For any resources you could need like sports handicapping odds, handicapping stats, schedules, or handicappers free picks and tips please click on any of the links on the right hand side of this page.
CLICK A CAPPERS NAME TO SEE THEIR PREMIUM DAILY EXPERT PLAYS + PREDICTIONS!
Schedule: NFL | CFB | MLB | NBA | CBB | NHL
WANT FREE SPORTS PICKS to your inbox? | Newsletter Sign-UP!
Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
02-04-17 | St. John's v. Villanova -18.5 | Top | 79-92 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 19 m | Show |
My 10* LEGEND is on Villanova (8:00 EST). The 11-13 St. John’s Red Storm are at No. 4 Villanova to take on the 21-2 Wildcats and for a number of different reasons, I think the home side puts the foot on the gas from the opening tip until the final horn sounds. When these teams met on January 14th, Villanova beat St. John’s 70-57. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a much bigger beatdown in front of the home town crowd. The Wildcats enter off a 66-57 road win over Providence, while the Red Storm handled Marquette 86-72 at home on February 1st. I feel the Red Storm are primed for a letdown here after their upset win over Marquette. Bashir Ahmed had 23 points and six boards. So far St. John’s allows 75.2 PPG and and averages 77.1. Villanova won its second straight, but it wasn’t a pretty effort, as it would go on to turn the ball over 15 times. The defense though continues to shine as it would hold the Friars to just 39.6 percent shooting. Keep your eyes on Josh Hart, who had 17 points in the victory over Providence. So far the Wildcats allow just 62.2 PPG and average 77. The over-achieving Red Storm come in a bit complacent and a sloppy Wildcats side finally cleans up its act and pulls away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-04-17 | Coastal Carolina v. Arkansas-Little Rock -3 | Top | 82-75 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 30 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Arkansas Little Rock (7:00 EST). Sometimes common sense is the best way to approach a situation and that’s the case here. I think the Arkansas Little Rock Trojans are the “hungrier” team today. The Trojans are looking to bounce back after three straight losses, most recently falling at ULM on Monday night. Arkansas Little Rock actually led by two a halftime, but scored just 22 points in the second half. Marius Hill had ten points, posting his ninth double-figure scoring game of the season. Coastal Carolina is just 10-12 overall, but 5-4 in Sun Belt action. I think the Chanticleers make an immediate return to mediocrity after they broke a three-game slide with a win over UT Arlington at home last time out. This is also a revenge game for Arkansas Little Rock, as Coastal Carolina managed a 66-63 win in the season’s first meeting. The Trojans trailed by 16 with 12 minutes remaining, but managed to make it a three-point game, only to then come up short on the tying shot with time running out. I think the stage is now set for the home side to avenge the earlier loss though. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-04-17 | Pelicans +7.5 v. Wizards | Top | 91-105 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 29 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the New Orleans Pelicans (7:00 EST). The 19-31 New Orleans Pelicans are in Washington to take on the 29-20 Wizards and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. New Orleans will be hungry here, it’s coming off its third straight loss, this time a 118-98 setback on the road in Detroit on Wednesday. Conversely, the Wizards could hardly be faulted if they came in a tiny bit complacent as they are off their sixth straight victory, most recently a 116-108 home win over the Lakers on Thursday. To say this is a “revenge” game would be an understatement as well as Washington has taken nine of the last ten in the series, including a 107-94 road victory in the first matchup of the year just last week. New Orleans averages 103.4 PPG and concedes 106.5. Big man Anthony Davis averages 27.9 points, 12.3 boards, 1.3 steals and 2.39 blocks per game. Davis is going to need a few more pieces around him before the Pelicans can ever make any serious noise at a playoff run, note that E’Twaun Moore contributes 9.8 points a night, while Tim Frazier chips in 9.1. Washington averages 107.1 PPG and concedes 105. Guard John Wall leads the way with 23 points, 10.3 assists and 2.15 steals per game. I’ll point out though that New Orleans is already 20-15 ATS this year in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent and 4-2 ATS as a road dog in the 6.5 to nine points range, while Washington is just 1-3 ATS in its last four non-conference games. With the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers coming to town on Monday night, it’s also not too hard to imagine the home side getting caught looking ahead to that much more “important” game. I’m banking on the desperate Pelicans to keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-04-17 | Ohio State +7 v. Michigan | Top | 70-66 | Win | 100 | 26 h 27 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Ohio State (6:00 EST). The 13-10 Ohio State Buckeyes are in Michigan to take on the 14-8 Wolverines and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Buckeyes are the “hungrier” team in my estimation, as they enter off a second straight loss, this time a 77-71 setback to No. 17 Maryland at home on Tuesday. Michigan enters off a 70-62 loss at Michigan State on Sunday and it could still very likely be thinking about the setback to its in-state rival as we head into tonight’s contest. The Buckeyes are now just 3-7 in league play. Jae’Sean Tate was a bright spot in the loss to Maryland with 20 points. Note that Ohio State averages 73.3 PPG and concedes just 68.7. The Wolverines average 74.4 PPG and concede 65.8. Michigan looked horrible against the Spartans, shooting only 33.9 percent from the floor and going just 7 of 26 from range. Derrick Walton Jr. had 24 points, nine boards and five assists in the setback. I’ll point out that Ohio State is 14-8 ATS in its last 22 off a loss against a conference rival, while Michigan is just 1-3 ATS in its last four when playing with five or six days of rest. These teams’ offensive and defensive numbers are almost identical. Ohio State won’t be rolling over today, so I’m grabbing the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-04-17 | Arkansas v. Missouri +8 | Top | 78-83 | Win | 100 | 26 h 23 m | Show |
My 10* SUPER SHOCKER is on Missouri (6:00 EST). The 17-5 Arkansas Razorbacks are at Missouri to take on the 5-16 Tigers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. This looks like a classic letdown spot for the surging Razorbacks, they’ve won five of their last six and are now 6-4 in league play. Most recently Arkansas smashed Alabama 87-68 at home. Missouri enters off an embarrassing 93-54 loss on the road in Florida. Clearly the Razorbacks are the better team, but if ever they were to “look past” an opponent, it’s the lowly Tigers. This does indeed set up as a “trap” for the visitors in my opinion. I’ll point out that Arkansas is just 1-2 ATS in its last three following a three game or longer unbeaten streak, while Missouri is 2-1 ATS in its last three after scoring 55 points or less. The Tigers’ offense has been horrible so far, but their defense has been decent. While I won’t call for the outright upset, I do definitely think that the hungry home side can catch their superior opponent a bit disinterested and look for it to keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-04-17 | Arizona State v. Oregon State +4.5 | Top | 81-68 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Oregon State (6:00 EST). The 10-13 Arizona State Sun Devils are at Oregon State to take on the 4-19 Beavers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Beavers are winless in league play at 0-10, but the Sun Devils aren’t too far behind at 3-7. Arizona State enters off a loss against Oregon, a heart-breaking 71-70 setback. Shannon Evans was a bright spot with 28 points. Stephen Thompson had 16 points, four boards, one assist and five steals for the Beavers in their 71-54 loss to Arizona. I’ll point out though that Arizona State is just 7-18-1 ATS in its last 26 following an ATS victory, while Oregon State is 7-1 ATS in its last eight following a double-digit home loss. Oregon State looked decent against the No. 5 team in the nation and I think it can give the inconsistent Sun Devils everything they can handle today. Arizona State has in fact lost six of its last seven overall and five straight on the road. Look for the desperate home side to at the very least, take this one down to the wire and comfortably sneak in through the back door. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-03-17 | Buffalo v. Ball State UNDER 155.5 | Top | 96-69 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 47 m | Show |
My 10* MAC TOTAL OF THE YEAR is the under Buffalo/Ball State (2:00 EST). The 10-12 Buffalo Bulls are at Ball State to take on the 15-7-1 Cardinals and for a number of different reasons, I think this one will be more of a defensive affair. Buffalo comes in off a wild 101-91 home win over CMU, while Ball State held on for a nail-biting 81-80 victory at home over Toledo. I’m not reading too much into the Bulls big win over the Chippewas, as Central Michigan is one of the worst defensive teams in the conference. So far Buffalo puts up 76.7 PPG, while conceding 75.2. Blake Hamilton had 27 points and 11 boards in the win over the Chips. Ball State averages 80.0 PPG and concedes 73.7. The Cardinals have won three straight and six of their last seven. Note though that the team is already starting to show some signs of slowing down, after barely nipping Toledo and hitting just 43.7 percent of its shots, overall, including only 37.5 percent from range. I’ll point out that Buffalo has seen the total go under the number in 16 of its last 24 when the total in the contest is set between 150 and 159.5, while Ball State has seen the total dip below the posted number in 17 of its last 28 as a home fav of three points or less. Both teams come in off victories and each will be fighting for another one today. This can still be a higher-scoring game and stay below what I feel to be a very lofty number. Play the under. Good luck….Larry |
|||||||
02-03-17 | Grizzlies v. Thunder -1.5 | Top | 102-114 | Win | 100 | 27 h 50 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (8:05 EST). The 30-21 Memphis Grizzlies are in Oklahoma City to take on the 28-22 Thunder and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. This is a big mid-season game as the Thunder sit just 1.5 games behind No. 6 Memphis in the playoff standings. They’ve already played twice this year, each winning on its home floor. I simply feel this sets up as a letdown spot for Memphis though, which has played well of late, winning three straight on the road. The Thunder on other hand have lost three straight, most recently a humbling 128-100 setback at home to the Bulls on Wednesday. The Grizzlies average 100.6 PPG and concede 99.5. Despite struggling some on the offensive end of late, OKC still comes into this one averaging 105.7 PPG. The problem most nights for the Thunder is on the defensive end as they concede an average of 105.7 as well. I’ll point out though that Memphis is just 8-10 ATS this year after scoring 105 points or more, while OKC is 8-5 ATS after a loss by ten points or more. Both teams are dealing with injury issues, but I think this one simply means more to Russell Westbrook and the Thunder. Good value on the “hungry” home side, play on Oklahoma City. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-03-17 | Wolves v. Pistons UNDER 211 | Top | 108-116 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 45 m | Show |
My 10* TOTAL OF THE MONTH is on the under Wolves/Pistons (7:35 EST). The 19-30 Minnesota Timberwolves are in Detroit to take on the 22-27 Pistons and for a number of different reasons, I’m expecting a lower-scoring defensive battle. The Wolves were in Cleveland on Wednesday and they had a two game win streak going before falling 125-97. The Pistons broke a three-game slide in their last outing by smashing the Pelicans 118-98 at home on Wednesday. Note that Detroit has won the last three in this series, including a 117-90 victory on the road this year back on December 9th. Minnesota is ranked 18th overall in scoring with an average of 104 PPG, while ranked 16th in scoring defense in conceding 105.1 PPG. Karl-Anthony Towns had 26 points and 12 boards in the loss to the Cavs. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope exploded for 38 points in the Pistons win over New Orleans. Those types of offensive outbursts though have been few and far between for Detroit this year, which ranks 24th in scoring at 101.1 PPG. The Pistons get the job done with their suffocating defensive play, ranked sixth in conceding 101.8 per night. Detroit gets balanced scoring, keep your eyes on big man Andre Drummond, who puts up 14.6 points and grabs 13.6 boards per night. It’s interesting to note that Minnesota has seen the total go under the number in nine of 15 this year in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while Detroit has seen the total dip below the posted number in 12 of 20 non-conference games to this point. These are two teams jockeying for a playoff spot and hungry for a win. Each will look to establish its big men, so we’re likely to see a lot of half court sets on offense. I think this number is just a little bit high. Play the under. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-03-17 | Blue Jackets v. Penguins UNDER 6 | Top | 3-4 | Loss | -100 | 25 h 1 m | Show |
My 10* O/U PERFECT STORM is the under Jackets/Penguins (7:05 EST). The 33-12-3-1 Columbus Blue Jackets are in Pittsburgh to take on the 31-13-4-1 Penguins and for a number of different reasons, I think this one will be more of a defensive battle than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe by posting 6 as the Over/Under. The Blue Jackets won the first meeting between the clubs, hammering the Penguins 7-1. Pittsburgh will clearly be out to atone for that “brain fart” and has to be feeling pretty confident as it’s won ten of the last 14 in this series in front of the home town crowd. Columbus comes in off a 6-4 win over the Rangers. The Blue Jackets though had a 6-0 lead, before then managing to hold on down the stretch. Sergei Bobrovsky is expected in net tonight and he’s 28-11 with a 2.29 GAA on the year, including going 11-7 with a 2.45 GAA on the road. Note that he’s 10-6 with a 2.61 GAA lifetime against the Pens. Columbus averages 3.35 GPG and concedes just 2.39. Pittsburgh averages 3.55 GPG and concedes 2.90. The Pens came out of the break with a solid 4-2 win at home over Nashville. Matt Murray got the win in that one and he’s now 18-7 on the year with a 2.41 GAA, including going 10-2 with a 2.35 GAA at home. I think it’s important to note that Columbus has already seen the total go under the number in four of five this year after playing three consecutive road games, while Pittsburgh has seen the total dip below the posted number in two of its last three home games when the total is set at 6 or more. These are two of the best offensive clubs in the league, but they’re also both pretty good on the defensive end. After the wide-open blowout in the first matchup though, I’m expecting a much tighter affair this evening. These are two of the best goaltenders in the game right now and I think the spotlight shines on them. Play the under. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-02-17 | Gonzaga v. BYU +10.5 | 85-75 | Win | 100 | 30 h 6 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on BYU (11:00 EST). The 22-0 Gonzaga Bulldogs are at BYU to take on the 16-7 Cougars and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do definitely think that the determined home side can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Note that this sets up as a revenge game for BYU, as when these teams last faced each other, the Zags scored the 88-84 win in the West Coast Conference Tournament semifinals last year in Vegas. Gonzaga continues to roll along, winning by an average margin of 23.8 PPG. BYU has lost three games in league play, all of which came on the road. The Cougars though are undefeated at home in conference action this year. Looking back sees BYU 12-1 at home and riding an overall nine-game win streak in Provo. So far Gonzaga has not been challenged this year, but I think that changes tonight. The Cougars are undefeated at home and I don’t think they’re getting nearly enough respect from the oddsmaker’s tonight. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-02-17 | St. Mary's v. Pacific +15.5 | Top | 74-70 | Win | 100 | 30 h 5 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Pacific (11:00 EST). The 19-2 Saint Mary’s Gaels are at Pacific to take on the 8-15 Tigers and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do think that the hungry home side can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Note that this is an immediate revenge game, as the Gaels won 62-50 over the Tigers just two weeks ago. Since its blowout loss to Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s has won four straight by 12 points or more. Jock Landale averages 16.8 points, 9.5 boards and shoots over 60 percent to lead the team. But I think the Gaels come in a bit complacent here and get caught “looking past” the lowly Tigers, who have lost five in a row. And I’ll point out that Saint Mary’s has struggled in this spot for bettors already this year, going just 4-5 ATS after a conference game and only 4-5 ATS after allowing 60 points or less. And note that Pacific is 10-7 ATS in its last 17 after allowing 80 points or more and 2-0 ATS this season against good defensive teams which allow 64 points or less per contest. Pacific lost to Saint Mary’s by 12 on the road, but now has the home court advantage. This spread is a little large, grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-02-17 | Arizona State +18 v. Oregon | 70-71 | Win | 100 | 30 h 56 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Arizona State (11:00 EST). The 10-12 Arizona State Sun Devils are are in Oregon to take on the 19-3 Ducks and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do think that the visitors have enough factors working in their favor to be able to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. I simply feel this sets up as a natural “letdown” spot for the home side after it had its 17 game win streak snapped in a 74-65 setback on the road to Colorado. Arizona State will be the “hungrier” team today as it comes in having lost five of its last six. The loss to Colorado has to be considered “shocking” for the Ducks though and suffice it to say, I’m expecting that “shock and awe” to get carried over against the lowly Sun Devils, who will look to take advantage of this distracted home side. One player to keep your eyes on for the Sun Devils is Tra Holder, who had 27 points in his team’s most recenty loss to Washington State. And I’ll point out that Arizona State is 5-0-1 ATS in its last six following an ATS loss, while Oregon is already 0-2 ATS this year as a home fav in the 15.5 to 19 points range. The Ducks just lost to a team with a worst conference record than ASU, so asking them to cover such a big spread after such a deflating setback is asking just too much in my professional opinion. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-02-17 | Lakers v. Wizards OVER 218.5 | Top | 108-116 | Win | 100 | 26 h 12 m | Show |
