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Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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02-24-18 | Cleveland State v. Youngstown State -2.5 | Top | 99-94 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 59 m | Show |
My 10* LEGEND is on Youngstown State (7:00 EST). The 5-12 Cleveland State Vikings are at Youngstown State to take on the 6-11 Penguins on Saturday night and for a number of different reasons, I absolutely believe this one favors the home side. Note that when these teams tangled at Cleveland State on January 1st, it was the Penguins that left with the 80-77 victory. The Vikings led Wright State by three points at the half, but Cleveland State was unable to hold on in the second and it would eventually succumb 72-63 in its most recent action. Bobby Word was a bright spot with 18 points in the losing cause, while Kenny Carpenter added 14. The Vikings average 67.3 PPG and they concede 75.7. Cameron Morse had 11 points, but he was the only player to score in double figures in the Penguins’ 70-51 loss to Northern Kentucky in their most recent action. Morse leads Youngstown State with 15.3 points and 3.8 assists per game. On the season the Penguins average 74.8 PPG and they concede 82.5. It’s interesting to note that though Cleveland State is just 9-16 ATS in its last 25 against poor defensive teams which allow 77-plus points per contest, while Youngstown State is 5-3 ATS at home and 19-16 ATS in its last 35 off a loss against a conference rival. The Vikings couldn’t dispatch of the lowly Penguins on their own floor and I don’t expect them to suddenly “flip a switch” here and be able to suddenly do it in this hostile environment either. In my opinion, this one has blowout written all over it. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-24-18 | Magic +10 v. 76ers | Top | 105-116 | Loss | -105 | 24 h 9 m | Show |
My 10* BLOWOUT GAME OF THE MONTH is on the Orlando Magic (5:05 EST). Orlando comes in desperate here after dropping four straight, most recently a 120-113 upset at home to the Knicks on Thursday. Conversely Philadelphia looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after winning six straight, most recently holding on for a 116-115 victory on the road in Chicago on Thursday. Note that this is an in-season revenge game for the Magic as well after they fell 130-111 at home to Philadelphia in late November. Orlando averages 105.7 PPG and it concedes 109.9. Nikola Vucevic returned from injury in the loss to the Knicks and he should be much more acclimated for this one. Vucevic leads the team with 17.4 points and 9.2 boards per game, while Evan Fournier adds 18. Aaron Gordon leads the scoring charge with 18.2 points and 8.3 boards per night. Philadelphia averages 107.6 PPG and it concedes 105.7. Ben Simmons led the way in the latest victory with 32 points, seven boards and 11 assists. I’ll point out though that Orlando is still 16-13 ATS on the road this year and 13-11 ATS against good offensive teams which average 106-plus points per contest, while Philadelphia is just 4-6 ATS already this season after three or more consecutive SU victories and only 9-10 ATS against clubs with losing records. With a game tomorrow night in the nation’s capital, it’s definitely not too hard to imagine the home side also getting caught “looking ahead” here. While I’m not calling for the outright upset, everything points to a much more competitive battle than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-24-18 | Washington -3.5 v. California | 68-51 | Win | 100 | 24 h 30 m | Show | |
My 9* PEFECT STORM is on Washington (4:30 EST). The 18-10 Washington Huskies are at California to take on the 8-20 Golden Bears on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visiting side. Washington is back on the bubble after losing four of its last five games and it’ll now need to finish up the regular season strong to get an invite to The Big Dance. Cal has lost four in a row and 13 of its last 14 to sit last in the conference. Note that when these teams met in Washington, the Huskies won 69-59 and in my opinion, all signs point to “de ja vu” tonight. The Huskies allowed the Cardinal to shoot 52.6 percent in their 94-78 setback at Stanford, while only connecting on 41.8 percent themselves. Jaylen Nowell was a bright spot with 18 points, while Noah Dickerson added 14 points and 13 boards. Cal comes in off a heart-breaking 78-76 loss to Washington State and suffice it to say, I think the Bears have a letdown here after that “close call.” Justice Sueing was a bright spot in the losing cause with 25 points. I’ll point out though that Washington has done extremely well in this spot all year for bettors by going 4-1 ATS off a loss against a conference rival, while Cal has struggled in this position by going just 4-8 ATS off a loss against a conference rival and only 2-4 ATS in trying to revenge a road loss vs. an opponent. I think the Huskies get back on track and take advantage of this favorable matchup. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-24-18 | Oklahoma State v. Texas -6 | 64-65 | Loss | -110 | 21 h 1 m | Show | |
My 8* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Texas (2:00 EST). The 16-12 Oklahoma State Cowboys are at Texas to take on the 16-12 Longhorns on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Oklahoma State scored the 65-64 home win over Texas on January 13th. Suffice it to say, I think it’s payback time this afternoon. The Longhorns shot 43.4 percent in that one, while the Cowboys shot 44.8 percent. Both teams come in having lost six of their last ten. Oklahoma State posted a 79-71 home win over Texas Tech on Wednesday, while Texas enters off a humbling 58-48 road loss at K-State on Wednesday. The Cowboys average 77 PPG and they concede 73.9. Jeffrey Carroll leads the nightly charge with 15 points and six boards per game, while Kendall Smith averages 12.8 points, 2.8 boards and three assists. Texas averages 71.7 PPG and it concedes 67.5. Dylan Osetkowski averages 13.8 points and 7.1 boards, while Andrew Jones contributes 13.5 points. I’ll point out that Oklahoma State has struggled against the conference of late, just 2-5 ATS in its last seven vs. the Big 12, while Texas is 5-2 ATS in its last seven in trying to revenge an in-season road loss. The Longhorns are 11-4 SU at home, while the Cowboys are 2-6 SU on the road. Texas is motivated after its latest performance and it also plays with revenge. That’s more than enough for me to pull the trigger. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-24-18 | Green Bay v. Detroit -1 | 107-97 | Loss | -110 | 21 h 52 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Detroit (2:00 EST). The 11-19 Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix are in Detroit to take on the 8-22 Mercy Titans on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Note that this is an “in-season revenge game” for the Mercy after they fell 95-83 at Green Bay in late December. Neither team shot particularly well in that one with the Phoenix hitting 42.5 percent and the Titans hitting 42.6. Green Bay has lost six of ten, but it enters off an upset win over Oakland. The Phoenix average 74.8 PPG and they concede 74.5 Detroit averages 77.9 PPG and it concedes 84.4. The Titans looked poor in their 72-49 loss to Milwaukee in their latest action. Kameron Chatman remains a bright spot on the team by averaging 18 points, 8.6 boards and 2.1 assists per night. I’ll point out though that Green Bay has struggled in this spot all year for bettors, going just 5-8 ATS after allowing 80 points or more and just 2-5 ATS after scoring 80 points or more, while Detroit is 4-2 ATS this year in revenging a road loss to an opponent and 4-2 ATS in its last six when playing with one or less days rest. Detroit is just 5-9 at home, but Green Bay is only 1-13 on the road. I’m banking on the revenge-minded Titans finding a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on Detroit. Good luck…Larry |
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02-24-18 | Seton Hall +1 v. St. John's | 81-74 | Win | 100 | 19 h 3 m | Show | |
My 8* Situational Stunner is on Seton Hall (12:00 EST). The 18-9 Seton Hall Pirates are at St. John’s to take on the 14-14 Red Storm on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Seton Hall comes in on top form after back-to-back wins, most recently downing Providence 89-77 on the road, while St. John’s enters off an 85-73 loss to Marquette in its most recent action. Note that when these teams met last month in Seton Hall, it was the Pirates which prevailed 75-70 and suffice it to say, I think a repeat performance is in the cards here as well. Seton Hall is averaging 79.6 PPG and it’s conceding 73.5. Khadeen Carrington had 25 points in the win over Providence. St. John’s averages 73.5 PPG and it concedes 72.2. Justin Simon played well in the losing cause to Marquette with 14 points and six assists. St. John’s posted four straight upsets in a row previous to the loss to Marquette and I’m predicting another letdown here. This is a bad matchup for the Red Storm and I look for the Pirates to take advantage. Play on Seton Hall. Good luck…Larry |
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02-23-18 | Clippers v. Suns +4.5 | Top | 128-117 | Loss | -105 | 26 h 28 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Phoenix Suns (9:05 EST). LA won five of its final six before the All Star Break, but I think it comes out flat here after falling 134-127 at Golden State just last night. Avery Bradley sat out last night’s game with a groin injury Phoenix on the other hand will be risking life and limb in my opinion in trying to secure a victory today as it went into the break on a seven-game losing streak. The Suns lost 107-97 to the Jazz in their final game before the break. Devin Booker returned from a minor hip injury in that one to post 28 points. Booker would then of course go on to win the three-point competition over All Star weekend. The Clippers have defied the odds and looked pretty good despite trading All Star Blake Griffin to the Pistons, but after last night’s exhausting setback, I think the visitors come in “gassed” here. The Suns will look to take advantage (note that Phoenix is 4-2 ATS in its last six after three or more consecutive losses this year) 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. Play on Phoenix. Good luck…Larry |
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02-23-18 | Sharks v. Blackhawks -123 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 26 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Chicago Blackhawks (8:35 EST). I base my picks on many different things and “scheduling” and “common sense” are two factors which I always take into account. No need to overthink this one in my opinion, as I believe the Sharks come in “gassed” here after their humbling 7-1 defeat in Nashville last night. Struggling Chicago will look to take advantage of this opportunity and to build off its 3-2 shootout win at home over the Senators. So far the Sharks average 2.90 GPG, while conceding 2.67. Martin Jones is expected between the pipes tonight and he’s so far 19-20 with a 2.53 GAA this season. Chicago averages 2.82 GPG and it concedes 2.85. Netminder Anton Forsberg stopped 32 of 34 shots in the win over Ottawa to improve to 7-15 with a 2.90 GAA this year. The Blackhawks have in fact won two of their last three and I don’t think we have to question their focus or motivation levels this evening. Last night’s loss for San Jose snapped a three-game slide and in my opinion, this sets up as a classic let-down/trap for the visitors. Great value, play on Chicago. Good luck…Larry |
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02-23-18 | Northern Kentucky v. Illinois-Chicago +3 | 79-72 | Loss | -105 | 25 h 22 m | Show | |
My 8* Situational Stunner is on Illinois Chicago (8:00 EST). This is a big game, as the victor still has a shot at winning the regular season title in a battle with Wright State. Northern Kentucky lost to the Raiders, but then bounced with a win against Youngstown State in its most recent action, while Illinois Chicago comes in having won two straight. The Norse held the Penguins to just 33.3 percent shooting and were led by 27 points from Drew McDonald. Jordan Garnett was another bright spot with ten points and six boards. Illinois Chicago enters off the 94-87 win over Detroit, posting a blistering 55.4 percent combined from the floor, while also going 12 of 23 from range. Macus Ottey would lead the way with 20 points, including going three-of-four from range. I’ll point out that Northern Kentucky has struggled in this spot for bettors of late though, going just 2-5 ATS in its last seven against schools with a winning straight-up record and 0-3-1 ATS in its last four following an ATS victory, while the Flames are 4-1 ATS in their last five after back-to-back SU wins. As mentioned off the top, this is a big game. I like the home side to fight tooth and nail and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by the outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Good luck…Larry |
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02-23-18 | Bucks +8.5 v. Raptors | 122-119 | Win | 100 | 25 h 59 m | Show | |
My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on the Milwaukee Bucks (7:35 EST). Milwaukee had its two game win streak snapped in a 134-123 home loss to Denver on Wednesday. Toronto crushed Chicago 122-98 in its final game before the All Star Break, its seventh consecutive victory. To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement as well I think as Toronto has won nine of the last ten in the series, including both this year. And that includes a 129-110 decision on the road back on January 5th in the most recent. Milwaukee averages 104.6 PPG and it concedes 104.6 as well. Giannis Antetokounmpo averages 27.8 points, 10.4 boards, 4.8 assists, 1.34 blocks and 1.42 steals per game (he had 36 points, 11 boards and 13 assists in the losing cause to the Nuggets.) Toronto averages 111.9 PPG and it concedes 103.4. DeMar DeRozan leads the nightly charge with 23.7 points and 5.2 assists per game, while Kyle Lowry adds 16.6 points, 5.7 boards and 5.7 assists per night. I’ll point out though that Milwaukee is 6-2 ATS this year off an upset loss as a favorite and 7-3 ATS after allowing 115 points or more, while Toronto is just 11-15 ATS this season against clubs with winning records. I think the home side comes out a little “flat,” and while I’m going to stop short in calling for the outright upset, I do definitely feel that the stage is set for a much more competitive battle than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Grab the points, play on the revenge-minded Bucks. Good luck…Larry |
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02-23-18 | Wright State -5.5 v. IUPU-Indianapolis | Top | 56-66 | Loss | -115 | 16 h 22 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Wright State (11:00 AM EST). The 21-8 Wright State Raiders are at IUPUI to take on the 10-17 Jaguars on Friday morning and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Wright State has won three straight and defeated IUPUI 60-52 at home earlier in the season. The Raiders most recently defeated Cleveland State 72-63 on Monday. The Jaguars enter off an outright upset 74-67 win at home over Oakland and suffice it to say, I think a predicable letdown is imminent (I had IUPUI in that one.) The Raiders average 72 PPG and they concede just 65.7 (ranked 29th in the country.) Wright State shot 50 percent from the floor, while holding Cleveland State to just 42 percent last time out. Grant Benzinger led the charge with 20 points in that one (note that Benzinger has hit 13 three-pointers over his last four games.) Despite the win in its latest outing, IUPUI still averages just 69.3 PPG, while conceding 73.6. The Jags shot 47 percent in the win over the Golden Grizzlies, getting 18 points and seven boards from Aaron Brennan in the winning cause. I’ll point out though that Wright State is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven following an ATS loss, while IUPUI is only 1-4 ATS this year in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent. This is simply a bad matchup for the inconsistent Jaguars. With a handful of games remaining, I look for the Raiders to put the foot on the gas from start to finish in this advantageous matchup. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-22-18 | Avalanche v. Oilers -127 | 2-3 | Win | 100 | 32 h 53 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Edmonton Oilers (9:00 EST). The 32-23-4 Colorado Avalanche are in Edmonton to take on the 24-31-4 Oilers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Edmonton will be desperate here as it’s lost seven of its last eight games (all in regulation). The Oilers beat the Avs in Colorado last Thursday, but then promptly came back and lost to Boston on Tuesday. Colorado comes to town off an OT win over Vancouver earlier in the week. The Avs are trying to adjust playing without top defenseman Erik Johnson, who was lost in the loss to Edmonton last week. Colorado managed the 5-4 OT win over Vancouver, but I think it’s going to stumble here in this tough environment against this hungry team. Edmonton looks to take advantage and bounce back from a 3-2 loss to the Bruins. Keep your eyes on Oilers’ star Connor McDavid, who has six goals and 13 points in seven career match ups against Colorado. I look for the “hungrier” team to find a way to get the job done once it’s all said and done. Lay the price. Good luck…Larry |
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02-22-18 | Arizona v. Oregon State +5 | Top | 75-65 | Loss | -110 | 30 h 33 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Oregon State (9:00 EST). The 21-6 Arizona Wildcats are at Oregon State to take on the 13-13 Beavers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Arizona looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after three straight wins, most recently a 77-70 road decision over rival Arizona State. Oregon State though comes in off a listless 72-59 loss to USC in its previous action and it also plays with revenge here after dropping a 62-53 decision to Arizona at home to open conference action. Arizona comes in averaging 81.7 points and conceding 71.9. Deandre Ayton posted 25 points and 16 boards in the victory over the Sun Devils. Arizona has now won five of their last seven conference road games. Oregon State averages 73.4 PPG and it concedes 70.3. The Beavers shot 47 percent from the floor, but they’d allow the Trojans to hit 50 percent in the setback. Tres Tinkle was a bright spot in the losing cause with 16 points and ten boards. I’ll point out though that Arizona has in fact struggled in this spot for a while for bettors, going a poor 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 following an ATS victory and only 3-8 ATS in its last 11 as a favorite, while Oregon State is 8-2 ATS in its last ten in this series in front of the home town crowd. The Beavers have won three of their last four at home and I expect that trend to carry over here. 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. Good luck…Larry |
