Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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01-04-22 | Virginia +4 v. Clemson | Top | 75-65 | Win | 100 | 11 h 31 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Virginia at 9:00 ET. Tony Bennett's UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. The Cavs ended last season 18-7, after a first-round NCAA loss to 13th-seed Ohio U. Brad Brownell arrived in Clemson for the 2010-11 season and after 11 years, he's led the Tigers to just four, 20-win seasons and three NCAA berths. This is his 12th season at the helm. The 9-4 Clemson Tigers (1-1 ACC) will put a four-game winning streak on the line Tuesday night when the Tigers play host to longtime nemesis Virginia. The Cavs are coming off a 74-69 victory at Syracuse on Saturday night that provided some encouragement after the Cavaliers got off to their worst start of the Tony Bennett era. UVA enters this contesr ona three-game winnig streak to reach 9-5 (2-1 ACC). This marks the second meeting in two weeks between the teams. The Tigers snapped an 11-game losing streak against the Cavaliers back on Dec 22 in Charlottesville, 67-50! The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark (10.1 & 4.4 APG). Guard Beekman (6.8-3.8-4.4) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (6.7 & 5.5), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner comes from East Carolina and leads in scoring (14.8) and rebounding (7.8) plus guard Franklin comes via Indiana and chips in 11.9 PPG. As always, Bennett's team is one of the nation's best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 57.2 PPG (6th). Clemson's starters have remained unchanged this season and all five are averaging 9.6 points or better. The 6-10 P.J. Hall leads the way with 14.4 PPG (adds 6.3 RPG), joined up front by the 6-8 Hunter Tyson (11.8 & 5.8), The Tigers start three guards, David Collins (11.6 & 7.2), Al-Amir Dawes (11.4) and Nick Honor (9.6). That win at Syracuse just may be a 'buy sign' for UVA and that's my bet here, as revenge works. Don't forget, before losing on Dec 22, Virginia had beaten Clemson 11 times in a row! Take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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01-04-22 | Kentucky v. LSU -1.5 | Top | 60-65 | Win | 100 | 11 h 31 m | Show |
My 9* Marquee Classic is on LSU at 7:00 ET. The Kentucky men's basketball team went just 9-16 last season, but all knew that was an aberration, as the Wildcats were ranked No. 10 in the AP's preseason poll. After a loss to Duke in the Champions Classic on the opening night of the season, the Wildcats have won 11 of 12, losing only 66-62 at Notre Dame back on Dec 11. The Wildcats are 11-2 (ranked 16th) as they vistit Baton Rouge to face 12-1 LSU. The Tigers are ranked 21st, after losing their first game of the season at No. 11 Auburn 70-55 last Wednesday (team's SEC opener).
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01-04-22 | Ohio +2.5 v. Akron | Top | 69-63 | Win | 100 | 11 h 43 m | Show |
My 10* MAC Game of the Month is on Ohio U at 6:00 ET. The Ohio Bobcats and Akron Zips meet Tuesday from the James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron.The Bobcats are 10-2 (1-0) and the Zips are 8-3 (1-0). The coaching matchups offers some intrgue, as Jeff boals (who palued at OU along with Gary Trent when the Bobcats won the MAC in teh 1993-94 season), returned to coach his alma mater ttwo seaosn agao. In his secind year (2020-21), held led Ohio to a MAC conference tourney win and then an upset of UVA is the first round of the "Big Dance." Akron's John Croce was a Ohio St assistamt whem he was named Ohio's head coach back in 2008-09. In his four years in Athens, he led the Bobcats to two NCAA berths, includuing a Sweet 16 run in 2012. He left after that for Illinois but was fitred after five seasosn and has now resrfaced at AAkron. Oho returned four of five starters from last season but did lose its best player, guard Preston (15.7-7.3-7.3), who left for the NBA (1st Ohio player picked in the draft since Brandon Hunter is 2003). However, this year's starting-five is VERY good. Guard Sears (18.7 & 4.6 RPG) starts with Brown (7.5) in the backcourt. SF Roderick adds 7.2 PPG plus the 6-8 Carter (13.9 & 7.4) and the 6-8 Vander Plas (12.8 & 5.8) make for a strong frontcourt duo. Ohio does not have much of a bench. Much like Ohio, Akron relies on its starting-five. The 6-8 Ali leads in scoring at 14.5 PPG, while the 6-7 Freeman is the leading recbounder (11.2), while adding 12.7 PPG. The 7-0 Bandaugo (4.8 & 4.5) starts up front. Guard Castaneda chips in 11.1 PPG and Greg Trimble 7.2 PPG. Ohio lost at then-undefeated LSU back on Dec 1 but has since won FIVE in a row. The Bobcats only other loss this season came at Kentucky on Nov 19 (Wildcats are currently ranked 16th). Akron opened just 2-3 but the Zips have won SIX in a row (five at home) and welcome the Bobcats to Akron 6-0 at home. However, the bottom lins is that Ohio U is the better team plus we get a couple points, as well. It's hard to ignore that the underdog is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings between these two schools. Good luck...Larry |
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01-03-22 | Browns v. Steelers -1 | Top | 14-26 | Win | 100 | 15 h 29 m | Show |
My 10* MNF Game of the Year is on the Pit Steelers at *:15 ET. The 7-7-1 Pittsburgh Steelers entered the weekend with the 11th-best record in the AFC, while the 7-8 Cleveland Browns (7-8) held the 12th position. In the AFC North, the 9-6 Cincinnati Bengals were in the lead and the 8-7 Baltimore Ravens held second place. However, the Browns and Steelers were scheduled for MNF, AFTER the other 30 teams played 15 games on Sunday. Now, as the Browns and Steelers get set to square off tonight at Heinz Field, Sunday's results have led to this scenario. The Browns have been eliminated from playoff contention, while the Steelers are still 'alive.' However, 'alive' means that to clinch a playoff berth the Steelers need to win tonight at home vs the Browns, then win next Sunday at Baltimore, PLUS they will need the Colts to lose at 2-14 Jacksonville next Sunday. Paraphrasing former President Bill Clinton, "It depends on what your definition of alive is?" The Browns arrive in Pittsburgh having lost THREE of four, including dropping their last two by TWO points (at home to the Raiders in Week 15 and at Green Bay in Week 16).The Steelers can 'feel Cleveland's pain,' as they get set to host their longtime rivals having gone 2-4-1 over their last seven games. "If you're a Browns fan, you're frustrated," defensive end Myles Garrett (career-best 15 sacks) said. "If you're a Browns player, you're frustrated. If you have anything to do with us, you know that. We've had chances, we just haven't converted or capitalized. I can't tell you how frustrated we are or I am." Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield has come under fire for a subpar season in which he has 15 touchdown passes against 11 interceptions (his ratio was 26-8 last season). Mayfield was picked off FOUR times in the loss at Green Bay. Mayfield may be happy to be playing this game in the 'friendly confines' of Heinz Field, as he has been booed at home for the first time in his four-year NFL career. Mayfield's "opposite number" is 18-year veteran Ben Roethlisberger. The two-time Super Bowl champion is in the homestretch of his 18th season and 'rumor has it,' that this will likely be Big Ben's final regular season home game. Roethlisberger ranks fifth in NFL history with 63,721 passing yards and eighth with 416 passing TDs. The 'talk' all season has been that he has NOTHING left, but Mayfield can only 'dream' of matching Big Ben's numbers in 2021. Roethlisberger has completed 65.2% for 3,373 yards (over 500 more yards than Mayfield has thrown for) with 20 TDs and just 8 INTs. The Steelers beat the Browns 15-10 in Cleveland back on Oct 31, when they scored the game's final 12 points. Roethlisberger passed for 266 yards and the go-ahead TD. I really like Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski, who became the first Browns head coach since Romeo Crennel in 2007 to lead the franchise to a winning season, going 11-5 in his very first year with the Browns (2020). last seasonStefanski led the Browns to a 11–5 record, finishing third in the AFC North and clinching the Browns' first playoff berth since 2002. The Browns then CRUSHED the Steelers (at Pittsburgh) in a wild card game. This is a bitter rivalry and the Browns would 'LOVE' nothing more than to end Pittsburgh's chance at making the playoffs but Mike Tomlin, who arrived in Pittsburgh back 2007, has built quite a resume in his time with the Steelers. As the saying goes, "this isn't his first rodeo," while the same can be said regarding Big Ben. Steelers stay 'alive' and head to Baltimore with the hope of beating the Ravens, while 'rooting' for the Jags at home vs the Colts. First things, FIRST. Take the Steelers. Good luck...Larry |
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01-03-22 | Grizzlies v. Nets -6.5 | Top | 118-104 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Brk Nets at 7:40 ET. The Memphis Grizzlies lost 132-110 to the Hawks on Nov 26, giving them a 9-10 record. However, the Grizzlies have won 14 of 18 since, as Memphis now owns a 23-14 record, good enough for the Western Conference's No. 4 seed, behind Golden St, Phoenix and Utah. Speaking about that trio, Memphis owns the distinction of being the only team to defeat those three heavyweights of the Western Conference this season. The Grizzlies will get a crack at another upper-echelon team Monday night when they visit the 23-11 Brooklyn Nets (East's No. 2 seed). Of note is the fact that the Nets have 'fallen short" against upper-echelon opponents all season, going a combined 0-6 against the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Golden State and Phoenix. Ja Morant leads Memphis in scoring with 24.7 PPG (also adds 5.7 RPG and 6.6 APG). He's averaging 26.5 points in six games since returning from a 12-game absence due to a sprained knee and the NBA health and safety protocol. The Grizzlies were 10-2 in his absence, and Morant is averaging 30.5 points during their current four-game winning streak. Memphis is playing without Dillon Brooks (2nd-leading scorer at 19.3 PPG), John Konchar, Jarrett Culver and De'Anthony Melton (10.5 & 4.2), who are all in the league's health and safety protocol. However, Desmond Bane (17.2 & 4.3), Jaren Jackson Jr. (16.3 & 5.3) and center Steven Adams (7.1 & 9.1) have played in 37, 36 and 37 games, respectively. Brooklyn is looking to avoid three straight losses for the first time this season and a FOURTH straight home loss, after fourth-quarter collapses against the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers. The Nets scored five points in the final 3 1/2 minutes Thursday in a 110-102 loss to Philadelphia and were outscored 28-11 in the final 5:57 and blew a 13-point lead in Saturday's 120-116 loss to the Clippers. "I just think (giving up) 71 points in the second half is unacceptable," Nets coach Steve Nash said. "We just never really had the care factor." The Nets are on their first losing streak of the season DESPITE getting stars Kevin Durant (29.8-7.9-5.7) and James Harden (22.8-8.3-9.9) back from the NBA health and safety protocol and being close to full strength. I really respect Memphis, which has won with and WITHOUT Morant in the lineup but Brooklyn could really use an impressive win over a red-hot team like the Grizllies, after recent embarrassments. I'm laying the points. Good luck...Larry |
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01-03-22 | Hornets +2.5 v. Wizards | Top | 121-124 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 52 m | Show |
My 9* Division Game of the Month (Southeast) is on the Cha Hornets at 7:10 ET. The Charlotte Hornets were 33-39 last season, missing the playoffs for the FIFTH consecutive season. That said, there was some optimism in Charlotte at the beginning of the season and the Hornets have played MUCH better, as they currently stand 19-18 (just a half-game out of the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference). The Hornets were rolling with a three-game winning streak before a 133-99 home loss last night to Phoenix, which arrived with losses in three of its past four games. So now it's a quick turnaround, which might be a good thing considering Charlotte wasn't up to speed after a three-day layoff
The Washington Wizards snuck into the playoffs last season at 34-38 but lost in the 1st Round. The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season but COVID hasn't helped. Washington has had three straight games with at least FIVE players absent because of the NBA's health and safety protocols and were without SEVEN players for their most-recent game, when they fell 120-119 on Saturday to the visiting Chicago Bulls. That gives Washington losses in FOUR of its last five home games and an 18-18 record on the season. Charlotte PG Ball (19.6-7.4-7.8) missed some games earlier with COVID issues but it's pretty obvious that last season's rookie-of-the-year is the 'real deal!' Bridges (19.5 & 7.1) is having a 'career season' and returned to the lineup last night after a two-game absence. Hayward (16.9-4.7-3.7) has only missed one game plus guard Rozier (17.3) and swingman Oubre (16.4) give the Hornets FIVE players averaging 16-plus points. PJ Washington (10.9 & 5.2) is still in COVID protocols but center Plumlee (6.6 & 7.2) is back in the lineup (he's played in 28 of the team's 37 games), doing a quietly efficient job). Guards Beal (23.6-4.6-6.4) and Dinwiddie (13.1-5.0-5.6) have been excellent in the backcourt Washington team but a trio I like to call "Lakers-East," have been MAJOR additions. PF Harrell (14.5 & 7.3), SF Kuzma (13.9 & 8.1) and swingman Caldwell-Pope (11.1) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.3 & 6.7. Washington welcomed Bradley Beal back from protocol in its 110-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, and he responded with game-highs of 29 points and 10 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also returned from protocol on Thursday and scored 12 points in his first appearance since Dec 18. Kyle Kuzma, who missed two games due to protocol in mid-December, recorded a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double against Cleveland. However, Washington is not completely 'out of the woods,' as Montrezl Harrell, the Wizards' second-leading scorer on the season, entered protocol ahead of Washington's Dec 28 loss at Miami and hasn't played since. Unfortunately for the Wizards, Dinwiddie has just been placed in COVID protocols. Charlotte is the NBA's second-highest scoring team at 114.7 PPG and got the better of Washington 109-103 back on November 22nd in Washington and my bet says "no revenge" here, as I expect a similar final outcome this time as well. Good luck...Larry |
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01-02-22 | Drake v. Missouri State -4 | Top | 56-61 | Win | 100 | 12 h 22 m | Show |
My 10* MVC Game of the Year is on Missouri St at 8:00 ET. The Drake Bulldogs won their 4th straight game and improved to 10-4 on the season after defeating the Mount Marty Lancers, 82-53, this past Tuesday. The Bulldogs will travel to JQH Arena to take on the Missouri State Bears Sunday night in MVC action. The Bears improved to 9-5 on the season after defeating the Evangel Crusaders, 103-56, this past Thursday. You may remember Drake opening 18-0 last season, but the Bulldogs lost in the MVC tourney (Arch Madness). However, the Bulldogs still went 'dancing,' earning the first at-large built in program history (Drake finished 26-5). Drake returned all FIVE starters from that team. However, guard Penn (9.7) has been out with a foot injury (last played Dec 9) and the 6-6 Hemphill (10.2 & 4.9) is listed as questionable (undisclosed reasons). Guard DeVries (13.5 & 4.5) is the leading scorer and 6-6 forward Murphy (10.8 & 5.4) joins him as a double-digit scorer, assuming Hemphill is not back. Guards Wilkins (9.5) and Sturtz (9.4 & 6.7) plus the 6-10 Brodie (7.7 & 4.40 have each played all 14 games. Dana Ford is in his fourth season at Missouri St and led the Bears to a 17-7 record plus had all FIVE starters coming back. The 6-9 Prim (19.5) was the first-ever Missouri St player to lead the MVC in scoring and this season is averaging 14.8 PPG plus a team-high 8.4 RPG. The 6-8 Clay (7.9 & 6.4) joins him in the frontcourt. Mosley (18.1 & 4.9) leads a backcourt that also includes returning players Black (10.4), Hervey (4.4) and Sharp (5.4). The 6-8 Minnett is a Valpo grad transfer, and the swingman adds 13.0 PPG. Hervey has been a disappointment this season and Sharp remains unavailable due to a leg injury (hasn't played since nov 30). This is just Drake's second true road game (won 78-70 at Nebraska-Omaha) but the Bulldogs are 0-4 in neutral-site games. I believe the home court edge is the 'difference-maker" in this conference rivalry game. Lay the points. Good luck...Larry |
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01-02-22 | Heat v. Kings +4 | Top | 113-115 | Win | 100 | 8 h 43 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Sac Kings at 6:10 ET. Bottom line is any analysis of an upcoming NBA game MUST include "who is in or out of COVID protocol!" The Miami Heat returned to the court and beat the host Houston Rockets 120-110 on Friday night, despite missing SEVEN players due to COVID protocols. Jimmy Butler scored a season-high 37 points, Tyler Herro added 16 points and Kyle Lowry added 12. Those were the ONLY three players used by the Heat on Friday who started the season in Miami's rotation. Sacramento split two home games against the Dallas Mavericks this week, winning Wednesday on Chimezie Metu's three-pointer at the buzzer before losing Friday's rematch (112-96). In Wednesday's game, the Kings got Davion Mitchell, Alex Len and Louis King back from the COVID list. On Friday, Neemias Queta returned from COVID protocol and he was the final Kings player on the list. Shooting guard Terence Davis (9.5) missed Friday's game due to left ankle soreness but otherwise, the Kings are healthy, which is not the case for the Heat. Besides the COVID list, the Heat are also without two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo (quadriceps) and Bam Adebayo (18.7 & 10.2) due to thumb surgery, as well as role players Dewayne Dedmon (knee); Markieff Morris (neck) and KZ Okpala (wrist). Swingman Butler leads the Heat in scoring (23.3) and steals (2.1) plus averages 5.9 RPG and 5.5 APG. Lowry adds 13.8 PPG and a team-high 8.1 APG, while Herro is averaging 20.4 PPG, forming a dynamic backcourt with Lowry. Sacramento is led in scoring by lightning quick De'Aaron Fox, who is averaging 20.2 PPG, which is actually down from last season (25.2). Sacramento combo guard Tyrese Haliburton (13.6 PPG) leads the Kings in assists (6.7) and is also Sacramento's best three-point shooter (42.7 percent). 6-10 center Richaun Holmes is back after dealing with an eye injury and pulls down a team-high 8.7 RPG, while scoring 12.6 PPG. SF Harrison Barnes (17.0 & 6.2) plus SG Buddy Hield (15.2) are also major contributors. Getting Baylor rookie Mitchell (9.6 PPG) back will make up for losing Davis to that ankle injury. Most likely know that the Kings have missed the NBA playoffs for 15 consecutive seasons, but this team has way too much talent to extend that streak to 0 of 16 this season. Sacramento is currently 15-22, which gives them the West's 10th seed, the last of the four "Play In" spots. 'Baby steps' for this franchise would be a "Play In" spot but a 6-seed would sure be sweet. If the Kings can't win a game like this, then just maybe the Kings will be 'home for the playoffs' again this season. Again, 'baby steps.' I'm taking the undervalued home dog in this spot. Good luck...Larry |
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01-02-22 | Cardinals +6.5 v. Cowboys | Top | 25-22 | Win | 100 | 29 h 4 m | Show |
My NFL 10* Game of the Month is on the Arz Cardinals at 4:25 ET. The Arizona Cardinals opened the season 7-0 (were actually the last team to lose this NFL season) but after losing last Saturday 22-16 at home to the Colts (the team's third straight loss), the Cards check in at 10-5, giving them just the fifth-best record in the NFC. The Cards welcome the Cowboys to the desert, a team that has won FOUR in a row after crushing Washington 56-14 last Sunday night. The Cowboys have clinched the NFC East and at 11-4, own tiebreakers over both the 11-4 Rams and Bucs, giving them the No. 2 seed behind only the 12-3 Packers.
