Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04-12-17 | Mavs v. Grizzlies -6 | Top | 100-93 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 6 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Memphis Grizzlies (8:00 EST). It’s the final day of the regular season, so many of the techniques that handicappers have used for the regular season just don’t pertain in this situation. This is a great situational play in my opinion, as the Mavs come in off a game just last night against the Nuggets and will now look to put the final nail in the coffin in another disappointing season. The Grizzlies on the other hand would love to have a win before the postseason as they’ve stumbled of late, losing four of their last five, most recently a 103-90 setback to Detroit on Sunday. I’ll point out that Dallas is just 1-3 ATS in its last four in the second game of a back-to-back, while Memphis is 3-1 ATS in its last four after scoring 90 points or less. I like the Grizzlies to push the pace and end the season on a high note in front of the home town crowd, while I also expect the visitors to simply go through the motions in this one. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
04-10-17 | Wizards -2.5 v. Pistons | Top | 105-101 | Win | 100 | 28 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* EASTERN-CONFERENCE SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Washington Wizards (8:00 EST). The 48-32 Washington Wizards are in Detroit to take on the 36-43 Pistons and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Wizards lost for a fourth time in their last six games with a 106-103 setback to the Heat on Saturday night, dropping the team back into fourth place in the East. Washington remains fifth in the league in scoring with 109.3 per contest, while ranked 21st in conceding 107.4. John Wall leads the team with 23.1 points, 10.7 assists and 2.01 steals per game. The Pistons average 101.2 PPG and concede 102.4. Tobias Harris leads all players with 16.2 points, plus 5.1 boards per game. I’ll point out that Washington is 23-13 ATS this season in trying ot revenge a loss against an opponent, while Detroit is just 15-22 ATS as an underdog. The Pistons have nothing to play for right now except the role of spoiler. There’s nothing to spoil for Washington though, which has already punched its ticket to the posteason. Detroit looked bad against Memphis last time out and I don’t think it’ll put up much of a fight here either. The Wizards are cold at the worst possible time, but have a big opportunity here to get untracked and gain some momentum as they head into the playoffs. Lay the points, play on Washington. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
04-09-17 | Cavs -1.5 v. Hawks | Top | 125-126 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 14 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (3:35 EST). I played on Cleveland in its big win over the Celtics earlier in the week, a victory which would give the Cavs the No. 1 spot in the East at the time. A favorable matchup the following night against an Atlanta Hawks team which would be without most of its starting players looked like a perfect opportunity to keep the momentum rolling, but the home side would come out flat and inexplicably fell 114-100 on Friday. Suffice it to say, I think it’s payback time today as note that ATL has in fact taken two of three in the season series from the Cavs already. The Cavs are still fighting for the No. 1 seed in the East. They average 110.4 PPG and concede 106.8. LeBron James had 27 points, eight boards and seven assists in the setback on Friday. The Hawks average 103.1 PPG and concede 104.1. Note that ATL hits just 34.2 percent from range, ranked 24th overall. Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson are both doubtful for this one, but I don’t think it’s going to matter. The Hawks are also dealing with injury issues. I believe Cleveland feels embarrassed by its performance last time out and I look for it to make amends with a decisive effort this evening. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
04-08-17 | Heat v. Wizards -6 | Top | 106-103 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 30 m | Show |
My 10* EASTERN CONFERENCE SIDE OF THE MONTH is on the Washington Wizards (7:05 EST). The 38-41 Miami Heat are in the nation’s capital to take on the 48-31 WIzards and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Heat’s playoff hopes are fading quickly after falling 96-94 in Toronto just last night. The Wizards are trending in the opposite direction, as they’ve won two straight after edging by the Knicks 106-103 on the road Thursday. This is a double revenge scenario, as Miami has taken the first two meetings this year, including a 112-101 home victory in the last matchup back on December 12th. It was an amazing run for the Heat after the All Star break, but they’ve now run out of gas. Miami has lost three of its last four. The Heat are a poor offensive team, averaging 102.9 PPG. Miami makes up for it on the defensive end though by conceding just 101.9. The Wizards are a good offensive team, averaging 109.4. Washington is poor defensively though in conceding 107.4 per night. But the situational and motivational factors are clearly working in favor of the home side in this one. Washington now looks to close the season strong, to avenge the two earlier losses and to take advantage of what will clearly be a very tired Heat side. Lay the points with confidence. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
04-06-17 | Wolves v. Blazers -6 | Top | 98-105 | Win | 100 | 32 h 52 m | Show |
My 10* Western Conference SIDE OF THE MONTH is on the Portland Trailblazers (10:30 EST). The 31-46 Minnesota Timberwolves are in Portland to take on the 38-40 Blazers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. With just four games to go, Portland has a one-game lead over Denver for the eighth spot. The Blazers will be desperate to maintain that position obviously, but also to get back on track after a two-game slide, one of which came by one point at the hands of these very Timberwolves in Minnesota on Monday night. Suffice it to say, it’s payback time on Thursday! Minnesota has won three of its last five, but has nothing to play for other than spoiler now. And that can only provide so much motivation for so long before everyone just throws in the towel. This is what I envision happening this evening as Portland risks life and limb tonight to get off the schneid with a decent full four-quarter effort. And if history is any precedence, then the Blazers have to be loving their chances today as they’ve won 20 of the last 22 meetings at home against Minnesota: “We’re ready to go home and finish the season out strong and we know that we control what happens,” Portland’s star point guard Damian Lillard said last night. I’ll point out that the Wolves are just 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight on the road and just 1-6 ATS in their last seven when playing on one days rest, while the Trailblazers are 6-0 ATS in their last six when playing on one days rest and 4-0 ATS in their last four at home against clubs with losing road records. I think the Wolves check out of this one early and expect Portland to put the foot on the gas from start to finish. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
04-05-17 | Cavs +3.5 v. Celtics | Top | 114-91 | Win | 100 | 9 h 17 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (8:05 EST). The 49-27 Cavaliers are in Boston to take on the 50-27 Celtics and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. This is the biggest regular season game for both teams so far as first place is up for grabs in the Eastern Conference. Boston won its second straight and sixth in its last seven with a 110-94 victory over New York on Sunday, while Cleveland cruised to a 122-102 win over Orlando at home last night. The Cavs have taken two of three so far this year, but it was the C’s which won 103-99 at home in the latest on March 1st. Cleveland has now won three straight. It averages 110.3 PPG and concedes 107. LeBron James leads the nightly charge with 26.3 points, 8.5 boards and 8.7 assists per game. Note that the Cavs are second in the NBA in made threes with 13 triples a game. Boston averages 107.8 PPG and concedes 105.1. Isaiah Thomas averages 29.1 points and 5.9 assists per game. Boston is ranked fourth in three points with 11.9 per contest. I’ll point out though that Cleveland is 12-9 ATS this season following a win by ten points or more, while Boston is just 11-15 ATS this year against poor defensive teams which allow 106 plus points per contest (also only 5-9 ATS following a win by ten points or more). For many, the Cavaliers playing the Warriors this year was the “biggest” regular season game. Perhaps the Warriors and Durant against the Thunder as well. However, this is the biggest game in terms of it actually meaning something for the postseason. That means that it’s “go” time for James and company. I look for the defending champs to put on a show tonight and at the very least, take this one down to the wire. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
04-03-17 | North Carolina v. Gonzaga +1.5 | Top | 71-65 | Loss | -104 | 37 h 3 m | Show |
My 10* NAT CHAMP GAME SIDE WINNER is on Gonzaga (9:20 EST). Arguably the two best teams in the nation collide on Monday night and as you can tell, the oddsmakers feel that they’re pretty evenly matched. However, I don’t. I think the Bulldogs superior defensive play will turn out to be the difference this evening. Keep your eyes on Nigel Williams-Goss for Gonzaga, he’s averaged 16.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists this season. The Bulldogs have two seven footers on their team as well, including the giant Przemek Kanowski, who averages 12.2 points and 5.8 boards per game. Justin Jackson leads the charge for the high-flying tar Heels with 18.2 points and 4.7 boards per game. Also in double figures are Joel Berry II (14.5) and Kennedy Meeks (12.3 points and 9.3 boards per contest). I’ll point out though that Gonzaga is 9-2-1 ATS in its last 12 following an ATS loss, while UNC is just 1-3-1 ATS in its last five following a SU victory. Ultimately I think it will be the Bulldogs’ size and defense which turns out to be the difference in the National Championship game. Play on Gonzaga. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
04-01-17 | South Carolina v. Gonzaga -6.5 | Top | 73-77 | Loss | -105 | 143 h 46 m | Show |
My 10* SIDE OF THE MONTH is on Gonzaga (6:05 EST). The South Carolina Gamecocks and Gonzaga Bulldogs are in unchartered territory right now. The Gamecocks knocked off Florida 77-70 to advance, while the Bulldogs smashed Xavier 83-59 last Saturday. South Carolina is in over its head here in my opinion. So far the Gamecocks have trailed three times in four games in this tournament, only to rally and win the contest with a big second half. South Carolina would shoot 49.1 percent from the floor in the win over Florida, despite going just 2 of 10 from range. Sindarius Thornwell was a standout with 26 points and seven boards. Overall though the Gamecocks are nothing special offensively, they average 73.2 PPG. But they make up for it on the defensive end though, conceding only 64.9 PPG, ranked 31st in the nation. The Bulldogs limited the Musketeers to just 20 second half points last weekend, while also going on to hit 47.5 percent from the floor themselves, including knocking down 12 of 24 from range. Xavier was held to just 2 of 16 from behind the arc. Nigel Williams-Goss led Gonzaga with 23 points and eight boards. The Bulldogs are 14th in the country in scoring with 83.2 PPG, while ranked fourth on the defensive end in conceding just 60.9. I think ATS stats are pretty meaningless at this point and as these teams have no real prior history against each other, this particular selection is based primarily on the situation. I think the over-achieving Gamecock’s Cindarella run comes to an end here. Gonzaga is very well coached under Frank Martin and has vastly more experience in its line-up, something that can’t be overlooked whatsoever at this point of the tournament. The Bulldogs are superior on both sides of the ball and in my opinion, this spread should in fact be a lot larger. And that’s why Gonzaga is my April CBB Game Of The Month. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-31-17 | Pacers +7 v. Raptors | Top | 100-111 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 22 m | Show |
My 10* LEGEND is on the Indiana Pacers (7:05 EST). The 37-38 Indiana Pacers are in Toronto to take on the 45-30 Raptors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Pacers come in desperate here, they lost for the fourth time in five games in a 110-97 road defeat in Memphis on Wednesday. Toronto looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after it had its six game win streak snapped in a 110-106 home loss to Charlotte. Momentum is difficult to attain and once lost, it’s sometimes even more difficult to get back. Also note, to say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement I think as Toronto has taken three straight and eight of the last nine in the series, including a 116-91 victory at home in the first matchup of the year on March 19th. Indiana is in eighth spot in the East and will be desperate here as it looks to break the slide of poor play. Indiana averages 104.3 PPG and concedes 105.4. Paul George leads the nightly charge with 22.8 points plus 6.4 boards per game. The Raptors average 107.2 PPG and concede 103. DeMar DeRozan leads everyone with 27.2 points and 5.3 boards per contest. I’ll point out though that Indiana is 11-6 ATS this year following a loss by ten points or more, while Toronto is just 1-2 ATS in its last three off an upset loss as a favorite. I think the “hungrier” team is the way to go in this one and while I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can, play on Indiana. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-30-17 | Cavs -6 v. Bulls | Top | 93-99 | Loss | -110 | 30 h 39 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (8:05 EST). The 47-26 Cleveland Cavaliers are in Chicago to take on the 35-39 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. It’s going to be all hands on deck for the Cavs today, they’ve lost four of their last six, most recently a humbling 103-74 road loss in San Antonio on Monday. With two extra days off between games and after losing top spot in the East to the Celtics, I’m absolutely expecting LeBron James and company to lay the hammer down tonight though. Note as well that this is a quadruple revenge game for the Cavaliers, having lost each of the last four meetings with the Bulls. Chicago sits just a game behind Miami for the final spot in the East, but note that it’s just 8-10 ATS this year off an upset win as an underdog and only 6-8 ATS following a divisional contest. Also note that the Cavs have excelled in this spot for bettors, going 4-1 ATS in their last five when playing with two days rest. This is Cleveland’s most important game so far this entire season and suffice it to say, I look for the defending champions to respond with a resounding performance. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-29-17 | Wizards v. Clippers -5 | Top | 124-133 | Win | 100 | 34 h 45 m | Show |
My 10* BAIL-OUT is on the LA Clippers (10:35 EST). The Washington Wizards are in LA to take on the 44-31 Clippers on Wednesday night and for a couple of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Note that Washington played just 24 hours previous against the Lakers and suffice it to say, I think it’s going to be “gassed” in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. And with tough games at Utah and at Golden State upcoming respectively, it’s certainly not too hard to imagine the Wizards also in some small way getting caught “looking ahead” to those very tough contests. The Clippers will be looking to take out their frustrations on someone after letting an 18-point fourth quarter lead go by the way side in a 98-97 setback at home to the Kings. LA currently sits 1.5 games behind Utah for the fourth seed, so it needs to start winning immediately if it has any hopes of securing home court advantage in the first round. Also note that this is a “revenge” game as well for LA after the Wizards won 117-110 in Washington on December 18th (note though that the Clippers have won eight straight at home in this series). With two whole days off to rest, prepare and re-focus, I love the home side to lay a severe beating from start to finish. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-29-17 | Coastal Carolina v. Wyoming -7.5 | Top | 57-81 | Win | 100 | 32 h 15 m | Show |
My 10* CBI GAME 2 CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY is on Wyoming (9:00 EST). The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers get ready to battle the Wyoming Cowboys in Game 2 of the CBI Championship and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. It’s a best of three Championship round and Coastal Carolina has already taken the first game 91-81. No need to overanalyze this one in my opinion, as it’s do or die for the Cowboys. Coastal Carolina took an early 6-4 lead in Game 1 and then never looked back. The Chanticleers average 73.4 PPG and concede 72.8. Jaylen Shaw has averaged 20.2 points over his last four games. Wyoming averages 77.7 PPG and concedes 75.5. Jason McManamen had 19 points in the Game 1 loss. I’ll point out though that Coastal Carolina is just 1-4 ATS in its last five on the road, while Wyoming is 5-1 ATS in its last six at home and 20-7-1 ATS in is last 28 following a SU loss. The Cowboys are 17-3 at home this year, while the Chanticleers are a pathetic 3-10 on the road. Lay the points with confidence. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-29-17 | Bucks v. Celtics -8 | Top | 103-100 | Loss | -110 | 31 h 46 m | Show |