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02-22-18 | Houston v. Memphis +7 | 85-91 | Win | 100 | 29 h 18 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Memphis (9:00 EST). The 21-5 Houston Cougars are in Memphis to take on the 16-11 Tigers on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Houston most recently smashed Temple 80-59, while Memphis also recorded a victory in its latest action, 68-63 at Tulane this past weekend. The Cougars look poised for a letdown here though in my opinion after five-straight wins. Houston enters averaging 76.7 PPG and conceding 64.6. Corey Davis Jr. led the way in the latest win with 20 points. The Tigers average 69.9 points and they concede 70.4. Memphis shot 54 percent form the floor and held Tulane to just 39 percent shooting on Sunday. Kyvon Davenport would lead the way with ten points in the winning cause. With a game at home against bottom feeder East Carolina up next, I think the high-flying visiting side gets caught looking ahead and while I’m going to stop short in calling for the outright upset, I think everything does indeed point to a very competitive affair. Grab the points, play on Memphis. Good luck…Larry |
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02-22-18 | Blue Jackets +106 v. Flyers | Top | 1-2 | Loss | -100 | 30 h 54 m | Show |
My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Columbus Blue Jackets (7:00 EST). Columbus enters off a 2-1 road win over New Jersey, while the Flyers scored in the final minute of third period against the Habs to force the OT frame and they’d then go on to score the 3-2 victory in their latest action. Columbus averages 2.55 GPG and it concedes 2.73. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 30 of 31 shots in this team’s latest win, to improve to 25-24 with a 2.46 GAA on the year. Note that Bobrovsky has routinely been at his best as well whenever he’s faced the Flyers throughout his career, going 9-3 with a 1.81 GAA. Philadelphia averages 3.00 GPG and it concedes 2.82. Alex Lyon was in net for the latest victory, stopping 25 of 27 shots to move to 2-1 with a 2.88 GAA. Petr Mrazek could get the start in net tonight though and he’s gone 1-4 with a 2.79 GAA against the Blue Jackets lifetime. I give Bobrovsky the big nod in net in this matchup and for me, that’s going to be more than enough to tip the scales in favor of the underdogs tonight. Great value, play on Columbus. Good luck…Larry |
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02-22-18 | Knicks +4 v. Magic | Top | 120-113 | Win | 100 | 22 h 54 m | Show |
This is a 10* SITUATIONAL STUNNER on the New York Knicks (7:05 EST). The Knicks come out of the All Star break hungry as they’ve lost eight in a row, most recently a 118-113 home setback to Miami just before the All Star Game. But here’s the perfect opponent to get back on track against, as the lowly Magic come in having lost three straight, most recently a 104-102 setback to Charlotte at home last Wednesday. Note that this is an “in-season, double-revenge” scenario, as Orlando has already taken both earlier meetings between the clubs, including a 105-100 road victory on December 3rd in the most recent. The Knicks average 103.7 PPG and they concede 106.1. Enes Kanter averages 14.4 points and 10.7 boards per night, while Tim Hardaway Jr. adds 16.7. The Magic average 105.5 PPG and they concede 109.8. Evan Fournier averages 17.9 points, while Aaron Gordon adds 18.4 points and 8.3 boards a night. Orlando has a tough two-game road trip starting on Saturday night in Philadelphia and ending on Monday in Oklahoma City. Everything points to look-ahead for the home side and I fully expect the desperate visiting Knicks to take advantage. While I wouldn’t be completely shocked by the outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on New York. Good luck…Larry |
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02-22-18 | Wisc-Milwaukee -3.5 v. Detroit | 72-49 | Win | 100 | 27 h 18 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Milwaukee (7:00 EST). Milwaukee comes in highly motivated here as it’s lost three of its last five. Detroit comes in with zero momentum either, going just 1-4 in its recent road trip. Wisconsin-Milwaukee looks to rebound after a 76-71 OT loss to IUPUI last time out (I had the Jaguars in that one.) Jeremiah Bell was a bright spot in the losing cause with 29 points, while Brett Prahl added 22. The Detroit Mercy come in off a 94-87 loss to Illinois-Chicago and so far the team gives up a whopping 85.9 PPG this year. Kameron Chatman had 31 points in the setback. I’ll point out though that Milwaukee has performed well in this spot for bettors by going 19-6-2 ATS in its last 27 road games against teams with a losing home record, while Detroit is just 1-8 ATS in its last nine following an ATS victory. Detroit’s inconsistencies come back to haunt it here against this hungrier and deeper Milwaukee team. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-21-18 | Texas +3.5 v. Kansas State | 48-58 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 6 m | Show | |
My 9* Oddsmakers Error is on Texas (9:00 EST). Texas is off the bubble after its win against Oklahoma on Saturday, but the Longhorns will need to keep up the winning in order to 100% secure their spot. Texas limited Trae Young to just 7 of 21 shooting in the 77-66 road win over the Sooners. Dylan Osetkowski had 21 points, while Mohamed Bamba finished with ten points and 18 boards. The Longhorns average 103.3 points per 100 possessions and they’ve been decent defensively, especially in keeping their opponents off the offensive glass, holding them to 30.2 percent (3rd in the conference.) K-State averages 106.8 points per 100 possessions. The Wildcats have been decent defensively as well, especially in guarding the three-ball, holding their opposition to 34 percent from range (fourth in the Big 12.) Kansas State comes in off a win as well, cruising to a 78-66 victory over Iowa State after being tied 33-33 at half time. Dean Wade would go on to score 22 points, grab eight boards and dish out nine assists. I’ll point out though that Texas is 5-2 ATS in its last seven following an ATS victory, while K-State is only 4-9 ATS in its last 13 home game and just 1-4 ATS in its last five home games against a team with a losing road record. These are two hungry teams and I’m expecting an all out battle until the end. In a contest which I envision being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I’m going to recommend grabbing the points. Play on Texas. Good luck…Larry |
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02-21-18 | UCF +1.5 v. Tulsa | 61-70 | Loss | -105 | 27 h 48 m | Show | |
My 8* Situational Stunner is on UCF (9:00 EST). Both teams come in on top form and each is hungry for more victories. Tulsa has won five straight, while Central Florida has won three in a row. The Golden Knights most recently crushed SMU 52-37, limiting the Mustangs to just 25.6 percent shooting. AJ Davis was a bright spot offensively with 19 points and ten boards. Davis has now posted at least 19 points in three straight victories. The Golden Hurricanes got the better of USF 73-61 in their most recent action, led by 16 points from Martins Igbanu. These are two very evenly matched teams, a sentiment shared by the oddsmakers. So where’s the advantage? I’ll point out that UCF is 15-9 ATS in its last 24 off a win against a conference rival (also 6-3 ATS this season after scoring 60 points or less in its previous contest), while Tulsa is just 3-5 ATS this year off a win against a conference foe. I’m banking on a tight game, but for the above trends to hold true once the final horn blares. Play on UCF. Good luck…Larry |
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02-21-18 | Texas Tech v. Oklahoma State +5 | Top | 71-79 | Win | 100 | 26 h 30 m | Show |
My 10* BIG 12 GAME OF THE YEAR is on Oklahoma State (7:00 EST). The 22-5 Texas Tech Red Raiders are at Oklahoma State to take on the 15-12 Cowboys and for a number of different reasons, I believe this one favors the home side. Texas Tech comes in off a 59-57 loss to Baylor, while Oklahoma State was smashed 90-70 by TCU over the weekend. Note that this is an in-season revenge game for the home side though, which fell 75-70 at Texas Tech last month. Texas Tech comes in averaging 76 PPG and it concedes 62.5. The Red Raiders posted just 39 percent shooting from the floor in the loss to the Bears and they were led by Zhaire Smith with 15 points in the losing cause. The Cowboys are in second to last place in the conference after dropping six of their last eight, but I don’t think they’ll be going down tonight without a fight. Oklahoma State averages 77 PPG and it concedes 74. The Cowboys shot just 36 percent from the field in the loss to the Horned Frogs, but Kendall Smith looked good in scoring 21 points in the setback. Texas Tech though has struggled in this spot for bettors already this year, going 0-2 ATS after scoring 60 points or less and 0-3 ATS off a loss against a conference rival, while Oklahoma State has thus far performed admirably in this position by going 5-3 ATS off a loss vs. a conference foe. With one of their last opportunities in front of the home town crowd this year, I look for the revenge-minded Cowboys to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-20-18 | St. Louis v. Dayton -3 | 50-53 | Push | 0 | 30 h 31 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Dayton (9:00 EST). The 15-12 St. Louis Billikens are in Dayton to take on the 12-14 Flyers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Saint Louis took the first meeting of the year 75-65 at home and suffice it to say, it’s payback time tonight. Dayton actually won the rebounding battle in that one 29-24, but 15 turnovers compared to just four for Saint Louis turned out to be the difference. The Billikens come in having lost seven of their last ten, while Dayton will be hungry here after dropping six of its last ten. Saint Louis most recently edged Richmond 72-66. And while the Flyers have been struggling overall of late, they do come into this one off an 80-70 home victory over Fordham on Saturday. Saint Louis averages 66.8 PPG and it concedes 65.6. Jayon Bess leads the nightly charge for the Billikens with 13.1 points, 7.4 boards and 2.1 assists per night. Dayton averages 73.9 PPG and it concedes 73.8. In the win over the Rams the Flyers would hit a blistering 64.4 percent from the floor and go 9 of 18 from range. Josh Cunningham leads the team with 16.4 points and 8.6 boards per game, while Darrell Davis adds 16.2 points, 4.3 boards and three assists per night. With a “cream puff” at home against 12-15 George Washington up next for the Billikens, it’s not too hard to imagine the visitors getting caught “looking ahead.” Conversely, the Flyers have two tough road games following this one, which puts added emphasis onto this evening’s matchup. Dayton is the more motivated side here and I expect it to deliver the goods. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry (MLB 2018 REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!) |
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02-20-18 | Blue Jackets -101 v. Devils | Top | 2-1 | Win | 100 | 28 h 35 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Columbus Blue Jackets (7:00 EST). The 29-25-1-4 Columbus Blue Jackets are in New Jersey to take on the 31-20-4-4 Devils on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Columbus comes in motivated after dropping its third straight, most recently a listless 5-2 setback at home to the Penguins on Sunday. Columbus actually outshot Pittsburgh 37-23, but goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was uncharacteristically shaky in that one, making 18 saves in the sub-par performance. Bobrovsky is now 24-19-5 with a 2.49 GAA (note that he’s 12-5-1 lifetime against the Devils as well.) The Blue Jackets average 2.56 GPG and allow 2.80. The Devils average 2.98 GPG and they concede 3.00. Goaltender Keith Kinkaid had 40 saves in his team’s most recent win over the Hurricanes. Note that Kincaid is 0-2-0 with a 4.27 GAA against Columbus though, while Eddie Lack is 2-3-0 on the year with a 3.24 GAA, while going 1-3-0 with a 3.68 GAA for his career against the Blue Jackets. Additionally I’ll point out that Columbus is 13-6 (+4.9 units) already this season after a loss by two goals or more in its previous outing, while New Jersey is already a poor 3-5 (-2.7 units) this year after a three-game unbeaten streak. I think the “hungrier” team finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on the Blue Jackets. Good luck…Larry (MLB 2018 REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!) |
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02-20-18 | Mississippi State v. Texas A&M -6 | Top | 93-81 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 33 m | Show |
My 10* SEC GAME OF THE YEAR is on Texas A&M (7:00 EST). The 19-18 Mississippi State Bulldogs are at Texas A&M to take on the 17-10 Aggies on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Bulldogs could come in complacent here after breaking a two-game slide with a win over Ole Miss in their latest action, led by 16 points and ten boards from guard Quinndary Weatherspoon. Weatherspoon leads the team with 14.7 points and 6.0 RPG. The Aggies will be hungry and focused though in my opinion after consecutive setbacks, most recently to Arkansas on Saturday. Forward Robert Williams was a bright spot in the losing cause with 20 points and 14 boards. Overall it’s Tyler Davis who leads the team with 14.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game for A&M. I’ll point out though Mississippi State has struggled in this spot for bettors, going a horrible 1-6 ATS in its last seven as a road dog in the 6.5 to nine points range (including 0-2 this season), while Texas A&M has done well in this position by going 4-1 ATS in its last five as a home fav of 6.5 to nine points. Off two straight road losses, the Aggies are looking to make up some ground in the standings with only a few games remaining. Texas A&M has two more tough road contests in a row after this, which clearly puts added emphasis onto tonight’s contest for the home side. However, after the satisfying win over Ole Miss and with a “cream puff” at home up next against South Carolina, it’s definitely not too hard to imagine the visitors getting caught “looking ahead” here to that much more “winnable” contest. When you add it all up, I do indeed feel this line could easily be a lot larger. Great value, play on Texas A&M. Good luck…Larry (MLB 2018 REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!) |
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02-20-18 | Akron +7 v. Bowling Green | 81-79 | Win | 100 | 28 h 32 m | Show | |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Akron (7:00 EST). The 11-15 Akron Zips are at Bowling Green to take on the 16-11 Falcons 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 as I look for the visitors to at the very least, take this one right down to the wire. Akron is having a difficult year, but the Zips will be motivated here as they come in having lost six of their last seven, most recently a 78-68 defeat at Kent State. The Zips were led by Malcolm Duvivier with 27 points and Daniel Utomi with 20. Bowling Green on the other hand looks primed for a letdown here in my opinion after its three game win streak was snapped in a 95-82 setback at Buffalo in its most recent action. Justin Turner was a bright spot in the losing cause with 23 points, while Demajeo Wiggins contributed 13 points and 15 boards. Akron beat BGSU 80-78 at home in mid January and I think it’s going to keep tonight’s game competitive as well. Bowling Green has been better at home than on the road, but with two tough upcoming road contests on the horizon, I think the home side gets caught looking ahead. As mentioned off the top, I would’t be shocked by the outright upset, but in the end I’m going to grab the points. Good luck…Larry (MLB 2018 REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!) |
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02-19-18 | Oakland v. IUPU-Indianapolis +5 | 67-74 | Win | 100 | 26 h 0 m | Show | |
My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on IUPUI (7:00 EST). The 17-11 Oakland Golden Grizzlies are at IUPUI to take on the 9-17 Jaguars on Monday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Oakland comes in off an 82-66 road win over Cleveland State on Friday night, while IUPUI enters off a 76-71 OT road victory over Milwaukee in its latest action. Note that this is an in-season revenge game for the Jaguars after they fell 82-74 at Oakland earlier this month. The Golden Grizzlies average 80.2 PPG and they concede 77.8. Jalen Hayes was a standout in the latest victory for Oakland with 24 points, while leading scorer Kendrick Nunn added 17. The Jaguars average 69.1 PPG and they concede 73.8. The Jags looked sharp defensively against Milwaukee on Friday, holding it to 41 percent shooting, while connecting on 45 percent themselves. IUPUI has won two of its last three. It also plays with revenge. Oakland scored the big road win over Cleveland State, but asking the Grizzlies to cover back-to-back sizeable spreads away from friendly confines is asking too much in my opinion. While I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for this one to come right down to the wire. Play on the revenge-minded Jaguars. Good luck…Larry |
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02-19-18 | Wild -111 v. Islanders | Top | 5-3 | Win | 100 | 24 h 46 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Minnesota Wild (1:05 EST). Minnesota enters off a 3-2 shootout loss at home to Anaheim, while New York is off a 3-0 road win over Carolina. The Wild come into this one averaging 2.91 GPG, while conceding 2.83. Goaltender Devan Dubnyk is 23-15 with a 2.62 GAA this season. The Islanders average 3.28 GPG and they concede 3.55. Netminder Jaroslav Halak is 18-33 with a 3.17 GAA so far this year. The Isles come in off consecutive 3-0 shutout wins over the Rangers and Carolina, but with two nights off before an extended road trip, I believe that the home side suffers a classic letdown in this trap situation. Minnesota though won’t be leaving anything to chance after closing a five game home stand by going 2-3, including dropping the final two. This is the opener of a tough three-game Eastern swing and I believe the Wild catch the Isles at the right place and the right time. I like Dubnyk to get the better of Halak and all things considered, I do indeed feel this is a very fair price. Play on Minnesota. Good luck…Larry |