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01-02-22 | UCF +3.5 v. SMU | Top | 60-72 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 7 m | Show |
My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on UCF at 2:00 ET. The UCF Knights and the SMU Mustangs meet from the Moody Coliseum on the SMU campus Sunday afternoon in an AAC contest. The Knights come into this one looking to add to an 85-71 win over Michigan on Thursday that gave them a 9-2 record (1-0 in the AAC). The Mustangs beat Tulsa in their last game, 74-69, giving them a record (1-0 in the AAC). |
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01-02-22 | Chiefs v. Bengals +4.5 | Top | 31-34 | Win | 100 | 25 h 9 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Cin Bengals at 1:00 ET. The KC Chiefs were 3-4 through seven games this season and the refrain was, "What's wrong with the Chiefs?" No one is asking that question now, as KC comes to Cincinnati on an 8-game winning streak (6-2 ATS), having clinched the AFC West for SIXTH consecutive years. The 11-4 Chiefs hold a one-game advantage over 10-5 Tennessee in the chase for the first-round bye and home field advantage that goes to the top seed. However, a real challenge awaits against the 9-6 Bengals, who only need one win to clinch their first AFC North title since 2015. QB Joe Burrow is coming off a franchise-record 525 yards passing in a rout of Baltimore in Week 16, completing 37 of 46 with four TDs. It's been quite a bounce-back season for Burrow and the Bengals, as Cincy went just 4-11-1 in Burrow's rookie season (he played just 10 games before being lost for the rest of the season to injry). However, the former No. 1 overall pick hasn't missed a game this season, completing 69.9% for 4,165 yards with 30 TDs and 14 INTs. WR Tee Higgins has been surging, posting 583 yards receiving in the last five games. Both Higgins (71 catches / 6 TDs) and rookie Ja'Marr Chase (68 catches / 10 TDs) have more than 1,000 receiving yards on the season. A third WR, Boyd, has 63 catches with 4 TDs and TE Uzomah adds 45 catches and 5 TDs. RB Joe Mixon ranks second among NFL rushers with 1,159 yards (has 13 rushing TDs plus adds 3 more on 35 catches). Speaking of defenses, Cincy's has allowed just 21.6 PPG (13th) this season, after allowing an average of 27.1 PPG over the previous three seasons. |
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01-02-22 | Dolphins v. Titans OVER 39.5 | Top | 3-34 | Loss | -110 | 19 h 30 m | Show |
My 9* NFL Featured Sunday O/U is on Mia/Ten Over at 1:00 ET. Miami opened last season 1-3 but won NINE of its final 12 games (5-1 at home, losing only to KC), to just miss the playoffs at 10-6. Optimism was high entering 2021 but after a 17-16 win at New England in Week 1, the Dolphins lost SEVEN straight games. However, Miami has rebounded with a 7-0 SU & 6-1 ATS run to become the first team in NFL history to win seven straight games and also lose seven consecutive games in the same season. The now 8-7 Dolphins can make the playoffs but they'll have to beat both the 10-4 Titans and 9-6 Patriots to close out the regular season. |
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01-02-22 | Rams v. Ravens +6.5 | Top | 20-19 | Win | 100 | 7 h 25 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Bal Ravens at 1:00 ET. What a difference a month can make. The Rams sat 7-1 at the close of October but would go 0-3 in November (had a bye week) and at 7-4, expected their only chance at a playoff berth was as a wild card. However, LA ripped off FOUR straight wins (while the Cards have imploded) and at 11-4, now own a one-game lead in the NFC West with two games to go and have already clinched at least a wild card berth. As for LA's Week 17 opponent, the Baltimore Ravens were 8-3 through Week 12 but welcomed the Rams to Baltimore on a four-game losing streak that dropped them to 8-7. The Ravens are currently one of FOUR, 8-7 AFC teams looking to secure the last wild card spot (Dolphins currently own the tiebreakers with two games left).
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01-01-22 | Baylor v. Ole Miss -1 | Top | 21-7 | Loss | -114 | 39 h 35 m | Show |
My 10* Bowl Game of the Year is on Ole Miss at 8:45 ET. The ever-lovable Lane Kiffin has led Ole Miss to a 10-2 record, as the Rebels get set to face 11-2 Baylor, which won the Big 12 championship with a 21-16 victory over Oklahoma St. Without a doubt, this contest is one of the more intriguing New Year's Day Six bowls. Ole Miss entered its season finale (The Egg Bowl vs Miss St) with 9-2 record. The program had produced SEVEN career 10-win campaigns (most recently Hugh Freeze's 10-3 showing in 2015) but all of the previous seven featured nine victories in the regular season and win No. 10 in a bowl game. The Rebels' 31-21 over the Bulldogs gave them their first-ever 10-win regular season and with a Sugar Bowl win, would have the school's first-ever 11-win season. Baylor hired Dave Aranda, LSU's DC who helped the Tigers complete one of the best-ever, single-seasons in CFB history in 2019. LSU went 15-0 in 2019 and while Joe Burrow and the offense (48.4 PPG) got most of the accolades, Aranda's defense held opponents to just 21.9 PPG. His first season at Baylor suffered because of COVID (like many programs), as the Bears would finish 2-7. However, it was a 'New Day' in 2021 for Baylor which earned a trip to the Big 12 championship game where it held on to beat Oklahoma St, 21-16. It marked Baylor's third Big 12 title but first-ever by capturing a win in the championship game. Baylor averages 32.5 PPG with a VERY balanced attack, as the Bears have averaged 216.0 YPG passing and 214.9 YPG on the ground. QB Bohannon is solid, completing 64.3% for 2,160 yards with 17 TDs and 6 INTs. He has added 303 yards, adding 9 more scores. RB Smith (1,429 yards on 6.2 YPC with 12 TDs) is a stud, plus fellow RB Ebner has 763 yards on 5.4 YPC with 2 TDs. The team's top WR is Thornton (61 catches / 15.5 YPC / 9 TDs) plus TE Sims has 31 catches with 6 TDs. Defense is an Aranda staple and Baylor enters having allowed 19.2 PPG. Ole Miss QB Matt Corral announced before the Egg Bowl that he would enter the 2022 NFL Draft but he decided to play for the Rebels in this game, first (so many have opted out in similar situations). It's an understatement that Kiffin was thrilled and so was OC Jeff Lebby, who is headed to Oklahoma after this game. The two will have a chance to produce the kind of numbers the Rebels did in the regular season, ranking fourth in total offense at 506.7 YPG (35.9 PPG). Like Baylor, Ole Miss has great balance, passing for 281.9 YPG and rushing for 224.7 YPG. Corral has completed 68.4% for 3,339 yards with 20 TDs and 4 INTs, plus has run for 597 yards and 11 TDs. He is just one of only four FBS quarterbacks with 20 passing touchdowns and at least 10 rushing scores. RB Ealy has 703 yards rushing (5.8 YPC / 5 TDs) and Conner has 605 yards (5.1 YPC plus 13 TDs. Ole Miss is the nation's ONLY offense with four rushers with at least 500 yards, as Parrish has 542 yards. WR Drummond (67 catches with 8 TDs) is the team's No. 1 receiving threat, but Corral has plenty of other options (targets). How about this? Ole Miss is also the ONLY team in the country with SIX players having recorded 100-yard receiving games this season! The defense is allowing 25.0 PPG but that's down from the 38.3 PPG Kiffin's Rebels allowed in his first in Oxford last year. Kudos to Aranda and this Baylor team but Ole Miss is 'playing in its backyard' here in the Sugar Bowl. Ole Miss is 12-2 in its last 14 bowl games dating back to the 1992 Liberty Bowl and 10-4 in bowls against current Big 12 members. The play is Ole Miss. "Hotty Toddy!" Good luck...Larry |
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01-01-22 | Bulls v. Wizards +2.5 | Top | 120-119 | Win | 100 | 9 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on the Was Wizards at 7:10 ET. The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year. However, the Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. The Bulls won their sixth straight game on Friday (108-106 at Indiana) and welcome in 2022 with a 23-10 record, tied with the Nets for the best record in the East. No, this is not April Fools Day! Washington snuck into the playoffs last season at 34-38 but lost in the 1st Round). The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season. The Wizards welcome the Bulls to D.C. at 18-17.
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01-01-22 | Utah v. Ohio State -4 | Top | 45-48 | Loss | -106 | 10 h 4 m | Show |
My 9* Rose Bowl play is on Ohio St at 5:00 ET. "The Granddaddy of them All" gets a terrific matchup in No. 6 Ohio St (1-2) playing No. 11 Utah (10-3). Ohio State had aspirations of playing for the national championship and will be 'on a mission' to make up for its 'disaster' against Michigan back on Nov 27, while Utah is playing in the Rose Bowl for the first time since joining the Pac-12 for the 2011 season.
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01-01-22 | Providence v. DePaul +1.5 | Top | 70-53 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 25 m | Show |
My 10* Conference Game of the Month (Big East) is on DePaul at 3:00 ET. Ed Cooley arrived in Providence for the 2011-12 season and led the Friars to FIVE straight NCAA tournaments from 2014-2018 but was coming off a mediocre 13-13 season last year. However, there is NOTHING mediocre about the Friars' start to the current CBB season, as 12-1 Providence (2-0 Big East) notched its SEVENTH straight win on Wednesday with a 70-65 victory over Seton Hall. Tony Stubblefield worked as an assistant under Lou Henson, Mick Cronin and recently Dana Altman, before taking the DePaul job. He took over a team that was 5-14 last season (2-13 in the Big East) and a program that in its 16 seasons since joining the Big East, had gone 57-224 (.203) in league games. However, the Blue Demons have opened 9-2 (0-1 in the Big East), after losing 63-59 Wednesday night at Butler (Hinkle Fieldhouse is one tough venue).
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01-01-22 | Oklahoma State v. Notre Dame | Top | 37-35 | Win | 100 | 8 h 37 m | Show |
My 9* Marquee Classic is on Oklahoma St at 1:00 ET. The 51st Fiesta Bowl is a meeting of two teams that have never faced each other in football, when No. 5 Notre Dame and No. 9 Oklahoma State play on New Year's Day at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Az. Notre Dame just missed making the final four of the College Football Playoff, while Oklahoma State fell short by just inches thanks to a touchdown-saving tackle from Baylor that, if not made, would have won the Big-12 Championship Game for the Cowboys and given them a strong case for the playoff. That set-up gives the Fiesta Bowl a terrific matchup between two schools with something to prove. On the coaching front, OSU's Mike Gundy starred at Stillwater as a QB and returned to coach his alma mater in 2005. He went just 4-7 (1-7 in Big 12 play) in his 'freshman year' but has now led Okie St to 16 straight bowl appearances (more in a bit). As for Notre Dame, the ever-classy Brian Kelly jumped ship at Notre Dame for LSU, leaving the Fiesta Bowl to be coached by first-time head coach Marcus Freeman.
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12-31-21 | Georgia -7.5 v. Michigan | Top | 34-11 | Win | 100 | 14 h 44 m | Show |
My 9* Marquee Classic is on Georgia at 7:30 ET. Friday night's Orange Bowl clash between No. 2 Michigan and No. 3 Georgia is the very definition of a Marquee Classic. The only 'bigger' matchup we would have this season would be a national championship showdown featuring No. 1 Alabama vs the winner of this game. That seems likely, as the Crimson Tide are two-TD favorites over Cincinnati but then again...
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12-31-21 | Cincinnati +14 v. Alabama | Top | 6-27 | Loss | -111 | 11 h 11 m | Show |
My 9* Cotton Bowl Showdown is on Cincinnati at 3:30 ET. The 12-1 Crimson Tide (12-1) are coming off an impressive 41-24 over Georgia in the SEC championship game and are the No. 1 seed in this year's College Football Playoffs. This is 'old hat' for Alabama, as the Tide are making their SEVENTH appearance in the eight years that the current title-deciding format has been in place. Waiting for them in the Cotton Bowl (played at Arlington, Tx) will be 13-0 Cincinnati. The No. 4 Bearcats are the first non-Power 5 conference program to be selected for the College Football Playoff, breaking that proverbial 'glass ceiling.' Alabama "won it all" last season (52-24 over Ohio St) plus won the national title during the CFP era in 2015 and 2017, while taking a loss in the 2016 and 2018 title games. "There's a reason they've been in the playoffs seven out of the eight years," Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell said of Alabama. "This is not just a top-five program; this is THE top program." No doubt that it is a formidable challenge for Cincinnati, but the first step is overcoming the Alabama mystique. "Our players know who they're playing," Fickell said. "They know what (Alabama) is all about, what that program is all about. Now we have to try to find ways to humanize them and bring ourselves back into doing what we need to do. The reality is we're not the best team, probably. But that doesn't really matter, because on the 31st, it's really going to be about who is going to play the best." I think Fickell (did he really turn down the ND job?) has it "just right! The Bearcats will rely on the nation's second-best pass defense (168.3 YPG) to contain Heisman Trophy-winning Alabama QB Bryce Young. Overall, the Cincy defense allows just 16.1 PPG (5th) on 304.9 YPG (8th). The offense is led by QB Ridder, who has completed 65.9% for 3,190 yards with 30 TDs and just 8 INTs (in 355 attempts). He's a dangerous runner, who has gained 371 yards with 6 TDs. RB Ford (an Alabama transfer in 2019) is outstanding, gaining 1,242 yards on 6.2 YPC with 19 TDs. WR Pierce leads with 50 catches (167.3 YPC / 8 TDs) and is joined by WR Scott (26 / 18.3 YPC / 5 TDs) and TE Whyle (25 / 6 TDs). Bottom line, the Bearcats have averaged 39.2 PPG to rank 8th in scoring. The Heisman-winning Young has completed 68.0% for 4,322 yards with 43 TDs and just 4 INTs in 462 attempts. He was the Heisman favorite going into the SEC championship game but 'nailed it down' by passing for 421 yards with three TDs (zero INTs in 44 attempts) and ran for 40 yards, adding a 4th TD. John Metchie III (96 catches with 8 TDs) was one of two 1,000 yard receivers on the team (Jameson Williams is the other with 68 catches on 21.3 YPC with 15 TDs), but he's out with injury. RB Brian Robinson Jr. (1,071 yards on 4.8 YPC and 14 TDs) will be tested by going up against a Cincinnati defense that allowed just 3.3 YPC. The Alabama offense averages 42.5 PPG and while its defense has had some so-so efforts during the season, the unit enters this game allowing 20.2 PPG (20th) on 304.6 YPG (7th). The team stats are pretty similar but of course, Alabama has done it while playing in the SEC, compared to Cincy, which plays in the ACC. I agree that it's hard to see the Bearcats winning this game outright but taking two TDs allows plenty of room for error. The Cincinnati defense has 18 picks (third in the nation in the regular season) and 37 sacks (tied for 19th). Overall, Cincinnati has forced 33 turnovers on the season. Does this tid-bit matter? The Crimson Tide are 5-1 in national semifinals, with the loss coming in the inaugural CFP in 2014. That 42-35 setback came against Ohio State, which had Fickell as its co-defensive coordinator. I'm taking the points. Good luck...Larry |
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12-30-21 | Arizona State v. Wisconsin OVER 41 | Top | 13-20 | Loss | -110 | 18 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* Bowl O/U of the Year is on ASU/Wisconsin Over at 10:30 ET. The Wisconsin Badgers began the season ranked No. 12 in the AP preseason poll but opened 1-3. All looked lost but the Badgers put together a seven-game winning streak and all they needed to do was win at Minnesota in their regular season finale to clinch a berth in the Big Ten championship game. However, Wisconsin lost 23-13. The mood was bleak. Yes, 8-4 Wisconsin is making its 20th consecutive bowl appearance, but that seven-game winning streak had the Badgers craving a loftier bowl destination. However, the Badgers are now saying they are motivated to make amends as they enter the Las Vegas Bowl against Arizona State on Thursday. In contrast to Wisconsin's slow start, ASU opened 5-1 (lone loss was 27-17 at BYU) and was ranked 18th when it visited Salt Lake City to take on Utah. The Utes dominated the Sun Devils, winning 35-21 and the defeat was the beginning of a 3-3 finish that leaves the Sun Devils with the same record as the Badgers at 8-4. QB Jayden Daniels accounted for 16 touchdowns (10 passing, six rushing) but didn't make the big impact he needed to declare for the NFL draft. He recently announced he will be back in 2022 after passing for 2,222 yards (with nine interceptions) and rushing for 670 yards. That's the good news for ASU. The bad news is that RB Rachaad White (1,006 rushing yards / 5.5 YPC / 15 TDs) is skipping the bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft and fellow RB DeaMonte Trayanum (402 rushing yards with six TDs) entered the transfer portal. That leaves Daniyel Ngata, who averaged 6.4 yards a carry while producing 286 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, as the lead back against Wisconsin. Wisconsin dominated opponents defensively during the first six games of its seven-game winning streak, allowing a miniscule 44 points (7.3 PPG). However, in its final two games, the defense allowed 51 points. That said, the Wisconsin defense enters this game allowing just 16.4 PPG on 241.4 YPG (1st in the nation). You may remember Wisconsin QB Mertz making a spectacular debut back on Oct 23rd of 2020, completing 20 of 21 for 248 yards with five TD passes in the Big Ten's 1st game back after it initially had canceled the season. Well, that QB hasn't been seen since. In his last 18 games, he has just 13 TD passes and 15 INTs. RBs Allen (1,109 yards / 7.1 YPC / 12 TDs) and Mellusi (815 / 4.7 YPC / 5 TDs) headline a running game that averages 215.3 YPG (16th), The Wisconsin offense isn't pretty but it averaged 31.9 PPG in its seven-game winning steak and 25.8 PPG on the season. I won't be even a little surprised if the Wisconsin offense bludgeons the ASU defense, which also saw CBs Chase Lucas and Jack Jones opt out of the contest to prepare for the draft. "Obviously, the regular season didn't end the way we would've liked it," Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst said. "But I go back to (the fact that) this group truly does enjoy each other. They care about each other, and we've got one game that we can play and one more opportunity. I think for all those reasons, it means a lot to them." I'm with Paul and while ASU will definitely be short-handed with its running game, I expect QB Daniels to play with a 'chip on his shoulder' with something to prove against the Wisconsin defense. ASU avenged 29.7 PPG on the season and if the Sun Devils can get between 14 and 21 points, I expect this game to 'fly' over the total. That's the bet. Good luck...Larry |
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12-30-21 | Michigan v. UCF +4 | Top | 71-85 | Win | 100 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on UCF at 7:00 ET. Michigan returns to the court from a lengthy layoff due to the holiday break and COVID-19 issues when it visits Central Florida for an evening tip in Orlando. The Wolverines haven't played since they routed Southern Utah 87-50 back on Dec 18, giving them a modest 7-4 record. I say modest because Michigan opened the season ranked 6th in the AP's preseason poll and has since fallen out. In fact, Michigan is the highest ranked preseason team to NOT be in the latest AP top-25 (released this past Monday). Central Florida was just 11-12 last season but returned all FIVE starters. The Golden Knights have begun 8-2 and have had a break of their own, as this will be the team's first game since Dec 22, when UCF beat North Alabama at home, 75-64. Michigan's starting-five includes 7-1 center Dickinson (15.6 & 9.1) and the 6-11 Diabate (7.6 & 5.8) up front, plus a trio of guards. Brooks (12.6) and Houstan (10.1 & 4.3) score in double digits, while PG Jones (7.4-4.4-4.1) runs the offense. The two most reliable reserves are the 6-7 Williams (6.0 & 3.4) and the 6-8 Johnson (5.6 & 2.5). Similar to Michigan, UCF has basically a seven-man rotation. It's a perimeter-heavy group with starting guards Green (14.8), PG Perry (11.7-3.8-5.2) and Mahan (8.8), while Freeman (8.1) and Adams (5.7) come off the bench. Starting up front are the 6-8 Walker (9.6 & 5.4) and the 6-11 Diong (5.4 & 5.8). I believed that Michigan was overrated from the start of the season (see above) and so far, I've been right on the money. Meanwhile, UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins recently said, "I like our team. I think we can compete against anyone. We have to keep getting better. Like most teams, we definitely are not a finished product right now. It's still early. We're one-third through our season. I think there's a lot of room for improvement in our team. I see it in them, and we have to try and get that out of them." This is a revenge game of sorts for UCF after it fell to Michigan by a score of 80-58 last season. Last year the Knights got destroyed by the Wolverines but that was THEN and this is NOW! Michigan was at home and it was unquestionably a better team then, while UCF was on the road, and it was a much worse team at the time. The Knights are seeking their fifth straight win and I believe they'll get it. Huge edge to the home team, as players and coaches hate being away for the holidays, unless playing in a tourney, which this is NOT. Upset Alert, but as always, take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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12-30-21 | Purdue v. Tennessee -6.5 | Top | 48-45 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 16 m | Show |