My 10* Goin Over Total is the over Lakers/Wizards (7:05 EST). The 17-34 LA Lakers are in Washington to take on the 28-20 Wizards and for a number of different reasons, i think this one has offensive “shootout” written all over it. LA enters off a rare win, taking out Denver 120-116 at home on Tuesday. The Wizards come in off their 15th straight home victory in a 117-101 effort over the Knicks on Tuesday. The Lakers have been a disappointment this year, but looked pretty good against Denver in hitting 15 of 27 from range. Nick Young had 23 points. So far LA averages 104 PPG. The Lakers though have been terrible on the defensive end in conceding 110.2 PPG thus far. Washington averages 106.9 PPG, which ranks it tenth overall. The Wizards are just 15th on the defensive end though in conceding 105 PPG. John Wall continues to lead the nightly charge wih 22.7 points, 10.3 assists and 2.13 steals per game. I’ll point out that LA has seen the total go over the number in 15 of 26 this year against teams with winning records, while Washington has seen the total eclipse the posted number in five of seven this year after three or more consecutive SU victories. Washington will be pushing the pace of this one from the outset at it looks to take advantage of this weak Lakers’ defense. Play the over. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-02-17 | Canadiens v. Flyers -109 | Top | 1-3 | Win | 100 | 26 h 7 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Philadelphia Flyers (7:05 EST). The 30-14-6-1 Montreal Canadiens are in Philadelphia to take on the 25-20-2-4 Flyers on Thursday and in my opinion, the home side should be a much larger fav in this spot. Montreal comes in off a 5-2 home win over the Sabres in its first action out of the All Star break, while Philadelphia comes back home in a foul mood after laying an egg in Carolina, losing 5-1. A game at home against the Habs is just what the doctor ordered to get untracked though, as note that the Flyers have won 13 of the last 16 in this series in Philadelphia. Carey Price got the win at home for Montreal, but note that he’s an unremarkable 6-7 with a 2.66 GAA on the road this year. Montreal averages 3.02 GPG and concedes 2.47. Steve Mason looked horrible in the loss to the Hurricanes, but he’s been decent at home this season, going 10-8 with a 2.78 GAA. Note that he’s 4-1 with a 1.79 GAA lifetime against the Canadiens. The Flyers average 2.67 GPG and concede 3.06. I’ll point out though that Montreal has struggled mightily in this spot for bettors already this year, going just 7-9 (-4 units) after a win by two goals or more, while Philadelphia is 7-5 (+1.3 units) this season after scoring one goal or less in its previous contest. Price has struggled on the road this year and I think he’ll once again have his hands full with this determined home side. All things considered, I do indeed feel we’re getting a great price on the Flyers. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-01-17 | Wild -116 v. Flames | Top | 1-5 | Loss | -116 | 26 h 59 m | Show |
My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Minnesota Wild (10:05 EST). The 32-11-3-2 Minnesota Wild are in Calgary to take on the 25-24-1-2 Flames and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Minnesota opened the second half by smashing the Oilers 5-2 last night and suffice it to say, I’m expecting the red hot Wild to continue the surge against the inconsistent Flames. The last time Calgary played, it was a 3-2 OT win in Ottawa. The Wild are expected to start backup Darcy Kuemper, who is 5-5 with a 3.28 GAA on the year. Note that Minnesota is ranked fourth in the league in scoring at 3.29 GPG, while ranked second in goals allowed in conceding just 2.23. Calgary has been all over the map as far as its game to game consistency is concerned. So far it’s just 13-13 at home. The Flames turn to Chad Johnson, who is 16-13 with a 2.50 GAA overall and 9-7 with a 2.79 GAA at home. Calgary is ranked 21st in the league in scoring at 2.54 GPG, while ranked 18th on the defensive end in conceding 2.83. Clearly I’d rather have Devan Dubnyk in net for the Wild, but note that Minnesota is 2-1 in its last three in the back-to-back scenario, while Calgary is just 2-4 (-2.2 units) this season after playing three consecutive road games. I’m banking on the Wild’s superior offense to prove to be the difference maker. Play on Minnesota. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-01-17 | 76ers v. Mavs -6 | Top | 95-113 | Win | 100 | 25 h 39 m | Show |
My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Dallas Mavericks (8:35 EST). The 18-29 Philadelphia 76ers are in Dallas to take on the 18-30 Mavericks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The 76ers most recently beat the Kings 122-119 to stop a two-game slide, while the Mavericks won for the fourth time in their last five games with an upset 104-97 victory over the Cavaliers at home on Monday. Philadelphia won despite big man Joel Embiid sidelined last time out. Robert Covington had 23 points and ten boards against Sacramento. The 76ers average just 100.9 PPG and concede 106. The Mavs are last in the league in scoring at 97.1 PPG. Dallas though is pretty good on the defensive side, conceding just 100.1 points per night. But there’s no question that Dallas has looked a lot better of late. And that’s mainly because it’s been getting healthier. Harrison Barnes leads the nightly charge with 20.4 points and 5.3 boards per night. Embiid is not expected to play today and that doesn’t bode well for the visitors in my opinion. Even if he does play, I don’t expect him to be at 100% capacity. The Mavs are getting big contributions up and down the line-up right now and note that Dallas is already 5-1 ATS as a favorite this year. I’m laying the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
02-01-17 | Villanova -9 v. Providence | Top | 66-57 | Push | 0 | 23 h 3 m | Show |
My 10* BIG EAST GAME OF THE WEEK is on Villanova (7:00 EST). The 20-2 Villanova Wildcats are at Providence to take on the 14-9 Friars and for a number of different reasons, i think this one favors the visitors. Villanova enters off a close 61-59 home win over Virginia, while Providence got the better of Marquette 79-78. These teams played just last month and Villnova won 78-68. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting an even bigger beatdown this time around. The Wildcats were down ten points with eight minutes remaining, but nailed some clutch shots from range to take down the Cavaliers. Keep your eyes on Josh Hart, who is avearing 18.7 PPG and 6.5 boards. Last week against Providence he had 25 points. Villanova averages 77.5 PPG and concedes just 62.5. Providence averages 70.3 PPG and concedes 66.2. Kyron Cartwright had 18 points in the win over Marquette. I’ll point out though that Villanova is 44-25 ATS in its last 69 against teams with winning records, while Providence is just 1-2 ATS after scoring 78 points or more. I think Providence has a predictable letdown here after its big road win. Villanova plays stifiling defense and is the much deeper team. The Friars have been playing better lately, but all signs point to the experienced Wildcats coming up with another big win in this series. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-31-17 | Hornets +3 v. Blazers | Top | 98-115 | Loss | -110 | 30 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Charlotte Hornets (10:05 EST). The 23-25 Charlotte Hornets are in Portland to take on the 21-28 Blazers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. These are two teams desperate for some wins. Charlotte dropped its fourth straight and ninth in its last 12 with a 109-106 setback to Sacramento on Saturday. Portland had its three game win streak snapped with a disheartening 113-111 home loss to Golden State on Sunday. Momentum is difficult to attain and once lost, it’s even more difficult to get back. I think this one sets up as a classic letdown spot for the Blazers after their extended streak of excellence was finally cut short in an emotional setback to the conference’s heavyweight. And if recent history is any precedence, then the Hornets have to be loving their chances today as when they faced the Blazers on January 18th, they’d pull away for the convincing 107-85 victory back on January 18th. So far Charlotte averages 105.2 PPG and concedes 103.6. Kemba Walker leads the nightly charge with 23.3 PPG. Note that the Hornets are tied for tenth with 9.7 threes per game. Portland averages 107.6 PPG and allows 110.2 (the fourth worst). Damian Lillard averages 26.2 points and 5.9 assists per contest. I’ll point out that Charlotte is 2-1 ATS in its last three when playing with two days of rest, while Portland is just 13-20 ATS in its last 33 after allowing 105 points or more and only 8-15 ATS against teams with losing records. I think the “hungrier” team finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-31-17 | Georgetown v. DePaul +7 | Top | 76-73 | Win | 100 | 29 h 59 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on DePaul (9:00 EST). The 12-10 Georgetown Hoyas are at DePaul to take on the 8-13 Blue Demons and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. I think the Hoyas are primed for a letdown here. Georgetown has won four of its last six and is coming off back-to-back victories over ranked opponents. Now the Hoyas face a trap game here in facing last placd DePaul, which is just 1-7 in league action. Note that the Blue Demons play with triple revenge after dropping all three to Georgetown last season. There’s no denying that the Hoyas have been playing well of late, as the trio of JJ Peak, Rodney Pryor and Jessie Govan is a formidable one. I simply feel this sets up as a natural letdown spot for the visitors. After playing such high-level competition, facing the conference “door mat” can lead to complacency. DePaul will need a big game from Billy Garrett if it has any shot at the outright upset today, he’s second on the team in scoring and is the 11th best free-throw shooter in the country at 91.3 percent. I’ll point out that Georgetown is just 2-3 ATS on the road this year, just 3-6 ATS when playing the role of favorite and only 1-3 ATS after scoring 80 points or more, while DePaul is already 2-0 ATS this year after allowing 80 points or more and 3-1 ATS in its last four as a home dog in the 6.5 to nine points range. I think the Blue Demons are the much “hungrier” team today. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-31-17 | Jets v. Blues -138 | 5-3 | Loss | -138 | 28 h 49 m | Show | |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the St. Louis Blues (8:00 EST). The 23-25-3-1 Winnipeg Jets are in St. Louis to take on the 24-20-4-1 Blues and for a number of different reasons I think this one favors the home side. Winnipeg went into the break with a 5-3 road win over Chicago, while St. Louis entered off a 5-1 road loss in Minnesota. Note that this one sets up as a double revenge scenario for the the Blues, as the Jets have taken the first two meetings this year. The Jets had a poor first half. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyk is 17-14 with a 2.82 GAA on the year, including just 7-8 with a ballooned 3.20 GAA on the road. Winnipeg averages 2.85 GPG and concedes 3.08. St. Louis averages 2.80 GPG and concedes 3.08. Goaltender Jake Allen is 17-15 with a 2.83 GAA on the year, including going a more respectable 12-6 with a 2.44 GAA here at home. Also note that Allen has dominated the Jets throughout his career, going 3-1 with a 2.01 GAA. I’ll point out that Winnipeg is just 1-4 in its last five on the road, while St. Louis is 7-1 in its last eight when playing with three or more days of rest. The Jets are just 10-17 on the road overall, while St. Louis is 16-11 at home. The Blues avenge the earlier losses and take advantage of the favorable matchup out of the break. Lay the price. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-31-17 | Devils v. Red Wings -128 | 4-3 | Loss | -128 | 27 h 20 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Detroit Red Wings (7:30 EST). The 20-21-7-2 New Jersey Devils are in Detroit to take on the 20-20-9-0 Red Wings and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. New Jersey went into the break having lost three of its last four after a 5-2 beatdown at the hands of the Capitals on Thursday. Goaltender Corey Schneider has had a rough campaign so far, he’s 14-15-7 with a 2.71 GAA and note that he’s 3-6-2 with a 3.16 GAA lifetime against the Wings. The Devils are averaging just 2.20 GPG, while conceding 2.84. Note that New Jersey has the third worst power play at 14.3 percent success rate. Detroit had a poor first half as well. The Wings average 2.39 GPG and concede 2.94. Goaltender Petr Mrazek is 10-12-5 with a 3.16 GAA ont he year. A date against the punchless Devils is just what the doctor ordered for Mrazek though, who is 3-1 with a 2.18 GAA lifetime against New Jersey. I’ll point out that the Devils are 0-4 in their last four when playing on three or more days rest, while Detroit is 3-1 in its last four following a losing streak of three or more games. Despite the shutout loss to Toronto, Detroit has been playing a lot better of late, with wins over the Habs, Pens and Rangers. All things considered, I think we’re getting a great price on the home side. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-31-17 | Flyers v. Hurricanes -133 | 1-5 | Win | 100 | 27 h 50 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Carolina Hurricanes (7:00 EST). The 25-19-2-4 Philadelphia Flyers are in Carolina to take on the 21-20-3-4 Hurricanes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Philadelphia beat the Leafs 2-1 right before the break, while Carolina suffered a 3-0 home loss to the Kings, its fifth straight setback. Carolina looks to get off the schneid and it also plays with double revenge, as Philadelphia has already taken the first two meetings this year. Note though that the home team has won four of the last five games in this series. Despite the win over Toronto to close the first half, the Flyers enter the second currently in fifth place in the Metro Division. Goaltender Steve Mason is 16-21 with an unremarkable 2.84 GAA, including 6-13 with a 2.99 GAA on the road. The Flyers rank 15th in scoring with 2.70 GPG and a poor 25th in goals allowed in conceding 3.02 per contest. The Hurricanes also had a poor first half. Goaltender Cam Ward is 16-22 with a 2.61 GAA. He’s been better at home though for sure, posting a respectable 13-6, 2.41 GAA record in Florida. Carolina averages 2.58 GPG and concedes 2.83. I’ll point out though that Philadelphia is already 0-2 (-2.8 units) this season when playing with three or more days rest, while Carolina is 2-1 (+1.4 units) in the same position and 6-4 (+2.4 units) in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent. The Flyers have scored just 17 total goals over their last nine games, which doesn’t bode well in facing Ward at home in my opinion. All things considered, I do indeed feel we’re getting a very fair price on the Hurricanes in this matchup. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-31-17 | Maryland v. Ohio State -2.5 | 77-71 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 49 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Ohio State (7:00 EST). The 19-2 Maryland Terrapins are at Ohio State to take on the 13-9 Buckeyes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Maryland is rolling obviously, so far sitting tied with Wisconsin at the top of the Big Ten at 7-1. The Terps most recently upset Minnesota 85-78 on the road on Saturday. OSU enters off an 85-72 loss at Iowa to fall to 2-5 on the road. Note that this is a double revenge game for the Buckeyes, as they’d lose both games to Maryland last year. This is Maryland’s best start since 1989. Justin Jackson had a career-high 28 points and had ten boards in the win over Minnesota last time out. The Terps though were outrebouned by eight. Jae’Sean Tate had 17 points and seven boards for OSU in the loss to Iowa. The Buckeyes average 73.4 PPG and concede 68.3. Both teams have done well in this spot for bettors, but I simply feel that this one means a lot more to Buckeyes. OSU is almost assuredly heading to the NIT, but I think the Terps are finally poised for a letdown tonight. OSU is already 2-0 ATS this year after allowing 80 points or more. Expect that trend to continue, play on Ohio State. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-31-17 | Pittsburgh +18 v. North Carolina | 78-80 | Win | 100 | 27 h 49 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Pittsburgh (7:00 EST). The 12-9 Pitt Panthers are at No. 9 UNC to take on the 19-4 Tar Heels and while I’ll stop short in calling for the epic outright upset, I do definitely think this is a few too many points to be giving up. Pittsburgh comes in with nothing to lose, other than trying to snap a six-game losing streak, most recently a 67-60 home setback to Clemson on Saturday. The Panthers will take their best shot at a Tar Heels team which just had its seven-game win streak snapped in a humbling 77-62 road loss to Miami on Saturday. Pittsburgh actually held a five point lead at half time against the Tigers, but would be unable to maintain in the second. The Panthers average 76.8 PPG and allow 77.3. Jamel Artis and Cameron Johnson each had 16 points in the loss to Clemson. The Tar Heels shot 35 percent against the Hurricanes, including just 7 of 24 from frange. They also committed 25 fouls, which led to 30 Miami free throws. UNC averages 88.3 PPG and concedes 71.1. Justin Jackson leads the team with 18.7 PPG. I’ll point out though that Pittsburgh is 7-3 ATS in its last ten against good offensive teams which score 77-plus points per contest, while UNC is just 2-3 ATS in its last five as a home fav in the 18.5 to 24 points range. I expect the Panthers to hang around late against a Tar Heels team still dwelling on its last performance. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-30-17 | Oklahoma State v. Oklahoma +1.5 | Top | 68-66 | Loss | -110 | 30 h 42 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Oklahoma (9:00 EST). The 13-8 Oklahoma State Cowboys are at rival Oklahoma to take on the 8-12 Sooners and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Cowboys are poised for a letdown here in my opinion after three straight victories by double digit margins. And note that despite the recent turnaround in play, OKS is still just 2-6 in Big 12 action. Conversely, Oklahoma has lost three straight and will be desperate for a win here. Most recently the Sooners come off a humbling 84-52 home loss to Florida. Oklahoma is just 5-5 SU at home, but OKS is only 3-4 on the road. From strictly a trend based stand point, this one sets up very well for the home side, as note that the Cowboys are already 0-2 ATS this year as a road fav of three points or less and just 8-9 ATS in their last 17 after scoring 80 points or more, while the Sooners are already 2-0 ATS this year after scoring 60 points or less and 4-1 ATS after three or more consecutive SU losses. Home court advantage can’t be overlooked in this rivalry and coupled with the high desperation level in which I predict the home side to play with today, the correct call in this one is indeed on Oklahoma. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-30-17 | Pistons +7 v. Celtics | Top | 109-113 | Win | 100 | 11 h 59 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Detroit Pistons (8:05 EST). The 21-26 Detroit Pistons are in Boston to take on the 29-18 Celtics and for a number of different reasons, i think this one favors the visitors. The Pistons come in as the “hungrier” team in my opinion. Detroit has lost two straight, most recently a 116-103 road loss in Miami on Saturday. Conversely, I think Boston could be caught a tiny bit complacent after three straight wins, most recently a hard-fought 112-108 OT win in Mliwaukee on Saturday. If recent history is any precedence, then Detroit has to be liking its chances today, as it would take the first matchup of the year in a 121-114 home victory back on November 30th. Detroit averages just 100.6 PPG, but gets balanced scoring. The Pistons are an above average defensive team, conceding just 101.6 PPG. Reggie Jackson averages 17.2 points and 5.5 assists per contest. Is Boston about to take the foot off the gas after capturing first place in the Atlantic after Toronto lost to Orlando on Sunday? Maybe. The team blew a 15 point lead after the first quarter and let an eight point lead entering the fourth slip away against the Bucks before then managing to gut out the OT victory. Note that the C’s shot just 41.6 percent from the floor, including a poor 14 of 40 from beyond the arc. I think the Celtics are running out of gas. And note that Boston is already just 2-4 ATS this year after three or more consecutive SU wins, while Detroit is 2-1 ATS in its last three after a loss by ten points or more. The stage is set for the outright upset, but in the end I’m going to recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Play on Detroit. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-30-17 | Nets +9.5 v. Heat | Top | 96-104 | Win | 100 | 28 h 14 m | Show |
My 10* EASTERN-CONFERENCE SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Brooklyn Nets (7:35 EST). The 9-38 Brooklyn Nets are in Miami to take on the 18-30 Heat and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. This is a revenge game for the Nets after they fell 109-106 to Miami on January 25th. I feel this sets up as natural letdown spot for the over-acheiving Heat, who have won seven straight. Conversely, the Nets will be risking life and limb today in trying to get back into the winners circle, as they come into this one having lost five in a row. Most recently Brooklyn fell 129-109 to Minnesota on Saturday. Brook Lopez was a bright spot with 25 points and seven boards. The Heat most recently beat Detroit 116-103 on Saturday. Goran Dragic had 23 points. Despite the recent better overall play of late, note that Miami is still just 10-13 SU at home this year. And note that Brooklyn is already 9-4 ATS this season in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while Miami is just 2-3 ATS in its last five as a home fav in the 9.5 to 12 points range. I like the Nets to keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe, grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-30-17 | Texas-Arlington v. Coastal Carolina +6 | 70-72 | Win | 100 | 28 h 38 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Coastal Carolina (7:00 EST). The 16-5 UT-Arlington Mavericks are at Coastal Carolina to take on the 9-12 Chanticleers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Mavericks are poised for a letdown here in my opinion after their big 83-67 road win over Appalachian State, while the Chanticleers come in hungry, looking to take out their frustrations after a 52-50 home loss to Texas State. Texas-Arlington is poised for a letdown here after four straight wins, playing nearly flawless basketball and averaging 87.8 PPG and conceding 69 PPG during the win skein. The Mavericks are 6-2 in Sun Belt action, but note that they’ve averaged just 72.2 PPG and conceded 71.4 PPG in true road games overall this year. Despite its 9-12 overall record, Coastal Carolina is still 4-4 in league action. The Chanticleers looked great defensively last week, holding the Bobcats to just 33.9 percent. Unfortunately though, they were also held ot just 33.9 percent shooting themselves. Elijah Wilson was a bright spot with 16 points. Note that five players have averaged at least 8.7 PPG. So far Coastal Carolina has averaged 68.2 PPG and conceded 70.4 in league play. I’ll point out though that Texas Arlington is already just 1-2 ATS this year as a road fav in the 3.5 to six points range, while Coastal Carolina is a perfect 2-0 ATS this after allowing 60 points or less. The Chanticleers are the “hungrier” team, they’ve lost three straight and still have a shot to make some noise in the conference. I think this one comes down to the wire, so grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-30-17 | Texas State +2 v. Appalachian State | 68-55 | Win | 100 | 28 h 37 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Texas State (7:00 EST). The 12-7 Texas State Bobcats are at Appalachian State to take on the 6-13 Mountaineers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Texas State comes to town off a 52-50 road win at Coastal Carolina, while the Mountaineers enter off an 83-67 home setback to UT-Arlington. The Bobcats squeaked by the Chanticleers, but have now won three of their last four and are 5-3 overall in league play. In the win over Coastal Carolina, they’d hold the Chanticleers to just 38 percent shooting. They also forced 18 turnovers. Texas State averages 66.5 PPG and concedes 65.0 PPG in conference play thus far. Appalachian State has averaged 70.6 PPG and allowed 78.4 so far in league action. It’s just 1-7 in Sun Belt play to this point and it’s lost four in a row overall. I’ll point out that Texas State is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 against the conference, while App State is just 2-5-1 ATS in its last eight against the Sun Belt and only 3-9-2 ATS in its last 14 against teams with a winning SU record. Also note that the dog is 5-1 ATS the last six in this series. The Bobcats have a huge advantage on the defensive end of the floor and I think that fact will prove to be the difference. Play on Texas State. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-29-17 | Thunder v. Cavs UNDER 220.5 | Top | 91-107 | Win | 100 | 24 h 4 m | Show |
My 10* NON-CONFERENCE SUPER TOTAL is the under Thunder/Cavaliers (3:35 EST). The 28-19 Oklahoma City Thunder are at Cleveland to take on the 31-14 Cavaliers on Saturday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one sets up as a defensive affair. OKC comes in having won three straight, while the Cavs broke a three-game slide with an uninspiring win over last place Brooklyn last time out. The Thunder are led by Russell Westbrookw with 31 points, 10.6 boards and 10.2 assists per game, while LeBron James leads the Cavs with 25.7 points, 8.5 assists and 7.9 boards per contest. OKC just beat the Mavs 109-96 on Thursday. The victory came at a cost though, as Enis Kanter fractured his arm punching a chair in frustration. The Cavs looked shaky defensively in their 124-116 victory over the Nets. The victory though improved them to 20-5 at home this year. Note that OKC has seen the total go under the number in both games that it’s played this season when playing with two days of rest and in eight of nine after three or more consecutive SU wins, while Cleveland has seen the total dip below the posted number in five of eight as a home fav in the 6.5 to nine points range thus far. I’m expecting more of a war than a wide open run and gun shootout, this number is just a little high. Play the under. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-29-17 | Michigan v. Michigan State -2 | Top | 62-70 | Win | 100 | 21 h 13 m | Show |
My 10* TV GAME OF THE MONTH is on Michigan State. The 14-7 Michigan Wolverine are at Michigan State to take on the 12-9 Spartans and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. I simply feel that MSU is going to be the “hungrier” team today as it looks to stop the bleeding of a three-game losing skid. Most recently the Spartans fell 84-70 to Purdue. The Wolverines though look poised for a letdown after their 90-60 win over Indiana, their second in a row. Derrick Walton Jr. had 21 points. So far Michigan averages 75 PPG and concedes 65.6. Michigan State averages 72.2 PPG and concedes 68.5. The Spartans are on a three-game losing streak, but still sit 4-4 in league plays, so have the potential to still make some noise down the stretch. Keep your eyes on Mile Bridges, who had 33 points in the setback to the Boilermakers. I’ll point out that Michigan is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after conceding 60 points or less, while Michigan State is 2-1 ATS in its last three following a three game or longer losing streak. I like the desperate home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night, play on Michigan State. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-29-17 | Wisc-Milwaukee v. Oakland -13.5 | Top | 70-79 | Loss | -110 | 21 h 3 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Oakland (1:00 EST). The 8-14 Wisconsin Milwaukee Panthers are in Rochester, Michigan to take on the 15-7 Oakland Golden Grizzlies and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Milwaukee is poised for a letdown here in my opinion after three straight wins. Conversely, the Golden Grizzlies will be risking life and limb today as they look to avoid a three-game slide. The Panthers have averaged 70.7 PPG in conference play, but conceded 71.7. Note that only two players score in double figures, Cody Wichmann and Brock Stull. Oakland has averaged 73.8 PPG in conference action, while allowing 73. Three players score at least 12 points in Jalen Hayes, Dorse-Walker and Martez Walker. I’ll point out that Wisconsin Milwaukee is just 3-6 ATS in its last nine versus good offensive teams which average over 77-plus points per game, while Oakland is a perfect 4-0 ATS in its last four as a home fav in the 9.5 to 14 points range. As stated off the the top, the Panthers are set up for a classic letdown here, while the desperate home side puts the foot on the gas from start to finish. I think this line should be a lot higher, lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-28-17 | Clippers v. Warriors OVER 224.5 | Top | 98-144 | Win | 100 | 28 h 5 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the over Clippers/Warriors (8:35 EST). The 30-17 LA Clippers are in Golden State to take on the 39-7 Warriors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has “shootout” written all over it. LA comes in off its third loss in its last four games after falling 121-110 on the road to the surging 76ers on Tuesday. The Warriors enter off their eighth win in their last nine games after dumping Charlotte 113-103 on Wednesday. These teams played to a lower-scoring affair in the first matchup this year, with the Warriors winning 115-98 back on December 7th. LA is tied for sixth in the league in scoring offense with 108 PPG. The Clippers are decent defensively as well in conceding 103 per night. Blake Griffin leads the nightly charge with an average of 20.9 points and 8.9 boards per game. The Warriors are No. 1 in the league in scoring with 117.5 PPG. Their defense is a weak point, as it allows 104.8 PPG. Kevin Durant averages 26.1 points and 8.4 boards per game. I’ll point out that LA has already seen the total go over the number in four of five this year after playing three consecutive road games, while Golden State has seen the total eclipse the posted number in seven of eight this season when playing with two days of rest. I’m expecting each team to push the pace from the opening tip until the final horn and for this one to blast past the number as it comes down the stretch. Play the over. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-28-17 | Ohio State v. Iowa -1.5 | Top | 72-85 | Win | 100 | 27 h 20 m | Show |
My 10* 33-Club Play is on Iowa (8:00 EST). The 13-8 Ohio State Buckeyes are at Iowa to take on the 11-10 Hawkeyes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Ohio State averages 73.5 PPG and allows 67.5. The Buckeyes are led by Jae’Sean Tate with 13.9 points and 1.7 assists per game. Ohio State may have the better overall record, but the team has consistently struggled on the road this year and comes in having lost four of its last five away from friendly confines. Iowa averages 80.4 points and concedes 78.2. Peter Jok leads the nightly charge with 21 points and 2.3 assists. The Hawkeyes have also struggled on the road, but are a “different” team at home, going 7-1 thus far. I’ll point out that Ohio State has struggled in this spot for bettors, going 2-4 ATS on the road and only 6-7 ATS this year against teams with winning records, while Iowa has excelled by going 3-1 ATS in its last four at home and 4-2 ATS in its last six after three or more consecutive SU losses. All signs point to a comfortable cover, play on Iowa. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-28-17 | Oregon State +21.5 v. Utah | Top | 78-86 | Win | 100 | 26 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* PAC-12 GAME OF THE MONTH is on Oregon State (7:00 EST). The 4-17 Oregon State Beavers are in Utah to takeon the 14-6 Utes and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do think that the lowly visitors can keep this one a little more competitive than what the bookmakers are leading us to believe. Oregon State has dropped eight straight after a hard-fought 85-78 setback at Colorado on Thursday. The Utes come in having had their two game win streak stopped with a 73-67 home loss to No. 10 Oregon on Thursday. Not surprisingly, this does indeed set up as a revenge game for Oregon State, as Utah has taken four of the last five in the series, including a tight 71-69 home win in the most recent (Feb 4th, 2016). The Beavers shot 54.9 percent from the floor and were 12 of 22 from beyond the arc in the loss to the Buffs. Drew Eubanks was a bright spot with 27 points and 13 boards. Utah got 18 points and nine boards from Kyle Kuzma in the loss to Oregon. Clearly the Utes are the better team all around, but I think this sets up as a “trap” for the home side. With a game at Cal next week, I think Utah gets caught looking ahead to that one, as the Utes are currently tied with the Golden Bears (also 14-6) in the standings. The Beavers looked a lot more competitive last time out and note that Oregon State is 6-3 ATS in its last nine when playing with one or less days rest, while Utah is already 2-3 ATS this season as a home fav of 12.5 points or more. This is a few too many points to be giving up in this situation, play on Oregon State. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-28-17 | Iowa State v. Vanderbilt +2.5 | Top | 78-84 | Win | 100 | 23 h 22 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Vanderbilt (4:00 EST). The 13-6 Iowa State Cyclones are at Vanderbilt to take on the 9-11 Commodores and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Cyclones enter off a deflating 70-65 home loss to Kansas State, while the Commodores come off a tough 71-70 home loss to Arkansas. Iowa State averages 78.4 PPG in true road games this year, while conceding 80.0 PPG. Vanderbilt averages 78.2 PPG and has allowed just 69.5 at home so far this year. I’ll point out though that Iowa State is just 1-2 ATS in its last three after scoring 65 points or less, while Vanderbilt is 2-1 ATS in its last three after allowing 70 points or more. The Commodores are a “different” team at home and after losing on a last second bucket last time out, I think they use that as fuel for the fire today. Play on Vanderbilt. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-28-17 | Maryland v. Minnesota -4 | Top | 85-78 | Loss | -105 | 22 h 46 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Minnesota (2:00 EST). The 18-2 Maryland Terrapins are in Minnesota to take on the 15-6 Golden Gophers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Maryland is poised for a letdown here after five straight wins and going 6-1 in conference action. Conversely, it’s going to be all hands on deck for Minnesota today as it’s now lost four straight after winning three straight. The last time these team’s played, the Gophers shocked Maryland 68-63 from Minneapolis last year and suffice it to say, I’m expecting a repeat this afternoon. Maryland is led by Melo Trimble, who had 17 points, six boards and four assists in his team’s most recent win over Rutgers. The Terps though would commit 18 turnovers and shot 44.2 percent from the floor. Note that Maryland averages 75.2 PPG and concedes 65.2. Nate Mason leads the nightly charge for Minnesota with 14.0 points and 5.5 assists per contest. Minnesota averages 74.3 PPG and concedes 66.9. I’ll point out though that Maryland is just 1-3 ATS in its last four off an upset win as an underdog, while Minnesota is 3-1 ATS in its last four after a three game or longer unbeaten streak. I think the desperation level in which the home side plays with today turns out to be the difference. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-28-17 | Notre Dame -5 v. Georgia Tech | Top | 60-62 | Loss | -105 | 19 h 30 m | Show |
