Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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12-15-18 | Lakers +1 v. Hornets | Top | 128-100 | Win | 100 | 13 h 43 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the LA Lakers (7:05 EST). This one has “blowout” written all over it in my opinion. And we don’t have to overthink this one at all. LA got steamrolled by James Harden's 50-point triple-double in a 126-111 loss at Houston on Thursday but enjoyed the advantage of relaxing in Charlotte on Friday night while the Hornets were working overtime with the New York Knicks. In fact, the Hornets entered the fourth quarter with a 15-point lead on Friday, before suffering an 'ugly' 126-124 overtime loss. Charlotte has won six of the last 7 in this series but the Lakers have covered SIX straight in Charlotte. Of course, those games were all played before LBJ "took his talents" to Los Angeles. "King James" has gone 17-5 in North Carolina for the Cavaliers and Heat over the past 14 seasons, scoring 30 or more points 10 times and 35 or more four times, with a high of 41 in a 118-105 win last March. With the bonus of a scheduling advantage (see above), expect LBJ to lead LA to the team's 16th win in its last 22 games. At this price, I'm "all in" on the Lakers. Good luck…Larry |
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12-14-18 | Raptors v. Blazers +3 | Top | 122-128 | Win | 100 | 13 h 47 m | Show |
My NBA 10* Game of the Month (Non-Conf) is on the Por Blazers at 10:05 ET. The Toronto Raptors opened the current season 12-1 before losing three straight from Nov 12-16. However, after dominating road wins at the LA Clippers on Tuesday (123-99) and at the Golden St Warriors on Wednesday (113-93), the entire NBA is 'looking up' at the Raptors and their NBA-best 23-7 mark. Meanwhile, the Portland Blazers opened the season an impressive 10-3 but after back-to-back road losses this week at Houston (Tue) and Memphis (Wed), the team welcomes the Raptors to Moda Center having dropped 10 of its last 15 games (3-12 ATS). Toronto dominated the two-time defending champions in that 113-93 road win on Wednesday, despite being without Kawhi Leonard (hip). PG Kyle Lowry had shot 4-of-28 from the floor over a four-game span but made 17-of-31 FG attempts against the Warriors and Clippers in Toronto's first two contests of this four-game road trip. Meanwhile, the Blazers are returning home after a two-game road trip (see above). Shooting guard CJ McCollum scored 40 points on 16-of-27 shooting in Wednesday's 92-83 loss to the Grizzlies but the rest of the team went 16-of-60 (26.7%) from the floor. That includes PG Damian Lillard (4-of-18) and center Jusuf Nurkic (1-of-15)! Toronto had lost three of four before beating the Clippers and Warriors. Leonard (26.1 & 8.3) sat out both wins with a balky hip (he's listed as questionable here). Also, center Jonas Valanciunas (12.8 & 7.2) underwent surgery Wednesday night after dislocating his left thumb against the Warriors. He will wear a cast for four weeks and then begin rehabilitation. Sure, the Blazers are reeling but just how does Toronto avoid a letdown? Any chance that Lillard (27.0-5.1-6.1) and Nurkic (14.5 & 10.5) will combine to shoot 5-of-33 again, as they did Wednesday against Memphis? Portland brings back memories of "RIP City" in earning a BIG win in this one. Good luck…Larry |
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12-14-18 | Wizards v. Nets -1.5 | 118-125 | Win | 100 | 13 h 56 m | Show | |
My 9* Wipeout Winner is on the Brooklyn Nets (7:35 EST). Washington comes in off a deflating 130-125 OT loss at home to the Celtics on Wednesday, while the Nets enter off a confidence building 127-124 road win on the same night. These teams have split a pair of games this year, but the Nets play with revenge here after falling 102-88 in the Nation’s capital in the latest back on December 1st. Washington averages 110.1 PPG and it conceds 116.9. Guard Bradley Beal leads the nightly charge with 22.9 points per game. Star John Wall is listed as questionable for this one and if he does play, one definitely has to wonder if he’s at 100% health or not? Brooklyn comes in on top form having won three straight. The Nets average 109.3 PPG and they concede 111.1. Spencer Dinwiddie averages 16.9 points and 4.9 assists per game. I’ll point out as well that Brooklyn is 13-7 ATS in its last 20 following a three games or more SU unbeaten streak, while Washington is only 5-21 ATS in its last 26 on the road. For all the reasons listed above, play on the Nets. Good luck…Larry |
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12-13-18 | Lakers +5.5 v. Rockets | Top | 111-126 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 40 m | Show |
My 10* TNT Knockout is on the LA Lakers (8:05 EST). The Rockets have been consistently inconsistent to open the 2018/19 NBA campaign and after a 111-104 home win over Portland in their latest action, I expect this trend of futility to continue here against this hungry visiting side. The Lakers come to town off a 108-105 home win over the Heat. Note that this is a “triple revenge” game for the Lakers as well, including losing the first meeting of the year 124-115 back on October 20th. LA is quietly dominating, as it comes in having won two straight and six of its last seven. Overall the Lakers average 113.1 PPG and they concede 110.9. LeBron James averages 28.3 points, 7.7 boards and 7.1 assists per night. Houston averages only 108.4 PPG and it concedes 109.5. James Harden leads the nightly charge with 30 points and 5.3 boards per game. I’ll point out though that the Rockets are a terrible 1-5 ATS in their last six when playing on one days rest, while LA is 6-1 ATS in its last seven following an ATS loss. For all the reasons listed above, grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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12-12-18 | Raptors v. Warriors -6.5 | 113-93 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 37 m | Show | |
My 9* Late Breaking Play is on the Golden State Warriors (10:35 EST). The Raptors come in off a win against the Clippers just last night and I think they’ll struggle with energy in this difficult road venue and in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. After a shaky stretch and with the return of “captain” Stephen Curry, the Warriors come in on top form with four straight victories. Not only is Curry back for the Warriors, but so too is swingman Draymond Green, who returned after an 11 game absence to post seven points, ten boards, seven assist and one block in 29 minutes in his team’s most recent win over the Wolves. I’ll point out as well that Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games vs. teams with winning road records, while Toronto is now just 5-10 ATS in its last 15 vs. the Western Conference. Note as well that that Raptors are just 2-11 ATS in their last 13 at Oracle Arena. For all the reasons listed above, lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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12-12-18 | Thunder -1.5 v. Pelicans | 114-118 | Loss | -115 | 13 h 19 m | Show | |
My 8* PERFECT STORM is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (8:05 EST). New Orleans is struggling after a fast start and the rumours of star Anthony Davis being on the “trade block” isn’t helping ease tensions these days. The Thunder got off to a terrible start to the 2018/19 campaign, but they’ve been on fire ever since and I think they carry that momentum over here into this potentially dangerous match-up. OKC enters off a 122-113 win over the Jazz on Monday, getting 31 points from Paul George. Overall the Thunder average 108.1 points per 100 possessions, while allowing only 101.6 points per 100 possessions, which ranks first in the league. New Orleans averages 112.7 points per 100 possessions, while allowing 111.3 points per 100 possessions. Anthony Davis had 41 points in a loss to the Celtics in the Pelicans most recent action. I’ll point out as well that OKC is already 7-2 ATS this year after scoring 115 points or more in its previous contest, wile New Orleans is already 0-4 ATS this season off a road loss of ten points or more. Davis is having a hard time carrying the load by himself and I think he’ll struggle again here against this deep and defensively talented visiting side. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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12-12-18 | Blazers v. Grizzlies -3 | Top | 83-92 | Win | 100 | 13 h 19 m | Show |
My 10* WEST-CONF GAME OF MONTH is on the Memphis Grizzlies (8:05 EST). The Blazers enter off a hard-fought and exhausting loss in Houston just last night and I think it’ll come in with “heavy legs” in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. The Rockets were desperate for a victory last night and so too are the Grizzlies after a two game slide in this one. I don’t think that the home court advantage can be overlooked as a very real deciding factor in this particular selection. Damian Lillard was a bright spot in last night’s loss for the Blazers, finishing with 34 points, two boards and two assists, but one has to wonder how much “gas” he has left in the tank here? The Grizzlies have looked a lot better this season, but after being held to under 100 points in back-to-back games, I think that Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and company get out and push the pace of this one from start to finish. I’ll point out as well that memphis 11-4 ATS in its last 15 at home and 7-2 ATS in its last nine home games vs. teams with losing SU road records, while Portland is now 0-5 ATS in its last five on the road. Memphis is tough at home (8-4) and in my opinion, it has a significant advantage tonight. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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12-10-18 | Kings -2.5 v. Bulls | 108-89 | Win | 100 | 12 h 16 m | Show | |
My 8* Situational Stunner is on the Sacramento Kings (8:05 EST). The Kings are 13-12 and the Bulls are 6-21. Overall Sacramento is averaging 114.5 PPG and it’s allowing 116. Buddy Hield is averaging 18.8 points and 5.4 boards per game, while De’Aaron Fox averages 17.8 points and 7.6 assists. The Bulls have lost 12 of their last 14. Chicago is averaging 102.3 PPG and it’s conceding 113. Overall the Bulls have lost five of their last seven SU at home. These are two terrible teams and while the Bulls are getting healthier (the return of Lauri Markkanen is huge obviously), the home side lacks the depth and scoring talent to keep up with the Kings in my opinion. Note as well that the Bulls are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven when playing on one days rest, while the Kings are still 4-1 ATS in their last five on the road. For all the reasons listed above, lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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12-10-18 | Jazz v. Thunder -6 | Top | 113-122 | Win | 100 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (8:05 EST). The Jazz enter off a loss in San Antonio just last night and I think they’ll stumble here as well in the second game of the back-to-back scenario. The Thunder have turned their season around after a horrible start, but they’ll be eager to return to form after a 114-112 road loss to Chicago. Utah is scuffling right now, having gone 5-6 in its last 11. Overall the Jazz are averaging 107.4 PPG and conceding 107.6. Rudy Gobert is averaging 15 points and 12.4 boards per game. OKC averages 111.1 PPG and it concedes 104.4. The Thunder are 9-3 SU at home and I think they’ll lay the hammer down from start to finish in this one. Note that Utah is a horrible 14-25 ATS in its last 39 as a road underdog of six points or less, while OKC is 24-15 ATS in its last 39 as a home favorite of six points or less. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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12-09-18 | Jazz v. Spurs +3.5 | 97-110 | Win | 100 | 12 h 38 m | Show | |
My 9* Wipeout Winner is on the San Antonio Spurs (7:05 EST). Utah’s won four of the last five in this series, including a blowout 139-105 victory at home in the first meeting this year. San Antonio plays with revenge and I think it’ll at the very least, keep this one close enough to comfortably come away with the ATS cover. Utah comes in off a 118-91 win over the Rockets on Thursday, while SA posted a 133-120 home win over the Lakers most recently. The Jazz average 107.4 PPG and they concede 107.2. Donovan Mitchell leads the nightly charge with 20.6 PPG. San Antonio is averaging 110.3 PPG and it’s conceding 114. DeMar DeRozan averages 24.7 points and six assists per night. Note though that Utah is just 2-5 ATS already this season after covering in three of its last four ATS, while San Antonio is 3-1 ATS this season as a home underdog. For all the reasons listed above, play on the Spurs. Good luck…Larry |
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12-08-18 | Kings v. Pacers -3 | Top | 97-107 | Win | 100 | 12 h 54 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Indiana Pacers (7:05 EST). Both teams are playing the second game of a back-to-back, which really makes home court a big advantage for the Pacers in this match-up in my professional opinion. The Kings come in off a big 129-110 road win in Cleveland, while The Pacers return home off a big 112-90 win over Orlando on Friday. Note that this is an in season revenge game for Indiana, which fell 111-110 in Sacramento only last week. It’s a natural letdown spot for Sacramento, which plays its final game of its Eastern swing. Sacramento averages 114.7 PPG and it concedes 116.6. De’Aaron Fox averages 17.3 points and 7.5 assists per night. Indiana comes in having won straight. The Pacers average 105.8 PPG and they concede just 102.1. Victor Oladipo leads the nightly charge with 21.4 points, 6.6 boards and 1.56 steal per game. Even with Oladipo out, I love the Pacers here. Note that Sacramento is a terrible 10-17 ATS in its last 27 after covering five or six of its last seven games against the spread, while Indiana is 5-2 ATS in its last seven when playing the second game of a back to back. For all the reasons listed above, lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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12-08-18 | Rockets -2.5 v. Mavs | 104-107 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 44 m | Show | |
My 8* Battle 4 Texas is on the Houston Rockets (6:05 EST). Houston will be desperate her after its terrible start. The Rockets come in off a humbling 118-91 road loss to Utah on Thursday. After a great stretch, the Mavs have also come back down to Earth, most recently getting drubbed 118-91 on the road in New Orleans. Note that this is an in-season revenge game for the Rockets too after the Mavericks took a 128-108 road victory in the first match-up of the season. Overall the Rockets are averaging 108.5 PPG and conceding 109.8. James Harden leads the nightly charge with 29.8 points, 5.6 boards and 8.3 assists per game. The Mavericks are averaging 110.6 PPG and they’re allowing 109.6. Luke Doncic leads the way with 18.1 points, 6.5 boards and 4.3 assists per night. I’ll point out though that Houston is 18-11 ATS in its last 29 in trying to revenge a home loss vs. an opponent, while Dallas is only 2-8 ATS in its last ten (including 1-3 ATS this season) after scoring 105 points or more in three straight games. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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12-06-18 | Rockets v. Jazz -1.5 | Top | 91-118 | Win | 100 | 15 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* Knockout is on the Utah Jazz (10:35 EST). Houston has allowed 116.1 PPG over its last nine games. It has caused the team's defensive rating to tumble to 25th among NBA teams. The Rockets' offense has not been up to last year's standard (109.2 PPG ranks 18th) ) and it hasn't been able to keep up. The result has been five losses over their last seven contests. Meanwhile, Utah has won four of its last six games and knocked down a franchise-record 20 three-pointers in Tuesday's 139-105 rout of the San Antonio Spurs (10 different players connected on at least one from behind the arc during the impressive victory). Utah cruised to a 100-89 road win in the first matchup of this series back in late October and I believe it’ll have an even easier time of it today. Note as well that Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last five when playing on one days rest, while Houston is interestingly 0-4 ATS in its last four vs. teams with a home winning percentage of less than .400. Rockets’ star Chris Paul was just one of eight form the floor in the loss to Minnesota most recently and I think he’ll struggle again here against this surging home side. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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12-05-18 | 76ers +6 v. Raptors | 102-113 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 58 m | Show | |
My 9* Showdown is on the Philadelphia 76ers (8:05 EST). Philadelphia lost 129-112 in Toronto in the first matchup of the year back on October 30th. The 76ers have since “found” themselves and they come into this one on top form. While the outright victory is clearly not out of the question, I’ll recommend grabbing the points in a contest which I see being decided by whichever of these talented teams has its hands on the ball last. The Raptors are ripe for the picking after a disheartening 106-103 home loss to Denver. The 76ers on the other hand have won four straight, most recently a 103-95 victory at home over Memphis. Philadelphia averages 114.2 PPG and it allows 111.8. Joel Embiid averages 27 points, 13.4 boards and two blocks per game. Toronto averages 116.6 PPG and it concedes 108.3. Kawhi Leonard leads the way with 25.6 points and 8.5 boards per game. I’ll point out though that Philly is already a solid 4-2 ATS this year in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent, while Toronto is only 5-8 ATS at home this season. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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12-05-18 | Nuggets -5 v. Magic | Top | 124-118 | Win | 100 | 11 h 59 m | Show |