My 9* Music City Bowl play is on Tennessee at 3:00 ET. The 8-4 Purdue Boilermakers and the 7-5 Tennessee Volunteers meet in Thursday's Music City Bowl from Nissan Stadium in Nashville. It sets up as a clash of styles, as Tennessee's up-tempo offense goes up against Purdue's defense. The Purdue defense has lost George Karlaftis and on offense, WR David Bell, who caught 93 passes this season with 6 TDs. The Vols lost RB Evans to the transfer portal (headed to Louisville) but his absence in no way compares with Bell's loss for Purdue. Josh Heupel replaced Scott Frost at UCF and went 28-8 over three seasons, as his offense averaged 43.2, 43.4 and 42.2 PPG in those individual seasons. This is his first season at Tennessee. Heupel (an outstanding QB for Oklahoma) has helped Hendon Hooker develop into a true dual-threat QB. He took over as the starter Sep 18 and went 6-4 as a starter throwing 24 TD passes with only two interceptions. His season stats are 69.0% for 2,567 yards with 26 TDs and just three INTs plus ran for 561 yards with 5 TDs. His running, along with Small (612 yards / 5.4 YPC / 5 TDs) and Evans (525 yards / 6.5 YPC / 6 TDs) give the Vols an average of 211.6 YPG (20th). Tennessee averages 247.1 YPG giving it great balance and average 38.8 PPG (39th). Two WRs have 50-plus catches in Tillman (57 / 16.3 YPC / 9 TDs) and Jones (52 / 13.9 YPC / 6 TDs). More in a bit. Jeff Brohm became a 'hot' coaching commodity by leading Western Ky to a 30-10 record in three seasons and then moved on to Purdue. The Boilermakers went 6-6 in each of his first two seasons, winning a bowl game the first season (7-6) and losing the following season (6-7). Purdue fell to 4-6 in 2019 and was 2-4 in "The Year of COVID" in 2020. However, the Boilermakers have won eight games this season, including wins over then-No. 2 Iowa (24-7) and then-No.3 Michigan St (40-29). Fifth-year senior QB Aidan O'Connell led the Big Ten completing 73.5% of his passes and has completed 74% or better in SEVEN straight games. He enters this game with 3,178 passing yards (23 TDs / 8 INTs) but as noted, will not have WR Bell here. That;s BIG deal, especially when one notes that Purdue's running game is basically non-existent, averaging 84.2 YPG (127th). The Purdue defense allows just 20.5 PPG (22nd), a full SEVEN points less than Tennessee's. Let me start with Purdue. The program has been known as a 'giant killer' and as noted above, produced wins over Iowa and Mich St in 2021. What's more, QB O'Connell was at his best against top competition, averaging 433.7 yards, completing 75.3% of his passes and throwing nine TDs with no interceptions in games against Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State. However, Tennessee is hardly a 'big fish,' but rather a team in search of an eighth win. That said, head coach Josh Heupel can become just the sixth Volunteers' coach all-time to win eight or more games in his debut season. Getting back to QB Hooker, he has climbed UT’s record book, but in a steady way that matches his even-keeled personality. Hooker is first in completion percentage (69%) and passing efficiency (182.16), sixth in total offense (3,128 yards), seventh in TD passes (26) and 12th in passing yards (2,567) in a single season in UT history despite starting only 10 games. His method involves consistency and poise. His 182.15 passer rating led the SEC and ranked third nationally. He has thrown at least one TD pass in 11 straight games, tied for the fourth-longest streak in school history. With due respect to O'Connell, I think Hooker gives Tennessee the edge at QB and it's no small matter that this game is being contested in Nashville. The Volunteers not only score fast, they have outscored opponents 169-44 in the first quarter this season. I'd love a repeat of that here! Tennessee has won FOUR straight bowl games, all against Big Ten opponents, and is 11-5 all-time against Big Ten teams in bowls. Here's what I wrote when taking Tennessee over Kentucky back on Nov 6. "The Vols finish with three straight home games, beginning with Georgia. However, a win here at Kentucky and then over South Alabama and Vandy would give Heupel a seven-win season and a chance to win eight games by winning a bowl game." The Vols beat Kentucky that day 45-42, lost to Georgia (no surprise) but beat South Alabama and Vandy. Now, to complete my earlier "prediction," the Vols need to win and of course, cover! That's the bet. Good luck...Larry |
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12-29-21 | Oregon v. Oklahoma -6.5 | Top | 32-47 | Win | 100 | 27 h 4 m | Show |
My 10* 'Signature' LEGEND Play is on Oklahoma at 9:15 ET. The 10-3 Oregon Ducks and the 10-2 Oklahoma Sooners meet Wednesday in The Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The Ducks are hoping to reach 11 wins for the EIGHTH time in school history, while the Oklahoma Sooners look for an 11-win season for the SEVENTH time in the last nine years. Both schools will be playing under an interim head coach, as Oregon's Mario Cristabol left Eugene for "South Beach" (Miami-Fl) and Lincoln Kennedy left Norman for the "Bright Lights of Hollywood" (USC). Assistant coach Bryan McClendon will coach the Ducks while the Sooners have decided that former head coach Bob Stoops, is the right man for this "ONE-game" coaching opportunity. |
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12-29-21 | Tennessee v. Alabama -2.5 | Top | 68-73 | Win | 100 | 13 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* Conference Game of the Year (SEC) is on Alabama at 9:00 ET. No. 14 Tennessee and No. 19 Alabama begin SEC play Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa, coming into this contest from totally different perspectives. The 9-2 Volunteers are coming off their best effort of the season, a 77-73 home victory on Dec 22 over then-unbeaten and sixth-ranked Arizona. As for the 9-3 the Crimson Tide, they haven't played since suffering a 79-78 upset loss in Birmingham on Dec. 21 against unranked Davidson. Alabama was ranked 14th in the AP's preseason poll, while Tennesses opened at No. 18. Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes has been a winner at every stop, with three NCAA berths at Providence, three in four years at Clemson and 16 in 17 years at Texas. This is his seventh season at Tennessee and he's led the Vols to three NCAA berths the last four years (exception was when COVID shut down the postseason). Freshman PG Kennedy Chandler leads Tennessee with averages of 14,0 points and 5.3 assists per game, while fellow guard Vescovi adds 13.3-4.5-3.2, while leading the team with 30 three-pointers. The 6-9 Fulkerson (9.9 & 6.1) and the 6-8 Nkamhoua (8.7 & 6.1) start up front. 6-6 guard Jordan-James missed a few games but is back in the starting lineup, averaging 6.6 & 5.9. Defense is a Rick Barnes specialty and his team is allowing just 59.3 PPG (20th) and coming off a defensive 'gem' in the team's win over Arizona, holding the Wildcats 17 points under their season average. Nate Oats spent four years at Buffalo and went 59-13 in his last two, making the Big Dance each time. That allowed him the opportunity to come to Alabama and after a 16-15 first season (COVID) he led the Tide to a 26-7 record and a Sweet 16 appearance last year. Gone from that team are the 6-7 Jones (11.2 & 6.6), who was not only the SEC player-of-the-year but also the league's Defensive POY. Also gone is veteran guard Petty (12.6 & 5.2). However, the Tide have plenty of talent left. Note that Alabama did return its top-two scorers from last season and guards Shackelford and Quinerly are again leading the way. Shackelford checks in at 16.8 & 6.6 and Quinerly at 14.7 & 4.4 APG. Swingman Ellis adds 12.4 & 6.5 plus freshman center Bediako (7.0 & 4.5) is starting. Davison (8.7-4.9-4.5), the 6-6 Miles (7.3) and the 6-8 Gurley (6.5 & 3.5) are all contributors. Alabama hasn't been the same since a wild 83-82 win over then-No. 14 Houston on Dec 11. Alabama was blown out 92-78 at Memphis on Dec 14 and struggled past Jacksonville State 65-59 on Dec 18, before the Tide allowed Davidson to sink 12 of 24 from three-point range in that one-point loss. "Not exactly what we wanted going into Christmas break," Alabama head coach Nate Oats said, "but I am all about a wake-up in order to pick up the defense." If Tennessee doesn't 'wake up' the Crimson Tide, Oats' team is in for a l-o-n-g season. The Tide won at Knoxville in the regular season last year and at Nashville over the Vols in the SEC tournament. Roll Tide! Good luck...Larry |
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12-29-21 | Seton Hall +1.5 v. Providence | Top | 65-70 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 42 m | Show |
My 9* Marquee Classic is on Seton Hall at 7:00 ET.
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12-29-21 | DePaul v. Butler -1.5 | Top | 59-63 | Win | 100 | 7 h 31 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Butler at 5:00 ET. DePaul and Butler have endured a number of COVID-19-related postponements of their would-be Big East Conference opener but will give things another shot Wednesday when the 7-4 Bulldogs host the 9-2 Blue Demons in Indianapolis. Butler has been idle since losing 77-48 to visiting No. 3 Purdue on Dec 18, while DePaul hasn't played since edging intracity rival Illinois-Chicago 72-66 on the road on Dec 14. The Bulldogs are coming off an 'ugly' 10-15 season. In the team's most recent game, Butler's four-game winning streak was halted by Purdue, as double-figure scoring efforts from Bryce Golden (17 points) and Jayden Taylor (11) weren't enough against the Boilermakers. "You've got to play well, and we did not," Bulldogs coach LaVall Jordan said. "They've cornered the market on elite size, and they've all gotten better and developed over time. It's hard to keep them away from the basket." The Bulldogs hope the time off can help rejuvenate a lineup that was without leading scorer Chuck Harris (11.6 & 4.0) to a non-COVID-related illness, Bryce Nze (shoulder) and Bo Hodges (knee) against Purdue. Guards Bolden (10.6), Taylor (10.3) and Thompson (6.5-3.4-4,8) are a nice trio plus the 6-9 Golden (9.2 & 4.1) and the 6-8 Groce (7.5 & 4.1) are the team's top frontcourt with the 6-7 Nze (6.3 & 5.5) sidelined. Tony Stubblefield worked as an assistant under Lou Henson, Mick Cronin and recently Dana Altman, before taking the DePaul job. He took over a team that was 5-14 last season (2-13 in the Big East) and a program that in its 16 seasons since joining the Big East, had gone 57-224 (.203) in league games. However, the Blue Demons have opened 9-2. Guard Javon Freeman-Liberty came to DePaul last season (from Valpo) and remains DePaul's key player. He's the team's leader in scoring (20.9), rebounding (8.3) and assists (3.9). Another returning guard (Jones) follows with 17.4 PPG and 8.3 RPG. The 6-8 Johnson (11.1 & 7.2) is a Minnesota transfer and the 6-7 Gebrewhit adds 8.6 & 4.1. DePaul is the better team on paper but I'm still not 'sold' on the Blue Demons. Hinkle Fieldhouse is a tough venue for visiting teams and Butler has won three straight in the series, including a 68-58 victory last season. The Butler defense (60.0 PPG allowed ranks 33rd) is the toughest unit DePaul has seen up to this point. I'm backing the home team. Good luck...Larry |
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12-29-21 | Maryland -3.5 v. Virginia Tech | Top | 54-10 | Win | 100 | 8 h 10 m | Show |
My 9* Pinstripe Bowl play is on Maryland at 2:15 ET. The 6-6 Maryland Terrapins and the 6-6 Virginia Tech Hokies meet Wednesday in the Pinstripe Bowl from Yankee Stadium. Maryland opened 4-0 but needed to win its final game of the season (40-16 over Rutgers) to get its sixth win. Va Tech opened the season with a 17-10 home upset of preseason No. 10 North Carolina and was 3-1 but then lost FOUR of its next five games.Like Maryland, the Hokites needed a win in their final game to become bowl eligible. The Hokies did just that, beating in-state rival Virginia 29-24 on the road. It was an emotional win for Va Tech, which had fired head coach Justin Fuente after a 5-5 start. J.C. Price was named interim head coach and will coach the Hokies again in this one. |
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12-28-21 | Notre Dame -3.5 v. Pittsburgh | Top | 68-67 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 51 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on Notre Dame at 8:00 ET. Notre Dame got off to a promising 3-1 start but then lost three consecutive games. However, the Fighting Irish beat then-No. 10 Kentucky 66-62 on Dec 11, sparking a 3-1 run (lost to Indiana in a neutral site game on Dec 18). Non-conference play has featured its share of ups and downs for both Notre Dame and Pittsburgh. The Pitt Panthers have been ravaged by transfers, injuries and other issues over the last year. Jeff Capel has had a tough start at Pitt (40-48 in his first three years) and prepared for this season without his top three scorers from a year ago (one moved on to the NBA and two transferred to other programs). The Panthers then lost their fourth- and fifth-leading scorers from last season due to a suspension and an ACL tear, respectively. The Panthers welcome Minnesota to town for this ACC-Big Ten Challenge contest at 2-4. Pitt opened 2-0 but then lost FOUR in a row. However, Pitt welcomes Notre Dame to the Petersen Events Center at 5-7. Mike Brey is in his 27th season at Notre Dame and this year's team is short on depth, as basically just six players contribute. Guards Goodwin (15.3 & 5.5) and Wesley (13.5) are the top-two scorers, joined by Ryan (8.8-4.4) and Hubb (7.1) in the backcourt. The 6-9 Atkinson (11.8 & 6.4) and the 6-10 Laszewski (7.8 & 8.3) are the best (only?) frontcourt players. The Panthers are led by the 6-9 John Hugley (14.5 & 8.1) and 6-5 guard Femi Odukale (12.4-3.8-3.4), who matched a career high with 28 points in a 64-55 triumph Tuesday over Jacksonville. Senior guard Burton (11.1) and sophomore Jeffress adds 5.4 & 4.9. The 6-9 Gueye chips in 7.3 & 6.1. Both schools have opened 0-1 in ACC play but in different fashion. Notre Dame trailed by as many as 23 in a 16-point loss to Boston College, while Pitt fell on a last-second basket against Virginia. However, both enter off back-to-back wins, with Notre Dame scoring 85 and 83 points (note: The Fighting Irish have now scored at least 80 points in consecutive games for the first time all season). On the Pittsburgh side, the Panthers' defense has held opponents below 60 points in FIVE of the last six games. Bottom line is that Notre Dame has won FIVE of its past six matchups with Pitt and comes in off back-to-back excellent scoring outings (see above). Yes, Pitt is plauying excelelnt defense but the Panthers are pathetic on the offensive end, averaging only 60.7 PPG (ranks 341st!) on 40.6% shooting (316th). Notre Dame wins "with room to spare!" Good luck...Larry |
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12-28-21 | Texas Tech v. Mississippi State -9.5 | Top | 34-7 | Loss | -110 | 33 h 49 m | Show |
My 10* Liberty Bowl play is on Miss St at 6:45 ET. The 6-6 Texas Tech Red Raiders will take on the 7-5 Mississippi St Bulldogs Tuesday in the Liberty Bowl. Matt Wells is in his third season with Tech, after leading Utah St to bowls in FIVE of his six years with the Aggies. However, his Texas Tech teams went 4-8 and 4-6 in his first two seasons, before becoming bowl eligible in 2021 at 6-6. Mike Leach is the head coach at Miss St but knows Texas Tech VERY well. He was hired in 2000 and fired in 2009, amid allegations of abusing players (I'll leave that alone). What he did do was WIN, taking the Red Raiders to bowls in each of his 10 seasons in Lubbock. He was hired at Washington St in 2012 and after a 3-9 first season, led the Cougars to bowls in SIX of the next seven seasons. He moved on to Texas Tech in 2020 and went 3-7 amid COVID but got a bowl invite, anyway, eking out a 28-26 win over Tulsa in the Armed Forces Bowl. This year's team became bowl-eligible the old-fashioned way, winning seven games. |
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12-28-21 | Louisville v. Air Force +1.5 | Top | 28-31 | Win | 100 | 22 h 56 m | Show |
Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun was hired in Dec 2006 to take over for the retiring Fisher DeBerry, who in 23 seasons led the Falcons to 12 bowls (12 in his 1st 19 years, before falling off his final four). Calhoun "never missed a beat,' leading Air Force to NINE bowls in his first 10 seasons. Back-to-back 5-7 seasons followed in 2017 and '18 before an 11-2 season in 2019. COVID pretty much wiped out the school's 2020 season (3-3) but this year's team is 9-3 as it gets set to meet Louisville in the First Responder Bowl, played in Dallas at Gerald R Ford Stadium (SMU's home field). Louisville head coach Scott Satterfield was at Appalachian St when it moved up to FBS status in 2014 and went 7-5 that first season. He then led App St to four straight bowl appearances, winning the first three, before resigning before the New Orleans Bowl in 2018 to take the Louisville job. The Cardinals went 8-5 in 2019 (won the Music City Bowl over Miss St) but fell to 4-7 in 2020. The 2021 season was an up-and-down one but at 6-6, the Cards are back to being bowl eligible. The Cardinals' offense revolves around dual-threat QB Malik Cunningham, who has completed 62.0% for 2,734 yards with 18 TDs and 6 INTs. He has also run for 968 yards on 6.0 YPC with 19 TDs. He has been responsible for 37 scores and is the ONLY player in the nation who has both rushed and passed for more than 15 TDs. RB Mitchell adds 722 yards on 4.7 YPC (5 TDs), as Louisville averages 211.8 YPG (19th). That would be an impressive stat, but Air Force runs for 341.5 YPG, tops in the nation. QB Daniels has thrown for only 932 yards (5 TDs / 3 INTs) but is the team's second-leading rusher with 698 yards on 5.0 YPC with 9 TDs. Brad Roberts paces Air Force's rushing attack with 1,279 yards (4.6 YPC) and 13 TDs. Three more RBs chip in between 360 and 471 yards, averaging 6.1, 7.7 and 8.6 YPC. Moving to the defensive side of the ball, Louisville allows 27.0 PPG on 402.5 YPG. In stark contrast, Air Force has allowed 19.1 PPG (13th) on 288.8 YPG (5th). Louisville has faced EIGHT bowl-bound teams this season, going just 2-6, while allowing 33.0 PPG. Meanwhile, the 9-3 Falcons came pretty close to going 12-0 and playing for the Mountain West Conference title. Their three losses were all one-possession defeats, by a total of 17 points. Trends favoring Air Force are Louisville is a poor 1-5 ATS in its last six neutral-field contests, while Air Force is 23-9 ATS in its last 32 non-conference games. Air Force's HIGHLY underappreciated defense and its relentless ground attack (which will keep Cunningham on the sidelines) will be too much for Louisville to handle. Good luck...Larry |
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12-26-21 | Washington Football Team v. Cowboys OVER 46.5 | Top | 14-56 | Win | 100 | 51 h 21 m | Show |
My 9* Featured Sunday O/U (NFC East O/U Game of the Year) is on Was/Dal Over at 8:20 ET. The Dallas Cowboys were not on the field Thursday night but when the Titans edged the 49ers 20-17 on a FG with four seconds left in the game, Dallas became the second NFL team to clinch a 2021 playoff berth, joining the Green Bay Packers. The 10-4 Cowboys have a three-game lead over the 7-7 Philadelphia Eagles in the division race and can clinch the NFC East with a victory over the visiting 7-7 Washington Football Team on Sunday Night Football. The Dallas/Washington rivalry is among the most intense in the NFL and the two teams meet for the SECOND time in a three-week span. Dallas led that Week 14 game in Washington 24-0 at the half but despite forcing FOUR turnovers and Washington losing starting QB Taylor Heinicke to an injured knee (left and didn't return), the Cowboys needed to hang on for a 27-20 win.
