Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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02-27-22 | Pelicans v. Lakers -1.5 | Top | 123-95 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 2 m | Show |
My 9* Late Show is on the LA Lakers at 10:10 ET. The NBA returned from the All-Star break with both the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers looking to strengthen their postseason prospects. The teams meet tonight in LA and here's a statement and question surrounding the contest. Right now, Zion Williamson does NOT look like the cornerstone the Pelicans had hoped for and after standing pat at the deadline and losing Anthony Davis (ankle) for at least a month, can LeBron drag LA into the playoffs? New Orleans took advantage of the absence of Chris Paul (who has a fractured thumb) in its first game back, winning 117-102 and snapping the Suns' eight-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Lakers lost105-102 to the Clippers. The Lakers missed their first 10 shots and fell behind by as many as 16 points in the first half. They rallied to take a six-point lead at the end of three quarters but fell behind again and in the final seconds, LBJ's potential tying jumper from the corner bounced off the rim.
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02-27-22 | Mavs +4.5 v. Warriors | Top | 107-101 | Win | 100 | 12 h 26 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Dal Mavs at 7:40 ET. The Golden State Warriors 'limped' into last week's All-Star break having lost FOUR of five games to fall 6 1/2 behind first-place Phoenix. However, Golden State returned to action on Thursday, knowing that Suns have lost PG Chris Paul and just maybe, there's a window of opportunity for them to catch the Suns. The Warriors had little trouble in Portland on Thursday, winning 132-95 (note: The Suns opened the door a bit with a home loss to the New Orleans Pelicans the Friday night. The Warriors will host the Dallas Mavericks tonight and know that the Mavs are a team playing VERY well, despite a 114-109 loss at Utah in the team's return from the All-Star break on Thursday.
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02-26-22 | Raptors v. Hawks -2 | Top | 100-127 | Win | 100 | 13 h 13 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 7:40 ET. The Toronto Raptors played better than .700 basketball for THREE straight seasons (won the NBA title in 2019) but last year fell all the way to 27-45. Toronto won EIGHT straight from Jan 29 thru Feb 10, to climb back into the East's playoff picture. However, Toronto has lost THREE of four since, including an 'ugly' 125-93 loss at Charlotte last night (Hornets entered the game on a 1-9 run). The Raptors never led and trailed by as many as 41 points. The Raptors will be in Atlanta tonight to take on the Hawks. Atlanta came into last season having gone 73-1598 (.316) the previous three years but went 41-31 during the regular season. The Hawks then reached the East Final, before falling to Milwaukee. This season has been a HUGE disappointment, as after losing 112-108 Thursday in Chicago, the Hawks are just 28-31.
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02-25-22 | Mavs +6.5 v. Jazz | Top | 109-114 | Win | 100 | 11 h 22 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Dal Mavericks at 9:10 ET. The Utah Jazz owned the NBA's best record last season and at 28-10 in early January, were in the mix for the West's best record along with Phoenix and Golden St. However, the Jaz would close January on a 2-11 run. Utah rebounded to win its first six games of February but blew a late 12-point lead in losing to a Los Angeles Lakers team finishing without injured Anthony Davis, in its final game before the All-Star break. The Jazz return from the break at 36-22, fourth in the West. They welcome the Mavs to Salt Lake City tonight, a team that was just 15-17 through Christmas but one which has gone 20-7 since. Dallas is now 35-24 and just 1 1/2-games behind Utah in the West standings (No. 4 seed earns home court in the first round).
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02-25-22 | 76ers v. Wolves +3 | Top | 133-102 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 28 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Min Timberwolves at 8:10 ET. The "big story" surrounding this meeting is that James Harden (22.5-8.0-10.2 with the Nets) is expected to make his long-anticipated debut for the Philadelphia 76ers when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Harden sat out the first four games since the trade with a strained hamstring, although the Sixers went 3-1. He hasn't played since Feb 2, when he scored four points for the Nets in a road loss to the Sacramento Kings. Philly is 35-23 (current No. 3 seed in the East), three games behind the top-seed 39-21 Bulls. As most are aware, it's a real logjam in the East, as the top-six seeds are separated by just 4 1/2-games. Minnesota returned from the All-Star break last night with a 119-114 win over red-hot Memphis, moving to 32-28. However, the T-wolves are currently just the No. 7 seed in the West, as they look to earn a playoff berth for just the SECOND time since 2004! Harden joins a Philly team that remains deep, despite sending Curry and Drummond (along with Simmons) to Brooklyn for Harden. Embiid (29.6 & 11.2) is the current favorite for league MVP plus PF Harris (18.7 & 7.3) is of All-Star quality. Maxey (16.9 & 4.6 APG) has replaced Simmons at PG (an upgrade?) and THREE more players (guards Milton and Korkmaz plus SF Niang), chip in between 8.9 and 9.9 PPG. Minnesota revolves around its "Big 3" of center Towns (24.4-9.7-4.0), swingman Edwards (21.6 & 4.8) and PG Russell (19.2 & 7.0 APG). Guard Beasley (12.0) joins that trio in double digits, while FIVE more players averaged between 7.2 and 9.3 PPG. In last night's win, Russell had 37 points and nine assists, while Towns added 22 & 11. However, Edwards made just 1 of 11 shots (0-6 on threes) for just FIVE points. Beasley came up big with 17 points off the bench. These teams met way back on Nov 27 in Philly, as Embiid won his personal 'battle' with Towns, going for 42 & 14, while Towns had 28 & 10. However, Minnesota eked out a 121-120 win in two OTs. I'm sure anyone yet knows how well Harden will "blend in" with Philly, so I'm backing the small home underdog in this one (expect Edwards to bounce back with a big effort!), to win "with room to spare!" Good luck...Larry |