My 10* Wipeout Winner is on the Denver Nuggets (7:05 EST). At some point the Nuggets are going to have a letdown, but I don’t think that tonight is that night. Denver enters off a confidence building 106-103 road win over the Raptors. The Magic come in off a very satisfying win in Miami just last night and I think they’re primed for a predictable letdown vs. this deep and talented non-conference visiting side. The Nuggets come in on top form having won six straight. Denver averages 110.2 PPG and it concedes 102.7. Nikola Jokic leads the way with 16.7 points, 9.7 boards and 7.5 assists per night. The Magic average 105.8 PPG and they concede 108.1. Clearly that’s not a recipe for long-term success. Nikola Vucevic leads the nightly charge with 21 points, 11.3 boards and 3.8 assists per night. I’ll point out as well that Orlando is just 3-7 ATS in its last ten home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600, while Denver is 4-0 ATS in its last four on the road. Look for these strong trends to continue and lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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12-04-18 | Magic v. Heat -2 | Top | 105-90 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 24 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Miami Heat (7:35 EST). Orlando comes in off a 99-85 road win over Phoenix on Friday and I think it’ll stumble here with the extra time off and in this difficult venue. The Heat enter off a confidence building 102-100 home win over Utah on Sunday. Note that this is a revenge game as well for Miami after the Magic won 104-101 in the first meeting at home back in mid October. Orlando is averaging 105.8 PPG and it’s conceding 108.1. Nikola Vucevic leads the way with 21 points, 11.3 boards and 3.8 assists per night. Miami averages 108.2 PPG and it concedes 109.6. Hassan Whiteside is averaging 13.6 points, 13.9 boards and 2.9 blocks per game. I’ll point out as well that the Magic are a terrible 3-6 ATS in their last nine when playing with three or more days of rest, while Miami is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 in trying to revenge a close loss of three points or less to an opponent. Miami has won back-to-back games and I look for it to keep the foot on the gas here as well and to avenge the earlier loss to their division rival. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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12-02-18 | Pelicans v. Hornets -3 | Top | 119-109 | Loss | -101 | 9 h 24 m | Show |
My 10* Wipeout Winner is on the Charlotte Hornets (5:05 EST). New Orleans enters off a 106-101 setback in Miami on Friday, while Charlotte comes in off a 119-111 home loss to Utah on Friday. These teams haven’t played yet this season, but Charlotte does play with revenge here as well, as New Orleans has taken four straight in the series. The Pelicans have now lost four of their last five. They come into this game averaging 117.7 PPG and conceding 116.5. Anthony Davis leads the way with 27.8 points, 12.7 boards, 4.6 assists, 2.74 blocks and 1.53 assists per game. While New Orleans is 7-5 SU on the road, note that it’s just 4-8 ATS in those contests. Charlotte is back to .500 after its two game win streak was snapped by the Jazz, but the good news is that it still has a hold on the division lead. The Hornets average 114.7 PPG and they concede 110.4. Kemba Walker leads the nightly charge with 27.1 points and 6.2 assists per night. I’ll point out as well that New Orleans is just 1-3 ATS in its last four as a road dog of six points or less, while Charlotte is 8-4 ATS at home and 4-1 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite. For all the reasons listed above, play on the Hornets. Good luck…Larry |
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12-01-18 | Warriors v. Pistons +5.5 | Top | 102-111 | Win | 100 | 12 h 12 m | Show |
My 10* Conf Crusher is on the Detroit Pistons (7:05 EST). The Warriors welcome back captain Stephen Curry to the line-up, but I think the defending champs are still going to need some time to get back on track and gain their normal chemistry. Most recently the Warriors come in off an exhausting 131-128 OT loss in Toronto, a game in which Kevin Durant went for 51 points. The surging Pistons look to take advantage after their fourth straight win, most recently over Chicago in blowout fashion. Golden State averages 116.5 PPG, while conceding 111.5. As mentioned off the top, having Curry back will clearly start to turn things around for the Warriors, but as also stated earlier, I do definitely fel that “instant chemistry” is out of the question in this one. And that’s because the Pistons are firing on all cylinders, averaging 111.8 PPG and conceding 110.7. Blake Griffin leads the nightly charge with 25.1 points, 9.6 board and 5.1 assists per game. I’ll point out as well that Golden State is just 3-7 ATS on the road this year, while Detroit is 6-2 ATS as an underdog. For all the reasons listed above, grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-29-18 | Pacers v. Lakers -4.5 | Top | 96-104 | Win | 100 | 16 h 5 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the LA Lakers (10:35 EST). After back-to-back losses, the Lakers are the “hungrier” team tonight. Indiana on the other hand comes in contented after back-to-back road wins, including a 109-104 victory in Phoenix on Tuesday. But Pacers star Victor Oladipo is sitting this one out with injury and I believe The King and company get back on track and take advantage. Overall Indiana is averaging 106.5 PPG and it’s allowing 102.2. Oladipo leads the nightly charge with 21.4 points and 6.6 boards per game, but as mentioned off the top, he’s sitting this one out. The Lakers are averaging 112.8 PPG and they’re conceding 112.9. James leads the way with 27.6 points, 7.9 boards and 6.7 assists per night. I’ll point out though that Indiana has struggled against the better offensive teams in the league so far this season, going just 5-8 ATS vs. good offensive teams which average 106-plus points per night. And note that the Lakers are a solid 4-2 ATS vs. teams with winning records. For all the reasons listed above, lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-28-18 | Spurs +4.5 v. Wolves | Top | 89-128 | Loss | -105 | 14 h 44 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the San Antonio Spurs (8:05 EST). The Spurs enter off a 108-107 road win over Chicago on Monday, while the Wolves held on for a 102-95 road victory over the Cavs on Monday. If recent history is any precedence, then the Spurs have to be liking their chance today as they’ve taken two straight in the series, including a 112-108 home victory in the first meeting back on October 17th. San Antonio is averaging 109.6 PPG and it’s allowing 110.1. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 24.8 points and 6.3 assists per night. Minnesota is averaging 109 PPG and it’s allowing 111.2. Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 20.8 points and 12.2 boards per game. I’ll point out thought that Wolves are just 6-8 ATS in their last 14 following a three games or more unbeaten streak, while the Spurs are already 6-3 ATS as an underdog this season. After three straight wins and six in their last eight, this sets up as natural letdown spot for the home side in my opinion. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-27-18 | Lakers v. Nuggets -4 | Top | 85-117 | Win | 100 | 13 h 0 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Denver Nuggets (9:05 EST). I like the Nuggets to avenge a 121-114 road loss in LA back on October 25th. LA enters off a poor 108-104 home loss to Orlando, while Denver comes in off a confidence building 105-98 road win in Oklahoma City on Saturday. LA had won seven of eight before Sunday’s loss. LeBron James was a bright spot in the setback, scoring 24 points and dishing out seven assists. Overall the Lakers are averaging 114.2 PPG and conceding 112.7. Denver averages 109.9 PPG and it concedes 103.2. Big man Nikola Jokic scores 16.6 points per game average. I’ll point out though that Denver is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 following an ATS victory, while LA is a poor 1-4 ATS in its last five when playing on one days rest. The Nuggets are especially though at home, and they play with revenge here. I like Denver to pull away down the stretch for a comfortable ATS cover. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-26-18 | Bucks -5 v. Hornets | 107-110 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 40 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Milwaukee Bucks (7:05 EST). Milwaukee comes in off a 135-129 home win over the Spurs on Saturday, while the Hornets enter off a loss in Atlanta just last night. Charlotte’s late rally fell short last night and I think the Hornets are going to come in predictably “gassed” here after that losing effort. Milwaukee took the first game between the clubs this year 113-112 on October 17th, but I’m expecting a much wider margin of victory here this time around. The Bucks are the No. 1 offense in the league, averaging 121.7 PPG and they’ve been decent defensively, conceding 109.0. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the nightly charge with an average of 27.2 points to go with 13 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. Charlotte is averaging 115.1 PPG and it’s conceding 110.2. Kemba Walkers leads the team with 28.6 points and 6.4 assists per game. I’ll point out though that the Hornets are just 1-7 ATS in their last eight home games vs. teams with a winning road record, while the Bucks are 7-3 ATS in their last ten on one days rest. For all the reasons listed above, play on Milwaukee. Good luck…Larry |
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11-26-18 | Rockets v. Wizards +4 | Top | 131-135 | Win | 100 | 12 h 41 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Washington Wizards (7:05 EST). The Rockets have been terrible of late and I think they’re going to stumble here in the Nation’s capital as well. Houston enters off a 117-108 road loss to the Cavs, it’s second straight setback. The Rockets are clearly going to be “hungry” here, but Washington enters even hungrier. The Wizards broke a three-game slide with a 124-114 home win over New Orleans and I believe they carry that positive momentum over here as well. Houston is averaging 106.9 PPG and it’s conceding 107.9. Clearly that’s not a recipe for long-term success. The Rockets are led by James Harden with 30 points, 5.1 boards and 7.9 assists per game. Washington is averaging 112.2 PPG and it’s conceding 117.2. That’s not a recipe for success either, but as stated above, I think the Wizards keep the foot on the gas after the slow start to the season and following their big win over the Pelicans. Additionally note Houston is just 1-5 ATS this year after allowing 115 points or more in its previous contest, while Washington is 6-3 ATS in its last nine after scoring 120 points or more in a victory in its previous outing. For all the reasons listed above, grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-25-18 | Knicks +8.5 v. Grizzlies | Top | 103-98 | Win | 100 | 11 h 5 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the New York Knicks (6:05 EST). Even with Kristaps Porzingis in the line-up for the Knicks (he’s not, he’s still injured!), Memphis is still a much better team than New York across the board. I won’t try to convince you otherwise either, I simply feel that the Grizzlies are going to get caught “looking past” their lowly non-conference opponent tonight. Besides, the Knicks come in off a confidence building 114-109 home win over the Pelicans, while the Grizzlies enter off an exhausting 112-107 OT loss on the road to the Clippers on Friday. New York has in fact won two straight. Overall the Knicks are averaging 108.9 PPG and conceding 114.3. Memphis is averaging only 103.3 PPG, making up for it on the other end with the No. 1 defense, conceding only 100.8 points. I’ll point out thought that New York is 8-2 ATS in its last ten non-conference road games in which it comes in on a two games or more SU unbeaten streak, while Memphis is just 1-4 ATS in its last five home games following an OT loss in which failed to score 110 or more points in. No outright, but closer than expected. Grab all those points! Good luck…Larry |
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11-24-18 | Celtics v. Mavs +2.5 | Top | 104-113 | Win | 100 | 13 h 19 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Dallas Mavericks (8:35 EST). The Celtics come in off a win and cover in Atlanta last night and I think they’ll suffer a predictable letdown here in the second game of the back to back against their lowly non-conference opponent. Previous to last night’s win Boston had lost three straight and five of seven. Dallas on the other hand enters off a win as well, most recently outlasting Brooklyn 119-113. Harrison Barnes led the way in that one with 28 points. Overall though rookie Luka Doncic leads the Mavs with an average of 19.3 PPG. Note as well that Boston is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine when playing the second game of a back to back against a non-conference opponent in which it scored over 105 points in the first game and emerged victorious as well, while Dallas is 5-1 ATS in its last six overall. The oddsmakers are slow in recognizing how well Dallas is playing right now. The Mavericks benefit in facing the C’s on the second game of a back to back and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing the points in a contest which I envision coming down to whichever team has its hands on the ball last. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-23-18 | Blazers v. Warriors -1.5 | Top | 97-125 | Win | 100 | 13 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* WEST-CONF GAME OF THE YEAR is on the Golden State Warriors (10:35 EST). The Warriors are facing their most difficult stretch in a long time. Golden State comes in having lost four in a row and captain Stephen Curry remains sidelined with injury. A date against the Blazers, who have struggled away from friendly confines, is just what the doctor ordered for Kevin Durant and the two-time defending champs to get back on track with a big win. Portland comes in off a 143-100 loss at Milwaukee, while Golden State fell 123-95 to OKC in its latest action. The Blazers are averaging 114.2 PPG and they’re conceding 110.2. Damian Lillard leads the nightly charge with 26.4 PPG. Golden State is averaging 115.4 PPG and it’s conceding 111.1. Durant is averaging 27.2 PPG. I’ll point out though that the Blazers are a money-burning 4-5 ATS on the road this year, while Golden State is still 6-2 ATS in its last eight at home. I think Durant and Klay Thompson come to play tonight and the supporting cast finally shows up as well. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-21-18 | Thunder v. Warriors -1 | 123-95 | Loss | -105 | 15 h 44 m | Show | |
My 8* Rivalry Rout is on the Golden State Warriors (10:35 EST). The Warriors are dealing with many things right now. They’ve lost three in a row. Stephen Curry remains sidelined with injury. Also Kevin Durant and and Draymond Green have been fighting with each other publicly. However, with a chance to put all of that non sense behind them with a signature beatdown victory at home, I look for Steve Kerr to have his troops ready. OKC comes in with zero momentum after an upset loss to the Kings. Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Steven Adams looked pretty pedestrian against a young Kings’ team, perhaps in some small way they were looking ahead to this one. But Westbrook and George have not found their dominant form and I believe they’ll struggle again here in this difficult venue. Durant is going to have to worry about dealing with Green in this one, as he’ll be sitting this one out, along with Curry again. Durant had 26 points, ten boards and six assists in his teams most recent loss to the Spurs. Klay Thompson had 25 points, two boards and two assists. I’ll point out as well that OKC is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following a SU loss, while GS is 6-2 ATS in its last eight home games following a three games or more losing streak. Durant and Thompson motivated at home are the difference makers. Play on the Warriors. Good luck…Larry |
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11-21-18 | Blazers v. Bucks -6 | Top | 100-143 | Win | 100 | 12 h 15 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Milwaukee Bucks (8:05 EST). No need to overthink this one. The Blazers come in “gassed” after a much tougher than expected 118-114 win over the Knicks in New York last night. The Bucks have been off since Monday after rallying for a 104-98 home win over the Nuggets on Monday. Note that this is an in-season revenge game for Milwaukee after the Blazers posted a 118-103 home victory back on November 6th. The Blazers are averaging 114.9 PPG and they’re conceding 107.9. Damian Lillard leads the nightly charge with 26.6 points and 6.1 assists per night. The Bucks are averaging 120.1 PPG and they’re conceding 109. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team with an average of 25.9 points to go with 12.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. I’ll point out that Milwaukee is 8-1-1 ATS in its last ten at home and 4-1 ATS in its last five vs. teams with winning road record, while Portland is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven road games vs. teams with a winning home record. For all the reasons listed above, lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-19-18 | Spurs v. Pelicans -7.5 | 126-140 | Win | 100 | 11 h 59 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the New Orleans Pelicans (7:05 EST). I played on the Spurs last night in their win over the Warriors and I’m expecting a predictable letdown here against a hungry and rested Pelicans side. I base my selections on many different things, but the Spurs have been inconsistent at the best of times this year and the second game of a back to back on the road after such a monumental victory spells “trap” in my opinion. The Spurs are averaging 107.7 points per 100 possessions, while allowing 107.6 per 100 possessions. Clearly the margin for error is pretty slim. The Pelicans are are averaging 112.4 points per 100 possessions, while allowing 110.6. Anthony Davis had 40 points, eight boards and eight assists in his team’s 125-115 win over the Nuggets on Saturday. The Spurs have struggled in this matchup, covering just twice in the last seven in the series. I look for that trend to continue here. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-18-18 | Warriors v. Spurs -2.5 | Top | 92-104 | Win | 100 | 13 h 19 m | Show |
My 10* Rivalry Rout is on the San Antonio Spurs (7:05 EST). The Warriors lost in Dallas last night and I believe the under-manned defending champions are ripe for the picking here as well. The Spurs come in hungry after a 116-111 road loss to the Clippers on Thursday. San Antonio though has had a few nights off to absorb the setback and I look for it to push the pace from start to finish here against the exhausted Warriors. Golden State is averaging 118.6 PPG and it’s conceding 110.8. Kevin Durant is averaging 27 points, 7.2 boards and 6.3 assists per game. The Warriors are without star Stephen Curry and Draymond Green is questionable with a toe injury. The Spurs are averaging 107.9 PPG and they’re conceding just 108.8. DeMar DeRozan averages 25.6 points and 6.3 assists per night. I’ll point out as well that the Warriors are now a poor 2-6 ATS on the road this year, while San Antonio is already 4-2 ATS this season when playing with two days of rest. The Spurs have lost three straight and five of six and they’ll be risking life and limb to score the victory here. Lay the points and expect a rout. Good luck…Larry |