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12-26-21 | Pacers v. Bulls UNDER 217.5 | Top | 105-113 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* O/U Game of the Week is on Ind/Chi Under at 8:10 ET. The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. The Pacers opened 1-6 and will enter this Christmas Day game in Chicago at 14-19, two games out of the "Play In" cut line. The Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year. However, the Bulls have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference behind Zach LaVine and the free-agent signing of DeMar DeRozan. They also picked up center Nikola Vucevic from Orlando last season (where his talents were wasted) plus added Lonzo Ball as a free agent. Like many other teams in recent weeks, the Bulls have had severe COVID issues but still enter this contest 19-10, battling 22-13 Milwaukee for the Central Division lead. The Bulls currently hold down the No. 2 seed in the East. When healthy, the Pacers have a strong five-man rotation, as all players average in double digits. PG Brogdon (19.0-5.3-6.1) leads the way, followed by PF Sabonis (18.1-11.6-4.2). SG LeVert (16.7), center Turner (13.4 & 7.5) and 6-5 rookie Duarte (13.2 & 4.1) comprise that group. The issue for Indiana for tonight's game is the Pacers are hoping that PG Malcolm Brogdon (right achilles) and forward Domantas Sabonis (right calf) will be back in the lineup. Both are listed as day-to-day after missing Thursday's 118-106 win over the Houston Rockets. Center Myles Turner, who has 17 blocks over his past five games, contributed 32 points and 10 rebounds in 37 minutes against the Rockets. The Pacers also received a boost from Caris LeVert, who filled in for Brogdon at point guard and tallied 24 points and 11 assists. There were 'whispers' that the 32-year-old DeMar DeRozan was on the downside of his career but he's been one of the best players in the NBA so far this season, averaging 26.8-5.2-4.2. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (26.0-5.3-4.2), Vucevic (15.5 & 10.4) and Ball (13.2-5.4-5.0). DeRozan missed three games due to the NBA's COVID protocols before scoring 38 points in last Sunday's 115-110 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. He then scored 26 in a 133-118 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday. Cautious optimism has the Bulls hoping the worst of the team's COVID outbreak is behind them. In fact, Sunday's game will mark the first time Chicago has had center Nikola Vucevic, forward DeMar DeRozan and guard Zach LaVine available at the same time in more than THREE weeks. The Bulls will surely remember the Pacers beating them 109-77 in Chicago back on Nov 22, meaning Chicago has lost its last SIX home games against Indiana It's time for the Bulls to say Enough is ENOUGH! We won't know until tip-off just who will or won't play for the Pacers but it's my opinion that this O/U number seems to reflect an "all hands on deck" scenario, which by no means is a guarantee. I'm going U-N-D-E-R! Good luck...Larry |
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12-26-21 | Bills +2.5 v. Patriots | Top | 33-21 | Win | 100 | 44 h 8 m | Show |
My 10* Signature 38-Club Play is on the Buf Bills at 1:00 ET. The Buffalo (8-6) came up short in a 14-10 loss to New England on a snowy and windy night on Dec 6 at Orchard Park, NY but following the Bills' 31-14 win over Carolina, and New England's 27-17 loss at Indianapolis last weekend (that snapped a 7-0 run SU & ATS by the Pats), the AFC East division is back in play this Sunday. A Buffalo win over the 9-5 Patriots would return the Bills to the top of the AFC East standings entering the final two weeks of the regular season, as a victory would give Buffalo a superior division record over New England. As for the Pats, they will be looking to bounce back from their first loss in over two months (see above). The post-bye week loss dropped the Patriots to the No. 2 seed in the AFC, behind the Kansas City Chiefs, and then they dropped to No. 3 Thursday night after the Tennessee Titans defeated the San Francisco 49ers to move to 10-5. The Patriots can clinch a playoff berth through a few different outcomes this weekend, but more importantly, they can lock up the AFC East with a win and a Miami loss on Monday night.
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12-25-21 | Colts v. Cardinals | Top | 22-16 | Loss | -110 | 75 h 32 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Arz Cards at 8:15 ET. The Indianapolis Colts opened the season 0-3 and 1-4, before winning SEVEN of their last nine (56-3 ATS) to climb back into playoff contention at 8-6. However, the Colts got some bad news on Thursday when the Titans kicked a 44-yard field goal with FOUR seconds remaining to rally from a 10-point halftime deficit to beat the 49ers 20-17. The 10-5 Titans are now a win or a Colts' loss away from clinching their second straight AFC South title. At this moment, the Colts are one FIVE teams at 8-6. The Bengals would currently win the AFC North but the Colts (thru tiebreakers), currently hold down the AFC's No. 5 seed.
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12-25-21 | Warriors v. Suns -5.5 | Top | 116-107 | Loss | -110 | 24 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* Division Game of the Year (Pacific Division) is on the Pho Suns at 5:10 ET. The teams with the two best records in the NBA will collide when the 26-6 Golden State Warriors visit the 26-5 Phoenix Suns as part of the league's Christmas showcase late Saturday afternoon. The Warriors just missed the playoffs last season, after going 15-50 the season before (preceded by FIVE straight appearances in the NBA Finals). The Suns ended a 10-year postseason drought last year by going 51-21 (one game behind the Jazz for the NBA's best regular season record) and made it all the way to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately for Phoenix fans (bettors), the Suns went up 2-0 on the Bucks but then lost FOUR in a row! The Suns enter the game with the NBA's best record, while the Warriors are just a half-game back. However, the Warriors are tied with the 22-9 Jazz for the NBA's best point-differential (plus-10.4), while The Suns are third best at plus-7.8.
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12-23-21 | 49ers v. Titans +3.5 | Top | 17-20 | Win | 100 | 27 h 46 m | Show |
My NFL 10* Thursday Game of the Year is on the Ten Titans at 8:20 ET. The SF 49ers lost 31-17 at home to Arizona on Nov 7 but they have rebounded to win FIVE of their last six to reach 8-6. San Francisco currently owns the sixth-best record in the NFC, as the 49ers head to Tennessee on Thursday night. The Titans lost their Week 1 game at home to Arizona but then won EIGHT of nine. That said, the Titans 'limp' into this contest having lost THREE of four (lone win came 20-0 over the hapless Jags) but at 9-5, still lead the AFC South by one game over the Colts. |
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12-23-21 | Fresno State v. Weber State | Top | 69-43 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on Weber St at 6:00 ET. The Fresno State Bulldogs (MWC) and the Weber State Wildcats (Big Sky) meet in college hoops action from the Dee Events Center on Thursday night. Fresno State opened 5-0 but has cooled a little bit, going 4-3 since, after losing 55-50 at Utah Tuesday. Weber State opened the season 8-0 but welcomes the Bulldogs to Ogden off THREE losses in its last four, including back-to-back home losses to Utah St (Dec 15) and BYU (Dec 18). Fresno's only double digit scorer is the 7-0 Robinson, leading the team with 18.2 PPG and a team-high 8.2 RPG. A trio of guards have played in all 12 games. They are Campbell (8.8 & 3.5), Hill (8.5) and Holland (7.3 & 5.6). Guard Stroud adds 7.0 PPG and fellow guard Ballard has returned from a shin injury to play in six straight games, averaging 5.7 PPG. The Bulldogs don't score much (66.3 PPG) but are allowing only 55.9 PPG (7th). Weber St head coach Randy Rahe is in his 16th season at Ogden. He returned two key players from last season, guard Jawara, who is averaging 12.2 PPG and the 6-6 Jones, who adds 13.4 PPG and a team-high 10.4 RPG. Marquette transfer McEwen (a guard) is the team's leading scorer at 16.4 PPG, plus 6-6 Utan Valley transfer Overton is adding 11.4 & 3.6. The 6-10 Carlson (6.6 & 2.4) and was expected to get some help from 6-9 Florida transfer Bassett up front. He just became eligible in mid-Dec and came off the bench to add 12 & 13 in his first game. However, in those back-to-back losses to Utah St and BYU he played a total of just 10 minutes. Here's the rub. Fresno is 9-3 SU and an impressive 8-3 ATS but the Bulldogs are 0-3 SU on the road. Weber St has lost THREE of four but all three have come against quality teams (Utah St and BYU at home) and Washington St on the road. Weber St was 11-0 SU at home last season and opened 4-0 at home this season, before those back-to-back losses to Utah St and BYU. I expect them to bounce back here vs an 0-3 road team like Fresno St. Weber St averages 11 points more per game than Fresno St and in the end, pulls away for a comfortable win. Good luck...Larry |
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12-23-21 | Miami-OH v. North Texas +2.5 | Top | 27-14 | Loss | -105 | 23 h 11 m | Show |
My 10* Frisco Bowl-Part 2 is on North Texas at 3:30 ET. Thursday's inaugural Frisco Football Classic was created after the regular season to help accommodate a game for every eligible team. Both the Texas Mean Green and the Miami-Ohio RedHawks finished their regular campaigns with 6-6 records with North Texas dominating previously unbeaten No. 15 UTSA at home on Nov. 27 to become bowl-eligible.
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12-22-21 | Missouri State v. St. Mary's -5.5 | Top | 58-75 | Win | 100 | 10 h 54 m | Show |
My 10* Late-Breaker is on St Mary's at 10:00 ET. The Missouri State Bears will travel to University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, Ca to take on the Saint Mary’s Gaels Wednesday night in college hoops. The Bears will take a four-game winning streak into the contest, giving them an 8-4 record. The Gaels lost last Friday night 63-53 at SD State, dropping to 10-3 to start their season. Dana Ford is in his fourth season at Missouri St and led the Bears to a 17-7 record last season plus had all FIVE starters coming back. The 6-9 Prim (19.5) was the first-ever Missouri St player to lead the MVC in scoring and this season is averaging 16.2 PPG plus a team-high 8.1 RPG. Swingman Isiaih Mosley leads the Bears in scoring (17.6 PPG) plus adds 5.3 RPG. Guard Jaylen Minnett is an IUPUI transfer averaging 13.4 PPG and returning guard Ja’Monta Black adds 10.5 PPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Missouri State. The Bears are averaging a healthy 80.2 PPG (33rd) on 47.8% shooting (38th). Randy Bennett took over at St Mary's in 2001-02 and had his first 20-win season (25-9) in 2004-05. Starting in the 2007-08 season and going through the 2019-20 season, his Gaels won 20-plus games for 13 consecutive years. That streak ended with a 14-10 record last season. Saint Mary’s has been led by the 6-10 Matthias Tass (11.6 & 5.3) and the 6-7 Dan Fotu, who comes off the bench to add 11.1 & 4.4. Starting up front with Tass is the 6-8 Bowen (5.4 & 6.6). The Gaels start three guards, Kuhse (9.5), Ducas (9.2 & 4.3) and Johnson (8.8). Saint Mary’s is averaging just 66.9 PPG (280th) but its defense is holding opponents to 58.0 PPG (22nd). Missouri St has looked good at times this season but a road trip to Moraga, Ca (where?) is never a pleasant trip for any team. The Gaels have been tough to beat at home since Bennett took over and this year is no different, as they are off to a 7-0 start. The fact that Missouri St is on an 6-1 ATS run in the role of an underdog sure makes it easy for me to say, "Lay the points!"
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12-22-21 | Clemson +3.5 v. Virginia | Top | 67-50 | Win | 100 | 11 h 15 m | Show |
My 9* Conference Game of the Month (ACC) is on Clemson at 7:00 ET. Brad Brownell arrived in Clemson for the 2010-11 season and after 11 years, he's led the Tigers to just four, 20-win season and three NCAA berths. This is his 12th season at the helm and his team enters this ACC game at UVA on the three-game winning streak to reach 8-4 (0-1 start in the ACC, losing 80-75 at Miami on Dec 5). Tony Bennett's UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. The Cavs ended last season 18-7, after a first-round NCAA loss to 13th-seed Ohio U. In Clemson's five-point loss at Miami in their ACC opener, the Tigers turned the ball over 18 times. Clemson led for more than 35 minutes against the Hurricanes before being done in by a late 19-5 run by Miami. The good news is that Clemson has won THREE straight since that loss and one must note that Clemson has excellent balance, with FIVE players averaging in double figures. The 6-10 P.J. Hall leads the way with 14.7 PPG (adds 6.3 RPG), joined up front by the 6-8 Hunter Tyson (11.3 & 6.1), The Tigers start three guards, Al-Amir Dawes (11.7), David Collins (11.7 & 6.9) and Nick Honor (10.2). The only returning starter for UVA is PG Clark (9.8 & 4.2 APG). Guard Beekman (6.1-3.9-4.6) is back, as is the 6-11 Shedrick (6.6 & 5.4), but UVA's two-most important players are transfers. The 6-6 Gardner comes from East Carolina and leads in scoring (15.3) and rebounding (8.3) plus guard Franklin comes via Indiana and chips in 11.4 PPG. As always, Bennett's team is one of the nation's best defensive squads in the nation, allowing just 55.2 PPG (6th). The 7-4 Cavs (1-0 in the ACC, edging Pitt at home by one point!) are jumping into the meat of their Atlantic Coast Conference schedule trying to find some continuity in what has already been an up-and-down season. The Cavs should be confident, as the Tigers have not managed to beat Virginia since January 2013, losing 11 in a row! Am I 'spitting into the wind' here by taking Clemson? It's possible but I really like Clemson's balance and I'll note that the Cavs played at James Madison back on Dec 7 with an 11-0 all-time record against their intrastate rival and LOST, 52-49 as a 4.5-point favorite. Virginia is just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 as a home favorite. Clemson says ENOUGH is ENOUGH. Take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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12-22-21 | Arizona +2 v. Tennessee | Top | 73-77 | Loss | -112 | 11 h 14 m | Show |
My 9* Marquee Classic is on Arizona at 7:00 ET. Sean Miller was fired after 12 seasons in Tucson and longtime Gonzaga assistant Tommy Lloyd was hired (his first head coach gig). Lloyd learned more than a little about winning while at Gonzaga and his first Arizona team, unranked at the start of the season, has opened 11-0 and currently owns the AP's No. 6 ranking. Tennessee head coach Rick Barbnes has been a winner at every stop, with three NCAA berths at Providence, three in four years at Clemson and 16 in 17 years at Texas. This is his seventh season at Tennessee and he's led the Vols to three NCAA berths the last four years (exception was when COVID shut down the postseason). This year's team opened has opened 8-2 in his seventh season at Tennessee. The Vols opened the season at No. 18 and comes in ranked 19th. Tennessee is also efficient on offense. Through the weekend, the Volunteers ranked fourth in the nation in assist/turnover ratio (1.80), fifth in turnover margin (plus-7.1) and sixth in assists per game (19.3). Guards Chandler (14.6 & 5.4 APG) and Vescovi (13.1-4.4-3.4) lead the scoring, with the 6-8 Nkamhoua (9.4 & 6.0) and the 6-9 Fulkerson (8.3 & 6.2) starting up front. 6-6 guard Jordan-James missed a few games but is back in the starting lineup, averaging 5.9 & 6.0. Defense is a Rick Barnes specialty and his team is allowing just 57.9 PPG (20th). |
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12-21-21 | San Diego State +2.5 v. UTSA | Top | 38-24 | Win | 100 | 110 h 3 m | Show |
My 10* Frisco Bowl play is on San Diego St at 7:30 ET. UTSA (12-1) of Conference USA is in just its 10th season as an FBS program and is looking for its initial bowl victory. The school also has a chance to notch a rare 13th victory. The Roadrunners' opponent in the Frisco Bowl is San Diego State (11-2) of the Mountain West Conference. The Aztecs are looking to win 12 games for the first time in the school's Division I history (school has had 11-win seasons) in 1969, 2015 and 2016.
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12-21-21 | Delaware +6.5 v. Iona | Top | 72-83 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 36 m | Show |
My 9* Las vegas Insider is on Delaware at 7:30 ET. The Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens and the Iona Gaels meet Tuesday in a non-conference contest from UBS Arena. Both teams had COVID-shortened season a year ago but both are off to strong starts this season, as Delaware (of the CAA) is 9-3 and Ions (MAAC) is 9-2.
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12-21-21 | Marshall +3.5 v. Toledo | Top | 63-95 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 42 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on Marshall at 7:00 ET. The 7-5 Marshall Thundering Herd and the 7-3 Toledo Rockets hook up tonight from Toledo's Savage Arena. Marshall looks to bounce back from a 75-60 loss to Northern Iowa last time out, while Toledo looks to rebound from a 72-69 loss at the hands of Richmond in its last game.