My 10* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Notre Dame (12:00 EST). The 17-4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish are at Georgia Tech to take on the 11-8 Yellow Jackets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Irish are going to be hungry today after a listless 71-54 home loss to Virginia. Conversely, I think this sets up as a letdown spot for Georgia Tech after its big 78-56 home win over FSU on Wednesday. Despite the setback to Virginia, the Irish are still sitting well in the ACC standings, just a half game back of UNC for first place with a 6-2 record. Note that the Irish average 79.9 PPG and concede just 67.6. Bonzie Colson leads the nightly charge with 15.6 PPG. The Yellow Jackets average just 67.4 PPG and concede only 66.8. Josh Okogie had 35 points and 14 boards in the upet win over the Seminoles. A great situational play in my opinion. I have a hard time seeing the Yellow Jackets’ offense keeping matching what they did last time out, lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-27-17 | Grizzlies v. Blazers OVER 206 | Top | 109-112 | Win | 100 | 31 h 50 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play on the over Grizzlies/Blazers (10:05 EST). The 27-20 Memphis Grizzlies are in Portland to take on the 20-27 Trailblazers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has offensive “shootout” written all over it. Portland had lost four in a row before back-to-back victories over the Celtics and Lakers. Memphis also comes in with plenty of momentum after winning two of its last three after getting the better of Toronto on Wednesday. One player to keep your eyes on for the Grizzlies is center Marc Gasol, who has reached the 20-point mark in five straight games. In the most recent victory over the Raptors he had a career-best 42 points and five three-pointers. And for Portland, make sure to track shooting guard CJ McCollum, who is averaging 29.5 points during the two-game win streak. He’s also scored 20 or more points in 12 of the past 15 games. To say everyone is focused on the task at hand tonight for the home side would be an understatement: “I think it’s a great opportunity for us,” Blazers’ star point guard Damian Lillard commented. “I just asked somebody in the locker room, ‘When was the last time we won three games in a row?’ We had to look at the schedule to see.” I’ll point out that Memphis has seen the total go over the number in 14 of 22 on the road this year, while Portland has seen the total sail above the posted number in ten of 17 this season in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent. I think this number is just a little low, as I am expecting each side to push the pace from start to finish. Play the over. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-27-17 | Wizards v. Hawks UNDER 213 | 112-86 | Win | 100 | 29 h 50 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the under Wizards/Hawks (8:05 EST). The 25-20 Washington Wizards are in Atlanta to take on the 27-19 Hawks on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has defensive affair written all over it. Note that Washington is just 6-14 on the road this year, while Atlanta is 13-9 at home. The Hawks most recently got the better of the Bulls. Big man Dwight Howard continues his solid season, he’s averaged 12 points and ten boards over his last five games. Note the that Hawks average just 103 PPG and concede 103 on the other end. Washington has gone 8-2 its last ten, but note that it’s seen the total go under the number in three of its last four following a two game unbeaten streak. This is also a spot in which the Hawks have seen the total dip below the number plenty of times already this year, including in all four games they’ve played after playig to three or more consecutive “overs,” and in all six home games where the total in the contest is greater than or equal to 210. I think this number is just a little high, play the under. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-27-17 | Brown v. Yale -12.5 | Top | 75-85 | Loss | -110 | 29 h 43 m | Show |
My 10* IVY LEAGUE GAME OF THE MONTH is on Yale (8:00 EST). The 10-9 Brown Bears are at Yale to take on the 10-6 Bulldogs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. This is the second game of a home and home set between the schools, Yale barely scraping by Brown 75-74 last Friday in the first meeting. Suffice it to say, after that wake up call, I’m fully expecting the home side to take nothing for granted tonight and to keep the foot on the gas from the opening tip until the final horn. Brown averages 77.2 PPG, but allows 76.9. Steven Spieth had a career-high 33 points last time out. Yale averages 74.6 PPG and concedes just 67.8. Sam Downey came up big in the win over Brown, finishing with a season-high 26 points and 13 boards. I’ll point out that Brown is just 1-3 ATS in its last four after giving up 75 points or more, while Yale is 35-16 ATS in its last 51 following an ATS loss. The Bulldogs are 6-0 on their home floor. Yale has also been downright dominant on the defensive end of late, giving up an average of just 59.5 points over its past four games. The Bears got close last time out, but I’m expecting a rout this time around. Note that Brown is one of the worst rebounding teams in the nation and Yale outrebounded it 47-31 last week. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-27-17 | Kings +4 v. Pacers | 111-115 | Push | 0 | 28 h 50 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Sacramento Kings (7:00 EST). The 18-27 Sacramento Kings are in Indiana to take on the 23-22 Pacers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. I had a play on Indiana last night, a 4-point dog which would win outright on the road over the Wolves. I now think this sets up a natural letdown spot for Indiana. Sacramento comes to town with plenty of momentum as well after winning two straight, most recently a confidence building 116-112 OT victory over the Cavs on Wednesday. Note that this also sets up as a “revenge” game for the visitors, who fell 106-100 to the Pacers at home back on January 18th. With the win over the defending champs, the Kings are now just 1.5 games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Sacramento is in the middle of the pack on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor, but does catch a break here in facing the now contented Pacers. Indiana is an average offensive team with 105.4 PPG and a sub-par defensive one in conceding 106.8 per night. And I’ll point out that Sacramento is 4-1 ATS in its last five on the road, while Indiana is only 1-5 ATS in its last six against the Western Conference. These are two teams desperate for victories, but I think Sacramento catches the Pacers at a good time. While I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by the outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing the points. Play on the Kings. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-26-17 | San Francisco +14 v. St. Mary's | Top | 46-66 | Loss | -110 | 29 h 20 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on San Francisco (11:00 EST). San Francisco is 14-7 overall and 4-4 in league play, while Saint Mary’s is 17-2 overall and 7-1 in the WCC. Note that this is a “revenge” game for the visitors, which lost 63-52 at home back on January 7th. In that game, the Dons actually held a two-point lead at half time. San Fran opened conference play by going 1-4, but has since won three straight WCC games. Most recently the Dons beat San Diego by 17. Saint Mary’s was able to shut down the Dons in the first game, holding them to 37 percent from the floor, but clearly San Francisco has turned the corner and looks like an entirely different team now than at the start of the month. I think its momentum gets carried over here. Not as well that San Francisco is 5-3 ATS as an underdog this year and 3-1 ATS in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while Saint Mary’s is just 2-4 ATS this season off a win against a division rival and only 1-5 ATS as a home fav of 12.5 points or more. While I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, I do definitely feel this is a few too many points to be giving up to the ever improving Dons. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-26-17 | Sabres v. Stars -143 | Top | 3-4 | Win | 100 | 27 h 46 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Dallas Stars (8:30 EST). The 20-18-9 Buffalo Sabres are in Dallas to take on the 19-20-10 Stars and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Buffalo is poised for a big letdown tonight after winning three straight. Conversely, it’s going to be all hands on deck for Dallas as it looks to snap a three-game slide. Buffalo most recently scored two late third period goals and then won 5-4 in OT in Nashville most recently. Goaltender Robin Lehner is now 4-1-0 in January. The Stars come in off a tough 3-2 shootout loss to Minnesota on Tuesday. Keep your eyes on Tyler Seguin, who has 29 assists and 46 points this year. I’ll point out that Buffalo is already a horrible 3-8 (-5 units) this season after scoring four goals or more in its previous contest, while Dallas is a perfect 4-0 (+4.8 units) after three or more consecutive losses. I’m banking on the “hungry” home side to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Lay the price. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-26-17 | Pacers +4 v. Wolves | Top | 109-103 | Win | 100 | 26 h 27 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Indiana Pacers (8:05 EST). The 22-22 Indiana Pacers are in Minnesota to take on the 17-28 Timberwolves and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Pacers are going to be the “hungrier” team tonight in my estimation, they enter off a third straight loss, this time 109-103 at home to the Knicks. Conversely, I think this sets up as a natural letdown spot for the suddenly over-achieving Timberwolves who come in off their third straight victory, most recently a 112-111 win on the road over Phoenix. So far Indiana averages 105.4 PPG, while conceding 106.8. Paul George leads the way with an average of 22.2 PPG. Minnesota averages 103.5 PPG and allows 104.5. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the way with 22.4 PPG. I’ll point out though that Indiana is 18-6 ATS in its last 24 when playing on two days rest, while Minnesota is interestingly just 19-41-1 ATS in its last 61 home games against teams with a losing road record. A desperate Indiana team. A contented Minnesota side. I’m grabbing the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-26-17 | Virginia Tech +14 v. North Carolina | 72-91 | Loss | -115 | 26 h 20 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Virginia Tech (8:00 EST). The 15-4 Virginia Tech Hokies are in North Carolina to take on the 18-3 Tar Heels and while I’ll stop short in calling for an outright SU upset, I do definitely think that the visitors can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to beileve. The Hokies come in off a big 82-81 win over Clemson, while the Tar Heels enter off a 90-82 road victory over Boston College. Note that this not surprisingly does indeed set up as a “revenge” game for VT, which lost 75-70 at UNC in the lone meeting last year. VT shot 54.7 percent from the floor in the win over Clemson and was led by Seth Allen who would go on to finish with 17 points. The Hokies have won two straight in the tough ACC and are now averaging 81.5 PPG, while conceding 72.2. UNC shot 47 percent from the floor in the win over BC, but also allowed the Eagles to shoot 47 percent and hit 12 of 27 from range. Justin Jackson was a bright spot with 22 points. So far the Tar Heels average 89.4 PPG and concede 70.8. I’ll point out though that VT is 7-2 ATS in its last nine road games, while UNC is interestingly just 1-5 ATS in its last six at home in this series. The Tar Heels just gave up 82 points to a much weaker Boston College team, so I think that the Hokies high-octane offense will give the home side some issues as well. Note that UNC has not been as sharp defensively since conference play started, allowing an average of 76.7 points. I’m grabbing the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-26-17 | Flames v. Senators -147 | 3-2 | Loss | -147 | 26 h 46 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Ottawa Senators (7:30 EST). The 24-24-1-2 Calgary Flames are in Ottawa to take on the 26-16-5-1 Senators and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Calgary enters off a deflating 5-1 loss at Montreal, its fourth straight setback, while Ottawa comes in off a solid 3-0 home win over Washington. The Flames have been outscored 9-1 in their last two, losing 4-0 in Toronto previous to the setback in Montreal. Goaltender Chad Johnson is 16-13 with a 2.50 GAA. Calgary is ranked 21st in the league in scoring at 2.53 GPG and 20th in goals allowed in conceding 2.84. Sens’ netminder Mike Condon blanked the Capitals on 31 shots and is now 14-11 with a 2.38 GAA, including 7-7 with a 2.26 GAA at home. Ottawa though has been dominant on the offensive end of the ice over the last month, averaging a whopping 3.88 GPG in its last eight contests. Note that Ottawa is ranked 11th in goals allowed in conceding 2.59 per game. I’ll point out that Calgary is just 18-38 in its last 56 in the third game of a 3-in-4 situation, while Ottawa is interestingly 25-10 in its last 35 against the Pacific division. The Flames are tanking right now and that doesn’t bode well in facing this red hot Senators team which is dominating in every facet of the game. This line should be a lot higher in my opinion, great value on Ottawa in this one. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-26-17 | Xavier v. Cincinnati -4.5 | 78-86 | Win | 100 | 25 h 21 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Cincinnati (7:00 EST). The 14-5 Xavier Musketeers are in Cincinnati to take on the 17-2 Bearcats and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Xavier enters off an 86-75 home win over Georgetown, while Cincinnati smashed Tulane 78-61 last time out. Note that this does set up as a “revenge” game as well for the home side after the Musketeers beat the Bearcats 65-55 at home in the lone meeting last year. The Musketeers looked pretty shaky in losing three straight before the win over the Hoyas. Xavier averages 76.6 PPG and concedes 68.7 and is led by Trevon Bluiett, who averages 17.2 PPG. The Bearcats average 77.3 PPG and concede just 61.4 (tenth in the nation). Keep your eyes on Jacob Evans, who leads the team with 14.2 PPG. I’ll point out that Xavier is just 1-4 ATS in its last five road games, while Cincinnati is 6-1 ATS the last seven in this series. The Bearcats are a perfect 11-0 at home this year, while the Musketeers have just a single road win. And note that Xavier has struggled defensively of late, allowing 78 PPG over its last six. Cincinnati though has dialed up the pressure as the season has worn on, allowing just 58 PPG over its last seven since conference play began. I’m laying the points on the red hot home side. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-26-17 | Canadiens -116 v. Islanders | 1-3 | Loss | -116 | 25 h 16 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Montreal Canadiens (7:00 EST). The 29-13-6-1 Montreal Canadiens are in New York to take on the 20-17-6-3 Islanders and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Montreal looks to carry over the momentum from its 5-1 spanking of Calgary at home last time out. New York also enters off a victory, a 4-2 home win over Columbus. If recent history is any precedence though, then the visitors have to be loving their chances today as they’ve won ten of the last 11 in the series. Habs’ goaltender Carey Price is 22-14 with a 2.32 GAA on the year and is 11-6 with a 2.51 GAA lifetime against the Islanders. Note that Montreal ranks seventh in the league in scoring at 3.02 GPG, while ranked sixth on the defensive end in conceding just 2.47 GPG. The Isles turn to Thomas Greiss, who is 13-10 with a 2.31 GAA on the year and 0-3 with a 2.69 GAA lifetime against Montreal. New York ranks ninth overall in scoring at 2.87 PGP, while ranked 21st in goals allowed in conceding 2.87. I’ll point out that Montreal is on a 39-25 (+11.6 units) run after scoring four goals or more in its previous contest, while New York is just 3-5 (-2.4 units) this season after playing three consecutive home games. Price is the difference maker for me as I think he’ll outplay his counterpart in the end. Play on Montreal. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-25-17 | Oilers v. Ducks -135 | Top | 4-0 | Loss | -135 | 31 h 31 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Anaheim Ducks (10:00 EST). The 26-15-4-4 Oilers are in Anaheim to take on the 27-14-18-1 Ducks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Edmonton enters off a highly satisfying 7-3 destruction of rival Calgary, while Anaheim comes in off a 3-2 road win at Winnipeg. The Oilers will send Cam Talbot to the net tonight and he’s 11-9 with a 2.50 GAA on the road (note that he’s 2-5 with a 2.28 GAA lifetime against the Ducks). Edmonton averages 2.88 GPG and concedes 2.59. Anaheim averages 2.62 GPG and concedes just 2.48. Getting the call in net for the home side will be John Gibson, who is 13-7 with a 2.07 GAA at home and who is 4-1 with a tiny 1.19 GAA lifetime against Edmonton. I’ll point out that the Oilers are miserable 9-42 in their last 51 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while the Ducks are 6-1 in their last seven when playing on one days worth of rest. Edmonton is just 1-8 in its last nine at the Honda Center, while the Ducks are already 16-8 at home this year. Gibson is the difference maker for me and all things considered, I do indeed feel we’re getting a very fair price on the Ducks tonight. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-25-17 | Florida -12 v. LSU | Top | 106-71 | Win | 100 | 30 h 45 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Florida (9:00 EST). The 14-5 Florida Gators are at LSU to take on the 9-9 Tigers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Gators are out for revenge today as the Tigers have taken three of the last four in the series, including last year’s 96-91 victory in front of the home town crowd. So far Florida is 5-2 in SEC play. The Gators remained ranked No. 25 in the country, despite coming into this one off two straight losses. It’s going to be all hands on deck for Florida today as it looks to “right the ship.” The Tigers league losses have all come by double digits, except a four-point setback at Auburn. Note that LSU has lost three conference home games by an average of 13 points. Defense has been a mjaor issue, in the latest loss to the Razorbacks the Tigers would allow the Hogs to shoot 53.2 percent and make eight of 16 from range. I’ll point out that Florida is 9-4 ATS this year when playing the role of favorite and 5-1 ATS in its last six versus poor defensive teams which allow 77-plus points per contest, while LSU is just 2-3 ATS after scoring 80 points or more and only 3-6 ATS in front of the home town crowd. I think the Gators finally play a full two halves and bury the floundering Tigers once it’s all said and done. Play on Florida. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-25-17 | Heat v. Nets +4 | Top | 109-106 | Win | 100 | 28 h 12 m | Show |