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11-17-18 | Jazz v. Celtics -4 | Top | 98-86 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Boston Celtics (7:35 EST). Both teams played last night. Utah fell 113-107 in Philadelphia and I think it’ll stumble here as well in this difficult road venue. The Celtics slugged out with Toronto at home and eventually pulled away for the 113-107 victory. The second game of a back-to-back is always difficult, but always much more so for the road team. I think fatigue will be a factor for the Jazz, who laid everything they had on the line last night to try and pull off the upset. Clearly the Celtics had to work hard as well, but again, the “not travelling factor” is huge in this case in my opinion. Furthermore note that Utah is just 34-40 ATS in its last 74 as an underdog, while Boston is 46-25 ATS in its last 71 when trying to revenge a loss against an opponent (Jazz claimed a 123-115 home win on Nov. 9th.) All signs point to a rout, lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-16-18 | Kings +7 v. Grizzlies | 104-112 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 8 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Sacramento Kings (8:05 EST). Memphis comes in off a big 116-113 road win over Milwaukee and I think it’ll have a predictable letdown here at home against its lowly opponent. And that’s not good news facing this improved Kings side, which has had three whole nights off to prepare for this one after beating the Spurs 104-99 at home. And if recent history is any precedence, then Sacramento has to be liking its chances tonight, because when these teams met last month, it was the Kings that posted the 97-92 home victory. The Kings are averaging 114.5 PPG and they’re conceding 115.5. Sacramento got 22 points from Bogdan Bogdanovic in the most recent victory. The Grizzlies are averaging only 102.2 PPG, but they’re conceding just 101.6. Big man Marc Gasol had 29 points in the big upset win over the Bucks. I’ll point out though that Sacramento is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 when playing on three days rest and I believe this is going to be a big difference in the outcome of this one. While I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, everything points to this one coming down to whichever team has its hands on the ball last. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-16-18 | Jazz v. 76ers -3 | Top | 107-113 | Win | 100 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Philadelphia 76ers (7:05 EST). The Jazz come in off a deflating 118-68 road loss in Dallas and I think they’re ripe for the picking here as well. Philadelphia enters off a 111-106 road loss to Orlando on Wednesday. The Jazz come in averaging 107.4 PPG and conceding 108.9. Donovan Mitchell had led the way with 20.4 PPG so far, while Rudy Gobert has chipped in 15.9 points, 13.2 boards and 2.21 blocks per contest. The 76ers return home and welcome the new acquired Jimmy Butler’s first home game. The 76ers are averaging 112.3 PPG and they’re conceding 112.8. Big Man Joel Embiid has been unstoppable so far, averaging 27.6 points, 13.4 boards and 2.13 blocks per game. I’ll point out that Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last five following an ATS loss, while the Jazz are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine after scoring 75 points or less in their last outing. The 76ers are a “different” team at home, coming into this one undefeated thus far. And I look for that strong trend to carry over here in this favorable match-up. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-15-18 | Warriors v. Rockets -1.5 | Top | 86-107 | Win | 100 | 14 h 14 m | Show |
My 10* Rivalry Rout Gold is on the Houston Rockets (8:05 EST). Golden State knocked off the Rockets in the playoffs last year. Chris Paul was injured in Game 5 and Houston wasted a 3-2 lead. The Warriors return to Houston without leader Stephen Curry and I think that Paul and company will lay the hammer down from start to finish. Note that Houston did take two of three in the regular season last year, including a 116-108 victory at home in the final one back on January 20th. Golden State enters averaging 120.7 PPG, while conceding 111 per night. Kevin Durant is averaging 27.5 points, 7.3 boards and 6.5 assists per game. Houston enters averaging 103.2 PPG and it’s allowing 106.7. James Harden is averaging 27.3 points, 5.6 boards and 7.7 assists per game. I’ll point out as well that Golden State is just 2-4 ATS on the road, while Houston is now 3-1 ATS in its last four vs. teams with winning records. Houston can move back to .500 with a win today. It comes in on top form having won five of the last seven. After a slow start the Rockets have returned to form on both ends of the floor, so their early season numbers are skewed after the slow start. Play on the Rockets. Good luck…Larry |
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11-14-18 | Blazers v. Lakers -2.5 | 117-126 | Win | 100 | 16 h 54 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the LA Lakers (10:35 EST). I don’t think that the home court advantage can be overlooked as a very real deciding factor. LA comes in on top form as it’s won three straight after Sunday’s victory over Atlanta. Portland has won four in a row, but after knocking off the Celtics at home in its latest, I think it’ll stumble in its first game on the road. Portland is conceding 106.2 PPG, ranked fifth overall. Jusuf Nurkic had 17 points and 17 boards in his teams victory over the C’s. LA’s issues are on the defensive end of the floor, but LeBron James and company have no problems at all scoring. James finished with 26 points, seven boards and four assists in the victory over Atlanta. The Lakers are 3-1 ATS this year against teams with winning records and already 3-1 ATS when playing with two days of rest. Blazers’ star player Damian Lillard will likely play, but he’s still playing through a minor injury today. Look for James to take advantage and lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-12-18 | Spurs -3 v. Kings | Top | 99-104 | Loss | -108 | 15 h 49 m | Show |
The third pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the (10*) San Antonio Spurs (10:05 EST). San Antonio comes in off an impressive 96-89 home win over Houston and I think it carries that momentum over here against a Kings team which is already running out of gas after a hot start to the year, most recently falling 101-86 at home to the Lakers. San Antonio broke a two-game slide and it’s now averaging 109.5 PPG, while conceding 107.9. LaMarcus Aldridge averaged 18.3 points in three games vs. the Kings last year and he had 27 points and ten boards in the most recent win. Sacramento has lost three of its last four. The Kings average 115.3 PPG and they concede 116.8. Note that Sacramento s also just 1-4 ATS the last five in this series, while the Spurs are a sharp 5-1 ATS in their last six vs. the Western Conference. San Antonio appears to be back on track defensively, which spells trouble for Sacramento tonight. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-12-18 | Jazz -2.5 v. Grizzlies | 96-88 | Win | 100 | 13 h 49 m | Show | |
The second pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the (8*) Utah Jazz (8:05 EST). Utah enters off a momentum building 123-115 home win over Boston on Friday, while Memphis comes in off a 112-106 OT victory at home over Philadelphia. Note that this is a “double revenge” game for Utah, as Memphis has already taken both meetings so far this season, including a 110-100 road victory on November 2nd. Utah is averaging 111.6 PPG and it’s conceding 109.9. Donovan Mitchell leads the nightly charge with 22.3 points, while Rudy Gobert adds 16.4 points, 13.3 boards and 2.33 blocks per night. Memphis is averaging only 103.1 PPG, but it makes up for it on the other end of the floor, holding the opposition to 101.1 PPG. Mike Conley leads the way with 18.1 points and six assists per night. I’ll point out thought that the Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last five following a SU win, while Memphis is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine following an OT victory in which it scored 110 points or more in previously. Look for the revenge minded Jazz to pull away down the stretch. Good luck…Larry |
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11-11-18 | Bucks v. Nuggets -3 | Top | 121-114 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 47 m | Show |
My 10* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on the Denver Nuggets (8:05 EST). Two teams which started off the year red hot have come back down to Earth of late. However, I don’t think that that home court advantage can be overlooked as a very real deciding factor in this particular match-up. Milwaukee enters off a loss to the Clippers just last night, a game which went to OT. Can anyone say “letdown spot?” This is the finale of the Bucks longest West coast trip of the year (already won at Golden State) and in my opinion, I think Milwaukee gets caught looking ahead to a couple of well deserved days off. The Nuggets on the other hand will be out to atone for a 112-110 loss at home to the lowly Nets on Friday. Milwaukee is averaging 121.2 PPG and allowing 107.6. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 25.6 points, 12.9 boards and 5.7 assists per game. Denver actually comes in off back-to-back losses, so “focus” for the home side is not something we have to worry about. Denver averages 109.6 PPG an fit concedes just 102.1. Nikola Jokic averages 17.6 points, ten boards and seven assists per game. I’ll point out as well that Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games vs. teams with a winning road record, while Milwaukee is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine road games against a team with a winning home record. The Bucks come in “gassed” at the end of their trip, and playing at “Mile High” against a determined Nuggets team proves to be too much once it’s all said and done. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-10-18 | Lakers -5.5 v. Kings | Top | 101-86 | Win | 100 | 15 h 50 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the LA Lakers (10:05 EST). This is an important game for the Lakers, who also have a game at home tomorrown night against the Hawks. I think LeBron James and company put the foot on the gas from start to finish in this one as they try to sweep these two games and start to move in a positive direction. LA enters off a 114-110 win over the Wolves on Wednesday, while Sacramento comes in dog tired after last night’s 121-110 victory over Minnesota last night. The Lakers can score, averaging 118.5 PPG, which is ranked third in the league. The defense is the issue, allowing 119.1 PPG. While the Kings are an “up-tempo” style of team, LA does catch a break here catching the home side playing the second game of the back-to-back. The Kings are averaging 117.5 PPG and they’re conceding 118.8. De’Aaron Fox has been superb, averaging 18.7 points and 7.3 assists per game. I think it’s important to note though that Sacramento is just 2-9 ATS in its last 11 against the division, while LA is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 vs. divisional opponents. Lay the points and expect a rout. Good luck…Larry |
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11-08-18 | Rockets -4.5 v. Thunder | Top | 80-98 | Loss | -109 | 14 h 18 m | Show |
This is a 10* TNT Explosion on the Houston Rockets (8:05 EST). Houston has won three straight on the road, most recently a 98-94 win over Indiana on Monday. With two whole nights off to prepare, I look for the Rockets to come out on top here. OKC most recently beat Cleveland 95-86 on the road on Wednesday, but with a return home to friendly confines, I’m expecting a predictable letdown here. Note that Houston does play with a bit of revenge here as well, as the Thunder took two of three in the season series last year. The Rockets are averaging 105.3 PPG and they’re allowing 110.1. Of course those numbers are skewed due to the lousy overall start. Houston has started to turn things around of late, led by James Harden is averaging 27.8 points, five boards and 8.2 assists per night. OKC is averaging 113.2 PPG and it’s allowing 111.3. Russell Westbrook is leading the way with 24.1 points, 8.3 boards and 8.9 assists per game. I’ll point out though that the Thunder are in fact just 1-4 ATS in their last five home games vs. teams with winning road records, while Houston is 6-2 ATS in its last eight road games against teams with a winning home record. This is the second game of a back-to-back set for OKC and I believe it comes in “flat footed.” Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-07-18 | Wolves v. Lakers -5 | Top | 110-114 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 50 m | Show |
My 10* play is on the LA Lakers at 10:35 ET. Inconsistency has plagued both the T-wolves and Lakers early on. Minnesota has yet to win on the rod this season plus the team has been dealing with Jimmy Butler's "moods." Butler has been demanding a trade since the preseason and has sat out every other game since the win against the Lakers last week. He wouldn't discuss his status for Wednesday's game. LBJ and the Lakers are also still trying to find their groove and they trailed 41-17 after the first quarter on Sunday en route to losing 121-107 to the Raptors in a contest in which Toronto was missing star forward Kawhi Leonard (not a good sign). However, the bottom line is this. LA is a poor defensive team but the Lakers can score (118.9 PPG and 49.4 FG percentage both rank 3rd in the NBA) and the T-wolves are allowing 118.5 PPG in going 0-6 SU & 1-5 ATS away from Target Center so far. 10* on the Lakers. Good luck…Larry |
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11-07-18 | 76ers v. Pacers -2.5 | 100-94 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 21 m | Show | |
My 9* play is on the Ind Pacers at 8:05 ET. Yes, the 6-5 Philadelphia 76ers will eventually win on the road, but when? They've been unable to do so yet (0-5 SU & ATS) plus with FOUR of their five losses away from home coming by at least 15 points, they've barely been competitive. Sunday's dreadful 122-97 loss at Brooklyn featured an NBA-high 28 turnovers! The 7-4 Indiana Pacers are off a 98-94 home loss to the Rockets, a defeat which ended a run of three straight wins. Victor Oladipo scored 28 points in the defeat to record his NBA-leading 10th straight game with at least 20 points (he's averaging 23.0 PPG). The Pacers are allowing just 99.4 PPG at home, while the 76ers are giving up a whopping 122.4 PPG on the road. Noting that Indiana has won EIGHT straight meetings at home against Philadelphia makes the Pacers a 9* play. Good luck…Larry |
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11-05-18 | Celtics +2.5 v. Nuggets | Top | 107-115 | Loss | -103 | 14 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Boston Celtics (9:05 EST). Boston will look to be the first team in the league to knock off the Nuggets at home. Denver looks primed for a letdown in my opinion after four straight victories and facing this tough nosed defensive visiting side. The Nuggets already have some big wins under their belts, including over the Warriors, Pelicans and Jazz, but this sets up as a classic “letdown” spot in my estimation facing the non-conference opponent tonight (despite it being the Celtics). Nikola Jokic had just single digits scoring in the win over the Jazz, but he’d post ten boards and 16 assists as well. Boston comes in in a foul mood after a last second-three pointer cost them against the Pacers most recently. Kyrie Irving had 18 points, six boards and three assists in the setback. I’ll point out though that the road team is 4-1-1 ATS the last six in this series, while the underdog is 3-0-1 ATS the last four in the series. Also note that Boston is 20-8 ATS in its last 28 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. For all the reasons listed above, grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-04-18 | Grizzlies v. Suns +4 | Top | 100-102 | Win | 100 | 13 h 27 m | Show |
My 10* Wipeout Winner is on the Phoenix Suns (8:05 EST). What do you base your selections on? As a professional handicapper I base my picks on many different things. This one sets up great from a situational stand point for the Suns and it’s one I’m primarily basing this particular selection. The Grizzlies are 5-2 overall and they come in having won three straight. But with a date at Golden State tomorrow night, Memphis is expected to rest people tonight and clearly it’s not going to be able to help itself in getting caught “looking ahead” to that much more high profile contest. The Suns clearly don’t have that luxury though, as they come in having lost seven straight. They also play with revenge after falling to Memphis earlier in the season. Note that Memphis is just 10-19 ATS in its last 29 on the road and only 6-8 ATS In its last 14 after three or more consecutive SU victories, while Phoenix is 31-20 ATS in its last 51 after three or more consecutive SU losses. It’s do or die, now or never for Phoenix. Expect an outright, but grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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11-02-18 | Thunder v. Wizards -3 | Top | 134-111 | Loss | -105 | 28 h 14 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Washington Wizards (8:00 EST). The Oklahoma City Thunder got off to a slow start, but they go into Charlotte on a two game win streak on Thursday night. The Thunder come to the Nation’s capital “dog tired” here to face a Wizards team which comes in desperate after a 1-6 start, including going 0-2 at home. But a favorable matchup here against a “flat-footed” Thunder side, combined with a very “winnable” game against the Knicks on Sunday could have the Wizards completely turned around by the end of the weekend. It’s essentially a “do or die” game for the Wizards in my estimation and I expect the home side to “answer the call.” I’ll point out as well that the Thunder are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine in the second game of a back to back in which its playing on the road, while Washington is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 after a four games or more unbeaten streak. Lay the points and expect a blowout. Play on the Wizards. Good luck…Larry |