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02-18-18 | Stanford v. California +5 | Top | 77-73 | Win | 100 | 29 h 30 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on California (8:00 EST). Stanford dropped its second straight, most recently a listless 64-56 road setback to Colorado on Sunday. The Golden Bears can empathize as they’ve lost two in a row as well, most recently a humbling 77-43 setback on the road in Utah last Saturday. But if recent history is any precedence then the home side has to be liking it chances tonight because the Golden Bears have taken three of the last four meetings, including a 77-74 road victory in the first matchup of the season back on December 30th. The Cardinal average 74.7 PPG and they concede 74.2. Dorian Pickens was a standout in the losing cause to the Buffs with 18 points. Cal averages 69.3 PPG and it concedes 78.2. Darius McNeill had ten points in the loss to the Utes. I think it’s important to note though that Stanford is just 1-4 ATS in its last five when playing with five or six days rest, while Cal is 3-1 ATS in its last four when playing with seven or more days of rest. I’m not trying to convince you that the Golden Bears are a good team which has fallen on some rotten luck this season, as that’s not the case. Cal is a poor team which clearly has issues on both ends of the floor. However, the Cardinal also have their problems as well. Game-to-game consistency is one. Their performance on the road is another (just 2-5 thus far.) Cal did a good job in the first matchup this season and I think the hungry home side will at the very least, keep Round 2 just as competitive. Grab the points, play on the Golden Bears. Good luck…Larry |
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02-18-18 | Stars v. Sharks -105 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 30 h 2 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE YEAR is on the San Jose Sharks (8:05 EST). The 34-20-4 Dallas Stars are in San Jose to take on the 31-19-8 Sharks on Sunday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Dallas looks poised for a letdown here as it’s won six of its last seven, most recently getting the better of St. Louis on Friday. San Jose also comes in on a streak having won three of its last four, most recently beating the Canucks on Thursday. After getting smashed 6-0 by Vancouver, the Stars would hold on for dear life in the 2-1 victory over the Blues. Dallas has 173 goals so far on the year and it’s allowed 150 thus far. Goaltenders Kari Lehtonen and Ben Bishop have both played well so far this year. Martin Jones made 43 saves for the Sharks in their 4-1 win over Vancouver. So far San Jose has posted 166 goals and allowed 156. I think it’s important to note that San Jose is fourth on the power-play this year (22.9 percent) and it’s No. 1 on the penalty kill with an 84.5 percent success rate. This is a revenge game for the Sharks, who fell 6-0 to the Stars on December 31st. In fact, Dallas has won four of the last five meetings overall. However note that the home team has won the last four meetings between the clubs. This is an important game of San Jose, which embarks on a tough five game road swing on Tuesday. Dallas has played three straight at home and gone 2-1 in that span, but with tough games upcoming in Anaheim and LA, it’s not too hard to imagine the visitors in some small way getting caught looking ahead to those difficult contests on the horizon. All things considered, I do indeed feel that this is the very definition of “great line value.” Play on San Jose. Good luck…Larry |
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02-18-18 | Houston v. Temple +1 | 80-59 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 21 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Temple (4:00 EST). The 20-5 Houston Cougars are at Temple to take on the 15-11 Owls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Houston enters off four straight wins, while Temple’s five game win streak came to an end in a loss at Wichita State on Thursday. But after the upset over the Bearcats, I expect a predictable letdown here for the Cougars. Rob Gray led the way in that one with 17.5 points and 4.3 assists. Temple will look to take advantage of a complacent Houston and to avenge a 76-73 road defeat to the Cougars in December. Despite the loss to Wichita State, Temple’s offense has been sharp of late, averaging 83 points during its recent 5-1 run. Quinton Rose has averaged 14.9 points during the win skein and he’s now posted double-figures in six straight outings. Also note that the Owls are shooting a blistering 42.7 percent from range over their last six games. Additionally I’ll point out that Houston is just 1-4 ATS in its last five on the road, while Temple is 5-1 ATS in its last six home games against teams with winning road records. I like Temple to bounce back from its latest defeat and to find a way to avenge the earlier loss to the Cougars. Good luck…Larry |
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02-17-18 | Hawaii -3 v. UC Riverside | Top | 74-69 | Win | 100 | 29 h 17 m | Show |
My 10* 34-Club Play is on Hawaii (10:30 EST). The 14-10 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are at UC Riverside to take on the 7-18 Highlanders and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Note that this is a revenge game for the Rainbow Warriors, who fell 64-60 to the Highlanders on February 7th. We don’t have to question the motivation levels of the visitors today as they come into this one having lost five of their last six. Since posting a miserable ten-game losing streak, UC Riverside has won two of three. Note that the Warriors average 71.4 PPG, while the Highlanders put up 65 PPG. Michael Thomas leads Hawaii with 13.7 points and 6.1 boards per game, while UC Riverside is led by Dikymbe Martin with 13.3 points and 3.7 boards per contest. Hawaii comes in with momentum after beating UC Irvine 62-61 on Thursday, led by 13 points and six boards from Gibson Johnson. Drew Buggs would go on to add eight points and six boards. UC Riverside also comes in off a victory, getting the better of CS Northridge 69-62 on Wednesday. Chance Murray led the way in that one with 14 points, ten boards and five assists. I’ll point out though that the Warriors are 4-1 ATS in their last five in trying to revenge an in-season loss to an opponent in which they were held to 60 points or less, while the Highlanders are just 2-4 ATS in their last six after holding their previous opponent to 62 points or less. Hawaii plays with revenge and I think it has the matchup advantage here, as Thomas comes in on top form. Play on the Rainbow Warriors. Good luck…Larry |
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02-17-18 | Oregon v. UCLA -4 | 78-86 | Win | 100 | 29 h 3 m | Show | |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on UCLA (10:15 EST). UCLA is 9-5 in Pac 12 play and it’s tied with USC for second place in the conference. Oregon is 7-6 in league action and is tied with three other schools for fourth place. Note that this is an in-season revenge game for the Bruins after the Ducks took the first meeting 94-91 at home back on January 20th. The Ducks average 78.5 PPG and they concede 70.3. Oregon fell at USC 72-70 on Thursday and I think it has a classic letdown here as well. MiKyle McIntosh was a bright spot in the losing cause with 23 points, while Payton Pritchard would go on to contribute 17 points and 14 assists. UCLA averages 82.4 PPG and it concedes 75.9. The Bruins most recently got the better of Oregon State 75-68 this past weekend, getting 17 points and ten assists from Aaron Holiday. UCLA struggled from the floor, but made up for it by out rebounding the Beavers by 14. Oregon has been consistently inconsistent this season and it comes in off the crushing road defeat on Thursday. UCLA got back into the winners circle and it plays with revenge. I look for the Bruins’ offense to get untracked against the Ducks. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-17-18 | North Carolina +1 v. Louisville | 93-76 | Win | 100 | 27 h 4 m | Show | |
My 8* Oddsmaker’s Error is on North Carolina (8:15 EST). UNC is 9-5 in ACC action, sitting just a 0.5 game back of Duke and Clemson for second place. Louisville is 8-5 in league action and has won two straight despite being without the services of top scorer Deng Adel. Note that when these teams played last year it was UNC that scored the convincing 74-63 home victory. The Tar Heels most recently beat Notre Dame 83-66 on Monday. Joel Berry II led the way with 21 points, while Theo Pinson added 16 points, ten boards and five assists. UNC would go on to shoot 53.3 percent from the floor and go 6 of 16 from range. It also out rebounded the Irish by 13 and held ND to just 37.9 percent from the floor. Luke Maye leads the nightly charge with 18.3 points and 10.4 boards per game. The Cardinals smashed the lowly Pitt Panthers 94-60 on the road on Sunday, shooting 63 percent and going 10 of 19 from range. Quentin Snider is the teams second-leading scorer with 12.1 PPG. I’ll point out though that UNC is 5-1 ATS in its last six following a SU victory, while the underdog is 0-4 ATS in the last four in this series. Beating Pittsburgh is one thing, but North Carolina presents an entirely different challenge tonight. The Tar Heels have quality wins over Duke and NC State on the road already this year and I think they’ll find a way to get the job done here as well. Good luck…Larry |
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02-17-18 | Colorado v. Washington -3 | 59-82 | Win | 100 | 27 h 50 m | Show | |
My 8* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Washington (8:00 EST). Colorado comes in off an upset 73-69 setback on the road to Washington State in its latest action and suffice it to say, I believe the Buffs are going to have another letdown here as well. If recent history is any precedence, then the Huskies have to be loving their chances today because when these teams met on January 20th it was Washington which scored the convincing 72-62 victory. With upcoming home games against USC and UCLA respectively next week, I think that Colorado gets caught looking ahead here. The Huskies though come in desperate after three straight losses, most recently falling 70-58 to Utah. And with tough upcoming road games at Stanford and Cal, tonight’s contest takes on added importance for the home side. Additionally I’ll point out that Colorado is just 1-4 ATS in its last five after scoring 70 points or less in its previous contest while also suffering a loss, while Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last six after three or more consecutive SU losses. For all the reasons listed above, play on the Huskies. Good luck…Larry |
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02-17-18 | NC State +2 v. Wake Forest | 90-84 | Win | 100 | 23 h 50 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on North Carolina State (4:00 EST). The 17-9 NC State Wolfpack are at Wake Forest to take on the 10-16 Demon Deacons 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 as I look for the high-scoring visitors to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. And if recent history is any precedence, then the Wolfpack have to be loving their chances this afternoon, because when these teams met back in mid January, it was NC State which pulled away for the 72-63 home win. NC State comes in with momentum as well after downing Syracuse on the road 74-70 last Wednesday. Wake Forest also comes in off a victory, getting the better of Georgia Tech 79-62. Note that the Wolfpack average 80.7 PPG and they concede 74. In the victory over the Orange NC State shot 55.1 percent. Allerik Freeman averages a team leading 14.2 points, four boards and 2.5 assists per game. Wake Forest averages 74.4 PPG and it concedes 74.8. The Demon Deacons shot 49.2 percent from the floor and 52.9 percent from range in the victory over Georgia Tech. Bryant Crawford leads the nightly charge with 16.5 points, 2.8 boards and 5.1 assists per night. The victory over the Yellow Jackets is one thing, but slowing down NC State will be quite another. This is simply a bad matchup for Wake Forest and I foresee a similar final outcome as what we saw in the first matchup between the schools this season. Grab the points, play on the Wolfpack. Good luck…Larry |
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02-17-18 | Memphis +1.5 v. Tulane | 68-63 | Win | 100 | 22 h 51 m | Show | |
My 8* Situational Stunner is on Memphis (3:00 EST). Memphis broke a three-game slide with a 70-67 win over SMU on the road on Wednesday and suffice it to say, I expect the team to carry that momentum over here. Tulane enters on the other of the spectrum, having lost four straight after a crushing 82-80 setback at home to East Carolina on Wednesday. In my opinion, all signs point to another letdown here. And if recent history is any precedence then the visitors have to be loving their chances today, because when these teams met on January 9th, it was the Tigers which pulled away for the 96-89 home win. Memphis averages 70 PPG and it concedes 70.7. Mike Parks Jr. had 17 points to lead the Tigers in the win over SMU. Jeremiah Martin normally leads the nightly charge this year though with an average of 19.2 points, 4.4 boards and 3.9 assists per game. Tulane averages 74.6 PPG and it concedes 73.9. Cameron Reynolds was a bright spot in the loss to East Carolina with 23 points. Melvin Frazier leads the Green Wave with 15.9 points and 5.3 boards per night. Sure the Green Wave are hungry, but the team lacks any sort of cohesion whatsoever right now. Look for Memphis to take advantage and to find a way to get the job done at the end of the afternoon. Good luck…Larry |
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02-17-18 | Indiana v. Iowa +1 | 84-82 | Loss | -115 | 21 h 41 m | Show | |
The third 9* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Iowa (2:00 EST). Indiana looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after winning its third straight, most recently a 78-68 victory over Illinois at home on Wednesday. Conversely it’s going to be all hands on deck for Iowa after dropping its fourth straight, most recently a 74-59 setback at No. 22 Michigan on Wednesday. Note that this is a revenge game as well as Indiana has taken two straight in the series, including a 77-64 victory in the first matchup this year back on December 4th. Indiana comes into this one averaging 71.9 PPG, while conceding 69.4. Juwan Morgan leads the team with 16.8 points and 7.4 boards per game. Robert Johnson had 14 points in the Hoosiers most recent victory. Iowa averages 79.4 PPG and it concedes 78.3. Luke Garza was a bright spot in the loss to Michigan, posting 22 points in the setback. Indiana is looking up at Nebraska and is at the Huskers early next week. Clearly it’s not too hard to imagine the visitors getting caught looking ahead to that one. Iowa is only ahead of Illinois in the standings, but it won’t be going down without a fight today. This sets up as a trap for the Hoosiers and the desperate Hawkeyes take advantage. Good luck…Larry |
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02-17-18 | Texas +6 v. Oklahoma | 77-66 | Win | 100 | 19 h 52 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Texas (12:00 EST). The 15-11 Texas Longhorns are at Oklahoma to take on the 16-9 Sooners and while I’m not going to call for the outright upset, I do believe that this one will come down to whichever team has its hands on the ball last. Texas comes in off a 74-73 OT setback to Baylor, while Oklahoma fell 88-78 to Texas Tech on Tuesday, the Sooners fourth straight setback. If recent history is any precedence, then the visitors have to be loving their chances today because when these teams met last month in Texas, it was the Sooners which posted the 79-74 victory. The Longhorns average 72.4 PPG and they concede 68. Mohamed Bamba was a bright spot in the latest setback to the Bears with 16 points and 16 boards. Oklahoma averages 88.4 PPG, but the Sooners continue to struggle on the defensive end, conceding 82.2 (ranked 338th in the country.) Trae Young had 19 points in his team’s latest setback, but note that he was 0 for 9 from range. Oklahoma is desperate for a victory, but so too are the Longhorns. Young is an amazing talent and he’s put up some ridiculous numbers, but fatigue could be a factor now. The Longhorns have the superior defense and they’ve already beaten this team this season. Grab the points, play on Texas. Good luck…Larry |
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02-17-18 | Virginia Tech v. Georgia Tech +3.5 | 76-56 | Loss | -110 | 19 h 52 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Georgia Tech (12:00 EST). The 18-8 Virginia Tech Hokies are at Georgia Tech to take on the 11-15 Yellow Jackets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. We don’t have to question Georgia Tech’s motivation levels today as it comes in having lost four straight. Most recently the Yellow Jackets were smashed 79-62 by Wake Forest on Wednesday. But here’s the perfect opponent to get untracked against as VT comes to town dejected after getting thrashed 74-52 at Duke. Note that this also sets up as a revenge game for the home side after it fell 62-61 in the lone meeting last year. VT averages 82.5 PPG and it concedes 73.2. That offense looked pretty average against the Blue Devils though, hitting 42.9 percent from the floor. Justin Bibbs was a bright spot with 15 points. Georgia Tech averages 66.5 PPG and it concedes just 66.8. The Yellow Jackets offense looked good in the loss to the Demon Deacons by hitting 51 percent from the floor. The Hokies had a major letdown after beating No. 1 Virginia and I think they’re going to suffer another “hangover” here as well. Georgia Tech is at Virginia next week, putting added importance onto tonight’s contest. While I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for this one to be decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last. Good luck…Larry |
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02-16-18 | Blues v. Stars UNDER 5.5 | Top | 1-2 | Win | 100 | 29 h 38 m | Show |
My 10* O/U PERFECT STORM is on the under Blues/Stars (8:30 EST). St. Louis will be eager to return to the winners circle after a 4-3 OT loss to Nashville, while Dallas is also out to atone this evening after a listless 6-0 home setback to the lowly Canucks in its latest action. With both teams looking to “shore things up” on the defensive end tonight after some embarrassing play in their previous outings, I do indeed expect more of a defensive goaltenders battle in this one. St. Louis enters averaging 2.83 GPG, while conceding 2.56. Netminder Jake Allen is 19-18 with a 2.74 GAA on the year, including 9-10 with a 2.81 GAA on the road. Not fantastic numbers, but certainly not horrible either. Note though that Allen has consistently been at his best whenever he’s faced the Stars, going 8-3 with a 2.20 GAA lifetime against them. Dallas comes into this one averaging 3.00 GPG, while conceding just 2.61. The Stars gave up just eight goals during a five-game win streak, but they clearly fell apart in the loss to Vancouver. Goaltender Ben Bishop is expected between the pipes tonight and he’s now 23-18 with a 2.50 GAA, including 17-9 with a 2.18 GAA at home. I’ll point out as well that St. Louis has seen the total go under the number in 17 of 29 this year against clubs with winning records, while Dallas has seen the total dip below the posted number in four of five already this year when playing with three or more days of rest. As mentioned off the top, the conditions and the numbers point to a lower-scoring under. Play the under. Good luck…Larry |