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12-21-21 | Fresno State v. Utah -3 | Top | 50-55 | Win | 100 | 9 h 28 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Utah at 7:00 ET. Once upon a time, Fresno St and Utah were Western Athletic Conference rivals. However, when the Bulldogs and Utes meet tonight in Salt Lake City, Fresno State is a member of the MWC and Utah is part of the Pac 12. Fresno State opened 5-0 but has cooled a little bit, going 4-2 since to enter 9-2.Utah also opened 5-0 but has lost FOUR of its last six and comes into the contest just 7-4. The 7-0 Robinson is the lone frontcourt player of note and is Fresno's ONLY double digit scorer, leading the team with 18.3 PPG and a team-high 8.1 RPG. The trio of guards who have played in all 11 games are Campbell (9.5 & 3.5), Hill (8.5 & 3.1) and Holland (7.2 & 5.3). Guard Ballard matched Robinson with 18 points in Fesno's last game and his 18 points were EIGHT more than he'd totaled in his first four games after returning from a shin injury (he's averaging 5.6 PPG in five games).. Craig Smith is in his first season as Utah's head coach (had a great three-year run at Utah St in going 74-24) but saw the team's best player Timmy Allen (17.2 & 6.4) transfer to Texas. However, key returning players from last year's team are the 7-0 Carlson and the 6-9 Battin (6.5 & 4.5). Carlson leads the team in scoring with 13.7 (adds 6.0 RPG) but has missed recently with COVID-19-related issues and likely won't return until the Utes' Dec. 30 Pac-12 game at Oregon State. Guards Wosrster (7.9 & 4.5) and Anthony (7.8 & 7.4) followed Smith from Utah St plus guard Jenkins (12,4) came via UNLV and guard Gach, who started at Utah but moved on Minnesota, returned this year to play for Smith and is second to Carlson with 13.4 PPG. Here's the rub. Fresno St is not just 9-2 SU but is also 8-2 ATS but both losses have come on the road, at Cal and San Francisco. Yes, Carlson is missed but the Utes are 5-1 at home, with the lone loss coming to rival BYU. A home meeting against a former rival should be "just what the doctor ordered," as Utah looks to head back into Pac 12 play on Dec 30 (has opened 1-1 in league play). No Carlson means a 'cheaper' price and I'm laying it! Good luck...Larry |
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12-20-21 | Vikings v. Bears +6.5 | Top | 17-9 | Loss | -102 | 14 h 44 m | Show |
My 10* Division Game of the Month (NFC North) is on the Chi Bears at 8:15 ET. The 6-7 Minnesota Vikings will look to bolster their chances of making the playoffs when they visit the Chicago Bears on Monday night. Minnesota is among a crowded group of NFC teams that are chasing potential wild-card berths. The Vikings are coming off a 36-28 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and have THREE wins in their last five games. The Vikings will move up to the No. 7 spot if they beat the Bears on Monday night and they'll stay there if Washington loses Tuesday to the Eagles. The homestanding Chicago Bears enter the contest 4-9 and just looking for a bright spot in what has been a dreary season. The Bears have SEVEN of theri last eight. Rookie QB Justin Fields has offered glimpses of his potential but he also has endured growing pains in his first season out of Ohio State. There are NO 'growing pains' for Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins, who is completing 66.9% for 3,569 yards with 27 TDs and 5 INTs (103.5 rating). RB Cook returned in Week 14 to run for 205 yards and two TDs in the win over Pittsburgh. He needs only 22 rushing yards to reach the 1,000-yard milestone for the third season in a row. He is averaging 119.7 yards from scrimmage (97.8 rushing, 21.9 receiving) in 10 games this season. WR Justin Jefferson (2,688) needs 68 receiving yards for the most in NFL history in a player's first two seasons in the Super Bowl era. He has 85 catches (15.2 YPC) and 8 TDs. WR Thielen has 64 catches and 10TDs but missed last week (he's questionable here). The Vikings average 26.5 PPG (9th) but allow 25.6 PPG (25th). I referred to Fields earlier and he enters (in 11 games) completing just 57.6% for 1,585 with 6 TDs and 10 INTs. He did pass frpo 224 yards with two TDs plus ran for 74 more yards last week vs Green Bay but also threw two INTs. Chicago led the Packers 27-21 at the half but got outscored 24-3 in the second half. That game kind of sums up Chicago's 4-9 season. RB Montgomery has 608 yards on 4.2 YPC with 4 TDs and the Chicago receiving corps is very mediocre. The Bears average only 17.8 PPG (28th) and allow 25.5 PPG (24th). There every reason to think Minnesota should win this game but I'm guessing MOST thought that the Bucs(at home) would beat the Saints! Final Score: Saints 9 Bucs 0! The Vikings nearly blew a 29-0 lead last week, hanging on by forcing an incomplete pass in the end zone on the final play. Minnesota has been wildly inconsistent this season, so how can one trust them? Note that the Bears have won FIVE of the last six meetings between these two "Black & Blue" division rivals. Want more? Cousins enter the NFL in 2012 and in his career with Washington and Minnesota, owns an 0-9 record on MNF. Take the points! Good luck...Larry |
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12-19-21 | Kansas State v. Nebraska | Top | 67-58 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 58 m | Show |
My 10* Mid-West Crusher is on Nebraska at 6:00 ET. Kansas State and Nebraska were longtime rivals in the Big 8 and Big 12, before Nebraska left to join the Big Ten. The last meeting was Kansas State's 61-57 victory in Lincoln back on Feb 23, 2011, its fifth straight win over Nebraska. The two former conference rivals are set to renew acquaintances for the first time in nearly 11 years Sunday in Lincoln, Ne. The schools are beginning a three-game series that also calls for games in Manhattan next season and in Kansas City in 2023. The series was initially slated to begin last season before being pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wildcats head coach Bruce Weber said it was important to him to get the Cornhuskers back on the docket. "It's a great rivalry in K-State history," Weber told reporters. "I got here (in 2012) and it was sad that Nebraska is two hours away and Missouri is three hours away and we're not getting to play those guys. ... I think it's good for (college) basketball and it's good for us."
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12-19-21 | Bengals +3 v. Broncos | Top | 15-10 | Win | 100 | 102 h 35 m | Show |
My 10* "Signature" LEGEND Play is on the Cin Bengals at 4:05 ET. Cincy QB Joe Burrow was limited to 10 games as a rookie and the Bengals finished 4-11-1. It was the franchise's 5th consecutive losing season, after being a playoff team, in SIX of seven seasons between 2009-15. The Broncos would go 5-11 in 2020, the team's FIFTH consecutive losing season as well, after winning the team's third Super Bowl ring in the 2015 season. The Bengals were 7-4 after a 41-10 Week 12 win over Pittsburgh but then dropped the last two games (BOTH at home), 41-22 to the Chargers and 26-23 in OT vs the 49ers. The Broncos surprised most (all?) by opening 3-0, but promptly lost FOUR in a row. However, Denver has recovered to win FOUR of its last six and now matches the Bengals at 7-6. The Bengals are still right in the AFC North race (Ravens lead at just 8-4) but the Broncos are hardly a threat in the AFC West, as the Chiefs are 9-4, after winning FOUR in a row. That said, BOTH are in a jam-packed race for one of three AFC wild card spots. Burrow comes in completing 68.8% for 3,483 yards with 25 TDs and 14 INTs (QB rating of 100.6). RB Mixon is having a creer season, rushing for 1,038 yards and 12 TDs, plus has 28 catches for two more scores. LSU rookie WR Chase (No. 5 overall pick) leads with 60 catches (17.3 YPC / 10 TDs) and Higgins is up to 57 catches (14.2 YPC / 4 TDs), having caught 20 pases the last three games, after missing two games. The third WR is Boyd (55 catches / 2 TDs) plus TE Uzomah has 37 catches and 5 TDs. Cincy allows 22.5 PPG (17th) but note that's an improvement over the last seasons, when the Bengals allowed an average of 27.1 PPG. Denver QB Bridgewater flies under the radar, completing 67.6 % for 2,954 yards with 18 TDs and 7 INTs. His WR group can't match Burrow's, with Sutton (48 catches / 2 TDs) and Patrick (42 catches / 4 TDs). However, TE Fant leads the team with 53 catches. Denver has two RBs with over 700 yards rushing, Williams (743 / 4.8 YPC / 3 TDs) and Gordon (716 / 4.8 / 7 TDs), which gives Denver an edge in that department. The Broncos also own the edge defensively, allowing 17.5 PPG, 2nd-best in the entire NFL. Two fumbled punts by Cincinnati returner Darius Phillips led to 10 first-half points for the 49ers last Sunday. A taunting call against Bengals safety Vonn Bell extended the second of those Niners drives, which ended in a 14-yard TD pass from Garoppolo to Kittle that gave San Francisco a 17-6 halftime lead. However, Burrow showed how much he's grown this season by leading two late 4th-quarter drives, both ending with a TD pass to Chase. The Bengals took the lead in OT with a FG but lost on a San Francisco TD. As for Denver, after pregame tributes to WR Thomas, the Broncos, notorious slow starters, scored TDs on their first two drives. The first quarter ended with the Broncos holding a 14-0 lead, an 11-0 advantage in FDs and a yardage disparity of 135 to minus-1. The final was 38-10, as the Lions fell to 1-11-1 on the season. Both teams are 7-6 and the winner here would own the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage, although with some many teams in the mix, other tiebreakers may decide things. However, as I noted at the top, the Bengals still have a real shot at winning the division. After two back-to-back home losses, getting a road game, where the Bengals are 4-2, is NOT a bad thing. In the end, I also like Burrow over Bridgeater in 'crunch time.' That said, I don't expect there to be 'crunch time,' as the Bengals win "with room to spare!" Good luck...Larry |
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12-19-21 | Titans v. Steelers +2.5 | Top | 13-19 | Win | 100 | 99 h 31 m | Show |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Pit Steelers at 1:00 ET. The 9-5 Tennessee Titans entered Week 15 in a three-way tie atop the AFC standings with four games remaining. They are battling the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs for the conference's top seed and only postseason bye. However, the Chiefs got an early start to the week winning in LA over the Chargers on Thursday, moving to 10-4. The Pats play Saturday at Indy, so the Titans could take the field needing to win to keep pace with those teams. Are the Titans really rooting for AFC South rival Indy to beat the Colts? Heading into Week 15, the 8-6 Colts are still within striking distance of the Titans (two back with four to go). As for the Steelers, they are just 6-6-1 and in last place in the AFC North. However, the division is still "up for grabs," as the Ravens lead at 8-5, with the Bengals and Browns at 7-6. QB Ben Roethlisberger still believes the Pittsburgh Steelers have what it takes to be a playoff team. However, time is running out to prove it. |
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12-19-21 | Jets v. Dolphins OVER 41 | Top | 24-31 | Win | 100 | 68 h 19 m | Show |
My 9* NFL Featured O/U is on the NJY/Mia Over at 1:00 ET. The Jets drafted BYU's Zach Wilson No. 2 in the 2021 Draft, right after the Jags took Trevor Lawrence, hoping that he would develop into the franchise QB the team has been searching for the last few decades. The early returns? Not so good! The Dolphins are led by QB Tua Tagovailoa, who was the 5th overall pick in the 2020 Draft. Things are going MUCH better for Tua, as he and the Dolphins welcome the Jets to Hard Rock Stadium for this Week 15 contest. The 3-10 Jets have already been eliminated from playoff contention for a franchise-record 11th consecutive year, which is also the longest active drought in the NFL Meanwhile, the Dolphins are looking to extend their 5-0 SU & ATS winning streak to six games on Sunday. Miami opened last season 1-3 but won NINE of its final 12 games (5-1 at home, losing only to KC), to just miss the playoffs at 10-6. Optimism was high entering 2021 but after a 17-16 win at New England in Week 1, the Dolphins lost SEVEN straight games. However, Miami has rebounded with a 5-0 SU & ATS run. Tua regained the starting QB job (injury/poor play) and has led the team in the last four wins. In his team's last three games, Tua has focused on staying in the pocket (just nine rush attempts), completing 80% of his 105 pass attempts with five TD passes and just one INT. Miami's running game is actually worse than New York's, averaging 79.2 YPG (31st)but Tua does have two impressive 'targets' in rookie WR Waddle (86 catches) and TE Gesicki (59 catches). |
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12-18-21 | Oregon State -7 v. Utah State | Top | 13-24 | Loss | -110 | 59 h 41 m | Show |
My 9* Bowl Opener (LA Bowl) is on Oregon St at 7:30 ET. Anyone ever think there would be a Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl? Well there is and the 7-5 Oregon St Beavers of the Pac 12 will take on the 10-3 Utah St Aggies, the newly crowned champions of the MWC, after they impressively beat San Diego St 46-13 in the MWC championship game back on Dec 4.
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12-18-21 | Dayton v. Ole Miss -3 | Top | 68-76 | Win | 100 | 8 h 20 m | Show |
My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on Ole Miss at 6:30 ET. The Dayton Flyers opened the season 1-3 but have won SIX of their last seven, including a 74-73 upset of then-No. 4 Kansas, to reach 7-4. The Ole Miss Rebels are 7-3, as they welcome Dayton to Oxford in this con-conference affair.
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12-18-21 | North Texas v. Wichita State -2.5 | Top | 62-52 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 35 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Wichita St at 4:00 ET. The North Texas Mean Green and the Wichita State Shockers face off on Saturday in college hoops at Charles Koch Arena. North Texas comes into this game with a 6-3 record overall, while Wichita State is 8-2 record. Grant McCasland took over at North Texas starting in the 2017-18 season and won 20, 210 and 20 games. However, while last year's team won just 18 games, the Mean Green won the C-USA tourney and then upset 4th-seeded Purdue in OT in the first round of the Big Dance. Over at Wichita St, Gregg Marshall was forced out at Wichita St (verbal and physical abuse of players) and Isaac Brown took over, leading the Shockers to a 16-6 season, where they lost in the NCAA's First Four.
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12-18-21 | Indiana v. Notre Dame +4 | Top | 64-56 | Loss | -107 | 8 h 32 m | Show |
My 9* Daydream Believer is on Notre Dame at 2:30 ET. The Crossroads Classic in Indianapolis has featured Butler, Indiana, Notre Dame and Purdue but those schools have chosen against renewing the contract. Ostensibly, they are creating opportunities to schedule other non-conference teams. That means the 11-year event will come to a close on Saturday. Indiana comes in 8-2 under Mike Woodson, who is in his first season coaching his alma mater. As for 4-4 Notre Dame, head coach Mike Brey is in his 27th season at South Bend.
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12-17-21 | Grizzlies v. Kings +5.5 | Top | 124-105 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 32 m | Show |
My 10* Western Conference Game of the Month is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET. The 18-11 Memphis Grizzlies are in Sacramento Friday night to take on the 12-17 Kings. The Grizz are wrapping up a brief two-game West Coast swing, after winning 113-103 Wednesday night in Portland. These two teams will be meeting for a second time this season (a third matchup, also in Sacramento, is just nine days away), after the Grizzlies won 128-101 at home back on Nov 28. That contest was the first game after PG Ja Morant (24.1-5.6-6.8) injured his knee. Despite playing without Morant, who sprained his left knee and later entered the league's health and safety protocols, Memphis has won FOUR in a row and nine of 10 since a disappointing 9-10 start. We all know that Sacramento hasn't made the playoffs for 15 straight seasons The Kings fired Luke Walton after a 6-11 start, ending, at least for now, his legendary 166-241 (.408) record as an NBA head coach. The Kings have shown some 'life' and progress since being led by interim head coach Alvin Gentry but Gentry tested positive for COVID-19 this week and Doug Christie stepped in for him and directed a come-from-behind 119-105 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. Christie is a former Kings player and broadcaster, who was named assistant coach just this season. He was given the game ball afterward and showed his pride after the team ended a three-game losing streak. "I've done radio; I've done television. There's no other place I'd rather be than on the court with our team," Christie said. "It's joyous for me in ways I can't even explain." Dillon Brooks (18.3) is the team's leading scorer with Morant sidelined, while PF Jackson has returned healthy this season to average 16.4 & 5.3. The real surprise has been SG Bane, who is averaging 16.2 PPG, after averaging 9.2 PPG as a rookie. The addition of center Adams (7.0 & 8.8) has turned out fine, although one CAN'T convince me the Grizzlies don't miss Valanciunas and his 17.1 & 12.5 from last season! I've been saying the same thing for the last two seasons, the Kings have way more talent than their record indicates. Maybe Gentry, whom players like, can get the most out of these perennial underachievers. PG Fox (21.3 & 5.0 APG) is joined on the perimeter by fellow starter Haliburton (11.5 & 5.7 APG) and Hield (15.6 & 4.0), who seems fine coming off the bench these days. Undersized center Holmes (14.0 & 9.3) has developed into a quality big man, but he is expected to miss again here with an eye injury. SF Barnes (17.5 & 6.6) has been terrific since arriving in Sacramento a few years ago and he led the comeback Wednesday, scoring 15 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter. Congrats to the Grizz for their recent play but I believe they have played "over the heads." As for the Kings, they are in a solid recent ATS situation, having gone 7-2 ATS in their last nine as a home underdog in the +3.5 to +6.5 points range. Take those points but I'm issuing an "Upset Alert!" Good luck...Larry |
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12-17-21 | Lakers v. Wolves -2 | Top | 92-110 | Win | 100 | 11 h 53 m | Show |
My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Min T-wolves at 10:10 ET. The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off a 107-104 OT win against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, which included a game-winning three-pointer from rookie Austin Reaves. The win was LA's third in a row to get back to .500 at 16-16. They will try to win four games in a row for the FIRST time this season when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Minneapolis. The Timberwolves are back home after notching back-to-back road victories over the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets. Their latest win, a 124-107 decision over Denver, tied for the team's second-highest point total this season. The two-game 'mini' winning streak ended a five-game slide, as Minnesota looks for a THIRD straight win tonight with a 13-15 record on the season. LBJ leads Los Angeles with 26.1 points per game to go along with 5.9 rebounds and 6.9 assists. Anthony Davis is next with 23.8 points and a team-high 10.2 rebounds. Both have been bothered with injuries this season and LBJ is currently dealing with an abdominal issue and Davis with a knee issue. However, they are both expected to play. However, the mood was dampened Thursday with news that the Lakers' starting backcourt of Russell Westbrook (19.6-7.8-8.4and Avery Bradley were placed into COVID-19 protocols and are not expected to play Friday. They join teammates Talen Horton-Tucker, Dwight Howard and Malik Monk in protocols. The Minnesota Timberwolves made Karl-Anthony Towns the No. 1 overall pick in 2015 and the LA Lakers made D'Angelo Russell the No. 2 pick of that same draft. Towns has been the 'centerpiece' (pardon the pun) of the T-wolves since joining the team but now Russell, who has had a nomadic career, is making a big impact with the T-wolves as Towns' teammate. Throw in swingman Anthony Edwards, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2020 Draft and the T-wolves own quite a trio. Towns is averaging 24.3 & 9.0, Edwards 22.1-5.8-3.6 and Russell 18.8-4.1-6.4. Yes, LA is going for a fourth straight win but the two previous wins (before Dallas), came over 5-24 Orlando and 8-19 OKC. Alos, as noted above, LA's protocol 'list' is a full one! Meanwhile, let me note that with Russell out, the T-wolves are j 0-45 but with him playing, they are 13-10. Russell should enjoy picking up a "W' against the team that drafted him. My bet says it comes "with room to spare! Good luck...Larry |
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12-17-21 | St. Mary's v. San Diego State +3.5 | Top | 53-63 | Win | 100 | 15 h 53 m | Show |
My 10* West Coast Crusher is on San Diego St at 10:00 ET. The Saint Mary’s Gaels and the San Diego State Aztecs meet tonight at Viejas Arena in San Diego. These are two high-quality programs. Randy Bennett took over at St Mary's in 2001-02 and had his first 20-win season (25-9) in 2004-05. Starting in the 2007-08 season and going through the 2019-20 season, his Gaels won 20-plus games for 13 consecutive years. That streak ended with a 14-10 record last season. Brain Dutcher was a longtime assistant under Steve Fisher (beginning in Michigan) and lasting through all of Fisher's great teams at SD St. Fisher stepped away and Dutcher took over in the 2017-18 season, going 22-11, 21-13, 30-2 and 23-5 the previous four years. Saint Mary's is coming off of an easy beat down of Cal State Stanislaus in their last game and visits San Diego with an 8-2 record. The 6-7 Fotu is coming off the bench but is the Gaels' top scorer at 12.8 PPG (adds 4.7 RPG). The 6-10 Tass (11.6 & 5.4) is the only other double-digit scorer and is joined in the starting lineup by guards Ducas (9.6 & 4.2), Kuhse (9.3), and Johnson (9.3) plus Bowen (5.6 & 6.5), the team's top rebounder. Great balance and a team that allows just 57.6 PPG (1th). The Aztecs lost forward Mitchell (15.4 & 5.6) and guard Schakel (14.4) from last season (the top-two scorers). However, Matt Bradley, who was an All Pac 12 player at Cal last season averaging 18.0 & 4.6 LY, leads SDSU with 15.0 PPG (adds 4.8 RPG). He is joined by three more guards in the starting lineup, Pulliman (10.9-3.4-3.3), Johnson (5.7 & 4.1) and Seiko (4.6) plus the 6-10 Mensah (7.4 & 7.7). Like St Mary's, SDSU also knows something about playing defense (is allowing 59.2 PPG to rank 28th). The 8-2 Gaels have only lost to 9-2 Wisconsin (neutral site) and now-No.23 Colorado St (10-0). Meanwhile, while SDSU is just 6-3, all three losses have come to quality programs, BYU (on the road), now-No. 10 USC (10-0) on a neutral court and then-No.24 Michigan on the road. The Aztecs are 5-0 at home this season and are now 59-8 SU at home in Dutcher's four-plus seasons! That and I'm getting a few points! Too good to pass up! Good luck...Larry |
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12-15-21 | Wolves v. Nuggets UNDER 219 | Top | 124-107 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 7 m | Show |
My NBA 10* O/U Game of the Week is on Min/Den Under at 9:10 ET. The Minnesota Timberwolves made Karl-Anthony Towns the No. 1 overall pick in 2015 and the LA Lakers made D'Angelo Russell the No. 2 pick of that same draft. Towns has been the 'centerpiece' (pardon the pun) of the T-wolves since joining the team but now Russell, who has had a nomadic career, is making a big impact with the T-wolves as Towns' teammate. Throw in swingman Anthony Edwards, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2020 Draft and the T-wolves own quite a trio. That said, Minnesota visits Pepsi Center to take on the Nuggets, with just a 12-15 record.