This is a 10* PERFECT STORM on the Brooklyn Nets (7:35 EST). The 15-30 Miami Heat are in Brooklyn to take on the 9-35 Nets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. I simply feel this sets up as a big time letdown spot for the Heat, who come in off their season-high fourth straight win after upsetting the Warriors 105-102 on Monday night. Brooklyn will be the much “hungrier” side tonight, it comes in having dropped two straight, most recently a 112-86 setback at home to the Spurs on Monday. And to say this is a “revenge” game would be an understatement, as Miami has won seven of the last eight in the series, including a 110-99 home victory in the most recent matchup back on March 28th, 2016. Despite the win over the Warriors, Miami still only averages 98.9 PPG. Brooklyn averages 105.8. The Heat are much better defensively, but as i mentioned off the top, it’s impossible not to think that Miami won’t have some sort of letdown here after their shocking defeat of mighty Golden State last time out. Combined with the revenge factor, it’s a perfect set of situational circumstances to take advantage of. Also note that Miami is just 1-3 ATS in its last four off an upset win as an underdog, while Brooklyn is 10-7 ATS in its last 17 against teams with losing records. 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 Brooklyn. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-25-17 | Creighton v. Georgetown +3 | 51-71 | Win | 100 | 28 h 35 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Georgetown (7:00 EST0. The 18-2 Creighton Bluejays are at Georgetown to take on the 10-10 Hoyas and for a number of different reasons, i think this one favors the home side. This is a great situational play to take advantage of, as I think Creighton is poised for a bit of a mental lapse here after suffering a 102-94 loss to Marquette at home on Saturday, falling to 5-2 in Big East play. It was the first game that the team played without point guard Maurice Watson Jr, who was averaging 12.9 points and 8.4 assists (led the country). The Hoyas though come in “hungry,” they’re off an 86-75 loss at Xavier on Sunday and now just 1-6 in league play. Creighton averages 87.1 PPG and allows 72.2. Georgetown averages 76.2 PPG and concedes 72.1. Ultimately I think the loss of Watson is significant for the Blue Jays, who missed his defensive play more than anything. I’ll also point out that Creighton is just 1-3 ATS in its last four off an upset loss as a favorite at home, while Georgetown is 10-6 ATS in its last 16 after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive games. For all the reasons listed above, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Hoyas won this one outright, but in the end I’ll recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-25-17 | SMU v. UCF +3.5 | 65-60 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 36 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Central Florida (6:00 EST). The 17-4 SMU Mustangs are at Central Florida to take on the 14-5 Knights and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. SMU most recently rolled over Houston 85-64, while UCF enters off a 70-65 setback to Memphis on the weekend. Note that this is a revenge game for the Knights, who fell 88-73 in the lone meeting last year. The Mustangs are led by Semi Ojeleye with 17.8 PPG. SMU averages 73.2 PPG and concedes just 59.4. Note that the Knights are not too far behind in either category though, averaging 69.4 PPG and coneding just 59.2, good for third in the entire country. I’ll point out that SMU is already 0-1 ATS this year as a road fav in the 3.5 to six points range, while UCF is 5-3 ATS against teams with winning records and 4-2 ATS when playing the role of underdog. SMU’s offense relies on the three-ball, but the Knights are holding opponents to just 29 percent from beyond the arc. UCF also holds a major rebounding advantage today, ranked second overall in the nation, led by 10.5 RPG from Tacko Fall. While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset obviously, I’ll recommend grabbing as many points as you can in the end. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-24-17 | Bulls v. Magic OVER 205 | Top | 100-92 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 44 m | Show |
My 10* Goin Over Total is the over Bulls/Magic (7:05 EST). The 22-23 Chicago Bulls are in Orlando to take on the 18-28 Magic and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has “shootout” written all over it. These teams are battling it out for one of the final playoff spots. The Bulls enter off a 102-99 win over the Kings at home on Saturday night, snapping two-game slide, while the Magic lost for an eighth time in their last ten games in a 118-98 setback at home to Golden State on Sunday. Note that these teams met on November 7th and Chicago would come away with the 112-80 victory. Chicago can move back to .500 with a win today. Note that the Bulls average 101.2 PPG and concede 101.4 Keep your eyes on Dwayne Wade, he had 30 points in the win over the Kings on the weekend. Orlando was tied with Golden State at half time, but predictably fell apart down the stretch and allowed the Warriors to shoot 47.2 percent overall and 19 of 42 from beyond the arc. So far the Magic average just 99.9 PPG, while conceding 105 per contest. I’ll point out though that Chicago has seen the total go over the number in two of its last three against poor defensive teams which allow 99-plus points per contest, while Orlando has seen the total eclipse the posted number in 15 of 26 this year after allowing 105 points or more. Both teams need to string some wins together quickly if they have any shot at the postseason. I’m expecting each to push the pace from start to finish and for this one to fly over as it comes down the stretch. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-24-17 | Buffalo v. Miami (OH) +4 | 74-75 | Win | 100 | 26 h 38 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Miami Ohio (7:00 EST). The 8-11 Miami Ohio Redhawks are at Buffalo to take on the 9-10 Bulls and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Miami Ohio is coming off a 101-92 road loss to Central Michigan, while Buffalo beat Western Michigan 66-54 on the weekend. The Bulls looked stout defensively in their win over WMU, holding it to just 32 percent from the floor. Note though that Buffalo shot just 34 percent itself. Nick Perkins had 21 points and ten boards. Note that Buffalo averages 74.8 PPG and concedes 73.6. The Redhawks will be the “hungrier” team in my opinion, in its latest setback to CMU they’d actually hold a ten point halftime lead. Michael Weathers was a bright spot with 24 points. He now leads the team in scoring with 18.2 per night. So far Miami Ohio averages 74 points and concedes 75.5. I’ll point out though that Buffalo is already 0-3 ATS this year after allowing 60 points or less, while the Redhawks are 6-2 ATS at home this season and 3-0 ATS against teams with losing records. I think this one comes down to the wire. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-24-17 | Akron -3.5 v. Western Michigan | 90-80 | Win | 100 | 26 h 38 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Akron (7:00 EST). The 16-3 Akron Zips are at Western Michigan to take on the 6-12 Broncos and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Akron has won nine straight, most recently a 70-63 win at home over Eastern Michigan. WMU enters off the 66-54 road loss to Buffalo, its fourth setback in its last six. The Zips are 6-0 in league play, winning both conference road games thus far. Akron has turned it up a notch since conference action began, averaging 78.5 PPG and allowing 71.5. Overall Akron averages 78.7 PPG and concedes 68.5. Isaiah Johnson leads the nightly charge with 15.8 PPG. WMU has averaged 72.2 PPG and conceded 78.2 in league play this year. Overall the Broncos average 74.2 PPG while allowing 78.2. I’ll point out that the road team is 4-0 ATS the last four in this series, while the favorite is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 this series. I think the surging Zips can smell the blood in the water and look for the deeper team to pull away down the stretch. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-24-17 | Louisville v. Pittsburgh +6.5 | Top | 106-51 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 38 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Pittsburgh (7:00 EST). The 16-5 Louisville Cardinals are in Pittsburgh to take on the 12-7 Panthers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Pittsburgh will be the “hungrier” team today as it looks to snap a four-game slide. The Panther lost to Syracuse, Louisville, Miami and NC State, making this an immediate “revenge” scenario for the home side as well. I think this sets up as a letdown spot for Louisville as well, which had its four game win streak snapped at Florida State this past weekend. Tony Hicks was a abright spot in the setback, finishing with a season-high 16 points. Pittsburgh looks to snap out of its funk and get back on track after four straight league losses. Note though that the Panthers have performed well in this spot for bettors already this year, going 5-3 ATS as an underdog and 2-1 ATS against good defensive teams which allow 64 points or less per contest. To say this is a “revenge” game for Pitt would be an understatement obviously, as Louisville has won nine straight in this series, including three in a row at Pittsburgh. I like the focused home side to at the very least, take this one down to the wire. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-23-17 | Thunder +6.5 v. Jazz | Top | 97-95 | Win | 100 | 29 h 22 m | Show |
My 10* SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (9:05 EST). OKC sits 3.5 games behind the Jazz in the Western Conference standings, making this a very meaningful mid-season game. He may have been snubbed at the All Star Game, but I think Russell Westbrook brings his “A” game tonight and at the very least, helps his team take this one down to the wire. The Thunder enter off a 121-100 loss to the Warriors, a game which was tied at halftime. Westbrook would go on to finish with 27 points, 15 boards, 13 assists, two steals and two blocks in the loss. It was his 21st triple-double of the season. OKC can score with the best of them, but lacks on the defensive end in conceding 105.6 PPG. Utah is coming off a 109-100 win over Indiana, led by 30 points from George Hill. Utah isn’t a high-scoring team, but gets the job done with tough defenisve play, the No. 1 ranked unit in allowing only 98.9 PPG. I’ll point out though that the Thunder are already a perfect 2-0 ATS this year as a road dog in the 3.5 to 6.5 points range and 7-3 ATS after a loss by ten points or more, while Utah is just 8-11 ATS against teams with winning records and only 15-16 ATS against good offensive teams which average 99-plus points per contest. This is a tough matchup. For both teams. I’m expecting a highly competitive affair, one which will be decided in the final moments. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-23-17 | Spurs v. Nets UNDER 217 | Top | 112-86 | Win | 100 | 28 h 53 m | Show |
My 10* TOTAL PERFECT STORM is the under Spurs/Nets (7:35 EST). The 34-9 San Antonio Spurs are in Brooklyn to take on the 9-34 Nets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one sets up as more of a defensive affair and will look for this one to stay under the number once it’s all said and done. I simply feel this sets up as a natural letdown/look ahead spot for the Spurs, who come in off a 118-115 OT win over the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday and who then travel to Toronto to take on the No. 2 team in the East tomorrow night. San Antonio ranks seventh overall on the offensive end in averaging 107.6 PPG, but most nights gets the job done on the defensive end in conceding just 98.9 PPG. Kawhi Leonard leads the team with 25.5 points, 5.7 boards and 1.83 steals per game. Brooklyn averages 106.2 PPG, but is last on the defensive side in conceding 114.9 per game. The Nets blew out the Pelicans, but then immediately returned to Earth with a dud against the Hornets last time out. Things won’t get any easier in facing San Antonio’s smothering defense. I’ll point out that San Antonio has seen the total go under the number in eight off road games where the total is greater than or equal to 210, while Brooklyn has seen the total dip below the posted number in 13 of 24 this year after scoring 105 points or more. With a tough game tomorrow night in Toronto, I think the visitors slow this one down and control the tempo from the outset. This number is just a little bit high, play the under. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-23-17 | Hurricanes v. Capitals UNDER 5.5 | Top | 1-6 | Loss | -120 | 27 h 20 m | Show |
My 10* TOTAL PERFECT STORM is the under Hurricanes/Capitals (7:05 EST). The 21-18-3-4 Carolina Hurricanes are in Washington to take on the 31-9-2-4 Capitals and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has goaltenders battle written all over it. Carolina enters off a 3-2 road loss to Columbus, while Washington comes in off a 4-3 OT win over Dallas. It’s interesting to note that the home team has won six of the last eight in this series. Cam Ward is expected in net tonight for the Hurricanes, so far he’s 18-20 with a 2.54 GAA on the year. He’s 17-20 with a 2.59 GAA lifetime against the Capitals. Carolina is ranked 16th in the league in scoring with an average of 2.67 GPG, while ranked 17th on the defensive end in conceding 2.76. Washington could come in a bit complacent here, it’s now won 11 of its last 12 after taking down the Stars in the extra frame. Note that the Capitals have allowed just 25 goals over their last 12 games. Braden Holtby is scheduled in net for the home side and he’s 22-12 with a 1.99 GAA on the year, including going 14-6 with a 1.72 GAA here at home. Holtby has dominated the Canes throughout his career as well, going 9-4 with a 1.90 GAA. Washington averages 3.22 GPG and allows just 2.09. I’ll point out that the Hurricanes have seen the total go under the number in six of their last seven on the road and in four of their last five road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while the Capitals have seen the total dip below the posted number in three of their last five home games against teams with a road win percentage below .400. I think the home side dictates the tempo and this one ultimately stays under once it’s all said and done. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-23-17 | Rider +5 v. St. Peter's | Top | 51-56 | Push | 0 | 27 h 6 m | Show |
My 10* MAAC SIDE OF THE MONTH is on Rider (7:00 EST). The 12-9 Rider Broncos are at Saint Peter’s to take on the 10-9 Peacocks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Peacocks enter off a home loss to Niagara, a setback which snapped a four-game win streak. Momentum is difficult to attain and once lost, is even more difficult to get back. So far St. Peter’s averages 64.8 PPG, while allowing 63.4. The Broncs enter off a win against Marist which snapped a three-game slide. Rider averages 73.6 PPG and allows 73.2. Keep your eyes on Kahlil Thomas, who leads the way with 13.8 points and 9.5 boards per game. I’ll point out that Rider is already 3-1 ATS this year off a win against a conference rival, while St. Peter’s is just 9-11 ATS in its last 20 off a loss against a conference rival and just 3-4 ATS at home this season. I think Riders offense will finally test the Peacocks today 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 Rider. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-22-17 | Steelers v. Patriots -5.5 | Top | 17-36 | Win | 100 | 153 h 33 m | Show |