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11-01-18 | Bucks v. Celtics -3 | Top | 113-117 | Win | 100 | 13 h 26 m | Show |
My 10* Eastern Conf. Showdown is on the Boston Celtics (8:05 EST). The Bucks are 7-0, most recently coming in off a very satisfying 124-109 home win over Toronto. The Celtics are 5-2 and they enter off a 108-105 home win over Detroit. Milwaukee is averaging 120 PPG and it’s conceding 104.1. Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play against the Raptors, but he’s been given the green light to go here. So far Anteokounmpo has averaged 25 points and 14.2 boards per game. Boston is averaging 102.4 PPG, while conceding an NBA-best 97.6. Kyrie Irving had his best game of the season last time out, finishing with 31 points. Note that Boston is 17-5 ATS in its last 22 at home and 14-3 ATS in its last 17 home games against teams with winning road records, while Milwaukee is still just 1-6 ATS in its last seven on the road and 3-8 ATS in its last 11 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. All good things have to come to an end. I expect the Celtics’ league leading defense to finally throw a “monkey wrench” into the Bucks’ hot offensive start. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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10-31-18 | Mavs v. Lakers -6.5 | Top | 113-114 | Loss | -123 | 15 h 17 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the LA Lakers at 10:35 ET. To put it mildly, the "LBJ era" is off to a slow start in the City of Angels. The Lakers are still learning how to play with their new superstar and they'd really like to figure out how to win the close games. 2-5 Los Angeles lost its third game by four points or less Monday night at the Minnesota Timberwolves and all five losses have come by single digits. LA will host the 2-5 Mavericks at Staples Center, who also desperate for a win after dropping their past four games (all by single digits!. Dallas did push the San Antonio Spurs to overtime Monday before losing 113-108, but also committed a season-worst 23 turnovers. Dallas 'limps' in 0-4 away from home, averaging just 104.8 PPG. Sure, the Lakers are only 1-2 at home but they are averaging 126.0 PPG at Staples. With "all hands on deck" ( Lakers are back to full strength after starting SF Brandon Ingram completed a four-game suspension & backup PG Rajon Rondo a three-game ban for their roles in a fight with the Houston Rockets on Oct, 20), look for a 15-point win! From a trend based stand point, note that LA is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 home games against teams with road winning percentages under .400, while Dallas is just 2-6 ATS In its last eight against clubs with losing records. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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10-31-18 | Pistons +2.5 v. Nets | 119-120 | Win | 100 | 12 h 20 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Det Pistons at 7:05 ET. Brooklyn comes in dejected here after falling 115-96 against the Knicks on Monday. It was the Nets third straight loss. Last night the Pistons fell 108-105 in Boston and while I wouldn’t normally play on a team in the second game of a back-to-back, in this case I’m making an exception. We’re only two weeks into the season, so fatigue is simply not going to be a factor at this point of the season for this World class athletes. In fact, the extra playing time is beneficial in my opinion to continue work things out on both ends of the floor. If recent history is any precedence, then Detroit has to be loving its chances today as well, as it’s won three straight in this series, including a 103-100 victory in the first meeting at home on October 17th. The public is quick to back the Nets here in my opinion. They’ve lost three straight and play with revenge, but quite simply this is a horrible match-up for them. The Pistons are averaging 110.6 PPG and they’re allowing 112. The Nets are averaging 106.6 PPG and they’re conceding 111.1. Brooklyn is just 4-10 ATS in its last 14 at home, while Detroit is 6-2 ATS in its last eight on the road and 8-3 ATS in its last 11 against teams with a winning percentage below .400. Summing up. Beating the Nets back on Oct 17 began Detroit's first 4-0 start since the 2008-09 season. The rematch comes with the Pistons off consecutive losses but quarter c both have come against the Celtics (the East's best team?). Drummond (18.2 & 15.2 on the year) helped the Pistons open the season with a 103-100 win by getting 24 points and 20 rebounds against the Nets. It was his fifth game with at least 20 rebounds against the Nets and his second 20-20 game against Brooklyn The Nets enter on a three-game slide and during that streak, Brooklyn is getting out-rebounded 146-123 and overall, is among the league's worst teams in rebounding at 43.0 per game (24th). The Pistons nearly overcame a 14-point deficit last night in Boston but won't need any fourth comebacks here, as they top the Nets for the SIXTH time in the last seven meetings. Good luck…Larry |
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10-29-18 | Blazers v. Pacers -3.5 | Top | 103-93 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 20 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Indiana Pacers (7:05 EST). Portland finally stumbled after a great start, falling 120-111 in Miami on Saturday and I think it’ll have its hands full here as well with a Indiana team coming off a 119-107 road win over the Cavs on the weekend. Note as well as this does in fact set up as a “double revenge” scenario for the Pacers after the Blazers took both meetings last year. Overall Portland has averaged 122.4 PPG and allowed 117.2. Damian Lillard is averaging 33.8 points and 6.6 assists per game. The Pacers are averaging 111.7 PPG and they’re conceding just 102.8. Victor Oladipo is leading the nightly charge with 21.8 points, 5.3 boards and 1.5 steals per game. Additionally note that Indiana is 6-1 ATS in its last seven after allowing 100 points or more in its previous game, while Portland is just 1-5 ATS in its last six on the road and only 1-4 ATS in it last five when playing on one days rest. Indiana has looked very strong at home in the early going and I expect that trend to continue here. Lay the points, Good luck…Larry |
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10-24-18 | Grizzlies -2.5 v. Kings | Top | 92-97 | Loss | -105 | 16 h 50 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH is on the Memphis Grizzlies (10:05 EST). Memphis looked terrible in a season Opening loss, but it’s looked fantastic in two victories since and I think the “under-the-radar” Grizz can keep the momentum rolling in this favorable situation. Sacramento has struggled with defensive consistency early and it comes in “dog tired” here after last night’s 126-112 setback at Mile High Denver just last night. The Grizz enter off an impressive 92-84 win over Utah, as guard Mike Conley had 23 points, seven boards and four assists. The Kings are averaging 125.6 PPG, but they’re about to face their stiffest defensive test to date. After completely shutting down dynamic Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, we have a hard time seeing Kings’ leading scorer De’Aaron Fox having much success today either. Memphis comes in having gone 18-10 ATS in its last 28 off an upset win as an underdog and I think it’s getting little respect in this spot. The Kings are “hungry” for a win, but the Grizzlies will be taking nothing for granted at this point after last year’s disastrous campaign. The Grizzlies’ offense catches a break here facing the league’s worst defense. Lay the points with confidence. Good luck…Larry |
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10-21-18 | Warriors v. Nuggets +3.5 | Top | 98-100 | Win | 100 | 28 h 11 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Denver Nuggets (8:00 EST). Denver destroyed the Suns at home last night and I think it’ll carry that momentum over here. It’s the start of the season, so the “fatigue” factor on the second game of the back-to-back is a “non-factor” in my opinion. Golden State has won its first two games of the regular season, including a thrilling buzzer-beater over Utah on Friday. But I think the Warriors will stumble in the thin air of Mile high on Sunday night. Steph Curry and Kevin Durant combined for 69 points in the win over the Jazz. It was a bitter fight to the end and Golden State is clearly “lucky” to have won it on a tip back from Jonas Jerebko at the buzzer. DeMarcus Cousins and Andre Igoudala remain on the sidelines injured. The Nuggets got a triple-double from Nikola Jokic last night with 35 points, 11 assists and 12 boards. Denver has plenty of talent and I think it’ll take the two-time defending champs down to the wire. I’ll point out as well that Golden State is just 50-51 ATS in its last 101 after scoring 115 points or more in its previous contest, while Denver is 40-30 ATS in its last 70 as an underdog. Grab the points, play on the Nuggets. Good luck…Larry |
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10-20-18 | Spurs +4.5 v. Blazers | Top | 108-121 | Loss | -105 | 26 h 7 m | Show |
This is a 10* PERFECT STORM on the San Antonio Spurs (10:05 EST). The Blazers come in off an opening night victory over LeBron James and the Lakers and I believe they’ll suffer a predictable letdown here. San Antonio will look to take advantage and to build off its opening night win over the Wolves. DeMar DeRozan had 28 points in his first game for San Antonio, while LaMarcus Aldridge had 21 points and 19 boards. The Blazers got 24 points from guard Nick Stauskas off the bench in their win over the Lakers. Portland would go on to earn the victory despite being edged 34-12 in fast break points. I’ll point out though that San Antonio is 7-3 ATS in its last ten as an underdog, while Portland is just 17-23 ATS in its last 40 after allowing 115 points or more. This one has the feel of whichever team that has its hands on the ball last is going to be the one to come out on top. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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10-19-18 | Warriors v. Jazz +2.5 | Top | 124-123 | Win | 100 | 28 h 5 m | Show |
The third pick of my STP is on Utah Jazz 10* (10:35 EST). Both teams won their openers. Golden State beat OKC 108-100 at home (without Russell Westbrook in the line-up), but it certainly wasn’t pretty, committing 21 turnover and shooting only 26.9 percent from three-point range. Stephen Curry was a bright spot in the win with 32 points, nine assists and eight boards. Utah enters off a 123-117 win over the Kings on Wednesday. Donovan Mitchell and Joe Ingles would go 7 of 16 from three-point land and big man Rudy Gobert was 7 of 9 shooting with 15 boards and three blocks. I’ll point out though that Golden State is a poor 16-21 ATS in its last 37 when playing with two days rest, while Utah is 5-2 ATS in its last seven after allowing 115 points or more. I look for Utah to return to form on the defensive side this evening. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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10-19-18 | Hawks v. Grizzlies -7 | 117-131 | Win | 100 | 26 h 36 m | Show | |
The second pick of my STP is on Memphis Grizzlies 8* (8:05 EST). A couple of bottom feeders go head-to-head here and I don’t think that the home court advantage can be overlooked as a very real deciding factor. The Hawks lost 126-107 in New York in their Opener. Taurean Prince was a standout with 21 points, six boards and six assists. ATL though would commit 24 turnovers which would lead to 29 Knicks’ points. Memphis also comes in off a “dud,” falling 111-83 in Indiana on Wednesday. Marc Gasol finished with a weak 13 points. So where is the advantage? Note that ATL is just 25-30 ATS in its last 55 after a loss by ten points or more, while Memphis is 9-6 ATS in its last five after scoring 85 points or less. The Grizzlies have the advantage at home and I believe they’re the team to bounce back here. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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10-18-18 | Heat v. Wizards -4.5 | 113-112 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 17 m | Show | |
My 8* PERFECT STORM is on the Washington Wizards (8:05 EST). This is the second game of a back-to-back for Miami, which just played and lost in Orlando last night. The Heat are an older team and while it’s still just the second game of the season, I do indeed believe that fatigue will be a factor here. Miami will now look to take advantage in its opening game of the year in front of the home town crowd after finishing in eighth in the East last year. Note as well that Miami is dealing with several injuries to open the year, including to James Johnson, Dion Waiters, Wayne Ellington and Justise Winslow. Last year the Wizards averaged 106.6 PPG and conceded 106. Bradley Beal led the team with 22.6 PPG last year, as star guard John Wall missed significant time with injury. Wall is back and he’s joined by free agent signings Austin Rivers, Jeff Green, Thomas Bryant and Dwight Howard. I’ll point out as well that Miami is just 1-5 ATS in its last six against the Eastern conference, while Washington is 5-2 ATS in its last seven home games. Miami is tired and injured. The Wizards are rested and focused. Everything points to a rout, lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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10-17-18 | Pelicans v. Rockets -7.5 | Top | 131-112 | Loss | -107 | 27 h 11 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmakers Error is on the Houston Rockets (8:05 EST). New Orleans will once again be in the thick of things when the playoffs roll around. Anthony Davis is an MVP candidate and he’s supported by Jrue Holiday and now Julius Randle. I’ll point out though that the Pelicans have lost each of their last three regular season openers. Houston has improved its overall win total in each of the last three years. A trip to the NBA Finals likely would have happened last season if point guard Chris Paul hadn’t have gone down, but he’s back and healthy and ready to go. The team only got deeper with the addition of Carmelo Anthony as well. I’ll point out as well though that New Orleans is just 2-5 ATS inits last seven in its last seven in Houston. I think the Rockets send a message to the rest of the league with a decisive lop-sided blowout on Opening Night. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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10-17-18 | Heat -2.5 v. Magic | 101-104 | Loss | -107 | 26 h 12 m | Show | |
My 8* SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on the Miami Heat (7:05 EST). Miami had 44 wins last year and it was knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by the 76ers. Dwayne Wade is back and so too is big man Hassan Whiteside, who comes into the campaign fully healthy. The Heat also have all star Goran Dragic. Orlando starts a new era under head coach Steve Clifford. The Magic have a lot of new faces this season, so they’ll once again be leaning heavily on Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon. I’ll point out as well that the Magic are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven at home. Miami has won five of its last six regular season openers and all signs point to another victory here. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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10-17-18 | Nets +5 v. Pistons | 100-103 | Win | 102 | 26 h 12 m | Show | |
My 8* LAS VEGAS INSIDER is on the Brooklyn Nets (7:05 EST). The Nets will be desperate for a better season after managing just 28 wins last year. D’Angelo Russell was a bright spot with 15.5 points and 5.2 assists per game, while Rondae Hollis-Jefferson wavered 13.9 PPG. Jeremy Lin is gone and big man Kenneth Faried has arrived. Detroit was just 39-43 last year. Blake Griffin led the way with 19.8 points, 6.6 boards and 6.2 assists per game, while Tobias Harris averaged 18.1 points and 5.1 boards per contest. Opening night and anything can happen. Neither team is “hungrier” than the other at this point of the season, but note that despite their poor overall record, Brooklyn was a money-making 35-17 ATS in its last 52 on the road. Also note that the road team is 5-0 ATS in its last five in this series. I’m expecting a hard-fought battle until the end. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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06-08-18 | Warriors v. Cavs +6 | Top | 108-85 | Loss | -110 | 38 h 2 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (9:05 EST). The Golden State Warriors head into Game 4 of the NBA Finals sitting at 72-29 overall this year, while the Cleveland Cavaliers are 62-40. I had a play on Cleveland in Game 3 and it would unfortunately come up “just short.” With their backs against the wall and desperate to avoid the embarrassing sweep, I look for the Cavs to at the very least keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door with what I believe to be a very healthy spread afforded to them in this “do or die” situation. What more can be said about these teams which literally hasn’t been said about a million times at this point by every sports broadcaster, handicapper or “couch surfer” over the last four years. This is the fourth straight year that these teams have met in the Finals, and while the cast of characters remains the same for the Warriors (for the most part), as LBJ goes, so goes Cleveland. Suffice it to say, the strengths and weaknesses of these teams/players is well known to even the most casual basketball fan. And so for this selection, I won’t bother breaking down individual player match ups, or re-cap the numbers/stats that the star players from each side posted in Game 3. Instead I’m focusing on the overall “situation” and some strong ATS trends that completely support this selection. It’s hard to imagine the Warriors having a “letdown” at this point of the whole thing, but there is absolutely no question whatsoever that this does indeed set up as a classic “letdown” spot for the visitors. With the knowledge that they’ll be able to “easily” wrap this one up at home in Game 5, I predict this “mental lapse” will in fact occur. The Warriors are an amazing team there is no doubt, and this is just a horrible “matchup” for James and the Cavaliers. But I think the stage is set for an upset here. (Additional supporting ATS stats added shortly) While I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, everything finally points to a “nail-biter” in Game 4. Grab the points, play on Cleveland. Good luck…Larry |
