings.In Saturday's loss to the Lakers, Harden (37.1-6.2-7.5) had 34 points and Westbrook (25.1-7.8-7.2) ahd 35 but Houston's other three starters combined to score just 23 points on 9 of 24 shooting (37.5%). Westbrook has FOUR straight games of 30 points or more, the first Rocket other than Harden to do that since 2006-07, but the Rockets have lost THREE of those four..

Here's the rub. The Rockets ARE struggling, as the four losses in their current 1-4 swoon have come by an average 12.8 points. Harden is shooting 33.7 percent from the floor in the four defeats. It is no coincidence that Harden's struggles parallel the Rockets' woes. He had reeled off seven consecutive games of 50 percent or better shooting from the floor, averaging 36.6 points and eight assists while the Rockets won SIX of those seven contests. Since that sizzling stretch, the Rockets are 2-4 with three consecutive losses, while Harden has averaged 29.9 points and 6.8 assists on 33.6 percent shooting, including 27 percent from behind the arc. However, a visit from OKC should give Houston plenty of motivation. Harden scored 40 points in a 116-112 win over Oklahoma City at home back on Oct 28 plus expect center Capela, having a "career season" in averaging 14.4 & 14.4, to outplay Adams, who has been bothered by a knee issue. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on the Mia Heat at 5:00 ET.

The Miami Heat entered the 4th quarter of their Sunday game in San Antonio down just two points but were only able to score 18 points in a 107-102 loss. It marked the team's THIRD loss in five games but Miami has to be happy by its results so far. The Heat missed the playoffs last season by two games (39-43) but are currently 29-13, a record better than ALL teams in the East save the one which plays in Milwaukee. The Heat return to Miami on Monday to open a five-game homestand, as they welcome the struggling Sacramento Kings to AmericanAirlines Arena. The 15-27 Kings are near the bottom of the Western Conference standings and have dropped FOUR straight contests, allowing 122.8 PPG during their skid.

Sacramento does NOT lack for talent, as SEVEN players are averaging in double digits, led by an outstanding guard duo. SG Buddy Hield leads the team in scoring at 20.1 PPG (adds 5.0 RPG & 3.1 APG), while PG Fox averages 19.3-4.4-7.3. Fox has been outstanding in January, averaging 23.8 points on 51.8 percent shooting from the floor with 8.4 assists in eight game. PF Marvin Bagley III (14.2 & 6.8) is averaging 15.7 points and 6.7 rebounds in three games since returning from nearly three weeks off, but left Saturday’s game with a sore foot and is questionable.Fellow PF Bejelko (12.1 & 6.5) is also questionable with an ankle issue. SF Barnes (15.2 & 4.9), Bogdanovich (14.4) and PG Holmes (13.1 & 8.5) round out the team's double digit scorers. However, the rugged 6-10 Holmes is out for at least two weeks due to a shoulder injury. The injury 'bug' continues to plague this team.

The 6-9 Adebayo has double-doubles in two of the last three games, averaging 18.7 points along with 12.3 boards in that stretch. With the trade of Whiteside, he's thrived with more playing time, averaging 16.0-10.5-4.6 with a team-leading 24 double-doubles. The 6-7 Butler was the team's major off-season acquisition and he's delivered, averaging 20.2-7-0-6.4 but major surprises have been undrafted rookie guard Nunn (16.0) and 6-7 second-year player Robinson (11.8). Veteran PG Dragic comes off the bench and is averaging 15.5 & 4.9 APG. Leornard (6.1 & 5.0) typically starts at center, although Olynyk adds 7.4 & 4.4 off the bench. This year's first round pick was Kentucky guard Herro (13.1 & 4.3) and he's been solid, He returned Sunday after missing two games (knee), but did not score in nine minutes.

Miami's loss at San Antonio dropped then to 11-12 on the road but the Heat own the NBA's best home record at 18-1, going an impressive 14-4-1 ATS. This number seems awfully 'cheap' when one considers Sacramento was just a 9 1/2-point dog at Utah (Jan 18) plus got 12 points at Houston, nine at Philly and 10 1/2 points at the Lakers (to name just a few higher numbers). Expect Miami to roll here and the win comes "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the SA Spurs at 3:05 ET.

The Miami Heat missed the playoffs last season by two games (39-43). However, the Heat are currently 29-12, a record better than ALL teams in the East save the one which plays in Milwaukee. Miami owns the best home record in the NBA at 18-1 but the team's 115-108 win at OKC on Friday improved them to just .500 (11-11) on the road Friday. The Heat are in San Antonio on Sunday to take on the Spurs and will then return to Miami for a five-game homestand. The 17-23 Spurs welcome Miami to San Antonio is danger of finishing with a losing record for the first time since the 1996-97 season.

Miami leaned on its offensive balance in Friday's road win, as SEVEN players scored in double figures. Rookie guard Kendrick Nunn scored a team-high 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting to reach 20 or more for the third consecutive game. This undrafted player has been a HUGE surprise, as he's averaging PPG. 6-7 swingman Butler (20.3-7.0-6.4) was the team's big off-season acquisition and he's delivered. However, MAJOR contributions have come from Nunn, the team's No. 1 pick of the 2019 draft Herro (13.4 & 4.4) and second-year player Robinson (11.8). Veteran PG Dragic has missed some games and has started just ONE of the 31 he's played, but he's averaging a healthy 15.4 PPG & 5.0 APG. SF Winslow (11.3-6.6-4.0) has played just 11 games. He's missed but Miami has continued to play well. Not to be overlooked is the 6-9 Bam Adebayo, whose opportunity to play a bigger role emerged once Whiteside was traded. After averaging 8.0 & 6.5 in his first two seasons, he's averaging 15.9-10.4-4.6 this year, with a team-leading 23 double-doubles.

The Spurs played well Wednesday in Miami but fell, 106-100. San Antonio then squandered a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter in losing a 121-120 decision to the Eastern Conference-worst Atlanta Hawks. "We were not solid down the stretch, and I think that's what's bitten us in the (rear) the whole year, where all of a sudden the game plan goes to hell," Spurs hea coach Gregg Popovich told reporters. "People should have left and asked for their money back after the first half." No wonder Pop felt that way. Atlanta had dropped 21 straight games at San Antonio before edging the Spurs on Friday. DeMar DeRozan (22.7-5.4-5.2) and Aldridge (19.1 & 7.5) have led the Spurs all season. However, FIVE more players are averaging between 9.5 and 11.8 PPG. Forbes (11.3), Murray (10.2-6.0-4.1) and Lyles (4.7 & 5.9) typically fill out the team's starting-five. PGs Mills (11.8) and White (9.5 & 3.0 APG) plus SF Gay (10.7 & 5.8) are the regular contributors off the bench.

Miami had dropped FOUR of its previous five games away from home before winning Friday at OKC and the Heat haven't swept a road trip longer than ONE game this season. San Antonio's DeRozan had 25 points against Atlanta on 9-of-18 shooting, his 13th consecutive game shooting 50 percent or better from the floor. He also had NINE assists and has now scored 20-plus points with three-plus assists in 13 straight games, as well. It's the second-longest such streak to Wilt 's 19. Spurs come up big and grab a much-needed win.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Total of the Week is on Orl/Gold St Over at 8:35 ET.

The Orlando Magic came to LA and split their back-to-back games against the Lakers and Clippers. The Magic knocked off the Lakers 119-118 on Wednesday but ran out of gas against the Clippers the next night, falling 122-95. However, the Magic are playing well enough as of late to not be satisfied with going 1-1 against two of the best teams in the league on the road.at 20-22, Orlando can get to .500 on the season with a win tonight at Golden St and Monday at Charlotte, as the team caps its six-game road trip. Meanwhile, the Warriors are putting up good fights against some of the best teams in the league but can't seem to find their way into the win column. suffered their 10 straight loss with a 134-131 overtime setback against Denver on Thursday. The 9-34 Warriors own the NBA's worst record, although the 10-33 Hawks are not far behind.

Orlando PG Markelle Fultz recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists against the Lakers but struggled along with the rest of his teammates against the Clippers, totaling 11 points on 5-of-17 shooting, five assists and four rebounds in 30 minutes. Fultz (11.7-3.4-46) is getting more time these days, with DJ Augustin (10.7 & 4.2 APG) sidelined for at east the next 3-to-4 weeks. Swingman Fournier (19.1) leads the team in scoring, followed by center Vucevic (18.9 & 11.1) and PG Gordon (13.6 & 7.3). Ross has come off the bench all season and is averaging 13.3 PPG.

Golden State showed some of the form that made it such a dangerous team over the last several years by handing out 36 assists on 42 Fgs and placing seven scorers in double figures on Thursday, but is still missing the talent that allowed it to throttle teams on both ends of the floor. The Warriors are missing go-to scorers with Stephen Curry (hand) and Klay Thompson (knee) injured and lack the defensive punch that Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston provided. D'Angelo Russell (23.1 & 6.2 APG) had 19 points despite his second straight woeful shooting performance. He followed up a 5-for-17 effort in Tuesday's 124-97 setback to Dallas with a 6-of-18 performance against the Nuggets. Alec Burks (15.9-3.9-4.7) led the team with 25 points in 32 minutes off the bench Thursday while Damion Lee, who signed a multi-year deal with the team on Wednesday, scored 21 points. He's averaging 12.7 & 5.3. Glenn Robinson III (12.3 & 4.8).

Here's the bottom line. Orlando leads the NBA by allowing just 104.3 PPG but just allowed 118 and 125 points in LA. Sure, the Warriors are NOT the Lakers or Clippers but I expect the Magic to have an easy time scoring against Golden St , which allows 113.7 PPG (20th). When these teams met back in Orlando on Dec 1, the final was100-96. the Magic won that one and should win this one but look for a MUCH higher scoring game.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the Bos Celtics at 7:05 ET.

The Boston Celtics opened the season 10-1 and were behind only Milwaukee in the East with a 25-8 mark through Jan 4. However, the Celtics have lost FIVE of seven since that time and find themselves right in the middle of FIVE teams fighting for the No. 2 thru No. 6 seeds in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks own the NBA's best record (37-6) and are SEVEN games ahead of No. 2 seed Miami but the Heat are just THREE game clear of Philly, the No. 6 seed (Boston is 27-13, 1.5 games back of Miami at No. 3). The 17-24 Phoenix Suns are far from a threat in the West and the team's "Jeykll and Hyde" personality showed this week. The Suns got off to a rough start on their three-game road trip with a 123-110 loss at Atlanta on Tuesday (Hawks are currently 10-32) but showed just how dangerous they can be in a 121-98 rout of the New York Knicks on Thursday.

Phoenix made a key change to the starting lineup on Thursday, as center Deandre Ayton (16.8 & 12.0 in 11 games this season) was elevated to the first unit and responded with a season-high 26 points and a career-best 21 rebounds. The former No. 1 overall pick had been coming off the bench behind Aron Baynes, who managed five points on 2-of-6 shooting in 15 minutes as a reserve on Thursday. PG Ricky Rubio missed Tuesday's contest due to the birth of his child but returned against New York and settled the team with 25 points and 13 assists > He's having a good season playing alongside Booker (26.2 & 6.3 APG), chipping in 13.6-4.8-9.4). The bad news from Thursday was that the Suns were also forced to start small forward Mikal Bridges in place of Kelly Oubre Jr. (18.3-5.1-6.3), who is in the concussion protocol and considered day-to-day.

The Celtics will try to take some of the fight they showed in the second half at Milwaukee on Thursday and translate it into a win on Saturday, as the Celtics open a three-game homestand. Boston trailed by as many as 27 points at Milwaukee but battled all the way back before falling 128-123 and felt good about the resiliency the team showed. "That was more Celtics basketball than we've seen in a while in the second half," coach Brad Stevens told reporters. "That was good. I was encouraged. But obviously, you can't give up 76 in the first. ... So again, I'm really encouraged by the second half, especially coming off the stretch we've come off of, to dig deep and give ourselves a chance. That was back to what we want to be." Kemba Walker scored 40 points on 14-of-23 shooting and has made all Celtic fans forget Kyrie, averaging 22.1-4.0-4.9. Jason Tatum has played very game, averaging 21.2 & 6.9., while Brown (20.0 & 6.9) and Hayward (16.0-5.9-4.0) give Boston two excellent wing players. Smart (11.3 & 4.6 APG) is the team's best defensive player and also a team-leader. The 6-8 Theis has started 31 of 35 games up front (7.6 & 6.1) and the 6-10 Kanter, a more traditional center, comes off the bench (just three starts) to add 9.2 & 8.2.

Boston has won EIGHT of its last 10 against the Suns, including a 99-85 win at Phoenix back on Nov 18. This "W" should come just as easily.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Inter-Conference Game of the Month (East/West) is on the OKC Thunder at 8:05 ET.

The Miami Heat missed the playoffs last season by two games (39-43). However, the Heat are currently 28-12, the best record of any team in the East save the one playing in Milwaukee (Bucks are an NBA-best 37-6). Miami improved to an NBA-best 18-1 at home with a 106-100 win over the Spurs on Wednesday but the Heat will play the next two games on the road, where they've gone 10-11. First up from Miami is a visit to Oklahoma City, to take on the 23-18 Thunder. OKC had won 12 of its previous 16 games but "forgot to bring its defense" Wednesday night at home vs the Raptors. The Thunder fell into a 30-point hole in the first half and would lose, 130-121, allowing Toronto to shoot 61.2 percent from the floor. OKC currently owns the West's No. 7 seed but is FIVE clear of the conference's playoff 'cut line.'

6-7 swingman Butler (20.5-6.9-6.4) was Miami's big off-season acquisition and he's delivered. However, MAJOR contributions have come from undrafted rookie Nunn (15.9), the team's No. 1 pick of the 2019 draft Herro (13.4 & 4.4) and second-year player Robinson (11.8). Veteran PG Dragic has missed some games and has started just ONE of the 30 he's played, but he's averaging a healthy 15.6 PPG & 5.0 APG. SF Winslow (11.3-6.6-4.0) has played just 11 games. He's missed but Miami has continued to play well. Not to be overlooked is the 6-9 Bam Adebayo, whose opportunity to play a bigger role emerged once Whiteside was traded. After averaging 8.0 & 6.5 in his first two seasons, he's averaging 15.8-10.4-4.6 this year, with a  team-leading 23 double-doubles.

Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander followed up his 20-point, 20-rebound, 10-assist triple-double with 21 points, six rebounds and six assists in Wednesday's loss. Gilgeous-Alexander (20.0-5.7-3.0) has scored 20 or more points in FIVE straight and seven of his last eight games and is shooting 53.8 percent from the floor in that span.He teams with perennial All Star GG Chris Paul (16.5-5.0-6.5) and backup PG Schroder (18.3-3.8-3.7) to forma 'deadly' perimeter trio.SF Gallanari (18.8 & 5.50 is a proven scorer plus Steven Adams (11.8 & 10.) remains a quality center. Adams (knee bruise) left Wednesday's game but is listed as probable.

OKC's depth (or lack thereof) is a concern but I'm going with the fact that Adams is listed as probable (injury updates have kept me off TOO many games, lately). Miami handed Philly its FIRST home loss of the current season back on  Dec 18 but have since gone just 1-4 SU on the road. On the season, the Heat are scoring 7.5 PPG fewer away from AmericanAirlines Arena. OKC is the play!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Phil 76ers at 7:05 ET.

The 26-16 Philadelphia 76ers improved to 19-2 at home with Wednesday's 117-106 win over the Brooklyn Nets and Friday night will welcome the 15-27 Chicago Bulls to Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers are without All-Star center Joel Embiid (23.6 & 12.4), while the Bulls had two more players go down in a 115-106 triumph over Washington on Wednesday. Rookie forward Daniel Gafford (4.8 & 2.4) went down with a dislocated thumb in the first quarter and is expected to miss 2-to-4 weeks plus forward Chandler Hutchinson (5.8 ) left in the fourth quarter with a shoulder issue and is listed day-to-day.Already sidelined are center Carter (11.7 & 9.9) plus SF Porter (11.2 & 3.4), who are both hoping to return after the All Star break.

Guiding Chicago through its injuries on Wednesday was guard Zach LaVine, who scored 30 points on 12-of-21 shooting and added seven assists and seven rebounds. LaVine scored at least 30 points in four of the last five contests to raise his season average to 24.6 point s (adds 4.6 RPG and 4.0 APG). There was balance throughout the lineup with SEVEN players scoring in double figures. Thaddeus Young, a former member of the Sixers, and Tomas Satoransky added 18 points apiece. Satoransky (10.3 & 5.3 APG) has been a steady contributor but Young (9.1 & 4.6) has fallen off his best seasons.

The 76ers need someone to step up with Embiid out of the lineup and Tobias Harris (19.6 & 6.8) was that guy on Wednesday. He scored NINE of his 34 points in the final 2:20 on Wednesday to help Philadelphia hold off the Nets, finishing 14-of-20 from the floor while adding 10 rebounds. Ben Simmons went for 20 points and 11 assists for his third consecutive double-double and is carrying a heavy load, averaging 39.5 minutes in six games this month, including 40 or more in each of the last two contests. Richardson (15.4) and Horford (12.5 & 6.6) also regularly start, while head coach Brown has started PF Scott (5.8 & 3.3) but also guard Thybulle (4.6) in place of Embiid. Guard Korkmaz (8.1) and SF Ennis (6.5) should also see more minutes with Embiid sittting out.

The Sixers have struggled mightily on the road (7-14) and with SEVEN of their next 10 away from home, they should be VERY focused here AT home. The Bulls are just 3-7 in their last 10 games and have lost FIVE of their last six meetings with Philly. The pointspread 'shrinks' without Embiid and I expect the 76ers to win "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Mia Heat at 7:35 ET.

The Miami Heat missed the playoffs last season by two games (39-43), with losses against sub-.500 teams, notably to high-lottery entrants Phoenix, Atlanta and Chicago, didn't help. However, the Heat are currently 27-12, leaving them just a half-game behind No. 2 seed in the East, Boston (all teams are chasing the Bucks). The Heat welcome the SA Spurs to AmericanAirlines Arena on Wednesday, having lost consecutive games for the FIRST time this season. The concerning theme being, both losses came to teams with inferior records (more later). San Antonio comes to Miami with a 17-21 record and let me state at the top, the Spurs last finished with a losing season back in 1996-97!

San Antonio has won three of its past four, including a 105-104 victory at defending champion Toronto on Sunday. Former Raptor DeMar DeRozan scored 25 points and had eight rebounds in his second appearance at Toronto following his trade to San Antonio for Kawhi Leonard before the 2018-19 season. The Spurs rallied from a 13-point deficit after three quarters. DeRozan (22.4-5.3-5.0) and Aldridge (18.9 & 7.6) lead the way, with Forbes (11.4), Murray (10.3-5.8-4.1) and Lyles (4.8 & 5.7) typically filling out the team's starting-five. PGs Mills (11.4) and White (9.5 & 3.1 APG) plus SF Gay (10.9 & 5.8) are the regular contributors off the bench.

6-7 swingman Butler (20.7-7.1-6.5) was the team's big off-season acquisition and he's delivered. However, MAJOR contributions have come from undrafted rookie Nunn (15.4), the team's No. 1 of the 2019 draft Herro (13.4 & 4.4) and second-year player Robinson (11.8). Veteran PG Dragic has missed some games and has started just ONE of the 29 he's played, but he's averaging a healthy 15.6 PPG & 5.0 APG. SF Winslow (11.3-6.6-4.0) has played just 11 games. He's missed but Miami has continued to play well. Not to be overlooked is the 6-9 Bam Adebayo, whose opportunity to play a bigger role emerged once Whiteside was traded. After averaging 8.0 & 6.5 in his first two seasons, he's averaging 15.8-10.4-4.5 this year, with a  team-leading 22 double-doubles.

The Spurs have looked better lately but despite going 9-4 ATS their last 13, SA still owns one of the NBA's worst ATS records on the season, at 15-22-1. Only Detroit (14-26-1) and Portland (15-24-2) are worse. Home is where the 'heart' is and Miami is 17-1 SU, as well as 13-4-1 ATS. Lay the points, as the Heat avoid THREE straight losses in a big way.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the Bos Celtics at 7:05 ET.

The Boston Celtics opened the season 10-1 and were behind only Milwaukee in the East with a 25-8 mark through Jan 4. However, the Celtics have lost a season-high three straight games, as they get set to welcome the 14-25 New Orleans Pelicans to the TD Garden. Boston's slide began with a 99-94 loss at sad-sack Washington, followed by Boston getting run off its own court 129-114 by the Spurs on Wednesday. Then came Thursday's TNT 109-98 loss on the road against Philadelphia, which played without injured Joel Embiid. Zion Williamson (knee) is closing in on his NBA debut, as he was on the floor working out before last night's game at MSG vs the Knicks. The Pelicans opened a three-game road trip with a 123-111 victory vs the Knicks, the team's EIGHTH in its last 11 outings.

The Pelicans got three players from the Lakers for A.D, with none making a bigger impact than SF Ingram (25.4-6.9-4.2). Then there is Lonzo Ball (12.15.2-5.7), who recorded his second double-double in four games Friday with 15 points and 11 assists, while Josh Hart (10.9 & 5.8) produced his fourth double-double of the season, after scoring 13 and adding 10 rebounds. Holiday (19.6-4.9-6.5) was already an established player plus FA agent addition Redick (15.7) can regularly be counted on.

Kemba Walker (22.1-3.8-5.1) has made all Celtic fans forget Kyrie, while Tatum has played very game, averaging 20.8 & 6.9. Brown (20.1 & 7.0) and Hayward (16.3-6.0-4.1) give Boston two excellent wing players. Smart (11.9 & 4.6 APG) is the team's best defensive player and also a team-leader. The 6-8 Theis has started 32 of 33 games up front (7.5 & 6.0) and the 6-10 Kanter, a more traditional center, comes off the bench (just three starts) to add 8.7 & 8.2.

As Zion's return gets closer, New Orleans continues to recover from a shaky 6-22 start but while the Celtics rank second in the league in scoring defense (104.4 PPG),  the Pelicans rank 27th (116.5 PPG). The Pelicans come into Boston on an 8-0-1 ATS run but after THREE straight losses and four straight ATS home losses, the Celtics figure to be in "just the right mood" to 'lay one on,' the Pelicans. That's my bet!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Total of the Week is on Cha/Ut Over at 9:05 ET.

The Utah Jazz  lost 104-90 at OKC back on Dec 9 (sixth lost in eight games) but have since won 12 of 13 to move to 25-12. Utah is currently the West's No. 5 seed but the Jazz are just ONE game behind the West's No. 2 seed! The Charlotte Hornets visit Salt Lake City tonight and enter having lost EIGHT of 10. The Hornets are only 15-25 but are still 'thinking' postseason, as the East's No. 7 and No. 8 seeds are just 18-20 and 16-20, respectively.