My 10* 33-Club Play is on the New England Patriots (6:40 EST). The 13-5 Pittsburgh Steelers are at New England to take on the 15-2 Patriots and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Last week the Steelers barely held on for an 18-16 road win in Kansas City. The Patriots were in neutral in their victory over the Texans last week before hitting the gas in the second half to pull away for the 34-16 win. Ben Roethlisberger wasn’t playing, but the Patriots won 27-16 at Heinz Field in Week seven. The Steelers finished the regular season by posting 24.9 PPG, ranked 11th overall. The defense was ranked tenth, conceding an average of 20.4 PPG. The Patriots though were step above in both departments, finishing third in the league in scoring with an average of 27.6 PPG, while finishing No. 1 on the defensive end in conceding 15.6 PPG. Last week the unit held the Texans to just 285 yards and had three INT’s. I’ll point out that Pittsburgh is just 4-11 ATS in its last 15 against New England, while the Pats are 6-0 ATS in their last six following a SU win and 4-0 ATS against teams with winning records. The Pats strength on defense was stopping the run, which clearly doesn’t bode well for Steelers’ RB Le’Veon Bell. Note that Pittsburgh allowed an average of just 88.6 yards per game on the ground. So far Roethlisberger has two TD’s and three INT’s in the playoffs. It’s a lot to ask a team to win on the road in the postseason, so to say it’s difficult to win SU twice away from friendly confines as the underdog would be a bit of an understatement I think. The Steelers’ secondary is average at best, so New England QB Tom Brady should be able to move the ball in this one. Also note that the Pats were able to rush for 140 yards in their Week 7 win over the Steelers. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-22-17 | Steelers v. Patriots OVER 50 | Top | 17-36 | Win | 100 | 153 h 32 m | Show |
My 10* AFC TOTAL OF THE MONTH is the over Steelers/Patriots (6:40 EST). The 13-5 Pittsburgh Steelers are in New England to take on the 15-2 Patriots and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has “shootout” written all over it. The Steelers would squeak by the Chiefs 18-16 on Sunday, while the Pats pulled away for a 34-16 beatdown of the Texans. Note that when these two teams met at Heinz Field back on Week 7, New England scored the 27-16 victory (note that Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger was not playing in that one). The Steelers had plenty of chances to score a TD last week, but instead settled for FG’s. In the end, it was enough to secure their spot in the AFC Championship game. RB Le’Veon Bell had 170 yards off 30 carries last week. FG’s won’t get the job done in Foxborough though. Note that Pittsburgh did finish the year averaging 24.9 PPG, which ranked it 11th in the league. Now Roethlisberger, Bell and Antonio Brown face the league’s top defense, a unit which conceded only 15.6 PPG. The Patriots were almost as good on the offensive end in averaging 27.6 PPG. I’ll point out that Pittsburgh has seen the total go over the number in five of its last seven playoff games after scoring a combined 35 points or less in its prevoius playoff contest, while New England has seen the total sail above the posted number in five of seven this year against teams with winning records and in three of four as a home favorite of 3.5 to seven points. In my estimation, the only way the Steelers can win this game is to open up the playbook and stretch the Patriots tough defensive unit. The Pats are better against the run than pass, so look for the visitors to give the green light to Roethlisberger throughout. Brady will also have his chances in facing Pittsburgh’s mediocre secondary. Play the OVER. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-22-17 | Packers +4.5 v. Falcons | Top | 21-44 | Loss | -115 | 153 h 34 m | Show |
My 10* Championship Sunday Las Vegas Insider is on the GB Packers at 3:05 ET. Both Championship Sunday games have terrific QB matchups, with this Green Bay/Atlanta game featuring the NFL's hottest QB in Aaron Rodgers up against Matt Ryan, who many believe will win this year's MVP award (however, Rodgers could have something to say about that!). Rodgers owns a Super Bowl ring and the Packers are participating in the playoffs for the EIGHTH consecutive season. As for the Falcons, they did capture the NFC's No. 2 seed with an 11-5 record in 2016, but this is the team's first postseason appearance since 2012. Rodgers proved to be a man of his word when he told reporters that the Green Bay Packers were capable of running the table to secure a playoff bid. Six consecutive wins later and the Packers won the NFC North at 10-6. They've then beaten the Giants 38-13 at Lambeau in the wild card round before last Sunday's thrilling 34-31 last-second win in Dallas over the Cowboys, who had earned the NFC's No. 1 seed at 13-3. Rodgers finished the regular season with an NFL-high 40 TD passes and just seven INTs (QB rating of 104.2), which all followed him struggling down the stretch last season and in the early going of 2016. Despite losing Jody Nelson (led the NFL with 14 TDs among his 97 receptions) to a rib injury against teh Giants, Rodgers threw for 362 yards and four TDs without an INT in 40 attempts. Without Nelson against Dallas, Rodgers threw for 356 yards with two TDs, although he did throw his first INT since a Nov 13th game at Tennessee. Rodgers has 21 TDs and just one INT in the team's 8-0 run plus a Green Bay defense which allowed 24.2 PPG on the season (to rank 21st), has held opponents to 19.5 PPG during its winning run. As good as Rodgers has been, Matt Ryan has delivered a "career season" for the Falcons. The Falcons scored 71 more points than any other team in the NFL during the regular season, leading all teams by averaging 33.8 PPG. He just missed throwing for 5,000 yards (4,944), while passing for 38 TDs and just seven INTs. His 117.1 QB rating not only led the NFL, but was the fifth-best in NFL history. In fact, he topped 100 in passer rating in 12 of 16 regular-season games, then did it again against Seattle (125.7) in the divisional round when threw for 338 yards with three TDs and zero INTs against Seattle, which owned the best defense of any NFC playoff team. In Julio Jones (83 catches for 1,409 yards), Ryan has one of the three-best WRs in the NFL plus the RB duo of Freeman and Coleman, have turned into a real force. Each can run, catch and gain yards after the catch. Freeman gained 1,541 yards from scrimmage (13 TDs) and Coleman 941 yards with 11 TDs during the regular season. However, defense has been an issue for the Falcons all season, allowing 25.4 PPG (27th) on 371.2 YPG (25th). Then again, this is not grandfather's NFL or your father's, for that matter. Atlanta ranked 27th in the NFL in points allowed and Green Bay 21st but ONE of them is headed to Super Bowl 51. The knock on Ryan was his dismal 1-4 playoff record coming into this postseason and while he was great vs Seattle, did that real "get the monkey off his back?" The Falcons defense didn't get much of a test against Seattle, a team which averaged only 14.8 PPG on the road during the regular season and then 'laid an egg' in Atlanta. Seattle scored on its opening drive, then didn't get into the end zone again until 3:21 left in the game, when the team was down 36-13! Is the Atlanta defense really ready for Rodgers? When these teams met in Atlanta back in Week 8, the Packers took the lead with just under four minutes to go but Ryan drove the Falcons 75 yards (in 11 plays) for the tying TD, with the extra-point being the game-winner (33-32). Can't see giving Rodgers and Green Bay any points in this one. I made "The Pack" a top-rated 10* last weekend and will do so again, here. Good luck...Larry |
|||||||
01-22-17 | Packers v. Falcons UNDER 60 | Top | 21-44 | Loss | -110 | 149 h 60 m | Show |
My 10* TOTAL PERFECT STORM is the under Packers/Falcons (3:05 EST). The 12-6 Green Bay Packers are getting ready to battle the 12-5 Atlanta Falcons on Championship Sunday and for a number of different reasons, I’m expecting more of a defensive affair than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Green Bay would hold on for a 34-31 win at Dallas last Sunday, while the Falcons rolled to a 36-20 win over the Seahawks. These teams met in Week 18 and Atlanta won 33-32 in front of the home town crowd. Clearly these teams know how to score, but I think the value has now finally swung the other way as far as the total is concerned. Green Bay actually held a 28-13 lead, but allowed Dallas to fight its way back into the game with a crummy fourth quarter defensively last week. Clearly the team will be looking to atone for the mental setback. Note that the Packers average 27 PPG and concede 24.2. The Falcons finished with the No. 1 offense in the regular season with an average off 33.8 PPG, so the fact that they got 36 on the Seahawks doesn’t come as too big a surprise. However, Atlanta’s defense, which conceded 25.4 PPG, looked great in holding Seattle to just 20 points. I’ll point out that Green Bay has seen the total go UNDER the number in four of its last six in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent, while Atlanta has seen the total go UNDER in three of its last four when the combined score in its last game eclipsed 55 points. This can still be a high-scoring game and fall below this sky-high number and that’s exactly what I’m expecting once it’s all said and done. Play the under. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-22-17 | St. Louis +24 v. Dayton | Top | 46-67 | Win | 100 | 24 h 14 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on Saint Louis (2:00 EST). The 5-13 St. Louis Billikens are at Dayton to take on the 14-4 Flyers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Saint Louis will be out to atone for a listless 75-52 loss to St. Bonaventure in its latest action. Dayton enters off a 75-59 beatdown of Ricmond. St. Louis is a bad team, it averages 60.6 PPG and concedes 71.7. One bright spot though has been Davell Roby, who has scored 13 or more points in six out of his last eight games. Dayton is a good team, it averages 75.4 PPG and concedes 64.5. Charles Cooke averages 17.9 PPG. But note, this is definitely a spot in which the Billikens have excelled in for bettors, going 4-1 ATS in their last five after scoring 55 points or less, while Dayton is just 1-3 ATS in its last four against a team with a road winning percentage below .400. I think the high-flying Flyers come in a bit complacent today and the hungry Billikens keep this one a little more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Play on Saint Louis. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-22-17 | Rangers -141 v. Red Wings | Top | 1-0 | Win | 100 | 23 h 49 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the New York Rangers (12:35 EST). The 29-16-0-1 New York Rangers are in Detroit to take on the 20-19-7 Wings and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. After three straight losses the Rangers got back on track with a convincing 5-2 win at Toronto in their last game. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist looked a lot better after a shaky stretch in making 23 saves. Note that he’s 5-4-2 with a 2.16 career GAA against the Wings. So far the Rangers rank second in the league in averaging 3.50 GPG. New York isn’t quite as good defensively though in conceding 2.70. Also note that the Blueshirts have the eighth best overall power play at 22.1 percent. Detroit comes in off a deflating 3-2 OT loss to the league worst Sabres on Friday. Goaltender Petr Mrazek is now 10-11-5 with a 3.13 GAA. Note that the Wings average just 2.48 GPG and concede 2.93. I’ll point out that New York is 5-1 in its last six on the road, while Detroit is interestingly just 2-8 in its last ten against teams with a winning percentage above .600. New York plays with revenge after falling to Detroit 2-1 earlier in the season. It’s payback time, lay the price. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-22-17 | Warriors v. Magic +12 | Top | 118-98 | Loss | -110 | 22 h 20 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Orlando Magic (12:05 EST). The 37-6 Golden State Warriors are in Orlando on Sunday afternoon to take on the 18-27 Magic and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. I simply feel this sets up as a bit of a letdown spot for the No. 1 ranked Warriors, who come in off their sixth straight win, most recently a satisfying 125-108 road victory over Houston on Friday. Orlando is going to be the “hungrier” team today in my opinion. The Magic do come in with some postitive momentum, after losing three straight and seven of eight, Orlando got back into the win column with a solid 112-96 win over the Bucks on Friday. The Warriors have the No. 1 offense, but the defense ranks middle of the pack in conceding 105 points a night. Orlando averages only 100 points per night, while conceding 104.7. I’ll point out though that the Warriors are just 1-3 ATS in their last four following a five-game unbeaten streak, while Orlando is 3-1 ATS in their last four after scoring 112 points or more. Golden State may be 17-3 SU on the road, but it’s only 8-11 ATS. With a game tomorrow night in Miami, I think the visitors come into this one a bit distracted and the focused home side keeps it competitive until the final moments. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-21-17 | LSU +13 v. Arkansas | Top | 86-99 | Push | 0 | 26 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* LEGEND is on LSU (8:30 EST). The 9-8 LSU Tigers are at Arkansas to take on the 14-4 Razorbacks and while I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do definitely feel that the visitors can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to beileve. LSU enters off a tight 78-74 setback to Auburn on Wednesday. The Tigers actually held a lead through most of the first half, but they were unable to hold on in the end. LSU is going to be the much “hungrier” team today as it’s lost four straight and has just one league victory thus far. Keep your eyes on Tigers’ forward Aaron Epps, who had 15 points and 13 boards in the setback to Auburn. Leading scorer Antonio Blakeney added 13 points and seven boards. Arkansas narrowly edged Texas A&M 62-60 last time out. Daryl Macon saved the day with 16 points and four rebounds. I’ll point out that LSU is 13-7 ATS in its last 20 off a loss against a conference rival and is 2-0 ATS in its last two after playing to three consecutive SU losses, while Arkansas is just 5-6 ATS in its last 11 after allowing 60 points or less and only 5-6 ATS in front of the home town crowd this season. I think the hungry Tigers do more than enough to come away with the comfortable cover once it’s all said and done. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-21-17 | Bucks v. Heat -1 | Top | 97-109 | Win | 100 | 25 h 28 m | Show |
This is a 10* REVENGE GAME OF THE MONTH on the Miami Heat (7:30 EST). The 20-22 Milwaukee Bucks are in Miami to take on the 13-30 Heat and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Milwaukee comes in off a 112-96 road loss in Orlando just last night. Miami on the other hand has shown some life in winning two straight, most recently a 99-95 victory over Dallas on Thursday. The last time these teams played, the Bucks took a 116-108 home win, which of course sets up the revenge scenario for Miami tonight. Milwaukee averages 104.8 PPG and concedes 103.8. The Heat average just 98.6 PPG and allow 102.6. As mentioned above though, Miami has looked a lot better over its last two games And note that Miami is 8-6 ATS this year against clubs with losing records and 3-1 ATS in its last four in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent, while Milwaukee is only 7-12 ATS on the road and just 8-13 ATS against teams with losing records. The Bucks are in a free-fall and they won’t have an easy time tonight in the second game of the back-to-back. I think the home side continues to build momentum and finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on Miami. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-21-17 | Kings v. Islanders +109 | Top | 2-4 | Win | 109 | 25 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* UNDERDOG OF THE MONTH is on the New York Islanders (7:00 EST). The 22-19-1-3 LA Kings are in New York to take on the 18-17-5-3 Islanders and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The Isles have looked a lot better of late and come into this one having posted two straight shutouts. LA comes in on the other end of the spectrum, having dropped two straight. The Kings most recently come off a loss at home to the Sharks, Peter Budaj had 24 saves in the setback. Note that he’s 1-1-1 with a 2.42 GAA lifetime against the Isles. So far LA averages 2.49 GPG while conceding 2.44. The Kings’ powerplay has been atrocious all year as well, posting a 16.4 percent success rate. New York beat Dallas 3-0 in new coach Doug Weight’s first game. It was the Isles third win in their last four games. Note that the Islanders would go on to outshoot the Stars 36-23. Captain John Tavares led the way offensively with two goals. Goaltender Thomas Greiss is now 12-7-2 on the year with a 2.29 GAA. While he’s just 3-3-0 in seven career games against the Kings, he owns a very respectable 2.07 GAA. Note that the Isles average 2.84 GPG and concede 2.91. I’ll point out that LA is just 8-10 (-5.4 units) in non-conference games this year and only 8-10 (-6.7 units) against teams with losing records, while New York is 10-8 (+1.4 units) in non-conference action. I think the visitors are ripe for the picking, play on New York. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-21-17 | Appalachian State +10 v. Georgia Southern | Top | 88-92 | Win | 100 | 23 h 51 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Appalachian State (5:00 EST). The 6-10 Appalachian State Mountaineers are at Georgia Southern to take on the 12-6 Eagles and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Mountaineers will be the “hungrier” team today as they’ve opened Sun Belt action with just a 1-4 record following an 85-73 setback at Coastal Carolina. Ronshad Shabazz was a bright spot with 17 points in the loss. Conversely, I think this sets up as a letdown spot for the Eagles, who come in having won six straight and who are 5-0 in conference action. Most recently they’re coming off a close 62-60 win over Louisiana-Monroe, needing a late furious rally to secure the victory. Tookie Brown had 19 points and eight boards for Georgia Southern. I’ll point out though that App State is 4-2 ATS in its last six after allowing 80 points or more, while Georgia Southern is just 1-2 ATS at home this season and only 1-3 ATS off a win against a conference rival. For all of the reasons listed above, I think Appalachian State keeps this one a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-21-17 | Nebraska v. Rutgers | Top | 64-65 | Win | 100 | 18 h 52 m | Show |