My 10* Eastern Conference SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Boston Celtics (7:35 EST). The Milwaukee Bucks are in Boston to take on the 48-26 Celtics on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Milwaukee has a solid defense which ranks in the top 10 in the league, but it plays in Charlotte on Tuesday night and suffice it to say, I think it’s going to be “gassed” in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. Boston has taken over top spot in the East and won’t want to give it up. The C’s have won four in a row and seven of their last eight. Boston is ranks eighth in scoring and 14th in points allowed. Isaiah Thomas averages 29.1 PPG and six assists per night for Boston. Note that the Celtics are 27-9 at home, while Milwaukee is a few games under .500 on the road. Also note that the Bucks are just 10-14 ATS in their last 24 in Boston, while the Celtics are 17-12 ATS against teams with winning records this year and interestingly, 10-4 ATS against Central division opponents. I think Milwaukee comes in flat-footed after the game last night and look for the Celtics to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-28-17 | Wizards v. Lakers +9 | Top | 119-108 | Loss | -110 | 29 h 24 m | Show |
My 10* SUPER SHOCKER is on the LA Lakers (10:35 EST). The 45-28 Washignton Wizards are in LA to take on the 21-52 Lakers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. I’m not going to be so bold as to predict an outright upset here, but I do definitely believe that the home side will catch the Wizards “looking past” their lowly opponent today and keep this one a lot closer than what Vegas is leading us to believe. At the very least, Washington will have the No. 3 seed in the Eastern conference. Clearly the Wizards are the better team, both on paper and on the floor. However, with a game against the Clippers tomorrow night, followed by tough outings at Utah and Golden State respectively, the stage is set for a classic “trap” game this evening. LA has nothing to play for and will almost assuredly be the second worst team in the league behind the Nets. But with one of the few remaining home games to put on a show for the crowd, I think the young Lakers come to play. And I’ll point out that Washington is just 16-17 ATS on the road this season and only 9-15 ATS overall since the All Star break, while LA is 2-1 ATS this year after scoring 85 points or less and interestingly, 6-2 ATS against the Southeast division. Grab as many points as you can, play on LA. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-27-17 | Thunder v. Mavs +1 | Top | 92-91 | Push | 0 | 26 h 23 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Dallas Mavericks (8:30 EST). The 41-30 Oklahoma City Thunder are in Dallas to take on the 31-41 Dallas Mavericks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. OKC comes in off a loss in Houston yesterday afternoon and I think will be “gassed” here. Dallas will now look to take advantage and to get back into the winners circle after a 94-86 home loss to Toronto in its latest action. These teams have already split a pair of meetings this year, each earning the victory on its home floor. Suffice it to say, I expect that trend to carry on here. Dallas is 21-17 on its home floor and needs to start stringing some wins together immediately if it has any chance whatsoever at making it into the postseason. Desperation breeds motivation and note that the Mavericks are 3-1 ATS in their last four after scoring 86 points or less, while OKC is just 1-2 ATS in its last three in the second game of a back-to-back. After yesterday’s high-scoring defeat, I think the Thunder come out flat here. The correct call in this one is on the home side, play on Dallas. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-27-17 | Cavs v. Spurs -4 | 74-103 | Win | 100 | 29 h 31 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the San Antonio Spurs (8:00 EST). San Antonio is in a dog fight with the Warriors for top spot in the West and now faces a daunting schedule with the suddenly underachieving defending champion Cavaliers coming to town tonight, followed with matchups at home against Golden State and then at Oklahoma City and then back home for Utah and Memphis. Cleveland has dropped six of its last ten, including three of its last four. After tonight’s tough road contest though, the Cavs have much more “winnable” contests against Eastern Conference cellar dwellers in Chicago, Philadelphia, Indiana and Orlando respectively. From a situational stand point, this one definitely sets up nicely for San Antonio as it looks to start this tough stretch off on the “right foot,” while Cleveland could very well be caught “looking ahead” to the “vanilla” stretch in its schedule. Also note that the Cavs are just 2-3 ATS this year in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent and only 8-13 ATS after allowing 115 points or more, while San Antonio is 18-6 ATS this season against good offensive teams which score 106 plus points per contest. Cleveland will be fine, but I think this one means a lot more to the red hot home side. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-27-17 | Magic v. Raptors -9 | 112-131 | Win | 100 | 28 h 52 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Toronto Raptors (7:30 EST). The 27-46 Orlando Magic are in Toronto to take on the 44-29 Raptors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Orlando comes in complacent here in my opinion, it’s out of the playoff race for a while, but is contented after winning for the third time in four games in Friday’s 115-87 home victory over Detroit. The Raptors are rolling, but can ill afford to take the foot off the gas after a previous rough stretch, they enter this one having won five straight, most recently a 94-86 win over Dallas on the road on Saturday. Note that this sets up as a “revenge” game as well for Toronto, which has dropped two of three in the season series with Orlando so far, including a 102-94 setback in in the most recent matchup on February 3rd. Despite the recent “up tick” in play, the Magic are still just 28th in the league in averaging 100.4 PPG, while ranked a sub-par 19th on the defensive end in conceding 106.3 per game. The Raptors average 106.9 PPG and concede 102.8. Keep your eyes on DeMar DeRozan, who leads the nightly charge with 27.1 points, plus 5.3 boards per game. I’ll point out that Orlando 0-4 ATS in its last four when playing on two days rest, while Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last five when playing on one days rest. Toronto is just three games behind the Celtics with nine games to go. This is a very important contest for the Raptors, one which could be a difference maker in the next two weeks. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting the home side to come in focused on the task at hand and look for it to easily pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-26-17 | Kentucky v. North Carolina -2.5 | Top | 73-75 | Loss | -110 | 32 h 44 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on North Carolina (5:05 EST). The No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats get ready to play the No. 6 North Carolina Tar Heels in the Elite Eight on Sunday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors UNC. Kentucky rolled by UCLA 86-75 on Friday, while North Carolina edged Butler 92-80. Note that the Tar Heels play with revenge here after falling 103-100 at Kentucky on December 17th. The Wildcats average 85.2 PPG, while conceding 71.4. Malik Monk leads all scorers with 20.1 PPG. One glaring weakness for the Cats is their proficiency at the charity stripe, going a poor 70.5 percent collectively from the foul line this season. UNC averages 85.2 PPG and leads the nation rebounding with 43.7 boards per game. The Tar Heels concede 70.5 PPG and Justin Jackson leads the nightly charge with 18.2 points and 4.7 boards per game. I’ll point out that Kentucky is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following an ATS victory, while UNC is 6-2 ATS in its last eight tournament games and 4-1 ATS in its last five non-conference contests. A lot of talent on display here, but I think UNC’s veteran experience wins out over Kentucky’s youth. Play on the Tar Heels. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-25-17 | Knicks +15.5 v. Spurs | Top | 98-106 | Win | 100 | 11 h 38 m | Show |
My 10* SUPER SHOCKER is on the New York Knicks (8:35 EST). The 27-45 New York Knicks are in San Antonio to take on the 55-16 Spurs and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do think that the situation favors the visitors and look for them to keep this one a lot closer than what Las Vegas is leading us to believe. The Knicks come in under the radar here, they’ve lost four straight and seven of their last eight, most recently a 110-95 setback at Portland on Thursday. Conversely, the Spurs come in complacent after winning their third straight and fifth in their last seven by outlasting the Grizzlies 97-90 at home on Thursday. New York comes in averaging 105.1 PPG and is fourth in the NBA in rebounding with 45.5 boards per game. The Knicks are poor defensively though, conceding 108.7 per contest. San Antonio averages 106.3 PPG and concedes 98.4 Kawhi Leonard leads the way with 25.9 points, 5.9 boards and 1.84 steals per game. I’ll point out though that New York has excelled in this spot for bettors this year, going 7-3 ATS after three or more consecutive losses and 22-13 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record, while San Antonio is just 11-16 ATS this season after three or more consecutive victories and just 5-8 ATS following a divisional contest. Clearly this is a matchup of David vs. Goliath on paper, but not only do the trends support the Knicks in this situation, but so too does the overall “situation.” There’s no doubt that this sets up as a classic “trap” game for the Spurs, with games against the Cavaliers and Warriors on Sunday and Tuesday resepectively. I think the visitors do more than enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with the ample spread they’ve been afforded as they catch the home side “looking ahead.” Play on New York. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-25-17 | Xavier v. Gonzaga -8 | Top | 59-83 | Win | 100 | 33 h 28 m | Show |
My 10* ELITE 8 SIDE OF THE YEAR is on Gonzaga (6:05 EST). The No. 11 Xavier Musketeers get ready to battle the No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs in the Elite Eight on Saturday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the favorite. Neither team has made it to the Championship game in school history. Xavier though looks poised for a classic letdown here in my opinion after its upset win over Arizona in the last round. The Musketeers shot a great 52.8 percent from the floor, but were outrebounded 35-27. They also missed five of their 16 free throws. It was an atrocious performance for the Wildcats too. Suffice it to say, I think Xavier is going to have a much tougher time on the offensive end tonight. The Bulldogs come in off a 61-58 win over West Virginia, holding the Mountaineers to just 26.7 percent from the floor and only 5 of 23 from behind the arc. The Musketeers are overmatched here completely and I’m expecting a complete blowout from start to finish. One player to keep your eyes on is Nigel Williams-Goss, who was held to just ten points last time out, but who presents a difficult matchup for Xavier. Lay the points with confidence, play on Gonzaga. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-24-17 | Kings +17.5 v. Warriors | Top | 100-114 | Win | 100 | 31 h 47 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Sacramento Kings (10:35 EST). Clearly the Warriors are the superior team, they come into this one having won five straight, including covering the spread in their last four as well. The last time Golden State faced Sacramento, it would smash the Kings 109-86 on February 15th. So am I suggesting to you to “sprinkle a little on the money-line” as well? Of course not. I simply feel that this sets up as a “trap” game for the Warriors, who will next face the Grizzlies, the Rockets and Spurs respectively. It’s not too hard to imagine the home side taking the foot off the gas a little bit tonight as it focuses on its much tougher upcoming schedule. The Kings have struggled with offensive consistency since making the DeMarcus Cousins trade, but note that they’ve excelled in this spot for bettors this season, going 8-5 ATS after allowing 115 points or more and 11-4 ATS after three or more consecutive losses. And it’s interesting to note that Golden State is just 3-7 ATS this season when playing with two days rest and only 10-16 ATS against poor defensive teams which allow 106 points per contest. For all the reason’s listed above, I’m grabbing the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-24-17 | Pelicans v. Rockets -7 | 107-117 | Win | 100 | 28 h 18 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Houston Rockets (8:05 EST). The 30-41 New Orleans Pelicans are in Houston to take on the 49-22 Rockets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. New Orleans comes in off a 95-82 win over Memphis, while Houston nipped by Denver 125-124 in its latest action. James Harden had 39 points and 11 assists in the Rockets most recent win. DeMarcuas Cousins had 41 points and 17 boards in the Pelicans victory over the Grizzlies. I’ll point out though that New Orleans is just 6-8 ATS against the division this year and only 3-5 ATS after allowing 90 points or less, while Houston is 17-7 ATS after allowing 115 points or more and 24-11 ATS against teams with losing records. I think the Pelicans finally stumble as they hit the road and Houston pulls away for the comfortable ATS cover down the stretch. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-24-17 | Butler v. North Carolina -7 | Top | 80-92 | Win | 100 | 102 h 27 m | Show |
My 10* SWEET 16 PERFECT STORM is on North Carolina (7:10 EST). The Butler Bulldogs are getting ready to battle the North Carolina Tar Heels on Friday night on the second day of the Sweet 16 and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the favorite. Butler comes in off a 75-65 win over MTSU and it’s now won six of its last eight, while UNC is off a 72-65 win over Arkansas and it’s now won eight of its last ten. The Bulldogs average 76.2 PPG and allow 68.2. Kelan Martin was a stand out in the last round with 19 points. Butler has looked sharp defensively down the stretch, but it now faces one of the nation’s top offenses and suffice it to say, I think it’s going to have its hands full tonight. UNC averages 85.1 PPG and concedes 70.3 (note though that the Tar Heels have averaged 88.6 PPG on 48.8 percent shooting and allowed just 70.0 in all neutral site games this year). Kennedy Meeks had 16 points to lead four other players in double figures last time out. I’ll point out that Butler is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven following an ATS victory, while UNC is 20-7-2 ATS in its last 29 neutral site games when playing the role of favorite. The Tar Heels have been especially sharp on the defensive end of late, allowing just 62.4 PPG over their last nine. Lay the points with confidence, play on North Carolina. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-24-17 | Cavs -3 v. Hornets | 112-105 | Win | 100 | 27 h 18 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (7:05 EST). The 46-24 Cleveland Cavaliers are in Charlotte to take on the 32-39 Hornets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. These teams have played twice this year and the Cavs have won both, most recently a 121-109 decision on December 31st. But Cleveland has lost two of its last three, while Charlotte comes in having won three straight. Suffice it to say, I think the Cavs are the much “hungrier” team today, especially the way LeBron James called out the rest of his team after the disturbing loss in Denver last time out. Newcomer Deron Williams was a stand out in that one with 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Charlotte comes in off a 109-102 win over the Magic on Wednesday, led by 19 points from Terrence Ross. I’ll point out though that Cleveland is 3-1-1 ATS in its last five after scoring 100 points or more in its previous contest, while Charlotte is just 4-10 ATS in its last 14 in front of the home town crowd. The Cavs have dominated this series this year and I don’t expect anything to change. Lay the points with confidence as James and company come in razor focused and lay the hammer down from start to finish. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-22-17 | Knicks v. Jazz -10 | Top | 101-108 | Loss | -110 | 33 h 60 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Utah Jazz (10:30 EST). The 27-43 New York Knicks are in Utah to take on the 43-28 Jazz on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Knicks are now officially looking ahead to next season with nothing but pride to play for the rest of the way. The Jazz on the other hand are trying to hold on to fourth place in the West playoffs, a spot which would give them home floor advantage in the first round. New York comes in off two straight losses, losing at home to Brooklyn on Thursday and then starting this trip with a 114-105 seback at the Clippers on Monday. The Knicks play a game tomorrow night, so could also be caught looking ahead here. Utah comes home in a foul mood after dropping three straight to close a four-game road trip. Gordon Hayward was a bright spot with 38 points in the most recent setback. I’ll point out though that New York is just 1-2 ATS this year against good defensive teams which concede 98 points or less per contest, while Utah is 12-7 ATS this season against poor defensive clubs which allow 106 points per contest. With a big game against the Clippers on Saturday (the team sitting a half game back in fifth spot in the West), the Jazz can ill afford to drop another “gimme.” This has essentially become a “must win” game for Utah, so lay the points with confidence. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-22-17 | Hawks v. Wizards -7 | 100-104 | Loss | -110 | 31 h 30 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Washington Wizards (8:00 EST). The 37-33 Atlanta Hawks are in Washington to take on the 42-28 Wizards and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Atlanta comes in with zero momentum, it’s lost four straight, most recently a 105-90 setback at Charlotte on Monday. The Wizards can empathize, they’ve also been scuffling of late, having lost two in a row and four of their last five, most recently a 110-102 setback at Boston on Monday night. Washington has already won two of three in the season series with Atlanta, including a 112-86 victory on the road in the last matchup back on January 27th. Atlanta averages 103.4 PPG and concedes 104.5. Paul Millsap leads all scorers with 18.1 points, plust 7.7 boards and 3.8 assists per game. The Wizards average 108.8 PPG and concede 106.8. John Wall leads the nightly charge with 22.9 points, 10.8 assists and 1.96 steals per game. I’ll point out though that Atlanta is just 3-11 ATS against the division this year and only 8-10 ATS after a loss by ten points or more (also only 2-7 ATS this year after three or more consecutive losses), while Washington is 21-16 ATS at home this season and 16-12 ATS against teams with winning records. Neither team instills much confidence, but the Wizards are a strong 27-10 at the Verison Center. Atlanta has been without Millsap in the lineup the last two games and I think that once again hurts the Hawks tonight. Look for the Wizards to find a way to get the job done, lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-22-17 | 76ers v. Thunder -10.5 | 97-122 | Win | 100 | 30 h 30 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (8:00 EST). The 26-44 Philadelphia 76ers are in Oklahoma City to take on the 40-30 Thunder and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The 76ers just blew a 15 point halftime lead in a 112-109 setback in OT to Orlando on Monday, while the Thunder had their five-game win skein snapped with a 111-95 home loss to the Warriors later that same evening. If history is any precedence though, then OKC has to be loving its chances today as it’s taken 15 straight in the series, including a 103-97 victory in the most recent, back on October 26th. Despite its recent “up-tick” in play, Philadelphia still ranks 24th in the league in scoring with an average of 102.4 PPG. The 76ers are also below average defensively in conceding 107.6 a night. OKC averages 106.7 PPG and concedes 106. Russell Westbrook leads the way with 31.4 points, 10.5 boards and 10.3 assists per game. I think Philadelphia has a predictable letdown here after its shocking collapse in its last game. The Thunder had been averaging 112 points during their five-game win streak before losing to the Warriors. Suffice it to say, I think Westbrook and company take out their frustrations on their lowly visitors and pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS victory. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-20-17 | George Washington -5.5 v. Illinois-Chicago | Top | 71-80 | Loss | -110 | 33 h 28 m | Show |