Charlotte lost 112-110 in OT to the visiting Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. Terry Rozier scored 27 points in the loss to the Raptors and is averaging 28.5 points over the past four games. He's averaging 18.3-4.3-4.4 on the season, just behind fellow guard Devonte Graham (18.9-3.9-7.8). Both were 1st round draft picks and that's a theme as one scrolls down the team's roster. Bear with me. PF Washington (12.5 & 5.5), Miles Bridges (12.5 & 5.6). Cody Zellar (11.7 & 7.4), Malik Monk (8.7) Bismack Biyombo (7.5 & 5.9) and Marvin Williams (7.3) are also ALL 1st round picks. Should this team really be 10 games below .500?

Utah thought signing free-agent PG Conley would be HUGE but Conley (13.6 PPG on 36.5% shooting) has underwhelmed and it CAN'T go unnoticed that he's played in just ONE of Utah's games during its 12-1 streak! Backup point guard Emmanuel Mudiay scored a season-high 20 points in the Wednesday's 128-104 win over the Knicks and he said the team's style of play allows everybody on the roster to contribute. "I think the main thing is getting out in transition. Playing fast-ball basketball and we've been doing a great job of that. It's just fun. Everybody's touching it and everybody's feeling involved, that's the main thing." Mudiay is averaging 7.8 PPG (zero starts). Mitchell (24.7-4.5-4.4) is a star, Bogdanvich is averaging a a career-high 20.9 PPG in his first season with Utah and center Gobert (14.6 & 10.8) just continues to produce.

The Jazz have won their last 12 home meetings with the Hornets and are a superb 24-5 against them in games played in Salt Lake City. Utah won both games vs the Hornets last season and beat them 114-107 in Charlotte earlier this season. Those three finals averaged 221.3 PPG and is one of the reasons I'm playing this game "over." More importantly, Utah has topped 100 points in all 13 games of its 12-1 run, averaging a 'healthy' 114.7 PPG in that stretch. Maintaining that average here against the Hornets should not be difficult, meaning that if the Hornets have a "typical" effort (Charlotte averageds104.6 PPG), this contest should safely go over the total. I expect the final to in the mid-220s or higher.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Game of the Month (East) is on the Ind Pacers at 7:05 ET.

The 26-10 Miami Heat are an NBA-best 17-1 at home but the team is a modest  9-9 on the road. The Heat travel to Indianapolis on Wednesday night to take on the 23-14 Indiana Pacers, who are 15-4 this season at Bakers Life Fieldhouse. Miami averaged 114.8 points during a five-game winning streak (Dec 18-28), but then dropped a 123-105 decision at Washington, survived an 84-76 defensive battle with Toronto and then offered up little resistance in a 105-85 setback at Orlando last Friday. However, Miami bounced back with a 122-111 home win over Portland on Sunday, despite missing All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler, who was scratched due to back tightness. The Pacers finished off a two-game trip with a 115-104 win at Charlotte on Monday, playing without PG Malcolm Brogdon (back).

The Heat have been idle since beating the Portland on Sunday night and are hoping the 6-7Jimmy Butler (20.4-6.9-6.6) can go (he's listed as questionable). Even without Butler, the Heat shot 52.2 percent, including 18 of 44 on three-pointers (40.9 percent). "It doesn't matter to us who's playing or not," PG Dragic said. "We don't make excuses." Dragic has missed 10 games (26 games / one start) but is averaging 15.9 & 5.0 APG. The Heat have played the past 15 games without point forward Justise Winslow (12.4-7.1-4.3), who has a back injury. However, undrafted rookie Nunn (15.4) and Herro (13.3 & 4.7), the 13th pick in LY's draft, have made HUGE contributions. Then there is 6-9 Center Bam Adebayo, whose opportunity to play a bigger role emerged once Whiteside was traded. After averaging 8.0 & 6.5 in his first two seasons, he's averaging 15.6-10.6-4.5 this year, with a team-leading 22 double-doubles.

Indiana is still waiting for Victor Oladipo to return but the Pacers have really "held their own" in the East, as they are SIXTH in the conference and only 3 1/2 games back of Boston (current No. 2 seed). Brogdon (17.7-4.4-7.4) has been the team-leader but is again questionable. SF Warren scored a season-high 36 points on 15-of-24 shooting against the Hornets and is averaging 22 points over his last seven games to raise his season average to 18.3. The 6-11 Domantas Sabonis (17.8 & 13.0) is having a terrific season and recorded 18 points and 12 rebounds on Monday for his 29th double-double. The 6-11 Myles Turner has missed eight games due to injury but he is chipping in 12.6 & 5.8. SG Lamb (14.1) is back in the lineup after missing a couple of games (groin) plus the Pacers have similar depth to Miami, with the two Holidays (Aaron averages 10.5 and Justin 7.7 & 3.4), McDermott (9.5) and McConnell (7.0 & 5.3 APG).

The Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers had a lot of playoff history against each other from 2004 to 2014 but these teams don't resemble those squads. Miami earned a 113-112 home win over Indiana on Dec 27 but it's "Indiana's turn" tonight at Bankers Life Fieldhouse!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Phi 76ers at 7:05 ET.

The Philadelphia 76ers celebrated Christmas with a resounding 121-109 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, who have owned the NBA's best record for almost the entire season (Bucks are currently 32-5, 2 1/2 games better the the Lakers and FIVE games better than any team in the East). However, Philly embarked on a four-game road trip after that Christmas Day win and return home on Monday, on a four-game losing streak. Philly opened the trip with one-point losses at Orlando and Miami but followed with a 115-97 loss at Indiana and then a 10-point loss at Houston. "Losing four in a row sucks, and it doesn't feel like we're getting better," Philadelphia center Joel Embiid told reporters after a 118-108 loss at Houston on Friday. "So, it is frustrating. ... I care about winning. It's taking a toll on me. All I care about is winning. It sucks. We've got to find a way. I guess we've got to keep fighting."

With its frustrating four-game road trip finally over, Philadelphia welcomes the Oklahoma City Thunder to Wells Fargo Center on Monday. The Thunder are rebuilding after losing Durant back in 2016 to the Warriors and then Westbrook (to Houston) in last year's off-season. Paul George came in a trade form Indiana but stayed just two seasons, leaving for the Clippers last off-season (with Westbrook). These days, I'm sure OKC would have preferred to keep Oladipo and Sabonis (sent to the Pacers for George). That said, after opening 6-11, OKC enters this contest at 20-15. The Thunder are on a roll with wins in FIVE straight games and NINE of their last 10 ,after rolling over the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-106 on Saturday. Oklahoma City knocked off the San Antonio Spurs in the opener of the four-game road trip and can improve to .500 away from home with a victory on Monday.

Long-time All Star PG Chris Paul (16.34.6-4.9) came in the Westbrook trade and he's tutoring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who came to OKC from LA in the George deal. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 25.3 points over the last nine games. and leads the team with 19.9 PPG, while adding 4.6 RPG and 5.3 APG. Reserve PG Dennis Schroder is right there with his two fellow guards, producing 18.5 PPG, while coming off the bench all season (zero starts). SF Danilo Gallnari was also part of the George deal and he's averaging 18.0 & 5.5, which is no surprise (he's averaged 16.0 PPG in his first 10 NBA seasons). Center Adams is still around and is a quality big man, averaging 11.6 & 9.0. However, OKC has little depth.

Philadelphia owns one of the most talented starting-fives in the NBA with Embiid (23.6 & 12.4) surrounded up front by forwards Harris (19.5 & 6.4) and Horford (12.2 & 6.5), along with a backcourt of Simmons (14.9-7.7-8.6) and Richardson (14.8). However, getting everyone on the same page is a challenge. "We have to figure out a balance of how to (combine) all of our talents together on the floor," Harris told reporters. "I just think what helps that is if we continue to move more on the floor, continue to make plays for one another and do the little things for our teammate. That's something that we have to get better at, and that's something we have to fight through." Philly, unlike OKC, has some key reserves. Korkmaz (11 starts) is averaging 8.3 PPG, SF Ennis 6.7 & 3.5, PF Scott 5.8 & 3.2 and rookie guard Thybulle is a terrific defender, whose value is not in statistics. However, Ennis (illness) sat out Friday and is day-to-day, while Thybulle is out until mid-January with a knee issue.

Oklahoma City is one of the hottest teams in the league at the moment but Philly is a dominating 16-2 at home and NEEDS to 'stop the bleeding' from its recent four-game losing skid (ALL on the road). I expect Philly to respond in a big way. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Mia Heat at 6:05 ET.

Portland made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals last season but the current season has been a struggle. The Blazers opened 5-12 but then seemed to "right the ship" by winning NINE of their next 13, to reach 14-16. However, Portland followed its "mini-run" by losing FIVE in a row (also 0-5 ATS), before earning a 122-103 win at 11-24 Washington on Friday. The 15-21 Blazers currently own the No. 8 seed in the West but SIX teams are within three games of them, while Portland trails the No. 7 seed (OKC) by 5 1/2 games. The Blazers visit 25-10 Miami on Sunday, a team which is battling Boston (25-9) and Toronto (24-12) for the No. 2 seed in the East, behind the NBA-best Bucks (32-5).

The Trail Blazers managed to snap a five-game slide behind Hassan Whiteside, who had 23 points, 21 rebounds and five blocked shots in the win. Whiteside will be making his first trip back to Miami since moving to Portland in a four-team trade last July that ended a five-year stint with the Heat. Whiteside (15.7 & 13.8) has delivered double-double in 15 of his last 16 games. Still, Portland is led by the dynamic guard duo of Lillard (26.9-4.3-7.4) and McCollum (22.3-4.3-3.8) 'Melo (16.2 & 6.2) has been a pleasant surprise but Portland misses the depth provided by  center Nukic (possible return around the All Star break, PF Collins (has played just THREE games) and SG Hood (11.0), who had surgery on his Achilles tendon in early December.

Miami averaged 114.8 points during a five-game winning streak (Dec 18-28), but then dropped a 123-105 decision at Washington, survived an 84-76 defensive battle with Toronto and then offered up little resistance in a 105-85 setback at Orlando on Friday. Jimmy Butler scored 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting at Orlando but his teammates combined to go 23-for-68 from the floor (33.8%). The reserves were particularly off, with five bench players shooting a collective 26.5 percent, including 1-of-17 from three-point range. Butler (20.4-6.9-6.6) was the team's key acquisition in the off-season and he's delivered but undrafted rookie Nunn (15.5) and Herro (13.4 & 4.3), the 13th pick in LY's draft, have also made HUGE contributions. Then there is 6-9 Center Bam Adebayo, whose opportunity to play a bigger role emerged once Whiteside was traded. After averaging 8.0 & 6.5 in his first two seaosns, he's averaging 15.5 & 10.7 this year, with a  team-leading 22 double-doubles.

Miami has NOT had a good week (see above) but let's NOT forget that the Heat are an NBA-best 16-1 at home, going 12-4-1 ATS. Not sure Portland's win at the sad-sack Wizards proves much of anything and it should be pointed out that Miami won BOTH games against Portland last season, averaging 119 points. Remember, that Portland team would advance to the Western Conference final, while last year's Miami team 'sat home,' finishing 39-43. Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Ind Pacers at 7:05 ET.

The Denver Nuggets were a 'sexy' pick to go deep in the playoffs in the 2019-20 season. Center Nikola Jokic led Denver in scoring (20.1), rebounding (10.8) and assists (7.3) last season and then upped those numbers in 14 postseason games (25.1-13.0-8.4). Jokic's numbers were down at the start of the year but he head into 202 averaging 18.1-9.9-6.7. The Nuggets were cruising along with wins in NINE of 10 games before opening a five-game road trip at Houston on Tuesday and falling flat in a 130-104 loss. The 23-10 Nuggets (owners of the West's second-best record)  will try to wipe that very bad taste out of their mouths from that final game of 2019 when they open 2020 by visiting the 22-12 Indiana Pacers. Indiana is still waiting for Victor Oladipo to return but the Pacers have really "held their own" in the East, as they open 2020 fifth in the conference and only 2 1/2 games back of Boston (current No. 2 seed).

Denver was AWFUL at Houston on New Year's Eve (Nuggets were outscored 38-15 in the fourth quarter), allowing the Rockets to shoot 52.9 percent from the floor and knock down 16 three-pointers. Denver has a strong starting-five, as joining Jokic up front are PF Millsap (12.4 & 5.9) and swingman Barton (14.6- 6.9-3.7), while PG Murray (17.1-4.2-4.6) and Harris (11.4) start in the backcourt. Millsap has had some recent quad issues (he played vs Houston) while Harris (shin) sat out Tuesday and is day-to-day. However, the good news is that Denver has a deep bench. Forwards Grant (10.0), Plumlee (7.0 & 5.6) and Beasley (6.9) plus PG Morris (7.1 & 3.2 APG) are ready and waiting.

Indiana had dropped back-to-back road games before coming home on Tuesday and cruising past Philadelphia, 115-97. "We established our defense, got stops, and were able to get into transition," Pacers head coach Nate McMillan told reporters. "With 35 assists, we were making their defense move and work, and we were knocking down a high percentage of our shots. I just loved the tempo we established at the defensive end of the floor as well as the offensive end." T.J. McConnell and Aaron Holiday combined for 17 of those 35 assists off the bench, after starting point guard Malcolm Brogdon went down with a back injury that leaves him day-to-day. Brogdon (17.7-4.4-7.4) has been the team-leader but SF Warren has just overtaken in with his 17.8 PPG average. McMillan has been playing his 'two bigs" together as of late and it has worked well. The 6-11 Domantas Sabonis (17.5 & 13.3) is having a terrific season and  while the 6-11 Myles Turner has missed eight games due to injury, he is chipping in 12.1 & 5.7. SG Lamb (13.7 & 4.6) is back in the lineup after missing a couple of games (groin) plus the Pacers have similar depth to Denver, with the two Holidays (Aaron averages 10.8 and Justin 7.4), McDermott (9.8) and McConnell (7.1 & 5.2 APG).

Indiana welcomes the Nuggets to Bankers Life Fieldhouse where they own a 15-3 record on the season and currently have a SIX-game home winning streak which includes victories over the Celtics, Lakers, Raptors and 76ers (pretty impressive, right?). The home team has won the last four meetings in this series, with Indiana earning a 124-88 victory in Denver's visit to Indianapolis last season. At this price, have to 'LOVE' the Pacers!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on the Por Blazers at 10:05 ET.

The Phoenix Suns finally snapped an eight-game slide with a 112-110 victory at Sacramento on Saturday. It came as no surprise that the Suns needed to survive a missed three-point attempt at the buzzer to come away with the win, as Phoenix had suffered FIVE single-digit losses during its slide, including THREE by two or fewer points. The 12-20 Suns continue their four-game road trip Monday night in Portland, where they will take on the 14-19 Trail Blazers. Portland made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals last season but the current season has been a struggle. The Blazers opened 5-12 but then seemed to "right the ship" by winning NINE of their next 13, to reach 14-16. However, Portland enters this contest having dropped each of its last three games, all by single digits.

To no one's surprise, Devin Booker's play was instrumental in Phoenix ending its eight-game slide, one that that began after a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves back on Dec 9. Booker (24.7 & 6.4 APG) scored 32 points and added 10 assists for his third double-double of the season against the Kings. It was also the NINTH 30-point effort of the season for Booker. Small forward Kelly Oubre Jr. stepped up in Saturday's win with 20 points, a career-high 16 rebounds and five assists in 41 minutes, despite playing through a groin injury. Oubre is having a "career year," averaging 17.4-4.8-6.1 in his first season with Phoenix. The Suns signed  PG Ricky Rubio to a three-year, $51 million contract over the summer and he's delivered to the tune of 14.1-4.7-9.2, while three frontcourt players 'fly under the radar' with solid efforts. The group includes the 6-10 Baynes (13.0 & 5.6), the 6-11 Saric (11.3 & 7.2) and the 7-0 Kaminsky (11.0 & 4.9). The big issue has been the 6-11 Deandre Ayton., who was the overall No. 1 pick of the 2018 Draft (he averaged 16.3 & 10.3 as a rookie).  Almost as soon as he was reinstated from a 25-game  PED  suspension, Ayton went down with an ankle sprain. After averaging 18.0 & 11.5 in his first two games back, he's missed the last five games and remains day-to-day.

Portland's series of injuries continued Saturday, when power forward Skal Labissiere (5.8 & 5.1), who was making his first start of the season, left after three minutes with a knee injury and did not return. It's become a recurring theme this season, as the team is also missing center Jusuf Nurkic (leg), guard Rodney Hood (Achilles) and forward Zach Collins (shoulder) with long-term injuries. PG Damian Lillard (27.0-4.1-7.6) and  backcourt partner CJ McCollum (22.3-4.4-3.6) are the 'heart' of this team but center Hassan Whiteside (15.4 & 13.3) has posted double-doubles in 12 of 13 December games. Then there is also this and it's something I'd NEVER thought I would say, "Carmelo Anthony is actually playing for the good of the team!" I laughed when the Blazers signed him but he's averaging 16.0 & 6.3 in about 31 minutes.

I have to believe the Blazers will get things sorted out, although there seems to be little chance of Portland making much of  a 'slash' in the West this postseason. However, the number here seems very 'cheap,' when one considers that Portland owns an 11-game winning streak in the series. The Suns haven't defeated Portland since posting a 118-115 overtime win back on Nov 2, 2016 in Phoenix. Nothing changes here. Take Portland.

Good luck...Larry

My NBA 10* Dec Total of the Month is on Sac/Den Over at 8:05 ET.

The Nuggets were a 'sexy' pick to go deep in the playoffs in the 2019-20 season. Center Nikola Jokic led Denver in scoring (20.1), rebounding (10.8) and assists (7.3) last season and then upped those numbers in 14 postseason games (25.1-13.0-8.4). Jokic's numbers were down at the start of the year but his recent hot streak is keeping the Denver Nuggets in the win column. He had season-high 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in Saturday's 119-110 victory over the Grizzlies, his FOURTH fourth triple-double in nine games. It was Denver's EIGHT win in its last nine games and the Nuggets check into this home contest with Sacramento at 22-9, just 2 1/2 games back of the Lakers for the West's best record. In stark contrast, the Kings watched their losing streak reach SIX in a row with a 112-110 home loss to the Phoenix Suns on Saturday (note: Suns had lost EIGHT in a row), the FIFTH time during the streak that they fell by single digits. The 12-20 Kings are making a one-game stop on the road tonight in Denver, before heading home for another four straight (Sacramento is 6-12 away from home, so far)..

Harrison Barnes had a chance to win the game on Saturday but was off the mark on a three-pointer in the final seconds, adding a disappointing note to an otherwise solid night in which he collected 21 points and 10 rebounds for his second straight double-double. Barnes continues to be a consistent scorer since leaving Golden St, first for the Mavs and now for the Kings (he''s averaging 17.7 & 5.3). Sacramento 'loves' its guard duo of Hield (20.3 & 5.0) and PG Fox (17.6-4.0-6.4). A worry here is that Fox sat out last night with back spasms and is day-to-day. The 6-11 Bagley (13.7 & 6.9) will definitely miss (foot problem) but the 6-10 Holmes (12.7 & 8.6) and the 6-10 Bjelica (1.3 & 6.0) are solid players few fans know about. Swingman Bogdanovic has not started once but adds 15.0 PPG off the bench.

Jokic is now averaging 18.1-10.0-6.9 and is joined up front by PF Millsap (12.4 & 5.8) and swingman Barton (17.4- 7.0-3.5), while PG Murray (17.2-4.4-4.5) and Harris (10.4) start in the backcourt. Millsap (quad) may miss but Denver's bench is a formidable unit. Forwards Grant (9.9), Plumlee (6.8 & 5.7) and Beasley (6.6) plus PG Morris (6.8 & 3.7 APG) are ready and waiting. Here's my take. Both teams played last night and in Denver's case, the Nuggets will embark on a five-game road trip starting Tuesday in Houston. I expect a strong game from Denver. Meanwhile, the Kings, are 0-6 SU & ATS entering this contest, allowing 113.0 PPG in that stretch. However, while they are 0-6 ATS, FIVE of the losses have been in single digits. These teams have played twice this season (both in Sacramento), with each being low-scoring contests. The Nuggets won the first one 101-94 and then lost the second, 100-97 in OT. NO low-scoring game here, as this one 'flies' over the total!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the SA Spurs at 8:35 ET.

The San Antonio Spurs just haven't been able to sustain any consistency. Case in point, they shot an NBA season-best 67.4 percent from the floor in a 145-115 win at Memphis on Monday but returned from a holiday break and needed to score the game's final 13 points just to make it respectable in a 102-98 loss at Dallas on Thursday. The 12-18 Spurs have traded wins and losses over their last eight games and welcome the 12-20 Pistons to San Antonio on Saturday to open a three-game homestand. Detroit has been shuffling its lineups with Blake Griffin (knee), Christian Wood (knee), Derrick Rose (knee), Bruce Brown (calf) and Luke Kennard (knee) all missing time recently. The Pistons returned from a two-day break (Christmas Eve and Day) on a five-game slide but routed the the Wizards 132-102 on Thursday. 

Blake Griffin (15.7 & 4.8) led Detroit with a season-high 11 rebounds to go with 14 points in Thursday's win, while Andre Drummond (17.9 & 15.9) delivered another double-double (14 & 10). PG Reggie Jackson (who has a back injury) has played just two games all season and Luke Kennard (15.8) has sat out the last two games and is expected to miss at least another 10 days. Griffin, Bruce Brown (8.3 & 4.4) and Derrick Rose (16.4 & 6.0 APG) played through nagging ailments. Reserve Christian Wood (9.5 & 4.8) finished with a team-high 22 points. Reserve PG Tim Frazier averaged 4.6 minutes while appearing in only seven games between Nov 12 and Dec 20 but has stepped up over the last three contests, averaging 12.3 points on 68.4 percent shooting in 26 minutes. 

All-Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge exploded for a season-high 40 points on 17-of-25 shooting at Memphis on Monday but dropped down to 17 in Thursday's loss, He's averaging 19.3 PPG on the season, second to guard DeRozan's 20.9 PPG. DeRozan adds 5.3 RPG and 4.9 APG, while Aldridge leads the team in averaging 7.4 RPG. Depth remains a strength for the Spurs, as FIVE more players average between 9.9 and 11.6 PPG, while big men Poetl (5.5 & 5.70 and Lyles (4.7 & 5.7) have each played all 30 games. 

Detroit begins a season-high, six-game road trip with this Saturday game in the Alamo City and the Pistons are just 4-10 SU on the road this season. Yes, the Spurs have lacked consistency but they surely WON'T forget opening this month by absorbing a 132-98 .loss to the Pistons in Detroit on Dec 1, when the Pistons shot 59.1 percent from the floor. San Antonio wins this one "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My NBA 10* Game of the Week is on the Mia Heat at 8:05 ET.