My 10* Daytime Dominator is on Rutgers (12:00 EST). The 9-9 Nebraska Cornhuskers are at Rutgers to take on the 11-8 Scarlet Knights on Saturday afternoon and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Plain and simple, Rutgers is going to be the “hungrier” team today as it risks life and limb in trying to snap its three game losing streak. And here’s the perfect opponent to get untracked against as Nebraska comes to town deflated after its 67-66 home loss to Ohio State. This is also a revenge game for the home side after the Huskers took all three meetings last season. Nebraska actually comes in having lost three straight. In the setback to the Buckeyes it shot only 41 percent on the night, including just 5 of 21 from behind the arc. Tai Webster was a bright spot with 18 points and eight boards. Note that the Cornhuskers average just 71.9 PPG and concede 71.2. Rutgers was outplayed badly in its last outing against Indiana, falling 76-57 on the road. Corey Sanders though was decent, going 7 of 14 for 17 points. Note that the Scarlet Knights score just 68.3 PPG, but concede just 65.3. I’ll point out that Nebraska is 3-10 SU in its last 13 on the road, while Rutgers is 3-1-1 ATS in its last five home games against a team with a road winning percentage below .400. The Scarlet Knights are 8-2 their last ten at home and feature the superior defense in this matchup. I think the home side is definitely the correct call in this one. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-20-17 | Cleveland State v. Wisc-Milwaukee -1 | 62-63 | Push | 0 | 27 h 16 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Milwaukee (8:00 EST). A couple of cellar dwellers face off on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. The visiting Cleveland State Vikings are 6-13 this year and 2-4 in the Horizon League thus far, while the Panthers are 5-14 on the season and 1-5 in conference play. I simply feel this sets up as a letdown spot for Cleveland State, which snapped a four-game losing streak with a 76-65 win over Oakland as a 14-point underdog on Monday. Rob Edwards poured in a career-high 32 points. The Vikings would go on to hit 37 percent from behind the arc, which is completely out of character as the team ranks dead-last in three point field goal percentage in the conference. Milwaukee enters as the “hungrier” team in my estimation, most recently falling 71-57 to the UIC Flames in Chicago on Tuesday. Bryce Nze was a bright spot with 22 points on 83 percent shooting. I’ll also point though that Cleveland State is just 2-8 ATS on the road this year, while Milwaukee is already 5-3 ATS this season after scoring 60 points or less. This is a revenge game for the Panthers as well, as they’d fall 62-53 on New Year’s day to the Vikings. I’m backing the home side in this one. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-20-17 | Youngstown State +11 v. Green Bay | Top | 92-89 | Win | 100 | 27 h 16 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Youngstown State (8:00 EST). While I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright upset, I do think that the “hungry” Penguins can keep this one a lot closer than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Youngstown State has lost five of six including a 16 point setback at Detroit last time out. Green Bay though seems poised for a bit of a mental letdown in my estimation as it gets set to face the lowly Penguins, the Phoenix are 5-1 in conference play, tied with Valpo for top spot in the Horizon League. Green Bay comes in off a humbling 80-56 loss to Valparaiso last time out though, losing the rebound battle 51-39. I’ll point out that Youngstown State has done well in this spot for bettors all year, going 2-1 ATS as a road dog in the 9.5 to 12 points range and 2-0 ATS in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent, while Green Bay has struggled in this position by going 0-2 ATS this season after scoring 60 points or less and 0-1 ATS as a home fav of 9.5 to 12 points. Everything points to the visitors comfortably sneaking in through the back door down the stretch. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-20-17 | Bucks v. Magic UNDER 210 | Top | 96-112 | Win | 100 | 26 h 23 m | Show |
My 10* EASTERN-CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE MONTH is the under Bucks/Magic (7:05 EST). The 20-21 Milwaukee Bucks are in Orlando to take on the 17-27 Magic and for a number of different reasons, I think this one will fall below the posted number once it’s all said and done. These are a couple of struggling teams that are eager to get back on track and stay relevant in the playoff picture. The Bucks have lost three straight, most recently a 111-92 setback at Houston on Wednesday. The Magic can empathize, as they would go on to drop the last three on a six-game road trip, including a 118-98 loss in New Orleans on Wednesday. Milwaukee has won four of the last five in this series, including both games this year. The latest was a 104-96 win in Orlando back on November 27th. Suffice it to say, I’m expecting a similar final combined score once it’s all said and done tonight as well. The Bucks are ranked 17th in the league with an average of 104.8 PPG and ranked 11th in scoring defense in conceding 103.8. The Magic are ranked 25th in the NBA in scoring at 99.7 PPG and 17th in scoring defense in conceding 104.9. I’ll point out that Milwaukee has already seen the total go under the number in both games that it’s played this year following a three game losing streak, while Orlando has seen the total dip below the posted number in eight of 13 this season in trying to revenge a home loss against an opponent. This number is just a bit high in my opinion, play the under. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-20-17 | Red Wings +111 v. Sabres | Top | 2-3 | Loss | -100 | 26 h 20 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Detroit Red Wings (7:00 EST). The 20-19-6-0 Red Wings are in Buffalo to take on the 17-18-4-5 Sabres and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. So far Detroit has under achieved this season, but it comes to town having won three straight. Suffice it to say, I think that momentum gets carried over here. The Wings average 2.49 GPG and concede 2.93. But as mentioned above, Detroit has started to show some life, especially on the offensive end. Buffalo though has been even worse this year and enters having lost three of its last four, most recently a 4-3 seback at Toronto on Tuesday. Note that the Sabres average just 2.34 GPG and concede 2.70. I’ll point out that Detroit is 5-2 in its last seven when playing on one days rest, while Buffalo is just 6-13 (-6.8 units) this year against clubs with losing records. The Sabres own the leagues worst penalty kill, was clearly doesn’t bode well in facing the resurgent Wings’ offense right now. Play on Detroit. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-20-17 | Oakland -3 v. Northern Kentucky | 79-70 | Win | 100 | 26 h 16 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Oakland (7:00 EST). The 14-5 Oakland Golden Grizzlies are at Northern Kentucky to take on the 12-7 Norse and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Golden Grizzlies are just one spot back of first-place Valaparaiso in the Horizon League, but come into this one having dropped two straight. The Norse have also dropped two in a row and sit two games behind the conference leader. If recent history is any precedence though, then the visitors have to be loving their chances to get back on track today as when these teams met at Oakland earlier in the season, the Golden Grizzlies pulled away for the convincing 76-65 victory. Oakland averages 80 PPG and hits 32.1 percent from behind the arc. Note that the Grizzlies are already 4-1 in true road games this year. The Norse are lea by Drew McDonald, who has eight double-doubles this season. So far Northern Kentucky is just 3-3 in league action though. I’ll point out that Oakland is 19-6-1 ATS in its last 26 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while Northern Kentucky is is just 1-7 ATS in its last eight as a home underdog. If the Golden Grizzlies had come into this game on a big win streak, then I’d likely be playing the Norse tonight instead. But I think the revenge factor gets thrown out the window today because Oakland does in fact come in focused and motivated after the two-game slide. The Grizzlies domianted the first game of the year and I think nothing will change tonight. Play on Oakland. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-19-17 | Arizona v. USC +4.5 | 73-66 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 44 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on USC (9:00 EST). The 16-2 Arizona Wildcats are at USC to take on the 16-3 Trojans and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. I think Arizona is complacent after winning ten straight, most recently crushing rival Arizona State 91-75. USC enters off a quality 71-68 road win over Coloardo. These teams split last years series, each winning on its home floor. The Wildcats average 75.2 PPG and concede 61.6. Lauri Markkanen leads the way with 16.7 PPG. USC averages 78.6 PPG and concedes 70.7. Chimezie Metu leads the nightly charge with an average of 14.1 PPG. I’ll point out that Arizona is just 3-4 ATS in its last seven when playing with five or six days rest and only 2-3 ATS after scoring 80 points or more, while USC is 6-4 ATS at home this season and 4-2 ATS in its last six when playing the role of underdog. I think USC is the “hungrier” team today as all three of its losses have come against the PAC 12. 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 home side to catch the Wildcats a little flat footed. Play on the Trojans. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-19-17 | Clemson +7 v. Louisville | Top | 60-92 | Loss | -110 | 27 h 44 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Clemson (9:00 EST). The 11-6 Clemson Tigers are at Louisville to take on the 15-3 Cardinals and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Tigers are used to seeing ranked teams as this marks the fourth such opponent in their last five games. Note that Clemson beat a top-20 Louisville team in Greenville last season. According to the KenPom national rating, Clemson has so far faced the nation’s sixth-toughest schedule. One player to keep your eyes on for Clemson is Jaron Blossomgame, who enters the contest with four straight 20-point games. Louisville looks primed for a letdown here after its big 78-69 win over Duke on Saturday. Center Anas Mahmoud set career-highs with 17 points and 11 rebounds for his first career double-double. Note that the Tigers are 3-1 ATS in their last four after failing to cover the spread in three or more consecutive games, while Louisville is just 2-3 ATS against the conference thus far. Clemson matches up well against Louisville. The Cardinals are the better team, but success does breed complacency. While I won’t be so bold as to predict an outright SU upset, I do definitely feel that the visitors can keep this one more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Play on Clemson. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-19-17 | Nuggets v. Spurs UNDER 219.5 | Top | 104-118 | Loss | -110 | 28 h 53 m | Show |
My 10* TOTAL OF THE YEAR is the under Nuggets/Spurs (8:35 EST). The time has come for my NBA “PLAY OF THE YEAR.” So far the Nuggets have seen the Over/Under go 29-10-1 this season, while the Spurs have seen it go 25-16. Denver comes into this one having seen the total go over the number in eight straight games, while San Antonio has seen the total sail above the posted number in four straight. When these teams met on January 5th, San Antonio won 127-99, the total sailing well above the posted number. In fact, the total has eclipsed the number in six of these team’s last eight in the series. I now finally think though that the value has swung the other way as far as the total is concerned. The Nuggets are just 17-23 SU on the year and come into this one clearly over-achieving after notching their third straight victory in Tuesday’s 127-121 road win over the Lakers. I also feel that San Antonio comes in a bit complacent, it most recently won for the fifth time in seven games by besting the Wolves 122-114 on Tuesday. The Spurs have had their way with the Nuggets over the last few years, taking 11 of the last 12 meetings. If ever they were to take an opponent for granted, it’s Denver. Hammering the Lakers is one thing, but clearly it’s quite another to dominate the Spurs on their home floor. Denver beat LA despite 17 turnovers. Also note that the Spurs own the second ranked defense in the league, conceding just 98.4 PPG. I’ll point out that Denver has seen the total go under the number in seven of its last 12 as a road dog in the 9.5 to 12 points range, while San Antonio has seen the total stay below the number in 15 of its last 22 games when the total is greater than or equal to 210. For all of the reasons listed above, I do indeed think this number is a little high. Play the under. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-19-17 | Rangers +106 v. Maple Leafs | Top | 5-2 | Win | 106 | 25 h 20 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the New York Rangers. The 28-16-0-1 New York Rangers are in Toronto to take on the 21-13-3-5 Maple Leafs and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. New York is going to be the “hungrier” team tonight, as it comes in having lost three straight. Conversely, this sets up as a natural letdown spot for the home side after winning three straight. The Rangers have to be feeling pretty confident that they can get untracked tonight as they’ve won five of the last seven in Toronto. New York will be especially motivated to atone for a horrible 7-6 loss at home to Dallas. The Rangers check in second in the league in scoring with 3.47 GPG, but have gotten poor goaltending over the last month. Henrik Lundqvist is 18-13 with a 2.89 GAA on the year, including 9-6 with a 2.62 GAA on the road, while vs the Maple Leafs he has gone 13-14 with a 2.82 GAA in his career. Despite the recent poor play on the defensive end, note that the Rangers are 17th overall in that department, conceding 2.71 GPG. The home side turns to Frederik Andersen, who has now gone 19-16 with a 2.68 GAA on the year, including 11-8 with a 2.80 GAA here at home, while vs the Rangers in his career he has gone 2-1 with a 2.77 GAA. Toronto is ranked fifth in scoring at 3.12 GPG and 19th on the defensive side of the rink, conceding 2.81 GPG. I’ll point out though that the Rangers are already 14-5 (+7.8 units) this season in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent and 14-4 (+5.6 units) following a non-conference contest, while Toronto is just 9-10 (-1.6 units) after scoring four goals or more in its previous outing. I like the Rangers to avenge the earlier loss and to shake off the poor stretch with a big winning effort against the complacent home side. Play on New York. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-19-17 | Maryland v. Iowa -1.5 | 84-76 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 55 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Iowa (7:00 EST). The 16-2 Maryland Terrapins are in Iowa to take on the 11-8 Hawkeyes and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Maryland is now ranked No. 25 and comes in on the back of a three-game win streak. Most recently the Terps came back to beat Illinois 62-56 on the road. Smells like a letdown spot to me. Iowa enters as the “hungrier” side in my opinion, it’s just 3-3 in Big Ten play after falling at Northwestern, 89-54. Note that the Hawkeyes play with revenge after dropping the lone contest between the teams last year, 74-68 at home. Maryland averages 75.2 PPG and concedes 65.1. Melo Trimble leads the nightly charge with 17.2 PPG. Iowa averages 81.5 PPG and concedes 78. Peter Jok paces the team with 21.9 PPG. I’ll point out that Maryland is just 2-3 ATS this year after allowing 60 points or less, while Iowa is already 5-3 ATS at home thus far. After upsetting Purdue at home, Iowa just suffered perhaps its worst conference loss of all time. It’s going to be all hands on deck for the home side today, play on the Hawkeyes. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-18-17 | Colorado +2 v. Washington | Top | 83-85 | Push | 0 | 34 h 35 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Colorado (11:00 EST). Washington has struggled this season, going just 8-9 overall, including only 1-4 in conference play. Colorado is only slightly better at 10-9 overall, but the Buffs are 0-5 in conference action. In a contest between two teams desperate for a victory, I’m going to grab the points. Colorado almost scored a huge upset over No. 25 USC last time out, eventually succumbing 71-68. George King led the way with 16 points, nine boards, two assists and a steal. The Huskies come in of a 76-69 loss to Stanford. Markelle Fultz was a bright spot with 34 points, seven boards, three assists, two steals and two blocks. These teams are very evenly matched, but note that Colorado is 4-1 ATS in its last five after five straight SU losses, while Washington is just 4-6 ATS at home this year and only 1-2 ATS off a loss against a conference rival. Grab as many points as you can, play on Colorado. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-18-17 | Virginia -14 v. Boston College | 71-54 | Win | 100 | 30 h 26 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Virginia (8:00 EST). The 13-3 Virginia Cavaliers are in Boston College to take on the 9-9 Eagles and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Cavs have won two straight, after two straight setbacks. Most recently Virginia beat Clemson 77-73 on Saturday to improve to 3-2 in the ACC. The Eagles are coming off a listless 76-53 setback at Syracuse on Saturday and I think they’ll once again have their hands full today with the Nation’s No. 16 team. Virginia got 25 points from guard London Perrantes in the victory over the Tigers, he leads the team with an average of 12.1 PPG and 4.1 assists. The Cavs get the job done with suffocating defensive play, leading the nation in conceding just 53.4 points per contest. Boston College would turn the all over 20 times and shot just 39.6 percent from the floor in the loss to the Orange. Jerome Robinson remains a bright spot this season in averaging 20.2 points, 4.6 boards and 3.2 assists per game. I’ll point out that Virginia is 8-5 ATS as a favorite this year and 4-1 ATS on the road, while BC is just 9-11 ATS in its last 20 after scoring 60 points or less. I think the loss to Syracuse is a clear sign of things to come for the Eagles. Look for the visitors to control the pace from the opening tip and to pull away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-18-17 | Penguins v. Canadiens -107 | Top | 4-1 | Loss | -107 | 30 h 59 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Montreal Canadiens (7:30 EST). The 27-11-4-1 Pittsburgh Penguins are in Montreal to take on the 27-12-5-1 Canadiens and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. No need to overthink this one in my opinion as I believe the Pens come in “gassed” after their epic 8-7 home win over the Capitals in OT. Conversely, it’s going to be all hands on deck for the Habs, who have lost three of their last five. Pens goaltender Matt Murray allowed seven goals and is now 14-5 with a 2.53 GAA. If backup Marc-Andre Fleury gets the nod, then he’s 13-11 with a 3.23 GAA on the year, including 2-7 with a 4.06 GAA on the road, while vs the Habs in his career he has gone 21-15 with a 2.98 GAA. Pittsburgh is ranked No. 1 in scoring average with 3.51 GPG, but is ranked 25th in goals allowed in conceding 3.02 GPG. Montreal has a nine point lead in its division, but will be eager to get back on track after some recent scuffling. Last time out the Habs fell 1-0 in Detroit. Goaltender Carey Price is now 21-12 with a 2.30 GAA, including 15-6 with a 2.10 GAA at home. The Canadiens average 3.04 GPG and are seventh in goals allowed, conceding 2.49. I’ll point out that the Pens are in fact just 1-5 their last six on the road, while Montreal is 10-2 in its last 12 home games against teams with a losing road record. The Habs are 17-6 in their last 23 at home overall. Great value on Montreal today. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-18-17 | Blazers v. Hornets -5 | 85-107 | Win | 100 | 30 h 32 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Charlotte Hornets (7:00 EST). The 18-25 Portland Trailblazers are in Charlotte to take on the 20-21 Hornets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Both teams come in struggling. Portland has dropped two straight on the road, most recently a 108-98 setback to Washington, while Charlotte comes in even more desperate after losing five in a row. The Blazers average 107.9 PPG, but they’re horrible on the defensive end, conceding 110.7 per night. The Hornets average 105 PPG and concede 104. Kemba Walker remains a bright spot for Charlotte, averaging 23 points, while dishing out 5.4 assists. I’ll point out that Portland has struggled in this spot all year for bettors, going just 7-13 ATS when playing the role of underdog and only 6-8 ATS in non-conference games, while Charlotte has excelled by going 12-9 ATS at home this year and 8-6 ATS in non-conference contests. I think the “hungrier” home side finds a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on Charlotte. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-18-17 | Grizzlies +3 v. Wizards | 101-104 | Push | 0 | 30 h 32 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Memphis Grizzlies (7:00 EST). The 25-18 Memphis Grizzlies are in Washington to take on the 21-19 Wizards and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Memphis is the “hungrier” team in my opinion, it comes in having lost two of its last three, most recently a 108-104 home loss to Chicago on Sunday. Conversely, I think the Wizards come in a bit complacent, as they’ve won five of their last six, most recently a 120-101 win over the Blazers at home on Monday. But if recent history is any precedence, then the Grizzlies have to be loving their chances today as when they faced Washington back on October 30th, they’d pull away for the 112-103 victory at home. The Grizzlies average just 99.6 PPG, but are third overall on the defensive end in conceding just 99.1. Marc Gasol leads the nightly charge with 19.4 points and six boards per contest. The Wizards average 105.8 PPG and concede 105.7. Guard John Wall leads the team with an average of 22.9 points, 10.1 assists and 2.24 steals per contest. I’ll point out though that Memphis is already 12-9 ATS this year against clubs with winning records and 9-7 ATS after allowing 105 points or more, while Washington is just 2-3 ATS this season after a win by ten points or more and just 2-3 ATS as a home fav of three points or less. 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 expect the gritty visitors to take this one down to the wire. Play on Memphis. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-18-17 | Raptors -6 v. 76ers | Top | 89-94 | Loss | -110 | 30 h 32 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Toronto Raptors (7:00 EST). The 27-13 Toronto Raptors are in Philadelphia to take on the 13-26 76ers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. I played against the Raptors last night, and Brooklyn would manage a slim 1-point cover with the large 11-point spread it was afforded. Suffice it to say, i think Toronto bounces back with a much bigger effort this evening. These teams have already played twice and the Raptors have won both easily, winning 122-95 in the first meeting, before a 123-114 win in Philadelphia last month. Toronto has now won three straight and averages 111.3 PPG, while conceding 104.6. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 30.5 PPG this month and is now fifth in the league in scoring at 28.1 PPG. Philadelphia is playing its best basketball of the season, but I still don’t think it will be enough. Despite winning four of their last five, the 76ers still average just 99.5 PPG, while allowing 105.3 I’ll point out that Toronto is 12-3-1 ATS in its last 16 in the second game of the back-to-back scenario, while Philadelphia is a poor 9-20 in its last 29 divisional contests. Toronto has kicked it up a notch of late, averaging over 120 PPG over its last five. This is a matchup which the 76ers have struggled with and I don’t see anything changing tonight. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-18-17 | Notre Dame +5 v. Florida State | 80-83 | Win | 100 | 29 h 26 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Notre Dame (7:00 EST). The 16-2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish are at 16-2 Florida State on Wednesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. After winning 12 straight, FSU got spanked 96-83 at North Carolina on Saturday. Notre Dame has won seven straight, including a gritty 76-71 road win over Virginia Tech on Saturday to improve to 5-0 in the ACC. Steve Vasturia had 20 points on 8 of 14 shooting in the victory over the Hokies for the Fighting Irish. Bonzie Colson though leads the team with an average of 15.8 points, 10.9 boards and 1.4 blocks. Florida State shot just 12 of 26 from the foul line against the Tar Heels. Dwayne Bacon leads the charge with 17.8 PPG. I’ll point out that Notre Dame is already 4-0 ATS off a win against a conference rival this year, while FSU is just 5-6 ATS in its last 11 versus good offensive teams which score 77-plus points per contest. I think the Irish present similar matchup issues for the Seminoles today as what UNC did last time out. 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 Notre Dame. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-17-17 | Predators v. Canucks OVER 5 | Top | 0-1 | Loss | -121 | 30 h 35 m | Show |
My 10* WESTERN-CONFERENCE TOTAL OF THE WEEK is the over Predators/Canucks (10:05 EST). The 20-16-4-3 Nashville Predators are in Vancouver to take on the 20-19-4-2 Canucks and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Nashville comes in with a ton of momentum after winning three straight. Vancouver enters on the other end of the spectrum, having lost four straight. The Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne is 16-11-6 with a 2.40 GAA this year. He’s 10-8-2 with a 2.53 GAA lifetime against the Canucks. So far Nashville averages 2.74 GPG, which ranks 14th, while conceding 2.58 per contest. After winning six straight over the holidays, the Canucks have once again fallen on hard times, most recently dropping a 2-1 OT loss to the Devils. Vancouver averages 2.38 GPG and concedes 2.84. I’ll point out though that Nashville has already seen the total go over the number in three of four this year after playing to three or more conseuctive “unders,” while Vancouver has seen the total eclipse the posted number in ten of 18 this season following a non-conference contest. I think a desperate Canucks side pushes this one from start to finish, forcing the visitors to match pace. Play the over. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-17-17 | Michigan +10.5 v. Wisconsin | Top | 64-68 | Win | 100 | 29 h 51 m | Show |
My 10* BIG-TEN SIDE OF THE WEEK is on Michigan (9:00 EST). The 12-6 Michigan Wolverines are in Wisconsin tonight to take on the 14-3 Badgers and while I’ll stop short in predicting an outright upset, I do definitely expect the “hungrier” visiting side to keep this one a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Michigan enters off a 91-85 home win over Nebraska on Saturday, while Wisconsin made quick work of Ohio State in its latest 89-66 win last week. Note that this is a revenge game for the Wolverines after the Badgers took the lone meeting 68-57 last year. Michigan averages 75.3 PPG and concedes 66.2. The Wolverines are paced by Zak Irvin, who averages 14.4 PPG and who had 21 points, including going 7 of 7 from the charity stripe in the victory over the Huskers. The Badgers average 76.8 PPG and concede 60.2. Bronson Koenig had 21 points in the team’s win over the Buckeyes. I’ll point out though that Michigan is 8-6 ATS in its last 14 after allowing 80 points or more, while Wisconsin is just 1-3 ATS in its last four off a win against a conference rival. These team’s offensive and defensive averages are very similar. Michigan has struggled on the road this year, but I think it can catch the Badgers a bit complacent this evening. I’m grabbing the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-17-17 | Raptors v. Nets +11 | Top | 119-109 | Win | 100 | 27 h 16 m | Show |
My 10* EASTERN-CONFERENCE SIDE OF THE WEEK is on the Brooklyn Nets (7:35 EST). The 27-13 Toronto Raptors are in Brooklyn to take on the 8-32 Nets and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Clearly the Raptors are the better team, but I think they’ll come in a bit complacent in facing the lowly Nets and look for the home side to keep this one a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are leading us to believe. Toronto most recently hammered the Knicks 116-101 at home on Sunday, while Brooklyn lost its tenth straight in a 137-112 home loss to the Rockets. To say this is a “revenge” game would be a bit of an understatement, as Toronto has won six straight in the series, including both meetings this year. So far Toronto is third in the league in scoring with an average of 111.3 PPG, while ranked 15th on the defensive end in conceding 104.6 The Nets are ranked 14th overall in scoring in posting 105.3 PPG, but are last on the defensive end in conceding 114.9 PPG thus far. I’ll point out that Toronto is just 23-30 ATS in its last 53 after three or more consecutive SU victories, while Brooklyn is 2-1 ATS in its last three as a home dog in the 9.5 to 12 points range. Because of all the reasons listed aboved, I think this is a few too many points to be giving up today. Play on the Nets. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-16-17 | Cavs +8 v. Warriors | Top | 91-126 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 18 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (8:00 EST). The 29-10 Cleveland Cavaliers are at Golden State to take on the 34-6 Warriors and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. The Warriors have now lost four straight to the Cavs going back to the Finals when they blew a 3-1 lead. Cleveland won 109-108 at home on Christmas day and I think all signs point to another nail-biter tonight as well. The Cavs snapped a mini two-game slide with a 120-108 OT win in Sacramento on Friday. Newly acquired sharp-shooter Kyle Korver had 18 points off the bench, including 4 of six from range. LeBron James had 16 points and 15 assists. So far Cleveland posts 109.4 PPG, which ranks fourth. The Cavs concede 103.5, which is 11th. The Warriors have won three in a row and average 117.5 PPG, ranked No. 1. The team doesn’t need to be the best on the defensive end, and it isn’t, conceding 105.4 PPG, ranked 21st. I’ll point out though that Cleveland is 4-1-1- ATS in its last six when playing on two days rest and 11-3-1 ATS in its last 15 following a SU win of more than ten points, while Golden State is just 1-5 ATS in its last six at home and only 1-7 ATS following a SU victory. There’s something about this rivalry that brings out the best in LeBron James. While I won’t be so bold as to call for an outright upset, I think the visitors will at the very least, comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch. Play on Cleveland. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-16-17 | DePaul +9 v. St. John's | Top | 68-78 | Loss | -110 | 23 h 34 m | Show |
This is a 10* PERFECT STORM on DePaul (4:30 EST). The 8-10 DePaul Blue Demons are at Saint John’s to take on the 8-11 Red Storm and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the visitors. Both teams have been struggling this year, with DePaul just 1-4 in league action, while St. John’s is just 2-4. Overall the Red Storm have lost four in a row, while the Blue Demons have dropped five of their last six. Note though that this is a definite revenge game for the Blue Demons, who dropped the first game between the teams on January 1st, 79-73. Keep your eyes on DePaul’s Billy Garrett Jr. who is averaging 14.9 PPG and Eli Cain, who leads the way with 16.4 per contest. The Red Storm opened league play with wins over Butler and DePaul, but have since dropped four in a row. Shamorie Ponds has been a bright spot in averaging 15.7 PPG this season. Ill point out that DePaul is already 2-0 ATS this year after allowing 80 points or more and 3-1 ATS after scoring 60 points or less, while St. John’s is just 4-5 ATS when playing the role of favorite and only 1-2 ATS when playing with one or less days rest. The first game was decided by a six point margin and I think all signs point to an even closer affair this time around. Play on DePaul. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-16-17 | Canadiens v. Red Wings UNDER 5.5 | Top | 0-1 | Win | 100 | 20 h 23 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the under Canadiens/Red Wings (3:00 EST). The 27-11-5-1 Montreal Canadiens are in Detroit to take on the 18-19-6-0 Red Wings and for a number of different reasons, I think this one has lower-scoring goaltenders battle written all over it. Montreal’s last road game resulted in a 7-1 beatdown loss in Minnesota. The Habs would bounce back on Saturday though by scoring three goals in a matter of 62 seconds in a 3-2 victory over the Rangers. Goaltender Carey Price had 29 saves on the night and is now 21-7-4 with a 2.34 GAA this season. Note that he’s 10-3-1 with a 2.05 GAA lifetime against Detroit. So far Montreal ranks fifth overall in scoring at 3.11 GPG, while allowing the ninth lowest on the defensive end at 2.52. The Wings are coming off a big win at home over the Penguins as back-up goaltender Jared Coreau would go on to make 28 saves. He’s 4-1-1 with a 3.12 GAA in place of Jimmy Howard. Offensive consistency has plagued the team though as Detroit still ranks the seventh lowest with just 2.47 GPG. Note that the Wings also aren’t helping themselves by conceding 2.95. I’ll point out that Montreal has seen the total go under the number in seven of 11 this year after allowing four goals or more, while Detroit has seen the total dip below the posted number in three of four this season after playing to three consecutive “overs.” The Habs have already taken two off of the Wings this year, but all signs point to a much more competitive affair this time around, play the under. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-16-17 | Creighton v. Xavier -1.5 | Top | 72-67 | Loss | -115 | 20 h 6 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH is on Xavier (2:00 EST). The 17-1 Creighton Bluejays are at Xavier to take on the 13-4 Musketeers and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the home side. Xavier will be the “hungrier” team today after back-to-back road losses against top ranked opponents in Villanova and Butler. Xavier allows 68.2 PPG and averages 76.6 of its own. Keep your eyes on Trevon Blulett, who leads the team with 16.8 points and 5.2 boards per game. While the Musketeers are just 3-2 in Big East action, they come into this one a perfect 9-0 at home this year. Creighton has won four straight and averages 86.8 PPG, while allowing 71.5. Marcus Foster leads the way with an average of 18.2 PPG. So far the Blue Jays are a perfect 4-0 in Big East play and 4-1 overall on the road. Can anyone say “classic letdown spot?!” The home team has covered the spread in eight of the last 11 in this series and I think that strong trend continues here. Off two straight losses, I simply can’t see Xavier having another letdown tonight. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
|||||||
01-15-17 | Thunder -1.5 v. Kings | Top | 122-118 | Win | 100 | 29 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (9:05 EST). Analysis posted at least 3 hours before game time. |
- Early Lines
- High Limits
- NEW VIP Rewards
- VIP Program
- Mobile Betting
- Crypto
- VIP Program
- Crypto
- Live & Mobile Betting!
- Crypto
- Live & Mobile Betting
- 48 Hour Payouts
- 35% Crypto Bonus
- Live Betting
- Mobile Friendly
Guaranteed Winners or your money back and Free Picks in the NFL football, NBA basketball, MLB baseball, NCAA college football and basketball, Nascar Racing, Arena Football nhl hockey leagues and more.
We are part of the internets Premier Sports Handicappers League with full documentation of all members on this sports betting news and info portal. Free Membership, Join Today and start Winning!
For any resources you could need like sports handicapping odds, handicapping stats, schedules, or handicappers free picks and tips please click on any of the links on the right hand side of this page.