My 10* CBI TOURNEY SIDE OF THE YEAR is on George Washington (8:00 EST). The George Washington Colonials are getting ready to battle the Illinois-Chicago Flames in the second round of the CBI. Last year the Colonials won the NIT title. George Washington opened the CBI with a win over Toledo, while Illinois-Chicago earned a slim two-point win over Stony Brook in the round of 16. The Colonials had a tough non-conference schedule and dropped five games to Georgia, UAB, Penn State, Florida State and Miami, but they’d also pick up quality victories over Harvard, South Florida, Temple and UCF. Tyler Cavanaugh had 29 points in the victory over Toledo. The Flames finished the season three games below .500, but still managed to earn a postseason birth. After getting through the first round though, I’m expecting a letdown tonight. Dominique Matthews was a standout with a game-high 21 points in the win over the Seawolves. Illinois Chicago is just happy to be here, while George Washington would love to add the CBI tournament title to its resume after winning the NIT last season and I’m expecting this experienced team to do more than enough to come away with the comfortable ATS victory tonight. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-19-17 | South Carolina +7 v. Duke | Top | 88-81 | Win | 100 | 34 h 1 m | Show |
My 10* 33-Club Play is on South Caroilna (8:40 EST). The South Carolina Gamecocks are ready to battle the Duke Blue Devils on Sunday night in the second round of the NCAA Tournament and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the underdog. South Carolina smashed Marquette 93-73 in the opening round, while Duke got by Troy 87-65. The Gamecocks average 72.7 PPG this year, but make up for it on the other end by conceding just 64.7. They also rank seventh overall in 3-point defense in allowing just 29.7 percent. Sindarius Thornwell had 29 points in the victory over the Golden Eagles. Duke has averaged 80.8 PPG this year, while allowing 69.7. Grayson Allen had 21 points in the victory over the Trojans. I’lll point out though that South Carolina is 9-5 ATS in its last 14 neutral court games and 8-4 ATS in its last 12 when playing with one or less days rest, while Duke is just 13-16 ATS as a favorite this year and only 7-9 ATS after scoring 80 points or more. South Carolina’s offense was firing on all cylinders against Marquette and I’m expecting it to carry that momentum over here. The Gamecocks have a fantastic defense as well and while I won’t be so bold as to call for an outright upset, I do think that South Carolina can at the very least, take this one down to the wire and keep it competitive until the final moments. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-18-17 | Spurs v. Grizzlies +3.5 | Top | 96-104 | Win | 100 | 15 h 44 m | Show |
My 10* UNDERDOG SUPER SHOCKER is on the Memphis Grizzlies (9:05 EST). The 52-15 San Antonio Spurs are in Memphis to take on the 39-30 Grizzlies and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. San Antonio comes to town off a 110-106 home loss to Portland, while Memphis beat Atlanta 103-91 on Thursday. If recent history is any precedence, then the Grizzlies have to be loving their chances for an upset today, because in the lone meeting between the clubs earlier in the year, they’d score the 89-74 home victory. San Antonio has started to show some signs of fatigue finally, it’s just 2-2 over its last four after winning nine in a row. The Spurs average 106.5 PPG and concede 98.5. The Grizzlies average just 101.4 PPG, but make up for it on the defensive side in conceding just 98.2. In the win over Atlanta, they’d hold the Hawks to 40 percent shooting. Big man Marc Gasol had 18 points, ten boards and ten assists. I’ll point out that San Antonio is just 4-8 ATS this year against the division and only 3-7 ATS when playing on two days rest, while Memphis is 10-7 ATS off an upset win as an underdog and 15-11 ATS against good offensive teams which average 106 points or more per contest. With a much “easier” game at home tomorrow night against the Kings, it’s not too hard to imagine the visitors also in some small way getting caught “looking ahead” to that one. I like the Grizzlies to battle hard until the final moments, grab as many points as you can. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-18-17 | Northwestern v. Gonzaga -10.5 | Top | 73-79 | Loss | -107 | 30 h 50 m | Show |
My 10* SECOND ROUND NCAA SIDE OF THE YEAR is on Gonzaga (5:15 EST). The No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs get ready to battle the No. 8 Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday night in the second round of the NCAA tournament and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Bulldogs. Northwestern advanced by upsetting Vanderbilt, led by Bryant McIntosh who poured in 25 points. Gonzaga advanced by crushing South Dakota by 20 in the first round. The Bulldogs have now won 33 straight. Gonzaga features the No. 1 ranked defense, while the offense is ranked 13th. Nigel Williams-Goss has averaged 16.6 points, 5.8 boards, 4.8 assists and 1.7 steals in 33 games this year. The Wildcats simply do not have an answer for Williams-Goss, who I’m expecting to have another big game here. I’ll point out as well that Northwestern is just 1-2 ATS in its last three against good offensive teams which score 77-plus points per contest, while Gonzaga is 22-8 ATS as a favorite this season. I think the No. 1 seed sends a message to the rest of the tournament with a full four quarter effort and expect it to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-17-17 | Kent State v. UCLA -18 | 80-97 | Loss | -102 | 36 h 49 m | Show | |
My 8* END-OF-NIGHT BAIL-OUT BLOWOUT is on UCLA (9:55 EST). The 22-13 Kent State Golden Flashes get ready to battle the 29-4 UCLA Bruins in the first round of the NCAA tournament and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the favorite. Kent State won the MAC Tournament title and the automatic bid to the Big Dance after beating Akron 70-65 on Saturday, while UCLA fell to No. 7 Arizona 86-75 in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals on Friday. The Golden Flashes average 76.9 PPG and concede 72.3. Jaylin Walker led the way with 30 points and six boards in the win in the championship game. UCLA is No. 1 in the nation in averaging 90.4 PPG, while allowing 75.3. Isaac Hamilton had 20 points in the loss to the Wildcats. i’ll point out that Kent State is just 1-3 ATS in its last four non-conference games, while UCLA is 10-3 ATS this year in non-conference contests and 4-2 ATS in all neutral court affairs. The Golden Flashes had a great tournament run, but I have a hard time seeing Kent matching pace with the high-powered Bruins. Lay the points with confidence. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-17-17 | Michigan State +2.5 v. Miami (FL) | Top | 78-58 | Win | 100 | 35 h 5 m | Show |
My 10* LEGEND is on Michigan State (9:20 EST). The 19-14 Michigan State Spartans get ready to battle the 21-11 Miami Florida Hurricanes in the opening round of the NCAA tournament on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors MSU. The Hurricanes were 10-8 in the ACC and lost to UNC in the Quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament contest. The Spartans were 10-8 in league play and fell to Minnesota in the Quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tourney. Miles Bridges had 20 points for the Spartans in the Quarterfinal loss. The Spartans averaged 71.4 PPG and allowed 68.4 this season. Miami averages 69.4 PPG and concedes 63.7 Davon Reed finished with seven points in the loss to the Tar Heels. I’ll point out that Michigan State is 3-0 ATS this year after scoring 60 points or less, 6-2 ATS off a loss against a conference rival and 4-1 ATS against good defensive teams which allow 64 points or less per contest, while Miami is just 2-8 ATS in non-conference games and 2-4 ATS in all neutral court affairs this season. I think the Spartans are the better coached team and expect them to at the very least, take this one down to the wire. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-17-17 | Rockets v. Pelicans +5 | Top | 112-128 | Win | 100 | 11 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the New Orleans Pelicans (8:05 EST). The 47-21 Houston Rockets are in New Orleans to take on the 27-41 Pelicans and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. I think the Rockets are poised for a letdown here after three straight wins, including a victory over the Cavs in that stretch. New Orleans though will be hungry here, it had won two straight before then suffering a loss at red hot Miami on Wednesday. Houston is in third in the West, with no real shot at being able to catch either the Warriors or Spurs. New Orleans still has a playoff shot, but its hopes are dwindling. This is the most important stretch of the enitre season for the Pelicans, with three straight at home. I’ll point out though that Houston has in fact struggled in this spot already this year, going just 11-16 ATS after a win by ten points or more and only 4-5 ATS after scoring 130 points or more. And note that New Orleans has excelled in this position, going 14-8 ATS this season against poor defensive clubs which allow 106 points per contest. While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I’ll recommend grabbing the points in the end. Play on New Orleans. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-17-17 | Troy State +20 v. Duke | Top | 65-87 | Loss | -104 | 33 h 1 m | Show |
My 10* NCAA OPENING ROUND DOG OF THE YEAR is on Troy (7:20 EST). The 22-14 Troy Trojans are looking to upset No. 2 seed Duke and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the underdog. I’m not predicting an outright upset or anything, but I do think that the Trojans own an offense capable of keeping it a lot closer than what Las Vegas is leading us to believe. Duke could get caught looking past its lowly opponent today, after going 11-7 in the ACC regular season and finishing fifth overall, the Blue Devils would steam roll through the conference tournament, en route to the title over Notre Dame. Troy won the Sun Belt title to punch its ticket to the Big Dance. The Trojans average 78.4 PPG and concede 71.1. Jordan Varnado leads the team with 16.5 poitns, 7.1 boards and 1.4 blocks per contest. Duke averages 80.7 points and concedes 69.8. This team is loaded and had four players that average in double figures. I’ll point out though that Troy is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 as an underdog, while Duke is already 0-2 ATS this year as a neutral court favorite of 12.5 points or more. The Blue Devils don’t play defense very well and they very easily could have already peaked. I’m grabbing the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-17-17 | Iona v. Oregon -14.5 | Top | 77-93 | Win | 100 | 28 h 31 m | Show |
My 10* OPENING ROUND BLOWOUT is on Oregon (2:00 EST). The 22-12 Iona Gaels are getting ready to battle the 29-5 Oregon Ducks on Friday night in the opening round of the NCAA tournament and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Ducks. The Gaels beat Siena 87-86 in OT in the MAAC touranment final last Monday, while Oregon had its eight game win streak snapped with an 83-80 setback to No. 7 Arizona in the Pac-12 Tourney Final. Iona got 21 points and ten boards from Jordan Washington in the win over the Saints. The Gaels average 80.5 PPG and concede 76.4. Oregon averages 79.1 PPG and concedes just 65 (33rd in the country). Dillon Brooks leads the nightly charge with 16.3 PPG. I’ll point out that Iona is just 1-5 ATS in its last six following a SU win and 0-4 ATS in its last four NCAA Tournament contests, while Oregon is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 NCAA Tournament games. Chris Boucher is out for Oregon, but the Ducks are deep and have stifiling defensive attack. Iona is unable to stop anyone and I’m expecting it to fall away as the game comes down the stretch. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-16-17 | Virginia Tech +5.5 v. Wisconsin | Top | 74-84 | Loss | -110 | 34 h 25 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Virginia Tech (9:40 EST). The 22-10 Virginia Tech Hokies are in Wisconsin to take on the 25-9 Badgers on Thursday night in the first round of the NCAA tournament and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can, because for a number of different reasons I think this one favors the underdog. The Hokies won six of their last nine, ending with a 74-68 loss to FSU in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals last week. The Badgers had their three-game win streak snapped in a listless 71-56 setback to Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament title game on Sunday. I simply feel that Virignia Tech has the offensive firepower to test the Badgers’ stout defense. Note that the Hokies average 79.3 PPG, while conceding 74.4. Zach LeDay leads the nightly charge with 16.3 points and 7.4 boards per game. Wisconsin started the year 20-3, but then struggled down the stretch by going 5-6 over its final 11. The Badgers average 72.4 PPG, but make up for it by conceding just 61.1. Bronson Koenig leads the way with 14.1 PPG. I’ll point out though that Virginia Tech is already 4-1 ATS in all neutral court affairs this year and 11-4 ATS when playing the role of underdog, while Wisconsin is just 3-4 ATS in all neutral court games and just 3-4 ATS in its last seven as the favorite. For all of the reasons listed above, I’m grabbing the points. Play on the Hokies. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-16-17 | VCU +4.5 v. St. Mary's | Top | 77-85 | Loss | -110 | 32 h 14 m | Show |