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02-16-18 | Detroit +3.5 v. Youngstown State | Top | 94-84 | Win | 100 | 27 h 36 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on Detroit (7:00 EST). The 7-12 Detroit Mercy Titans are at Youngstown State to take on the 8-20 Penguins on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visiting side. Detroit enters off a hard-fought 75-72 road loss at Cleveland State, while Youngstown State comes in off a rare victory, edging Oakland 75-73. But if recent history is any precedence, then the Titans have to be loving their chances tonight, because when these teams met earlier in the season, it was Detroit that scored the 93-91 home victory. Detroit averages 78.1 PPG and it concedes 84.9. Kameron Chatman had 14 points, but the guard has still reached 20 points in four of his last seven games. Roschon Prince was a standout though in the losing cause with 22 points. The Penguins average 75.4 PPG and they concede 82.6. After two straight victories, regression is imminent in my opinion. Cameron Morse had 23 points in the upset over the Golden Grizzlies. These teams played to a one-possession outcome in their first matchup together and all signs once again point to another “nail-biter.” In a contest which I envision being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I’m going to grab the points. Good luck…Larry (2018 MLB REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!) |
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02-15-18 | Pacific +4 v. San Diego | Top | 67-55 | Win | 100 | 28 h 7 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Pacific (10:00 EST). San Diego enters this one with a 7-7 record in conference action. Pacific on the other hand has an 8-6 record against WCC teams this year, as head coach Damon Stoudamire has his team headed in the correct direction. Note that the Tigers have in fact already doubled their number of league wins from last year. Pacific averages 106.0 points per 100 possessions. The Tigers also own the top free throw rate in the conference at 39.8 percent. Note that Pacific also turns the ball over on just 15.7 percent of its offensive possessions, ranking the team second in that category. Miles Reynolds was a stand out in the 60-58 home win over Portland on Saturday with 25 points. San Diego averages 103.1 points per 100 possessions, while allowing 103.7 points per 100 possessions. The Toreros have been hot from range, making 37.4 percent from behind the arc this season (second in conference.) I’ll point out though that the Tigers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven against a team with a winning straight up record, while the Toreros are a poor 0-4-1 ATS in their last five following an ATS loss. Pacific is a tough team, which takes care of the ball and gets to the foul line a lot. San Diego simply doesn’t match up well in this one whatsoever and I expect it to stumble again tonight. And while the outright victory clearly isn’t out of the question, I’m going to recommend grabbing as many points as you can in the end. Play on Pacific. Good luck…Larry |
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02-15-18 | Lakers v. Wolves -9.5 | Top | 111-119 | Loss | -110 | 31 h 59 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Minnesota Timberwolves (9:05 EST). The Lakers come in off a 139-117 setback in New Orleans just last night and suffice it to say, with the All Star break up next, all signs point to a classic letdown for LA this evening as well. Minnesota on the other hand will not be taking a night off because it comes in having lost three of its last four, most recently a 126-108 home defeat to Houston. If recent history is any precedence though, then the Wolves have to be loving their chances tonight as they’ve already taken both meetings between the clubs so far this year, including a convincing 114-96 victory on New Year’s Day. The Lakers come in averaging 107 PPG, while conceding 109.5. Brook Lopez averages 12 points and 13.9 boards per game, while the newly acquired Isaiah Thomas averages 15.2 points a night thus far. The Wolves average 109.6 PPG and they concede 106.7. Karl-Anthony Towns averages 20.4 pints and 12.1 boards per game, while Jimmy Butler adds 22.4 points and 5.5 boards per night. From a trend based stand point, there’s no question who this one favors, as note that the Lakers are a brutal 0-5 ATS in their last five in the second game of a back-to-back scenario, while the Timberwolves are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games against a team with a losing road record. LA is dealing with some new faces, injuries and a tired starting unit. Minnesota has had a night off and can’t be too happy with the way that it’s played of late. When you add it all up, a big time blowout is imminent. Lay the points, play on Minnesota. Good luck…Larry (MLB REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!) |
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02-15-18 | Arizona v. Arizona State | 77-70 | Win | 100 | 27 h 7 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Arizona (9:00 EST). The 20-6 Arizona Wildcats are at Arizona State to take on the 19-6 Sun Devils and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Arizona State comes into this one having won three straight. Arizona had won seven in a row, then dropped two in a row, before then taking care of USC this past weekend. If recent history is any precedence, then the Wildcats have to be loving their chances to keep the momentum rolling, because when these teams faced off against each other on December 30th, it was Arizona which prevailed 84-78. Deandra Ayton had 23 points and 18 boards in that one. One other player to keep your eyes on today is Wildcats’ junior Allonzo Trier, who is averaging 20.5 points in his four career match ups against the Sun Devils. Rawle Alkins had 20 points and five assists in the win over the Trojans. Arizona State is 4-6 in Pac-12 play, but it comes into this one off three straight victories. The Sun Devils are led by Tra Holder as ASU is ranked 13th in the country in offensive efficiency. Both teams have fared poorly against the spread this season, but I’ll point out that the Wildcats are still a solid 7-4 ATS in their last 11 as a PICK or underdog, while Arizona State is just 4-15 ATS in its last 19 off a win against a conference rival (including only 1-5 ATS this season.) Arizona is 39-21 on the road since 2011, the best road team in the Pac 12. I believe the Sun Devils have a letdown here after their extended stretch of decent play. Play on Arizona. Good luck…Larry |
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02-15-18 | Capitals v. Wild -126 | 5-2 | Loss | -126 | 30 h 57 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Minnesota Wild (8:05 EST). The 32-17-7 Washington Capitals are in Minnesota to take on the 31-19-6 Wild and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Washington comes to town with zero momentum, loser of two straight. Conversely Minnesota comes in on top form with two straight wins, over Chicago and the Rangers respectively. Washington may be hungry to break its slide, but it comes to town “gassed,” after consecutive OT losses. The Capitals have been terrible on the defensive end of the ice of late, allowing 20 goals over their last four losses. And that doesn’t bode well facing a Minnesota team which has gone 10-0-3 in its last 13 in front of the home town crowd. The Wild are also ninth in the league in power play conversion, while the Capitals are 18th in goals allowed per game. If this was any other team, Minnesota could be poised for a classic letdown, but I don’t foresee the home side getting caught complacent here with the dangerous Capitals in town. Great price, play on the Wild. Good luck…Larry (MLB REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!) |
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02-15-18 | Hurricanes v. Devils -100 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 29 h 58 m | Show |
My 10* NHL GAME OF THE WEEK is on the New Jersey Devils (7:05 EST). Carolina comes in off a very satisfying 7-3 home win over LA, while the Devils also enter off a victory, managing a tough 5-4 shootout result on the road over Philadelphia. The Hurricanes average 2.72 GPG and they concedes 2.91. Goaltender Cam Ward stopped 27 of 30 shots in Carolina’s latest win and he’s now 17-10 with a 2.60 GAA. New Jersey averages 2.93 GPG and it concedes 3.04. Netminder Keith Kinkaid stopped 31 of 35 shots in the victory over the Flyers to move him to 11-9 with a 3.31 GAA (note that Kinkaid is 4-2 with a 2.80 GAA at home.) Additionally I’ll point out that this is a spot in which Carolina has been terrible in for a long time, going 14-38 in its last 52 road games against a team with a winning home record, while New Jersey has excelled in this spot for bettors by going 7-3 in its last 11 home games against a team with a losing road record and 7-3 in its last ten following a victory. Note as well that Ward is 12-19 with a 2.60 GAA lifetime against New Jersey, while Kinkaid is 4-1 with a 1.55 GAA in his career against Carolina. I think we’re getting fantastic value on the hungry home side in this matchup. Good luck…Larry (MLB REMINDER: After more than 30 years as a professional handicapper, Larry has finished among the “World’s best” in every major North American sport several times. Major League Baseball has been no exception. In fact, over the last three years Ness is ranked as the No. 1 MLB handicapper in the entire World! Note that Larry has banked $35,083 in profits over the last three regular seasons combined (know anyone that’s done better?!) 2017 saw Larry post over +$10,000 units in the regular season and then he’d also go on to go a spectacular 18-8-1 +$8,530 in the playoffs, for a total of $18,538! And now 2018 has the potential to be the BIGGEST season of them all!) |
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02-15-18 | Cincinnati v. Houston +3.5 | 62-67 | Win | 100 | 25 h 57 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Houston (7:00 EST). Cincinnati is poised for a bit of a letdown here in my opinion after starting AAC play 12-0 and coming into this contest having won 16 straight. Houston is 9-3 in league action and tied with Wichita State for second in the American Athletic Conference. The Bearcats come in off a 76-51 win over SMU on Sunday, while the Cougars enter off three straight wins, most recently smashing Tulane at home 73-42 over the weekend. Note that this is a revenge game for Houston after it fell 80-70 at Cincinnati on January 31st. Cincy averages 76.5 PPG and it concedes 55.9. Kyle Washington had 17 points and 18 boards in his team’s latest win (note that SMU had just six scholarship players and dressed eight and it clearly showed.) The Cougars have won five of their last six, with the only loss in that time coming on the road in Cincinnati. Houston has proven that it can be competitive with the best in the conference, beating Wichita State on January 20th and it’s going to be risking life and limb tonight in trying to score the upset, to avenge the earlier loss and to protect home floor. Keep your eyes on Rob Gray, who leads the team with 17.7 points, 4.3 assists and 1.2 steals per night. In a contest which I envision being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I’m going to grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-14-18 | St. John's -2 v. DePaul | 77-76 | Loss | -110 | 29 h 4 m | Show | |
My 8* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on St. John’s (9:00 EST). The 13-13 St. John’s Red Storm are at DePaul to take on the 10-14 Blue Demons on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. St. John’s comes into this one on top form and “under the radar” in my opinion. The Red Storm had lost 11 games in a row before then posting three straight wins over Duke, Villanova and Marquette. DePaul also comes in off a victory, beating Providence last Saturday to snap a three-game slide. Note that this is a revenge game for St. John’s after it fell 91-74 to the Blue Demons at home on January 6th. Shamorie Ponds has been unstoppable of late (33.5 points average over his last four games) and I think he’ll play a big role tonight as well. Ponds has been getting help though, as Justin Simon has now posted back-to-back double-doubles, averaging 16 points and 10.5 boards per game. DePaul has never swept St. John’s in a single season since coming over to the Big East in 2005 and suffice it to say, I don’t expect that trend to change today either. Marin Maric has been a standout of late for the Blue Demons with an average of 20.5 points and 7.5 boards over his last two games. I think it’s significant to note as well that the Red Storm have performed decently in this spot for bettors of late, going 3-1 ATS in their last four against teams with losing records, while conversely, this is a position in which the Blue Demons have struggled, going a poor 7-8 ATS as the underdog already this season and 0-2 ATS off a SU win against a conference rival. St. John’s is playing arguably the best basketball in the country right now and Ponds seems to be on a mission. The revenge factor is a very real angle that the visitors can use as motivation tonight and in my opinion, it will in fact prove to be the difference. Lay the points with confidence, play on St. John’s. Good luck…Larry |
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02-14-18 | NC State v. Syracuse -4.5 | 74-70 | Loss | -110 | 29 h 58 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Syracuse (9:00 EST). NC State comes in deflated here as it’s now dropped two straight, most recently a 96-89 setback at home to No. 21 UNC on Saturday. Conversely, I expect the home side to continues its recent surge after it won its second straight by taking down the Demon Deacons 78-70 at home over the weekend. If recent history is any precedence, then Syracuse has to be liking its chances tonight as it’s won seven of the last ten in the series, including two straight and the most recent, 100-93 in OT on February 1st, 2017. NC State averages 80.9 PPG and it concedes 74.1. Allerik Freeman leads the nightly charge with 14.1 PPG. In the loss to the Tar Heels, the Wolpack shot a great 54.7 percent from the floor and went seven of 13 from range, but it just wasn’t enough in the end as they’d allow UNC to connect on 56 percent of its shots. Syracuse averages 68.9 PPG and it concedes 63.4. The Orange shot 46 percent from the floor and went six of 12 from range in the victory over Wake Forest. Tyus Battle leads the nightly charge with 20.3 PPG. I’ll point out as well that NC State is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against a team with a winning percentage above .600, while Syracuse is just 4-1 ATS in its last five home games against a team with a losing road record. The Wolfpack are just 2-4 on the road this year, while the Orange are 13-3 at home. NC State’s inconsistencies and poor defense come back to haunt it here. Lay the points, play on Syracuse. Good luck…Larry |
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02-14-18 | Pacers v. Nets +4 | Top | 108-103 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 26 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Brooklyn Nets (7:35 EST). I think the Pacers have a bit of a letdown here in their final game before the break. Indiana has won two straight, most recently a 121-113 victory at home over the Knicks on Sunday. Conversely, it’s going to be “all hands on deck” for the Nets, who enter having lost six straight, most recently a 114-101 setback to the Clippers on Monday. And to say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement I think as the Pacers have taken six straight in the series, including a 123-119 OT victory in the most recent back on December 23rd. Indiana averages 106.8 PPG and it concedes 105.5. Victor Oladipo leads the nightly charge with 24.4 points, 5.4 boards and 2.08 steals per game, while Myles Turner adds 13.6 points and 6.5 boards per night. Brooklyn averages 105.4 PPG and it concedes 109.7. D’Angelo Russell averages 15.6 points and 4.4 assists per night. Russell had 16 points in a losing cause to the Clippers. I’ll point out though that Indiana is just 6-8 ATS this year after scoring 115 points or more in its previous contest, while Brooklyn is 8-5 ATS this season after three or more consecutive SU losses and 21-16 ATS in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent. I look for Indiana to get caught “looking ahead” to its time off after its extended stretch of excellence 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 as I look for the hungry Nets to step up and take advantage of this favorable situation. Good luck…Larry |
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02-14-18 | Wizards v. Knicks +4.5 | 118-113 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 25 m | Show | |
My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on the New York Knicks (7:35 EST). The Wizards snapped a two-game slide with a 101-90 victory over the Bulls on the road on Saturday, while the Knicks come in having lost seven straight, most recently a listless 108-92 setback to Philadelphia on Monday. To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement I think though, as the Wizards have taken seven straight in the series (and 14 of the last 15), including a 121-103 home victory in the first matchup this year back on January 3rd. The Wizards average 107.2 PPG and they concede 105.4. Tomas Satoransky had 25 points and six assists in the victory over Chicago. The Knicks average 103.5 PPG and they concede 105.9. Kristaps Porzingis is out for the year with a torn ACL, meaning that the home side will be relying on committee to get the job done tonight. Note that Enes Kanter chips in 14.2 points and 10.6 boards per night, while Tim Hardaway Jr. adds 16.2 per outing. I’ll point out as well that Washington is just 1-3 ATS already this year after allowing 90 points or less in its previous outing (also 0-1 ATS when playing with three or more days of rest), while New York is 16-11 ATS at home and 25-16 ATS in its last 41 after three or more consecutive losses. I think the Wizards get caught a little flat footed after the extra time off and I believe they’re also going to be caught “looking ahead” to the All Star break and past their lowly opponent tonight. The Knicks though clearly can’t afford the same luxury, as this is a team desperate for something positive to end the first half. While I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points a you can. Play on New York. Good luck…Larry |