My NBA 10* Game of the Week is on the Mia Heat at 8:05 ET.
The Indiana Pacers are 21-10 as they await the return of Victor Oladipo (expected to return near the end of January). The Pacers head down to Miami having won SIX of the last seven, hoping for another victory against a high-quality opponent. The Pacers own recent wins over the 21-7 Boston Celtics and the24-7 LA Lakers. The Pacers also just bested the 21-10 Toronto Raptors (defending champs) 120-115 in overtime on Monday night, improving to 14-3 at home. The 22-8 Miami Heat have won three in a row after a 107-104 home win over the Utah Jazz on Monday, improving their home record to an NBA-best 13-1.The Heat welcome teh 76ers to Miami tomorrow night but don't expect any "looking past' Indiana, as the Pacers won all THREE meetings with the Heat last season (Pacers will take a four-game winning streak over the Heat into tonight's contest).

The Pacers beat the Raptors despite playing without star guard Malcolm Brogdon. Brogdon spent his first three seasons with the Bucks, before he was acquired by Indiana in a sign-and-trade deal over the summer. He's been teh team-leader with Oladipo sidelined, averaging 18.3-4.5-7.6. However, he's been playing with taped-up fingers on his right hand after he dislocated his right pinkie and tore a ligament in the finger earlier this month. He's at best, questionable for this game. Head coach Nate McMillan has been playing his 'two bigs" together as of late and it has worked well. The 6-11 Domantas Sabonis (17.8 & 13.5) is having a terrific season and his 12 & 17 effort vs Toronto was his 25th double-double. The 6-11 Myles Turner has missed eight games due to injury but is chipping in 12.1 & 5.7. TJ Warren is doing what he did for the Suns, and that's to be a reliable scorer, averaging 17.7 PPG. SG Lamb (13.9 & 4.7) was back in the lineup Monday, after missing the previous two games (groin). Indiana has excellent depth with the two Holidays (Aaron averages 10.2 and Justin 7.4), McDermott (9.6) and McConnell (7.1 & 5.0 APG).

Miami's starting backcourt is made up of All Star Jimmy Butler (20.4-6.5-6.6) and undrafted rookie Kendrick Nunn (16.2) . PG Dragic (16.0 & 5.0 APG) is averaging 16.5 points in two games since returning from a groin injury, which is great news for Miami. Rookie guard Herrro (14.0 & 4.1) and second-year SF Robinson (11.7) have provided excellent depth all season. Maybe the biggest surprise has been the play of the 6-9 Bam Adebayo (15.7 & 10.6), who chipped in 18 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, three steals and three blocks in the win over the Jazz. The 22-year-old is averaging 18.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and five assists in December (no one misses Whiteside). The Heat will miss Winslow (12.4-7.1-4.3) but they have gotten used to him being in and out of the lineup.

The Heat are well aware that the Sixers come to town Saturday night, looking to avenge a 108-104 loss to the Heat on Dec 18, which was Philly's first home loss of the season, However, as I also noted, the Heat have some revenge on their mind here (0-3 last season vs Indiana), which should keep them VERY focused. Indiana has done much better than most expected (without Oladipo) but note that the team's seven road wins have come at Brooklyn (twice), Orlando, Memphis, OKC, the NYK and Atlanta. NONE of those teams own winning records. Again, the Heat are 13-1 SU at home, going 11-3 ATS. Lay the very modest number.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Det Pistons at 7:05 ET.

Detroit has been shuffling its lineups with Blake Griffin (knee), Christian Wood (knee), Derrick Rose (knee), Bruce Brown (calf) and Luke Kennard (knee) all missing time recently. The Pistons return from a two-day break (Christmas Eve and Day) on a five-game slide and an overall record of just 11-20. Visiting the Pistons are the 9-20 Washington Wizards, who are dealing with their own injury issues but managed to snap a three-game slide with a 121-115 triumph at the New York Knicks on Monday. The Wizards were without guards Isaiah Thomas (suspension) and Jordan McRae (finger), forwards Davis Bertans (quad), Rui Hachimura (groin) and Mortiz Wagner (ankle) plus center Thomas Bryant (foot) on Monday. The teams will be meeting for the THIRD time this season, with the Wizards winning both (more later).

Washington got a big boost off the bench from Troy Brown Jr. (9.2 & 5.3) on Monday, who scored a career-high 26 points while adding nine rebounds and seven assists. Guard Gary Payton II was signed out of the G League and played 34 minutes in his team debut, collected 10 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and six steals. With Wall out for the entire season, Beal was expected to have a HUGE season and he has, averaging 28.3-4.9-6.8. However, as noted above, the Wizards will be severely short-handed in this contest.  Rookie Hachimura (17.9 & 5.8) is the team's second-leading scorer, Bertans checks in at 15.4 & 4.9, Wagner at 11.1 & 6.8 and center Bryant (13.9 & 5.8). All  FOUR will miss tonight's game plus PG  Thomas (13.6 & 4.8 APG) will serve the last of a two-game suspension for confronting a fan in the stands at Philadelphia.

Despite losing for a FIFTH straight time, the Pistons got good news, as Griffin (15.8 & 4.4), Wood (9.0 & 4.7) and Rose (16.5 & 6.0 APG) all returned to the lineup on Monday after missing some time. Griffin struggled while going 2-of-14 from the floor while Wood was limited to four minutes off the bench. "Eleven and 20 is not good," Detroit coach Dwane Casey told reporters. "We need every hand on deck. I applaud Blake for going tonight. All the guys for going tonight. Christian Wood is not 100 percent. He went tonight. We need all hands on deck at 11 and 20. There’s no magic wand. It’s going to be grind it out, game by game, to get back in this." Center Andre Drummond led the way with 27 points on Monday after being relegated to a reserve role as punishment for missing shootaround. Drummond is having an outstanding season (18.0 & 16.1).

Sure, Detroit is missing some players but the Wizards lineup is really depleted.  Detroit's current five-game skid began with a 133-119 home loss to Washington on Dec. 16. However, in that contest, Hachimura, Bertans and Thomas combined for 47 points. Neither of those three will play here, nor will big men Bryant and Wagner (averaging a combined 25.0 PPG and 12.6 RPG). The Wizards also beat the Pistons back in Washington on  Nov 4, 115-99. "THIRD time is the charm" for Detroit.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* play is on the LA Lakers at 8:05 ET.

The Lakers and Clippers met on Opening Night (Oct 22) with the Clippers (sans George) getting the better of the Lakers, 112-102. These Staples Centers co-tenants meet again on Christmas & despite George being active since Nov 14, the Lakers have been the better team, so far (Lakers enter 24-6 & the Clippers 22-10). Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis are listed as questionable but both are expected to start. The Clippers were without six-time All-Star Paul George on Opening night (he missed the first three weeks of the season while rehabilitating two offseason shoulder injuries) but he's back and has teamed with the Clippers' other blockbuster offseason acquisition, Kawhi Leonard, to post an 11-3 record when both are in the lineup. With "all hands on deck," this contest is one of the most anticipated games so far this season.

Paul George (24.2-5.8-3.7) is thrilled to be playing in front of his family on Christmas Day and understands all the hype surrounding the contest. "It is going to be crazy," George told ESPN. "Playing on Christmas is one of the biggest things but then the matchup that is going to be on that floor. Two top 10 players on each side, both teams with loaded benches. I think as a competitor, you want to play against the best. It will make for a great show." Leonard (25.5-7.8-5.1) is not cleared to play in back-to-back games this season because of lingering knee issues. He played on Saturday night in a one-sided win at the San Antonio Spurs but rested on Sunday when the Clippers lost at the Oklahoma City Thunder. Veteran guard Williams (19.5 & 6.1 APG) and PF Harrell (19.0 7 7.50 give the Clippers the best "one-two" bench duo in the NBA. The Clippers were also without starting PG Patrick Beverley against the Thunder (sore right groin), with Williams moving into a starting role for the fifth time in 105 games over the past two seasons (he had 22 points and seven assists).

LBJ missed his first game of the season on Sunday due to the injury (he's dealing with a thoracic muscle strain in his back) while Davis has an injured right knee. Davis (27.9 & 9.4) James (25.8-7.5-10.6) both participated in a walk-through on Tuesday. The duo has carried the Lakers all season but Kuzma (11.3) is as healthy as he's been all season and will see increased playing time after scoring 16 points in 21 minutes against Denver on Sunday. Guards Bradley and Rondo have been in and out of the lineup all season but both Caldwell-Pope (8.9) and Green (8.5) have each played all 30 games. With Davis and LBJ garnering all the headlines, the Lakers' two-headed center combo of McGee and Howard, has contributed 14.0 PPG and 13.0 RPG.

As noted above, this contest is one of the most anticipated games of the season to-date and with the Lakers coming off THREE straight losses (had gone 24-2 since their Opening night loss to the Clippers),  this is a HUGE one for the team which has DOMINATED the LA basketball scene 'forever.' I'm "all over" the Lakers.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* play is on the Phi 76ers at 2:35 ET.

My 10* play is on the Phi 76ers at 2:35 ET.
The Philadelphia 76ers will host a rare Christmas Day game when they welcome the Milwaukee Bucks to Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday afternoon. It will be the first home game on Christmas since 1988 for the Sixers and it's a possible preview of the East Finals. The 27-4 Bucks own the best record in the NBA and have won 21 of their last 22 games, including a 117-89 demolition of the Indiana Pacers this past Sunday. Philly opened 14-0 at home this season but then lost back-to-back home contests to Miami (on Dec 18) and to Dallas  on Dec 20). However, the 76ers have bounced back by scoring 125 points in each of their last two outings, winning by 17 points at home to Washington and then by 16 point at Detroit. Philadelphia is 22-10 (15-2 at home) on the season and while that leaves them with just the East's fifth-best record, the three team ahead of them (excluding Milwaukee), are all within a game of each other in the standings.

Antetokounmpo (31.0-12.9-5.6) is having another MVP-caliber season but Milwaukee will be without Bledsoe (15.0-4.9-5.7), who is expected to miss a few weeks with a leg injury (he's already missed five games). However, the Bucks have plenty of depth. Middleton (18.0 & 5.4) is a solid second-scoring option to Giannis, plus guards Hill (10.3), Mathews (8.3), DiVencenzo (8.5 & 4.5 APG) and Korver (6.2) will see more time with Bledose out. Starting center Brook Lopez (10.0 & 5.1) is backed up by his brother Robin (5.2) plus PF Ilyasova (7.7 & 4.8) is a steady producer off the bench.the bucks lead the NBA in scoring (120.6 PPG) and rank second in FG percentage (48.2%). Milwaukee is also 1st in defensive FG percentage (41.4%) and 9th in points allowed (107.1 per).

The 76ers pulled out of a funk that saw them drop three in a row by cruising to easy wins over Washington and Detroit in the last two contests. The three-game slide featured teams playing zone defense and relying on the 76ers to miss shots. PG Ben Simmons (14.4-7.0-8.2) drove the lane in Monday's rout of the Pistons, finishing with 16 points, a career-high 17 assists and 13 rebounds (his 24th career triple-double). "Just trying to be a force downhill," Simmons explained to reporters. "Trying to find open guys when they're open." All starters are healthy for Philly, with Richardson (14.6)  back in the lineup after missing eight games. Philly's frontcourt is one the league's best, with center Embiid (23.0 & 12.6) joined by forwards Harris (19.7 & 6.7) and Horford (13.1 & 6.7. Korkmaz (8.20 and Ennis (6.9 & 3.50 add depth on the perimeter and the 6-10 Scott (6.4 & 3.3), does so up front.Philly is shooting 47.6% from the floor (3rd) but averaging a more modest 109.8 PPG (17th). On the defensive end, while the Sixers are a just 14th in FG percentage against (45.6%), they are holding opponents to 104.9 PPG, which ranks 3rd-best.

The Bucks are not having any problem knocking off the other top teams in the Eastern Conference, as Milwaukee hasn't lost to an Eastern Conference foe since falling at Boston on Oct 30. However, teams just can't "win them all," and this Christmas Day game in Philly makes for one tough spot. Philadelphia has not been favored by less than five points in ANY of its previous 17 home games but will be a home dog in this one. "Statement game" for the Sixers here and my bet is that they are "up to the challenge."

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Ind Pacers at 7:05 ET.

The Toronto Raptors fell behind the Dallas Mavericks 83-53 with just under three minutes remaining in Sunday's home game but stormed back for a 110-107 triumph. The 30-point comeback was the largest in franchise history and the the first of that magnitude in the NBA in more than 10 years. Forward Chris Boucher  (just 5.7 & 4.1 on the season) scored a career-high 21 points in the win, while PG Kyle Lowry scored 20 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, as Toronto outscored Dallas by a whopping 47-21 margin! While the Raptors stormed back in the 4th quarter vs Dallas, the Pacers pretty much "packed it in" during the 4th quarter of their Sunday loss to the Bucks. Indiana saw ts five-game winning streak come to an end in a big way, as the Pacers lost 117-89  at Milwaukee, getting outscored 34-16 in the final period.

Siakam (25.1 & 8.0), Powell (14.4)and Gasol (6.6 & 6.6) are all out indefinitely for the Raptors and that's why Boucher played enough to score 21 points. Lowry will need to carry the load until those players get back on the court, with help from VanVleet (17.6-4.0-6.8), Ibaka (13.2 & 7.4) and Anunoby (11.4 & 5.8).  Lowry's big Sunday included a 12-for-23 effort from the floor along with 10 assists, eight rebounds and one turnover in 42 minutes. "He was doing it all," head coach Nick Nurse told the media. "I'm not sure I've seen anything like it." Methinks Nick Nurse is "overstating, more than just a little." The Raptors 'got away with murder' on Sunday, as all Raptors other than Lowry shot a combined 35.2 percent.

Malcolm Brogdon was drafted by Milwaukee and spent his first three seasons with the Bucks, before he was acquired by Indiana in a sign-and-trade deal over the summer. He was welcomed back with cheers and a tribute video last night but  finished with 10 points on 5-of-19 shooting and 10 assists, as the Pacers were routed, 117-89. Brogdon is playing with taped-up fingers on his right hand after he dislocated his right pinkie and tore a ligament in the finger earlier this month. However, he continues to be the team-leader, averaging 18.3-4.5-7.6. Head coach Nate McMillan has been playing his 'two bigs" together as of late and while last night was a 'nightmare,' it has worked well, overall. The 6-11 Domantas Sabonis (18.0 & 13.4) is having a terrific season and his 19 & 18 effort last night was his 24th double-double (tied for second-most in the NBA). The 6-11 Myles Turner has missed eight games due to injury but is chipping in 11.5 & 5.6. TJ Warren is doing what he did for the Suns, and that's to be a reliable scorer, averaging 17.5 PPG.

One wonders how the 21-8 Raptors will react off Sunday's historic comeback win. The Pacers are 13-3 SU at home and have some "splainin' to due" after last night's 'give up' in Milwaukee. Lamb (14.0 & 4.7) has missed the last two games (groin) and is day-to-day but Indiana has excellent depth with the two Holidays (Aaron averages 9.9 and Justin 7.6), McDermott (9.7) and McConnell (7.0 & 5.0 APG). The home team won all three meetings a year ago between these teams and I don't see how the injury-depleted Raptors 'hang' with the Pacers in this one. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Tor Raptors at 3:35 ET.

The 19-9 Dallas Mavericks visit the 20-8 Toronto Raptors on Sunday with each team missing its star player. Luka Doncic (29.3-8.3-9.6) is still sidelined with a sprained ankle but the Mavs have  already knocked off two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference with Doncic sidelined. Dallas has sandwiching wins at Milwaukee and Philadelphia around a home loss to Boston. The Raptors stretched their latest winning streak to four in a row on Friday, despite the absence of the 6-9 Siakam, who has blossomed into a start this season, averaging 25.1 & 8.0.

Doncic leads Dallas in scoring, rebounding and assists but the team had SIX players step up to score in double figures in Friday's win at Philly. "This has been a good thing for us, just from the standpoint of having other guys put in the situation to have to step up," Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters. "It's forced us as coaches to make certain adjustments that we have to make. You never want to be without a guy like Luka Doncic. He's a great all-around player, and we need him back as soon as possible. But as long as he's out, we have a plan and the guys are executing well." Kristaps Porzingis (17.6 & 9.5) and  Tim Hardaway Jr. (13.5) have been in double digits all season, while Seth Curry (10.2) has just 'snuck in.' Porzingis collected 22 points and a career-high 18 rebounds at Philadelphia while Hardaway scored 27.

Siakiam is out with a groin injury and Serge Ibaka (13.6 & 7.6) started in his place, scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds in a 122-118 Friday home win over Washington. All-Star PG Kyle Lowry (19.5-4.9-7.4) recorded 26 points and nine assists in the win. With Siakam, Gasol (6.6 & 6.6)  and Powell (14.4) all out indefinitely, Lowry needs to carry the load along with Ibaka, OG Anunoby (11.6 & 5.7) and Fred VanVleet (18.0-4.0-7.1).

The Mavericks are an impressive 11-2 on the road, including SEVEN straight wins, but the Raptors are 9-3 SU at home and won't need to win by much of a margin to cover, here. Dallas earned a 110-102 home win over Toronto on Nov 16 behind 26 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists from Doncic. However, the Mavs caught the Raptors on the FINAL stop of a five-game, nine-day road trip in that one plus neither Lowry nor Ibaka played in that contest. There are key injuries to both teams but I'm backing the defending champs in this revenge spot.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Dec Game of the Month is on the Por Blazers at 10:05 ET.

The Orlando Magic ended a six-year playoff drought last season, finishing 42-40. They returned the core of that team intact and entered the season healthy but the Magic are just 12-16 as they wrap up a four-game road trip tonight in Portland. Speaking of under performing, the Portland Trail Blazers opened the season with high expectations after making the 2018-19 Western Conference finals but welcome the Magic to Moda Center with 12-16 record as well, which is HUGELY disappointing! Orlando has dropped FIVE of its last six games, after losing second-half leads against the Utah Jazz (Tuesday) and Denver Nuggets (Wednesday). As for Portland, the Blazers opened the season at 5-12 but have won SEVEN of 11 since, following a 122-112 victory over Golden State on Wednesday that evened their home-court record at 6-6 (Blazers were 32-9 at home last season).

Orlando had hoped to build on last season's playoff appearance but things have not gone smoothly . Case in point was Wednesday's game in Denver, where the Magic led by 15 at the half, only to lose 113-104! Shooting guard Evan Fournier leads the team in scoring (19.8) but his 13 points on Wednesday was his lowest total in 17 games. All-Star center Nikola Vucevic (17.1 & 11.1) is back from an ankle injury that cost him 11 games, but he's just 11 of 31 (35.5%) from the floor in the team's losses at Utah and Denver. Aaron Gordon averages 13.3 & 6.9 on the season but is just 10-of-36 (27.8%) from the floor the past three contests. The third member of Orlando's starting frontcourt is Jonathan Isaac (12.4 & 7.1 plus a team-high 2.6 blocks). He was limited to 17 minutes Wednesday by hamstring and lower-back tightness, and he's questionable for the finale of this four-game trip.

The Blazers are in the middle of a stretch in which they play SIX of seven at home. Portland has won three of its last four, after Wednesday's 122-112 win over the Golden State Warriors, the opener opener of a four-game homestand. PG Damian Lillard had 31 points and a matched a season best with 13 assists, while backcourt partner CJ McCollum scored 30 points. Lillard (26.5-4.3-7.6) and McCollum (22.0-4.5-3.7) once again lead the way for the Blazers but center Hassan Whiteside (15.9 & 12.9) was a beast in the interior with a season-high 23 rebounds to go with 16 points against Golden St. "He accepts the challenge all the time, and I think that's why we've been able to start coming along as a team, because of him being able to protect the paint and cover up so many of our mistakes," Lillard said in a post-game television interview about Whiteside.

Orlando is in a tough spot here, playing its FOURTH game in six days and facing a Portland team that finally seems to be "getting its act together." Lillard and McCollum are "always' there" but Whiteside now boasts double-doubles in 12 consecutive games and is averaging 18.4 points and 14 rebounds in eight December contests. There is also this and it's something I'd NEVER thought I would say, "Carmelo Anthony is actually playing for the good of the team!" I laughed when the Blazers signed him but he's averaging 16.8 & 6.2 in about 32 minutes, plus is making 46% of his threes over the last five games! The Blazers have won EIGHT of the last 10 matchups with the Magic in Portland and this line seems awfully 'cheap.' I checked the NBA power ratings at the start of the season and the Blazers would have been favored by EIGHT points over the Magic in Portland if this was the first game of the 2019-20 season. Here, it's HALF of that and as noted above, the Blazers have begun playing like the team most (all?) thought that they would be. Lay that 'cheap' number!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Best vs Best is on the Mill Bucks at 8:05 ET.

The LA Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks share the best record in the NBA (both are 24-4) and will meet tonight at Fiserv Forum. Ironically, both clubs lost their most recent game heading into this showdown, as the Bucks saw their 18-game winning streak snapped with a 120-116 loss at home to the Mavericks on Monday, while the Lakers had their 14-game road winning streak snapped on Tuesday when they fell 105-102 at the Indiana Pacers. Milwaukee lost to Dallas despite the Mavericks playing without star Luka Doncic AND Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 48 points for the Bucks. As for the Lakers, A.D. (27.4 & 9.3) missed the game with the Pacers due to mild ankle sprain.

Davis injured his right ankle during Sunday's game against the Atlanta Hawks and LA hopes not playing against the Pacers will allow him to be on the floor against Milwaukee (to be determined). LBJ (25.9-7.4-10.6) dominate LA's "stat sheet," as Kuzma (11.1) is the only other Laker in double figures and he will likely miss his fifth straight game with an ankle issue. Backup center Dwight Howard enjoyed his best game of the season in the loss at Indiana, scoring 20 points (on 10-of-10 shooting) with six rebounds and two blocked shots in 26 minutes of action. He's averaging 7.0 & 7.0 on the season and paired with starting center McGee (7.3 & 6.2), has given the Lakers a better than average center presence. LA owns the best shooting percentage in the league (48.5) and on defense, is allowing just 103.9 PPG (2nd) on 43.6% shooting (6th).

Milwaukee is right behind LA with a shooting percentage of 48.4 (2nd) and more importantly, is scoring a league-high 121.0 PPG, EIGHT more that LA. Antetokounmpo (31.7-12.8-5.3) is having another MVP-caliber season but Milwaukee will be without Bledsoe (15.0-4.9-5.7), who is expected to miss about two weeks with a leg injury (NOT good news). However, the Bucks have plenty of depth. Middleton (18.1 & 5.4) is a solid second-scoring option to Giannis, plus guards Mathews (7.7), Divencenzo (8.6 & 4.3 APG) and Korver (5.9) will see more time with Bledose out. Starting center Brook Lopez (9.6) is backed up by his brother Robin (5.2) plus PF Ilyasova (8.0 & 4.9) is a steady producer off the bench.