My 10* TOURNEY SIDE OF THE MONTH is on VCU (7:20 EST). The 26-8 VCU Rams are getting ready to face the 28-4 Saint Mary’s Gaels in the opening round of the NCAA tournament on Thursday and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Virginia Commonwealth. Saint Mary’s was second best to Gonzaga in the WCC this year and would lose in the Championship game to the Bulldogs. VCU was the second-best team in its conference as well and it would lose in the A-10 Championship to Rhode Island. It’s a matchup of two teams looking to bounce back and I’m expecting an all out battle until the final moments. One player to keep your eyes on for the Rams is Jequan Lewis, who led the way with 14.7 points, 4.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game this season. VCU’s normally stout defense stumbled uncharacteristically in the loss to Rhode Island, but it was a strength of the team throughout the season, allowing just 66.3 PPG, ranked 44th in the country. The Gaels got destroyed 74-56 in the Championship game last Tuesday. Calvin Hermanson was a bright spot with 14 points in the setback. Saint Mary’s would go on to allow the Bulldogs to shoot 50 percent from the floor, which was out of the norm, as they allowed the second fewest points in the nation this year, allowing only 56.5 PPG. I’ll point out though that VCU is 3-0 ATS in its last three NCAA tournament games, while Saint Mary’s is just 1-2 ATS in its last three NCAA tournament contests and only 1-2 ATS this year after scoring 60 points or less. I think Saint Mary’s is the better team, but it’s not THAT much better. VCU won’t be rolling over here and it will believe it has every opportunity to win this one straight up as well. The Rams’ defense has been suffocating as well this season and they have the offense to match pace. I’m grabbing the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-16-17 | Thunder v. Raptors -2.5 | Top | 123-102 | Loss | -110 | 22 h 40 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Toronto Raptors (7:05 EST). The 38-29 Oklahoma City Thunder are in Toronto to take on the 39-28 Raptors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. OKC comes in complacent in my opinion after rolling to a third straight win, most recently a 122-104 road victory in Brooklyn on Tuesday. The Raptors had lost four of six before smashing Dallas 100-78 on Monday and suffice it to say, with two nights off to focus and prepare, I’m looking for the home side to build off that impressive performance. The Thunder average 106.6 PPG and concede 106.2. The error of margin is obviously extremely slim. Russell Westbrook leads the way wih 31.8 points, 10.6 boards and 10.1 assists per game. Toronto averages 107.2 PPG and concedes 103.4. DeMar DeRozan leads the nightly charge with 27.2 points and 5.4 boards per game. I’ll point out that OKC is just 1-4 ATS in its last five road games and only 1-5 ATS in its last six on the road against teams with a winning home record, while Toronto is 8-1 ATS in its last nine when playing on two days rest and 4-1 ATS in its last five against the Western Conference. Kyle Lowry is still missing from the mix in Toronto, but despite that, the Raptors are still the deeper team. Serge Ibaka gets a shot at his old club tonight, so look for the home side to come out extra motivated. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-16-17 | North Carolina Wilmington v. Virginia -7 | 71-76 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 16 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Virginia (12:40 EST). The 29-5 NC Wilmington Seahawks get ready to battle the 22-10 Virginia Cavaliers at 12:40 EST on Thursday to open the NCAA Tournament for real and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Cavs. The Seahawks won the regular season and tournament title in the Colonial conference. NC Wilmington averaged 84 PPG and allowed 75.3 on neutral courts this year. Over their last six games though the Seahawks have given up an average of 77.3 points. NC Wilmington has six players that average at least 7.8 PPG, led by CJ Bryce with 17.6 PPG. Virginia has won four of its last five and owns the nation’s No. 1 defense, allowing just 55.6 PPG. The Cavs average just 66.7, but they catch a break today clearly in facing the Seahawks mediocre defense. I’ll point out as well that UNC Wilmington is just 1-5-1 ATS in its last seven following an ATS victory, while Virginia is 16-7 ATS in its last 23 following a SU loss. The Cavs have a weak offense, but they’ve played well against weaker defenses. The Seahawks have played exceptionally well this year, but now face the No. 1 defense in the entire country. I think Virginia pulls away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-16-17 | Princeton +7 v. Notre Dame | 58-60 | Win | 100 | 25 h 1 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Princeton (12:15 EST). The 23-6 Princeton Tigers are ready to battle the 25-9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at noon EST on opening Thursday of the NCAA Tournament and while I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can, because for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the underdog. Princeton knows how to win. The Tigers come into the Tournament having won 19 straight after beating Yale in the championship game of the Ivy League Tournamant Final. ND won eight of ten to close the year, falling 75-69 to the Blue Devils in the ACC Touranment title game on Saturday. Princeton went undefeated in league play and held Yale to just 37.7 percent shooting in the championship game. Myles Stephens had 23 points and eight boards. The Tigers average 72.1 PPG and concede just 61.6, ranked tenth overall in the country. The Fighting Irish average 78 PPG and allow 69.2. Notre Dame though allowed Duke to shoot a smoking 60.8 percent from the floor in the title game. Bonzie Colson leads all players with 17.5 points and 10.2 boards per game. I’ll point out though that Princeton is 8-5 ATS this year after allowing 60 points or less and 2-1 ATS in all neutral court affairs this season, while Notre Dame is just 3-4 in non-conference contests and just 1-2 ATS in its last three neutral court contests. The Tigers are pretty thin after their starting five, but they’ll be leaving everything they have on the floor tonight, as there’s no point in trying to reserve anything at this point. Notre Dame has looked brilliant at times this year, but has also struggled in the “bigger” moments. I think Princeton takes this one down to the wire. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-15-17 | Bucks v. Clippers -8 | Top | 97-96 | Loss | -110 | 31 h 17 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the LA Clippers (10:35 EST). The 32-34 Milwaukee Bucks are in LA to take on the 40-27 Clippers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Milwaukee’s big six-game SU/ATS win streak is over and suffice it to say, I think the team will suffer a predictable letdown here as it hits the West Coast to take on a revenge minded Clippers team. The Bucks got smashed 113-93 in Memphis, allowing the Grizzlies to shoot 52 percent from the floor and go 14 of 27 from range. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 18 points. The Clippers will be in a foul mood after falling 114-108 in Utah on Monday. It was a tough matchup, as LA had won nine straight in Utah previous to that, so the Jazz were extra fired up for that one. Chris Paul had 33 points in the setback. I’ll point out though that Milwaukee is just 4-11 ATS in its last 14 following a straight-up loss and just 1-4 ATS in its last five following a straight up loss of more than ten points, while LA is 3-1 ATS in its last four in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent. Milwaukee beat LA, 112-101 in Milwaukee back on March 3rd. Suffice it to say, I think its “payback” time. Milwaukee has only covered in four of its last 14 trips to LA. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-15-17 | Grizzlies v. Bulls | 98-91 | Win | 100 | 29 h 47 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Memphis Grizzlies (8:00 EST). The 37-30 Memphis Grizzlies are in Chicago to take on the 32-35 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Grizzlies broke a five game losing streak with a convincing 113-93 win at home on Monday over the Bucks and I think the visitors carry that momentum over here. Chicago had also lost five straight before managing a 115-109 road win over Charlotte on Monday. Note that this is a revenge game for Memphis after it fell 108-104 at home to the Bulls back on January 15th. Memphis only averages 101.4 PPG, but the 100.7 they concede is ranked fourth in the league. Marc Gasol averages a team high 20.1 PPG. Chicago averages just 102 PPG and concedes 103.3. Jimmy Butler leads everyone with 23.4 points and 6.2 boards per game, while Dwayne Wade adds 18.8 points and 4.5 boards per contest. I’ll point out though that Memhis is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 against teams with a losing straight-up record, while Chicago is 0-5 ATS in its last five when playing on one days rest. I have a hard time seeing the Bulls post another 115 points like they did against the Hornets in their last game, note that previously they had not exceeded 95 during their five-game losing streak. I think the Grizzlies find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-15-17 | Blazers +10.5 v. Spurs | 110-106 | Win | 100 | 29 h 47 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Portland Trailblazers (8:00 EST). The 29-37 Portland Trailblazers are in San Antonio to take on the 52-14 Spurs and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do think that the hungry visitors can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. The Blazers are 2.5 games behind Denver for the final playoff spot in the West and were likely caught “looking ahead” to this game against the Spurs after suffering a poor 100-77 loss in New Orleans just last night. Suffice it to say, I think the Blazers bounce back here after that listless performance. Damian Lillard was a bright spot with 29 points. San Antonio on the other hand looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion, it’s won 11 of its last 12 after beating Atlanta earlier in the week. Kawhi Leonard had 31 points in Monday’s 107-99 win over the Hawks. I’ll point out though that Portland is 12-8 ATS this season against good offense clubs, while San Antonio is interestingly just 5-8 ATS in its last 13 against teams with losing records. To say this is a “revenge” game for the Blazers would be an understatement as they’ve dropped five straight in the series and both so far this season. I like the visitors to play with a lot more intensity tonight. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-15-17 | Colorado v. UCF -2 | Top | 74-79 | Win | 100 | 34 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* NIT OPENING ROUND SIDE OF THE YEAR is on Central Florida. The 19-14 Colorado Buffaloes are battling UCF in the opener of the NIT on Wednesday and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Knights. The Buffs were eliminated from the Pac-12 Tournament by Arizona, while the Knights lost to SMU in the semi-final of the AAC tournament. Colorado finished the season with an offense and defense each ranked outside the top 100 in the nation. The Knights ran into a tough Mustangs team in their 70-59 loss in the ACC tournament. But the 22 wins on the year was a school best. BJ Taylor had 20 points in the eventual loss. I’ll point out though that Coloardo is just 1-4 ATS in its last five allowing more than 90 points in its previous game, while UCF is 4-0 ATS this year following an ATS loss and 4-1 ATS in its last five at home. Colorado has to travel across the country after a lackluster performance in its conference tournament and I think it’s overmatched here anyways. UCF put together a great overall season and making it to the semi-finals of the ACC Tournament is a big accomplishment. UCF is at home and I think will take full advantage of this opportunity. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-15-17 | North Carolina Central -4 v. UC-Davis | Top | 63-67 | Loss | -110 | 54 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on North Carolina Central (6:40 EST). The 25-8 North Carolina Central Eagles get ready to battle the UC Davis Aggies in the First Four and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Eagles. After losing two in a row, NC Central won its last three games of the year to win the MEAC conference tournament, led by its 22nd ranked defense. UC Davis upset UC Irvine in their conference tournament to advance to this point. Note that the Aggies rank lower than NC Central in both PPG and points allowed. NC Central would hold Norfolk State to just 35.4 percent shooting in its 67-59 Championship victory, holding it to 21 points in the second half and forcing 17 turnovers. Patrick Cole was a standout with 18 points and eight boards to lead three other players that also scored in double figures. Note that the Eagles have won all three of their neutral site affairs already this season. UC Davis only shot 38 percent from the floor, but it would hold UCI to just 34.6 percent in its 50-47 conference victory. The Aggies would force 20 turnovers, but also had 16 of their own. It wasn’t a pretty victory and I think the team has to be feeling pretty good about itself in just scoring the upset in the Conference tournament and is likely just happy to be here. Brynton Lemar scored 20 points in the Championship game. I’ll point out that NC Central is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 neutral site games, while UC Davis is just 1-4 ATS in its last five as an underdog. I think the Eagles are the better all around team in this matchup and I expect their smothering defensive play to be just too much for the Aggies to handle tonight. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-14-17 | Kansas State v. Wake Forest | Top | 95-88 | Loss | -110 | 35 h 30 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on on Wake Forest (9:10 EST). The 19-13 Wake Forest Demon Deacons are getting ready to battle the 20-13 Kansas State Wildcats in “The First Four” on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Deacons. Kansas State lost 51-50 to West Virginia in its latest action, while Wake Forest fell 99-90 to Virginia Tech in its conference tournament. The Demon Deacons though come into the NCAA tourney playing solid ball, they’ve won four of their last five. Wake Forest is a weak defensive team, it allows 83 PPG in neutral court affairs this year, but the offense continues to shine, averaging 88. The Wildcats have averaged 69.8 PPG and conceded 60.7 in neutral court contests this season. Also note, that the Wildcats have in fact allowed 72 PPG in true road games this year. And I’ll point out that Wake Forest is 6-1 ATS in its last seven after allowing more than 90 points and 5-0 ATS in its last five against the Big 12, while Kansas State is a dismal 1-4 ATS in its last five NCAA tournament games. For the most part the Wildcats have struggled against the “elite” offenses this year. True they just held the Mountaineers to 51 points, but they also allowed an average of 81.4 PPG when facing Oklahoma, Iowa State, Oklahoma State and WVU earlier in the season. Wake catches a break in facing the anemic Wildcats’ offense, a unit which has managed a paltry 61.4 PPG in its last five games. The Demon Deacons’ dynamic offense turns out to be the difference in the end, play on Wake Forest. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-12-17 | Heat v. Pacers -4 | Top | 98-102 | Push | 0 | 21 h 2 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Indiana Pacers (7:05 EST). The 31-34 Miami Heat are in Indiana to take on the 33-32 Indiana Pacers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. No need to overthink this one in my opinion. This one sets up great for Indiana in that Miami played just last night, hammering the Raptors in a very satisfying 104-89 victory. Indiana on the other hand comes in desperate, it’s lost two of its last three, including a listless 99-85 setback at Milwaukee on Friday. The Pacers also play with double revenge after dropping both games to the Heat this year. Miami still only averagses 102.3 PPG despite its recent turnaround in play. Indiana averages 104.8 PPG and will be risking life and limb today as it fights for playoff positioning. With two nights off before a long home stretch, I think the tired Heat come out flat tonight and the hungry home side takes full advantage. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-12-17 | Cincinnati v. SMU -1.5 | Top | 56-71 | Win | 100 | 5 h 4 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on SMU (4:15 EST). The 29-4 Cincinnati Bearcats are ready to battle 29-4 SMU in the AAC Championship Game this afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Mustangs. SMU would finish 17-1 in league play, it’s only loss coming at the hands of Cincinnati. The Mustangs would later go on to avenage that setback at home and suffice it to say, I’m expecting another rout here today as well. Cincinnati advanced by taking down UConn 81-71, while SMU beat UCF 70-59. Despite the victory, the Bearcats struggled with consistency yestreday, shooting just 40 perecent from the field. They’d also miss 29 of 47 field goal attmeps and 12 of 19 three-pointers. Things clearly won’t get any easier in facing the Mustangs. SMU has now won 15 in a row after yesterday’s complete performance, dominating on both ends of the court. Sterling Brown had 20 points, making all seven free throws in the process in the victory. I’ll point out that Cincinnati is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against teams with a winning percentage above .600, while SMU is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 in the same position. Ultimately though I think the Mustangs are playing better than the Bearcats right now. I’m expecting a comfortable ATS victory once it’s all said and done. Play on SMU. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-12-17 | Michigan v. Wisconsin -1.5 | Top | 71-56 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Wisconsin (4:00 EST). The 23-11 Michigan Wolverines are getting ready to battle 25-8 Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship game and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Badgers. Michigan has had to win three straight to make it here, most recently getting the better of Minnesota 84-77 yesterday. I unfortuantely had the Gophers in that one. No. 2 Wisconsin has cruised to the finals with two straight victories, destroying the Hoosiers by ten and then annihilating Northwestern by 28. These teams split a pair of games this year. Each was within six points. Michigan averages 74.9 PPG and concedes 65.8 Derrick Walton Jr. leads the nightly charge with 15 points and 4.6 assists per game. Wisconsin is among the best in the nation on the defensive end of the floor though and I believe this will be the difference maker today (allowing 61.1 PPG, ranked seventh overall). I’ll point out as well that Michigan is just 1-2 ATS in its last three as an underdog, while Wisconsin is 10-6 ATS this year after allowing 60 points or less. Wisconsin has looked untouchable over the first two games of this tournament. I’m expecting a comfortable ATS victory, play on the Badgers. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-11-17 | Hawks v. Grizzlies -5 | 107-90 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 21 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Memphis Grizzlies. The 35-29 Atlanta Hawks are in Memphis to take on the 36-29 Grizzliez and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Grizzlies have lost four straight and will obviously be extremely focused in trying to end that streak of futility. Atlanta comes in off a very satisfying 105-99 home win over the Raptors just last night and now has to travel cross country and play a non-conference contest. Can anyone say “letdown spot?” The Grizzlies are coming off a humbling 122-109 home loss to the Nets, the worst team in the league: “I don’t know what to say,” said forward Zach Randolph afterwards. Marc Gasol was a bright spot though with 20 points, five boards, five assits, a steal and a block. I’ll point out that Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last five against the Western Conference, while Memphis is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 when playing on one days rest. Atlanta is gassed and I think comes out flat. No excuses for Memphis tonight, it’s a perfect set of situational factors working in its favor and I expect it to answer the call. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-11-17 | Knicks +6 v. Pistons | 92-112 | Loss | -110 | 24 h 22 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the New York Knicks (5:05 EST). The 26-39 New York Knicks are in Detroit to take on the 32-33 Detroit Pistons and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Knicks are looking to rebound after a 104-93 loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday. It was their third loss in their last four gams. So while New York will clearly be “hungry” to get off the schneid with a victory, Detroit is poised for a predictable letdown here after its come from behind 106-101 home win over the Cavaliers on Thursday. So far these teams have split a pair of games this year, with the Knicks winning 105-102 at home on November 16th in the most recent. New York averages 105.6 PPG and concedes 108.6. Carmelo Anthony averages 23.1 points and six boards per game. Detroit averages just 102.1 PPG and concedes 102.3. Tobias Harris leads the way with 16.3 points plus 5.2 boards per game. I’ll point out that New York is 2-1 ATS in its last three following a loss by ten points or more, while Detroit is just 3-6 ATS this season off an upset win as an underdog. With a game at Cleveland early next week, I think the home side lets the foot off the gas tonight. While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on New York. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-11-17 | Michigan v. Minnesota +3 | Top | 84-77 | Loss | -110 | 18 h 41 m | Show |