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02-14-18 | Oakland -6.5 v. Youngstown State | Top | 73-75 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 60 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Oakland (7:00 EST). The 16-10 Oakland Grizzlies are at Youngstown State to take on the 7-20 Penguins and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Grizzlies are back on track as they’ll be seeking their third straight victory here, most recently an 87-78 home win over Detroit on Friday. The Penguins also enter off a (rare) victory, getting the better of IUPUI 84-80 on the weekend. If recent history is any precedence though, then the Golden Grizzlies have to be liking their chances tonight because when these teams met last month, it was Oakland which posted the convincing 95-83 home victory. Oakland averages 80.4 PPG and it concedes 78.3. The Grizzlies shot 48 percent in the win over Detroit, while holding it to just 43 percent. Kendrick Nunn led the way once again with 28 points and seven boards. Nunn has eclipsed the 30 point plateau nine times this year. Youngstown State averages 75.4 PPG and it concedes 82.9. The Penguins shot 51 percent in their highly satisfying win over the Jaguars, while holding them to just 46 percent. Cameron Morse had 28 points and he’s now posted 54 over his last two games combined. I’ll point out though that Oakland is 17-5 ATS in its last 22 road games following three or more consecutive home contests and 45-21-1 ATS in its last 67 following a straight up victory, while Youngstown State is a poor 4-12 ATS in its last 16 following a straight up win. The Grizzlies are an offensive juggernaut and here they face one of the worst defensive units in the entire nation. The Penguins come out flat in my opinion after their latest victory as all signs do indeed point to a rout from start to finish. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-13-18 | Spurs v. Nuggets UNDER 209 | 109-117 | Loss | -104 | 12 h 8 m | Show | |
My 9* O/U Oddsmakers Error is on the under Spurs/Nuggets (10:35 EST). San Antonio enters off a crushing 101-99 loss in Utah just last night and the team just announced yesterday that big man LaMarcus Aldridge would be out until after the All Star Game to give his injured leg some extra time off. Denver was crushed in Houston, but then bounced back with a 123-113 road victory over the lowly Suns on Saturday in its latest action. San Antonio averages 101.5 PPG and it concedes just 98.1. Pau Gasol remains the top point getter right now with 10.6 points and 8.3 boards per game. Denver averages 107.2 PPG and it concedes 106.5. Nikola Jokic averages 16.6 points, 10.4 boards and 5.6 assists per game. I’ll point out that San Antonio has seen the total go under the number in 17 of 23 this year against poor defensive clubs with allow 106 plus points per contest, while Denver has seen the total go under the number in seven of eight already this season when playing with two days of rest. Injured players and the All Star break on the horizon. The last thing the depleted Spurs can do is turn this one into a “track meet” and expect to hang with the high-flying Nuggets. With the visitors putting a concerted effort into trying to slow this one down whenever possible, all signs do indeed point to the under as the correct call here. Good luck…Larry |
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02-13-18 | Northwestern v. Rutgers +3 | 58-67 | Win | 100 | 27 h 38 m | Show | |
My 8* Situational Stunner is on Rutgers (9:00 EST). We don’t have to question the Scarlet Knights motivation levels tonight as they come in having lost seven straight. Northwestern has been better than its counterpart today, but not by much. Note that this is a “revenge” game as well for Rutgers as the Wildcats have taken five of the last six in the series. Northwestern looks vulnerable here as its been held to 61 points or less in its last four. Last Saturday the Wildcats hit a new low in a 73-57 setback at Maryland, hitting just 33.3 percent from the floor, while also posting 7 assists to 13 turnovers. Scottie Lindsey was a bright spot in the losing cause with 20 points. Rutgers has been held to 55 points or less in six of its last nine, most recently coming up short in a 67-55 setback at Nebraska this past weekend. DeShawn Freeman finished with 12 points and seven boards in the loss. I’ll point out though that Northwestern is just 3-7 ATS on the road this year, while Rutgers is already 8-3 ATS this season in front of the home town crowd. I think the more “desperate” team finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on Rutgers. Good luck…Larry |
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02-13-18 | Virginia v. Miami-FL +5.5 | Top | 59-50 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 33 m | Show |
My 10* ACC GAME OF THE YEAR is on Miami Florida (9:00 EST). While I wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I envision this contest being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last. Virginia has the No. 1 ranking in the country, but it comes in off a gut-wrenching 61-60 home loss to Virginia Tech on Saturday and suffice it to say, I believe this one sets up as a classic letdown spot for the visitors after that emotional setback. The win streak is over and the pressure is off the Cavs now. Devon Hall was a bright spot in the losing cause with 16 points, while Kyle Guy added 13. Virginia has allowed opposing teams to score at a rate of just 82.8 points per 100 possessions this year. The Cavs though are averaging just 59.8 possessions per game and take 21.5 seconds per offensive possession, which so far both rank last in the conference. Miami averages 107.3 points per 100 possessions, while allowing 105.3 points per 100 possessions. The Hurricanes will be especially motivated here to get back into the winners circle after falling at Boston College on the road on Saturday. Dejan Vasilievic had 17 points, while Chris Lykes added 16 in the loss. I’ll point out as well that Virginia is just 4-7 ATS in its last 11 following a loss against a conference rival, while Miami has done well against tough defensive clubs by going 8-4 ATS in its last 12 vs teams which concede 64 points or less per night. Three of the Cavaliers last five games have been decided by four points or less and I’m expecting another all out battle tonight as well. As mentioned off the top, the outright win isn’t out of the question obviously, but let’s grab the points as assurance. Play on Miami Florida. Good luck…Larry |
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02-13-18 | Cavs +2 v. Thunder | Top | 120-112 | Win | 100 | 10 h 44 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (8:05 EST). Cleveland comes in having won three straight, most recently a 121-99 destruction of Boston on the road on Sunday. OKC on the other hand is stumbling towards the half-way mark, coming in having won for just the second time in seven games after smashing the Grizzlies 110-92 on Sunday. Note that this is a “revenge” game for James and company, as OKC has taken two straight in the series, including a 148-124 victory in the first matchup in Cleveland back on January 20th this year. The Cavaliers come into this one averaging 110 PPG and they concede 109.9. LeBron James averages 26.3 points, 8.1 boards and 8.9 assists per game. James’ team looks a lot better after dumping a lot of the older players, as Rodney Hood, George Hill and Jordan Clarkson look poised to help the Cavs make another serious push for a spot in the Finals. OKC averages 106.2 PPG and it concedes 102.7. Russell Westbrook averages 25.5 points, 9.3 boards, 10.3 assists and 1.96 steals per game, while Paul George contributes 22.4 points, 5.4 boards and 2.24 steals per night. Revenge is a powerful motivating factor and I believe James and his “new” team find a way to avenge the earlier and humbling beatdown that they endured at the hands of the Thunder earlier in the season. It’s a perfect storm of situational factors working in favor of the visitors. Play on Cleveland. Good luck…Larry |
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02-13-18 | Blues v. Predators -150 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 26 h 32 m | Show |
My 10* LEGEND is on the Nashville Predators (8:00 EST). Both teams come into this one having split their last four games. St. Louis comes to town off a 4-1 loss to Pittsburgh. Backup goaltender Carter Hutton is expected in net tonight for the visitors. He’s 15-5-1 overall and he’s won five of his last six coming in. It’s true that the Predators had to play to OT in all four of their contests during their recent road swing, but I think they’ll build off their latest 3-2 shootout win over the Habs. Pekka Rinne will get the nod in net for the home side. Rinne had a sizeable win streak snapped in Toronto, before he then got back into the win column in Montreal. I have been a professional handicapper for over 34 years now and I use many different techniques and/or systems when making my selections. Neither team has an advantage from a “scheduling” stand point in my opinion, but there’s no question that this one favors the Preds as far as the “trends” are concerned. As note that St. Louis is 0-7 in its last seven in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation, while Nashville is a near perfect 5-1 (+3.5 units) this year after playing three or more consecutive road games. St. Louis is also 0-6 in its last six trips to Nashville. I give the nod to the Predators in net as well. All of these factors combine to make this a price in which I have no issues at all in laying. Play on Nashville. Good luck…Larry |
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02-12-18 | Suns v. Warriors UNDER 232.5 | Top | 83-129 | Win | 100 | 13 h 38 m | Show |
My 10* TOP TOTAL is the under Suns/Warriors (10:35 EST). The 18-39 Phoenix Suns are in Golden State to take on the 43-13 Warriors on Monday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one will sneak below the posted number once it’s all said and done. Phoenix comes in off a 123-113 home loss to Denver, while Golden State pulled away for a 122-105 home win over the Spurs on Saturday. The Suns are scoring an average of 104.4 PPG and conceding 112.6. Elfrid Peyton played decently for his new team in the most recent setback, finishing with 19 points and nine assists. The Warriors average a league-leading 115.9 PPG and they concede 107.9. Klay Thompson was a standout in his team’s most recent victory with 25 points. Phoenix can’t play defense and Golden State is the highest scoring team in the league. I’ll point out though that the Suns have in fact interestingly seen the total go under the number in 15 of 22 this year against poor defensive teams which allow 106 plus points per contest, while the Warriors have seen the total dip below the posted number in their last four in the same position. Golden State head coach Steve Kerr recently admitted that his team is “limping towards the finish line” as the season nears the half-way point and the All Star Game. Kerr is likely to rest some of his starters tonight. I think the conditions are now finally right for a bit of a lower-scoring defensive battle. Play the under. Good luck…Larry |
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02-12-18 | TCU v. West Virginia -6 | Top | 66-82 | Win | 100 | 30 h 34 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on West Virginia (9:00 EST). The 17-8 TCU Horned Frogs are at No. 19 West Virginia to take on the 17-7 Mountaineers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. TCU just beat WVU 82-73 about three weeks ago, setting this up as an immediate revenge scenario for the home side. The Mountaineers are hungry for a win here as well, sitting behind Texas Tech and Kansas. The Horned Frogs come into this one averaging 85.0 PPG and they concede 76.8. Vladamir Brodziansky led TCU with 25 points in his team’s most recent 87-71 win over Texas. The Mountaineers average 80.9 PPG and they concede 68.1. WVU’s two-game win streak was snapped in an upset 88-85 setback to Oklahoma State in its most recent action. Jevon Carter was a bright spot with 33 points, four rebounds and four assists in the losing cause. I’ll point out though that not only does WVU play with “revenge” tonight, but note that TCU is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following an ATS victory and 0-6 ATS in its last six following a straight-up win, while the Mountaineers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight following an ATS loss. The home team is also 5-1 ATS in the last six in this series and all signs point to these strong trends continuing. Lay the points, play on West Virginia. Good luck…Larry |
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02-12-18 | Lightning v. Maple Leafs UNDER 6 | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 38 m | Show |
My 10* TOTAL OF THE WEEK is the under Lightning/Leafs (7:05 EST). Tampa enters this one off a 4-3 home win over LA, while Toronto comes in off a 6-3 home victory over Ottawa. Two capable goaltenders go head-to-head in this one (Andrei Vasilevskly and Frederik Anderson) and suffice it to say, I believe they’ll be the main story line in tomorrow’s summaries. The Lightning average 3.56 GPG and they concede 2.60. Vasilevskly stopped 44 of 47 shots against the Kings and he is now 33-12 with a 2.29 GAA overall, including 15-8 with a 2.08 GAA on the road. The Leafs average 3.21 GPG and they concede 2.77. Anderson stopped 22 of 25 shots against the Senators to improve to 27-19 with a 2.65 GAA overall, including going 14-9 with a 2.63 GAA at home. Despite being a couple of the highest scoring teams in the league (Tampa is in fact the highest scoring club), I’ll point out that the Lightning have seen the total go under the number in three of their last four against division opponents, while Toronto has seen the total dip below the posted number in five of seven after playing three consecutive home games this season. I’m expecting an all out contested battle from start to finish between these Eastern Conference heavy weights, as everything points to this one sneaking below the number once it’s all said and done. Play the under. Good luck…Larry |
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02-11-18 | Flames v. Islanders +102 | Top | 3-2 | Loss | -100 | 24 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmakers Error is on the New York Islanders (7:05 EST). The 28-19-9 Calgary Flames are in Long Island to take on the 27-23-6 Islanders on Sunday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Calgary comes in off a 4-3 loss to the Rangers, while New York enters off a 7-6 OT win over Detroit on Friday. The Flames have been “road warriors” all season long, but they looked “gassed” in the third period against the Rangers. Entering that frame with a 3-2 lead they’d end up giving up two goals and eventually succumbed 4-3 in the end. Mike Smith is expected between the pipes tonight and he’s 22-16-6 with a 2.54 GAA thus far. Calgary enters averaging 2.8 GPG and conceding 2.8 as well. New York averages 3.4 GPG, while conceding 3.7. Jaroslav Halak is 17-16-4 with a 3.23 GAA thus far. Of note, rookie Mathew Barzal had five assists in the Isles most recent victory. Additionally I’ll point out that the Flames are already a poor 2-4 (-2.4 units) this season after playing three consecutive home games, while the Islanders are 42-35 (+8.6 units) in their last 77 after allowing four goals or more in their previous contest. This is Calgary’s third game in four nights on the road and suffice it to say, I think this absolutely sets up as a letdown spot after its disappointing setback to the Rangers. Conversely, the struggling Isles won’t be taking anything for granted after their recent stretch of shoddy play. That said, they’ll be encouraged after their latest victory. All things considered, I do indeed feel that this is the very definition of “great line value.” Play on the Islanders. Good luck…Larry |
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02-11-18 | Penn State v. Illinois +2.5 | Top | 74-52 | Loss | -105 | 24 h 51 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on Illinois (7:00 EST). I think the more “desperate” team finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Penn State is 7-6 in Ben Ten play, while Illinois is 2-10 in conference action. The Nittany Lions most recently beat Maryland 74-70, led by 25 points from Lamar Stevens. The Fighting Illini though have lost two straight and eight of ten. In the team’s latest loss, Trent Frazier was a bright spot with 32 points, while Leron Black added 13 points and 11 boards. As good as Penn State has looked of late though, I’m going to give some warning about its recent steak, as note that the Nittany Lions are still a poor 3-4 ATS on the road this season and only 2-4 ATS off a win against a conference rival. And while the Fighting Illini have been struggling, I’ll point out that Illinois is still a solid 8-5 ATS against teams with winning records this season and 4-2 ATS in its last six as a home dog in the 3 points range. I believe the stage is set for a classic letdown here from Penn State after its recent run, while it’s going to be “all hands on deck” for the hungry home side. While the outright win obviously isn’t out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Good luck…Larry |
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02-11-18 | Cavs +4.5 v. Celtics | Top | 121-99 | Win | 100 | 21 h 17 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (3:35 EST). Cleveland comes to town off its second straight win, beating Atlanta 123-107 on Friday. Boston enters off a 97-81 loss at home to Indiana in the second game of a back-to-back on Friday. So far these teams have split a pair of meetings this season. The Cavaliers average 109.8 PPG and they concede 110.1. LeBron James averages 26.4 points, 8.1 boards and 8.9 assists per night and he had 22 points, 12 boards and 19 assists in the win over the Hawks. Note that the Cavs were led by Kyle Korver, who exploded for 30 points off the bench against his former team. The Celtics average 102.9 PPG and they concede 98.7. Kyrie Irving leads the way with 24.7 points and five assists per night, while Al Horford adds 13.2 points, 7.8 boards and 5.2 assists per game. I’ll point out as well that the Cavs are 7-3 ATS in their last ten when playing the role of underdog, while Boston is just 1-4 ATS in its last five against good offensive teams which average 106-plus points per contest. Cleveland looked good in its last game and I think its new pieces will be able to work themselves into the mix seamlessly alongside the normal rotation. Boston comes in tired and I think it struggles against this re-focused Cavaliers side. And while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, all signs do indeed point to this one being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last. Grab the points, play on Cleveland. Good luck…Larry |
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02-10-18 | Nuggets v. Suns +7 | Top | 123-113 | Loss | -105 | 28 h 15 m | Show |