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06-06-18 | Warriors v. Cavs +5 | Top | 110-102 | Loss | -110 | 61 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* LEGEND is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (9:05 EST). I had a play on Golden State in Game 1 and then I decided to skip Game 2. However Game 3 sets up perfectly for the Cavaliers, who I believe will finally get over the hump and at the very least, earn the ATS cover with the handful of points they’ve been afforded. Obviously this series could easily be tied at 1-1 if the Cavs’ JR Smith didn’t have a brain-lapse at the end of Game 1. Golden State was fortunate to earn the extra period and then LeBron James would run out of gas at the end. It was reported after that loss that the Cavaliers locker room took the setback incredibly hard. And that was evident in Game 2, as Golden State took control of the pace early and then never looked back. James posted a triple-double, but it wasn’t enough as the rest of his team struggled with consistency. However the Cavaliers are not out of it yet. Cleveland went down 2-0 to Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals, before then rebounding in a big way in Game’s 3 and 4 at home. And I’m now banking on that same “magic” working for the Cavaliers here with their backs against the wall. Stephen Curry set an all time NBA Finals record with nine 3-pointers in Game 2 and clearly the defending champs have to be feeling pretty good about themselves. But Golden State has looked susceptible this post-season, as Houston pushed the Warriors to the brink in the Western Conference Finals. I think a letdown is imminent for Golden State here. I’ll point out as well that Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last six after back-to-back SU/ATS losses, while Golden State is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine after scoring 120 points or more in its previous contest. In conclusion: Only 20 teams have ever recovered from an 0-2 deficit in the playoffs to win a series but an LBJ-led team has been responsible for three of those comebacks. The latest came in the Eastern Conference Finals of 2018 against Boston, when the Celtics won the first two games at TD Garden but James and the Cavaliers took the series in seven, winning Game 6 at home and then Game in 7 in Boston. All know that the Cavs and Warriors are meeting in a fourth straight NBA Finals and Cleveland is set to host its fourth Game 3 in that span. After splitting two OT games in 2015, the Cavs won Game 3 by a 96-91 score, but then lost three in a row. The following year, trailing 0-2, the Cavaliers hammered the Warriors by 30 ponts in Game 3 and eventually won the series for their first championship, rebounding from a 3-1 deficit. Last June, the Cavaliers were on the verge of winning another Game 3 but blew a six-point lead over the final 3:09 and lost, 118-113. So here we sit, with the Cavs down 0-2 for a third straight year. Iquodala (knee) has been upgraded to questionable for Game 3 but he hasn't played since Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals and it seems like stretch to think that he'll play a significant role. Shaun Livingston made his five field-goal tries for 10 points to give Golden State a lift in the first half of Game 2, after making all four of his shots Thursday. JaVale McGee scored 12 points, making all six of his shots in his first career NBA Finals start in Game 2 as Kerr made a lineup switch that proved spot on. He is 8-of-9 shooting so far. Think those two will shoot that well here in Cleveland? Golden State's "Core Four" is devastating but not unbeatable. For Cleveland, if not now, when? Good luck…Larry |
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05-31-18 | Cavs v. Warriors -11.5 | Top | 114-124 | Loss | -109 | 68 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* PLAYOFF GAME OF THE YEAR is on the Golden State Warriors (9:00 EST). The Cavaliers have LeBron James, but not much else. The King has already lost to the Warriors in two of three Final appearances and while he may be able to pull off another upset overall in this series, I don’t think the Warriors will stumble at home in Game 1. James has already gone on record as saying that he normally uses Game 1 of a series as a “feeler.” The Cavaliers are horrible defensively, especially around the perimeter. Golden State looks more susceptible than it’s ever been, but this is a horrible matchup for James and company. Give the Warriors’ defense credit as well in Game 7 and throughout the series with high-scoring Rockets. The cast of characters from both teams is well known to even the most casual basketball fan (and that includes both their strength’s and weaknesses), so I’m not going to bother breaking down any individual player match ups here. I will point out though that the Cavs are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight overall in this series, while the Warriors are 4-1 ATS in their last five at home in this series. Also note that home teams in Game 1 of the NBA Finals are 17-3 SU over the last 20 years and over the last 15, have gone 13-2 SU/ATS. Golden State won both regular season meetings against the Cavs, albeit before Cleveland overhauled its lineup at the end of the year. To this point LBJ has been able to carry his team in the postseason. However, James now faces the most “complete” team in the entire league. In my opinion, everything points to a major ATS “b-l-o-w-o-u-t” for the home side in Game 1. Lay the points, play on the Warriors. Good luck..Larry |
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05-28-18 | Warriors v. Rockets +6.5 | Top | 101-92 | Loss | -110 | 21 h 24 m | Show |
My 10* WCF Game 7 WINNER is on the Houston Rockets (9:05 EST). I had a play on the Warriors in Game 6, but I think the Rockets will at the very least take Game 7 right down to the wire as these two hungry teams battle for a right to play for the NBA Championship. Whether Chris Paul plays or not, I think Houston has a legitimate shot at taking this one outright. So am I suggesting to “sprinkle a little on the money line?” I am in fact. However, the sharp play here is the points in my opinion. The Rockets will be doubling down defensively this evening as they look to duplicate their Game 4 and 5 success. The Warriors were able to take care of business on their own floor in Game 6, but Golden State has shown many “cracks in the armor” this season and everything points to another possible letdown here as well. Golden State is shooting 47.1 percent from the floor in the playoffs, including just 34.7 percent from range. Klay Thompson exploded for his best effort in the postseason in Game 6 with 35 points. Houston is averaging 43.8 percent in the postseason, including just 35 percent from long-distance. James Harden was a bright spot in a losing cause last time out with 32 points, seven boards and nine assists. I’ll point out though that from a trend based stand point, there’s no question that this one favors the home side, as note that Golden State is just 18-25 ATS this year after scoring 115 points or more, while Houston is 9-6 ATS this season after allowing 115 points or more. For all the reasons listed above, play on the Rockets. Good luck…Larry |
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05-27-18 | Cavs +2.5 v. Celtics | Top | 87-79 | Win | 100 | 37 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* ECF GAME 7 WINNER is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (8:35 EST). I played on the Cavs in their Game 5 loss in Boston and then I came back with them again in Game 6. While recent history would suggest that the Celtics should be the savvy call here (note that the home team has both won and covered in every game in this series thus far,) I’m expecting history to be re-written tonight, as LeBron James will look to cement his place as the greatest player in the history of the game. James was unstoppable in Game 6, posting 46 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Kevin Love was lost early in the first quarter, but it wouldn’t matter as James completely took over and the rest of his teammates provided the rest. The Celtics have been an unbelievable story to this point, advancing to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals without Kyrie Irving or Gordon Hayward, arguably their best players. Boston’s future is clearly bright. But LBJ is all about making and breaking history and trends and I simply can’t see “The King” losing against these young Celtics. (additional supporting ATS trends to be added shortly) My hat goes off to the Celtics. Bravo. But sorry guys, you’re in the path of a true juggernaut, a machine which will settle for nothing less than a trip to the NBA Finals. Grab the points, play on Cleveland. Good luck…Larry |
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05-26-18 | Rockets v. Warriors -11.5 | Top | 86-115 | Win | 100 | 26 h 35 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Golden State Warriors (9:05 EST). With Chris Paul out for the Rockets, I expect the desperate Warriors to put the foot on the gas from start to finish in Game 6 and to finish with a similar result as to their Game 3, 41-point beatdown victory. So far Houston is shooting 44.4 percent from the floor in the playoffs, including only 34.7 percent from range. Paul had 20 points, seven boards and six assists in the Game 5 victory before then aggravating his ham-string, forcing the dynamic point guard to have to miss this crucial contest. Eric Gordon was another bright spot with 24 points off the bench. Golden State is shooting 46.9 percent from the floor in the playoffs and only 34.1 percent from range. Kevin Durant had 29 points in the latest setback, while Stephen Curry added 22. I’ll point out though that Golden State is 6-2 ATS in its last eight off an upset loss as a favorite, while Houston is just 1-2 ATS this year off an upset win as an underdog (and only 7-18 ATS in the same position over the last three seasons.) Houston has the momentum, but the loss of Paul is unbelievably significant. Golden State can smell the blood in the water and suffice it to say, I’m expecting a rout once the final horn sounds. Lay the points, play on the Warriors. Good luck…Larry |
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05-25-18 | Celtics v. Cavs -7 | Top | 99-109 | Win | 100 | 38 h 33 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (8:35 EST). Most everyone that’s actually making a wager on the Cavaliers will be banking on the fact that the home side has completely dominated in every game of this series thus far. For whatever reason the Cavs’ role players and bench are unable to perform on the road, while it would seem none of the Celtics are able to perform at a high level and get over the hump away from friendly confines either. And I do indeed believe we’ll see this trend carry over again here. LeBron James was reportedly “dead tired” after Game 6, something that “The King” would take as an offense. James is arguably playing the best basketball of his entire 15 year career right now and I think he’s going to put on a classic performance in this one, attacking early and often and throughout. When they were up 2-0 and heading to Cleveland, it set up as a natural letdown spot for the Celtics in Game 3. And so too does it now in Game 6, as Boston will collectively have it in the back of its mind that it will still have one last chance to clinch the series in front of the home town crowd, a place which to this point in the playoffs has pretty much been “automatic” for it. I’ll point out as well that Boston is just 1-4 ATS in its last five road games overall, while Cleveland is 4-0 ATS in its last four home games against a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600. I base my picks on many different things. This particular one doesn’t have anything to do with individual player match ups. For all the reasons listed above though, lay the points with confidence. Play on the Cavaliers. Good luck…Larry |
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05-23-18 | Cavs v. Celtics | 83-96 | Loss | -109 | 25 h 14 m | Show | |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (8:35 EST). So far it would seem that the home floor advantage will be significant in this series. While the trend has carried over through the first four games of this series, I do now finally expect “The King” and company to find a way to punch one into the win column in Game 5. Cleveland is so far shooting 46.3 percent in the playoffs, including only 34.9 percent from range. LeBron James has been unstoppable after his Game 1 sub-par performance and he had 44 points in the latest victory. Kyle Korver added 14 of the bench. Boston is shooting 44.4 percent from the floor in the postseason, including 35.2 percent from range. Jaylen Brown was a bright spot in the latest setback with 25 points, while Terry Rozier added 16 points, six boards and 11 assists. I’ll point out though that Cleveland is 9-6 ATS the last three years in the conference finals and 6-2 ATS in its last eight after scoring 110 points or more, while Boston is just 4-5 ATS the last three years in the conference finals and only 2-3 ATS in its last five after allowing 110 points or more. I think Cleveland’s role players finally show up on the road and I expect James to continue his historic push for another NBA Finals appearance. Play on Cleveland. Good luck…Larry |
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05-22-18 | Rockets +9 v. Warriors | Top | 95-92 | Win | 100 | 46 h 59 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Houston Rockets (9:05 EST). Golden State took Game 1, but Houston answered in Game 2 with a resounding victory. The Rockets though were once again grounded in Game 3, looking more like a deer caught in the headlights than a basketball team. But with that awkward contest out of the way, I believe the “real” Rockets show up for Game 4 as they try to avoid the dreaded 3-1 hole. Houston took two of three games in the regular season series from the Warriors, including the teams’ respective very first contests of the year (in Golden State.) The Warriors’ played much more aggressively in Game 3 and they were able to slow down the Rockets’ role players. But Houston is very well coached and I expect it to make the necessary adjustments to keep Game 4 much more competitive. It’s safe to say that Houston will be pushing the pace of this one in an attempt to combat Golden State’s more aggressive style. I think it’ll be successful in doing just that. Boston looked unstoppable over the first two games of its series at home, before then coming out and laying an egg in Game 3 in Cleveland and there’s no question that there are parallels between the East/West Conference Finals. As mentioned above, the playoffs are all about “adjustments” and there’s no reason not to think that the West leading Rockets won’t be able to come up with a much more effective game-plan in this one. And I’m absolutely banking on that happening. Outright victory? It’s possible. But in a contest which I envision being decided late, in extra time, or by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I’m grabbing as many points as I can. Play on the Rockets. Good luck…Larry |
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05-19-18 | Celtics v. Cavs -6 | 86-116 | Win | 100 | 13 h 39 m | Show | |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (8:35 EST). LeBron James is 6-0 in the East Finals when down 2-0 throughout his 15 years in the NBA. So James has more points, assists, steals, blocks and every other stat in this series than the rest of his other starting teammates combined. If Cleveland has any shot at making it back into this series, “The King” is going to need a couple of his guys to “step up” in Game 3. I’ve played Cleveland over the first two games of this series, and I’m obviously 0-2. However, with Cleveland's backs against the wall I do now definitely feel that the Cavs will answer the bell with their best overall effort yet. Boston has been playing unbelievably and no one is more surprised than myself by its performance. But Game 3 sets up as a classic letdown spot for the Celtics if I’ve ever seen it. So far, Boston is shooting 45 percent from the floor in the playoffs, including 35.8 percent in the series. Jaylen Brown had 23 points and seven boards in the latest victory, Terry Rozier added 18 points and big man Al Horford continued to be a difference maker as well with 15 points and 10 boards. Six different Boston players scored in double figures in Game 2 James exploded for 42 points, 10 boards and 12 assists in the Game 2 setback and there’s no question that James will be expecting his teammates to step up and respond in kind in Game 3 (note: Kevin Love added 22 points and 15 boards.) Note as well that Boston is a poor 11-17 ATS in its last 28 after playing three consecutive home games, while Cleveland is 6-2 ATS in its last eight after back-to-back ATS losses to the same team. There’s no way that the Cavs go down without a fight. This one has blowout written all over it. Play on Cleveland. Good luck…Larry |
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05-16-18 | Warriors v. Rockets -1 | Top | 105-127 | Win | 100 | 25 h 46 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Houston Rockets (9:05 EST). I had a play on the Rockets in Game 1 and while the selection came up short in the end, I believe that Houston will rally and find a way to bounce back in Game 2. Note that Houston did take two of three between the clubs in the regular season. So far Golden State is shooting 47.4 percent from the floor in the playoffs this year, including just 33.5 percent from range. Kevin Durant came up big in the Game 1 victory with 37 points, while Klay Thompson would add 28. Draymond Green had just five points, but he posted nine boards, nine assists, two steals and two blocks. The Rockets are hitting 44.7 percent from the floor, including 35.3 percent from range. James Harden was a bright spot in a losing cause last time out with 41 points and seven assists, while Chris Paul would add 23 points and 11 boards. I’ll point out though that Golden State is still just 6-19-1 ATS in its last 26 following a SU victory over more than ten points, while Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last six after allowing 100 or more points in its previous outing. This is one of the biggest games in franchise history and I expect Houston to respond in a big way. Everything points to a blowout here, play on the Rockets. Good luck…Larry |
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05-15-18 | Cavs +1 v. Celtics | Top | 94-107 | Loss | -108 | 35 h 8 m | Show |