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12-15-21 | Utah State v. Weber State +3.5 | Top | 95-80 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 9 m | Show |
My 10 CBB Weekly Wipeout is on Weber St at 9:00 ET.
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12-15-21 | Hornets +4 v. Spurs | Top | 131-115 | Win | 100 | 11 h 21 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Cha Hornets at 8:40 ET. The 15-14 Charlotte Hornets head to San Antion Wednesday night off a 120-96 road loss in Dallas on Monday. That was the first contest of a six-game road trip taking the Hornets to Portland, Phoenix, Utah and Denver after palying the Spurs. For San Antonio, this contest marks the final one of a five-game stretch at home. The Spurs beat the Pelicans 112-97 on Sunday, evening their record to 2-2 on the homestand. However, the Spurs check in at a disappointing 10-16 on the season. The Hornets have been shackled by COVID-19, as they played Dallas without Mason Plumlee, Jalen McDaniels, LaMelo Ball and Ish Smith because of the virus. That said, the only REAL loss there is Ball, who is having a terrific sophomore season (20.0-7.7-8.3). The good news was that Terry Rozier (17.9-3.6-3.5) returned to the team from the league's health and safety protocol in time to score 20 points in the loss to Dallas. Forwards Bridges (19.8 & 7.3) and Hayward (17,6-4.9-4.0) have each played all 29 games, as has swingman Oubre (17.0 & 4.2). Plumlee (6.8 & 7.3) had been solid at center but PJ Washington (10.6 & 5.1) has started in his place and has been more than adequate. There is talk that Plumlee may be back tonight. The Spurs have SEVEN players averaging in double digits, led by Murray (18.0-8.4-8.3). Forwards Johnson (14.5 & 6.2) and McDermott (11.1) join center Poeltl (12.4 & 9.1) up front, while Murray is joined on the perimeter by White (13.9 & 5.1 APG), Vassell (11.2) and Walker (10.6). Somehow, with this roster, 'Pop' should have a better record than 10-16. Through all its issues, the Hornets were on a FIVE-game winning ATS run prior to Monday's blowout loss in Dallas. Charlotte has a tough road ahead of them (see above) and that means getting a win here has to be pretty important. That's my call against the underachieving Spurs. Take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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12-15-21 | South Dakota State +4.5 v. Missouri State | Top | 63-75 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 11 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on South Dakota St at 7:00 ET. The 9-3 South Dakota State Jackrabbits and the 6-4 Missouri State Bears meet from the JQH Arena in Springfield, Mo on Wednesday night. The Jackrabbits are looking to build off a 77-74 win over Washington State last time out. The Bears are coming off a 69-60 win over Oral Roberts in their last game.
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12-14-21 | Arizona State +8 v. Creighton | Top | 58-57 | Win | 100 | 12 h 37 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on Arizona St at 8:00 ET. The Arizona State Sun Devils and the Creighton Bluejays meet in college hoops action from the CHI Health Center Omaha on Tuesday night. Bobby Hurley, a member of "the famous Coaching Hurleys," is in his seventh season at ASU but after three straight 20-win seasons, his team fell to 11-14 (7-10 in the Pac 12) last season. The Sun Devils are off to a disappointing 4-6 start to open the current season and that's only because they come in off back-to-back wins. Creighton lost all FIVE starters from last year's 22-9 team that made a Sweet 16 appearance. It was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Coach McDermott but the Bluejays are 8-2. The Sun Devils have all sorts of problems 'scoring the ball,' as ASU enters averaging 64.7 PPG (309th). ASU was just 2-6 after losing 51-29 at home to Washington St on Dec 1. That loss may just have been the 'wake up call' this team needed, as ASU won 69-67 in OT at Oregon (Dec 9) and then followed with a 67-62 home win over a 7-1 Grand Canyon team on Dec 11. Arizona State's scoring issues have suffered because returning guard Bagley (10.8 PPG) was lost to a knee injury after just THREE games (was averaging 10.4). That leaves two double digit scorers in guard Horne (13.2) and the 6-6 Lawrence (11.4 & 8.5). Hurley was really counting on Toledo grad transfer Jackson, who was the MAC player-of-the-year last season, averaging 18.1-6.2-5.9. However, his scoring has been cut by more than half (8.2 PPG), while adding 4.2 RPG and 4.2 APG. The othr two starters are guard Muhammad (7.4) and the 6-9 Graham (5.6 & 3.0). Guard Heath (8.9) is the best reserve. Creighton has rebuilt quickly. The starting guards are freshman Nembhard (13.1-3.7-4.6) and O'Connell (3.4 PPG last year), who is averaging 11.3 & 5.3 this season. 7-1 center Kalkbrenner returned (5.9 & 3.5 LY) and is a 'new man,' averaging 12.4 & 6.4. The 6-7 Hawkins is a Div II transfer and chips in 14.5 & 6.5 plus 6-7 freshman Kaluma adds 8.9 & 4.5. 8-2 Creighton got off to its best start since winning its first 13 games in the 2016-17 campaign and those two losses have come to Colorado St (10-0 and now ranked No. 23) and Iowa St (10-0 and now ranked No. 11). The Bluejays are off a nice 83-71 neutral-site win over then-No. 24 BYU. However, I also remember Creighton's less-than-impressive wins against Kennesaw State (4-6) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-10) early in the year. Coach Hurley has made adjustments that have paid major dividends over the last week and I look for that progression to continue here for the hungry visiting side. As for Creighton, the Bluejays could be forgiven for 'peeking ahead' to Friday's Big East opener against No. 9 Villanova. Grab the points. Good luck...Larry |
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12-13-21 | Rams +2.5 v. Cardinals | Top | 30-23 | Win | 100 | 15 h 32 m | Show |
My 10* MNF Magic is on the LA Rams at 8:15 ET. Kyler Murray was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 Draft and in his first two seasons, the Cards went 5-10-1 and 8-8. However, he and his team opened the current season 7-0 before losing to Green Bay in Week 8. More bad news followed, as Murray was sidelined with an ankle in Weeks 9-11, although the Cards were able to go 2-1. Week 12 brought a bye and Murray returned in Week 13 in a 33-22 win at Chicago (two TD passses / 2 rushing TDs). The 10-2 Cardinals can essentially put the NFC West out of reach with a victory, which would be their second over the 8-4 Rams this season. Each team has four games remaining after Monday. |
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12-13-21 | Warriors v. Pacers +4.5 | Top | 102-100 | Win | 100 | 11 h 9 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Ind Pacers at 7:10 ET. There can be no doubt that the Warriors are back, even with Klay Thompson and last year's overall No. 2 draft pick (James Wiseman) still sidelined. Stephen Curry takes his pursuit of the NBA's all-time 3-point record on the road but much more importantly, he's been a great leader that has Golden St at 21-5, a half-game behind the 21-4 Suns for the NBA's best record. The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. The Pacers opened 1-6 and were just 6-11 thru Nov 19. The Pacers did win three of four (reaching 9-12) but then lost FOUR in a row before ending that skid last Monday night with a 116-110 win over the Wizards. Indiana added home wins Wednesday (122-102 over the NYK) and Friday (106-93 over Dallas). Still, the Pacers are just 12-16 on the season.
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12-13-21 | Kings v. Raptors OVER 220.5 | Top | 101-124 | Win | 100 | 9 h 55 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Sac/Tor Over at 7:10 ET. The Sacramento Kings are trying to salvage one win from a three-game road trip. They lost 124-123 to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, ending a three-game winning streak, and then lost 117-103 at Cleveland on Saturday. The Kings are in Toronto tonight to face the Raptors, who are hoping to complete their seven-game homestand with a winning record. The Raptors evened their record on the homestand to 3-3 with a 90-87 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday.
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12-12-21 | Bills +3.5 v. Bucs | Top | 27-33 | Loss | -108 | 11 h 10 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Buf Bills at 4:25 ET. The Buffalo Bills were 13-3 last season and played in the AFC championship game. Along with KC, they came into the season as one of the favorites to be in that AFC title game again, but the Bills are just 7-5 as they visit Raymond James Stadium Sunday afternoon to face the 9-3 Bucs, the defending Super Bowl champs. After losing at home 14-10 to the Pats last Monday, the 7-5 Bills trail the 9-4 Pats in the AFC East. New England is on its bye in Week 14, so a win moves the Bills to 8-5 and ONE game back, but a loss drops them to 7-6, TWO games back. That's a BIG difference with just four games remaining. Meanwhile, the Bucs can clinch the NFC South title with a victory over Buffalo and a loss or tie by both the New Orleans Saints (5-7) and Carolina Panthers (5-7). The Saints visit the New York Jets (3-9) on Sunday, while the Panthers host the Atlanta Falcons (5-7).
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12-12-21 | Villanova +5 v. Baylor | Top | 36-57 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 27 m | Show |
My 10* Marquee Classic is on Villanova at 3:00 ET. Talk about a marquee classic! It doesn't get too much better than No. 6 Villanova and No. 2 Baylor when the two BKB powers square off today from the Ferrell Center in Waco, Tx. on Sunday afternoon. 'Nova head coach Jay Wright owns two national titles and what Baylor's head coach Scott Drew has done in his near-two-decade run in Waco, has been nothing short of miraculous. Drew's program has overcome the murder of a player, a cover up by the school's previous head coach and severe NCAA sanctions to become one of CBB's elite programs, 'putting a cherry on top' with the school's first-ever NCAA championship by routing 31-0 Gonzaga in the national championship game.
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12-12-21 | Ravens v. Browns OVER 41.5 | Top | 22-24 | Win | 100 | 104 h 2 m | Show |
My 9* Featured NFL Sunday O/U is on Bal/Cle Over at 1:00 ET. The Steelers survived a game-winning two-point conversion for the Ravens o in Week 12, holding on for a 20-19 win. Heading into Week 14, the AFC North looked like this, Baltimore was 8-4, Cincinnati 7-5 (off a humbling home loss to the Chargers), Pittsburgh 6-5-1 and the Browns 6-6 (Week 13 bye). The Steelers were the first AFC North team to play in Week 14, losing 36-28 Thursday night in Minnesota to fall to 6-6-1. The Bengals are set to host the 6-6 49ers in a 4:25 start and at 1:00 ET, the Ravens and Browns will meet in Cleveland. Baltimore just won 16-10 over visiting Cleveland in Week 12, a mere two weeks ago. Since the Browns had a bye last week, they now become the first NFL team in 30 years to play consecutive regular-season games against the same opponent. Seattle did it last in 1991.
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12-12-21 | Cowboys -4 v. Washington Football Team | Top | 27-20 | Win | 100 | 74 h 26 m | Show |
My NFL 10* ONE & ONLY Game of the Year is on the Dal Cowboys at 1:00 ET. Jason Garrett was given MORE than enough time as the Cowboys' head coach but finally Jerry said "enough was enough" Mike McCarthy, who won a Super Bowl with Green Bay, was hired in 2020 and executions were high. It was a tough season with COVID for all teams but Dallas' season looked over when Dak Prescott was lost in Week 5 to season-ending injury. At 2-3, Dallas would lose FOUR in a row and six of seven. However, at 3-9, a three-game winning streak actually gave them a chance at the division title (at 6-9), entering Week 17. The Cowboys lost and finished at 6-10. The 'winner' of the NFC 'Least' last season was Washington, led by Ron Rivera (former Carolina head coach who led the Panthers to a 15-1 record in 2016 and into the Super Bowl, where the Panthers lost to the Broncos), despite only a 7-9 record. The Washington defense gelled at the end of 2020, allowing just 15.9 PPG in winning FIVE of its last seven. |
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12-12-21 | Florida State -6 v. South Carolina | Top | 65-66 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 39 m | Show |
My 9* Daydream Believer is on Florida St at 12:00 ET. Leonard Hamilton has built quite a program in Tallahassee with his FSU Seminoles but lost a 'ton' of talent from last year's team. However, the cupboard is hardly bare (more in a bit). The 5-3 Seminoles travel to Rock Hill, SC for the No Room for Racism Classic to take on South Carolina. The ever-lovable Frank Martin sure built up some goodwill by leading South Carolina to the school's only Final 4 back in 2017 but these last four seasons, the Gamecocks have gone 17-16, 16-16, 18-13 and an 'ugly' 6-14 last season. That goodwill is about ALL used up and the Gamecocks need to build on their 6-3 start.
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12-11-21 | Warriors v. 76ers +3.5 | Top | 93-102 | Win | 100 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Phi 76ers at 8:40 ET. There can be no doubt that the Warriors are back, even with Klay Thompson and last year's overall No. 2 draft pick (James Wiseman) still sidelined. Stephen Curry takes his pursuit of the NBA's all-time 3-point record on the road but much more importantly, he's been a great leader that has Golden St at 21-4, tied with the Suns for the NBA's best record. The 76ers earned the East's No. 1 seed last year but then fell in the second round of the playoffs, to the Hawks. The current season began and remains with Ben Simmons 'pouting' plus COVID protocols and injuries have limited the team's two-best players, Embiid and Harris. s
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12-11-21 | Jazz v. Wizards +5.5 | Top | 123-98 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 2 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Was Wizards at 7:10 ET. The Utah Jazz owned the NBA's best regular season record last season but injuries kind of derailed them in the playoffs. Utah opened the current season a modest 8-5 but enters tonight's game at Washington (final contest of a 5-game road trip) having won 10 of 12, including SIX in a row. Utah is 18-7 on the season. The Wizards snapped a three-game losing streak with a 119-116 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday and will welcome the Jazz to the Verizon Venter at 15-11 overall, including 8-3 at home. |
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12-11-21 | TCU -1 v. Texas A&M | Top | 68-64 | Win | 100 | 11 h 28 m | Show |
My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on TCU at Texas A&M at 6:30 ET. It's a showdown of two former Big 12 Conference opponents when TCU squares off against Texas A&M on Saturday in The Battleground 2K21 at the Toyota Center in Houston. Both schools have struggled the previous two seasons, as both have been hit hard by COVID. However, Jamie Dizon (of Pitt fame) and Buzz Williams (Marquette and Va Tech) have each gotten their respective teams off to 7-1 starts. The Horned Frogs' most recent outing produced a 76-62 win over Utah in a neutral site contest in Fort Worth. While the Aggies head to Houston after an 85-65 home victory over New Orleans back on Nov 30, meaning A&M has had 10 days off (I don't see that as being an advantage). Mike Miles poured in a career-high-tying 28 points and grabbed a team-best eight rebounds for TCU in its win over Utah. "Mike was tremendous early and then kept attacking as the game went on," Jamie Dixon said. "We played good defense. We reached every goal we wanted to get coming into the game as far as guarding and taking care of the basketball -- we just need to shoot it a little better." Miles leads the way with a line of 17.1-3.6-46 and the 6-7 Miller (10.6 & 7.1.) is the only other TCU player in double digits. Baugh (8.0) and Peavy (7.5) are guards, while the 6-6 O'Bannon (7.1 & 3.0), the 6-7 Coles (6.1 & 4.1) and 6-11 center Lampkin (5.1 & 4.6) contribute up front. A&M has just ONE player in double figures and that's guard Jackson (12.3). The team's second-leading scorer (9.6) and leading rebounder (5.7) is the 6-7 Coleman but he's questionable with a back issue. Williams' team is basically a perimeter-based team, as five guards chip in between 6.3 and 9.5 PPG. Other than Coleman, the team's only other big man is the 6-8 Henderson, who averages just 2.6 & 3.1 in about 17 minutes. As noted above, I don't see being off for 10 days as being beneficial to the Aggies. Both play excellent defense, as TCU allows 60.9 PPG on 38.9% shooting, while A&M allows 60.1 PPG on 38.1% shooting. It's a neutral court but the edge goes to the more talented Horned Frogs, who are the team to watch in this year's Big 12. It's worth noting that the Aggies are a poor 3-7 ATS in their last 10 neutral-site contests plus that TCU owns a significant rebound advantage (45 to 36 per night). Expect TCU to win by double digits. Good luck...Larry |
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12-11-21 | Arkansas v. Oklahoma | Top | 66-88 | Win | 100 | 7 h 20 m | Show |
My 9* Daydream Believer is on Oklahoma at 1:30 ET. Eric Musselman, in just his second year at Arkansas (2020-21 season), led the Razorbacks to a 25-7 year and into the Elite 8. It marked the highest winning percentage for an Arkansas team and its highest finish in the final AP poll (No. 10) since the 1995 team lost in the national championship game to UCLA. Key players are gone from that team in the 6-7 Smith (16.8 & 7.3) plus guards Moody (16.6 &5.8) and Tate (11.0) but this year's Razorbacks are unbeaten (9-0) and ranked No. 12 when they take the court this afternoon at the Bank of Oklahoma Center in Tulsa. Porter Moser (of Loyola-Chicago fame) is in his first season at Norman and he has the Sooners off to a 7-2 start. Oklahoma lost 73-70 to Utah St in the championship game of the Myrtle Beach Invitational and then in its last outing, 66-62 in overtime to Butler when the Sooners went just 1-for-9 from beyond the arc over the last eight minutes of regulation, watching an eight-point lead evaporate. Musselman returned players like SEC 6th-man of the year Notae and he leads the team with a line of 18.7-4.8-3.4. Fellow guard Davis averaged just 6.3 points per game in the Razorbacks' first six games, but he's scored 50 points in his last three and is now averaging 9.8 & 4.3. Two big men returned as well, the 6-10 Williams (7.1 & 8.7) and the 7-3 Vanover (7.1 & 3.4). Pitt transfer Toney (13.1 & 6.8) plus South Dakota transfers Lykes (12.4) and Umude (9.3 & 4.7) give Arkansas a VERY deep group of perimeter players. Moser's starting-five is VERY good, led by the 6-10 Tanner Groves (14.9 & 6.2), who gets some help up front from the 6-6 Hill (9.2 & 6.2). Then there is a trio of backcourt players led by Gibson (11.3), PG Goldwire (9.4 & 56.2) and Harkless (9.0 & 4.6). Back on Dec 1, Mike White's Florida Gators visited Norman at 6-0 (the school's best start since 2012) and the Sooners handed them their first loss of the season, 74-67. I know this game is NOT in Norman, but Tulsa is surely a favorable venue for the Sooners. The key matchup is that the Razorbacks are shooting just 28.5 percent on three-pointers this season, including only 20.6 percent their last six games (3 of 13 the last time out). Meanwhile, the Sooners have been among the nation's best in defending along the perimeter, holding teams to just 27.5 percent on three-pointers (33rd). I had Okla over Florida back on Dec 1 (part of 3-0 STP sweep) and 'believe' in the Sooners just as much here. Good luck...Larry |