We likely won't know about Davis until game-time but either way, I'm backing the Bucks. Milwaukee went 5 1/2 weeks without losing but in the loss to Dallas, the team lost because it all Antetokounmpo. He was 18-of-31 with 48 points, while the other four starters chipped in just 23 points on 9-of-34 shooting (26.5%). Remember, Milwaukee is shooting 48.4% as a team on the season and a bounce-back sure seems likely. The Bucks have defeated the Lakers a franchise-record five straight times and my bet is that they make it SIX straight tonight, "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the OKC Thunder at 8:05 ET.

The Chicago Bulls are just 10-18 on the season but at times, look like a team capable of making a run at the playoffs. Chicago showed off its Jekyll and Hyde nature last week by beating Atlanta 136-102, falling to the Charlotte Hornets 83-73 and then knocking off Western Conference powerhouse the Los Angeles Clippers 109-106 on Saturday. The Bulls will try to put together two strong performances in a row when they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. The Thunder opened a four-game road trip with impressive wins at Portland and Utah but ended the trip with a one-pint loss at Sacramento and then an eight-point loss in Denver. OKC returns home where the team is 8-5, giving them an 11-14 mark, overall.

Zach LaVine is Chicago's leading scorer (22.6-3.7-4.5) but he was held to just 12 points on 4-of-19 shooting in Friday's loss to Charlotte. However, he bounced back the next night, pouring in 31 points while going 11-of-21 from the floor against the Clippers. The 6-11 Lauri Markkanen collected 13 points and 17 rebounds in the win to record his third double-double of the season. (he's averaging 14.3 & 6.9 on the season). The 6-9 Carter (12.0 &9.8) was Chicago's top pick in 2018 from Duke, while North Carolina PG White (11.5) was the team's top pick in 2019. Both look like solid NBA players.

Of course, the Thunder are rebuilding after losing Durant back in 2016 to the Warriors and then Westbrook (to Houston) in last year's off-season. Paul George came in a trade form Indiana but stayed just two seasons, leaving for the Clippers last off-season (with Westbrook). These days, I'm sure OKC would have preferred to keep Oladipo and Sabonis (sent to the Pacers for George). At least Chris Paul (15.6-4.2-6.3) came  in the Westbrook trade and he's tutoring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads OKC with 18.5 PPG (also 5.1 RPG and 3.0 APG). Reserve PG Dennis Schroder is having no trouble finding the basket of late and finished with 22 points on Saturday to reach at least 20 for the fourth time in the last five games. He's third on the team in scoring at 17.0 PPG (3.7 RPG and 3.4 APG).  SF Danilo Gallnari (17.6 & 5.8) is a consistent scorer but he suffering through an awful shooting night at Denver, finishing with seven points on 1-of-13 from the floor. The veteran forward missed one game with an ankle injury early last week and is a combined 6-of-26 in two games since coming back. Do NOT expect that to continue. Center Adams is still around and is a quality big man (11.7 & 9.5).

Here's the bottom line. OKC is definitely rebuilding but the Thunder catch the Bulls after their big win over the Clippers (note: Kawhi missed that game) and the Thunder are 8-5 at home, with two of those losses coming to the Lakers (tree points) and Bucks (two points), the NBA's two-best teams. Good spot for OKC to pick up a "W" and I expect that win to come "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Dal Mavs at 8:35 ET.

The Dallas Mavericks' lone game this week (so far) was a Thursday night game in Mexico City against the Pistons. Dallas won 122-11, the team's 11th win in its last 13 games, led by Luka Doncic's 41-point triple-double. The 17-7 Mavs welcome the 18-7 Miami Heat to Dallas on Saturday, with the Heat coming off a 113-110 loss last night to the Lakers. It was Miami's first home loss of the current season (had opened 11-0 at AmericanAirlines Arena).

Jimmy Butler scored a team-high 23 points for Miami last night and he's scored at least 20 points in all seven games this month. However, he is just 1-for-13 from three-point range over a three-game span and missed a relatively open look from beyond the arc at the buzzer against the Lakers. Butler's arrival in Miami in the off-season was the team's biggest news and yes, he has delivered (20.7-6.7-6.8). However, Miami's success this season has also been fueled by undrafted rookie Nunn, who has come out of nowhere to average 16.2 PPG and second-year player Robinson (a 6-7 SF who averaged just 3.3 PPG in only 15 games last season), who is averaging 11.7 PPG.  Then there is center Bam Adebayo, who after averaging 8.0 & 6.5 in his first two NBA seasons, is having a "career year" by averaging 15.1 & 10.6. The Heat also have excellent depth, but PG Dragic (15.9 & 5.0 APG) and SF Winslow (12.4-7.1-4.3) will miss tonight's contest.

Doncic's Thursday triple-double was his EIGHTH of the season (NBA-best), as he continues to post Westbrook-like numbers on the season (30.4-9.9-9.3). Kristaps Porzingis (16.6 & 8.7) added 20 points for Dallas and Doncic told reporters after the game, "I think we're getting better and better every day," speaking of him and Porzingis. "He's going to get better. I'm going to get better. And with us two, the team is going to get way better." Hardaway (12.7) is the only other Mav in double digits but SEVEN more players, who have played in 20-plus games, are chipping in between 6.2 and 9.2 PPG. Seth Curry (9.2) leads that group and he scored 30 points while making 11-of-15 shots off the bench in the Mexico City win. He became the first Dallas player to reach the 30-point mark off the bench in nearly eight years.

I noted above that the Mavs have played just ONCE this week and that they have won 11 of their last 13, overall. Let me add here that the Mavs have also covered in EACH of those 11 wins. Meanwhile, the Heat are not only playing on back-to-back nights (off their first home loss of the season) but the team's two previous games (prior to the LA loss), went into OT. Tough stretch here for Miami and Dallas will NOT be a 'warm' host! Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Mia Heat at 7:05 ET.

The Lakers' season-opener (Oct 22) at Staples Center was a contest with Clippers, as they were the designated road team. The Lakers lost that one but have since won EACH one of their last 12 road games. 22-3 Los Angeles visits 18-6 Miami tonight and the Heat are a perfect 11-0 at AmericanAirlines Arena. LA opened a five-game road trip with a 96-87 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. "I'm happy about the win ... but I'm not satisfied with the way we played," forward LeBron James said afterward, alluding to the Lakers blowing a 24-point first-half lead before recovering to win for the 15th time in the past 16 games. "We have to be a lot better." Miami is coming off a wild 135-121 overtime win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday that saw forward Duncan Robinson match the franchise record of 10 3-pointers and rookie guard Kendrick Nunn score a season-high 36 points, while center Bam Adebayo and swingman Jimmy Butler recorded triple-doubles.

LBJ recorded his sixth triple-double of the season in the win over Orlando (25-11-10) but Anthony Davis tallied just 16 points on 6-of-20 shooting, after scoring a season-high 50 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the previous game. A.D. (27.2 & 9.2) and LBJ (25.8-7.0-10.8) stand far and above the rest of Lakers, as only Kuzma (11.1) is within two 'TDs' of LA's "dynamic duo."  Kuzma could sit out for the second straight game with an ankle injury,  while PG Rajon Rondo (8.5 & 5.9 APG) hopes to return after a two-game absence due to a hamstring issue. Flying under the radar has been LA's two-headed center play, as starter McGee and backup Howard are combining to average 14.0 & 13.0.

Butler's arrival in Miami in the off-season was the team's biggest news and yes, Butler (20.6-6.9-7.0) has delivered. However, Miami's success this season has also been fueled by undrafted rookie Nun, who ahs come out of nowhere to average 16.2 PPG and second-year player Robinson (a 6-7 SF who averaged just 3.3 PPG in only 15 games last season), who is averaging 11,8 PPG.  Then there is center Bam Adebayo, who after averaging 8.0 & 6.5 in his first two NBA seasons, is having a "career year" by averaging 15.3 & 10.5 (Hassan Whiteside, we hardly knew you!). The Heat also have excellent depth, even though PG Dragic (15.9 & 5.0 APG) and SF Winslow (12.4-7.1-4.3) will likely sit in tonight's contest.

Something has to give! LA's 12-game road winning streak or Miami's 11-0 start at home. The Lakers easily handled the Heat 95-80 back in LA on Nov 8, when the Heat shot just 35.0%, including a horrid 6 of 35 on threes. Here at home, expect the Heat to shoot MUCH better, as Miami is tied for fourth on the season, connecting on 47.1 percent from the floor. The Heat were an eight-point dog in LA, so getting points here at home (I took five), makes them a STRONG play. Upset alert? I would NOT call a Miami win an upset.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Bos Celtics at 8:05 ET.

18-7 Philadelphia has won 11 of its last 13 games overall during a home-heavy stretch (nine at Wells Fargo Arena) and travel to Boston Thursday night to face the 17-6 Boston Celtics in the first half of TNT's doubleheader. The 76ers remained perfect at home this season (13-0) by eking out a 97-92 win over the Nuggets on Tuesday. "I think throughout this whole year we've been able to find ourselves in a lot of positions late in the fourth quarter, where we have to really be in crunch time and be ready to pull out a win," forward Tobias Harris told reporters after Tuesday's win. "And this was another one of them, where I thought we did a really good job of just getting stops and being solid." As for Boston,  the Celtics had a four-game winning streak snapped with Wednesday's 122-117 road loss to the Indiana Pacers, despite Kemba Walker pouring in a season-best 44 points. The Celtics were 'done in' when they allowed the Pacers to outscore them 38-23 in the fourth quarter! However, Boston (like Philly) is unbeaten at home, going 10-0 (7-2-1 ATS).

Center Joel Embiid recorded 22 points and 10 rebounds against Denver for his 12th contest of at least 20 points and 10 boards this season. He has six double-doubles in the past seven games and leads Philly in scoring (22.0) and rebounding (12.4).  Harris (19.0 & 7.0) and Horford (13.8 & 6.8) join Embiid in the frontcourt and Philly got good news Tuesday when Josh Richardson (15.4) returned to the court after missing SIX games with a hamstring injury.  He started and played in 19 minutes, but scored just three points. Simmons (14.0-7.0-8.4) rounds out Philly's starting-five. Major contributors off the bench are Korkmaz (8.4) and rookie Thybulle (5.1) in the backcourt plus Ennis (7.4 & 3.4) and Scott (6.2 & 3.3), up front.

Boston blew a 10-point lead over Indiana in the fourth quarter, during which Gordon Hayward exited following a palm to the nose by the Pacers' Doug McDermott. Hayward said he went through concussion testing and would be re-evaluated Thursday morning before his availability for the Philadelphia game is determined. He had just returned Monday from a month-long absence following surgery to repair a fracture in his left hand, scoring 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting in the Celtics' 110-88 win over Cleveland on Monday night  He's averaging 17.4-6.3-4.0 and is part of an excellent Boston frontcourt trio which also includes Tatum (20.9 & 71.) and Brown (19.9 & 7.0). Theis (7.0 & 6.4) usually joins that group in starting, while the 7-1 Kanter (7.1 & 5.8) typically comes off the bench. Boston has played its past two games without guard and team leader Marcus Smart (11.8-3.4-4.6), who is dealing with an eye infection and is day-to-day. Boston would love to see him return here but, who knows. Walkers was terrific last night and leads the Celtics with 22.8 PPG, as well as adding 4.4 RPG and 5.2 APG (no one misses Kyrie!).

Boston has had Philly’s number the past couple of years and won another three of four last season (7-2 SU & 8-1 ATS the last nine meetings), entering this season. However,  the 76ers routed Boston back on Oct 23 in Phiily,107-93. That said, I'm not sure that win means much here, other than as a motivating factor for Boston. The Celtics CAN'T be happy about their 4th-quarter collapse last night, so I expect Boston to bring its "A-game" in this one (with or without, Hayward and/or Smart). As noted above Boston is 10-0 SU (7-2-1 ATS) at home this season and let me add here that since opening the season 3-0 on the road, the 76ers are just 2-6 SU away from the friendly confines of Wells Fargo Arena, beating only the 5-19 Cavs and the 5-20 Knicks. They've lost to mediocre teams like Phoenix, Orlando and OKC, while also failing to beat playoff-bound teams like Utah, Denver and Toronto. The Celtics "fit the bill" of a playoff-bound team and get the "W" in this one!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Conference Crusher (East) is on the Ind Pacers at 7:05 ET.

Boston swingman Gordon Hayward returned from a fractured hand to score 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting in the Celtics' 110-88 win over Cleveland on Monday night as Boston improved to 10-0 at home with a dominating performance. The 17-5 Celtics are now healthy and look to extend their latest winning streak to FIVE in a row when they visit the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. The 15-9 Pacers have split their last six games, after opening a brief two-game homestand with a 110-99 loss to the LA Clippers on Monday. Indiana trailed by 24 points late in the third quarter in Monday's game and was held below 100 points for the first time since Nov 16 (11 games ago).

Hayward (18.3-6.9-4.1) looked great after missing a month of action, with Tatum telling reporters "It was good to have him back. I was excited, everybody was excited, and he was excited." Kemba Walker (21.8-4.4-5.1) scored 22 points and dished out seven assists to lead the Celtics, who shot a season-high 57.7 percent while making 15-of-27 three-pointers. Tatum (21.1 & 7.2) is right behind Walkers in points scored and Jaylen Brown (20. & 6.9) saw his role become more important with Hayward sidelined. Marcus Smart (11.8 & 4.6 APG-3.4-4.7) missed Monday's game with an eye infection and is day-to-day.

The loss of All-Star Paul George in the 2017 off-season elicited preseason projections of an Indiana team near the basement of the Central division but the emergence of swingman Victor Oladipo as an All-Star powered the Pacers to the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference in 2017-18, a feat they duplicated last year. Oladipo averaged 23.1-5.2-4.3 two seasons ago and then 18.8-5.6-5.2 last season, before going down with a season-ending knee injury. Oladipo has yet to return but Indiana has won EIGHT of its last 11 an despite Monday's loss to the Clippers, is 9-3 at home. In contrast to Boston's perimeter-oriented look, the Pacers are led by a dynamic, young frontcourt of Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. Sabonis is having a career year through the first two months of 2019-20, averaging 18.4 PPG and 13.5 RPG (he collected a career-best 22 boards on Monday). Center Myles Turner's (10.9 & 5.6) production has dipped from a season ago due in part to recovering from an ankle injury sustained in November. Still, at 2.4 blocked shots per game, her has been one of the NBA's better rim protectors.

Malcom Brogdon (former Milwaukee Buck) has become the team-leader this season, averaging 19.1-4.7-7.5 and small forward TJ Warren was a scorer for the Suns and he's done the same for the Pacers, averaging 18.4 PPG. SG Lamb (15.7 & 5.3) has been a great addition plus McDermott (9.5) and a pair of Holidays, Aaron (8.7 & 2.8 APG) and Justin (7.6 & 3.8), add depth. Including a four-game sweep in the first round of the playoffs last season, Boston has won seven consecutive meetings. However. Boston hosts Philly Thursday night on TNT and I expect a HUGE effort from the Pacers off their embarrassing home showing against the Clippers, who played without Kawhi.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Phi 76ers at 8:05 ET.

The Nuggets were a 'sexy' pick to go deep in the playoffs in the 2019-20 season. Denver was rolling along having won SIX straight and 10 of 11, before blowing a 14-point fourth-quarter lead at Sacramento (lost 100-97 in OT) back on Nov 30. The Nuggets then welcomed the Lakers to Pepsi Center on  Dec 3 and fell, 105-96. Denver left on a four-game road trip after the loss to LA and after winning 129-92 at MSG over the sad-sack NY Knicks last Thursday, the Nuggets lost Friday at Boston and then Sunday at Brooklyn. That's FOUR losses in five games, as 14-7 Denver wraps up its four-game road trip tonight in Philly. The 17-7 Sixers have won 10 of their last 12 overall, including a 110-104 home victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, as Philadelphia kept its home record perfect at 12-0.

Center Nikola Jokic led Denver in scoring (20.1), rebounding (10.8) and assists (7.3) last season and then upped those numbers in 14 postseason games (25.1-13.0-8.4). However, he has not quite been that good so far this season, although his line does read 16.1-10.1-6.1. Starting up front with Jokic are PF Millsap (13.0 & 5.9) and swingman Barton (14.2 & 6.5), while PG Murray (18.2-4.3-4.8) and Harris (10.6) start in the backcourt. Denver's bench is not quite as deep as last season but it's still a formidable unit, led by frontcourt players Grant (9.5 & 3.5) and Plumlee (6.9 & 5.8) plus backup PG Morris (7.2 & 3.4 APG).  Denver was crushed in the interior in the loss to Brooklyn, as it was outscored 66-22 in the paint. Doing better against Philly's formidable frontcourt will be a must.

Tobias Harris scored 26 points against Toronto to stretch his double-digit scoring streak to 13 consecutive games (he's averaging 19.2 & 7.0 on the season). Simmons (14.3-6.9-8.5) almost posted a triple-double (16-11-9), while connecting on 8 of 11  FGs. Rookie guard Matisse Thybulle (4.7 PPG) established season bests of 20 points and five 3-pointers against Toronto and the first-round pick continues to impress his teammates. "He's been great the whole season and he's bringing it every night, especially defensively," center Joel Embiid told reporters. "Even though we have so many guys that can score the ball, him adding what he's been adding, especially his shooting, has been tremendous." Speaking of Embiid (21.9 & 12.5), most (I sure did) expected him to have "big game" vs Toronto (was scoreless while going 0 of 11 in a 101-96 loss at Toronto on Nov 25) but he had the modest line of 10-8-6.

Sure, Philly will lose eventually at home but there is NO reason to expect it will be here! Denver's offense has struggled this season (106.5 PPG ranks 22nd) plus as noted, "The Joker” is not having the big season so many expected of him. The 76ers will surely remember losing 100-97 at Pepsi Center back on Nov 8, when Jokic (26), Murray (22) and Barton (20 mad a combined 28 of 52 shots (53.8%). It's Denver's FOURTH game in six days and Philly makes it 13 straight home wins "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Tor Raptors at 8:05 ET.

The Toronto Raptors saw Kawhi "take his talents to LA" after leading the Raptors to the NBA title last season (starting guard Danny Green also left for the Lakers) but Toronto has done just fine without him. The Raptors also kept 'chugging along' even when PG Lowry and PF Ibaka  were sidelined, going 8-2 without both in the lineup. However, the Raptors are now struggling through their first three-game losing streak in more than a year, despite getting floor general Kyle Lowry back from a thumb injury three games ago (Ibaka has been back for four games). The now 15-7 Raptors visit Chicago tonight to take on a Bulls team that pushed the Heat to overtime at Miami on Sunday, before dropping a 110-105 decision. It was Chicago's FIFTH loss in its last seven and the Bulls opening a four-game homestand tonight against the Raptors, just 8-16 on the season.

Toronto could not dig out of a 15-point halftime deficit in falling to the 76ers 110-104 on Sunday night. Lowry (21.0-4.6-6.9) scored 26 points but Pascal Siakam continued his recent shooting woes. The 6-9 Siakam (24.6 & 8.5) has played at an All Star level but was held to 16 points and seven rebounds on Sunday. He's shooting just 38.9 percent from the floor, while making only 2-of-14 from three-point range during the losing streak. Guard Fred VanVleet (18.0-3.8-7.0) has proven his Finals performance against the Warriors was no fluke but he left Sunday's contest with a right knee contusion and is considered day-to-day. The 6-10 Ibaka (13.0 & 6.4) has proven his days as a valuable contributor are far from over.The Raptors are also getting key contributions from guard Powell (13.1 & 3.9) and SF Anunoby (11/2 & 5.6), who is proving he's an NBA regular (had 19 points and 10 rebounds last night at Philly).

Guard Zach LaVine (22.3-4.2-3.9) had led Chicago in scoring in each of the last EIGHT games but he was held to 18 points on 5-of-19 shooting at Miami. Lauri Markkanen (14.3 & 6.8) scored 22 to lead the Bulls, while Kris Dunn (just 6.9 PPG) chipped in a season-high 16 points. Chicago's No. 1 pick of the 2019 Draft, guard Coby White (12.4), has played well, as has the team's No. 1 pick of the 2018 Draft, the 6-9 Carter (12.1 & 10.0).

The Raptors could sure use a win to snap their three-game slide and a meeting with the Bulls seems like "just what the doctor ordered." The Raptors have won 10 straight over the Bulls, including a 108-84 rout earlier this season here in Chicago. In fact, Toronto is a perfect 5-0 ATS during its current 10-game winning streak against the Bulls at the United Center, and has covered 10 of 14 chances as a favorite this season. Both teams played last night but note that Toronto is 10-4 ATS since the start of last season when unrested. Road team wins and covers "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Ind Pacers at 7:05 ET.

LA recovered from a 28-point loss at Milwaukee on Friday to open their six-game road trip, by shooting 52.1 percent from the floor en route to a 135-119 win at Washington on Sunday  Kawhi Leonard registered his first double-double in nine games with 34 points and 11 rebounds, while former Pacer Paul George scored 27. Leonard (25.1-7.9-5.2) connected on 12-of-18 from the floor Sunday, after going 8-of-29 in the previous two games. George (23.0-6.2-3.5) made 11-of-21 against the Wizards and is shooting 51.5 in four outings this month. No team can match LA's "one-two punch" off the bench, as guard Lou Williams (20.6 & 6.2 APG) and PF Montrezl Harrell (18.8 & 7.8) are "special." Harrell is averaging 20 points in December and has made at least half his shots from the floor in SEVEN of the last nine games, combining to shoot 61.3 percent during that stretch. Lou Williams poured in 18 points off the bench Sunday, but note that he's just 16 of 44  (36.4%) from the floor the past three games.

Oladipo is still not ready to return for Indiana but center Myles Turner (11.0 & 5.4) and SG Jeremy Lamb (16.0 & 5.4) are both back on the court after dealing with ankle sprains and that's great news. Malcom Brogdon (former Milwaukee Buck) has become the team-leader this season, averaging 19.0-4.9-7.7 but also be aware that the 6-11 Sabonis is quietly becoming a star. He had a breakout season last year (14.6 & 9.3) but is even better this season. The Gonzaga product is averaging 18.4 & 13.1 on the season, posting double-doubles in each of the last eight games and 16 of his last 17. Small forward TJ Warren was a scorer for the Suns and he's done the same for the Pacers, averaging 18.7 PPG. Warren has been the go-to player over the last few weeks, averaging 22.9 points in the last eight games, while shooting 40.5 percent from three-point range overall. 