This is a 10* Situational Stunner on the Phoenix Suns (9:05 EST). The 29-25 Denver Nuggets are in Phoenix to take on the 19-38 Suns and for a number of different reasons, I think this favors the home side. If recent history is any precedence, then Phoenix has to be liking its chances today, because when these teams met earlier this year, it was the Suns that scored the 108-100 victory. Devin Booker had 30 points, five boards and five assists in that one for Phoenix, while Jamal Murray had 30 points and five boards to lead the Nuggets in the losing cause. Denver looks poised for a letdown here after three straight wins. The Nuggets average 107 PPG and they concede 105.9. Phoenix averages 104.2 PPG and it concedes 112.4. The Suns will be especially motivated here to return to the winners circle after their most recent pathetic effort, falling 129-81 at home to the Spurs. Big man Alex Len had 14 points and five boards. I’ll point out though that Denver has consistently “played down” to the level of its competition, going just 12-15 ATS this year against clubs with losing records. Phoenix though has excelled in this spot for bettors this season, going 8-3 ATS when playing with two days rest, 13-9 ATS after allowing 115 points or more and 8-5 ATS after three or more consecutive SU losses. While I’m stopping short in calling for the outright upset, everything in my opinion definitely points to a much closer than expected battle. Grab as many points as you can, play on the Suns. Good luck…Larry |
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02-10-18 | Avalanche v. Hurricanes -148 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 27 h 11 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Carolina Hurricanes (8:00 EST). The 29-20 Colorado Avalanche are in Carolina to take on the Hurricanes on Saturday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Carolina comes in off a 2-1 OT loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday, while Colorado was smashed 6-1 by St. Louis in its latest action. The Avs average 3.2 GPG and concede 2.9. Goaltender Semyon Varlamov owns a 2.89 GAA, while Jon Bernier owns a 2.69 GAA. Carolina plays with revenge here after falling 5-3 to Colorado earlier in the year. The Avs haven’t been playing very well lately though, dropping five of their last seven, still playing without leading scorer Nathan MacKinnon. Carolina averages 2.6 GPG and it concedes 3.00. Carolina is in action against Vancouver on Friday night, but regardless of the outcome in that one, I think the home side is going to find a way to get the job done against this very inconsistent Avs team. Additionally I’ll point out that Colorado is interestingly just 3-10 in its last 13 road games against a team with a losing home record, while Carolina is 5-0 in its last five against a team with a road winning percentage below .400. Colorado has managed only 2.0 GPG over its last seven games without McKinnon in the line-up, which clearly doesn’t bode well facing this Hurricanes team which going into Friday night has given up just ten goals over its last five games. All things considered, a great price, play on Carolina. Good luck…Larry |
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02-10-18 | UCLA v. Arizona State -3.5 | Top | 79-88 | Win | 100 | 25 h 28 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH is on Arizona State (7:00 EST). UCLA is poised for a letdown here in my opinion after four straight victories, including an 82-74 victory over Arizona in its most recent action. Aaron Holiday had 17 points and eight assists in that one as UCLA would shoot 52 percent from the floor, including 11 of 24 from range: “It’s a huge road win in the country,” UCLA coach Steve Alford said afterwards. “This is a top-20 team, they’ve been top 10, so this is huge for us.” Arizona State comes in off a big 80-78 win over USC in its latest action to improve to 18-6 on the season. Tra Holder led the charge with 22 points, while Shannon Evans added 21. I base my selections on many different things. This is a great situational play in my opinion. UCLA has won four straight, but it’s still just 2-4 SU and 3-3 ATS on the road. Arizona State comes in on top form as well though with two straight victories. Note that it’s 11-2 SU and 7-6 ATS at home this season. The stage is set for a sizeable victory for the opportunistic home side, as all signs point to the Bruins finally coming out flat after their extended stretch of excellence. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-10-18 | Florida State +1 v. Notre Dame | 69-84 | Loss | -105 | 22 h 28 m | Show | |
My 8* Situational Stunner is on Florida State (4:00 EST). FSU won’t be lacking for motivation today as it’s lost two of its last three, most recently a tough 59-55 setback at home to No. 2 Virginia on Wednesday. Notre Dame though looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after it broke a seven-game slide with a 96-85 home win over Boston College on Tuesday. Note that this sets up as a revenge game for the Seminoles as well after the Irish took the last matchup 77-73 in the ACC Tournament semifinals last March. FSU averages 83.5 PPG and it concedes 72.7. FSU had a ten point lead at half over the Cavaliers, but it couldn’t hold it together down the stretch against Virginia’s nation leading defense. MJ Walker led the way with ten points off the bench in the losing cause. Notre Dame averages 76.2 PPG and it concedes 68. Bonzie Colson leads the nightly charge with 21.4 points and 10.4 boards per game. TJ Gibbs was a standout in the victory over the Eagles with 28 points. I’ll point out though that Florida State is 4-1 ATS in its las five following an ATS loss, while Notre Dame is just 1-5 ATS in its last six against a team with a winning straight-up record. The Irish were desperate in their last game and it showed. But they face a tougher opponent this time around and I simply have a hard time seeing Notre Dame matching pace with this highly motivated and high-scoring Seminoles side. All signs point to a rout, play on Florida State. Good luck…Larry |
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02-10-18 | Youngstown State +5 v. IUPU-Indianapolis | 84-80 | Win | 100 | 19 h 29 m | Show | |
My 8* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Youngstown State (1:00 EST). The 6-20 Youngstown State Penguins are at IUPUI to take on the 8-16 Jaguars on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Penguins enter off a 100-75 road loss to UIC. If recent history is any precedence though, then the visitors have to be loving their chances for a bounce back this afternoon because when these teams played last month, it was Youngstown State which posted the solid 85-62 win. The Penguins come in averaging 75 points and conceding 83. Cameron Morse was a bright spot in Youngstown State’s most recent setback with 26 points. The Indiana-Purdue Jaguars enter off a 78-73 win over Cleveland State on Thursday. The Jags shot 59 percent form the floor and got 19 points from TJ Henderson. I’ll caution in reading too much into the performance though, as the Jaguars had dropped five straight previous to the win. So far IUPUI averages 68.3 points, while conceding 73.5. IUPUI is averaging only 67 points over its last six games and it was out rebounded 39-19 in the first meeting between the schools this year. I like the Penguins to have a “repeat performance” on the road against this incredibly inconsistent Jaguars team and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by the outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on Youngstown State. Good luck…Larry |
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02-10-18 | Northwestern v. Maryland -6 | Top | 57-73 | Win | 100 | 19 h 30 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Maryland (12:00 EST). Note that play almost got stamped with a top 10* ranking, but just narrowly missed out. Northwestern enters at 6-6 in Big 10 play after winning its last two, which includes an upset 61-52 victory over then No. 20 Michigan at home. Maryland though will be risking life and limb to get back into the winners circle after dropping four of its last five, including a 74-70 setback at Penn State on Wednesday. The Wildcats average 70.9 PPG and they concede 65.6. Bryant McIntosh tied a season high with 24 points in the win over Michigan on Tuesday. It was a revenge scenario for Northwestern, which fell 58-47 at Michigan a little over a week before its victory. The Terrapins average 75.1 PPG and they concede 67.5. In the loss to the Nittany Lions Maryland would shoot a decent 54.3 percent and got 13 points and nine boards from Bruno Fernando. I simply feel that this sets up as a classic letdown spot for Northwestern after winning four of its last five and off the slight upset over rival Michigan. Conversely, I fully expect Maryland to play with the type of desperation that a team that’s lost seven of its last ten, including four of its last five, should. All signs point to a blowout, lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-10-18 | Marquette +2 v. St. John's | 78-86 | Loss | -110 | 18 h 29 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Marquette (12:00 EST). Marquette improved to a still poor 5-7 in Big East action after upsetting Seton Hall 88-85 on the road on Wednesday and suffice it to say, I think the Golden Eagles carry that momentum over here. Golden Eagles guard Markus Howard had 32 points and seven boards in the win over the Pirates. Marquette out rebounded Seton Hall by ten and held it to just 42.9 percent shooting. The Golden Eagles average 81.9 PPG and they concede 77.8 so far this season. St. John’s though looks poised for a letdown here after back-to-back upset victories, including beating Duke last Saturday and then coming back to beat No. 1 Villanova 81-77 on the road. The Red Storm average 72.9 PPG and they concede 71.3. Shamorie Ponds had 33 points against Duke and then had 26 points and five assists in the victory over Villanova. St. John’s has been playing over its head and simply doesn’t have the offense to match pace with Marquette. I think we’re getting great value on the superior team. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-09-18 | Wolves v. Bulls +6 | Top | 113-114 | Win | 100 | 32 h 5 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmakers Error is on the Chicago Bulls (8:05 EST). The 34-23 Minnesota Timberwolves are in Chicago to take on the 18-35 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Minnesota comes in off an exhausting 140-138 OT loss in Cleveland on Wednesday, while the Bulls have had three nights off after a 104-98 loss to Sacramento. Note that this is a double revenge game for Chicago aver the Wolves took both meetings last year. Minnesota averages 109.5 PPG and it concedes 106.3. Jimmy Butler had 35 points in the loss to Cleveland, while Karl Anthony Towns contributed 30 points and ten boards. Chicago averages 103.5 PPG and it concedes 109.2. Zach LaVine was a bright spot in his team’s latest loss, posting 27 points, while Justin Holiday was also decent with 20 points of his own. I think it’s important to note that Minnesota has struggled in this spot for bettors all year though, going just 13-14 ATS on the road and only 5-6 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite. Chicago has for the most part been a train wreck this season, but it comes in rested and very determined. Also note that it’s a solid 13-10 ATS at home already this year and 7-2 ATS in its last nine when playing with three or more days of rest. With a night off before a home game against bottom feeder Sacramento, it’s not too hard to imagine the visitors in some small way “looking past” their lowly non-conference opponent tonight. Off seven straight losses, clearly the Bulls don’t have the same luxury. While I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, I do definitely believe that the stage is set for a “nail-biter” this evening. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-09-18 | Penguins v. Stars -105 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 29 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Dallas Stars (8:30 EST). The 30-22 Pittsburgh Penguins are in Dallas to take on the 31-19 Stars and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Pittsburgh rallied for a 5-4 win over Vegas on Tuesday, while Dallas comes in off a 4-2 win at Chicago last night. The Penguins enter this one averaging 3.00 GPG and conceding 3.00 GPG as well. Matt Murray owns an 18-12-1 record to go along with a 2.97 GAA. Phil Kessel had a goal and an assist in his teams victory over Vegas. Dallas averages 3.00 GPG and it concedes 2.6. Whoever the Stars decide to go with tonight, I’m giving the home side the big nod in net. Note that Kari Lehtonen owns a 2.22 GAA this year, while Ben Bishop has a 2.44 GAA. Additionally I’ll point out that Pittsburgh is just 7-15 in its last 22 on the road, wile Dallas is 19-8 in its last 27 at home. Dallas is averaging 3.4 GPG over its last ten, which doesn’t bode well for a Pittsburgh team which has allowed 11 goals over its last three. Finally note that the Stars have been particularly sharp on the defensive side of late, allowing only five goals over their last four games. Great price, play on Dallas. Good luck…Larry |
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02-09-18 | Nuggets v. Rockets UNDER 222 | 104-130 | Loss | -100 | 10 h 35 m | Show | |
My 8* O/U Situational Stunner is on the under Nuggets/Rockets (8:05 EST). The 29-25 Denver Nuggets are in Houston to take on the 40-13 Rockets and for a number of different reasons, I think this total will sneak below the posted number once it’s all said and done. Houston has won six in a row and ten of its last 11, most recently getting the better of the Heat on Wednesday. Denver has won three in a row, most recently over OKC, Golden State and Charlotte. The Nuggets are clearly playing their best basketball of the season, but I’m going to caution in reading too much into their performance. All three victories came at home. Denver has been a classic “Jekyll and Hyde” team this year, as it’s dropped six straight on the road dating back to December 27th. Houston has looked fantastic of late too, but after going a perfect 4-0 on its road trip, there’s no doubt that this first game back in front of the home town crowd also sets up as a “letdown” spot. James Harden had 41 points in his teams 109-101 win at Miami on Wednesday. From an overall situational stand point, I think this one sets up more as a defensive affair. But I’ll also point out that Denver has in fact seen the total go under the number in five of eight already this year after playing three consecutive home games and in 16 of 25 in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent, while Houston has seen the total dip below the posted number in six of its last eight against clubs with winning records. For all the reasons listed above, I think this number is a little high. Play the under. Good luck…Larry |
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02-09-18 | Minnesota +6 v. Indiana | Top | 56-80 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 32 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Minnesota (7:30 EST). To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement, as Indiana has taken four of the last five between the schools. We don’t have to question the Golden Gophers motivation levels today as they come in having dropped six straight. Minnesota though has been extremely competitive of late and I think that momentum gets carried over here. Note that it forced OT at Michigan, only to lose by three points. It also fell 91-85 at home to Nebraska recently. In their latest setback the Gophers shot a decent 49.3 percent from the floor and went a sharp 10 of 19 from range. Nate Mason was a standout with 34 points, including hitting seven 3-pointers. The Hoosiers broke a four-game slide with a 65-43 win over Rutgers last time out. The Scarlet Knights shot a pathetic 24.1 percent from the floor. Juwan Morgan led Indiana with 24 points and eight boards in the victory. Minnesota won’t be rolling over here as it desperately tries to score the upset after its recent string of “near misses.” Indiana has been better at home than on the road, but with another “cream puff” in Illinois coming to town next, there’s no question that the Hoosiers have hit a favorable (vanilla) part of their schedule. I think the “hungrier” team takes this one right 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 Minnesota. Good luck…Larry |
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02-08-18 | USC +2.5 v. Arizona State | 78-80 | Win | 100 | 29 h 21 m | Show | |
My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on USC (11:00 EST). Arizona State started the year 12-0, but it’s since alternated wins and losses over its last ten in conference action. USC will look to take advantage of this inconsistency and to get back into the winners circle after its 82-79 setback to ULCA, snapping a season-long six-game winning streak. Elijah Stewart had 21 points in the losing cause. The Trojans average 111.8 points per 100 possessions during conference play, which ranks third in the Pac 12. USC has been pretty good on the defensive side of the ball as well, holding opponents to 100.2 points per 100 possessions, which ranks it second in conference. USC is on the bubble right now for the tournament, so does not have the luxury to take the foot of the gas. Arizona State comes in off an 88-78 win over Washington State, led by 23 points from Shannon Evans, along with another 20 from Tra Holder. ASU averages 107.5 points per 100 possessions (ranked fifth), however I’ll point out that it’s also just 1-6-2 ATS in its last nine against teams with a winning straight up record. USC is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 on the road 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 as I look for this one to be decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last. Good luck…Larry |
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02-08-18 | Mavs v. Warriors OVER 219 | Top | 103-121 | Win | 100 | 12 h 2 m | Show |
My 10* WESTERN-CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE MONTH is the over Mavs/Warriors (10:35 EST). The 17-37 Dallas Mavericks are in Golden State to take on the 41-13 Warriors on Thursday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has “shootout” written all over it. Golden State will be particularly motivated here (regardless of who is actually on the court once tip off occurs) as it comes in having lost two straight and three of its last four. Most recently the defending champs fell to Denver and OKC. The Mavs can empathize, as they’re just 1-6 in their last seven following a setback against the Clippers on Monday. Dallas had its chances against the Clippers, but it was outscored 13-0 down the stretch in the eventual 104-101 setback. Veteran Dirk Nowitzki was a bright spot with 12 points in 25 minutes. Kevin Durant is expected in the lineup for the Warriors tonight and he’s been consistent of late, averaging 32.3 points on 68.1 percent shooting over his last three games. These teams come into this one struggling, but I’ll point out that Dallas has seen the total go over the number in 10 of 17 already this year in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while Golden State has seen the total eclipse the posted number in eight of 12 this season off an upset loss as a favorite. I believe the stage is set for a faster paced affair. Play the over. Good luck…Larry |