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12-10-21 | Loyola-Chicago v. Vanderbilt +4.5 | Top | 69-58 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 33 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on Vanderbilt at 8:00 ET. Porter Moser left after last season to take the Oklahoma job. He spent 10 years as the Ramblers' head coach, winning 99 games his last four years, reaching the Final 4 in 2018 and the Sweet 16 last year. Drew Valentine, Moser's assistant the last four seasons, lost the 6-9 Kurtwig (MVC p-o-y) but has the Ramblers off to an 8-2 start. Jerry Stackhouse was just 20-37 in his first two seasons at Nashville but this year's team got off to a 5-1 start. However, the Commodores will be trying to break a two-game slide that includes a 12-point loss at SMU in which they squandered a 12-point halftime lead last Saturday, and a 72-68 overtime loss to visiting Temple on Tuesday in which they shot a woeful 4-for-26 (15.4 percent) from three-point range. Loyola Chicago rolled to an 88-49 win over NAIA program Roosevelt (Ill.) on Tuesday, despite the fact that starters Braden Norris (8.2 & 4.1 APG) and the 6-7 Aher Uguak (10.0 & 3.9) ppg) sat out with undisclosed injuries. Both are expected to return to face the Commodores. Guard Williamson (11.7 & 5.0) joins Norris in the backcourt, while 6-7 Princeton grad transfer Ryan Schwieger (11.2 & 3.3) and the returning 6-10 Hutson (9.1 & 2.7) join Uguak up front. Loyola always plays good defense (61.4 PPG ranks 52nd) and has scored well so far, averaging 79.9 PPG. Vandy is led by the backcourt duo of Pippen (16.5 & 4.1) and Wright (14.9 & 7.0). Stackhouse got great news when Pippen decided to pull himself out of the NBA Draft and return to Nashville but got bad news when the 7-0 Robbins (Minnesota grad transfer who averaged 11.7 & 6.6 LY), was sidelined by a foot injury with no timetable for a return. The 6-7 Stute (9.7 & 2.8), guard Lawrence (6.6 & 3.3) and the 6-10 Brown gives them some size up front but he's only averaging 4.5 & 4.1. This marks the Ramblers final non-conference game this season against a power-conference team and frankly, Loyola is the better team. However, I believe Vandy is the 'hungrier' side in this one. Vandy opened 5-1 but enters this contest off back-to-back losses and really NEEDS a win here. After Loyola, the 'Dores host Austin Peay and play at Hawaii on Dec 22. The team then has off until Jan 4, when SEC play opens. A win here and Vandy just could be 8-3 when SEC play opens. First things first. I'm taking the points but expect an OUTRIGHT win. Good luck...Larry |
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12-10-21 | Knicks +1.5 v. Raptors | Top | 87-90 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the NY Knicks at 7:40 ET. The Knicks ended a seven-year postseason drought last year by going 41-31 but lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, who made it all the way to the East Conference Finals. Expectations were high in Madison Square Garden to open the season but so far, the Knicks have been a disappointment. New York snapped a three-game losing streak Tuesday night, when it didn't trail in the final three quarters of a 121-109 win over the host San Antonio Spurs; However, the Knicks fell Wednesday night 122-102 to the Indiana Pacers at Indianapolis. Toronto went 58-24 in the 2018-19 season (.707) and went onto win the franchise's lone NBA title led by Kawhi. Kawhi 'flew the coop' before the 2019-20 season but the Raptors had even a better regular season record, going 53-19 (.736). However, the Raptors couldn't replicate their postseason success. Last season, Toronto tumbled to a 27-45 record. The Raptors are just 11-14 so far this season, after they lost 110-109 at home on Wednesday to the Oklahoma City Thunder (8-16), dropping their home record to 4-9. "Just having the necessary energy at the start of the game ... that's probably the biggest thing (that was missing)," Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said abou Wednesday's loss to the Pacers. "Just our defense. They're a good team. I thought we scored, but we didn't guard." The good news for New York fans is that the Knicks are as healthy as they've been all season. SIX players are averaging in double digits, with guard Quickly (9.7) and the 6-9 Toppin (8.3 & 3.)6 coming close. The only starter not in double digits is center Robinson (6.9 & 7.7). PF Randle (19.8-9.8-5.2) is again having an All Star-like season, joined by SF Barrett (15.0 & 5.6) plus guards Fournier (12.8) and Burks (11.8). Guards Rose (12.1) and Walker (11.7) are coming off the bench. OG Anunoby has blossomed this season, averaging 20.1 & 5.5 but a hip pointer has caused him to miss FOUR straight games (don't expect him to play here). PG VanVleet (19.8-5.1-6.3) is a true All Star, as is PF Siakam (19.4 & 7.4), who is back after beginning the season injured. SG Trent (16.7) has been a valuable addition plus rookie Barnes (Florida) has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 15.2 & 8.0. However, depth is an issue right now. I referred to Anunoby at the top but PG Dragic, PF Achiuwa and center Birch are all expected to miss as well. The Knicks lost 113-104 at home to the Raptors back Nov 1 and you know what they say about paybacks? Good luck...Larry |
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12-10-21 | Mavs +2 v. Pacers | Top | 93-106 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 4 m | Show |
My 9* Late Breaker is on the Dal Mavs at 7:10 ET. The Dallas Mavs opened 9-4 but followed by losing EIGHT of 10 to fall under .500 at 11-12. Dallas capitalized on 26 points, eight rebounds and seven assists from Luka Doncic, and 19 points from Kristaps Porzingis to win at Memphis 104-96 on Wednesday and get back to .500 (12-12). The Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. The Pacers opened 1-6 and were just 6-11 thru Nov 19. The Pacers did win three of four (reaching 9-12) but then lost FOUR in a row before ending that skid Monday night with a 116-110 win over the Wizards and following with a 122-102 rout of New York on Wednesday. Doncic (25.6-8.0-8.5), Porzingis (19.5 & 8.0), Hardaway (14.3 & 3.8) and Brunson (14.3-3.8-5.0) all average in double digits plus the Mavs have excellent depth when the roster is healthy. That's the case right now, so add in frontcourt players Finney-Smith (9.3 & 4.5), Kleber (7.3 & 5.3) and Powell (6.0 & 4,5) plus guard Bullock (6.0). The Pacers have All Star quality players in PG Brogdon (20.3-5.7-6.1) and PF Sabonis (18.0 & 12.0) plus a deep supporting cast. That list includes guards LaVert (14.9) and rookie Duarte (13.5 & 4.0) plus center Turner (12.9 & 7.7). Playing mostly in reserve roles, swingman Holiday (9.9) plus guards McConnell (8.4 & 4.8 APG) and Lamb (7.3) are effective contributors. However, Holiday will miss here due to health and safety protocols and McConnell to a wrist injury. Lamb (7.2), Martin (6.9) and Craig (5.2) will get some extra "PT." When healthy, the Mavs are a quality, playoff-bound team. That CAN NOT be said of the Pacers. Take Dallas. Good luck...Larry |
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12-09-21 | Grand Canyon v. Arizona State -3 | Top | 62-67 | Win | 100 | 13 h 7 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Arizona St at 9:30 ET. Former NBA star Dan Majerle took over at Grand Canyon when it moved up to Division I for the 2013-14 season. His first two teams went 15-15 and 17-15 but he then put together three straight 20-win seasons. However, after falling to 13-17 in 2019-20, he was fired. To the rescue came Bryce Drew, who led the Antelopes to a 17-7 record and the school's first WAC regular season championship, its WAC tourney championship and to the school's first-ever NCAA tourney berth. Not a bad start, The 'Lopes have opened the current season 8-1, as they head to Tempe to take on Arizona St on Thursday.
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12-09-21 | Iowa -4 v. Iowa State | Top | 53-73 | Loss | -117 | 14 h 23 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on Iowa at 9:00 ET. Fran McCaffrey is in his 12th season at Iowa City and he's delivered seven, 20-win seasons is his first 11. Gone are consensus National Player-of-the-Year Garza (24.1 & 8.7) and Wieskamp (14.8 & 6.6) but the Hawkeyes opened 7-0, before dropping back-to-back Big Ten games to now-No. 1 Purdue and Illinois.The Hawkeyes travel to Ames for another contest in the Cy-Hawk rivalry. Iowa State (8-0) is seeking to match the third-best start in school history (9-0 in 2015-16). The early-season success represents quite a turnaround under first-year coach T.J. Otzelberger, who came from UNLV to take over an Iowa St team that went 2-22 last season (0-18 in the Big 12). The 6-8 Murray twins (Keegan and Kris) were freshmen last season at Iowa. Keegan gained playing time as the year wound down but Kris was lost in the shuffle. This season, Keegan leads the team in scoring (23.9) and rebounding (8.0) while his brother Kris comes off the bench to chip in 11.3 & 5.6. Returning players like the 6-9 Patrick McCaffrey is averaging 12.0 PPG and returning guard Bohannon adds 9.8 PPG. 6-7 freshman Sandfort (7.1), Perkins (9.8), Toussaint (5.9 & 4.1 APG) and the 6-9 Rebraca (5.4 & 6.4) round out the main contributors. A trio of guards lead the way for Iowa St, starting with standout Izaiah Brockington, who leads the team in scoring (16.0) and rebounding (7.5). He's joined on the perimeter by Kalscheur (12.1) and Hunter (11.6 & 5.4 APG). The team's frontcourt rotation is led by the 6-8 Kunc (6.8 & 4.6) and the 6-9 Conditt (5.9 & 5.1). The Cyclones snapped a 25-game road losing streak on Saturday when they posted a 64-58 win at Creighton. Iowa St had already picked up wins this season over then-No. 9 Memphis (by 19 points), then-No. 25 Xavier (12 points) and 2021 Elite Eight team Oregon State (10 points). Now, the 17th-ranked Cyclones will try to avoid losing for the FOURTH consecutive time to Iowa, when the in-state rivals square off on Thursday night in Ames. "I've done this -- not forever -- but long enough," Otzelberger said. "I don't know that I've seen a group that has more pride in Iowa State and in their team success and cares about each other and is giving what they have every single day." That said, McCaffrey and his Hawkeyes know all about success (see above) and after back-to-back losses, NEED to get back on track before resuming Big Ten play on Jan 3. Good luck...Larry |
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12-09-21 | Steelers v. Vikings -3 | Top | 28-36 | Win | 100 | 28 h 8 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Min Vikings at 8:20 ET. The Pittsburgh Steelers survived a game-winning two-point conversion try by the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday and with their 20-19 win, have turned the AFC North into a real 'horse race!' The Ravens stand at 8-4, while Cincy is at 7-5, after a crushing home loss to the Chargers. The Steelers are presently 6-5-1, plus the 6-6 Browns were idle last week. First-to-last is separated by just two games. Just as notable, Pittsburgh is just a half-game behind three 7-5 teams for one of three wild card berths. That makes this Thursday night visit to Minnesota, to say the least, VERY important.
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12-09-21 | Jazz v. 76ers +3.5 | Top | 118-96 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* East/West Game of the Month is on the Phi 76ers at 7:10 ET. The Utah Jazz owned the NBA's best regular season record last season but injuries kind of derailed them in the playoffs. Utah opened the current season a modest 8-5 but enters tonight's game at Philly (4th contest of a 5-game road trip) having won NINE of 11, including FIVE in a row Utah is 17-7 on the season). The 76ers were the East's No. 1 seed last year but were upset in the second round of the playoffs by the red-hot Hawks. Of course, all know about the Simmons situation (hasn't played yet TY) but Philly has also been besieged with injuries and COVID-19 issues. However, Philly is back healthy and welcomes the Jazz to town on a three-game winning streak (76ers are 14-11 on the season). A HUGELY disappointing 98-97 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Nov 26 sparked Utah's five-game winning streak. Utah handily defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 136-104 on Wednesday in Minneapolis behind 36 points from Donovan Mitchell and 21 from Bojan Bogdanovic. Mitchell (24.7-4.1-5.0) has been effective all season and enters this contest on a four-game run of 30-plus-point performances. Jazz PG Mike Conley (12.0 & 4.5 APG) also is playing well. The 34-year-old veteran has steadily improved his shooting, as he is hitting 50.9 percent from the floor, which would be a career high, and is leading the league with a 47.6 percent success rate from three-point range. SF Bogdanovic (17.0 & 4.0), center Gobert (14.8 & 14.5) and PF O'Neale (8.0 & 5.1) complete the starting lineup. 6th-man Clarkson (14.9) leads the reserves. The best news for Philly fans is that the team is back healthy. Center Embiid (24.5-11.1-4.3) and PF Harris (19.3 & 8.3) have missed time because of COVID protocols but that's behind them. Simmons has NOT been missed, as PG Maxey (16.8 & 4.2 APG) has been very good, while Curry adds 16.2 PPG in the backcourt. Guards Milton (11.6) and Korkmaz (8.8) add depth on the perimeter, while the 6-7 Niang (10.9) and the 6-10 Drummond (6.5 & 10.0 in about 21 minutes per game) fill in nicely in the frontcourt. Both teams played last night (Philly won 110-106 at Charlotte), giving a slight edge to the home team in this one. The 76ers are a good defensive team, as evidenced by last night's victory over the highest-scoring team in the league, and while Utah center Rudy Gobert is a defensive specialist, Embiid is a matchup issue for ANY opposing center, as he's averaged 34.3 PPG in Philly's three-game winning streak. Bow Wow! Take the home dog. Good luck...Larry |
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12-08-21 | Celtics +4.5 v. Clippers | Top | 111-114 | Win | 100 | 12 h 11 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Bos Celtics at 10:40 ET. The inconsistent Los Angeles Clippers will host the equally inconsistent Boston Celtics tonight at Staples Center. The Celtics should feel 'right at home,' as they lost 117-102 to the Lakers last night, right here at Staples. The loss left them 13-12, while Clippers 'ugly' 102-90 win over the injury-depleted Blazers gives them the exact same record as Boston (also 13-2).
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12-08-21 | Michigan State -7 v. Minnesota | Top | 75-67 | Win | 100 | 11 h 6 m | Show |
My 10* Big Ten Conf "Best of the Best" is on Mich St at 9:00 ET. Tom Izzo and his Spartans started at No. 13 at the opening of the 2020-21 season and struggled in the regular season. Mich St made the NCAA tourney at 15-12 but was eliminated in a First Four game by UCLA. Michigan State began the current season unranked but enters this game at Minnesota ranked No. 19 at 7-2. Minnesota saw a 9-1 start to its 2020-21 season (No. 21 in the AP poll) fall apart by losing 14 of its final 19 games to finish 14-15. That was enough to end Richard Pitino's 8-year run at Minnesota, as Ben Jonhson took over (first head coaching gig). Johnson was hired and there was a mass exodus at Minnesota, as players transferred right and left (NONE of last year's starters are back!). However, the Gophers have been 'Golden' so far, going undefeated in non conference play (7-0) but remains unranked. The Spartans do not have a 'big gun,' as the team's leading scorer is SF Brown (12.9), who adds 4.3 RPG. 7-0 center Bingham adds 10.6 PPG and a team-high 7.6 RPG. Joining those two in the starting lineup are guards Christie (8.90 and Walker (5.8) plus 6-9 Hauser, who has disappointed averaging only 5.6 & 6.0. Bench strength comes from the 6-9 Hall (9.1 & 4.8) and the 6-9 Marble (6.4) plus guard Hoggard (6.4 & 4.2 APG). The "new-look" Golden Gophers are led by 6-7 George Wasghington transfer Battle (17.9 & 6.1) and College of Charleston transfer guard Willis (17.4-5.1-3.9). Guards Stephens (11.1 & 4.0) and Loewe (6.9) start with New Hampshire transfer Sutherlin coming off the bench to average 9.2 & 4.3 in the backcourt. Both teams are playing solid defense, as Michigan St allows 63.6 PPG and Minnesota 61.0 PPG. Talking about the conference-opener for both teams, MSU head coach Tom Izzo said, "Conference play is so much different than regular season (non-conference) play. And Minnesota, they've won some games. They won a tough, close game (against Pittsburgh) last week. Ben has done a great job with his team. They've got two guys that really, really shoot the ball." He's obviously talking about Battle and Willis. Here's the rub. The Golden Gophers have pulled out a number of close games, defeating Western Kentucky by four points, edging Princeton in double overtime, while beating 2-6 Pitt by ONE point. Minnesota led Mississippi State by as many as 14 points in its most recent game, before hanging on for a 5-point win. Michigan St has played a MUCH tougher schedule to this point, losing to now-No.8 Kansas and now-No. 2 Baylor, plus own a victory over now-No. 15 UConn. That trio is currently a combined 22-2! Which coach do you want, Izzo or Johnson? You think Izzo will remind his team that it lost at Minnesota last season 81-56! Good luck...Larry |
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12-08-21 | Marquette +2 v. Kansas State | Top | 64-63 | Win | 100 | 11 h 48 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Marquette at 9:00 ET. Marquette is coming off an 11-13 season and lost all FIVE starters plus added a new head coach in Shaka Smart. Smart was one of the hottest coaching commodities after leaving VCU for Texas but he was fired after six seasons with zero NCAA wins. He has Marquette off to a 7-2 start, as the team travels to Manhattan. Kansas to meet the 5-2 Kansas State Wildcats. Bruce Weber has been at it for almost 25 years (with plenty of success), but his team won just 11 games two seasons ago and last year went 9-20, including 4-1 in Big 12 play.
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12-08-21 | Knicks v. Pacers -4.5 | Top | 102-122 | Win | 100 | 10 h 2 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Ind Pacers at 7:10 ET. The Knicks ended a seven-year postseason drought last year by going 41-31 but lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, who made it all the way to the East Conference Finals. Expectations were high in Madison Square Garden to open the season but so far, the Knicks have been a disappointment. New York snapped a three-game losing streak Tuesday night, when it didn't trail in the final three quarters of a 121-109 win over the host San Antonio Spurs but the "W" only got them back to .500 on the season.