My 10* LEGEND is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (8:35 EST). LBJ entered Game 1 of the Eastern Conference LBJ seeking his eighth straight trip to the NBA Finals, after the Cavs swept the Raptors for a second straight postseason. "The King" dominated in Cleveland first two series, averaging 34.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists, while nailing a pair of buzzer-beaters to boot. Giving him some important cover in the Toronto series was the team's second-best player, Kevin Love. After averaging 10.9 points on 31.9 percent shooting in his first eight contests this postseason, Love scored at least 21 points in each of the final three games of that series, averaging 25.0 & 11.0 in those three. Love averaged 22.6 points and 12.4 rebounds in last season's conference finals against Boston, adding to Cleveland's confidence. heading into this series. What's more, Cleveland's supporting cast, a three-guard lineup featuring Hill, Korber and Smith, looked very mediocre against the Pacers but looked ready for primetime vs. the Raptors. So what happened in Game 1? LBJ played his worst game of the 2018 playoffs, scoring just 15 points on 5 of 16 shooting (0-5 on threes). Also, Love resorted to his early playoff form, making just 5 of 14 shots with 17 points. As for that three-guard lineup of Hill, Korver and Smith, that trio shot 6 of 19 from the floor while combining for a total of only 14 points. The Cavs shot just 36.0 per overall, including a just brutal 4 of 26 (15.4%) on threes. Meanwhile, the Celtics connected on 51.2% as a team, with a trio of players (Brown, Morris and Horford) scoring 20-plus points. Knowing that the Celtics are 37-0 all-time when taking a 2-0 series lead, it may be more than fair to call Game 2 a "must-win" for the Cavs. Cleveland won three games at Boston by an average of 30 points in last season's conference finals plus has gone 9-3 at Boston the last four regular seasons. With so much on the line, I expect “The King” to bounce back with another signature effort. Play on Cleveland. Good luck…Larry |
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05-14-18 | Warriors v. Rockets -1 | Top | 119-106 | Loss | -105 | 99 h 53 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Houston Rockets (9:00 EST). Simply put, I don’t think that the home court advantage can be overlooked as a very real factor in this one (in Game 1 anyways!) Golden State knocked out both the Spurs and Pelicans in five games, while Houston would get past both the Wolves and Jazz in five as well. Note that the Rockets would take two of three in the regular season. Golden State is shooting 46.9 percent from the floor in the playoffs this year, including only 32.9 percent from range. Stephen Curry had 28 points, seven boards and eight assists in the Game 5 win over New Orleans. Houston is hitting 44.6 percent from the floor in the postseason, including 35.3 percent form range. Chris Paul had 41 points, seven boards and ten assists in the Game 5 victory over Utah. Both teams are healthy, but Paul, James Harden and the Rockets have been waiting all season for this moment and I believe they’ll ride the incredible wave of emotion to a solid victory in Game 1. Lay the points, play on the Rockets. Good luck…Larry |
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05-13-18 | Cavs -1 v. Celtics | Top | 83-108 | Loss | -105 | 70 h 36 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Cleveland Cavaliers (3:30 EST). Cleveland has advanced by dispatching the Pacers in seven games, while then going on to sweep No. 1 seed Toronto in four straight. Boston got to this point by defeating Milwaukee in seven and then Philadelphia in five. Note that the Cavs took two of three in the regular season. Cleveland smashed Toronto 128-93 in Game 4 and I think it carries that confidence and momentum over here. It’s interesting to note that Celtics’ big man Al Horford, who to this point has been a difference maker for his team, is just 1-15 lifetime against LeBron James’ led teams in the postseason. After struggling in the first round, the Cavs’ bench players and other starters looked “in sync” against the Raptors and there’s no reason not to think that that chemistry won’t also be carried over here. Chemistry is what the Celtics are all about, as this is a team that is playing and winning right now without its legitimate super star in Kyrie Irving. Like Cleveland though, Boston has struggled at times in the playoffs on the offensive end, so far shooting 44.6 percent from the floor and 36 percent from range. Horford, Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier and Jayson Tatum have played “above” their heads to this point and I think they’ll finally stumble against a rejuvenated “King” and company (at least in Game 1 anyways!) I will be the first to admit that I have been very surprised at how well the Celtics have played to this point, but until they can prove to me that they can slow down James, who enters on perhaps the biggest/strongest run of his career, the correct call in this one is on Cleveland. Good luck..Larry |
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05-09-18 | 76ers v. Celtics | Top | 112-114 | Loss | -110 | 24 h 42 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Philadelphia 76ers (8:00 EST). My most recent 10* 34-Club Play release came on the 76ers in Game 4 and suffice it to say with their backs once again “against the wall,” I’m expecting the visiting side to find a way to take this one back home for a Game 6. Philadelphia finally got into the win column in Game 4’s 103-92 victory. Ben Simmons had 19 points and 13 boards, while TJ McConnell added 19. Big man Joel Embiid had 19 points and 13 boards. Boston ran out of gas in Game 4 and everything points to another letdown here in my opinion. The Celtics have so far shot just 44.6 percent from the floor. After a gruelling seven game series win over the Bucks and three straight victories over the 76ers, I think the writing is on the wall for the exhausted home side. I’ll point out that Philadelphia is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 following an ATS victory. I think the 76ers have the momentum now and I look for them to push Boston to the brink with another big effort. Play on Philadelphia. Good luck…Larry |
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05-08-18 | Pelicans +11.5 v. Warriors | Top | 104-113 | Win | 100 | 22 h 1 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the New Orleans Pelicans (10:35 EST). I’ve played on New Orleans through each of the first four games of this series and I’m just 1-3. But with their backs against the wall, I expect the desperate Pelicans to at the very least, keep this one competitive until the final moments. So far New Orleans is hitting 47.9 percent from the floor, while shooting 36.1 percent from range. Big man Anthony Davis was a bright spot in a losing cause last time out with 26 points and 12 boards, while E’Twaun Moore added 20. The Warriors can smell the Western Conference Finals, but I think they’ll come in a tiny bit complacent here. Golden State is so far hitting 46.7 percent from the floor, and only 33.6 percent from range. Kevin Durant came up huge last time out with 38 points, nine boards and four steals. Draymond Green was another bright spot with eight boards, nine boards and nine assists. I’ll point out though that the Pelicans are still 6-1 ATS in their last seven on the road, while the Warriors are just 4-14 ATS in their last 18 after a SU victory and only 4-13 ATS in their last 17 when playing on one days rest. Desperation breeds motivation and winning unquestionably can lead to complacency. I’m banking on the desperate visitors at the very least keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door down the stretch with what I believe to be an ample amount of points afforded to them. Play on New Orleans. Good luck…Larry |
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05-08-18 | Jazz +12.5 v. Rockets | 102-112 | Win | 100 | 20 h 31 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Utah Jazz (8:05 EST). It’s do-or-die. Time to put up or shut up. The Jazz face elimination tonight and because of that, I think the visitors will keep this one very competitive until the final moments. Utah is so far shooting 45.5 percent from the field in the playoffs and also hitting 35.9 percent from range. Donovan Mitchell was a bright spot in a losing cause last time out with 25 points and nine boards, while Joe Ingles added 15 points and 18 boards. Big man Rudy Gobert was also productive with 11 points, ten boards and three blocks. The Rockets are hitting 44.2 percent from the floor in this series, including only 34.2 percent from range. Chris Paul led the charge in the Game 4 victory with 27 points, 12 boards and six assists, while James Harden added 24 points. I’ll point out though that Houston is still just 7-10 ATS in its last 17 after allowing 90 points or less in its previous contest, while Utah is 3-1 ATS in its last four when trailing in a playoff series. This one has “nail-biter” written all over it. Grab the points, play on the Jazz. Good luck…Larry |
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05-07-18 | Raptors +6 v. Cavs | 93-128 | Loss | -110 | 35 h 30 m | Show | |
My 9* LAS VEGAS INSIDER is on the Toronto Raptors (8:35 EST). Toronto fought tooth and nail all season to gain home court advantage in the Playoffs for this exact matchup. The Cavs have knocked the Raptors out of the playoffs each of the last two seasons and with a 3-0 start in this series, Cleveland is well on its way doing it again. The Cavs were pushed to seven games by the Pacers in their first round series and I firmly believed the the Raptors would be able to take advantage of that fact. But LeBron James has elevated his play to another level once again and he now has his team poised for another return to the Eastern Conference Finals. Toronto will be playing for pride here as it desperately tries to stave off elimination. The Raptors have so far been confounded in this matchup, but there’s no question that the visitors possess the skill and depth to at least take one game in this series outright. Note as well that the Cavs are 0-5 ATS at home this postseason and when going for a sweep they are a 'money-burning' 13-32-1 (28.9%) ATS at home on the year. I’m banking on the Raptors playing their best game of this series and I look for them to take this one back to Toronto for at least one more contest. Grab the points, play on the Raptors. Good luck…Larry |
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05-07-18 | Celtics v. 76ers -6.5 | Top | 92-103 | Win | 100 | 33 h 1 m | Show |
My 10* 34-CLUB PLAY is on the Philadelphia 76ers (6:05 EST). It’s the biggest game of the year for the 76ers. Philadelphia is in an 0-3 hole and it’ll be playing for pride today as it desperately tries to avoid the sweep. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been wrong about this Boston team up until now. The Celtics are playing at an extremely high level, helped by the brilliance of head coach Brad Stevens. But in my opinion, a letdown is imminent here. The Celtics edged Philly 101-98 in Game 3, as the Sixers not only shot just 39.2% for the game but also just 30% on threes (9-of-30). What's more, the Sixers were just plain sloppy down the stretch. However, don't expect this up and coming young team to go quietly in Game 4. Let's not forget that Boston lost all three games at Milwaukee in the first round, getting blown out in two of them (by 24 and 16 points) plus the Celtics lone cover came in a game in which they once trailed by 28 points! Yes, the 76ers are just 2-2 SU & ATS this postseason at home but they finished the regular season on a 21-1 SU run at home, going 17-5 ATS. This one has complete blowout written all over it. Boston takes the night off and then tries to wrap this one up at home. Lay the points, play on the 76ers. Good luck…Larry |
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05-06-18 | Warriors v. Pelicans +5.5 | 118-92 | Loss | -108 | 34 h 18 m | Show | |
My 8* PERFECT STORM is on the New Orleans Pelicans (3:30 EST). I released one of my signature “LEGEND” plays on the Pelicans last time out and they’d go on to smash the Warriors 119-100. While the outright win is clearly not out of the question here either, in a contest which I envision being decided late or even in extra time, I’m going to grab the points and the hungry home side. Golden State is shooting 46.5 percent from the floor in the playoffs, but just 33.6 percent from range. Klay Thompson was a bright spot in a losing cause last time out with 26 points, while Kevin Durant added 22. The Warriors bench looked pathetic though, managing 20 points between them (with eight of those points coming in garbage time.) New Orleans is hitting 49.5 percent from the floor in the postseason, including 38.9 percent from range. The Pelicans were on fire in Game 3, hitting 50 percent from the floor and 14 of 31 from behind the arc. Big man Anthony Davis led the way with 33 points, 18 boards, three assists and four steals in the victory, while Jrue Holiday added 21 points, seven boards and five assists. From a trend based stand point, this one definitely sets up nicely for the home side as well, as note that Golden State is just 3-13 ATS in its last 16 when playing on one days rest and only 2-11 ATS in its last 13 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while New Orleans is 5-0 ATS its last five at home and 6-0 ATS in its last six following a SU victory over more than ten points. For all the reasons listed above, grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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05-05-18 | Raptors +4.5 v. Cavs | Top | 103-105 | Win | 100 | 46 h 56 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Toronto Raptors (8:30 EST). To say I’m surprised by the energy levels of LeBron James and the Cavs after their gruelling seven game series win over the Pacers would be an understatement. James is putting up historic numbers over the first two games of this series and now Toronto finds itself in a disastrous 2-0 hole. All the hard work that the Raptors put in to gain home court advantage in the playoffs over the regular season has been completely wasted. Toronto has had little success on the road in the playoffs and even less when facing a James led team. But with all of that said, I do now firmly believe that the Raptors will put together their most complete game in this series and while an outright win is obviously not out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Kyle Lowry was a bright spot in the losing cause in Game 2 for Toronto and so far he’s averaging a solid 17.8 PPG. DeMar DeRozan struggled though with 24 points on 11 of 23 shooting, including going 0 for 5 from range. Suffice it to say, I think DeRozan is poised for a breakout performance in this series. James was unstoppable in Game 2, but he looked very pedestrian at times during the win over Indiana in the first round. Toronto only gave up an average of 103 PPG during the regular season and it goes without saying that I’m expecting the visitors to do a much better job defending The King this time around. I’ll point out as well that Toronto is 9-6 ATS as an underdog this season, while Cleveland is just 20-47 ATS as the fav (and just 13-31 ATS at home.) For all the reasons listed above, play on the Raptors. Good luck…Larry |
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05-05-18 | Celtics v. 76ers -9.5 | 101-98 | Loss | -103 | 35 h 28 m | Show | |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Philadelphia 76ers (5:00 EST). I’ll admit, the Celtics have surprised me. Boston needed seven games to get by the Bucks and I thought they’d be “gassed” after that exhausting series. But Boston destroyed Philadelphia in Game 1. A letdown spot seemed imminent in Game 2, but once again the C’s battled from behind and found a way to get the job done at the end of the night. While the Celtics managed to get a win in the first two games, I do now firmly believe that Boston will have a predictable letdown on the road here. Boston is managing to win despite shooting poorly, just 44.8 percent from the field thus far, including 37.6 percent from range. Jayson Tatum had 21 points in the Game 2 victory, while Terry Rozier added 20 points, seven boards and nine assists. Philly looked sluggish in Game 1 after nearly a week off, but there was no excuse for its collapse in Game 2. Rookie Ben Simmons is going to be playing with a chip on his shoulder tonight after being held to just 1 point in Game 2. Joel Embiid was a bright spot in the losing cause with 20 points and 14 boards. Note that Boston is still just 4-6 ATS this year after playing three consecutive home games, while Philadelphia is 29-14 ATS at home and 25-21 ATS this season trying to revenge a loss against an opponent. I do not think that the Celtics are as good as they’ve shown over the first two games and I do not believe that the 76ers are as bad as they’ve seemed in the same span. Expect a big time “correction” this evening, as everything points to a blow-out of epic proportions. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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05-04-18 | Warriors v. Pelicans +4.5 | Top | 100-119 | Win | 100 | 37 h 37 m | Show |
My 10* LEGEND is on the New Orleans Pelicans (8:05 EST). It’s the Pelicans biggest game of the year (until Game 4 of course), but an 0-3 hole would almost assuredly be too much for New Orleans to overcome against the Warriors. With the home side risking life and limb to get back into this series, I expect the Pelicans to at the very least keep this one close enough to comfortably sneak in through the back door. Note that on April 7th, the Pelicans beat Golden State in New Orleans 126-120. Kevin Durant has so far led the way for the Warriors in the Playoffs and he had 29 points in the Game 2 victory. Stephen Curry will be in the starting line-up tonight for the visitors, but I still don’t think it’ll be enough against this desperate home side. New Orleans is shooting well in the postseason at 49.4 percent, including 37.7 percent from range. Anthony Davis was a bright spot in a losing cause last time out with 25 points, 15 boards, five assists, two steals and three blocks, while Jrue Holiday added 24 points, eight boards and eight assists. I’ll point out as well that Golden State is a poor 2-10 ATS in its last 12 road games against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600, while the Pelicans are 4-0 ATS in their last four at home. In a contest which I envision being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I’m grabbing the points. Play on New Orleans Good luck…Larry |