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02-08-18 | Washington +6.5 v. Oregon | 40-65 | Loss | -115 | 29 h 36 m | Show | |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Washington (10:00 EST). Washington comes in at 17-6 overall and 7-3 in league play. Oregon has tumbled a bit of late with a 15-8 overall record, including going just 5-5 in conference action. Most recently the Ducks were smashed 96-61 at the hands of the Cardinal. The Huskies come in on top form, most recently getting the better of No. 9 Arizona 78-76 to stretch their current streak to four in a row. Dominic Green led the way with 14 points off the bench for Washington. The Ducks have been all over the map as far as their game-to-game consistency is concerned and the 35 point loss to Stanford is a major red flag warning in my opinion. Oregon looked particularly poor on the defensive side, allowing the Cardinal to shoot 62.5 percent from the floor, including going 12 of 20 from range. I’ll point out as well that Oregon has struggled mightily in this spot all year for bettors, going just 7-11 ATS as a favorite and only 5-9 ATS against teams with winning records, while Washington has done extremely well in this position by going 7-3 ATS as an underdog and 3-1 ATS in lined road games. These teams are moving in opposite directions and everything points to those trends continuing. Grab the points, play on Washington. Good luck…Larry |
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02-08-18 | Stanford v. Utah -4.5 | Top | 60-75 | Win | 100 | 26 h 12 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Utah (8:00 EST). Stanford comes in having won two straight, however a NCAA tournament bid is almost assuredly out of the question unless the Cardinal can take the conference tournament. Stanford is poised for a letdown here in my estimation though after smashing Oregon 96-61 in its most recent action, led by 25 points from Dorian Pickens. Utah comes in hungry here as it’s lost two straight to drop back to under .500 at 5-6 in conference play, most recently a 67-55 setback to Colorado. The Utes couldn’t get anything going against the Buffaloes on Friday, shooting 41 percent. Utah though is 4-1 ATS in its last five after scoring 55 points or less. Stanford has looked better of late, but it’s hard not to imagine the Cardinal coming in a tiny bit complacent here. Also note that Stanford is just 2-3 on the road. Utah is 9-2 at home and is the much “hungrier” team. I think the Utes risk life and limb to get back into the winners circle after their recent stretch of shoddy play. This line could easily be higher. Play on Utah. Good luck…Larry |
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02-08-18 | Canadiens v. Flyers -140 | Top | 3-5 | Win | 100 | 29 h 28 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on the Philadelphia Flyers (7:00 EST). The Habs come into this one off a 4-1 home win over Ottawa, while the Flyers enter off a 2-1 road victory in Carolina. Montreal comes into this one averaging 2.58 GPG, while conceding 3.06. Goaltender Carey Price stopped 25 of 26 shots in the victory over the Senators. Price is 15-23 with a 2.92 GAA this season, including just 4-12 with a 3.23 GAA on the road. Philadelphia averages 2.87 GPG and it concedes 2.85. Netminder Brian Elliot stopped 27 of 28 shots in the win over Carolina to move to 20-18 with a 2.71 GAA this year. Note that Elliot is 6-4 with a 2.89 GAA lifetime against the Canadiens as well. Montreal has struggled in many facets of the game this year, but note that it’s had a hell of a time whenever it’s played in Philadelphia the last few seasons, going just 5-16 in its last 21 trips there. The Flyers look to take advantage of that lop-sided trend and to also improve upon their 10-4 record over their last 14 games when playing on just one days rest. Philadelphia remains in a dog-fight for the seventh seed in the East and it absolutely won’t be taking anything for granted here. I’m banking on Elliot outplaying Price as well and all things considered, I do indeed feel this is a very fair price. Play on the Flyers. Good luck…Larry |
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02-07-18 | Oilers v. Kings -123 | Top | 2-5 | Win | 100 | 30 h 33 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the LA Kings (10:30 EST). Edmonton looks poised for a letdown here in my opinion after its 6-2 home win over Tampa Bay. LA will look to take advantage and to build off its 6-0 home victory over the lowly Coyotes. Edmonton averages 2.78 GPG and it concedes 3.18. Cam Talbot is 19-19 with a 3.18 GAA, including 7-9 with a 3.06 GAA on the road. Note that he’s just 4-7 with a 3.00 GAA lifetime against the Kings as well. LA averages 2.81 GPG and it concedes 2.42. Goaltender Jon Quick is 20-20 with a 2.51 GAA, including 9-10 with a 2.36 GAA at home. Note that Quick is 21-8 with a 1.77 GAA lifetime against the Oilers. Additionally I’ll point out that the Oilers are just 7-17 in their last 24 following a victory, while LA is 7-3 in its last ten home against against a team with a losing road record. The Kings are the No. 2 defensive team in the league and they’ve been particularly tough at home. Edmonton is playing better, but its Achilles Heel all year has been its play on the road. All things considered, I believe this line could in fact be a lot larger. Great value, play on LA. Good luck…Larry |
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02-07-18 | Rockets v. Heat +4.5 | Top | 109-101 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 49 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH is on the Miami Heat (7:35 EST). The Rockets come in off a very satisfying 123-113 win at Brooklyn just last night and I think they’ll be “gassed” here. Conversely, it’s going to be all hands on deck for Miami as it comes into this one having lost four straight, most recently a 111-109 home loss to Orlando on Monday. Note that this is a revenge game for the Heat as well after they fell 99-90 in Houston back on January 22nd. This the final game of a four-game trip for the Rockets, who come in averaging 114 PPG and conceding 105.7. James Harden leads the nightly charge with 31.2 points, five boards and 9.1 assists per night. Miami comes in averaging 100.4 PPG and conceding 101.3. Hassan Whiteside averages 14.2 points and 11.8 boards per game, while Goran Dragic contributes 17.1 points, 4.1 boards and 4.6 assists per night. I’ll point out though that Houston is just 11-14 ATS this year against teams with winning records, while Miami is 6-1 ATS this season off an upset loss as a favorite (also 12-10 ATS in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent.) I think the “hungrier” team finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night and while I clearly wouldn’t be shocked by the straight up outright upset, I’m going to recommend grabbing as many points as you can, as I believe this one will be decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last. Play on the Heat. Good luck…Larry |
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02-07-18 | Virginia v. Florida State +3.5 | Top | 59-55 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 32 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Florida State (7:00 EST). The 22-1 Virginia Cavaliers are in Florida State to take on the 17-6 Seminoles and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Cavs enter off a 59-44 win at Syracuse on Saturday, while the ‘Noles posted an 80-76 victory over Louisville in their latest action. If recent history is any precedence, then FSU has to be liking its chances tonight, because when these teams met last year, it was the Seminoles that escaped with the 60-58 victory. Virginia averages only 68.7 PPG, but it concedes just 52.3. The Cavs come in riding a 14 game winning streak and they’re led by Kyle Guy, who averages 15.5 PPG. FSU averages 84.7 PPG and it concedes 73.3. Phil Coger had 16 points in his team’s latest victory. Clearly Virginia has been on a roll and it is arguably the hottest team in the nation. However, I simply feel that this sets up finally as a bit of a letdown spot. FSU won’t be rolling over here and it has the offense to take the Cavs out of their comfort zone. Last year these teams engaged in a highly competitive battle and all signs once again point to a spirited affair this evening. Grab as many points as you can, play on Florida State. Good luck…Larry |
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02-07-18 | La Salle v. George Washington +2 | 69-80 | Win | 100 | 26 h 31 m | Show | |
My 8* Oddsmakers Error is on George Washington (7:00 EST). The 10-13 La Salle Explorers are at George Washington to take on the 9-14 Colonials on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Explorers come in off an 81-78 home win over St. Joseph’s on Saturday and suffice it to say, I believe they’re poised for a predictable letdown here. The Colonials will be focused though after their humbling 87-58 loss to Davidson in their latest action. La Salle comes into this one averaging 73.5 PPG and conceding 74.5. BJ Johnson had 25 points in his team’s latest upset win over the Hawks. George Washington enters averaging 63.9 PPG and conceding 70.7. Yuta Watanabe had 20 points in a losing cause to the Wildcats. I’ll point out though that from a trend based stand point, there’s no question that this one favors the Colonials, as note that the Explorers are just 1-4 ATS in their last five games against a team with a wining percentage below .400, while George Washington is still 6-0 ATS in its last six at home in this series. If ever the Colonials were going to get back on track, here’s the perfect opponent to do it against. La Salle has dropped all five of its conference road games, allowing an average of 85 points in those setbacks. Grab the points, play on George Washington. Good luck…Larry |
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02-06-18 | Thunder v. Warriors OVER 230 | 125-105 | Push | 0 | 30 h 35 m | Show | |
My 9* O/U Oddsmakers Error is the over Thunder/Warriors (10:35 EST). The 30-24 Oklahoma City Thunder are in Golden State to take on the 41-12 Warriors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has “shootout” written all over it. The Thunder need to muster up some energy tonight as they get ready to play their seventh game in 11 days. OKC won’t be lacking for motivation though obviously in facing the defending champs, but also because it comes in having lost four straight, most recently a listless 108-104 setback to the Lakers. Russell Westbrook had 36 points and nine assists, while Paul George added 26. OKC has for the most part this season been one of the best defensive clubs in the league, but the Thunder come in allowing a whopping 112.8 points during their losing skid. Oklahoma City comes in off a 115-108 loss at Denver on Saturday. Kevin Durant had 31 points and Stephen Curry added 24. GS was outscored 38-25 in the fourth quarter as it ran out of gas down the stretch after playing the second game of a back-to-back. Note that OKC has seen the total go over the number in ten of its last 16 after playing to three or more consecutive SU losses, while GS has seen the total eclipse the posted number in eight of 11 already this season off an upset loss as a favorite. The Warriors play with revenge here after falling 118-101 to the Thunder back in mid November. Oklahoma City won’t be rolling over tonight though, as it desperately tries to break its string of shoddy play. When you add it all up, I do indeed feel that this number is a little low. Play the over. Good luck…Larry |
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02-06-18 | Michigan State -10.5 v. Iowa | Top | 96-93 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 54 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Michigan State (9:00 EST). MSU comes in having won six straight, but it won’t be taking anything for granted here as Iowa has beaten the Spartans in two of the last three meetings. Michigan State has held its opposition to 68 points or less in four straight games, most recently it enters off a 63-60 win at Indiana. The Spartans shot 48.9 percent from the floor and went .500 from range. Four players went on to score nine points or more, led by Matt McQuad off the bench with 12. Iowa comes in with zero momentum after getting smashed 82-58 at Penn State in its most recent action. The Hawkeyes shot only 38.1 percent from the floor, including going just 1 of 10 from 3-point land. Tyler Cook was a bright spot with 19 points and six boards. I’ll point out though that MSU is a sharp 34-16-1 ATS in its last 51 against teams with a losing SU record, while Iowa is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven against teams with a winning percentage above 60 percent. While the Spartans have been winning of late, none of those victories have been of the “blowout” variety. However, the conditions and the numbers both now finally point to a big time rout for MSU here in my opinion. Lay the points, play on Michigan State. Good luck…Larry |
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02-06-18 | Wild v. Blues -143 | Top | 6-2 | Loss | -143 | 27 h 59 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the St. Louis Blues (8:00 EST). The 28-19-5 Minnesota Wild are in St. Louis to take on the 32-19-3 Blues and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Minnesota enters off a 6-1 loss to Dallas on Saturday, while St. Louis comes in off a 1-0 victory over Buffalo in its most recent action. So far these teams have split a pair of games this year, with the Wild winning the most recent, 2-1 in OT. The Wild average 2.9 GPG and they concede 2.9 as well. Goaltender Devan Dubnyk is 20-10-3 with a 2.66 GAA. Despite the blowout loss in its last outing, Minnesota has been playing better of late by going 6-2-2 in its last ten. But I still don’t think it’ll be enough here against the Blues at home. St. Louis averages 2.8 GPG and it concedes 2.5. Carter Allen has been fantastic in net, going 14-4-1 with a 1.61 GAA this season, while Jake Allen is 18-15-2 with a 2.72 GAA. I’ll point out as well that Minnesota is just 33-71 in its last 104 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while the Blues are 5-1 in their last six after scoring two or fewer goals in their previous outing. St. Louis has been particularly tough on the defensive end of the ice of late, allowing just 12 goals over its last eight games. And that doesn’t bode well for Minnesota, which has conceded 16 goals over its last four. Finally note that the Wild are just 10-15 on the road this year, while the Blues have won five of the last six in this series in front of the home town crowd. This line could easily be a lot larger in my professional opinion. Great value, play on St. Louis. Good luck…Larry |
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02-06-18 | Boston College +7 v. Notre Dame | 85-96 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 55 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Boston College (8:00 EST). While I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I’m going to recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I think this one will come down to the wire. The Boston College Eagles are 4-6 in ACC play, while the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 3-7 in conference action. BC comes in with momentum after downing Georgia Tech 80-72 at home on Sunday. Notre Dame though comes in discombobulated after seven straight losses. Note as well that this is a “double revenge” game for BC after ND took both games last year. So far the Eagles average 75.7 PPG and concede 71.9. Ky Bowman had 17 points, eight boards, four assists and two steals in the victory over the Yellow Jackets last weekend. The Fighting Irish average 75.7 PPG and concede 71.9. Notre Dame comes in off a poor 76-58 loss to NC State. Matt Farrell returned from injury to score 16 points, but the Irish were unable to overcome another poor shooting night, connecting on just 38.9 percent of their shots, while also turning the ball over 15 times. I’ll point out as well that Boston College has been excelling in this spot for bettors for a while now, going 11-5 ATS in its last 16 following an ATS victory, while Notre Dame has struggled by going just 2-6 ATS in its last eight at home and 0-4 ATS in its last four following an ATS setback. The Irish have won nine straight in this series, but that streak is clearly in jeopardy tonight. BC will look to take advantage of a less than 100% Farrell and try to score the outright upset. However as mentioned off the top, I will in the end be grabbing the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-06-18 | Celtics v. Raptors -5 | Top | 91-111 | Win | 100 | 10 h 54 m | Show |
My 10* REVENGE GAME OF THE MONTH is on the Toronto Raptors (7:35 EST). Boston comes in a tiny bit complacent here in my opinion after winning four in a row, most recently a narrow 97-96 win at home over Portland on Sunday. Toronto comes in having won two straight and four of its last five after smashing Memphis 101-86 on Sunday. Note that this is indeed a “revenge” game for the Raptors after they fell 95-94 in the first meeting in Boston back on November 12th. Boston comes in averaging 103.2 PPG and it concedes 98.4. The Celtics needed to overcome a 16 point halftime deficit to beat the Blazers, led by Al Horford with 22 points, ten boards and five assists. Toronto averages 111.4 PPG and it concedes 103.8. DeMar DeRozan leads the nightly charge with 24.4 points and 5.1 assists per game. The Raptors held the Grizzlies to just 35.8 percent shooting and forced 19 turnovers in their latest victory. Deion Wright led the way off the bench with 15 points (six players scored in double figures for TO in that one.) I’ll point out that this is one area in which the Celtics have consistently struggled in for bettors for quite some time though, going just 9-15 ATS in their last 24 after playing three consecutive home games (including only 3-4 ATS this season), while Toronto has excelled in this spot by going 28-13 ATS in its last 41 against the division. Boston is dealing with some injury issues, which is the main reason why there was a delay in the sports books posting this line. Regardless though, I think there are enough situational factors working in favor of Toronto tonight to pull the trigger on the home side. In my opinion, everything points to a lop-sided blowout. Play on the Raptors. Good luck…Larry |
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02-06-18 | Michigan -1 v. Northwestern | 52-61 | Loss | -115 | 26 h 55 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Michigan (7:00 EST). The 19-6 Michigan Wolverines are at Northwestern to take on the 14-10 Wildcats on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Michigan comes in off a 76-73 OT win over Minnesota on Saturday, while Northwestern enters off a 60-52 win over Wisconsin in its latest action. The Wolverines are now 8-4 in league play. Michigan averages 74.5 PPG and it concedes just 63.5. Charles Matthews had 13 points and 11 boards in the victory over the Gophers. The Wildcats average 71.3 PPG and they concede 66.1. Derek Pardon had 17 points in the victory over the Badgers last weekend. I’ll point out though that Michigan has done extremely well in this spot of late for bettors, going 5-1 ATS in its last six on the road and 5-1 ATS following an ATS loss, while Northwestern has done very poorly by going just 1-5 ATS in its last six following a straight up victory and only 1-4 ATS in its last five following an ATS win. The Wolverines held the Wildcats to 38.3 percent shooting in their 58-47 win at home earlier in the year and they continue to dominate lower-scoring teams with their aggressive defensive play. Everything points to a “repeat performance” here. Play on Michigan. Good luck…Larry |