Brogdon missed the Pacers' Saturday game at the Knicks with a hand injury and his status for Monday’s contest is uncertain (listed as questionable). That's hardly good news but the Pacers are getting scoring from reserves McDermott (9.4) plus a pair of Holidays, as Aaron is averaging 8.9 PPG and Justin, 7.8. "Load management" is now part of the NBA lexicon and LA's Doc Rivers told The Athletic that Leonard or George could be rested against Indiana, with another three-game stretch in four nights beginning on Wednesday. My guess would be that Kawhi sits, as Paul George will surely want to play against his "old team." Bottom line is that the Clippers have been a poor road team this season (4-6 SU and 3-7 ATS), while the Pacers are 9-2 SU at home (Indiana is a small home dog, so ATS record means little here). The Pacers have won FIVE of their last six overall meetings with the Clippers, who have lost their last THREE here at Indiana. LA's going through a challenging stretch, as this is the team's  FIFTH contest in NINE days to open December .

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on the Phi 76ers at 6:05 ET.

The Toronto Raptors saw Kawhi "take his talents to LA" after leading the Raptors to the NBA title last season (starting guard Danny Green also left for the Lakers) but Toronto has done just fine without him. The Raptors also kept 'chugging along' with PG Lowry and PF Ibaka sidelined. Both have returned, Ibaka three games ago and Lowry for the last two. However, the duos return has not gone smoothly. Toronto routed Utah in Ibaka's first game back (Dec 1) but with both Lowry and Ibaka back playing, the Raptors have lost home games to Miami and Houston. The  Raptors have not lost three games in a row in over a year but to avoid that happening here, they'll have win at Philly on Sunday night, something no team has done yet in the current season. The 76ers own the NBA's best home record at 11-0, after routing the the Cavs last night, 141-94. The Raptors KNOW Philly will be focused for this contest, as the 76ers lost 101-96 in Toronto on Nov 25 (more on that in a bit).

Lowry's a five-time All-Star and his line is 20.5-4.5-7.1 for the season. The 6-10 Ibaka (13.5 & 6.4) has proven his days as a valuable contributor are far from over. The 6-9 Siakam (25.0 & 8.6) has played at an All Star level and guard Fred VanVleet (18.7-3.9-7.3) has proven his Finals performance against the Warriors was no fluke. Back-up guard Powell (13.4 & 4.0) has taken advantage of extra "PT" with Lowry out and SF Anunoby (10.9 & 5.4) is proving he's an NBA regular. Center Marc Gasol (6.4 & 6.3) has been a disappointment but the good news is he is shooting 52.4 percent from the floor in December after posting a 30.9 percent effort in November and a 31 percent mark in October.

Josh Richardson (16.1) did not play last night (hamstring) and will miss his SIXTH straight game Sunday, while SG Matisse Thybulle is day-to-day after rolling his right ankle against Cleveland. Ben Simmons (14.7--6.7-8.4) scored a career-high 34 points on 12-of-14 shooting in just 26 minutes in last night's win over the Cavs. Joel Embiid (22.6 & 12.7) sat out Saturday's blowout win over the Cavaliers with a bruised left hip, but all reports are that he'll be "good to go" for the second half of this back-to-back set. Harris (18.9 & 7.) and Horford (14.0-6.9-3.9) join Embiid in the frontcourt, while Korkmaz (8.8) and Burke (7.1 & 3.4 APG) are getting more time in the backcourt with Richardson sidelined. SF Ennis (7.3 & 3.5) and PF Scott (6.0 & 3.4) come off the bench up front.

It's not been unusual for Embiid to sit out (see Kawhi's "load management") but as noted, he's expected to play here. One HAS to believe he'll be highly-motivated, as in that Nov 25 loss at Toronto, he was held scoreless for the first time in his career, going 0 of 11 from the floor and 0 of 3 from the FT line! Philly has struggled ATS as of late but this pointspread is MORE than manageable and I believe a real bargain. Yes, the Sixers lost Nov 25th at Toronto but they were a small road favorite in that one, which makes this price "one I WON'T pass up!"

Good luck...Larry

My NBA 10* Total of the Week is on Ind/NYK Over at 7:35 ET.

The loss of All-Star Paul George in the 2017 off-season elicited preseason projections of an Indiana team near the basement of the Central division but the emergence of swingman Victor Oladipo as an All-Star powered the Pacers to the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference in 2017-18, a feat they duplicated last year. Oladipo averaged 23.1-5.2-4.3 two seasons ago and then 18.8-5.6-5.2 last season, before going down with a season-ending knee injury. Oladipo has yet to return but Indiana is 14-8 and visits MSG tonight, having won SEVEN of its last nine games. The New York Knicks fired head coach David Fizdale and hope the change will create some momentum heading into Saturday's game against the visiting Pacers. New York has lost EIGHT straight games and is an NBA-worst 4-18 this season, as "the Fizdale era" ends with a 21-83 (.202) record (is Phil willing to come back??).

Center Myles Turner (11.6 & 5.6) and SG Jeremy Lamb (16.2 & 5.5) are both back on the court after dealing with ankle sprains and that's great news. Malcom Brogdon (former Milwaukee Buck) has become the team-leader this season, averaging 19.0-4.9-7.70 but also be aware that the 6-11 Sabonis is quietly becoming a star. He had a breakout season last year (14.6 & 9.3) but is even better this season. The Gonzaga product is averaging 18.4 & 13.0 on the season. Small forward TJ Warren was a scorer for the Suns and he's done the same for the Pacers, averaging 18.4 PPG.

Lead assistant coach Keith Smart was also dismissed and assistant Mike Miller, a former college and G League coach, was tabbed to take over the team on an interim basis. New York's front office has been viewed as dysfunctional and the squad put together by team president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry has lost seven games by 20 or more points already this season. The last two games of the Fizdale Era were particularly ugly, as the Knicks lost by 44 to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday and by 37 to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. Forwards Morris (18.3 & 6.0) and Randle (16.8-8.5-3.5) are the team's top-two producers, followed by first-round draft choice RJ Barrett (14.4-5.1-3.3). As for the rest of the team.......

The Knicks are winless since a 123-105 victory over Cleveland back on Nov 18 and I won't predict a "W" here but I do expect "an effort." That said, the Pacers have to expect that too and with home games up next against the Clippers and Celtics, Indiana surely won't want to lose to this sad-sack outfit. The Pacers won all FOUR meetings with the  Knicks last season, averaging 110.3 PPG. Can the Knicks win one for Mike Miller, who surely won't be the team's new head coach? Again, I expect "an effort" and I believe  that translates into an "Over!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Bos Celtics at 8:05 ET.

The Denver Nuggets were rolling along, having won SIX straight and 10 of 11 before blowing a 14-point fourth-quarter lead in Sacramento on Saturday, falling 100-97 in OT. The Nuggets then welcomed the Lakers to Pepsi Center on Tuesday and fell, 105-96. Denver got back on the winning track last night with a 129-92 win but it came at MSG over the sad-sack 4-18 NY Knicks. The Nuggets play again tonight and the opponent will be the 15-5 Boston Celtics, who own the second-best record in the East (Bucks' 19-3 mark is tied with the Lakers for an NBA-best). What's more, Boston is one of just three teams to still be undefeated at home, as their 8-0 record at TD Garden is tied with Miami and bested only by Philly's 10-0 home mark. Boston last played Wednesday night, when they handled the Heat impressively, in a 112-93 win.

EIGHT players scored in double digits and the Nuggets shot 56.3 percent from the floor, including 21-of-39 from three-point range, in the easy victory over the Knicks. Denver piled up a season-high 38 assists, while standout big man Nikola Jokic contributed eight of the assists in just 25 minutes. "He just makes the right play. What I love about Nikola is he's totally selfless," Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters. "He exemplifies what we talk about with our culture." The Nuggets were a 'sexy' pick to go deep in the playoffs in the 2019-20 season and Jokic was big reason why. He led Denver in scoring (20.1), rebounding (10.8) and assists (7.3) last season and then upped those numbers in 14 postseason games (25.1-13.0-8.4). However, Jokic has not quite been that good so far this season, although his line does read 14.9-10.1-6.2. Starting up front with Jokic are PF Millsap (13.7 & 5.9) and swingman Barton (14.9-5.9-3.4), while PG Murray (18.5-3.7-4.5) and Harris (10.8) start in the backcourt. Denver's bench is not quite as deep as last season but it's still a formidable unit, led by frontcourt players Grant (9.5 & 3.5) and Plumlee (7.5 & 5.9) plus backup PG Morris (7.0 & 3.4 APG).

Jaylen Brown established season bests of 31 points and five 3-pointers against Miami. Brown's roll has become more important with the injury to Hayward (18.9-7.1-4.1) and he's now averaging 19.9 & 6.9 on the season. PG Kemba Walker has more than filled the 'hole' left at PG by Kyrie leaving for the Nets, averaging 21.9-4.7-5.1 and his ability to create pressure on defenders and make sound decisions leads to players like Brown and Jayson Tatum (21.0 & 7.0) getting open looks. "The beneficiaries are going to be the guys standing, spotting up," head coach Brad Stevens said after the win. "I think our guys did a really good job of driving and kicking and moving the ball, finding the next right guy." Some bad news for Boston is that  Marcus Smart (11.9-3.4-4.7) missed the Miami game (illness, oblique) and is questionable for Friday.

Tough spot here for Denver, as the Nuggets were only able to get past teh Celtics 96-92 back in Denver on Nov 22, a game in which  Kemba Walker was knocked out of after playing just 12 scoreless minutes due to a head injury. What's more, the Celtics made just 7 of 27 threes that night (25.9%). The price is "more than fair" here in this "payback spot" for Boston and that's my bet!

Good luck...Larry

James Harden just keeps piling up HUGE numbers. He recorded his fourth career 60-point outing against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday (he had exactly 60 in Houston's 158-11 home win over the Hawks) and followed with 50 points during Tuesday's 135-133 double-overtime loss at the  San Antonio Spurs. Tuesday's effort was Harden's 21st career game with 50 or more points but as noted, it didn't result in a victory, as Houston blew a 22-point,second-half lead. Harden made all 24 of his free-throw attempts against San Antonio but struggled from the floor as he was 11-of-38 overall, including 4-of-20 from three-point range. 13-7 Houston will head north on Thursday to take on the 15-5 Toronto Raptors, who are coming off an OT loss as well. PG Kyle Lowry returned Tuesday after missing 11 games with a fractured left thumb but had just 12 points on 2-of-18 shooting while missing all 11 of his three-point attempts. Toronto suffered its first home loss of the season, after winning a franchise-record NINE straight home games to begin the season. 

Harden is averaging 42.6 points over the past five games to raise his season mark to 39.5 PPG (also 6.1 RPG and 7.8 APG). PG Russell Westbrook has adapted to a complementary role (21.9-7.8-7.1) and center Clint Capela returned from a two-game absence due to illness and made all nine field-goal attempts while recording 22 points and 21 rebounds for his third 20-20 outing of the campaign. He's having a "career season," averaging 15.1 PPG and RPG. However, the Rockets miss Eric Gordon's scoring 'punch' (he has a career 16.6 PPG average). House (12.4) is getting extra minutes but he's no Gordon. 

The Raptors saw Kawhi "take his talents to LA" after leading the Raptors to the NBA title last season but Toronto has done just fine without him. The Raptors also kept 'chugging along' with Lowry (20.7-4.4-7.0) and Ibaka (13.8 & 6.5) sidelined. Both have returned, Ibaka two games ago and Lowry in that Tuesday home loss to Miami (final was 121-100 but that came in OT). Ibaka scored 13 points in each of his two games back, while averaging 6.5 PPG (it was like he never left). That was NOT the case for Lowry (see above). However, the five-time All-Star did record 11 assists with only one turnover (note: he's well-known for his shooting slumps). The 6-9 Siakam (25.1 & 8.6) has played at an All Star level and guard Fred VanVleet (18.7-3.8-7.4) has proven his Finals performance against the Warriors was no fluke. Back-up guard Powell (13.4 & 4.1) has taken advantage of extra "PT" with Lowry out and SF Anunoby (10.9 & 5.5) is proving he's an NBA regular.

Is the Harden/Westbrook pairing really working in Houston? In the team's 2-OT loss at San Antonio, while Harden was scoring 50 points (and going 11 of 38 from the floor), Westbrook produced his 142nd career triple-double (19-10-10) but hoisted up a season-high 30 shots, making only SEVEN! On the season, Westbrook is shooting only 41.0%, including 22.9% on threes. Houston is 13-7 but just 10-10 ATS, while Toronto is 15-5 and 13-7 ATS (8-2 ATS at home). I'm playing Toronto, the more balanced team.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Ut Jazz at 9:05 ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers earned an impressive 105-96 win last night in Denver. As the duo has done all season, Anthony Davis and LeBron James led the way.  Despite requiring intravenous fluids at halftime, A.D.  played through his illness and finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds. As for LBJ, he had 25 points, nine assists and six rebounds. However, there is no rest for the weary, as the 18-3 Lakers now travel from "Mile High" Denver to Salt Lake City to take on the 12-9 Jazz. The Jazz are back at home after a 1-4 road trip that included losses of 19 points to the Indiana Pacers and 20 to the Toronto Raptors, with Utah's ONLY win coming at 6-14 Memphis.

Davis (26.1 & 9.3) and LBJ (25.6-7.1-10.8) have just one other teammate averaging in double figures and that's Kuzma (10.9), who has started just one game. LA's myriad group of guards have hardly been consistent but the team's 'two-headed' center duo of McGee and Howard has been surprisingly effective. McGee starts but Howard is averaging a few more minutes per game. Combined, the duo is averaging 14.0 PPG and 13.3  RPG. In last night's win, the duo combined for 17 points and 12 rebounds. All in all, LA is connecting on 48.7 percent from the floor as a team, ranking second in the league.

The Jazz HAVE to be glad to return home (Utah is 8-1 at Vivint Smart Home Arena) but PG Mike Conley (13.9-3.5-4.6) injured a hamstring during Monday's 103-94 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers and will miss Wednesday's game.Then again, Conley has NOT been a consistent force for Utah, so I doubt the team is overly concerned. What is concerning is that the Jazz trailed the 76ers by as many as 26 points before rallying to make the score respectable, one night after losing y 20 points in Toronto.  Head coach Quin Snyder termed the defeat as another lesson. "For me, it's important for our team to learn from games," Snyder told reporters. "Not to ignore bad games by any means, but what can you do with it. I think that mindset if you keep working, this team is different than the teams we have had. There is enthusiasm about that."

Good news coming out of the Philly loss was that center Rudy Gobert scored a season-best 27 points against Philadelphia and also collected 12 rebounds for his 14th straight double-digit performance on the boards. Gobert is averaging 14.0 & 13.7, on the season plus SG Mitchell (24.9-4.8-3.6) and SF Bogdanovic (20.9 & 4.4) have led the way all season for Utah on the offensive end. I noted earlier that Utah has lost just ONCE this season at home, a surprising 112-102 defeat at the hands of the T-wolves but the Jazz avenged that loss two nights late in Minnesota, winning 103-95. Among Utah's eight home 'victims' this season are the 16-6 Clippers , the 15-6 Sixers and the 18-3 Bucks. My bet says the 18-3 Lakers join that 'hit list' tonight, as the Jazz have beaten the Lakers EIGHT straight here in Salt Lake City (note: A.D. may not be 100 percent and who knows, could miss).

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Bos Celtics at 7:35 ET.

The Miami Heat are coming off a 121-110 overtime win over the Raptors at Toronto on Tuesday. Jimmy Butler scored the first eight points in the extra session, as part of his fifth career triple-double as Miami improved to 15-5 overall but the Heat are just a modest 7-5 on the road. The 14-5 Celtics are coming off a 1-1 trip to the New York City area over the weekend, losing 112-107 to the Nets at Barclays Center on Friday but bouncing back with a 113-104 win over the Knicks at MSG on Sunday. 

Butler finished with 22 points, a season-high 13 rebounds and 12 assists in the impressive win at Toronto. He leads the team averaging 19.0-6.0-6.7 but Miami's strength is its depth. EIGHT players are averaging 20-plus minutes per game, with SEVEN averaging in double digits (Olynyk just misses at 9.1). Duncan Robinson (11.7) had 22 points against the Raptors while making 6-of-9 three-pointers (he's now 14-of-22 from long distance over a three-game span). However, undrafted rookie Kendrick Nunn (15.7 PPG) is trending in the other direction, missing all nine of his three-point attempts in the win over the Raptors to fall to 2-for-20 over the same three-game stretch. More bad news comes Miami's way in that PG Dragic (15.9 & 5.0 APG) sat out Tuesday's game and already has been ruled out for the visit to Boston. 

Jayson Tatum scored 30 points and Jaylen Brown added 28 in Sunday's win at Madison Square Garden, as Boston overcame Smart's scoreless 20 minutes and a 6-for-18 shooting effort by Kemba Walker. That said, Walker has more than filled the 'hole' left at PG by Kyrie leaving for the Nets, averaging 21.6-4.7-50. Tatum (21.1 & 7.1) is now in his third season and constantly getting better plus with Hayward sidelined, Brown's roll has become more important (he's averaging 19.3 & 7.1).  Some bad news is that the Celtics expect to play Wednesday without guard and team leader Marcus Smart (11.9-3.4-4.7), who exited Sunday's win over the Knicks with an oblique injury. Smart, also dealing with a cold, didn't practice Tuesday and has been labeled doubtful against Miami. "He's only going to play if he's 100 percent or close," head coach Brad Stevens said. 

Miami handed Toronto its first home loss in 10 chances this season, narrowing the list of NBA teams undefeated at home to three, Interestingly, all three of those teams play in the East. Phily is 10-0 at home and the other two are playing in this contest, Miami (8-0) and Boston (7-0). As noted above, the Heat are a modest 7-5 SU on the road and expecting them to win at Toronto and Boston on consecutive night's is "too big of an ask." Miami has lost three straight to Boston and 11 of its last 14 meetings with team. Lay the points with the Celtics. 

Good luck...Larry

My 9* play is on the Den Nuggets at 9:05 ET.

The top two teams in the Western Conference meet Tuesday when the 17-3 Los Angeles Lakers visit the 13-4 Denver Nuggets. Both teams enter off a loss, as the Lakers had a 10-game winning streak halted by the Dallas Mavericks 114-100 on Sunday, while the Nuggets blew a 17-point halftime before suffering a 100-97 overtime loss at the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. How much will the outcome of this game mean come April?  That's TBD but right now, the Lakers are 2 1/2 games ahead of the Nuggets in the race for the best record in the West, although they have played three more games.

A.D. (26.1 & 9.3) and LBJ (25.7-7.2-10.9) have led LA all season and Davis produced 27 points and 10 rebounds, while James recorded 25 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and four steals against the Mavericks. However, Dallas broke the game open by outscoring LA 35-17 in the third quarter. Los Angeles head coach Frank Vogel told reporters. "We've been really sharp and really consistent, but during that stretch we weren't, and it cost us the game." The Lakers also committed 17 turnovers, with six of the miscues coming from James. Kyle Kuzma (11.3) has an ankle issue and struggled against Dallas by scoring just four points on 1-of-8 shooting over 21 minutes. LA's center duo of McGee (7.1 & 6.4) and Howard (6.8 & 6.9) have "made it work," with both averaging about 20 minutes per game.

The Nuggets were a 'sexy' pick to go deep in the playoffs in the 2019-20 season and a 10-2 November has Denver in position to challenge for the top spot in the West. Center Nikola Jokic led Denver in scoring (20.1), rebounding (10.8) and assists (7.3) last season and then upped those numbers in 14 postseason games (25.1-13.0-8.4). However, Jokic has not quite been that good so far this season, although his line does read 15.6-10.4-6.0. Jokic is in a scoring slump with three straight single-digit games and had seven points on 3-of-11 shooting against the Kings, after being limited to eight in each of the previous two games. If there is one criticism of the Serbian big man, it's he doesn't shoot enough. Starting up front with Jokic are PF Millsap (13.5 & 5.8) and swingman Barton (15.4 & 7.3), while PG Murray (18.5-4.5-4.9) and Harris (11.1) start in the backcourt. Denver's bench is not quite as deep as last season but it's still a formidable unit.

It will likely come as a surprise that the Nuggets have won this season largely on the play of their defense, which is ranked No. 1 in the NBA (101.8 PPG). The Nuggets also rank third in defensive FG percentage (42.8) and 1st in three-point percentage (30.9). Yes, Los Angeles had won 10 in a row before dropping a home game to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. but Denver was rolling, too, having won SIX straight and 10 of 11 before blowing a 14-point fourth-quarter lead in Sacramento on Saturday. The Lakers have lost EIGHT of their last 10 visits to Pepsi Center, where Denver has already beaten Miami, Philly, Houston and Boston (those teams are a combined 56-22, .718) in going 8-2 SU (Denver owned an NBA-best 34-7 SU record at home last season). Hard (impossible?) to go against the Nuggets at this price.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division Game of the Month (Southeast) is on the Was Wizards at 7:05 ET.

The 8-11 Orlando Magic will be in Washington tonight to take on the 6-12 Wizards. It will be a contrast in styles, as the Wizards are the East's highest-scoring team at 118.8 PPG (2nd-best in the NBA), while the Magic have limited opponents to an East-low 101.9 PPG (also, 2nd-best in the NBA). Washington was crushed 150-125 on Sunday night at the Los Angeles Clippers to finish off a four-game road trip 1-3, allowing 131.0 PPG in the process. The Magic are coming off a 100-96 Sunday home win over the Warriors, holding Golden St to just 39.6 percent from the floor.

Orlando's best player, All-Star center Nikola Vucevic (17.1 & 11.6), remains out with ankle injury and will miss his SIXTH straight game, tonight. Shooting guard Evan Fournier had a season-high 32 points in Sunday's win and leads the team with 19.2 PPG. Fournier left the game briefly in the first quarter after hyper-extending his right knee but fought through and provided the key basket down the stretch with a driving layup but is expected to play in this one. Vucevic's frontline mates have both had minor injuries but both Isaac (13.1 & 7.5) and Gordon (12.4 & 6.4) are back on the court. Ross is averaging 11.9 PPG without starting, while PGs Fultz (11.7 & 3.8 APG) and Augustin (8.7 & 4.7 APG) split time running the team, while also playing together at times.

With Wall lost for the season, Bradley Beal was expected to have a HUGE season and that's exactly the case (28.0-4.3-7.3). The 6-10 Bryant (13.9 & 8.5) has played well in the post (no one misses Gortat) plus head coach Scott Brooks is getting better-than-expected play from 6-8 rookie Rui Hachimura (13.3 & 5.6), former Spur Davis Betrans (13.2 & 4.4) plus 6-11 second-year player Moritz Wagner (12.0 & 5.6).