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12-08-21 | Indiana +4.5 v. Wisconsin | Top | 59-64 | Loss | -115 | 12 h 9 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Indiana at 7:00 ET. Indiana lost its final six games of last season and the Hoosiers fired head coach Archie Miller and hired Mike Woodson (former Indiana player under Bob Knight) to lead the team in the 2021-22 season, Greg Gard is in his seventh season at Madison but while Wisconsin featured four, 5th-year seniors and three regular seniors last season, the 'landscape' was MUCH different this season. Of the 14 scholarship players this season, 10 are classified as freshmen for eligibility purposes. Both schools have opened 7-1 as the schools get set for a Big Ten game at the Kohl Center tonight. The Hoosiers have used a six-man rotation (all players averaging 22-plus MPG), led by the 6-9 Jackson-Davis (21.0 & 8.6), who is joined in the frontcourt by the 6-8 Thompson (10.0 & 8.9) and the 6-7 Kopp (8.9 & 3.5). Xavier transfer Johnson (10.4) starts in the backcourt with Stewart (8.6), while 6th-man Bates (a freshman) chips in 7.1 PPG. Wisconsin guard Davison began the season with 124 career starts and is averaging 15.9 & 4.5. The great news for Wisconsin fans is, fellow guard Davis (7.0 & 4.1 LY) is averaging 20.1 & 5.6 this season. Also back, after limited playing time last season, are the 7-0 Crowl (9.4 & 5.3) and the 6-9 Wahl (8.8 & 4.8). Guard Hepburn (7.4) is the 5th starter, with NO other player averaging as much as 5.0 PPG. Indiana opened 6-0 but then lost 112-110 at Syracuse in two OTs but bounced back to win its Big Ten opener 68-55 over Nebraska. Wisconsin defeated three previously undefeated teams -- including a win over then-12th ranked Houston -- to win the Maui Invitational (Nov 22-24), then ground out a gutty 70-66 road win over Georgia Tech in the ACC/Big Ten challenge, before beating Marquette 89-76 in its last game. The Badgers are ranked 22nd and have won 18 consecutive games at the Kohl Center against the Hoosiers, including 80-73 last season in double overtime. Is win No. 19 in a row a 'done deal?' Not so fast. Wisconsin is allowing only 59.1 PPG but Indiana counters by allowing 63.8. Remember, that includes the 112 points the team allowed in that double-OT loss. Meanwhile. while Wisconsin averages 70.6 PPG, while Indiana scores 80.4 PPG. I'm calling for a SU win by Indiana. Good luck...Larry |
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12-07-21 | Knicks -2.5 v. Spurs | Top | 121-109 | Win | 100 | 13 h 5 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the NY Knicks at 8:40 ET. The San Antonio Spurs head home after their most successful road trip of the season to take on the NY Knicks. Monday's 108-104 loss in Phoenix last night snapped a season-best, four-game winning streak. However, the loss came after road wins over the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors. Those wins had to give 8-14 San Antonio some needed momentum for the upcoming stretch of five games in eight days (note: the good news is, all will be played at home). In contrast, the 11-12 Knicks travel to San Antonio on the heels of a 113-99 home loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. New York has now dropped three straight and four of its past five games to fall under .500 for the first time this season. "Pop" is still coaching in San Antonio but these are NOT your grandfather's Spurs. SEVEN players are in triple digits, although second-year guard Vassell (11.6 & 3.7) will not play. The starters are PG Murray (19.0-8.5-8.5) and backcourt partner White (12.7 & 5.0 APG), center Poeltl (12.3 & 9.4) plus forwards Johnson (14.8 & 6.5) and McDermott (11.2). Guard Walker (10.2) is a sometime starter but mostly comes off the bench. |
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12-07-21 | Oakland v. Bowling Green +2.5 | Top | 72-73 | Win | 100 | 11 h 13 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on Bowling Green at 7:00 ET. The Oakland Golden Grizzlies and Bowling Green Falcons meet Tuesday night at the Stroh Center. Oakland checks in at 7-2, while Bowling Green is just 4-4. Oakland remains coached by Greg Kampe, who is in his 38th season (coached the team when it was a Division II school). The Grizzlies joined Division I in the 1999-2000 season and have had a number of successful seasons but the school hasn't had a 20-win season the last four years, averaging only 15.3 wins per season. BG is coached by Michael Huger, who is in his 7th season at the school. The Falcons won 22 games in the 2018-19 season and 21 the following season but is off a 14-12 season.
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12-07-21 | Virginia -5 v. James Madison | Top | 49-52 | Loss | -100 | 11 h 47 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Virginia at 7:00 ET. Tony Bennett's, UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. Gone from last year's team are big big men Hauser (16.0 & 6.8) and Huff (13.0 & 7.1) plus guard Murphy (11.3). UVA has opened 6-3 as it heads to Harrisonburg, Va to face James Madison. Head coach Mark Byington led James Madison to a Colonial Athletic Association regular-season title in his first season in charge in 2020-21 and this year's team is off to a 7-2 start, including a 4-0 start at home (JMU already owns wins against Virginia schools Old Dominion and George Mason).
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12-06-21 | New Mexico State -3 v. New Mexico | Top | 78-76 | Loss | -115 | 14 h 1 m | Show |
My 10* Rivalry Game of the Month is on New Mexico St at 9:00 ET. The 6-2 New Mexico State Aggies travel to The Pit to take on the 5-3 New Mexico Lobos Monday night in Albuquerque. TheAggies improved to 6-2 on the season after defeating the UTEP Miners 72-69 this past Friday. Meanwhile the Lobos haven't played since last Tuesday when they snapped a two-game losing streak by beating the Aggies 101-94 in Las Cruces. Chris Jans is in his fifth season with the Aggies, going 95-25 in his first four. New Mexico St had a troublesome season last year, as a public health order would not allow them to play any games in the state, plus the team wasn't allowed to fully practice until mid-January. Despite all this, the Aggies did advance to the WAC championship game, before falling to Grand Canyon. The result? It was the first time that NMSU ended a season as neither the WAC's regular season champ or the WAC tourney champs. Swingman Allen (18.0 & 6.0) is a Nebraska transfer and joins last year's top scorer Rice (13.2), who is averaging 14.4 & 4.4 this season. The team features a solid trio up front in the 6-10 McNair (9.1 & 6.1), the 6-7 McCants (8.5 & 4.9) and the 6-7 Tillman (8.3 & 3.5). The situation is MUCH different for New Mexico, who hired Richard Pitino after he was fired at Minnesota. Pitino has his fans and critics and I'm part of the latter. The Lobos are coming off an 'ugly' 6-16 year last season and have been rebuilt through the transfer portal. Guard Mashburn followed Pitino from Minnesota and leads with 20.4 PPG. ASU transfer House adds 18.1 & 4.6 APG plus Johnson, a 6-6 returnee, is a third player in double digits at 10.0 & 5.4. Adding depth on the perimeter are JC transfer Jenkins (8.8) and TCU transfer Todd (8.4). The 6-10 Muscadin played in 12 games last season (0.2 PPG!) but averages 9.6 so far this season plus the 6-9 Tovar (7.5 & 4.0) is another JC transfer. New Mexico beat rival New Mexico St 101-94 in a shootout last Tuesday but I believe the Aggies are the better team (much better?) and turnabout is fair play. New Mexico St "gets even" with a win in "The Pit," which is no longer a feared venue. Good luck...Larry |
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12-06-21 | Hawks +3 v. Wolves | Top | 121-110 | Win | 100 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 8:10 ET. The Atlanta Hawks went 41-31 last season and advanced all the way to the Eastern Conference finals. That's after going 73-158 (.316) the previous three seasons. In STARK contrast, the T-wolves finished 23-49 last year, missing out on the playoffs for the 16th time in their last 17 seasons. That said, when the teams meet tonight in Minnesota, both teams are looking to snap two-game losing streaks, and the Hawks' record of 12-11 is only slightly better than that of the 11-12 T-wolves. Who'da thunk that? |
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12-06-21 | 76ers v. Hornets UNDER 219.5 | Top | 127-124 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 32 m | Show |
My NBA 10* O/U Game of the Week is on Phi/Cha Under at 7:10 ET. The Philadelphia 76ers are in Charlotte tonight to take on the Hornets. Philly (49-23) was the East's No. 1 seed last season but lost in the second round to the Hawks, As for the Hornets, they were 33-39 last year and were part of the NBA's "Play-In" round, but got crushed 144-117 at Indiana. However, as the teams meet Monday night, the Hornets are 14-11 and the 76ers 12-11, The 76ers should be well-rested, as while Philadelphia played three games in an eight-day period (2-1), the most recent-game for the 76ers was Friday night's 98-96 win in Atlanta. The best news for Philly fans is that the team is back healthy. Center Embiid (22.5 & 11.0) and PF Harris (19.2 & 8.2) have missed time becai-use of COVID protocols but that's behind them. Simmons has NOT been missed, as PG Maxey (17.2 & 4.9 APG) has played all 23 games plus Curry adds 16.3 PPG in the backcourt. Guards Milton (11.5) and Korkmaz (9.2) add depth on the perimeter, while the 6-7 Niang (11.3) and the 6-10 Drummond add 6.5 & 10.5 in about 21 minutes per game. Charlotte is led by the outstanding trio of Bridges (20.4 & 7.3), Ball (20.0-7.7-8.3) and Hayward (17.2-4.9-3.4). Plumlee (6.8 & 7.3) started the first 20 games but is currently sidelined (right calf strain), with PJ Washintgton (10.5 & 5.2) filling in the last two. Perimeter players Rozier (17.7) and Oubre (15.8) have also been regular and effective contributors. The Hornets go into Monday night's home game against the Philadelphia 76ers coming off an unlikely result. Down four players because of COVID protocols, the Hornets pulled out Sunday night's 130-127 road victory against the Atlanta Hawks. Charlotte won despite the absences of LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Mason Plumlee and Jalen McDaniels. All except McDaniels are considered starters. These teams meet again Wednesday night (also in Charlotte)but let; stay "in the moment." Charlotte is the highest-scoring team in the league, averaging 115.5 PPG but with the 76ers running the majority of their offense through their big man, I expect a much more methodically-paced affair than what this Over/Under line is suggesting. Play the U-N-D-E-R! Good luck...Larry |
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12-05-21 | Wizards +1.5 v. Raptors | Top | 90-102 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 41 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Was Wizrads at 6:10 ET. The Wizards opened the season on Oct 20 with a defensive-minded 98-83 victory over the host Raptors, who got their revenge at Washington with a 109-100 win on Nov 3. The teams meet again Sunday in Toronto, with Wizards checking in at 14-9 and the Raptors struggling at 10-13. The Wizards are coming off a 116-101 home loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, while the Raptors haven't played since Thursday, when they beat Milwaukee 97-393 in Toronto, as the Bucks olayed without some guy named Giannis Antetokounmpo (funny name, I wonder if he's any good?). The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season. Guards Beal (22.3-5.0-5.9) and Dinwiddie (13.7-5.0-5.4) are the 'heart' of the team but a trio I like to call "Lakers-East," have been MAJOR additions. PF Harrell (16.2 & 8.1), SF Kuzma (13.0 & 8.7) and swingman Caldwell-Pope (10.8) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.1 & 5.9. Toronto went 58-24 in the 2018-19 season (.707) and went on to win the franchise's lone NBA title led by Kawhi. Kawhi 'flew the coop' before the 2019-20 season but the Raptors had even a better regular season record, going 53-19 (.736). However, the Raptors couldn't replicate their postseason success. Last season, Toronto tumbled to a 27-45 record. OG Anunoby has blossomed this season, averaging 20.1 & 5.5 but a hip pointer has him sidelined plus center Khem Birch (6.9 & 5.4) is dealing with a knee issue. PG VanVleet (20.3-5.2-6.2) is a true All Star, as is PF Siakam (18.1 & 7.2), who is back after beginning the season injured. SG Trent (16.9) has been a valuable addition plus rookie Barnes (Florida) has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 15.3 & 8.1. Playing at home has been anything but an advantage for the Raptors, as their win over Milwaukee snapped a five-game honme losing streak and Toronto checks in just 3-8 SU at home this season. That's not a good situation when a team needs to win in order to cover. Toronto is banged up and ripe for the picking by a Washington team looking to (needing to?) to bounce back from a Friday night shellacking at home buy the red-hot Cavs (when's the last timw anyone reffered to the Cavs as being red-hot?). Good luck...Larry |
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12-05-21 | Xavier v. Oklahoma State -2.5 | Top | 77-71 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 44 m | Show |
My 10* Non-Confrerence Game of the Month is on Oklahoma St at 5:00 ET. The 6-1 Xavier Musketeers are looking to reclaim a spot in the top-25 (after back-to-back wins), when they visit 6-2 Oklahoma State (coming off a loss at home against Wichita State on Wednesday) on Sunday in Stillwater as part of the Big East-Big 12 Battle. Xavier head coach Travis Steele is badly in need of a 20-win season. He took over from Chris Mack (23.9 wins per season with NINE straight Big Dance bids), who took over from Sean Miller (24 wins per season and NCAA bids in his last four seasons of his five-year stint). The Musketeers entehavingred the season having won just 51 games (17 per) in Steele's first three seasons, without an NCAA bid. Guard Scruggs (11.0-3.7-4.3) is only back because COVID gave him an extra year of eligibility but fellow guard Jones has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 12.0 & 9.3, after chipping in a modest 7.7 & 4.8 last year. Nate Johnson averages a team-high 14.6 points and he's been on a roll the last two games with a combined 54 points on 12-of-19 shooting from three-point range. The team's top frontcourt players are the 7-0 Nunge (11.1 & 7.7) and the 6-8 Hunter (5.8 & 6.7). Mike Boynton's fourth season at Stillwater was last year and led by Cade Cunningham (20.1 & 6.2), the Cowboys went 21-9 and made it to the NCAA's second round. However, Cunningham was the NBA's overall No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft. That said, the Cowboys return a solid group plus welcomes Kansas transfer Thompson and Memphis transfer Cisse to the fold. No player is averaging in double digits but OSU has balanced scoring and depth! Kansas transfer Thompson leads the team in scoring at 9.8 PPG, joined on the perimeter by returning guards Anderson (9.3), Boone (9.3), Williams (8.5) and Likekele (7.1 & 6.0). The 6-10 Cisse (6.9 & 5.9) joins the returning 6-7 Moncrieffe (6.1 & 6.3) up front. This will be Xavier's first true road game, after two neutral site games resulted in an 82-70 loss to Iowa St and a 59-58 win over Va Tech. I forecast a comfortable win here by the home team. Lay the 'short' price! Good luck...Larry |
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12-05-21 | 49ers v. Seahawks +3.5 | Top | 23-30 | Win | 100 | 79 h 34 m | Show |
My 9* NFC West Game of the Month is on the Sea Seahawks at 4:25 ET. The Seattle Seahawks find themselves in an unfamiliar position entering December. In the 10 seasons since the Seattle Seahawks drafted QB Russell Wilson in the 2012 draft, the franchise has been a regular contender, making the playoffs in EIGHT of the nine seasons prior to 2021 (played in two Super Bowls, winning one). However, when the 3-8 Seahawks play host to the 6-5 49ers on Sunday, they are little more than an also-ran with little to play for over the season's final six weeks. Conversely, the 49ers have won THREE in a row (while averaging 31.6 PPG) and currently own the 6th and final playoff spot in the NFC.
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12-05-21 | Ravens -4 v. Steelers | Top | 19-20 | Loss | -112 | 57 h 48 m | Show |
My 9* Rivalry Game of the Month is on the Bal Ravens at 4:25 ET. The 8-3 Baltimore Ravens lead the AFC North but have not been able to 'shake the 7-4 Bengals. The 6-6 Browns and 5-5-1 Steelers fill out the rest of the division. The Steelers looked like a contender at 5-3 but they welcome the hated-Ravens to Heinz Field on an 0-2-1 run. This is the first meeting between the two rivals in 2021, with the teams playing again at Baltimore in Week 18. The Ravens enter December with the best record in the AFC, but their recent performances have been anything but pretty. Baltimore heads into the weekend a half-game ahead of the Patriots and Titans (both 8-4) for the top spot in the conference and. The playoff structure is the same as last season, meaning only the No. 1 seed gets a first-round playoff bye, so the Ravens certainly cannot afford many slip-ups over their final six games. QB Lamar Jackson (64.2% for 2,612 yards with 15 TDs and 12 INTs) is NOT having a vintage season, evidenced by him throwing a career-high four interceptions Sunday night in a 16-10 win over the Cleveland Browns. He also threw for a season-low 165 yards and was sacked multiple times for the ninth time in 10 games. However, he does lead the team in rushing (707 yards on 5.7 YPC) and is the reason the Ravens are No. 2 in the NFL averaging 150.7 YPG on the ground. His top receivers are WR Brown (60 catches / 6 TDs) and TE Andrews ( 60 catches / 5 TDs). The defense is no longer a dominating unit (ala the Ray Lewis years) but Baltimore does rank 9th in allowing 21.8 PPG. Big Ben is not the QB he once was but he can still be dangerous. He enters the game completing 64.6% for 2,522 yards with 14 TDs and 6 INTs. He gets little help from a running game that averages only 87.1 YPG (28th), although rookie RB Harris does have 708 yards with 5 TDs but averages only 3.6 YPC. He is also Pitt's second-leading receiver (52 catches / 2 TDs), behind WR Johnson (68 catches / 4 tDs). WR Claypool adds 37 catches (16.4 YPC / but just 1 TD) and TE Freiermuth adds 40 catches and a team-high 6 TDs.The offense averages only 20.4 PPG (22nd), while the defense allows 24.3 PPG, which ranks 23rd. Pittsburgh is also just 29th in takeaways with only NINE. The Ravens have averaged only 14 points over the last three games but have won two of them, while Pittsburgh's last three games have seen them tie Detroit 16-16 (Lions are 0-10-1 on the season), while allowing 41 points in back-to-back losses to the Chargers and Bengals. Jackson is a highly accomplished QB and this Pittsburgh defense may be "just what the doctor ordered" for the Baltimore offense to shake its doldrums! The Ravens are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 against AFC North opponents, while the Steelers are just 2-8 ATS their last 10 following a SU loss. I'm on the road favorite. Good luck...Larry |
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12-05-21 | Washington Football Team v. Raiders -2 | Top | 17-15 | Loss | -110 | 94 h 21 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the LV Raiders at 4:05 ET. Washington was able to capture the NFC 'Least' last season with a 7-9 record but with Dallas jumping out to a 6-1 start and Washington opening 2-6, the Cowboys seemed like a 'lock' to win the NFC East in 2021. However, Dallas has lost THREE of four to fall back to 7-4, while Washington has won THREE in a row to reach 5-6. Washington looks to make it FOUR straight wins this week in Las Vegas against the Raiders, who are one of three AFC West teams that are currently 6-5. Kansas City, which has won FIVE straight division titles, leads the AFC West at 7-4, so clearly, that division is far from settled. Speaking of Dallas, the Raiders snapped a three-game skid by defeating the Dallas Cowboys 36-33 in overtime on Thanksgiving. All that said, this marks the ONLY home game for the Raiders in a 4-week span and don't forget, it's an extremely bad situational spot for Washington, traveling cross-country on a short week. With FIVE consecutive NFC games coming up to end the regular season, this seems like a perfect "let-down" spot for Washington. This really is a "must win'' for the Raiders as the 6-5 Chargers are on the road vs a very good Cincy team, plus 6-5 Denver is at 7-4 KC. The Raiders really need to get to 7-5 with a "W" in this one. A win basically means a cover at this pointspread but my bet says the Raiders win handily. Good luck...Larry |
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12-05-21 | North Carolina v. Georgia Tech +3.5 | Top | 79-62 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 25 m | Show |
My 9* ACC Game of the Week is on Ga Tech at 3:00 ET. North Carolina's first-year head coach Hubert Davis and his players took exception to criticism following a pair of defeats to top programs in Purdue and Tennessee the weekend before Thanksgiving. The Tar Heels responded with their best effort of the young season, routing No. 24 Michigan 72-51 on Wednesday in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. They now travel to Atlanta for their ACC openers against the Ga Tech Yellow Jackets, who enter Sunday's game off a 70-66 home loss Wednesday night against No. 23 Wisconsin in their ACC/Big Ten Challenge game. Both schools come in 5-2.
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12-05-21 | Giants v. Dolphins OVER 40.5 | Top | 9-20 | Loss | -113 | 55 h 51 m | Show |
My 10* NFL Sunday Featured O/U is on NYG/Mia Over at 1:00 ET. The Miami Dolphins will host the New York Giants on Sunday and welcome the Giants to Hard Rock Stadium on a FOUR-game winning streak that has followed a SEVEN-game losing streak. The Giants 'limp' into Miami 4-7, after a 13-7 home win over the Eagles last Sunday but are just 1-4 on the road.
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