My 10* 33-Club Play is Minnesota (1:00 EST). The 22-11 Michigan Wolverines are taking on Minnesota in the Semi Finals of the Big Ten Tournament from the Verizon Center in the nation’s capital on Saturday morning and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Golden Gophers. Minnesota got by Michigan State 63-58, while Michigan managed a second straight win in as many days in yesterday’s 74-70 OT victory over Purdue. But if recent history is any precedence, then the Golden Gophers have to be loving their chances today, as when these teams met one other time earlier in the year, they’d come away with the 83-78 win at home. The Wolverines average 74.6 PPG and concedes 65.6. Derrick Walton Jr. leads the way with 14.6 points and 4.5 assists per game. Minnesota held the Spartans to just 32.8 percent shooting on Friday. Jordan Murphy led the way with 13 points and ten boards. He leads the team with 11.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Minnesota averages 75.2 PPG and concedes 68.6. I simply feel the three games in three days will be too much for the Wolverines to overcome and look for Minnesota to ride its smothering defensive play to another victory over Michigan this season. Play on the Golden Gophers. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-10-17 | Fresno State v. Nevada -5.5 | Top | 72-83 | Win | 100 | 12 h 43 m | Show |
My 10* LEGEND is on Nevada (10:00 EST). The 20-11 Fresno State Bulldodgs get ready to battle the 26-6 Nevada Wolf Pack from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas in the semi-finals of the Mountain West Conference Tournament on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Pack. Fresno State advanced by beating New Mexico 65-60 in the quarters, while Nevada smashed Utah State 83-69 on Thursday. It’s difficult to beat any team three times in a single season. Even great teams have difficulty pulling that feat off against much lesser competition. Fresno State is a very good team obviously. But I wouldn’t classify it as a “great” team. Nevada is the No. 1 seed in the tournament, but it comes into this one playing with the “double revenge factor” after inexplicably dropping both games to the Bulldogs during the regular season, accounting for half its conference losses this year. Fresno State averages 74.3 and concedes 70.2. The Bulldogs hit 6.3 three point field goals per game, but shoot only 35.3 percent from range overall. Jaron Hopkins leads the nightly charge with 13.3 points and 5.5 boards per game. Nevada averages 79.8 PPG and concedes 71. The Wolfpack average 9.2 three point field goals per contest, while hitting 38.6 percent from range. Marcus Marshall leads the way with 19.7 points and 3.6 assists per game. The Wolfpack are dealing with an injury to Elijah Foster, but they’re a deep team and I think their offensive production will be just too much for the Bulldogs to keep up with today. I’m on Nevada. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-10-17 | Michigan v. Purdue -2 | Top | 74-70 | Loss | -110 | 19 h 34 m | Show |
My 10* BIG-TEN PERFECT STORM is on Purdue (12:00 EST). The Michigan Wolverines get ready to battle the Purdue Boilermakers in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament from the Verizon Center in Washington and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Boilermakers. Purdue comes in fresh after earning a bye through the first two rounds. And now the Boilermakers will be looking to avenge a 12 points loss (82-70) to Michigan back on February 25th. The Wolverines beat Illinois 75-55 yesterday. Interesting to note that Michigan was late for the 12 PM EST start due to taking a morning flight to Washington after a minor plane crash on Wednesday. Suffice it to say, this one sets up great for the Boilermakers in many respects. Purdue will have to keep its eyes on Derrick Walton Jr. who leads the team with 14.7 points and 4.5 assists per game. Michigan ranks second in the Big Ten in three point percentage with a 38.6 rate, but that comes at a cost as it struggles in defending from range (allowing 37.9 percent) and in rebounding (-1.6 margin). Purdue is led by Caleb Swanigan, who averages 18.7 points and 12.6 boards per game. He also shot 54 percent form the floor and 44.9 percent from behind the arc this season. The Boilermakers lead the Big Ten in three-point shooting and also rank first in field goal percentage (also first in overall offense with 80.5 PPG and first in rebounding margin, +7.1). I’ll point out that the underdog is just 1-4 ATS the last five in this series, while Pursude is a perfect 4-0 ATS in its last four neutral court affairs. You can’t teach “size,” and in this department the Boilermakres have a big advantage in 7-2 center Issac Haas. Combined with Swanigan and all of the above situational and trend based factors, I think the correct call is on Purdue. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-09-17 | Hawaii +3 v. Long Beach State | Top | 62-73 | Loss | -110 | 31 h 54 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Hawaii (11:30 EST). The 14-15 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are set to battle the 10-17 Long Beach State 49ers in the quarterfinals of this year’s Big West Tournament. Note that this is a rematch of last year’s title game which was won by Hawaii 64-60. These teams closed their respective regular season’s against each other, with LBSU winning by nine points just last week. They did split the season series though, with the Warriors winning the first one. But if recent history is any precedence, then Hawaii has to be loving its chances today as this is the third consecutive year the teams have met in the Big West tourney, with the Warriors winning both. Keep your eyes on the Bows’ Noah Allen, who averages 15.5 points. Temidayo Yussuf had 23 points in the 49ers win over Hawaii last Saturday, but I’ll point out that Long Beach State has struggled in this spot for bettors this year, going just 4-9 ATS against clubs with winning records and only 7-8 ATS when playing the role of favorite, while Hawaii has excelled by going a perfect 2-0 ATS this season after allowing 80 points or more. I’m expecting this one to come down to the wire. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-09-17 | Creighton -2 v. Providence | Top | 70-58 | Win | 100 | 29 h 28 m | Show |
My 10* BIG-EAST PERFECT STORM is on Creighton (9:30 EST). The 23-8 Creighton Bluejays are set to battle the 20-11 Providence Friars and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Bluejays. The Bluejays dropped three of their last four, iincluding a 91-83 road setback to Marquette on Saturday. Providence closed with six straight wins, including an 86-75 road victory over St. John’s in its finale. These teams split a pair of meetings this year, with Providence scoring the narrow 68-66 road win in the latest on February 22nd. The Bluejays lost point guard Maurice Watson Jr. in late January and then went 6-7 down the stretch. The Conference tournament is a chance for a new start though, note that Creighton did finish by averaging 83.5 PPG and conceding 72.9. Marcus Foster leads the team with 18.5 PPG. The team would go on to connnecton on a blistering 51.2 percent from the floor this year and was 40.3 percent from range. Providence averages 70.6 PPG and concedes 66.5. Rodney Bullock led the team with 16.1 points and 6.4 boards per game. The Friars are now in the mix for a tournament invite after the late season surge, but I think they’ll struggle to match pace with this elite Creighton offense. I’ll point out as well that the Bluejays are 5-2 ATS off a loss against a conference rival this season and 15-7 ATS as a favorite, while Providence is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after scoring 86 points or more. I’m banking on Creighton’s offense to be the difference maker tonight, play on the Bluejays. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-09-17 | Spurs v. Thunder +3 | Top | 92-102 | Win | 100 | 28 h 16 m | Show |
My 10* SIDE OF THE MONTH is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (8:00 EST). The 50-13 San Antonio Spurs are in Oklahoma City to take on the 35-29 Thunder and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. I think the Spurs are poised for a letdown here, they’ve won nine in a row, including seven straight since the All Star break. Most recently San Antonio would take care of the Kings 114-104 at home on Wednesday. Conversely, the Thunder will be desperate tonight, they’ve lost four straight after falling 126-121 at home to the Trailblazers on Tuesday. OKC also plays with revenge after falling 108-94 in the first meeting between the teams in San Antonio on January 31st. San Antonio averages 106.6 PPG and concedes 98.4. Kawhi Leonard leads the nightly charge with 26.3 points, six boards and 1.89 steals per game. OKC averages 106.3 PPG and concedes 106.5. Russell Westbrook averages 32.1 points, 10.5 boards and ten assists per game. I’ll point out though that the Spurs are just 5-9 ATS in their last 14 on the road and only 5-8 ATS in their last 13 against poor defensive teams which allow 106 points per game, while OKC is 21-10 ATS at home this year, 14-9 ATS in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent 9-6 ATS after allowing 115 points or more and 8-4 ATS after scoring 115 points or more. With a matchup at home against Golden State on Saturday night, I think the visitors finally have a small mental lapse this evening. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-09-17 | East Carolina v. Temple -5 | 80-69 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 56 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Temple (3:30 EST). The 14-17 East Carolina Pirates are getting ready to battle the 16-15 Temple Owls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Owls. The Pirates were 6-12 in league play, while Temple went 7-11. Both teams struggled down the stretch of the regular season, losing three of their final five. However, Temple did manage to “right the ship” after winning its final two of the regular season. These teams split a pair of games this year with both winning comfortably on its home floor. I’ll point out though that ECU is just 3-6 ATS in its last nine neutral court games, while Temple is 10-6 ATS in all neutral court games the last two seasons. The Owls are clearly the “hotter” of these two evenly matched teams at the moment, coming into the conference tournament on two straight victories. I expect that momentum to get carried over here. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-08-17 | Florida Atlantic +6 v. Marshall | Top | 74-89 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 22 m | Show |
My 10* C-USA PERFECT STORM is on Florida Atlantic (9:00 EST). The 10-19 FAU Owls get ready to battle the 17-14 Marshall Thundering Herd on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Owls. The Owls play with revenge after falling to Marshall by 17 earlier in the season. FAU though has performed well in this spot for bettors of late, going 3-1 ATS in its last four as an udnerdog and 12-8 ATS in its last 20 after allowing 80 points or more. Marshall on the other hand has not done well in this position, going 0-3 ATS in its last three conference tournament games (in fact it’s 0-9 ATS in its last nine games played in the month of March) and just 1-2 ATS in its last three when playing on a neutral court. I think the Owls can match pace and keep this one a lot closer than what Las Vegas is leading us to believe. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-08-17 | San Jose State +4 v. Utah State | Top | 64-90 | Loss | -105 | 22 h 33 m | Show |
My 10* MWC PERFECT STORM is on San Jose State (2:00 EST). The 14-15 San Jose State Spartans get ready to battle the 14-15 Utah State Aggies on Wednesday afternoon in the Mountain West Conference Tournament from Las Vegas and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Spartans. SJSU backed its way into the tournament by losing four straight, including a 74-62 defeat at Wyoming on Saturday. Utah State also closed the season with a loss, dropping a 66-59 decision to UNLV on the road on Saturday. To say this is a “revenge” game for San Jose State would be a bit of an understatement, as the Aggies have won the last ten straight in the series, including an 81-75 road victory in the only matchup this year back on February 22nd. SJSU averages 72.2 PPG and allows 74.5. Brandon Clarke leads the nightly charge with 17.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest. Utah State averages just 71.8 PPG and concedes 70.6. Jalen Moore leads all scorers with 16.6 PPG. I’ll point out though that the Spartans are 2-1 ATS this season after three or more consecutive losses, while Utah State is already 1-3 ATS in its last four after scoring 60 points or less. I think the Spartans have the firepower to take this one down to the final moments. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-08-17 | Miami-FL v. Syracuse +2.5 | Top | 62-57 | Loss | -105 | 20 h 34 m | Show |
My 10* ACC PERFECT STORM is on Syracuse (12:00 EST) The 20-10 Miami Florida Hurricanes are getting ready to battle the 18-13 Syracuse Orange and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Syracuse. These teams played at the start of the year and the Orange would notch the 70-55 home win. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a repeat performance here. Miami comes in with zero momentum after dropping its final two games of the year. Davon Reed leads the team with 15.3 PPG, while Ja’Quan Newton chips in 13.9. The Hurricanes average 72 PPG and concede just 63.4. The Orange average 76.4 PPG and concede 70.7. Andrew White III scored 40 points in his teams 90-61 regular season finale over Georgia Tech. I’ll point out thought that Miami Florida is just 1-3 ATS in its last four in trying to revenge a road loss in which it scored 56 points or less, while Syracuse is 2-1 ATS in its last three after scoring 88 points or more. I think the Orange carry over the momentum from their push to close the regular season and find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on Syracuse. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-07-17 | Lakers +10 v. Mavs | Top | 111-122 | Loss | -110 | 29 h 46 m | Show |
My 10* SUPER SHOCKER is on the LA Lakers (8:35 EST). the 19-44 LA Lakers are in Dallas to take on the surging 26-36 Dallas Mavericks and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do think that the hungry visitors can keep this one a lot more competitive than what Las Vegas is leading us to believe. LA comes in off seven straight losses, most recently a 105-97 setback to the Pelicans on Sunday. The Lakers are in full rebuilding mode right now, but clearly the team is going to be hungry to get off the schneid. Conversely, the suddenly over-achieving Mavericks look poised for a letdown here in my opinion after winning their second straight and fourth in their last five with a 104-89 home victory over OKC on Sunday. And to say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement I think as Dallas has won 13 straight in the series, including a 122-73 home victory on January 22nd. LA averages 103.9 PPG and concedes 110.8. Julius Randle, D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Nick Young all average double figures. The Mavs are still last in the league in scoring with an average of just 97.9 PPG. Dallas is tough defensively in conceding only 99.7. Harrison Barnes leads the team with 20.1 points and 5.1 boards per night. I’ll point out though that LA is 3-1 ATS in its last four in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while Dallas is 1-2 ATS in its last three after allowing 90 points or less. After big wins over Memphis and Oklahoma City, the Mavs now face the dregs of the league in the Lakers, followed by the Nets and then Suns. All at home. It’s simply not too hard to imagine the home side finally coming in a tiny bit complacent here as it looks past its lowly opponent to this very favorable/vanilla part of its schedule. I’m grabbing the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-07-17 | Boston College +13 v. Wake Forest | Top | 78-92 | Loss | -110 | 21 h 41 m | Show |