Washington can score but the Wizards also allow 122.7 PPG on 49.3% shooting (rank 30th in both categories). However, can Orlando take advantage? The Magic don't just rank 29th in scoring (see above) but also 29th in both FG percentage (42.3) and three-point percentage (31.2). These team met in Orlando back on Nov 17 and teh Magic did score 125 points in a four-point win but this game is on the road. The Magic are a woeful 1-7 SU away from home this season, averaging only 101.0 PPG. The Wizards won BOTH games played in Washington against the Magic last season and the Magic were a playoff team at 42-40. Orlando is not playoff 'material' as of now, especially without Vucevic. Here's something I won't say often this NBA season, "Take the Wizards!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Phi 76ers at 7:05 ET.

The 12-8 Utah Jazz 'limp' into Philadelphia on Monday on the heels of Sunday's 130-110 loss in Toronto. The Jazz  fell behind by 40 points at the half (largest halftime deficit in franchise history), rendering Utah's 49-point effort in the third quarter a virtual non-factor. The 14-6 Sixers lost at Toronto 101-96 last Monday, a game in which Embiid went scoreless in 32 minutes, going 0 of 11 from the floor and 0 of 3 from the FT line. However, Philly has won all THREE since that loss, although all have come by single digits (six, six and three points), going 0-3 ATS.

"We were awful. I think the important thing for us is to understand why," Jazz coach Quin Snyder told reporters. "There were a lot of issues but our urgency to make certain things important defensively, whether that be an assignment, sprinting back and not jogging back against a team that runs the way they do. There were too many breakdowns and too many possessions where we lacked the urgency we needed." Donovan Mitchell (24.8-4.9-3.7) was limited to 16 points at Toronto. PG Mike Conley (14.2-3.6-4.5) led Utah with 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting in Sunday's loss, after connecting on 9-of-40 (22.5%) over his previous four games combined. Bogan Bogdanovic (21.5 & 4.5) has been Utah's second-best scorer all season and center Rudy Gobert had 12 points and 11 rebounds. The tender ankle that caused him to miss a couple of games in the latter part of November seems much better, as he owns 12 double-doubles in averaging 13.3 & 13.8 on the season.

Joel Embiid had 32 points and 11 rebounds in Philly's win over the Pacers and since his "no-show" in last Monday's loss at Toronto, is averaging 30.7 points and 14.7 rebounds. "I changed my mindset," Embiid told reporters after making 15-of-15 free throws in the win over the Pacers. "I hadn't been as aggressive, so I've been more aggressive creating contact and causing other people to foul me." Philly owns a formidable frontline with Embiid (22.8 & 12.2) joined by Harris (18.0 & 7.1) and Horford (14.4-7.0-4.1).  The Sixers miss Richardson's 16.1 PPG, as he's been bothered by a hamstring issue and likely won't be joining Simmons (12.9-6.9-8.40 in the starting backcourt tonight).

TOUGH spot for Utah, playing its FIFTH game in eight days against a team that has yet to lose at home (9-0). What's more, Philly is out for a little "payback" from a 106-104 loss in Salt Lake City back on Nov 6. In that game, Simmons did not play in the second half because of right shoulder soreness, while Embiid, Harris and Horford combined to shoot 12 of 41 (29.3%). FYI...Embiid is shooting 49.3% on the season, Harris 45.7% and Horford 48.2%. Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Non-Conference Crusher is on the Tor Raptors at 6:05 ET.

You may remember the Toronto Raptors won the NBA championship last season but all also likely know that Kwahi "took his talents" to "the City of Angels." If that wasn't enough, All Star PG Lowry went down after just eight games, averaging 21.8-4.2-6.5, while PF Ibaka, adding 14.0 & 6.5 off the bench, went down at the same time. Neither has returned (they are due back soon) but the Raptors just keep rolling. Toronto is 14-4 and trails only 17-3 Milwaukee (which is on an 11-game wining streak) in the East. Toronto has won its last six games and on Sunday, will welcome the 12-7 Utah Jazz to Scotiabank Arena looking to make it SEVEN wins in a row. Utah is 8-1 at home (only loss to Minnesota?) but Friday's 103-94 win at Memphis was its first win 1-2 on its current five-game road trip (Jazz are 4-6 on the road, after opening this trip 1-2).

Bogan Bogdanovic (22.1 & 4.4) scored 16 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter at Memphis on Friday, as Utah completed a rally from a 15-point halftime deficit. Center Rudy Gobert chipped in 13 points and 13 rebounds for his 11th double-double, as he's back after missing a couple games at the end of November with a tender ankle (he's averaging 13.4 & 13.9 on the season). Utah is led by guard Donovan Mitchell (25.3-5.1-3.7), who is proving he was the steal of the 2017 draft (chosen 13th in a draft which saw Fultz and Ball go 1 & 2). PG Conley (13.9-3.6-4.6)  is playing more consistently but he's still shooting just 36.1%

Toronto picked up a 90-83 victory at Orlando on Friday, surviving its worst shooting performance of the season (36.9 percent). Norman Powell (12.7) scored a career-high 33 points, while Pascal Siakam, who leads Toronto in scoring (25.1), was held to a season-low 10 points on 4-of-22 from the floor at Orlando. He did chip in 13 rebounds and five assists and was a big part of a defensive effort that stifled the Magic.  Guard Fred VanVleet has upped the ante with Lowry sidelined, scoring 20-plus points in SIX of his last eight and is now averaging 18.5-3.9-73 on the season.

The Jazz may be tough in Salt Lake City (8-1) but they are an average (vulnerable) team on the road and this marks their FOURTH game in seven nights. Meanwhile, Toronto is 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS at home to open the current season, outscoring opponents on average, 119.4-to-104.6 PPG. The price is 'right!'. Lay the 'cheap' number.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the NO Pelicans at 5:05 ET.

The New Orleans Pelicans traveled to OKC to take on the Thunder on Friday, in what was the first game of a home-and-home set. The teams had met back on Nov 2 in OKC, with the Thunder prevailing 115-104. New Orleans won THREE in a row from Nov 17-21 but entered Friday's contest having lost THREE in a row while surrendering an average of 125.3 PPG. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City entered on a 2-6 run. New Orleans came into Friday's game dealing with a lot of emotions, as on Wednesday, the Pelicans hosted the NBA-best Lakers, with former team star Anthony Davis returning to New Orleans to score 41 points in LA's 114-110 win. However, the Pelicans showed little 'hangover' on Friday, as they led by EIGHT points early in the fourth quarter, before Oklahoma City rallied behind Dennis Schroder (he scored NINE of his 25 points in the final nine minutes) to 'steal' a 109-104 decision over the Pelicans. The 7-11 Thunder will now try to pick up a sweep of the home-and-home set when the teams meet again Sunday in the Big Easy (Pelicans come in 6-13).

The "new-look" Thunder have long-time All Star Chris Paul (15.7-4.2.-5.6) and second-year player Gilgeous-Alexander (18.3-4.8-3.1) both capable of running the team plus OKC also has Schroder coming off the bench to do the same, if needed. He's averaging 15.4-4.0-4-0 and as he proved Friday night, he's a quality NBA player. SF Gallinari is averaging 18.2 & 5.2 and is a proven NBA scorer plus center Adams (9.3 & 8.9) seems fully recovered after missinga few games back in early November. The 6-10 Noel (7.6 & 4.8) has shown 'flashes' that he can be a solid backup and contributor. A bonus for OKC the last two games has been SF Abdel Nader, who after scoring a career-high 23 points at Portland on Wednesday, added another 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting in Friday's win. "I'm really happy for him," head coach Billy Donovan said of Nader, whose opportunity arose when Hamidou Diallo (8.8 & 3.8) suffered an elbow injury. "Because there's nobody that works harder or is more committed or is in the gym more than he is."

New Orleans head coach Alvin Gentry told reporters after Friday's loss, "We had an opportunity to win it at the end but we have to do a better job all together. Defensively, we had a few missed assignments at the end that cost us big. We've just got to be able to execute things at the end of the game defensively and offensively." New Orleans won the third quarter by a 31-17 margin, before fading late to fall to 2-8 on the road. Guard Lonzo Ball (11.1-4.1-5.7) missed his second straight game with an illness while forward Derrick Favors (8.3 & 8.9) remained out for personal reasons. Zion is still a ways from getting on the court  but SF Brandon Ingram (25.9-7.4-4.0) is liking New Orleans just fine (he came from LA in the Davis deal).  PG  Jrue Holiday (19.0-5.1-7.2) is the team-leader plus SG Redick is chipping in 15.3 PPG, while shooting 46.3% on threes.

Here's the deal. The Thunder caught the Pelicans off an emotional game against the Lakers when the teams met Friday night in OKC, yet need to rally from EIGHT points down in the fourth quarter to win, at home. This quick turnaround provides the Pelicans a great opportunity for some "payback" and why shouldn't they get it? The home team has won SIX straight in series!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the OKC Thunder at 8:05 ET.

The 6-12 New Orleans Pelicans travel to OKC to take on the 6-11 Thunder on Friday, in what is the first game of a home-and-home set  (teams play in New Orleans on Sunday). These teams met back on Nov 2 in OKC, with the Thunder prevailing 115-104. New Orleans won THREE in a row from Nov 17-21 but enter this contest having lost THREE in a row while surrendering an average of 125.3 PPG. Oklahoma City lost for the SIXTH time in eight games with Wednesday's 136-119 loss in Portland, a contest in which the Thunder fell behind 40-17, then found themselves chasing the game the rest of the way.

New Orleans dealt with a lot of emotions in its Wednesday game against NBA-best Lakers, as former team star Anthony Davis scored 41 for LA. PG Jrue Holiday had 29 points and a season-best 12 assists against the Lakers. Forward Brandon Ingram was just 4-of-21 shooting against his former team but still had 23 points and 10 rebounds. Ingram is averaging 25.9-7.4-4.0 on the season and has topped 20 points in EIGHT straight appearances. Holiday checks in averaging 19.3-5.2- 7.3, while Redick (15.0) is 'heating up' from behind the arc, making 41-of-81 on three-pointers his last nine games. Ball (11.1-4.1-5.7) is out with the flu, while PF Favors (8.3 & 8.9) remains out due to personal reasons (he's played in just NINE of 18 games this season).

The Thunder have long-time All Star Chris Paul (6.2-4.1-5.6) and second-year player Gilgeous-Alexander (18.8-5.1-3.1) both capable of running the team plus OKC also has Schroder coming off the bench to do the same, if needed. He's averaging 14.8-4.1-3-9. SF Gallinari is just 15-of-38 shooting over his last three games but he's averaging 18.3 & 5.1 on the season. The last time these teams met (Nov 2), center Adams (9.0 & 8.7) was sidelined but he's back now plus the 6-10 Noel (7.6 & 4.7) has shown 'flashes' that he can be a solid backup and a solid contributor.

I won't play 'on' OKC very often but I did have them back on Nov 2 against the Pelicans and see no reason NOT to play them again, here. The Pelicans allow 120.1 PPG (29th) on 47.5% shooting (25th), including allowing 123.1 PPG in going 2-7 SU on the road. OKC does have a slight impost here but I don't see them missing a chance to pick up a "W," so I'll lay the modest points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Hou Rockets at 8:05 ET.

The Houston Rockets were 'flying high' when they traveled to Denver last Wednesday for a game with the Nuggets. Houston took an eight-game winning streak into that contest but the Rockets were held under 100 points for the first time this season in a 105-95 loss. (Houston entered averaging an NBA-best 119.5 PPG). Harden finished with "just" 27 points, snapping his string of eight consecutive games with 36 or more. Houston then lost 112-109 at the Clippers last Friday, before returning home to get run off the court by Luka Doncic and Mavs, 137-123. As Vince Lomabardi once famously said, "What the hell going on out there?" The now 11-6 Rockets welcome the 12-4 Miami Heat to Houston on Wednesday, looking to snap their three-game slide and avenge an embarrassing 129-100 loss at Miami back on Nov  3.

Miami has been one of the league's surprising teams so far, coming off a 39-43 non-playoff season last year. Miami has won SIX of its last seven, after a 117-100 home win over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday. Small forward Jimmy Butler scored 21 points against the Hornets but complained of illness after the game and his availability for Wednesday hasn't yet been determined. Kelly Olynyk (8.3 & 5.6) collected a career-best 16 rebounds against Charlotte and also scored 15 points for his first double-double of season. Butler is off to an unspectacular start (18.9-5.4-6.7) but the Heat have gotten strong play from starters and bench players all season. Undrafted rookie Nunn (16.9 PPG) has been the biggest surprise plus has seen fellow guard Dragic (15.3 & 5.3 APG with zero starts) and rookie guard guard Herro (14.3 PPG in just three starts) make major contributions. 6-9 center Adebayo has played in and a started all 16 games, averaging a double-double (14.3 & 10.3) plus it s expected that Justise Winslow (concussion) is probable after missing the previous nine games (in five games, he's averaging 13.9-8.0-4.1)

Harden (37.9-6.1-6.0) and Westbrook (22.2-7.5-6.8) lead the way for Houston, although Clint Capela (14.6 & 14.7) is sure making  a strong case as being one of the NBA's top centers (he 's had 20-plus rebounds in FIVE of his last six). .Eric Gordon (16.6 PPG career scorer) is missed but House (11.5 & 4.6) was back vs Dallas on Sunday, scoring 16 points in 35 minutes. Dallas racked up 45 points and led by 16 when the first quarter concluded and led 78-60 at halftime while cruising to a win on Sunday. Luka Doncic scored 41 points and Tim Hardaway poured in a season-best 31, as Houston's defense was routinely carved up. Asked what the Rockets did wrong on defense, Harden's answer began with this word; "Everything." We allowed them to do whatever they wanted to do from the beginning of the game and when you give a team like that comfort ... they gain confidence," Harden told reporters. "And that's what they did."

The Rockets NEED a bounce-back here and avenging that 'ugly' 29-point loss at Miami should help provide some extra motivation. In that contest, Harden, Westbrook and a then-healthy Gordon combined to shoot 11 of 35 from the floor (31.4%), including 3 of 20 on threes (15.0%). No team likes to be on the road the night before Thanksgiving and visiting Houston, where the Heat have lost FIVE of their last six meetings, is NOT where the Heat would chose to play. Houston snaps its three-game slide and "returns the favor" while avenging that Nov 3 loss in Miami. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Mil Bucks at 8:05 ET.

The 11-5 Utah Jazz open a five-game road trip with a visit to Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum on Monday night. The Jazz enter off three consecutive victories and SEVEN wins over their last nine games, following a 128-120 triumph over New Orleans on Saturday at home. The 13-3 Bucks own the East's best record (Lakers are an NBA-best 14-2) and their only loss over their last 12 games came on the road at Utah 103-100 back on Nov 8. Milwaukee has since won SEVEN in a row.

The Jazz held off the Pelicans 128-120 on Saturday without center Rudy Gobert in the lineup. Gobert (13.3 & 14.1) was sidelined with an ankle injury he suffered a day earlier against the Warriors. In his absence, Utah turned to a fast starting offense to be the difference maker. The Jazz opened the game on a 14-0 run and scored a season-best 44 points in the first quarter. Donovan Mitchell (25.9-5.7-3.9) scored a season-high 37 points on 12-for-26 shooting (including a season high six 3-pointers) to go with seven rebounds and five assists. Bojan Bogdanovic  (20.7 & 4.2) added 28 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Bogdanovic had a season-high 33 points and hit the game-winning three-pointer in Utah's Nov 8 win over Milwaukee.

Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is off to a historic start, as he was the first player in NBA history to exceed 200 points, 100 rebounds and 50 assists (61) in the first eight games of season, He enters this contest averaging 29.9-13.9-6.4 and is the first player with 16 straight double-doubles to start a season since Moses Malone did so in 1981-82.However, the Bucks are NOT just Giannis and they are proving just that with Khris Middleton (18.5 & 5.7) missing the last six games with a thigh contusion (more details in a bit). PG Bledsoe (17.6-5.3-5.2) is having an excellent year and there is plenty of depth on the perimeter with Hill (9.2-3.2-3.1), Matthews (7.4) and DiVencenzo (8.2). Center Lopez (11.2 & 4.8) remains steady and the Bucks would 'love' to see Gobert miss this one (he's listed as questionable).

Either way, I'm taking the Bucks, who lead the NBA by averaging 119.8 PPG. Middleton a quality player and the Bucks are CLEARLY a better team with him in the lineup but DiVencenzo has started in his absence (has averaged11.0 PPG) and while the Bucks may only be 3-3 ATS (6-0 SU) in the six games Middleton has missed, it should be noted that the team's average margin of victory in those contests is 12.7 points! "Remember Nov 8" is tonight's 'battle cry' from Giannis and Co. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division Game of the Month (Southwest) is on the Hou Rockets at 3:35 ET.

he Houston Rockets owned an eight-game winning streak before losing at Denver to the Nuggets (Wed) and in LA against the Clippers (Fri). 11-5 Houston 'limps' home to host the 10-5 Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon, who come to Houston on a four-game winnings streak. The Mavs scored 142 points in routing the Warriors on Wednesday and then followed by scoring 143 in a romp over the Cavs on Friday. Dallas' scoring binge leaves them tied with Houston (each are averaging 117.9 PPG) as the top scoring team in the West (the Bucks lead the NBA with 119.8 PPG).

Is it possible that Dallas PG Luka Doncic could be "the best player on the floor" when the teams face off in the Toyota center? He's led his team to 40-plus routs in each of the last two games and leads Dallas in scoring (29.9 PPG), rebounding (10.4), assists (9.7) and steals (1.3). He's accounted for SEVEN triple-doubles and counting. Kristaps Porzingis' return from knee surgery has provided the Mavericks the boost they needed to compete in the Western Conference. Porzingis is averaging 18.1 & 8.9 through 14 games plus has offered the defensive impact that bolstered his two-way reputation. While the Mavs match Houston in putting points on the board, only Hardaway (11.2) is in double digits outside of Doncic and Porzingis (note: I'm not counting Barea, who is averaging 11.5 PPG but has played in just two games).

Harden leads the NBA in scoring at an average of 38.3 PPG plus adds 5.9 RPG and 7.8 APG. Westbrook is averaging 21.9-7.7-6.9 but is shooting only 41.5% from the floor, including 22.0% on threes. Center Clint Capela is headed towards a career-season, averaging 14.1 & 14.1. He had pulled down 20 or more rebounds in FIVE straight games, before falling short Friday in LA, grabbing "only" 19. The Rockets will play their next three and FIVE of their next seven at home, where they own a 6-1 record.

As for Dallas, after completing a 4-0 homestand, the Mavs face their toughest stretch of the young season, beginning with this game in Houston. Up next, they will welcome the Clippers to Dallas on Tuesday, then head out on a three-game road trip. They will visit Phoenix first (Suns are no longer a 'pushover' at 8-7) and then play at Staples against the Lakers (at 14-2, the Lakers currently own the NBA's best record). The Mavericks haven't played a stretch this difficult yet and as the saying goes, "We will see, what we will see."  I expect that Houston will not only want to get back "on track" after its 'lost' two-game foray to Denver and LA, but I expect Harden and Westbrook (Harden, in particular), to show "the new kid" (that's Doncic), just 'Who's the Boss!" Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

Portland won 53 games last season and advanced to the Western Conference Finals. At 5-11 to open the current season, Portland is at least in the running for this season's "Most Disappointing Team." It sure hasn't helped that center Jusef Nurkic is not expected back until mid-Feb or that promising power forward Zach Collins' shoulder will keep him sidelined until March. The team's best player, Lillard (28.6-4.9-7.1), has missed the last two games with a back issue (is listed as probable here) plus center Hassan Whiteside (14.9 & 12.0) has fought nagging injuries all season and is listed as questionable for this one. The Blazers opened this six-game road trip with a win at San Antonio (everyone is beating the Spurs these days!) but then have lost at Houston, New Orleans and Milwaukee, while allowing an average of 128 points! The Blazers wrap up the trip with this game in Cleveland and then a Monday game at Chicago.

The 4-11 Cavs are in a three-way tie with the Knicks and Hawks for the East's worst record and only the sad-sack 3-14 Warriors own a worse record in the entire NBA. Cleveland welcomes Portland to town on a SIX-game losing streak, after getting routed 143-101 at Dallas on Friday. Porzingis sat for Dallas but the magnificent Doncic had 30 points and 14 assists (missed a triple-double with seven rebounds), as the Cavs allowed Dallas to shoot 58% from the floor, including a blistering 20 of 37 on threes. That's some defense?

It will sure help if Lillard returns to join McCollum, who is averaging 22,3-4.6-3.9. Hood has started all 14 games he has played in for the Blazers, averaging 11.4 PPG. A sign Portland may be desperate is that the team signed 'Melo, who did not play all last season. He's averaged 14.0 & 5.0 in two games but when has this guy ever been a "good influence" on a team? PF Kevin Love (17.9 & 11.8) and center Thompson (14.1 & 9.9) are solid players  for the Cavs plus second-year guard Sexton (17.7) is proving he belongs in the NBA. Clarkson chips in 13.5 PPG off the bench.

Neither team has shown much interest in playing much defense these days (see above). The Cavs are going nowhere this season, as Cleveland's supposed best player (leader?) is Love. The last time I checked, he was averaging ONE offensive rebound per game. The Cavs' six-game slide is no fluke, as there will be plenty of losing the rest of the way for this team. Meanwhile, the Blazers WILL get things straightened out. Even without a healthy roster, the Blazers will "take care of" the Cavs, who are playing on back-to-back nights for just the second time this season. The first time saw them lose 123-105 at the pathetic Knicks. The Blazers beat the Cavs 129-112 in Portland last season and 123-110 in Cleveland. That ounds about right to me, here?

Good luck...Larry

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

The 11-4 Houston Rockets will visit Staples Center tonight to take on the 10-5 LA Clippers. The two teams met back in Houston on Oct 13, with the Rockets winning 102-93, as James Harden poured in 47 points. However, unlike in that meeting in Houston, when the Clippers take the court tonight against the Rockets, BOTH Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will be in the starting lineup. LA's "dynamic duo" were part of a victory in their first time together on the court Wednesday night, as the Clippers survived OT to beat the Celtics 107-104. As for the Rockets, they had an eight-game winning streak snapped in Wednesday's 105-95 loss in Denver. It was Houston's lowest scoring output of the season plus James Harden scored "just" 27 points, snapping a streak of at least 36 in EIGHT straight games.

Harden only took 16 shots against Denver (in comparison, he hoisted 41 against Minnesota on Saturday), as Houston was just 12-of-38 from three-point range. That said, Harden gave Denver's defense little (no?) credit for Houston's shooting woes. "They just double-teamed every possession," Harden told reporters. "They got lucky. They got away with one. We didn't execute how we needed to." OK, if you say so James. Harden continues to post remarkable numbers (38.4-5.8-7.5) and I guess he and Westbrook (21.8-7.9-6.9) have found a way to work together, However, I'm just not sold (I had Denver on Wednesday). I noted in my Wednesday write up that center Clint Capela (13.9 & 13.7) "is one of the NBA's least appreciated big men," and he scored 12 points while pulling down 21 rebounds in the loss at Denver. Note: He's recorded 20 or more rebounds in five straight games, the best such streak since Ben Wallace of the Pistons also had five straight in March of 2003. However, I also noted on Wednesday that the Rockets are without Eric Gordon (a 16.6 PPG scorer in his career) and that the team's depth is VERY questionable.