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02-05-18 | Lightning -135 v. Oilers | Top | 2-6 | Loss | -135 | 29 h 59 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Tampa Bay Lightning (9:00 EST). Tampa comes in off a 4-2 road win over Vancouver and it’ll look to close out its eight-game road trip with one last victory. Edmonton comes into this one off a 4-3 home loss to Colorado in OT and I think it’ll struggle against this determined Lighting team. The Lightning have won five of their last six and are now 19-11 on the road. Tampa averages 3.56 GPG and it concedes 2.54. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskly is 15-7 with a 1.96 GAA on the road. Edmonton averages 2.72 GPG and it concedes 3.20. Cam Talbot is 18-19 with a 3.14 GAA on the year, including only 11-10 with a 3.19 GAA at home. So far the Oilers are just 11-15 in Edmonton, averaging 2.65 goals and allowing 3.54 in those contests. Additionally I’ll point out that Tampa is 23-7 in its last 30 when playing on one days rest, while the Oilers are just 20-45 in their last 65 when playing on three or more days rest. For all the reasons listed above, play on Tampa Bay. Good luck…Larry |
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02-05-18 | Wizards v. Pacers -2 | Top | 111-102 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 1 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Indiana Pacers (7:05 EST). I think the Wizards four-game win streak comes to an end here against this determined home side. Indiana is going to be the “hungrier” team in my opinion, sitting just one game behind Washington for fifth place in the Eastern Conference. The Wizards average 107.4 PPG and they concede 105.5. Thomas Satoransky had 19 points and six assists in his teams 115-98 win over the Magic on Saturday. Washington is finding ways to win without star guard John Wall in the line-up, but I have a hard time seeing the team continuing to carry that momentum. Indiana comes in off a 100-92 win over the 76ers on Saturday, as Victor Oladipo poured in 19 points. The Pacers looked particularly sharp on the defensive end of the floor, holding Philadelphia to just 37.9 percent shooting. I’ll point out as well that Washington has done poorly in this spot of late for bettors, going just 5-11 ATS in its last 16 following a straight-up victory, while Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last five against good offensive teams which average 106 plus points per night. After their extended stretch of excellent play, all signs do indeed finally point to the Wizards having a letdown here. This is the first time these teams have played this season, but last year Washington took two of three. It’s payback time. Play on the Pacers. Good luck…Larry |
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02-05-18 | Indiana v. Rutgers | Top | 65-43 | Loss | -115 | 27 h 45 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on Rutgers (7:00 EST). The 12-12 Indiana Hoosiers are visiting the Louis Brown Athletic Center to take on the 12-13 Scarlet Knights on Monday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Both teams had big expectations coming into the season and neither has lived up. Indiana has lost four in a row. So far the Hoosiers average 71.6 PPG and concede 71.1. Juwan Morgan was a bright spot in the Hoosiers tough 63-60 loss to Michigan State with 23 points, while Freddie McSwain added eight points and grabbed 16 boards. Rutgers averages 66.8 PPG and it concedes just 63.8. Corey Sanders had 31 points, seven boards and three assists in the Knights 78-76 setback to Purdue in their most recent action. From a trend based stand point though, there’s no question that this one favors Rutgers, as note that Indiana is just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 on the road against an opponent with a winning home record, while the Scarlet Knights are 6-1 ATS in their last seven at home against an opponent with a losing road record. Indiana has played better at home than on the road this year. Rutgers is the “hungrier” team, which will look to defeat the Hoosiers for the first time. Play on the Scarlet Knights. Good luck…Larry |
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02-04-18 | Eagles v. Patriots UNDER 48 | Top | 41-33 | Loss | -102 | 323 h 7 m | Show |
My 10* TOTAL OF THE MONTH is the under Eagles/Patriots (6:30 EST). The 15-3 Philadelphia Eagles get ready to battle the 15-3 New England Patriots in the Super Bowl and in my opinion, all signs point to a defensive battle. Philadelphia comes in off a 38-7 thrashing of the Vikings, while New England got the better of Jacksonville 24-20 on Championship Sunday. As good as the Eagles looked offensively last weekend, it was their defense which once again carried the load. So far Philadelphia has given up a total of two passing TD’s and zero rushing TD’s over its two playoff games. The Eagles’ aggressive unit would force Vikes’ QB Case Keenum to throw 20 incompletions. In fact, Philadelphia has allowed just 156 total rushing yards over its last two games. As good as Eagles’ backup QB Nick Foles looked last weekend, clearly the Super Bowl is an entirely different “animal.” Regression seems imminent in my opinion, no repeat performance on Super Sunday for Foles. New England can put points on the board, especially in the playoffs. Note that QB Tom Brady has a 5/0 TD/INT over his two playoff games thus far. But the Pats also looked fantastic defensively last weekend, giving up just six points to the Jags in the second half. I expect that momentum to get carried over. New England would also go on to post three sacks, while holding RB Leonard Fournette to an average of just 3.2 YPC. I think the extra time off between games has a detrimental effect on these offenses and I expect these “under the radar” defensive units to step up and become the main story line in tomorrow’s summaries. This number is just a little high, play the under. Good luck…Larry |
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02-04-18 | Eagles v. Patriots -4 | 41-33 | Loss | -107 | 145 h 50 m | Show | |
My 8* Super Bowl Las Vegas Insider is on the NE Patriots at 6:30 ET. Nearly two decades of NFL dominance will be on display when the Patriots play in their 8th Super Bowl this coming Sunday. And when the confetti falls sometime around 10 p.m. Eastern time at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Roger Goodell will once again trudge to the makeshift platform on the 50 yard line and hand another trophy to Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. An entire generation of football fans has known the NFL only when it has been dominated by the New England Patriots. Many will groan as the Patriots march to their 6th championship, wondering how a dynasty is possible in a league where salaries are capped and the draft rewards the worst teams. The Eagles are a nice team. They seemingly have the Giants-like type of defense that twice defeated Brady – an attacking four-man front matched with solid corners. They have a feel-good story of backup QB Nick Foles coming off the best game of his life in the NFC Championship Game and Foles will be going against a Pats defense that gives up a lot of yards. They also have an effective running game that includes LeGarrette Blount, who will never have to pay for another drink in Philly if he can defeat NE one year after helping the Pats win the Super Bowl. But while the pieces are there for Philadelphia, it won’t be enough. Just like it wasn’t enough in 2005, when the Eagles came up just short against the Pats in the 39th Super Bowl. New England has too much experience, too much preparation and too much focus. How’s this for a stat? Next Sunday will be the Patriots’ 8th Super Bowl of the decade and they have not scored a single point in the first quarter of any of them? Does it matter in the slightest if the Patriots fall behind next Sunday? Ask the Falcons if you don’t know the answer. Barring a disabling injury to the oldest player on the field tomorrow, the Patriots will win this one – and cover the 5-point spread while doing it. They have the best coach and the best quarterback and in a game where the talent gap is often measured in millimeters, most of the time that’s enough. Quite simply, the Patriots know how to win these games and unlike the Eagles they will be prepared for every possible situation. And while they would never admit it even under torture, they probably already know what they’re going to say when Goodell once again forces a smile and hands them the Lombardi Trophy. Play on New England. Good luck…Larry |
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02-04-18 | Grizzlies v. Raptors UNDER 207.5 | Top | 86-101 | Win | 100 | 24 h 47 m | Show |
My 10* SUPER TOTAL is on the under Grizzlies/Raptors (12:05 EST). The Grizzlies come to town hungry after losing their second straight, most recently a 104-102 setback at Detroit on Thursday. Toronto enters off a blowout win over the Blazers, 130-105 on Friday. Memphis comes in averaging only 99.8 PPG, while conceding 102.5. Big man Marc Gasol leads the nightly charge with 18 points, 8.6 boards and 3.9 assists per game, while Tyreke Evans contributes a team high 19.5 points, five boards and five assists per game (note though that Evans is out for this one.) Toronto averages 111.6 PPG and it concedes 104.2 DeMar DeRozan leads the nightly charge with 24.6 points and 5.2 assists per game, while Kyle Lowry adds 16.6 points, 5.9 boards and 6.6 assists per game. Memphis has lost four of its last five and it clearly doesn’t have the luxury to “look past” the Raptors today. Toronto though could easily be caught looking ahead to its game at home against the East leading Celtics on Tuesday. I believe the situation points to a lower-scoring defensive battle between these non-conference opponents. Play the under. Good luck…Larry |
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02-04-18 | IUPU-Indianapolis v. Oakland -14.5 | Top | 74-82 | Loss | -110 | 19 h 23 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Oakland (12:00 EST). The IUPUI Jaguars enter the final game of a five game road trip, losing the first four by an average of 12.3 points, most recently falling 74-60 to Detroit. Jaylen Minnett was a bright spot off the bench with 12 points. IUPUI averages 94 points per 100 possessions, which ranks tenth in the Horizon League. Oakland averages 108.6 points per 100 possessions, which ranks second in the conference. The Golden Grizzlies will be eager to return to form after a lacklustre 79-73 loss at home to Illinois Chicago. Kendrick Nunn had an off night, finishing with 20 points. I’ll point out though that the Jags are just 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven on the road against a team with a winning home record. Also note that the home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven in this series. IUPUI is tired and that was completely evident in its last game. Nunn is coming off his worst start of the year, so he’ll be “chomping at the bit” to atone. Everything points to a big time home side blowout, so lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-03-18 | Blackhawks v. Flames -121 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 30 h 25 m | Show |
My 10* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the Calgary Flames (10:00 EST). The 24-20 Chicago Blackhawks are in Calgary to take on the 25-18 Flames and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. It’s all hands on deck for the Flames tonight as they look to break a six-game slide. Calgary has taken points in four of those contests, but it comes in hungry after back-to-back regulation setbacks, most recently to Tampa Bay. The Hawks earned points in three straight contests before falling to the Canucks in their most recent action. The Hawks have looked a bit better of late, but Calgary is clearly the “hungrier” team. Calgary has had leads in each of its last six games (0-4-2), but the bounces simply haven’t gone its way: “We’re going through a tough patch right now; there’s no doubt about it,” forward Matt Stajan assessed yesterday. “Adversity has hit. We have to stick together in these walls and get through this.” The Hawks lost 4-3 in OT to Calgary already this year, but note that Chicago is a poor 8-15 (-8.6 units) this season in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent, while Calgary is already 8-4 (+3.7 units) this year following a loss by two goals or more. Home ice advantage can’t be overlooked as a very real factor working in favor of the Flames today either. Great value on the desperate home side, play on Calgary. Good luck…Larry |
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02-03-18 | Jazz v. Spurs -6 | Top | 120-111 | Loss | -110 | 29 h 26 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the San Antonio Spurs (9:00 EST). I don’t think there’s any need to overanalyze this one. Utah comes in off a very satisfying 129-97 win at Phoenix just last night and suffice it to say, I think the visitors come in “gassed” here. Conversely, it’s going to be all hands on deck for the Spurs as they come in off a 102-91 loss at home to the Rockets. Also note that this is a “double revenge” scenario for San Antonio, as Utah has taken the last two in the series, including the first meeting this year 100-89 back on December 21st in front of the home town crowd. Utah averages 102 PPG and it concedes 102.1. Ricky Rubio averages 11.4 points, five assists and 1.57 steals per game, while Rodney Hood adds 16.7 points. San Antonio averages 100.7 PPG and it concedes 97.6. LaMarcus Aldridge averages 22.3 points and 8.5 boards per game, while Pau Gasol contributes 10.8 points and 8.3 boards per night. I think it’s worth noting though that the Jazz are still only 11-15 ATS on the road this season, while San Antonio is 17-9 ATS at home. The Spurs are also 7-3 ATS this year following a loss by ten points or more. Utah is playing the second game of a back to back and like the Spurs, it is also dealing with injuries. In my opinion, this number could easily be a lot larger. Lay the points, play on San Antonio. Good luck…Larry |
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02-03-18 | Oregon State -4 v. California | Top | 70-74 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 5 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Oregon State (8:00 EST). The 11-9 Oregon State Beavers are in California to take on the 7-15 Golden Bears on Saturday and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Cal has lost nine straight and I believe the Bears stumble here as well. The Beavers won’t be taking anything for granted, as they come in having lost two straight and four of their last five. Most recently Oregon State fell 66-57 to Oregon, shooting just 43 percent from the floor, including only 17 percent from range. Stephen Thompson Jr. was a bright spot in the setback with 16 points, Tres Tinkle added 11 points, six boards and five assists, while Ethan Thompson added 13 points. The Beavers looked decent defensively though, holding the Ducks to 44 percent shooting. Cal comes in off a 77-59 setback to USC, shooting 38 percent from the floor, including just 23 percent from range. Marcus Lee led the way in the losing cause with 23 points and 12 boards, while Justice Sueing added 14 points, five boards and three steals. I’ll point out that from a trend based stand point, this one definitely sets up nicely for the visitors, as note that Oregon State is 5-2 ATS in its last seven following a straight-up loss, while Cal is just 1-5 ATS in its last six following an ATS setback. These are two struggling teams, but the Beavers have been competitive against stiff competition and I believe their depth and superior defensive play will prove to be too much for the Bears to overcome. Lay the points, play on Oregon State. Good luck…Larry |
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02-03-18 | Michigan State v. Indiana +9 | 63-60 | Win | 100 | 25 h 55 m | Show | |
My 9* SUPER SHOCKER is on Indiana (8:15 EST). The 21-3 Michigan State Spartans are in Indiana to take on the 12-11 Hoosiers on Saturday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Spartans are ranked No. 5 and come in content after winning five straight, most recently coming back from a 12 point deficit to beat Penn State 76-68 on Wednesday. Indiana will be eager to score the upset here after its latest 71-56 setback at No. 17 Ohio State on Tuesday. Note that this is a revenge game for the Hoosiers, who fell 85-57 on the road at MSU on January 19th. The Spartans average 84 PPG and they concede 64.3. In the win over the Nittany Lions, Miles Bridges poured in 23 points and grabbed nine boards. MSU was a bit sloppy though, committing 15 turnovers. Indiana averages 72.1 PPG and it concedes 71.5. Devonte Green was a bright spot in the Hoosiers latest setback with 20 points, while Juwan Morgan also had a decent game with 15 points and six boards. I think the Hoosiers are the much “hungrier” team here. Also note that the home team is 20-8 ATS in the last 28 in this series. Indiana is 10-4 at home and already has some decent covers there (Purdue.) I think the Spartans get caught a little flat footed and while I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, I do expect this one to come right down to the wire. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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02-03-18 | Purdue -15 v. Rutgers | 78-76 | Loss | -115 | 23 h 6 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Purdue (4:00 EST). The 21-2 Purdue Boilermakers come in averaging 84.6 PPG, including hitting 43.6 percent from range. On the other end of the floor they come in conceding just 63.5 PPG. Keep your eyes on 7-foot-2 Isaac Haas, who averages 14.6 points, 5.3 boards and 1.3 blocks per night. Rutgers averages only 65.5 PPG on its best night, which clearly doesn’t bode well in facing the Boilermakers’ elite unit. The Scarlet Knights have so far been above average defensively, conceding just 63 PPG. Corey Sanders leads the nightly charge with 13.6 points, while Deshawn Freeman adds 11.3. Ultimately though I don’t expect Purdue to look past its lowly opponent today. Rutgers has a strong defense, but this will clearly be its stiffest test of the year. And unfortunately for the Scarlet Knights, they absolutely do not have the offense to keep up with the high-flying Boilermakers. I’m expecting a rout from start to finish. Play on Purdue. Good luck…Larry |
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