My 10* ACC ROUND 1 SIDE OF THE YEAR is on Boston College (2:30 EST). The 18-12 Wake Forest Demon Deacons are getting ready to take on the 9-22 Boston College Eagles in the first round of the 2017 ACC Tournament from the Barclays Center in New York and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the underdog. This is a “double revenge” scenario for BC, which lost 79-66 to Wake Forest in the first matchup this year and 85-80 at home in the second contest. Beating a team three times in one year is tough even for really great teams and Wake Forest is decent, but I think it’s safe to say that not many would classify the Demon Deacons as “great.” Wake would actually notch a few quality wins down the stretch, beating Louisville 88-81 and Virginia Tech 89-84. Note that the Demon Deacons average 82.1 PPG and conceded 77.2. BC averages 72.3 PPG and concedes 77.9. The Eagles closed out a miserable season by losing 14 straight. One bright spot was Jerome Robinson, who averaged a team-high 18.7 PPG. I’ll point out though that Wake is just 2-10 ATS in its last 12 neutral site games and only 1-5 ATS in its last six following an ATS loss, while BC is 2-1 ATS in its last three after a three games or more winless streak. Boston College has a decent offense, putting up 80 points against the Demon Deacons in the last matchup. I think Robinson and company will keep this one competitive once again, grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-06-17 | Celtics v. Clippers -5 | Top | 102-116 | Win | 100 | 31 h 18 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the LA Clippers (10:35 EST). The 40-22 Boston Celtics are in LA to take on the 37-25 Clippers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Boston comes in off a deflating 109-106 loss at Phoenix on Sunday, while the Clippers come in off a big victory over the Bulls. Suffice it to say, I think the C’s have a predictable letdown here in the second game of the back-to-back. Boston averages 108 PPG and got 35 points from Isaiah Thomas yesterday afternoon, but it wasn’t enough as the defense looked horrible. The Clippers had lost four games after the All-Star break, but Jamal Crawford would score 28 points and LA would net the 109-100 victory over Chicago: “He’s going to always break out,” LA coach Doc Rivers said of Crawford. “I always tell him to give yourself a shooter’s chance. If you don’t shoot it, you have no chance of breaking out of it.” The Clippers average 107.8 PPG and concede 104.9. I’ll point out that Boston is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven against the Pacific, while LA is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 when playing on one days rest. I think the Clippers come in focused on the task at hand and take advantage of this favorable matchup. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-06-17 | Pacers v. Hornets -3.5 | 88-100 | Win | 100 | 29 h 49 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Charlotte Hornets (8:05 EST). The 31-30 Indiana Pacers are in Charlotte to take on the 27-35 Hornets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Indiana comes in off an extremely satisfying 97-96 win in Atlanta just last night. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a predictable letdown here. Charlotte enters off a much needed 112-102 road win over Denver on Saturday. These teams have split a pair of game this year, each winning on its home floor. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting the Hornets to build off their latest victory and to keep this trend alive. This is the finale of a five-game road trip for Indiana as well, so it’s definitely not too hard to imagine Indiana getting caught “looking ahead” to its upcoming home stretch. And note, despite the victory, Indiana has lost eight of its last ten. Indiana averages 105.3 PPG and concedes 106.2. Charlotte averages 104.9 PPG and concedes 104.6. The Hornets would go on to shoot 16 of 27 from range in the win over Denver, Kemba Walker led all scorers with 27 points. The Hornets are still alive in the playoff race, sitting three games back of eighth spot. Note that they’re 16-13 at home this year. And I’ll point out that Indiana is just 12-17 ATS on the road this season, while Charlotte is 3-1 ATS this year after a win by ten points or more. Charlotte is 0-8 ATS in its last eight at home, but I think that lop-sided trend ends tonight. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-06-17 | Northern Illinois +6 v. Eastern Michigan | Top | 69-72 | Win | 100 | 28 h 32 m | Show |
My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on Northern Illinois (7:00 EST). The 15-16 Northern Illinois Huskies are at Eastern Michigan to take on the 15-16 Eagles and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. These teams are pretty evenly matched as they head into the first round of the MAC Tournament. Northern Illinois stumbled down the stretch, losing three straight to close the year, including an 87-82 setback at Ball State on Friday, while EMU also suffered a loss in its finale, falling 60-56 at home to Toldedo on Friday. Note that these teams split a pair of games this year, each winning on its home floor. Eugene German was a bright spot for NIU in the loss to Ball State, finishing with 17 points. Note that the Huskies average 72.3 PPG and concede 70.6. EMU averages 78.5 PPG and concedes 72.9. The Eagles shot just 37.7 percent from the floor in the loss on Friday though and were only 4 of 18 from range. I’ll point out that Northern Illinois is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more consecutive SU losses and 8-6 ATS on the road, while Eastern Michigan is just 4-7 ATS at home and just 2-10 ATS in its last 12 after scoring 60 points or less. Both teams have struggled down the stretch, but the conference tournament gives each an opportunity to turn over a new leaf. I’m expecting a battle down to the wire and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on Northern Illinois. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-05-17 | Minnesota v. Wisconsin -5 | Top | 49-66 | Win | 100 | 27 h 39 m | Show |
My 10* BLOWOUT SUPER SIDE is on Wisconsin (6:00 EST). The 23-7 Minnesota Golden Gophers are in Wisconsin to take on the 22-8 Badgers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Minnesota is rolling no doubt, it’s won eight straight, most recently an 88-73 home victory over Nebraska. The Badgers though will be looking to atone for their shocking 59-57 loss to Iowa on Thursday. Note that the Badgers beat the Golden Gophers 78-76 in OT earlier in the season, getting the straight-up victory, but unable to cover against the spread. Minnesota averages 76.5 PPG and concedes 69.1. Nate Mason had 25 points in the win over Nebraska. Bronson Koenig was a lone bright spot in the seback to Iowa for Wisconsin, he’d finish with 19 points. Koenig has now reached 17 points or more in three straight games. Wisconsin though has lost three straight and five of its last six to fall to 11-6 in league play. Note that the Badgers average 72.6 PPG and concede 62. It’s Senior Night in Wisconsin and the place is going to be rocking. The Badgers have a chance to finish off the season strong with a big win in front of the home town crowd over a tough opponent and that’s exactly what I’m expecting. I think Wisconsin’s tough defensive play turns out to be the difference. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-04-17 | Nets v. Blazers -11 | Top | 116-130 | Win | 100 | 30 h 37 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Portland Trailblazers (10:05 EST). The 10-49 Brooklyn Nets are in Portland to take on the 25-35 Trailblazers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. When these teams met on November 20th, Portland came away with the 129-109 victory. Suffice it to say, I expect a similar final outcome here as well. Brooklyn was smashed in Utah just last night and I think will come into this one “gassed.” Conversely, the Blazers are finally coming off a big win and will be looking to snowball that momentum after beating the Thunder 114-109 at home. Portland would shoot 49.4 percent from the floor and go 10 of 25 from range. But more impressievly, Portland would hold OKC to just 39.5 percent shooting, while outrebounding it by five. Damian Lillard had 33 points and five assists. I’ll point out that Brooklyn is just 3-9 ATS in its last 12 against the Western Conference, while Portland is 5-2 ATS the last seven in this series. Portland can ill afford to lets games like these slip through its fingers as it continues its hunt for a playoff spot. I’m expecting a blowout from start to finish, lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-04-17 | Wolves +8.5 v. Spurs | 90-97 | Win | 100 | 29 h 37 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Minnsota Timberwolves (9:05 EST). The 25-36 Minnesota Timberwolves are in San Antonio to take on the 46-13 Spurs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Wolves come in playing their best basketball of the season, having won two straight and four of their last five after destroying Utah 107-80 on the road on Wednesday. The Spurs won their sixth straight last night, needing OT in the 101-98 victory in New Orleans. Suffice it to say, i think the home side is going to be “gassed” tonight. To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement as well as the Spurs have won 11 straight in the series, including a 122-114 victory at home on January 17th in the most recent. In Minnesota’s most recent win, it would shoot 50 percent and hit eight 16 from range. The Wolves would also hold the Jazz to just 38.9 perecent from the floor and only four of 19 from behind the arc. Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with 21 points and 15 boards. It was a “sloppy” win for the Spurs last night, who would miss 10 of 25 free throw attempts. I’ll point out that the Wolves are 14-9 ATS this year against good offensive teams which average 106 PPG, while San Antonio is just 1-3 ATS in its last four against teams with losing records. I think the stage is set for the outright upset, but in the end, I’ll recommend grabbing the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-04-17 | Colorado State +6.5 v. Nevada | Top | 72-85 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 19 m | Show |
My 10* BAIL-OUT BLOWOUT is on Colorado State (8:00 EST). The 21-9 Colorado State Rams are in Nevada to take on the 24-6 Wolfpack and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. This is a big game, as both teams are 13-4 and the winner will be crowned the Mountain West regular season champ. Both teams are likely to be included in the NCAA tournament, but that’s not 100% guaranteed for the loser. The Rams come in having won seven in a row, while Nevada has won five in a row. The revenge factor does not come into play here, as this is the first time the teams have faced each other this season. Colorado State comes in off a dramatic win over Wyoming, as Prentiss Nixon hit a three pointer with six seconds left to lift the Rams to victory. Colorado State shot 51 percent from the floor and only committed six turnovers, while forcing 11. Nevada handled SJSU in its latest action, cruising to the 82-67 victory. Marcus Marshall had 20 points. I’ll point out that Colorado State is 10-1 ATS on the road this year and a perfect 2-0 ATS as a road dog in the 6.5 to nine points range, while Nevada is just 5-7 ATS after scoring 80 points or more this season. I like the Rams to at the very least, keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-04-17 | San Francisco -1 v. Santa Clara | Top | 69-76 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 60 m | Show |
My 10* WCC TOURNEY RND 1 GAME OF THE YEAR is on San Francisco (6:30 EST). The 20-11 San Francisco Dons are ready to battle the 16-15 Santa Clara Broncos as the No. four/five seeds. Both teams finished 10-8 in league play and each handed the other a loss away from home. The Dons looked great in non-conference play, picking up quailty wins over teams like Utah, but would then open conference action by losing four of their first five. San Francisco responded though by winning seven of their next eight, before then dropping three of its final five. The Dons come in with some momentum though after handling Pepperdine 75-65 on the road in their final regular season contest. Keep your eyes on Ronny Boyce, who leads San Francisco with 12.8 PPG. Also note, I think it’s important to point out that the Dons make 9.3 shots from range per game, which is second in the conference and 33rd in the nation. This year has already been a success for the Broncos, who have won five more games than they did a season ago and clinched a winning league record after going 7-11 last year. Santa Clara though lost two of three to end the season, including a deflating 14 point setback at Saint Mary’s in the regular season finale. The Broncos lead the conference in 3-pointers made with 9.6 per contest, but note that they’re ninth overall in scoring with just 66.5 PPG. I’ll point out that San Francisco is 5-1 ATS in its last six when playing on five or six days rest, while Santa Clara is just 1-2 ATS in its last three in the same position and already 1-4 ATS in all tournament games this season. I think the Dons are the better all around team and I have a hard time seeing the Broncos matching pace down the stretch. Play on San Francisco. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-04-17 | Pistons -5 v. 76ers | 136-106 | Win | 100 | 26 h 37 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Detroit Pistons (6:05 EST). The 29-32 Detroit Pistons are at Philadelphia to take on the 23-38 76ers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Detroit is looking to hold onto its playoff spot, it comes into this one having lost two of its last three, most recently a humbling 109-86 setback in New Orleans on Wednesday. The 76ers are poised for a letdown here in my opinion after they broke a three-game slide with a 105-102 home win over New York just last night. Detroit ranks 26th in scoring at 101.5 PPG. It makes up for it on the defensive side, ranked sixth overall in conceding 102.1 PPG. Tobias Harris leads the nightly charge with 16.2 points and five boards per game. Philadelphia averages just 101.7 PPG, but concedes 107.4. The team is dealing with several injuries and I think it will struggle to keep up with this focused Pistons side. I’ll point out that Detroit is 6-2 ATS this year when playing with two days rest and 11-7 ATS after a loss by ten points or more, while Philadelphia is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after scoring 105 points or more. The 76ers are going to be gassed tonight after the victory over the Knicks on Friday, while the Pistons come in completely rested. I’m laying the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-04-17 | Illinois v. Rutgers +4 | Top | 59-62 | Win | 100 | 20 h 31 m | Show |
My 10* 33-Club Play is on Rutgers (12:00 EST). The 18-12 Illinois Fighting Illini are at Rutgers to take on the 13-17 Scarlet Knights and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Knights have lost six straight, but they’re out to play the role of spoiler this afternoon, as despite coming into this one on a four-game win streak, the Illini still find themselves on the big dance bubble. To say this is a revenge game would be a bit of an understatement too, as Illinois has won all four meetings against Rutgers since both became a part of the Big Ten. Even with a win today though, Illinois is guaranteed nothing as far as the NCAA Tournament. Take note that the selection committee didn’t put one Big Ten team in their debut top 16 rankings earlier in the month, so perhaps only running the conference tournament table would ensure its inclusion. The Fighting Illini have been hot, but it’s not too hard to imagine the team finally getting caught looking ahead to what could be and past their lowly opponent this afternoon. Despite finishing with the last seed in the confernce tournament, the Scarlet Knights will be playing for pride today in the final home game of the year. One player to keep your eyes on is sophomore guard Corey Sanders who averages 12.9 points and 3.3 assists per game. I’ll point out that Illinois is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after a three game or more unbeaten streak, while Rutgers is 2-1 ATS in its last three in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent if scoring less than 67 points in that contest. I think the home side at the very least takes this one down to the wire and sneaks in through the back door down the stretch. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-03-17 | Nets v. Jazz -13.5 | Top | 97-112 | Win | 100 | 28 h 10 m | Show |
My 10* NON CONFERENCE SIDE OF THE MONTH is on the Utah Jazz (9:05 EST). The 10-49 Brooklyn Nets are in Utah to take on the 37-24 Jazz and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Nets are poised for an immediate return to mediocrity after they broke a 16-game road losing streak with a 109-100 effort over the Kings on Wednesday. The Jazz have lost two straight and will be out to atone for a brutal 107-80 home loss to the Wolves on Wednesday. If recent history is any precedence though, then Utah has to be liking its chances for a bounce back performance as it’s taken five straight in the series, including a 101-89 road win in the first matchup this year back on January 2nd. Brooklyn averages 105.4 PPG, which lands them 14th overall. The Nets though are last in the NBA in scoring defense in conceding a whopping 114.2 PPG. Brook Lopez has been a standout this year, leading with 20.5 PPG. Utah averages 100.2 PPG, but concedes just 96 per contest. George Hill is one of four players averaging double figures, with 17.7 points per contest. I’ll point out that the Nets are just 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 on one days rest, while the Jazz are 5-1 ATS in their last six following a double-digit loss at home. Brooklyn is ripe for a letdown after the rare win, while the hungry Jazz are desperate to wash the stink of back-to-back pathetic efforts out of their mouths. Lay the points with confidence. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-03-17 | Raptors +5 v. Wizards | Top | 114-106 | Win | 100 | 26 h 12 m | Show |
My 10* EASTERN CONFERENCE REVENGE PLAY OF THE MONTH is on the Toronto Raptors (7:05 EST). The 36-25 Toronto Raptors are in Washington to take on the 36-23 Wizards and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Wizards pulled away for a win at home and then followed that with a victory on the road over these very Raptors the next night. I think this sets up as a natural letdown spot for Washington. Conversely, the Raptors are hungry and searching for answers after losing point guard Kyle Lowry to injury for an undetermined amount of time. Toronto though can take confidence in knowing that when it last played in the nation’s capital, it would come away with the 113-103 victory on November 2nd. DeMar DeRozan is healthy and averaging 27.8 PPG and he’s now joined with newcomers Serge Ibaka and PJ Tucker. Toronto averages 108 PPG and concedes 104. Washington averages 107.9 PPG and concedes 105.4. I’ll point out that Toronto is 14-7 ATS this year against teams with winning records, while Washington is just 5-6 ATS in its last 11 overall and only 1-2 ATS in the second game of a back to back after scoring 105 points or more in the first game. I think this one comes down to the wire and will therefore be grabbing the points. Play on Toronto. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-03-17 | Columbia v. Brown +1 | Top | 68-88 | Win | 100 | 26 h 4 m | Show |