Leonard (25.8-8.6-5.7) scored 17 points but was just 7-of-20 shooting, while George (28.3-6.3-4.8 in four games) recorded 25 points and eight assists in the successful first pairing in terms of the victory column. "The fact of the matter is we are going to have growing pains, and I think the most positive thing is we understood that," George told reporters afterward. "Nobody was pointing fingers or dropping their heads in huddles. ... At no point was this team ever dysfunctional." While Leonard and George were drawing double teams, Lou Williams (22.5 & 5.7 APG) scored 27 points and Patrick Beverley (7.7-6.9-3.0) had a superb all-around game with a career-best 16 rebounds to go along with 14 points and seven assists. Leonard and George each played 37 minutes against Boston and their fitness could be tested by the fast-paced Rockets as they learn to play with one another. "It's pretty much just finding each other's spots and knowing the plays," Leonard said of potential improvement. "It's still tough. We are both kind of on a minute restriction - hard to get into a flow. But just knowing plays and each other's spots and the language on the defensive end. Repetition is what we need right now."

I've NEVER been a fan of Harden or Westbrook and I expect the Clippers to "take care of business" tonight, avenging that Nov 13 loss (sans George). While Houston's depth can be rightly questioned (note: Danuel House, averaging 11.2 PPG, departed the Denver game and is unlikely to play Friday), the Clippers own an OUTSTANDING bench led by Williams (see above), Harrell (18.1 & 7.3) plus Green (8.1 & 7.0in 22 minutes). Green flies a little under the radar, as he's played in all 15 games, scoring in double digits seven times and grabbing 10-plus rebounds three times. It's Kawhi and Paul over James & Russell, with an assist from the LA bench.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Den Nuggets at 9:05 ET.

The Celtics were favorites to win the East a year ago but struggled to find the right chemistry in a 49-win campaign. Boston swept the Pacers in the first round but after shocking the Bucks in Game 1 of a second-round series in Milwaukee, lost FOUR straight by an average of 16.3 PPG. Kyrie Irving left for Brooklyn and Al Horford for Philly but Kemba Walker was a HUGE pick up (he sought a winning environment after eight seasons mostly under .500 with Charlotte) and joined an excellent trio of frontcourt players. The Nuggets were a 'sexy' pick to go deep in the playoffs in the 2019-20 season, after winning a seven-game series over the Spurs and then losing one vs the Blazers, led by center Nikola Jokic's incredible playoff numbers (25.1-13.0-8.4).

The 11-3 Celtics dropped a 107-104 overtime decision in LA to the Clippers on Wednesday for their second loss in three games, following a 10-game winning streak. "We believe, truly, that we can compete with anybody in this league," PG Marcus Smart said afterward. "But it's going to take every possession. We can't take it for granted. We got to take every possession like it's our last possession and we got to really protect the ball." Also on Wednesday, the 10-3 Nuggets figured out how to slow down James Harden by holding him to 27 points, after he had scored at least 36 in each of the previous eight games. Jokic delivered 27 points and 12 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season.

Boston PG Kemba Walker (22.6-4.9-4.8) has been terrific but he had just 13 points on 4-of-17 shooting against the Clippers. In contrast, standout forward Jayson Tatum (20.9 & 7.4) scored a season-best 30 points in the game. However, the Celtics missed their first 16 three-point attempts, finishing 12-of-45 (26.7%). Brown (18.5 & 7.5) is also having an excellent season, although the loss of Hayward (18.9-7.1-4.1 on 55.5% shooting) will take its toll until he returns (late Dec?).

Denver PG Jamal Murray (18.5-4.5-5.2) established season bests of 39 points and seven 3-pointers Sunday at Memphis but then scored just 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting in Wednesday's win over Houston. He has battled consistency issues all season but remains a big part of this team. Jokic checks in averaging 17.2-9.0-5.8 plus the rest of the starting-five are also averaging in double digits. Swingman Barton (14.8 &7.4), PF Millsap (13.8 & 6.1) and SG Harris (10.6) round out the group. Denver's bench may not be quite as 'deep' as last season but PFs Grant (9.2 & 3.4) and Plumlee (6.2 & 5.0) plus PG Morris (6.8 & 3.6 APG) contribute, nightly.

This is a tough spot for Boston, playing the final contest of a five-game, eight-day road trip at altitude. Denver ranks third in the NBA in scoring defense (102.3 PPG) and fifth in defending three-pointers (32 percent). "When we're locked in defensively, we're a really good team," Nuggets guard Gary Harris said after the win over Houston and the Nuggets are 7-0 when holding teams under 100 points. The Nuggets won both of last season's meetings with Boston and the fact that Murray scored a career-best 48 points in the meeting here at Pepsi Center should help his "inconsistency." The Nuggets were an NBA-best 34-7 at home last season and I expect an 'easy' Denver victory in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Den Nuggets at 9:05 ET.

It's the 11-3 Houston Rockets and the 9-3 Denver Nuggets meeting tonight at Pepsi Center in a matchup of two of the Western Conference's best teams.The Rockets have won EIGHT in a row led by James Harden (more in a bit), while the Nuggets open a four-game homestand looking to break through against Houston, which has won 10 of the last 11 meetings between the two teams.

Harden scored 36 in Monday's 132-108 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers (Rockets' 8th straight win), while PGF Russell Westbrook contributed 28 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his 141st career triple-double. Harden is averaging an NBA-best 39.2 PPG (also 5.7 RPG and 7.6 APG), while Westbrook checks in at 21.6-8.4-7.1. Center Clint Capela (14.1 & 13.1) is one of the NBA's least appreciated "big men" but the Rockets are without Erc]ic Gordon, a 16.6 PPG scorer in his career.

The Nuggets were a 'sexy' pick to go deep in the playoffs in the 2019-20 season and have opened 9-3. Center Jokic led Denver in scoring (20.1), rebounding (10.8) and assists (7.3) last season and then upped those numbers in 14 postseason games (25.1-13.0-8.4). However, Jokic has not quite been that good so far this season, although his line does read 16.4-8.8-6.0. Recent good news is that PG Jamal Murray (19.2-4.8-4.8) established season bests of 39 points and seven 3-pointers Sunday at Memphis, when the Nuggets had their highest point total of the season in a 131-114 road win. PF Paul Millsap (14.1 & 6.1) matched his season high of 23 points against Memphis and has reached double digits in six straight contests.

Some (many?) thought it would be a problem having two ball-dominant guards on the floor at the same time in Harden and Westbrook, but through 14 games the plan has worked. Then again, the Rockets are just 7-7 ATS this season. Yes, the Rockets are a slight underdog here so a win means a cover but I believe Denver's depth will be the difference. Jokic and Murray typically carry the main offensive load but Millsap (see above), Barton (14.8 & 7.4) and Harris (10.7) are also capable of big offensive nights. Denver arguably owns the NBA's deepest bench and was one of the main reasons Denver had the NBA's best home record last season at 34-7. Tough two-game road trip for the Rockets (here and at the Clippers on Friday) and I think they will be fortunate to win either one. I won't get ahead of myself, so tonight the play is on Denver.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the NY Knicks at 7:05 ET.

Two of the East's worst teams square off tonight at MSG, as the 4-8 Cleveland Cavaliers take on the 3-10 NY Knicks. The Cavaliers come to New York having dropped three straight, after losing 114-95 to Philadelphia at home on Sunday afternoon. The Knicks were off on Sunday, after suffering a last-second 103-102 loss Saturday night to the visiting Charlotte Hornets.

The Cavs' last win came over the Knicks, 108-87 in New York back on Nov 10. The Cavs took an 18-point halftime lead in that one, as Collin Sexton finished with 31 points on 10 of 16 shooting. Sexton is in his second season and is averaging 18.2 PPG, tying him with Kevin Love (18.2 & 12.1) for the team lead. Love scored just 12 points in Sunday's loss, after averaging 20.5 in his previous two games. Center Tristan Thompson (14.9 & 10.5) was just a rebound shy of his ninth double-double of the season (12 & 9) against Philly. Cleveland has a fourth double-digit scorer in guard Clarkson (14.8).

New York owns its only two wins this month over improving Dallas but has yet to post back-to-back victories this season. The Knicks followed a Nov 8 win at Dallas with the above-mentioned home loss to the Cavs and then after beating Dallas again this past Thursday, lost 103-102 to visiting Charlotte on Friday. The Knicks could not hold an eight-point lead in the final six minutes, as the Hornets won on a three-pointer with 2.8 seconds remaining. “We didn’t take the game,” Knicks forward Julius Randle told the New York Post. “We let them stay around instead of us really taking the game.” Randle (15.5-9.5-3.9) leads the team in rebounds and assists, while fellow forward Morris (18.2 & 5.9) leads in scoring, with rookie RJ Barrett justifying being picked third overall in last June’s draft by averaging 15.8-5.8-3.8.

The Knicks were riding high after beating the Mavs on Thursday night and then leading by as many as 15 points Saturday vs Charlotte, before 'spitting out the bit.' I doubt I'll be 'on' the Knicks very often this season but they are catching the Cavs on the second of a back-to-back and if head coach David Fizdale can't get his team to win in a spot like this, his 'seat' will go from 'hot' to 'boiling.' Cleveland is 'ripe for the taking' in this one and I'll back the Knicks.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the Orl Magic at 6:05 ET.

The Orlando Magic ended a six-year playoff drought last season, finishing 42-40. They returned the core of that team intact and entered the season healthy but opened 2-6. However, the Magic have won THREE of the their last four as they get set to host the Washington Wizards on Sunday.The Wizards will play the entire season with All Star PG John Wall and are not expected to compete for a playoff spot. Washington has opened just 3-7 The Wizards wrap up a three-game road trip here in Orlando, after losing 140-133 at Boston and winning 137-116 at Minnesota.

Bradley Beal was expected to have a "career year" with Wall sidelined and coming off a 44-point effort in Friday's win at Minnesota, he's doing just that. He's averaging 29.7-4.6-4.9 with FIVE more Wizards averaging between 11.4 and 14. PPG. One of those players is the 6-11 Mortitz Wagner (2nd-year pro out of Michigan), who turned in a 30 & 15 effort against the T-wolves.The Wizards can score (117.3 PPG ranks 3rd) but they are also allowing 119.6 PPG, which ranks 28th in a 30-team league.

Speaking about scoring, after being held to just 95.1 PPG during a 2-6 start, the Magic have averaged 109.8 PPG over their last five games, including 110.8 over the first four of a five-game homestand in which they've one THREE of four. Orlando's starting frontcourt of center Nikola Vucevic (17.82& 11.7) plus forwards Aaron Gordon (14.0 & 6.3) and Jonathan Isaac (12.1 & 6.5) is a formidable one that had started together in the team's first 11 games. Isaac (ankle) sat out Friday but returned to practice on Saturday and is probable to return. SG Fournier (16.2) is a scorer on the perimeter and is coming off a season-high 26 points in Friday's 111-109 win over the Spurs PGs Fultz (9.8 & 3.2 APG) and Augustin (9.6 & 4.5 APG) have each played in all 11, with Fultz starting seven and Augustin, five. Terrence Ross (10.3) has done a great job off the bench and after missing back-to-back games in early November (knee), has averaged 15.0 PPG in his three games back.

The Magic have begun to resemble the playoff team of last year recently and that should continue here, as they can conclude their homestand with a 4-1 record by winning tonight. As good as Beal is, I'm betting "under 44 points" for him this game, as well as going "under" 30 points and 15 points for Wagner, who checks in with season averages of 12.8 & 5.9. Washington has lost SIX of eight, allowing a 131.3 PPG in its six losses. As noted, Orlando's offensive woes of its first eight games is behind them and I'm looking for a "comfortable" win here. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Dal Mavericks at 8:35 ET.

The Toronto Raptors opened defense of the franchise's first-ever NBA title in October with Kawhi in LA playing for the Clippers plus starting guard Danny Green (outstanding defender and three-point shooter) also in LA, although he's playing for the Lakers. The good news was that head coach Nick Nurse (reigning Coach of the Year) still had a familiar cast. Pascal Siakam was the NBA's Most Improved Player and then averaged 19.0 & 7.1 in the postseason. PG Kyle Lowry's been an All-Star each of the last five seasons and many believe that Marc Gasol was a trade-deadline acquisition whom the Raptors wouldn't have won the title without (he was a former Defensive Player of the Year). Guard Fred VanVleet shot 40% on threes while averaging 14.0 PPG in the Finals and most believed Serge Ibaka has plenty left (he's not an "old 30."). Toronto has opened 8-3, despite the fact that Kyle Lowry (21.8-4.3-6.5) and Serge Ibaka (14.0 & 6.5 while averaging just 23 minutes) have each missed the last three games. Lowry ( fractured thumb) is out until at least late-November and Ibaka (sprained ankle) is listed as "out indefinitely."

Toronto is playing the finale of a five-game road trip on Saturday and has won THREE of the first four stops. The Raptors bounced back from a 98-88 loss at the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday (Raptors got outscored 25-10 in the 4th quarter, one night after beating the Lakers 113-104 on the same court) with a 114-106 triumph at Portland on Wednesday. VanVleet went off for a season-high 30 points in Wednesday's win and is averaging 22.3 PPG over the last three contests (with Lowry sidelined). Siakam is averaging 27.2 & 9.2 on the season, as he's turned into an All-Star.

The Dallas Mavericks were playoff 'regulars' from 2000-01 to 2015-16, making the postseason in 15 of those 16 years (won lone NBA title in 2011). However, the Mavs opened the current season off THREE consecutive losing years, with win totals of just 33, 24 and 33. However, after Luka Doncic won rookie-of-the-year honors last season (21.2-7.8-6.0), expectations were that Dallas would be a playoff team in 2019-20. Kristaps Porzingis was acquired from the Knicks last season in a trade and he was healthy and ready to go to open this season. He's averaging 18.5 & 8.2 and with Doncic putting up Westbrook-like numbers (28.7-10.3-9.3), the Mavs surely have shown signs of being a playoff team. Five more players have played in all 11 games this season, with two others playing in 10 of 11. That group consists of guys averaging anywhere from 6.4-to-11.6 PPG.

However, the Mavs check in at a modest 6-5 and that includes TWO losses to the pathetic NY Knicks, home and away, in a seven-day span. Dallas has yet to convince me that "it is back," but the Raptors are in a tough spot, playing their FIFTH game in nine days. With no Lowry or Ibaka for Toronto, I expect Dallas to get a much-needed, confidence-building win here at home, against the defending champs.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Total of the Week is on SA/Orl Over at 7:05 ET.

The San Antonio Spurs opened the season 4-1 but a warning sign was their 1-4 ATS mark. It was more than telling, as the Spurs 'limp' into Orlando having lost FIVE of six since that 4-1 start, while the team's ATS woes have continued. The Spurs are 1-5 ATS during the 1-5 SU stretch, giving them a 2-9 ATS mark in the team's 5-6 start. The Spurs will look to salvage the finale of a two-game trip Friday in Orlando, coming off 129-114 loss at Minnesota on Wednesday. The Magic ended a six-year playoff drought last season, finishing 42-40. They returned the core of that team intact and entered the season healthy but opened 2-6. However, Wednesday's impressive 112-97 victory against visiting Philadelphia, improved the Magic to 2-1 on their current five-game homestand.

San Antonio's "Big 3" is a thing of the past, although guard Derozan (20.1-4.9-54.8) and PF Aldridge (17.9 & 5.9) give the team a solid "Big 2." That said, Aldridge has been an enigma, averaging 25 points on 58.6 percent from the floor in his team's five wins but just 12 points on 43.9 percent in its six losses. PG Dejounte Murray (10.9-7.3-4.7) looks fully recovered from his knee injury and is off his minutes restrictions. He joins FOUR other Spurs (no counting DeRozan and Aldridge), scoring in double digits. The group includes guards Forbes (14.3), Mills (12.0) and White (11.3), plus SF Green (10.7 & 7.1). Tre Lyles starts at center and while he's not much of a scoring threat (4.6), he's averaging 8.0 RPG in only about 20 minutes.

Orlando ranks first in the NBA in holding opponents to 99.1 PPG but is last in scoring offense (99.4 PPG) on 42.1% shooting (29th). However, after being held to 99 points or fewer in each of their first SEVEN games, the Magic have scored at least 102 in FOUR straight contests. Orlando's starting frontcourt of center Nikola Vucevic (17.8 & 11.5) plus forwards Aaron Gordon (14.0 & 6.2) and Jonathan Isaac (12.1 & 6.5) is a formidable one plus Fournier (15.3) is a scorer on the perimeter. Those four have started all 11 games, while guards Augustin (9.5 & 4.5 APG) and Fultz (9.5) have each played in all 11, with Fultz starting six and Augustin, five.

Here's where I'm going with this. "Once Upon a Time," the Pop-coached Spurs were among the NBA's best defensive teams but San Antonio ranks 23rd in points allowed (114.2) and 26trh in defensive FG percentage (47.5). In the team's current three-game skid, the Spurs are allowing 125.7 points and saw the Timberwolves scored 40 points in TWO different quarters on Wednesday. Getting back to Orlando, I noted the team's dramatic offensive improvement lately and putting a 'number' to that improvement shows the Magic averaging 109.5 PPG over its last four contests. This one is Goin' Over!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Western Conference Game of the Month is on the Hou Rockets at 7:35 ET.

The LA Clippers and Houston Rockets have each opened 7-3 and will square off in the first game of Wednesday's ESPN doubleheader. Kawhi Leonard led the Toronto Raptors to an NBA championship in his lone season with the team last spring and helped the Clippers to a 98-88 victory over his former team on Monday. Leonard struggled in going just 2-of-11 from the floor on Monday but finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and three steals. The Rockets played on Monday night as well, winning 122-166 at New Orleans, as James Harden scored 39 points (more on him in a bit).

Leonard is the 'face' of the Clippers, averaging 26.9-8.5-5.9 but Paul George is expected back soon, giving LA a formidable "1-2 punch!" As good Leonard and George are, LA's outstanding bench will be a huge part of any success the Clippers will have this postseason. Three-time Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams (22.3 & 5.6 APG) plus forwards Harrell (19.8 & 7.1) and Green (9.1 & 6.3), give the Clippers one of the NBA's deepest and best group of bench players.

Houston's Monday win was its FOURTH in a row and Harden's 39 points was the fourth straight game in which he has scored at least 35 points. Harden's average of 37.3 points through the first 10 games is the highest the league has seen through a 10-game start since the NBA-ABA merger, besting Michael Jordan's 36.9 points in 1988-89 and 1986-87.Westbrook (21.9-8.7-7.4) has meshed well with Harden and both will be counted on even more than usual with third guard Eric Gordon (16.6 PPG scorer in his career) undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on Wednesday, sidelining him for about six weeks.One of the league's best-kept 'secrets' is center Clint Capela, who is averaging 13.5 & 11.7.

Kawhi has sat out two games due to "load management" and both were in games against quality opponents. He missed LA's game at Utah Oct 30 and then missed the team's home game on against Giannis and the Bucks (still don't get that one?). The Clippers will play at New Orleans tomorrow and one would expect Kawhi to play here but you just never know. The Clipper may have held Toronto to just 10 points in the 4th on Monday and to 88 points for the game but the Clippers have allowed a WHOPPING 120.7 PPG in their only three road games this season and here, face the NBA's top-scoring team (Rockets average 120.3 PPG). 'LOVE' the Rockets at the opening number but if Kawhi sits, I'll lay the higher number, as well.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Ind Pacers at 7:05 ET.

The loss of All-Star Paul George in the 2017 off-season elicited preseason projections of an Indiana team near the basement of the Central division but the emergence of swingman Victor Oladipo as an All-Star powered the Pacers to the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference in 2017-18, a feat they duplicated last year. Oladipo averaged 23.1-5.2-4.3 two seasons ago and then 18.8-5.6-5.2 last season, before going down with a season-ending knee injury. He is practicing with the team but there is still no timetable for his return. Indiana opened the current season 0-3 but the Pacers now look like one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference with SIX wins in their last seven games. As for OKC, it seems like a 'lifetime ago' that the Thunder were in the NBA Finals, led by Durant, Westbrook and Harden (it was 2012). Harden left that year as a FA to sign with Houston. Durant famously left to sign a FA deal with Golden St in 2016 and then this past offseason, Westbrook was traded to Houston (note: George was traded to the Clippers, as well). It's a 'Whole New World' these days for the Thunder, as the team's top-four scorers are in their first season with OKC.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (21.0-5.8-3.4) leads the way, followed by Gallinari (18.6 & 5.0, while shooting 43.7% on threes), Paul (16.1-3.6-5.2) and Schroder (14.7-5.2-34.7).The Thunder pushed the Milwaukee Bucks to the brink on Sunday, before falling 121-119. Gallinari suffered through one of his worst shooting games (was just 4-of-17 from the floor) but made a key three-pointer down the stretch to keep his team close. Backup PG Dennis Schroder helped keep the Thunder in the game with a season-high 25 points on 9-of-12 shooting. OKC features a balanced attack but it could sure use a healthy Steven Adams. The center is averaging 8.3 & 10.1 but sat out the Milwaukee game and has missed THREE of OKC's last five with a knee issue (he's listed as questionable for this one).

The Pacers welcome the Thunder to Bankers Life Fieldhouse with center Myles Turner (14.8 & 6.8) and newly-acquired SG Jeremy Lamb (17.0& 6.4) both dealing with ankle sprains and neither will play. Malcom Brogdon (former Milwaukee Buck) has become the team-leader this season, averaging 20.8-5.2-8.9. However, the 6-11 Sabonis is quietly becoming a star. He had a breakout season last year (14.6 & 9.3) but is even better this season. The Gonzaga posted his fourth straight double-double with 21 points and 16 rebounds in Sunday's 109-102 victory at Orlando plus matched a season high with seven assists (he's averaging 20.0-13.0-4,1 on the season). Small forward TJ Warren was a scorer for the Suns and he's done the same for the Pacers, averaging 18.0 PPG. With injuries to Turner and Lamb, SFs McDermott and Sampson are seeing more time, as is reserve point guard T.J. McConnell. McDermott has averaged 17.0 PPG over his last three games and McConnell has scored 29 points and handed out 17 assist over his last two.