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05-03-18 | Cavs v. Raptors -6.5 | Top | 128-110 | Loss | -105 | 19 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on the Toronto Raptors (6:05 EST). Cleveland has knocked Toronto out of the playoffs each of the last two seasons. The Cavs two took two of three regular season meetings, but after an epic seven game series win against the Pacers in round 1, Cleveland looked poised for a letdown against revenge-minded Toronto in Game 1 of this second round series. That wasn’t the case though as Cleveland would hold on for the two point OT win. The Cavs shot just 43.1 percent from the floor against Indiana, including only 33.2 percent from range. Cleveland was led by LeBron James in Game 1 with 26 points, 11 boards and 13 assists. Kevin Love though struggled again, finishing with seven points and 13 boards. Despite the Game 1 setback, the Raptors are shooting the ball well overall in the postseason at 46.6 percent, while going 39.7 percent from range. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 22 points in a losing cause in Game 1. Big man Jonas Valanciunas posted 21 points and 21 boards. Note that Fred Van Fleet missed a potential game winner in the final seconds of OT. I’ll point out as well that the Cavs are just 1-4 ATS in their last five after allowing 100 points or more and just 1-4 ATS in their last five following a SU win, while the Raptors are still 5-1 ATS in their last six at home and 5-2 ATS in their last seven following an ATS loss. The Cavs accomplished what they wanted in Toronto, winning at least one of the two games. I believe fatigue does finally play a big factor for Cleveland tonight, which I expect to fold up its tents early under the intensity in which the Raptors play with tonight. The desperate Raptors pull away for the comfortable cover once it’s all said and done. Good luck…Larry |
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05-02-18 | Jazz +11.5 v. Rockets | Top | 116-108 | Win | 100 | 60 h 59 m | Show |
My 10* LAS VEGAS INSIDER is on the Utah Jazz (8:00 EST). I had a play on Utah in Game 1 and while that play came up short, I expect the Jazz to respond in Game 2. Admittedly the Rockets are most likely better than Oklahoma City, but we all remembered what happened to Utah its Game 1 matchup with the Thunder in the Opening Round. The Jazz laid an egg, but then promptly turned around and dominated in the Game 2 victory and then going on to take the series in six. Utah will be leaving everything it has on the floor tonight as it tries to avoid the 0-2 hole. Utah shot 50 percent in Game 1, but its defense faltered. The Jazz sport the No. 2 defense in the league and suffice it to say, I believe Rudy Gobert and company bounce back in a big way tonight. Houston went 3-0 in the first round at home against the Wolves, but it shot just 45.1 percent in Game 1. The Rockets got a super human performance from James Harden, who finished with 41 points, eight boards and seven assists. I’ll point out though that the Jazz are still 16-7 ATS in their last 23 against good offensive teams which average 106 plus points per contest and 3-2 ATS in its last five when trailing in a playoff series. It’s hard to say too many negative things against the high-flying Rockets, but note that they’re just 20-21 this year following a victory by ten points or more. For all the reasons listed above, play on the Jazz. Good luck…Larry |
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05-01-18 | Cavs v. Raptors -6 | 113-112 | Loss | -115 | 36 h 5 m | Show | |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Toronto Raptors (8:00 EST). No need to overthink this one in my opinion, as LeBron James and company come in dog-tired after their gruelling seven game series against the Pacers. Toronto had a more difficult time then expected with Washington, but the Raptors would get the job done in six games, including a crucial victory on the road. The Raptors played hard all year and won the Eastern Conference for this exact moment. The Cavaliers have knocked Toronto out of the Playoffs each of the last two years and they took two of three in the regular season series. Suffice it to say, it’s payback time for Toronto tonight. Simply put, the Cavaliers do not have the depth to hang with Toronto. Cleveland was carried into the second round by a historic performance from LeBron James, but asking The King to duplicate that feat again in Game 1 is asking too much in my opinion. The Raptors have plenty of weapons, their more rested, they have a distinct home court advantage and they play with a massive sense of revenge. I’ll point out as well that Cleveland is 0-4 ATS in its last four following a SU win, while Toronto is 5-0-1 ATS in its last six at home. For all the reasons listed above, lay the points with confidence. Play on the Raptors. Good luck…Larry |
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04-29-18 | Jazz +11 v. Rockets | Top | 96-110 | Loss | -110 | 29 h 5 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmakers Error is on the Utah Jazz (3:35 EST). Am I suggesting to you that you should “sprinkle” a little on the money line? I am not. I simply feel that the league’s No. 1 defense is going to keep this one a lot more competitive than what the oddsmakers are tying to lead us to believe (in Game 1 anyways.) Houston advanced by taking out Minnesota in five games, but now James Harden and company have to contend with Defensive Player of the Year candidate Rudy Gobert. Utah was ranked second in the NBA in defensive efficiency at 101.6 points per 100 possessions. Utah will be especially motivated here as well after the Rockets swept the season series. It’s a classic battle of strength vs. strength, with Houston leading the league in most offensive categories. The Jazz though behind Donovan Mitchell have found their stride offensively in the playoffs. The temporary loss of Ricky Rubio is significant, but more over the long-term in my opinion. I’ll point out as well that Utah is 26-19 ATS this year against good offensive teams which score 106 plus points per contest, while Houston is just 19-21 ATS this season after a win by ten points or more. The Rockets were the cream of the crop all year, but the Jazz went 30-5 when Gobert returned in late December. As mentioned off the top, I’m not calling for the outright upset, but everything points to a much closer than expected battle. Grab the points, play on the Jazz. Good luck…Larry |
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04-28-18 | Pelicans +8.5 v. Warriors | Top | 101-123 | Loss | -105 | 35 h 2 m | Show |
My 10* ROUND 2 GAME OF THE YEAR is on the New Orleans Pelicans (10:35 EST). The 48-34 New Orleans Pelicans are at Golden State to take on the 58-24 Warriors in Game 1 of their second round series and while I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, I believe the visitors will keep this one competitive until the final moments. New Orleans swept Portland and it comes in averaging 114.5 PPG, while conceding 105.5 in the playoffs. Anthony Davis has been unstoppable to this point and I have a hard time seeing the bigs in Golden State doing much either. Davis is averaging 33 points and 11.8 boards per night. The Warriors are also going to have their hands full with Jrue Holiday, who is averaging 27.8 points and 6.5 assists. You’ll also want to keep your eyes on Nikola Mirotic, who is averaging double figures, and guard Rajon Rondo is surging right now as well, averaging 13.3 assists. Note that New Orleans has won five straight on the road. Golden State comes in averaging 105.6 PPG and allowing 96.8 after dispatching the Spurs in five games. Kevin Durant is leading the charge with Stephen Curry sidelined with injury with 28.2 points and 8.6 boards, while Klay Thompson averaged 22.6 points and 2.8 assists. Note that the Warriors have split their last eight in front of the home town crowd. I’ll point out as well that New Orleans has been money in the bank all season for bettors in this spot, going 3-1 ATS in its last four after scoring 130 points or more in its previous contest and 16-10 ATS against clubs which allow 106 plus points per contest. Conversely this is a position in which the Warriors have struggled mightily in, going just 17-25 ATS at home this season and only 9-10 ATS in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent. Whether Curry plays or not, I still love the Pelicans here. Curry will have some rust if he does come back and I don’t think that the defending champs have an answer for Davis, who could be poised for super star status if he’s able to take over this series and somehow manage another upset. Regardless, the stage is set for a competitive back and forth battle in Game 1. Grab the points, play on the Pelicans. Good luck…Larry |
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04-27-18 | Thunder +5.5 v. Jazz | Top | 91-96 | Win | 100 | 37 h 15 m | Show |
The third 10* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the OKC Thunder (10:35 EST). I had a play on the Thunder in Game 5 and they’d storm from behind to score the 107-99 victory. With its back against the wall once again, I think that Oklahoma City will at the very least, keep this one competitive until the final moments. OKC had to erased a 25 point deficit and I think it’ll carry that momentum over here. While the Thunder only shot 43 percent, they’d go on to hit a decent 9 of 21 from range. Russell Westbrook exploded for 45 points and 15 boards, while Paul George added 34 points and eight boards. The Thunder come in averaging 107.9 PPG and conceding 104.4. The Jazz average 104.1 PPG and they concede 99.8. Donovan Mitchell had 23 points in Game 5, going just 1 of 7 from range. Overall Mitchell is having a great series, but the Thunder played the rookie effectively in Game 5. I think the pressure is on Utah here. The Jazz absolutely collapsed in Game 5 and with that defeat still fresh on their minds, another outright upset is definitely not out of the question tonight either. That said, in a game which I foresee coming down to whichever one of these hungry teams has its hands on the ball last, I’m going to grab as many points as I can. Play on the Thunder. Good luck…Larry |
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04-27-18 | Cavs v. Pacers -1 | 87-121 | Win | 100 | 35 h 46 m | Show | |
The second 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Indiana Pacers (8:05 EST). It’s another do-or-die situation after Cleveland took a 3-2 series lead with a LeBron James’ buzzer-beater in Game 5. James made a block on Pacers star Victor Oladipo at the end of the game, a play which was later deemed to be a goaltend. And after that missed/flubbed call, James would go on to hit the winning shot with time winding off the clock. Kyle Korver was a bright spot as well with 19 points for Cleveland. Oladipo looked great in Game 1, but he’s since dropped off. However, I think he’ll respond with another big game here as he looks for some retribution after the crucial missed call in Game 5: “I got a step on him and I felt I even got grabbed,” Oladipo said afterwards. “It hit the backboard and he blocked it. It was a goaltend. It’s hard to even speak on it. That layup is huge.” Note as well that Indiana is 21-13 ATS this year in trying to revenge a loss against an opponent and 24-18 ATS at home overall, while Cleveland is just 20-22 ATS on the road. James has been incredible, but fatigue becomes a factor here I think. I’m banking on the home side bouncing back and pushing this series to a decisive Game 7. Play on the Pacers. Good luck…Larry |
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04-27-18 | Raptors v. Wizards -1.5 | 102-92 | Loss | -110 | 34 h 46 m | Show | |
The first 8* pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on the Washington Wizards (7:00 EST). It’s do or die for the Wizards on Friday night. Toronto took Game 5, 108-98 at home on Wednesday. The Raptors achilles heel over the years though has been their play on the road and I believe it’s going to come back to haunt them again this evening. DeMar DeRozan had 32 points in the Game 5 victory for Toronto, while Kyle Lowry added 17 points and 10 assists. The Raptors average 111.7 PPG and they concede 103.9. The Wizards average 106.6 PPG and they concede 106. Clearly the margin for error is pretty slim most nights for Washington. But desperation and home court advantage can’t be overlooked. John Wall was a bright spot in a losing cause in Game 5 with 26 points, nine boards and nine assists. I’ll point out as well that Toronto is still just 2-6 ATS in its last eight when leading in a playoff series, while Washington is 9-4 ATS this season after a loss by ten points or more. For all the reasons listed above, play on the Wizards. Good luck…Larry |
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04-26-18 | Celtics v. Bucks -4.5 | Top | 86-97 | Win | 100 | 30 h 26 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Milwaukee Bucks (8:05 EST). Home court advantage. Home ice advantage. Home field advantage. Sometimes it means a lot and other times it’s an angle which can be completely blown out of proportion. Teams play all year long though to gain the upper hand in the Playoffs and so far in this series, the home floor advantage has meant everything. With their backs against the wall, I look for the Bucks to respond this evening and to push this Opening Round series to a decisive Game 7 on Saturday. Boston comes in averaging 103.8 PPG in the playoffs, while allowing 104. Jaylen Brown is averaging 21.8 points and 5.4 boards, while Al Horford is contributing 18.2 points and 8.6 boards. Note though that the Celtics have lost five straight on the road. Milwaukee is averaging 104 points and cone ding 103.8. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 25.4 points and 8.8 rebounds while Khris Middleton is averaging 25 points and 3.6 assists. Note that the Bucks have won five of their last six in front of the home town crowd. For all the reasons listed above, play on the Bucks. Good luck…Larry |
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04-25-18 | Jazz v. Thunder -3.5 | 99-107 | Win | 100 | 35 h 22 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (9:35 EST). No need to overthink this one in my opinion. With their backs against the wall, I look for the Thunder to deliver the goods in this do or die situation. OKC looked in control after its 116-108 Game 1 victory, but Utah has stormed back to take three straight behind some lock down defense against Thunder star Russell Westbrook. The home side though will be throwing everything it has at the Jazz tonight and I think that’s going to be more than enough to send this one back to Utah for a Game 6. Donovan Mitchell had 33 points in the latest victory, while Joe Ingles finished with 20 points for the Jazz. OKC is shooting just 43.6 percent in this series, including just 37.3 percent from range. Paul George had 32 points, while Westbrook had 23 points and 14 boards in the Game 4 setback. The Thunder though are 4-1 ATS in their last five after three or more consecutive losses, while the Jazz are just 4-6 ATS in their last ten when playing the role of underdog. Winning can lead to complacency and desperation leads to motivation. With the knowledge that they can still comfortably wrap up this series in Game 6 at home, I think the Jazz finally have a letdown here against this desperate Thunder side. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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04-25-18 | Wizards v. Raptors -7 | Top | 98-108 | Win | 100 | 55 h 37 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Toronto Raptors (7:05 EST). So far home court advantage has played a big part in this series and suffice it to say, I’m fully expecting that trend to carry over here. So far the Wizards have shot 49.4 percent in this series, including 42.2 percent from range. Washington was down 11 at the half, but outscored Toronto 66-47 in the second of Game 4 for the victory. Bradley Beal had 31 points, while John Wall added 27 points, 14 assists and four steals. Toronto had its chances in Game 4, but it failed to deliver the goods. Toronto’s achilles heel over the last five years has been its play on the road in the postseason. So far the Raptors are hitting 48.3 percent in this series, including 43.2 percent from range. DeMar DeRozan was a bright spot in the latest setback with 35 points, while Kyle Lowry added 19. I’ll point out though that Washington is 0-4 ATS in its last four following a SU victory and 0-7 ATS in its last seven following an ATS win, while Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last five after allowing 100 points or more in its previous game. Playing in Toronto is a difficult task for any team, but even more so in the Playoffs. After back-to-back lacklustre performance on the road, everything points to a bounce back blowout for the home side in Game 5. Lay the points, play on the Raptors. Good luck…Larry |
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04-23-18 | Thunder +5.5 v. Jazz | Top | 96-113 | Loss | -102 | 37 h 35 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on the Oklahoma City Thunder (10:35 EST). Oklahoma City is on the ropes, as a loss tonight would make it 3-1 for Utah. The Thunder will be leaving everything they have on the floor though and while I obviously wouldn’t be completely shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for this one to be decided by whichever of these hungry teams has its hands on the ball last. The Thunder had only 49 points in the second half of Game 3’s 115-102 setback. OKC shot 47.4 percent from the floor and it was 14 of 28 from range, but it still wasn’t enough. Paul George was a bright spot with 23 points. Star Russell Westbrook was a no-show for a second-straight game, so he’ll clearly be extra motivated this evening. OKC averages 107.9 PPG and it concedes 104.4. Utah averages 104.1 PPG and it concedes 99.8. The Jazz shot an unreal 52.5 percent in Game 3 and won the rebound battle 48-33. Ricky Rubio had a huge night with 26 points, 11 boards and ten assists. Rookie Donovan Mitchell continued his strong campaign with 22 points. The Thunder have struggled for bettors overall this year, but OKC has done decently as the underdog this season (10-7 ATS). The Jazz on the other hand are still just 12-19 ATS in their last 31 after scoring 115 points or more in their previous contest. I can’t see Westbrook laying an egg three games in a row. I also have a hard time seeing Rubio matching his epic Game 2 performance (think Dwayne Wade last week, laying a complete egg in Game 3 after his legendary Game 2 victory over the 76ers in Philadelphia.) OKC has had success from range and combined with the massive sense of desperation it’ll be playing with, everything does indeed point to the comfortable cover. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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04-22-18 | Celtics v. Bucks -5 | 102-104 | Loss | -105 | 27 h 45 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Milwaukee Bucks (1:05 EST). I have taken Milwaukee through the first three games of this series and I am obviously just 1-2. Game 3 was a decisive victory finally for the Bucks though and suffice it to say, I look for the team to carry that momentum over here. After back-to-back duds, the Bucks finally exploded on both ends of the court in Game 3’s decisive 116-92 result. It wasn’t even close as the Celtics would get no closer than 14 over the final three quarters. In the end Boston shot 40 percent from the floor and went just eight of 24 from range. Al Horford was a bright spot in the losing cause with 16 points, while Greg Monroe added 15 points and 12 boards. Milwaukee played like a desperate team from start to finish in Game 3 and I believe Giannis Antetokounmpo and company can smell the blood in the water. Antetokounmpo had 19 points, five boards, six assists, two steals and two blocks, while Khris Middleton had 23 points, eight boards and seven assists. The Bucks got big time production from their secondary weapons though which was key, as Eric Bledsoe and Jabari Parker each poured in 17 points. Note as well that Boston is just 19-23 ATS in its last 42 after allowing 115 points or more in its previous contest, while Milwaukee is 6-2 ATS in its last eight after scoring 115 points or more. The Celtics caught the Bucks napping in Game’s 1 and 2, but Boston came back down to Earth in Game 3. I expect the home side to once again play with a fierce passion and to tie this series up. Lay the points, play on the Bucks. Good luck…Larry |