My 10* SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on Brown (7:00 EST). This looks like a good spot to pull the trigger on the lowly Brown Bears. Neither of these teams will be playing in any postseason tournaments. Columbia comes to town off a win, but had lost five in a row previous to that. Columbia beat Brown 83-78 at home back on February 4th, so this does indeed set up as a “revenge” scenario. Brown is currently tied for last in the Ivy with Cornell and Dartmouth, so a win on senior night would go a long way in making sure it can claw its way out of the basement. Besides, the Lions are also going to be get caught “looking ahead” to their season finale tomorrow at Yale. It’s a perfect set of situational factors to take advantage of. Also note that Columbia is just 1-3 ATS this year off a win against a conference rival, while Brown is a perfect 2-0 ATS after scoring 60 points or less and 6-4 ATS when playing with five or six days rest. I’m jumping on the revenge minded home side on Senior Night, play on Brown. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-02-17 | Iowa +11 v. Wisconsin | Top | 59-57 | Win | 100 | 14 h 25 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Iowa (9:00 EST). The 16-13 Iowa Hawkeyes are in Wisconsin to take on the 22-7 Badgers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Iowa comes to town off a great 83-69 road win over Maryland, while Wisconsin enters off a deflating 84-74 loss at Michigan State. The Hawkeyes are looking to roll towards the finish line, they’ve now won two straight. The Hawkeyes would shoot 48.4 percent from the floor in the win over the Terps and a monster 61.6 percent from range. They also looked sharp defensively, holding Maryland to 44.8 percent from the floor and just 32.4 percent from beyond the arc. Iowa averages 80.6 PPG overall, while conceding 77.7. Peter Jok leads the nightly charge with 20.6 PPG. Wisconsin averages just 73.1 PPG, but concedes just 62.1. Nigel Hayes led all scorers with 22 in the loss to MSU. I’ll point out though that the road team is 5-1 ATS the last six in this series and the dog is 8-2 ATS the last ten in this series. The Badgers are the team struggling right now, they’ve given up 82 and 84 points over their last two games. Iowa’s offense is firing on all cylinders, I’m going to grab the points and expect a nail-biter. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-02-17 | Warriors -6.5 v. Bulls | Top | 87-94 | Loss | -115 | 28 h 60 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Golden State Warriors (8:00 EST). The 50-10 Golden State Warriors are in Chicago to take on the 30-30 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Warriors dropped the second game of a back-to-back in a 112-108 setback at Washington on Tuesday, while Chicago had its four game win streak snapped with a 125-107 home loss to Denver on Tuesday. But if recent history is any precedence, then the Warriors have to be loving their chances today as they’ve won three straight in this series, including 123-92 at home in the first matchup back on February 8th. Kevin Durant is out for the Warriors, but I say who cares. At least for this game anyways. I like the Warriors to rally together today and use Durant’s injury as fuel to compete for the rest of the regular season. Note that Golden State boasts the No. 1 offense with 118.1 PPG, while ranked 14th on the defensive end in conceding 105.5. The Bulls average just 102.9 PPG, while ranked seventh overall in conceding 103.4 per night. Chicago is led by Jimmy Butler, with 24 points and 6.3 boards per game. I think it’s important to point out that Chicago is last in the league with 6.7 three pointers per game and last overall by shooting 32.5 percent from range. Also note that Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last five following a straight up loss, while Chicago is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against the Western Conference. I have a hard time seeing the Bulls keeping pace with what should be a highly motivated Stephen Curry and company. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-01-17 | Marquette v. Xavier -1.5 | Top | 95-84 | Loss | -110 | 31 h 18 m | Show |
My 10* BIG-EAST PERFECT STORM is on Xavier (9:00 EST). The 17-11 Marquette Eagles are at Xavier to take on the 18-11 Musketeers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Marquette enters off a 73-69 loss to Providence, while the Musketeers come in off an 88-79 loss to Butler. This is a big game for both teams, but note that this sets up as a revenge scenario for the home side after it was embarrassed 83-61 at Marquette earlier in the year. The Golden Eagles let a late lead slip away in the loss to Providence last weekend. Marquette averages 82 PPG and concedes 74.1. The Musketeers average 74.7 PPG and concede 71.4. One player to keep your eyes on today and who I think will be a difference maker in tonight’s contest is Trevon Blulett, who sat out in the first game against the Golden Eagles. Blulett had 21 points in the loss to the Bulldogs on Saturday. Xavier is still on the bubble, likely needing to win its final two games to get invited to the Big Dance. I’ll point out that Marquette is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against teams with winning records, while take note that the favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five in this series overall. After scoring 79 points against Butlers tough defense, I’m expecting the Musketeers to carry that momentum over here. Play on Xavier. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-01-17 | Boston College +16.5 v. Notre Dame | Top | 66-82 | Win | 100 | 30 h 19 m | Show |
My 10* ACC PERFECT STORM is on Boston College (8:00 EST). The 9-20 Boston College Eagles are at Notre Dame to take on the 22-7 Fighting Irish and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do definitely think that the visitors can catch the home side a bit complacent and expect them to keep this one a lot closer than what Las Vegas is leading us to believe. The Eagles come into this one with nothing to lose, except perhaps just one more game. BC enters on a 12 game losing streak and is just 2-14 in ACC action. The Irish are rolling towards the tournament having won five in a row. Notre Dame is now 11-5 in league play this year. Not surprisingly, this is a “revenge” game for the visitors after they fell in a competitive 84-76 fight earlier in the season. The Eagles average 72.7 PPG, while conceding 77.7. Two players average in double figures in Jerome Robinson (19.3) and Ky Bowman (14.5). Notre Dame averages 78.9 PPG and concedes 69.3. Four players average in double figures for the Irish, led by Bonzie Colson with 16.8 PPG. I’ll point out though that BC is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 against teams with a winning percentage above .600 and 5-2 ATS in the last seven in this series overall, while Notre Dame is 0-2 ATS this year against teams with losing records. Boston College has been outscored by just 12.0 PPG over its last 12 games. The Irish have a much more important game at Louisville on the weekend and I think will be caught looking ahead to that one. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-01-17 | Michigan v. Northwestern -1 | Top | 65-67 | Win | 100 | 29 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* BIG-TEN PERFECT STORM is on Northwestern (7:00 EST). The 19-10 Michigan Wolverines are in Northwestern to take on the 20-9 Wildcats and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Michigan looks poised for a letdown here after winning five of its last six games. Conversely, the Wildcats will be risking life and limb tonight as they’ve lost two straight. The Wolverines are led by Derrick Walton Jr., who has averages 18 points, 6.3 boards and 5 assists over his last nine outings. Note though that Michigan has not won back-to-back road games all year. Northwestern will be especially motivated tonight after the way it fell to Indiana in its last game, succumbing 63-62 after blowing a 7-point lead with just under two minutes to play. After going just 1-5 SU in its last six, clearly a win today against the Wolverines would put Northwestern back firmly in the NCAA tournament conversation. Bryant McIntosh was a bright spot in the loss to the Hoosiers, finishing with 22 points. “We’re going to keep fighting,” Wildcats’ head coach Chris Collins said earlier in the week. “Our guys are hurting right now and I want them to hurt but make no mistake we’re going to fight back.” I’ll point out that Michigan is just 9-13 ATS against teams with winning records this year and only 2-7 ATS on the road, while Northwestern is 10-7 ATS as a favorite this season and 15-7 ATS against schools with winning records. I’m expecting the hungry home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on Northwestern. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-01-17 | Rhode Island v. St. Joe's +9 | Top | 68-49 | Loss | -110 | 29 h 20 m | Show |
My A-10 PERFECT STORM is on St. Joseph’s (7:00 EST). The 19-9 Rhode Island Rames are at St. Joseph’s to take on the 10-18 Hawks and while I’ll stop short in calling for an outright upset, I do think that the hungry home side will at the very least, take this one down to the wire and comfortably sneak in through the back door with the ample spread that it’s been afforded in this matchup. St. Joe’s comes in desperate after losing eight straight, most recently a hard-fought 61-60 setback at St. Louis on Saturday. Conversely, the Rams come in complacent after winning three in a row, most recently over VCU. The Rams already smoked the Hawks at home 88-58 on January 3rd, so it’s not too hard to imagine the visitors getting caught “looking past” their lowly opponent today. I won’t try to convince you that the Rams are overrated and the Hawks have gotten some bad breaks this season, as that’s not the case. Rhode Island is the better team, but I think the situation favors the home side. The long losing streak, the final home game and the revenge factor are all big time motivational factors working in favor of the Hawks tonight. But also note that Rhode Island is just 5-6 ATS on the road this year, while St. Joseph’s is 7-5 ATS this season off a loss against a conference rival. Grab as many points as you can, play on St. Joe’s. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-01-17 | Auburn +6.5 v. Georgia | Top | 78-79 | Win | 100 | 29 h 52 m | Show |
My 10* SEC PERFECT STORM is on Auburn (6:30 EST). The 17-12 Auburn Tigers are in Georgia to take on the 17-12 Bulldogs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Auburn comes to town of a 79-68 home loss to Arkansas and has now lost four of its last five. Georgia enters off an 82-80 home win over LSU and has won four of its last five. I think the Bulldogs come in a tiny bit complacent and expect the hungry Tigers to at the very least, take this one down to the wire. Also note that Auburn plays with revenge after dropping the first meeting back in December 96-84. The Tigers average 80.1 PPG, while conceding 79.4. The Bulldogs average 72.4 PPG and concede 69.8. I’ll point out though that Auburn is 7-4 ATS on the road this year and 3-1 ATS in its last four as an underdog, while Georgia is just 3-9 ATS at home and only 4-9 ATS as the favorite. I’m banking on the desperate visitors to keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-28-17 | Ohio State v. Penn State -2.5 | Top | 71-70 | Loss | -105 | 28 h 24 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Penn State (8:30 EST). The 16-13 Ohio State Buckeyes are at Penn State to take on the 14-15 Nittany Lions and for a number of different reasons, i think this one favors the home side. These teams are tied for tenth place in the Big Ten standings. Ohio State enters off an 83-73 win over Wisconsin on Thursday, while Penn State enters off three straight losses, including an 81-71 road loss to the Golden Gophers last weekend. So not only will Penn State be looking to get off the schneid after three straight losses, but it’s also out to avenge both losses it suffered to OSU last year (this is the first matchup this season). Ohio State averages 72.7 PPG and concedes 69. Jae’Sean Tate leads the nightly charge with 14.1 points and 6.3 boards per game. Penn State averages 72.1 PPG and concedes 72.2. Tony Carr leads the team with 13.2 points and 4.0 assists per game. I’ll point out that Ohio State has struggled in this spot though, going 1-4 ATS in its last five against the conference and only 10-29-1 ATS in its last 40 on the road overall, while Penn State is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven at home. I think the Buckeyes come back down to earth after playing one of their best games of the entire season. The Nittany Lions on the other hand will be risking life and limb to break the slide and have a big advantage in playing at home tonight. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-28-17 | Texas A&M -5.5 v. Missouri | 60-43 | Win | 100 | 27 h 45 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Texas A&M (7:00 EST). The 15-13 Texas A&M Aggies are in Missouri to take on the 7-21 Tigers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Aggies won for the second time in three games in a 56-53 home win over Alabama on Saturday, while Missouri lost its fourth straight in a deflating 80-77 road loss at Ole Miss last weekend. The Tigers put up a fight in the first meeting between the schools, but eventually fell 76-73. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a much bigger win today for the Aggies. Texas A&M averages 71.9 PPG and concedes just 68.8. Tyler Davis leads the nightly charge with 14.3 points and 6.8 boards per game. Missouris averages 69 PPG and concedes 72. Jordan Barnett leads the team in scoring with 12.6 points and 6.2 boards per contest. I’ll point out that Texas A&M is 4-0 ATS in its last four road games against teams with a home winning percentage of less than .400 and 4-1 ATS in its last five following an ATS loss, while Missouri is just 1-3 ATS in its last four against teams with winning records. The Tigers are limping towards the finish line, while the Aggies continue to keep momentum levels high. This one means a lot more to Texas A&M as far as the conference standings are concerned and in my opinion, all signs do indeed point to a lop-sided affair once it’s all said and done. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-28-17 | Mississippi State v. South Carolina -11 | 57-63 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 44 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on South Caroilna (7:00 EST). The 14-14 Mississippi State Bulldogs are in South Carolina to take on the 21-8 Gamecocks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Bulldogs come in with zero momentum after six straight losses, most recently a 29 point beatdown setback by Vanderbilt. The Gameocks on the other hand finally come in with some momentum after snapping a three-game slide with a victory over Tennessee on Saturday. Suffice it to say, I think South Carolina carries that momentum over in this one. Mississippi State already lost at home 77-73 to South Carolina on February 11th and it clearly won’t get any easier for it on the road in this extremely hostile environment. 19 turnovers was the difference in that one, compared to just 11 for the Gamecocks. But the Bulldogs have taken a step back since then, last week’s 77-48 loss to Vandy was perhaps the worst effort of the season. The Gamecocks are fighting for conference positioning and won’t be taking anything for granted. They sure looked a lot better against the Vols, holding them to 33.3 percent shooting in the 82-55 destruction: “This certainly resembles what we’ve been doing, in terms of defensive intensity,” senior guard Duane Notice said following the win over Tennessee. Four players reached double-figures in scoring for South Carolina, which clearly doesn’t bode well for the struggling Bulldogs. I’ll point out that Mississippi State is just 1-2 ATS this year after three or more consecutive SU losses and 0-2 ATS in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while South Carolina is 2-1 ATS in its last three after allowing 60 points or less. I think the Bulldogs simply go through the motions today. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-27-17 | Warriors -13.5 v. 76ers | Top | 119-108 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 3 m | Show |
My 10* NON-CONF GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Golden State Warriors (7:05 EST). The 49-9 Golden State Warriors are in Philadelphia to take on the 22-36 76ers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Golden State enters off a third straight win and sixth in its last seven after handling the Nets 112-95 at home on Saturday. The 76ers have played a lot better over the last month, but looked primed for a letdown here after a late rally came up short in a 110-109 setback at new York on Saturday. If recent history is any precedence, then the Warriors have to be loving their chances today as they’ve taken six straight in the series, including in the most recent, a 117-105 home victory back on March 27th. Golden State is the No. 1 ranked offense in the league with an average of 118.2 PPG. The Warriors also lead the league in assists with 31 a night. Golden State is in the middle of the pack on the defensive end, ranked 12th in conceding 105.4 per night. Kevin Durant is leading the nightly charge with 25.7 points and 8.4 boards per game. Despite the recent “up tick” in play, Philadelphia is still ranked 25th overall in scoring with 101.6 PPG, while ranked 23rd on the defensive end in conceding 106.9. I’ll also point out that Golden State is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six following an ATS loss and 5-2-1 ATS in its last eight against the Eastern Conference, while Philadelphia is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after allowing 110 points or more. I think the visitors keep the foot on the gas from start to finish and pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-27-17 | UL-Lafayette v. Appalachian State +4 | Top | 77-62 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 60 m | Show |