Indiana is on a roll, going 6-1 SU & 5-1-1 ATS its last seven. The Pacers are a very tough matchup for OKC, which seemed to be developing a defensive identity,  allowing 100.7 PPG (3rd), while leading the NBA in defensive FG percentage (40.3) and three-point percentage (27.3) heading into a Thursday game at San Antonio. However, the Thunder have allowed 116.7 PPG over their last three games and now take on an Indiana team averaging 112.9 PPG over its last seven games. OKC has four wins this season, two over 2-9 Golden St and one each against 2-8 New Orleans and 3-7 Orlando. One last thing, the Thunder are 0-3 on the road, allowing 112.3 PPG. "Batten down the hatches" and lay the points with Indiana.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Total of the Week is on Ind/Orl Over at 6:05 ET.

The loss of All-Star Paul George in the 2017 off-season elicited preseason projections of an Indiana team near the basement of the Central division but the emergence of swingman Victor Oladipo as an All-Star powered the Pacers to the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference in 2017-18, a feat they duplicated last year. Oladipo averaged 23.1-5.2-4.3 two seasons ago and then 18.8-5.6-5.2 last season, before going down with a season-ending knee injury. He is practicing with the team but there is still no timetable for his return. Indiana opened the current season 0-3 but will visit Orlando on Sunday, winners of FIVE of its last six. The Magic ended a six-year playoff drought last season, finishing 42-40. They returned the core of that team intact and entered the season healthy but Friday's 118-86 win over Memphis gives them just a 3-6 start to the current season.

The Pacers come to Orlando with center Myles Turner (14.8 & 6.8) and SG Jeremy Lamb (17.0& 6.4) are both dealing with ankle sprains and neither will play. Indiana placed SEVEN players in double figures in Friday's 112-106 win over Detroit. Malcom Brogdon (former Milwaukee Buck) has carried the load through the ups and downs of the current season, averaging 21.0-5.1-9.0. The 6-11 Sabonis had a breakout season last year (14.6 & 9.3) but is even better this season, averaging 19.9 & 12.6. Small forward TJ Warren was a scorer for the Suns and he's done the same for the Pacers, averaging 17.9 PPG. With injuries to Turner and Lamb, SFs McDermott and Sampson are seeing more time, with McDermott scoring 33 and Sampson 24, the last two games.

Orlando ranks 2nd in the NBA in holding opponents to 98.2 PPG but is last in scoring offense (97.7 PPG). However, the Magic finally showed what the team can be when the shots fall on Friday. Orlando routed Memphis 118-86, holding the Grizzlies to 37.2 percent from the floor, in line with the team's excellent defensive play all season but Orlando also had a breakout offensive effort, The starting frontcourt of center Nikola Vucevic plus forwards Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac combined to go 25-of-38 from the floor (65.8%) while scoring 62 points. We've got really good defensive players on this team and the one thing we can hang our hats on is knowing that we can defend," Gordon told reporters. "That (defensive) side of the floor, we know that we can handle pretty much anybody. But it's nice to see our offense get going as well."

"Turned the corner? I don't know, but we did play better," Magic shooting guard Evan Fournier (14.8) told reporters. "We had more easy baskets and that's why we scored. We've been saying that the offense hasn't been good, but it's been because we don't get enough good shots. Tonight, we were able to create a lot of good shots and that was the key." Orlando has been a dead “under” team this season with a great defense coupled with an offense which has been awful. However, there is little reason to think the team's "O" will continue to struggle. Repeating from above, the Magic were a playoff team last year and returned the core of that team intact and healthy. Orlando has gone 'under" in SEVEN of nine games this season (one over and one push) but the Magic scored 106 points in a Wednesday loss at Dallas (team's lone over of the season) and then 118 points Friday (that game stayed under only because Memphis scored 86 points, three 'TDs' lower than the team's scoring average of 108.7 PPG on the season). As for Indiana, the Pacers come into this contest averaging 113.5 PPG in winning FIVE of their last six. It's rare these days to see a NBA over/under number 'hugging' around 200 but that's the case here. My bet says this number is WAAAY too low, based on current form. Go OVER!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on the SA Spurs at 5:05 ET.

The Boston Celtics had no answers for the the 76ers in Philly back on Oct 23, losing 107-93 in their season-opener. However, Boston has won SIX in a row, since. Boston's 6-1 record is tops in the Eastern Conference and the Celtics look to make it SEVEN straight wins when they visit AT&T Center in San Antonio for a game with the 5-3 Spurs. The Celtics easily won 108-87 Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night,while the Spurs snapped a two-game slide with a 121-112 win over OKC the same night.

It seems like Boston is happy with Kemba Walker as its PG, instead of Kyrie, who is now in Brooklyn. Walker (24.3-5.1-4.0) has been an easy fit within Brad Stevens' offense plus the return to form of SF Gordon Hayward has put a smile on Stevens' face. The former All-Star battled through an inconsistent 2018-19 season while recovering from a leg injury but has averaged 20.3-7.9-4.6 so far, looking more like the star from his Utah years. He joins Jayson Tatum (21.6 & 7.7) to give Boston an outstanding starting forward duo. Boston also got swingman Jaylen Brown (16.0 & 6.3) back against the Hornets and he scored 12 in the win. He had missed three games with a leg infection that he said required five hospital trips. Center Enes Kanter (knee) has missed the last six games and is not expected to play Saturday but reports are, "he's close."

San Antonio's "Big 3" is a thing of the past, although guard Derozan (20.0-4.5-5.0) and PF Aldridge (19.0 & 6.6) give the team a solid "Big 2." That said, San Antonio had been waiting for a breakout game from Aldridge and finally got one on Thursday, when he went off for a season-high 39 points on 19-of-23 shooting. Aldridge had averaged 12.3 points on 39.1 percent shooting in the four previous games (Spurs were just 1-3). More good news came in that PG Dejounte Murray added 17 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds on Thursday for his first points-assists double-double of the season. Murray (12.9-8.0-5.4) looks fully recovered from his knee injury and is off his minutes restrictions. He joins FOUR other Spurs (no counting DeRozan and Al\ldridge), scoring in double digits. The group includes Forbes (14.5), backup PG White (11.9), Mills (11.6) and SF Green (10.5 & 6.9). Tre Lyles starts at center and while he's not much of a scoring threat (4.2), he's averaging 7.8 RPG in only 20 minutes.

Here's the bottom line. The Spurs' domination of the Celtics has 'long legs,' as San Antonio is 44-13 in their matchups with Boston since 1990. However, recent history, is more applicable.The Celtics last won at San Antonio in March 2011, before proceeding to drop 14 of their next 15 to Gregg Popovich's squad (Spurs are 11-3-1 ATS, 79% in that span, dating back SEVEN years). Brad Stevens has bested Popovich only ONCE, a 108-94 home win in October 2017. What changes here? NOTHING! Especially at this price.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Ut Jazz at 9:05 ET.

Reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is off to a historic start, as he is the first player in NBA history to exceed 200 points (232), 100 rebounds (114) and 50 assists (61) in the first eight games of season, as he's averaging 29.0-14.2-7.6. Giannis had a season-high 38 points to go with 16 rebounds and nine assists while leading the Bucks to a 129-124 road win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, a contest Kawhi sat out (???). The 6-2 Bucks visit the 5-3 Utah Jazz on Friday in search of their fifth straight win. Utah snapped a two-game slide with a 106-104 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, as star guard Donovan Mitchell had 24 points and a season-best eight assists.

Middleton (18.6 & 5.2) continues too provide Milwaukee with a solid "second scoring option" to Antetokounmpo, while guards Bledsoe (14.5-5.8-4.5) and Hill (11.4) plus center Brook Lopez (10.4 & 4.4) also are averaging in double digits. The Bucks also own a deep bench, helping Milwaukee to average an NBA-high 122.1 PPG, while shooting a league-best 47.7% from the floor. Mitchell (25.5-4.8-3.9) is Utah's best player but he hardly stands alone. SF Bojan Bogdanovic (20.1 & 4.4) is making a smooth transition to the team while shooting 49.5 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent from beyond the arc plus new PG Conley is finding his 'sea legs' after a poor start. He scored 15 points against the 76ers for his third 15-point outing in four games and he is averaging 17.8 points during the stretch. Let's NOT forget Rudy Gobert (11.2 & 12.5), who is the centerpiece" of the NBA's stingiest defense. Utah allows an NBA-low 96.6 PPG on 41.6% shooting (3rd).

This game features the top-scoring team in NBA against its best defensive one. I'm "all in" on Milwaukee being the East's best team but winning in Salt Lake City is NEVER easy for any team (more in a bit). First let me note that the Jazz are 4-0 SU at home outscoring opponents 107.2-to-94.0 PPG. to open the current season (have beaten the LAC & Sixers). Let me also add that the Jazz are in the rare role of being a home dog in this one, having gone 19-9 in their last 28 games in that role (68%). Milwaukee comes in playing its THIRD road game in five days (note: Hill took an elbow to his eye at the end of Wednesday's game and could be limited) and how does one IGNORE this factoid? The Bucks have lost their last 15 visits to Utah, going a money-burning 2-13 ATS, which is an 87% "go-against". Case Closed, as Archie Bunker liked to say!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division (Central) Game of the Month is on the Ind Pacers at 7:05 ET.

Not sure I've seem this before but Friday night, Central Division rivals Detroit and Indiana meet for the THIRD time in the season's first 18 days. The Pacers won THREE of four meetings last season, with those three victories coming by an average margin of 21.7 PPG, but the Pistons have won both meetings this season, 119-110 at Indiana back on Oct 23 and then 96-94 in Detroit on Oct 28. Both teams come in off impressive offensive performances on Wednesday, as the Pistons routed the Knicks 122-102 and the Pacers beat the Wizards, 121-106.

Detroit's Tony Snell (9.7) made all nine of his shots and became the first player in NBA history to shoot 100 percent from the floor with at least six 3-pointers in a 24-point effort. Center Andre Drummond (21.9 & 18.6) added 27 & 12 plus Markieff Morris (11.9 & 3.9) chipped in 22. Detroit shot 55.7 percent from the floor and recorded 37 assists (a season-high for the team). However, Detroit remains with out Blake Griffin (24.5-7.5-5.4 ), who has yet to play. What's more Derrick Rose (21.8 & 6.3 APG) has sat out the last two with a hamstring injury and won't play, starting PG Jackson has missed the last seven games and is expected to be out another month plus backup PG Tim Frazier remains listed as doubtful with a shoulder injury.

Victor Oladipo averaged 23.1-5.2-4.3 two seasons ago and then 18.8-5.6-5.2 last season, before going down with a season-ending knee injury (possible return in Dec). The 6-11 Myles Turner (14.8 & 6.8) is questionable with an ankle injury and SG Lamb (17.0) will not play, also because on ankle issue. However, Indiana has won FOUR of five following an 0-3 start. Malcom Brogdon (former Milwaukee Buck) has carried the load through the ups and downs of the current season, averaging 22.2-5.0-9.9. The 6-11 Sabonis had a breakout season last year (14.6 & 9.3) but is even better this season, averaging 20.3 & 12.3. Small forward TJ Warren was a scorer for the Suns and he's done the same for the Pacers, averaging 18.0 PPG. With injuries to Turner and Lamb, SFs Sampson (7.2) and McDermott (7.1) had big games vs Washington, as Sampson had 14 & 6 and McDermott 19 & 7.

Detroit is 4-5 with HALF of its wins coming against the Pacers. Detroit's other two wins have come over the 3-4 Nets and 1-7 Knicks plus the Pistons have yet to win on the road (0-3 SU & ATS), except for their first game at Indiana. Indiana did lose at home to the Pistons to open the season but have gone 3-0 SU & ATS, since. The third time IS the charm, as the Pacers win this one "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on the Det Pistons at 7:05 ET.

The Detroit Pistons under-performed relative to their own expectations last season, finishing 41-41. Detroit was then swept out of the playoffs by the Bucks in four games, getting outscored by an average margin of 23.8 PPG. The Pistons are hoping that the team's "Big Three," PF Blake Griffin (24-7.5-5.4), C Andre Drummond (17.3 & 15.6) and PG Reggie Jackson (15.4 & 4.2 APG) will develop more chemistry this season but health will play a big factor. Poor health has already played a HUGE factor in Detroit's 3-5 start, as guards Derrick Rose (hamstring) and Reggie Jackson (back) were on the sidelines when the Pistons lost 115-99 at Washington on Monday plus Blake Griffin (hamstring) has yet to make his season debut.

The Pistons welcome the NY Knicks to Detroit on Wednesday, who enter the contest with the worst record in the Eastern Conference (1-6) including an 0-4 mark on the road. New York fell behind by 26 points after three quarters at home against Sacramento on Sunday before falling 113-92. That embarrassing loss followed an excellent effort Friday in Boston, when the Knicks lost just 104-102. Forward Marcus Morris (17.9 & 5.4) scored 28 points in the loss to the Kings, but the other frontcourt starters, Julius Randle and Bobby Portis, combined for 10 points on 5-for-19 shooting. Randle scored 25 points in NY's season opener but has since averaged 11.5 PPG on shooting 38.4 percent from the floor, while missed all 14 of his three-point attempts.Portis is averaging 10.4 & 7.7. Rookie guard RJ Barrett (18.3 & 6.1) leads the team in scoring and had 22 points in the loss to the Kings, but he is 17-for-48 from the floor (35.4%) over the last three games, plus is 3-for-15 (20.0%) from three-point range over the last four. Remember Frank Ntilikina, the 8th pick of the 20187 Draft? He's averaging less than 20 minutes while averaging 3.2 PPG on 29.6% shooting (23/2% on threes).

Detroit has played its first eight games this season without Griffin, who is still waiting for medical clearance after rehabbing hamstring and knee injuries. Starting point PG Reggie Jackson will miss at least a month of action due to a stress reaction in his lower back plus Jackson's backups, Derrick Rose (hamstring) and Tim Frazier (shoulder), have missed the past two games. However, the makeshift backcourt of Luke Kennard and Bruce Brown has been a bright spot for Detroit, as the pair is averaging a combined 42 points and 11.5 assists over the last two contests. Kennard has back-to-back 24-point efforts and is shooting 46 percent from beyond the arc overall and is now averaging 17.4 PPG on the season. Center Andre Drummond saw his 20-20 streak come to an end at three games in Monday's loss but he still managed his NBA-leading eighth straight double-double (15 & 24) ) out of the gate. Drummond's been a 'beast,' averaging 21.3 & 19.4!

"It's the NBA. There are no excuses," Detroit head coach Dwane Casey told reporters after his depleted team scored just 38 second-half points on Monday. "We got enough guys in that room to compete, to fight." While Jackson will miss several more weeks, Rose is day-to-day and Griffin has indicated he is close to playing his first game. The good news is, the Knicks should (will) provide a soft landing spot for the Pistons, as they won and covered all FOUR meetings with the Knicks last season. "The Price is Right," and I'm "all over" Detroit!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Den Nuggets at 9:05 ET.

Jimmy Butler missed the first three games of the season for the Heat (attending the birth of his child) but returned to score 21 points on Oct 29, as the Heat routed the Hawks in Miami, 112-97. He was held to just five points in a rematch with Atlanta on Oct 31 (Heat won in Atlanta) and then scored a modest 18 as the Heat beat the Rockets, 129-100 in Miami. That contest is notable in that the Heat sprinted to a 46-14 first-quarter lead, with the 32-point margin being the third largest in the shot-clock era! The 5-1 Heat open a three-game road trip tonight in Denver, taking on the 4-2 Nuggets. Denver opened 3-0 but then lost 109-106 at home to Dallas, before losing 122-107 at New Orleans on Halloween (more in a bit). Denver struggled to find an offensive rhythm in Saturday's 91-87 road win at the Orlando Magic, as it shot just 37 percent from the floor.

Miami has opened well, notably posting an impressive overtime win at Milwaukee in the second game of the season without Jimmy Butler. EIGHT Miami players are averaging double figures in scoring and the big offseason acquisition, Butler, is just sixth on the team at 14.7 PPG, after missing the first three games of the season. Some bad news could be that Justise Winslow (14.8-8.5-5.8) is questionable (back), after sitting out the last two games. The team's guard play has been outstanding, with undrafted rookie Nunn (played at Oakland) leading the way by averaging 19.5 PPG, joined by  vet Dragic (16.2 & 4.2 APG) and Kentucky rookie Herro (15.7 & 6.0).

Murray (18.5-4.8-3.5) is leading the Nuggets in scoring, while Jokic (15.8-10.5-6.0) is right behind him. Denver is without question, the NBA's deepest team (at least 10-deep) and former HS prodigy Michael Porter Jr could lend a helping hand, as he made his NBA debut with 15 points on Halloween. Speaking of that Halloween game, head coach Michael Malone didn't hold back when he ripped his team's performance in that blowout loss at New Orleans. He called out the effort and commitment to defense, and the players responded with a win at Orlando two days later.

The Nuggets were a 'sexy' pick to go deep in the playoffs in the 2019-20 season but so far they haven't shown any killer instinct in Denver. They needed overtime to beat the Phoenix Suns in their home opener and then got outworked by the Dallas Mavericks in a home loss a few nights later. That said, Denver owned the NBA's best home record last season, going 34-7! Jokic led Denver ins coring (20.1), rebounding (10.8) and assists (7.3) last season and then upped those numbers in 14 postseason games (25.1-13.0-8.4). Jokic is NOT off to a great start (see above), as he entered the Orlando contest averaging just 10.7 PPG over the previous three contests. Malone made it clear he wants his big man to take more shots. "For us to be at our best we need him to take at least 15 shots a night," Malone said in reference to Jokic taking just 14 total shots in back-to-back losses prior to the win over the Magic. "

Denver was 2-0 against Miami last season and has won FOUR of the past five meetings. I'm pretty 'high' on this Denver team and it is overdue for a breakout home game. How about tonight?

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Brk Nets at 7:35 ET.

My 10* "signature" 36-Club Play is on the LA Clippers at 9:05 ET.

My 10* "Battle of Losers" is on the OKC Thunder.

The New Orleans Pelicans remain without No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson and starting center Derrick Favors (8.7 & 6.3) has missed the last two games with a knee injury (doubtful for this one). However, the Pelicans won their first game of the season (opened 0-4) of the season on Thursday with a complete effort that included the return of guard Jrue Holiday. The Pelicans will try to make it two in a row and earn their first victory on the road when they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. The Thunder also check in at 1-4, withe their lone victory coming 120-92 over Golden St back on Oct 27.

A.D. wanted out of New Orleans and the Pelicans traded him to the Lakers. Brandon Ingram was one of the key players New Orleans received in that deal and he's averaging 26.8 PPG while shooting 50 percent from three-point range. Hart (13.8 & 6.2) and Ball (12.4-4.4-7.4) also came from the Lakers but the Pelicans are really happy to have Holiday (21.2-5.0-7.7 LY) back in the lineup, after missing two games. He scored points and went 5-of-9 from three-point range in Thursday's win plus helped solidify a defense that allowed an average of 130 points in his two-game absence. Jahlil Okafor started in place of Favors on Thursday and scored a team-high 26 points on 8-of-13 from the floor.

Oklahoma City has failed to reach 100 points in three of its first five contests and was 4-of-27 from beyond the arc in Wednesday's 102-99 loss to Portland. "We got to the free-throw line quite a bit, which kept it close, but the 3-point line probably was the difference, and we just did not shoot it certainly as well as they did or as timely as they did," Thunder head coach Billy Donovan told reporters The Thunder underwent considerable offseason changes, with former MVP Russell Westbrook getting dealt to Houston in a trade that brought in 15-year veteran PG Chris Paul plus All-Star Paul George was sent to the Clippers in a deal that brought in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari.

Here's the deal. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (21.6-7.0-3.2) and Danilo Gallinari (18.4 & 5.0) are the team's top-two scorers. PGs Paul (14.8-4.2-3.6) and Dennis Schroder (14.6-5.4-4.4) are also contributing nicely. Center Steven Adams (6.0 & 11.8) left-knee injury opened a starting spot for Nerlens Noel in the last contest and he played his best game of the season with 15 points and 14 rebounds. The Pelicans played "over their heads" vs Denver and the Thunder could really use a win over a VERY beatable foe.The home team took each of the four meetings last season and I see no reason for that to change here, even with two "new-look" squads. Also, "the price is right!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Mil Bucks at 7:05 ET.

The Milwaukee Bucks 'jumped' all over the Celtics in Boston on Wednesday, taking a 58-42 lead at the half. However, Milwaukee got rolled in the second half, as the Celtics outscored them 74-47 in a 116-105 win. Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo combined for 48 points on 18-of-28 shooting for Milwaukee but their teammates combined to shoot 37 percent and almost nobody could make a stop when it counted. The 2-2 Bucks continue a stretch in which they'll play NINE of 11 games away from home by taking on the Magic tonight in Orlando. The 2-2 Magic boast the top scoring defense in the Eastern Conference (93.8 PPG ranks 2nd in the NBA) but on the offensive end, have yet to score 100 points in a game. Orlando ranks 30th (last) in both scoring (95.8 PPG) and in FG percentage (39.5).

Antetokounmpo, last year's MVP, is doing his usual thing averaging 23.8-13.5-8.0. Middleton is averaging 24 points over his last three games (he's 19-for-29 from the floor in the last two) and checks in averaging 20.8 & 6.5 through four games. The rest of the Bucks 'fell down' in Wednesday's loss at Boston but that's atypical. Bledsoe, Lopez and Matthews join Antetokounmpo and Middleton in the starting lineup and ALL average in double digits. Guard Hill (11.-3.8-4.8) plus swingmen Korver (9.3) and Connaughton (8.3) and PF Ilysova (8.5 & 7.3) come off the bench and ALL shoot better than 42.9% from three-point range (Korver leads with 50.0 percent). Milwaukee is averaging 119.2 PPG (4th) but is allowing 117.5 PPG (23rd).

Orlando starts three guards in Fournier (17.8), Fultz (11.0) and Augustin (9.5 & 4.3 APG) with center Vicevic (15.8 & 11.3) and PF Gordon (9.0 & 6.3). Vucevic struggled to find his shooting touch through the first three games (hit 'rock bottom' at Toronto on Monday in going 1-for-13 from the floor) but scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in Wednesday's 95-83 victory over the Knicks. Orlando has to be at least slightly concerned over Gordon's slow start (see above), as he had averaged 17.6 & 7.9 and 16.0 & 7.4 the last two seasons.

There is NOTHING wrong with Milwaukee's offense but its D is allowing 8.2 PPG more than it did last season, so while Milwaukee led all NBA teams in point-differential last season at plus-8.8, that figure sits at just plus-1.8 through four games of this season. Milwaukee had no success playing in Orlando from 2005 through 2015 but this Milwaukee team hardly resembles those past teams. The Bucks are off an embarrassing loss to the Celtics and will return home Sunday to host the defending champion Raptors on Sunday. Giannis and Co. were 17-4 ATS last season coming off a SU loss and the Bucks blew out Cleveland 129-112 in their first chance in that situation this year (Milwaukee had lost two nights earlier to Miami). Doing the math, that 18-4 ATS record translates to an 82% winning situation.

Good luck...Larry