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04-21-18 | Rockets v. Wolves +5 | Top | 105-121 | Win | 100 | 26 h 17 m | Show |
My 10* SITUATIONAL STUNNER is on the Minnesota Timberwolves (7:35 EST). It’s essentially do-or-die for the Wolves, who will be risking life and limb to try and avoid an 0-3 hole. Chris Paul exploded for 27 points in Game 2, after being held to just 11 in Game 1. James Harden though was just 2 of 18 from the floor and finished with 12 points. The Wolves were dead cold shooting over the first two games. Nemanja Bjelica would end up coming off the bench to lead all scorers in Game 2 with 16 points. But with the shift in venue, I’m expecting Karl-Anthony Towns and Jimmy Butler to have a much better effort this evening. The duo had a great overall campaign, but they combined for just 16 points in Game 2. I’ll point out as well that Houston has in fact struggled in this spot for bettors all year, going just 18-20 ATS after a win by ten points or more and just 5-9 ATS when playing with two days rest. Conversely this is a spot in which the Wolves have excelled in, going 4-1 ATS in their last five after scoring 85 points or less. With their season essentially on the line, I look for the hungry Wolves to at the very least take this one right down to the wire. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry |
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04-20-18 | Celtics v. Bucks -6.5 | Top | 92-116 | Win | 100 | 36 h 10 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmakers Error is on the Milwaukee Bucks (9:35 EST). With their backs agains the Wall, I look for the desperate 0-2 Bucks to rally and to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. And after taking a 2-0 lead at home and without star Kyrie Irving in the line-up, I believe the Celtics have a predictable letdown here. Boston took Game 1, 108-102, before than winning 106-102 in Game 2. The Celtics come into this one without the services of Irving. Also Gordon Hayward (after the first five minutes of the season) and Marcus Smart is also gone with surgery to his hand. Somehow though Boston continues to defy the odds and find ways to win. Jaylen Brown led the way last time out with 30 points. It’s now or never for Milwaukee though. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way last time out with 30 points nine boards and eight assists, while Khris Middleton added 25 points. I’ll point out that Boston is just 4-5 ATS this year after three or more consecutive SU victories, while Milwaukee is 5-2 ATS this season after playing three or more consecutive road games and 10-5 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite. Desperation breeds motivation and winning leads to complacency. For all the reasons listed above, play on the Bucks. Good luck…Larry |
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04-20-18 | Raptors v. Wizards -1.5 | 103-122 | Win | 100 | 31 h 39 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Washington Wizards (8:05 EST). With their backs against the Wall, I like the Wizards to finally respond here. And with the shift in venue, I believe the Raptors suffer a letdown finally in Game 3. Toronto took Game 1, 114-106 and Game 2, 130-119. The Raptors come in averaging 111.7 PPG and conceding 103.9. Kyle Lowry had 13 points and 12 assists in the latest victory, while DeMar DeRozan added 17 points, after going for 37 in Game 1. Washington averages 106.6 PPG and it condos 106. Bradley Beal had 19 points in Game 1, but just eight in Game 2. Star John Wall was a bright spot in the losing cause last time out with 29 points. I’ll point out though that Toronto is just 2-4 ATS in its last six when leading in a playoff series, while Washington is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 after three or more consecutive SU losses. No need to overthink/overanalyze this one. It’s do-or-die for the Wizards essentially this evening and I believe that the desperation in which they play with will help them bounce back in this series and cover the small spread. Lay the points, play on the Wizards. Good luck…Larry |
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04-19-18 | Warriors v. Spurs +3.5 | Top | 110-97 | Loss | -107 | 36 h 10 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the San Antonio Spurs (9:35 EST). I played on the Warriors over the first two games of this series, but I feel that the Spurs have more than just a “punchers chance” in Game 3. If you asked me if I thought the Spurs could win a game in this series without Kawhi Leonard and the Warriors having Stephen Curry in the line-up, I’d likely have said no. If you asked me before the series if I thought the Spurs could win a game without Kawhi Leonard in their line-up and with the Warriors without Curry, I’d likely have said yes. And that’s absolutely the way I feel right now as well. And if the Spurs were ever to get back into this series and steal the momentum, clearly Game 3 is the time to step up and do it. The Warriors were anything but perfect down the stretch of the regular season and they’re definitely not susceptible to a letdown. Leonard has been deemed out for the remainder of the playoffs and his status is uncertain moving forward, but the veteran core and remaining players, including LaMarcus Aldridge will be risking life and limb tonight to try and pull off the upset. And I think combined with Golden State’s complacency, that that home side does in fact have a very real shot at pulling off the outright upset. Note as well that Golden State is just 15-21 ATS this year after a win by ten points or more and only 17-20 ATS after scoring 115 points or more, while San Antonio is 26-14 ATS at home and 4-1 ATS this season after three or more consecutive SU losses. Grab as many points as you can, play on the Spurs. Good luck…Larry |
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04-19-18 | Blazers +3 v. Pelicans | 102-119 | Loss | -105 | 36 h 41 m | Show | |
My 8* PERFECT STORM is on the Portland Trailblazers (9:05 EST). I’ve played the Pelicans through the first two games of this series, but with their backs against the wall, I look for Damian Lillard and the desperate Blazers to put forth their best effort of the series and to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. The Pelicans are getting monster production from Anthony Davis. Which was fully expected. New Orleans though has also gotten a lot from veteran guard Rajon Rondo and from swingman Jrue Holliday. The same though can’t be said of Portland’s superstars Lillard and CJ McCollum, who to this point have struggled. Both will be playing with a chip on their shoulder in this one though and as mentioned off the top, I believe they have much more than just a “punchers chance” in taking this it outright. The numbers support us as well, as note that Portland is 22-16 ATS on the road this year and 7-4 ATS after paling three consecutive home games, while New Orleans is just 19-21 ATS at home. I’m not counting out Lillard quite yet. Grab as many points as you can, play on the Blazers. Good luck…Larry |
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04-19-18 | 76ers -2 v. Heat | 128-108 | Win | 100 | 34 h 41 m | Show | |
My 8* PERFECT STORM is on the Philadelphia 76ers (7:05 EST). After stomping the Heat in Game 1, Miami would bounce back with a win over Philadelphia in Game 2 behind a vintage performance from veteran guard Dwayne Wade. Wade’s performance was amazing, but suffice it to say, I’m not expecting lightning to strike twice in a row for Miami. In fact, I think it’s pretty safe to predict that Wade will be a “no-show” (comparatively anyways), after his heroic Game 2 effort. Wade went on to post 28 points off the bench. There’s no reason not to think that the incredibly deep 76ers won’t be able to bounce back here. And the entire dynamic of the series is about to take another major shift with the expected return of Philadelphia big man Joel Embiid. Ben Simmons was a bright spot in a losing cause for Philadelphia with 24 points, nine boards and eight assists. Normally “rock steady” with their production, the group of Dario Saric, Robert Covington, Marco Belinelli and JJ Redick went a combined 7 of 34 from behind the arc. And suffice it to say, I don’t expect that talented group to struggle in back-to-back games. Miami also got a big game from Goran Dragic last time out with 20 points, four boards and three assists. The Heat looked great in that victory, but as I pointed out that with the return of Embiid, I believe the home side is going to be in trouble tonight. I’ll point out as well that the 76ers are 10-4 ATS already this year when playing with two days rest, while Miami is just 4-10 ATS in the same position (also only 2-12 ATS following a win by ten points or more.) Embiid is a difference maker. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry |
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Larry Ness NBA Sides Picks
Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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12-15-18 | Lakers +1 v. Hornets | Top | 128-100 | Win | 100 | 13 h 43 m | Show |
12-14-18 | Raptors v. Blazers +3 | Top | 122-128 | Win | 100 | 13 h 47 m | Show |
12-14-18 | Wizards v. Nets -1.5 | 118-125 | Win | 100 | 13 h 56 m | Show | |
12-13-18 | Lakers +5.5 v. Rockets | Top | 111-126 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 40 m | Show |
12-12-18 | Raptors v. Warriors -6.5 | 113-93 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 37 m | Show | |
12-12-18 | Thunder -1.5 v. Pelicans | 114-118 | Loss | -115 | 13 h 19 m | Show | |
12-12-18 | Blazers v. Grizzlies -3 | Top | 83-92 | Win | 100 | 13 h 19 m | Show |
12-10-18 | Kings -2.5 v. Bulls | 108-89 | Win | 100 | 12 h 16 m | Show | |
12-10-18 | Jazz v. Thunder -6 | Top | 113-122 | Win | 100 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
12-09-18 | Jazz v. Spurs +3.5 | 97-110 | Win | 100 | 12 h 38 m | Show | |
12-08-18 | Kings v. Pacers -3 | Top | 97-107 | Win | 100 | 12 h 54 m | Show |
12-08-18 | Rockets -2.5 v. Mavs | 104-107 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 44 m | Show | |
12-06-18 | Rockets v. Jazz -1.5 | Top | 91-118 | Win | 100 | 15 h 21 m | Show |
12-05-18 | 76ers +6 v. Raptors | 102-113 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 58 m | Show | |
12-05-18 | Nuggets -5 v. Magic | Top | 124-118 | Win | 100 | 11 h 59 m | Show |
12-04-18 | Magic v. Heat -2 | Top | 105-90 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 24 m | Show |
12-02-18 | Pelicans v. Hornets -3 | Top | 119-109 | Loss | -101 | 9 h 24 m | Show |
12-01-18 | Warriors v. Pistons +5.5 | Top | 102-111 | Win | 100 | 12 h 12 m | Show |
11-29-18 | Pacers v. Lakers -4.5 | Top | 96-104 | Win | 100 | 16 h 5 m | Show |
11-28-18 | Spurs +4.5 v. Wolves | Top | 89-128 | Loss | -105 | 14 h 44 m | Show |
11-27-18 | Lakers v. Nuggets -4 | Top | 85-117 | Win | 100 | 13 h 0 m | Show |
11-26-18 | Bucks -5 v. Hornets | 107-110 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 40 m | Show | |
11-26-18 | Rockets v. Wizards +4 | Top | 131-135 | Win | 100 | 12 h 41 m | Show |
11-25-18 | Knicks +8.5 v. Grizzlies | Top | 103-98 | Win | 100 | 11 h 5 m | Show |
11-24-18 | Celtics v. Mavs +2.5 | Top | 104-113 | Win | 100 | 13 h 19 m | Show |
11-23-18 | Blazers v. Warriors -1.5 | Top | 97-125 | Win | 100 | 13 h 21 m | Show |
11-21-18 | Thunder v. Warriors -1 | 123-95 | Loss | -105 | 15 h 44 m | Show | |
11-21-18 | Blazers v. Bucks -6 | Top | 100-143 | Win | 100 | 12 h 15 m | Show |
11-19-18 | Spurs v. Pelicans -7.5 | 126-140 | Win | 100 | 11 h 59 m | Show | |
11-18-18 | Warriors v. Spurs -2.5 | Top | 92-104 | Win | 100 | 13 h 19 m | Show |
11-17-18 | Jazz v. Celtics -4 | Top | 98-86 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 18 m | Show |
11-16-18 | Kings +7 v. Grizzlies | 104-112 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 8 m | Show | |
11-16-18 | Jazz v. 76ers -3 | Top | 107-113 | Win | 100 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
11-15-18 | Warriors v. Rockets -1.5 | Top | 86-107 | Win | 100 | 14 h 14 m | Show |
11-14-18 | Blazers v. Lakers -2.5 | 117-126 | Win | 100 | 16 h 54 m | Show | |
11-12-18 | Spurs -3 v. Kings | Top | 99-104 | Loss | -108 | 15 h 49 m | Show |
11-12-18 | Jazz -2.5 v. Grizzlies | 96-88 | Win | 100 | 13 h 49 m | Show | |
11-11-18 | Bucks v. Nuggets -3 | Top | 121-114 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 47 m | Show |
11-10-18 | Lakers -5.5 v. Kings | Top | 101-86 | Win | 100 | 15 h 50 m | Show |
11-08-18 | Rockets -4.5 v. Thunder | Top | 80-98 | Loss | -109 | 14 h 18 m | Show |
11-07-18 | Wolves v. Lakers -5 | Top | 110-114 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 50 m | Show |
11-07-18 | 76ers v. Pacers -2.5 | 100-94 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 21 m | Show | |
11-05-18 | Celtics +2.5 v. Nuggets | Top | 107-115 | Loss | -103 | 14 h 21 m | Show |
11-04-18 | Grizzlies v. Suns +4 | Top | 100-102 | Win | 100 | 13 h 27 m | Show |
11-02-18 | Thunder v. Wizards -3 | Top | 134-111 | Loss | -105 | 28 h 14 m | Show |
11-01-18 | Bucks v. Celtics -3 | Top | 113-117 | Win | 100 | 13 h 26 m | Show |
10-31-18 | Mavs v. Lakers -6.5 | Top | 113-114 | Loss | -123 | 15 h 17 m | Show |
10-31-18 | Pistons +2.5 v. Nets | 119-120 | Win | 100 | 12 h 20 m | Show | |
10-29-18 | Blazers v. Pacers -3.5 | Top | 103-93 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 20 m | Show |
10-24-18 | Grizzlies -2.5 v. Kings | Top | 92-97 | Loss | -105 | 16 h 50 m | Show |
10-21-18 | Warriors v. Nuggets +3.5 | Top | 98-100 | Win | 100 | 28 h 11 m | Show |
10-20-18 | Spurs +4.5 v. Blazers | Top | 108-121 | Loss | -105 | 26 h 7 m | Show |
10-19-18 | Warriors v. Jazz +2.5 | Top | 124-123 | Win | 100 | 28 h 5 m | Show |
10-19-18 | Hawks v. Grizzlies -7 | 117-131 | Win | 100 | 26 h 36 m | Show | |
10-18-18 | Heat v. Wizards -4.5 | 113-112 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 17 m | Show | |
10-17-18 | Pelicans v. Rockets -7.5 | Top | 131-112 | Loss | -107 | 27 h 11 m | Show |
10-17-18 | Heat -2.5 v. Magic | 101-104 | Loss | -107 | 26 h 12 m | Show | |
10-17-18 | Nets +5 v. Pistons | 100-103 | Win | 102 | 26 h 12 m | Show | |
06-08-18 | Warriors v. Cavs +6 | Top | 108-85 | Loss | -110 | 38 h 2 m | Show |
06-06-18 | Warriors v. Cavs +5 | Top | 110-102 | Loss | -110 | 61 h 55 m | Show |
05-31-18 | Cavs v. Warriors -11.5 | Top | 114-124 | Loss | -109 | 68 h 55 m | Show |
05-28-18 | Warriors v. Rockets +6.5 | Top | 101-92 | Loss | -110 | 21 h 24 m | Show |
05-27-18 | Cavs +2.5 v. Celtics | Top | 87-79 | Win | 100 | 37 h 57 m | Show |
05-26-18 | Rockets v. Warriors -11.5 | Top | 86-115 | Win | 100 | 26 h 35 m | Show |
05-25-18 | Celtics v. Cavs -7 | Top | 99-109 | Win | 100 | 38 h 33 m | Show |
05-23-18 | Cavs v. Celtics | 83-96 | Loss | -109 | 25 h 14 m | Show | |
05-22-18 | Rockets +9 v. Warriors | Top | 95-92 | Win | 100 | 46 h 59 m | Show |
05-19-18 | Celtics v. Cavs -6 | 86-116 | Win | 100 | 13 h 39 m | Show | |
05-16-18 | Warriors v. Rockets -1 | Top | 105-127 | Win | 100 | 25 h 46 m | Show |
05-15-18 | Cavs +1 v. Celtics | Top | 94-107 | Loss | -108 | 35 h 8 m | Show |
05-14-18 | Warriors v. Rockets -1 | Top | 119-106 | Loss | -105 | 99 h 53 m | Show |
05-13-18 | Cavs -1 v. Celtics | Top | 83-108 | Loss | -105 | 70 h 36 m | Show |
05-09-18 | 76ers v. Celtics | Top | 112-114 | Loss | -110 | 24 h 42 m | Show |
05-08-18 | Pelicans +11.5 v. Warriors | Top | 104-113 | Win | 100 | 22 h 1 m | Show |
05-08-18 | Jazz +12.5 v. Rockets | 102-112 | Win | 100 | 20 h 31 m | Show | |
05-07-18 | Raptors +6 v. Cavs | 93-128 | Loss | -110 | 35 h 30 m | Show | |
05-07-18 | Celtics v. 76ers -6.5 | Top | 92-103 | Win | 100 | 33 h 1 m | Show |
05-06-18 | Warriors v. Pelicans +5.5 | 118-92 | Loss | -108 | 34 h 18 m | Show | |
05-05-18 | Raptors +4.5 v. Cavs | Top | 103-105 | Win | 100 | 46 h 56 m | Show |
05-05-18 | Celtics v. 76ers -9.5 | 101-98 | Loss | -103 | 35 h 28 m | Show | |
05-04-18 | Warriors v. Pelicans +4.5 | Top | 100-119 | Win | 100 | 37 h 37 m | Show |
05-03-18 | Cavs v. Raptors -6.5 | Top | 128-110 | Loss | -105 | 19 h 21 m | Show |
05-02-18 | Jazz +11.5 v. Rockets | Top | 116-108 | Win | 100 | 60 h 59 m | Show |
05-01-18 | Cavs v. Raptors -6 | 113-112 | Loss | -115 | 36 h 5 m | Show | |
04-29-18 | Jazz +11 v. Rockets | Top | 96-110 | Loss | -110 | 29 h 5 m | Show |
04-28-18 | Pelicans +8.5 v. Warriors | Top | 101-123 | Loss | -105 | 35 h 2 m | Show |
04-27-18 | Thunder +5.5 v. Jazz | Top | 91-96 | Win | 100 | 37 h 15 m | Show |
04-27-18 | Cavs v. Pacers -1 | 87-121 | Win | 100 | 35 h 46 m | Show | |
04-27-18 | Raptors v. Wizards -1.5 | 102-92 | Loss | -110 | 34 h 46 m | Show | |
04-26-18 | Celtics v. Bucks -4.5 | Top | 86-97 | Win | 100 | 30 h 26 m | Show |
04-25-18 | Jazz v. Thunder -3.5 | 99-107 | Win | 100 | 35 h 22 m | Show | |
04-25-18 | Wizards v. Raptors -7 | Top | 98-108 | Win | 100 | 55 h 37 m | Show |
04-23-18 | Thunder +5.5 v. Jazz | Top | 96-113 | Loss | -102 | 37 h 35 m | Show |
04-22-18 | Celtics v. Bucks -5 | 102-104 | Loss | -105 | 27 h 45 m | Show | |
04-21-18 | Rockets v. Wolves +5 | Top | 105-121 | Win | 100 | 26 h 17 m | Show |
04-20-18 | Celtics v. Bucks -6.5 | Top | 92-116 | Win | 100 | 36 h 10 m | Show |
04-20-18 | Raptors v. Wizards -1.5 | 103-122 | Win | 100 | 31 h 39 m | Show | |
04-19-18 | Warriors v. Spurs +3.5 | Top | 110-97 | Loss | -107 | 36 h 10 m | Show |
04-19-18 | Blazers +3 v. Pelicans | 102-119 | Loss | -105 | 36 h 41 m | Show | |
04-19-18 | 76ers -2 v. Heat | 128-108 | Win | 100 | 34 h 41 m | Show |