My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on Appalachian State (7:00 EST). The 17-11 Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns are at Appalachian State to take on the 8-19 Mountaineers and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can because for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Cajuns come in complacent in my opinion after three straight wins. So far Lafayette averages 80.2 PPG and allows 78. Fank Bartley IV is averaging 15.7 points and 4.4 boards per game. Note that the Cajuns have split their last four road games. The Mountaineers are going to be the much “hungrier” team today, they’ve lost ten of their last 12 and will be looking to make a statement on senior night. So far the team averages just 70.8 PPG, while conceding 77.5. Note that App State is a “different” team at home though, having won six of its last ten there. I’ll point out as well that Louisiana Lafayette has already struggled mightily in this spot for bettors, going just 3-4 ATS when playing with one days rest and only 1-5 ATS off a win against a conference rival, while Appalachian State is already a perfect 2-0 ATS this year after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive games and 2-0 ATS as a home dog in the 3.5 to six points range. I’m banking on this one coming down to the wire, so grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-26-17 | USC -2.5 v. Arizona State | Top | 82-83 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 9 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on USC (6:30 EST). The 21-7 USC Trojans are in Arizona to take on the 13-16 Sun Devils and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Arizona State most recently fell 87-75 to UCLA, while USC enters off a 90-77 loss to Arizona on Thursday. When these teams met earlier in the year, the Trojans would hold on for the 82-79 victory behind 29 points by Elijah Stewart. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a much bigger differential in the second game. USC owns a solid offense which averages 78.4 PPG. Defensively the Trojans are pretty mediocre in conceding 73.6. Keep your eyes on big man Bennie Boatwright, who has a combined 43 points over his last two games. Arizona State shot just 38.8 percent from the floor in its loss to UCLA and was out-rebounded 49-30. The Sun Devils average 79.1 PPG, but concede 81.8. I’ll point out that USC is 2-1 ATS in its last three after allowing 90 points or more, while ASU is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after allowing 85 points or more. I like USC to bounce back and to keep the foot on the gas from start to finish. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-25-17 | San Diego State +3.5 v. Colorado State | Top | 55-56 | Win | 100 | 28 h 11 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on SDSU (8:00 EST). The 16-11 San Diego Aztecs are at Colorado State to take on the 19-9 Rams and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Rams are tied for first place in the Mountain West and would need to win the tournament to get invited to the Big Dance. San Diego State has endured it’s toughest season in quite some time and enters at 8-7 in MWC play, good for sixth spot. But when these teams met on January 28th, it was an all out war, one which Colorado State won 78-77. I think it’s payback time today. The Aztecs have in fact been playing a lot better of late, before stumbling 63-55 at home to Fresno State on Wednesday, they’d won three straight. The Rams can’t take anything for granted at this point of the season, but it’s not too hard to imagine the home side finally taking the foot off the gas a little after winning five straight and eight of its last nine. SDSU averages 69.7 PPG, but concedes just 63.5. Colorado State averages 72.8 PPG and concedes 67.1. The differential between these teams is in fact negligible. I’ll point out though that the Aztecs are 2-1 ATS in their last three against teams with winning records, while the Rams are only 1-2 ATS in their last three as a home fav of four points or less or pick. I like the visitors to take this one down to the wire, play on San Diego State. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-25-17 | 76ers v. Knicks -4.5 | Top | 109-110 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 36 m | Show |
My 10* EAST-CONF BLOWOUT OF THE MONTH is on the New York Knicks (7:35 EST). The 21-35 Philadelphia 76ers are in New York to take on the 23-35 Knicks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The 76ers are coming off a game just last night, besting the red hot Wizards 120-112 and suffice it to say, I’m expecting a predictable letdown here in the second game of the back-to-back. The Knicks however will be desperate to break their current slide of futility, they enter off their sixth loss in their last seven games, most recently falling 119-104 to the Cavs on the road Thursday. New York also plays with revenge here after falling 98-97 in Philadelphia back on January 11th. Despite the recent “up tick” in play for the 76ers though, note that they’re still just 8-19 on the road this season. They also only average 101.2 PPG, while conceding 106.8. New York averages 106 PPG and concedes 109.4. Carmelo Anthony still leads the way with 23.3 points and six boards per contest. I’ll point out though that Philadelphia is just 1-2 ATS in its last three on the road, while New York is 12-7 ATS this year after allowing 115 points or more and 10-7 ATS after a loss by ten points or more. I think a desperate, hungry and revenge-minded Knicks team finally gets off the schneid with a convincing effort. Play on New York. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-25-17 | West Virginia v. TCU +5.5 | Top | 61-60 | Win | 100 | 22 h 2 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on TCU (2:00 EST). The 22-6 West Virginia Mountaineers are at TCU to take on the 17-11 Horned Frogs and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset obviously, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. WVU looks poised for a bit of a letdown here in my opinion after notching its third straight win, most recently a relatively simple 77-62 home victory over Texas. TCU enters off an 87-68 setback to Kansas earlier in the week. Note that this is a “revenge” game for the home side as well after it fell 82-70 at West Virginia earlier in the year. WVU remains in second in the Big 12 after Jevon Carter posted 24 points in the win over the Longhorns. So far WVU averages 85.3 PG and concedes 66.6. TCU averages 74.3 PPG and concedes just 69.7. Alex Robinson had 15 points in the loss to the Jayhawks. I’ll point out though that West Virginia is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after allowing 62 points or less in its previous contest, while TCU is 2-1 ATS in its last three in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent of 11 points or more. With a date at Baylor on Sunday, the team sitting directly ahead of it in the standings, I believe that WVU gets caught “looking ahead” to that more “important” contest. Grab the points, play on the Horned Frogs. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-25-17 | Florida State v. Clemson -1 | Top | 76-74 | Loss | -110 | 20 h 3 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Clemson Tigers (12:00 EST). The 22-6 Florida State Seminoles are at Clemson to take on the 14-13 Tigers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Seminoles enter off a 104-72 beatdown of Boston College, while the Tigers will be looking to get back on track and take out their frustrations after a tough 72-71 loss to Virginia Tech ealirer in the week. Clemson is also out to atone for an atrocious 109-61 loss to FSU on the road earlier in the month. Dwayne Bacon led the charge for FSU in its lastest win, finishing with 16 points. The victory snapped a two game skid. Note that the Seminoles average 84.4 PPG and concede 71.5. Clemson averages 74.7 PPG and concedes 71.4. Marcus Reed had 18 points in the nail-biting setback to the Hokies. I’ll point out though that FSU is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after scoring 103 points or more, while Clemson is 3-1 ATS in its last four in trying to revenge a blowout loss of 30 points or more to an opponent. With a game at Duke on Monday, the team currently tied with it in the standings, I believe Floriday State gets caught “looking past” the hungry Tigers today. Play on Clemson. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-24-17 | Heat v. Hawks -3.5 | Top | 108-90 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 42 m | Show |
My 10* REVENGE BLOWOUT is on the Atlanta Hawks (8:05 EST). Miami was one of the hotttest teams in the league heading into the All Star break, winning 14 out of its final 16 games, including big victories over Houston, Golden State and these very Atlanta Hawks. Wiill “rest lead to rust” though for the Heat? I think the answer is yes. And now the Hawks look to take advantage and to avenge the earlier setback. Atlanta is just 2.5 games out of third place and will be eager to return after dropping three of its final five leading up to the break. Goran Dragic leads the way for Miami with 20.3 points and 6.2 assists per game, while Dwight Howard is the leader in Atlanta with 13.5 points and 13 boards per game. I’ll point out that Miami is just 13-14 ATS against teams with winning records this year and only 11-12 ATS after a non-conference game, while Atlanta is 8-6 ATS this season after a loss by ten points or more and 2-1 ATS in its last three against clubs with losing records. Divisional contests are always the toughest and they almost always mean more to the home side. After losing the first matchup of the year between the clubs, the Hawks will be out to make a statement tonight. And note, with a game tomorrow at home against the Pacers, it’s not too difficult to imagine the visitors getting caught “looking ahead” to that one. I’m laying the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-24-17 | Brown +2.5 v. Dartmouth | Top | 80-75 | Win | 100 | 27 h 36 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Brown (7:00 EST). A couple of cellar dwellers go head-to-head on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Bears have lost five in a row, most recently a 66-51 setback at home to conference leading Princeton. But Brown plays with revenge tonight after falling 77-74 to the Big Green at home less than two weeks ago. Revenge is a powerful motivating factor and one which I think will prove to be the difference once it’s all said and done. Dartmouth is poised for a letdown here after winning three of its last five. The Bears actually had a four point lead at half time in the first meeting between the teams, but they were unable to hold it together down the stretch. Evan Boudreaux had 21 points and 13 boards for Dartmouth, while Steven Speith had 31 points, eight boards, a block, two assists and three steals in the loss for Brown. I’ll point out though that Brown has been solid in this spot for bettors, going 5-2 ATS in its last seven after scoring 60 points or less and 9-5 ATS in its last 14 after three or more consecutive SU losses, while Dartmouth is already 0-2 ATS this year when playing the role of favorite and just 5-8 ATS in its last 13 off a win against a conference rival. I think the home side comes in complacent and the hungry Bears take this one down to the wire. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-23-17 | Wisconsin v. Ohio State +5 | Top | 73-83 | Win | 100 | 29 h 30 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Ohio State (9:00 EST). The 22-5 Wisconsin Badgers are at Ohio State to take on the 15-13 Buckeyes on Thursday night and while I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I’m going to recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for the hungry home side to at the very least, take this one down to the wire. Ohio State has clearly not had a great season, but it would love nothing more than to get the upset at home over the conference’s No. 1 team. UW ended a two-game slide with a 71-60 home win over No. 23 Maryland on Sunday. Nigel Hayes had 21 points, while Ethan Happ added 20. The 60 points given up was its fewest in Big Ten action this year as well. But note, the Badgers haven’t been perfect this season, especially from the free throw line as they shoot just 66.5 percent, ranking them 12th in the conference and 286th in the nation overall. Thad Matta could very well be on his way out at Ohio State, but his team tried its best last time out, coming up just short in the 58-57 setback to Nebraska last Saturday. Jae’Sean Tate had 14 points and ten boards. Note that the Buckeyes have had eight contests decided by two or less points on the season and OSU is just 1-2 in games decided by one point. I’ll point out though that Wisconsin is just 3-7 ATS this year off a win against a conference rival and only 3-5 ATS on the road, while Ohio State is 2-1 ATS this season after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive games and 3-2 ATS in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent. I think the home side catches the Badgers a little flat-footed. Grab the points, play on Ohio State. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-23-17 | Knicks +10.5 v. Cavs | Top | 104-119 | Loss | -110 | 29 h 42 m | Show |
This is a 10* GAME OF THE WEEK on the New York Knicks (8:00 EST). The 23-24 New York Knicks are in Cleveland to take on the 39-16 Cavaliers on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. New York is at a cross roads right now, as it’s still in the playoff picture, but clearly needing some better play and some type of surge to stay in the conversation. The Cavs are in first in the East and look forward to a favorable part of their schedule with three straight games at home over inferior opponents. After the extended All Star break, could the defending champs come out a bit flat in the opener? Possibly. The Knicks however absolutely can not take anything for granted and need to start stringing some victories together immeidately. Obviously an outright upset win on the road against the Cavs would be a monumental step in the right direction for the club. And while I’m not going to predict an outright upset, I do think from a motivational stand point that this one sets up great for the visitors tonight. Remember, Kevin Love is still out for Cleveland as well. And note that the Knicks have in fact done well in this spot for bettors, going 15-8 ATS after a non-conference game, 1-0 ATS when playing with one more days rest and 11-6 ATS after allowing 115 points or more, while the Cavaliers have struggled in this position, going just 5-11 ATS after three or more consecutive SU victories and only 10-16 ATS against teams with losing records. I think the home side comes out a bit flat and the desperate Knicks take this one down to the wire. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-23-17 | Texas-San Antonio v. Florida International -3.5 | Top | 69-67 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 31 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Florida International (7:00 EST). The 11-16 UTSA Roadrunners are at FIU to take on the 6-21 Golden Panthers on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Neither team will be playing in any postseason tournaments. The Roadrunners come into this one having lost three straight, while the Panthers enter having dropped six of their last seven. So where does the motivation come from in a game like this? For me, I think the Panthers have the advantage as they play with revenge after a narrow 68-63 setback at UTSA back on January 12th. FIU has been “oh-so-close” as well of late, most recently falling 69-66 to Southern Miss in OT last Thursday. However, the Panthers will be looking to atone for a lacklustre 77-61 setback to Louisiana Tech in their last one. Donte McGill was a bright spot though with 20 points. I’ll point out that UTSA is just 2-7 ATS this year against teams with losing records and only 1-2 ATS after allowing 80 points or more, while FIU is 2-1 ATS in its last three off a loss against a conference rival. Florida Atlantic has four players with average double figures. I think the home side finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
02-23-17 | Northeastern +4 v. Elon | Top | 105-104 | Win | 100 | 24 h 29 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Northeastern (7:00 EST). The 14-14 Northeastern Huskies are at Elon to take on the 17-12 Phoenix and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. It’s an important end of the season matchup for both teams, as Northeastern is looking to hold onto sixth spot in the CAA at 7-9. Elon is tied with William & Mary for fourth place at 9-7. But I think the Huskies are going to be the “hungrier” team today after three straight losses and dropping five of their last six, including an 85-71 home loss to Charleston on Saturday. These teams played against each other on January 26th and the Phoenix managed the 51-49 victory. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting another tightly contested affair this time around as well as the revenge-minded Huskies look for a little payback on the road. Northeastern averages 71.8 PPG and allows 70.4. TJ Wiliams leads the nightly charge with 21.4 points and 5.1 assists per game. Elon averages 74.2 PPG and allows 70.9. Tyler Seibring averages 14.1 PPG to lead the team. I’ll point out though that Northeastern is already 2-1 ATS this year in revenging a home loss against an opponent and 6-4 ATS against teams with winning records, while Elon is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven as a home fav of 3.5 to six points and only 10-12 ATS in its last 22 games played in the month of February. Northeastern has talent, it beat Michigan State and UConn earlier in the year and it also plays with revenge. While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset obviously, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Good luck…Larry |
Service | Profit |
---|---|
William Burns | $966 |
Ray Monohan | $762 |
Joey Tron | $604 |
Big Al McMordie | $501 |
Ross Benjamin | $475 |
Jesse Schule | $471 |
Ricky Tran | $360 |
Matt Fargo | $338 |
Tom Macrina | $260 |
Jimmy Boyd | $88 |