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02-24-22 | Grizzlies v. Wolves +3 | Top | 114-119 | Win | 100 | 13 h 11 m | Show |
My 10* West Conf Game of the Month is on the Min T-wolves at 8:10 ET. The Memphis Grizzlies opened the season 9-10 but now have the league's third-best record at 41-19. The Grizzlies take to the road tonight, as the NBA gets back on the court after its All-Star break. The Timberwolves welcome the Grizzlies to Minnesota having won SEVEN of 10 and at 31-28, own the West's no. 7 seed. The T-wolves are looking to secure only their SECOND playoff berth since 2004. Minnesota seems assured of a "play-in" spot (EIGHT games clear of the No. 11 seed) but it would surely love to earn a top-six seed (currently trail Denver by a modest 2 1/2-games). Memphis leads the NBA by going 40-20 ATS (22-5 SU and 21-6 ATS its last 27 games prior to the break) but don't dismiss the Timberwolves. They hobbled into the All-Star break after playing SEVEN games in 11 days but the break should have them fresh. Minnesota has the best offensive efficiency in the NBA over the past 15 games and are more than capable of matching Memphis on the offensive end (Grizzlies are tied with the Hornets for the league scoring lead at 113.8 PPG). Take the home dog! |
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02-24-22 | Hawks +4.5 v. Bulls | Top | 108-112 | Win | 100 | 13 h 9 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 8:10 ET. Atlanta finished last season strong and then beat the Knicks and 76ers, before losing to the Bucks, the eventual NBA champs, in the Eastern Conference finals. However, it's been a struggle for the Hawks this season, as they return from the break just 28-30. That leaves them with the East's No. 10 seed (last of the 'play-in' round seeds) and just one game better than the Wizards. In contrast, the Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but have reinvented themselves as a threat in the Eastern Conference this season. Chicago's 38-21 record leaves them tied with Miami for the East's best record, although as many likely know, the top-six seeds in the East are separated by only 4 1/2-games.
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02-17-22 | Wizards v. Nets -3.5 | Top | 117-103 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 40 m | Show |
My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Brk Nets at 7:40 ET. The Washington Wizards were 34-38 last season and qualified for the playoffs via the 'play-in' round. However, they were quickly bounced 4-1 by the 76ers. The Brooklyn Nets were 48-24 last season (East's No. 2 seed) and after taking out the Celtics in five games, played a thrilling seven-game series against the Bucks, losing Game 7 at home 115-111 in OT. Expectations this season were for Washington to again be contending for one of the East's lower seeds, but the Nets were favorites to win the East behind the trio of KD, James and Kyrie. The two teams meet Thursday (final game for all NBA teams before a six-day All Star break), with Washington at 26-31 and the Nets at 31-27. The Wizards are currently 1 1/2-games behind the No. 10 seed (last of the play-in spots) but also just two games back of the No. 9 seed. As for the Nets, the team imploded by losing 11 straight games from Jan 23 thru Feb 12, to fall from being at or near the top of the East standings to currently owning just the No. 8 seed, leaving them among the 'play-in' seeds. The good news is, the Nets enter this game on a two-game winning streak and are just two games back of the No. 6 seed. Washington eked out a 113-112 home win over the Nets a week ago but is 3-10 in its past 13 contests. Three of the team's five double digit scorers on the season ware currently not available. Leading scorer Beal (23.2-4.7-6.6) is out for the season with an injury plus PF Harrell (14.1 & 6.7) and guard Dinwiddie (12.6 & 4.7 APG) have both been traded. More bad news comes in the fact that undersized center Gafford (8.9 & 6.0), is also out with an illness. Kristaps Porzingis has yet to make his debut due to a bruised right knee after being obtained from Dallas. Porzingis has missed NINE straight games since his last appearance on Jan. 29 and will sit out again Thursday. Taht leaves SF Kuzma (16.5 & 8.8) and guard Caldwell-Pope (11.7) as the only regulars from the Washington team that went 13-7 in its first 20 games. The Brooklyn story is well-known. It began with Kyrie's non-vaccinated status, making him ineligible to play home games and then KD went down with an injury (last played on Jan 15 and is not expected to be back until sometime after the All-Star break). The final 'kicker' was Harden's trade deadline deal that sent him to Philly. However, the Nets may be regaining their footing following a pair of drastically different wins. After matching the largest comeback in franchise history, the Nets attempt to reach the All-Star break with three straight wins Thursday night when they host the Washington Wizards. The Nets halted their 11-game skid with Monday's 109-85 wire-to-wire rout of the Sacramento Kings. Two days later, the Nets erased a 28-point deficit and pulled off an impressive 111-106 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden last night, putting them in position for three straight wins for the first time since getting four straight wins Dec 10-16. Simmons has yet to play for Brooklyn but both Curry (20 points last night) and center Drummond (11 & 19 vs the NYK) have made immediate impacts. Patty Mills is also new and he's averaging 13.2 PPG on the season. Rookie Cam Thomas (9.6) scored 16 of his 21 points in Brooklyn's 38-point fourth quarter, while LaMarcus Aldridge (13.7 & 8.8) added 18 points and James Johnson (5.9) finished with 14. Here's the bottom line. Washington 'limps' into its final game before the All-Star break having gone 3-16-1 ATS its last 20 contests. "W-I-P-E-O-U-T Alert! Good luck...Larry |
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02-16-22 | Nuggets v. Warriors -5.5 | Top | 117-116 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 24 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the GS Warriors at 10:10 ET. The Phoenix Suns have pulled away in the West and at 47-10, own a 5 1/2-game lead over the 42-16 Warriors. Golden St will host the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday in San Francisco The Nuggets enter at 32-25, which places them 6th in the Western Conference, the last guaranteed spot in the playoffs Denver has played all season without Murray (21.2 PPG last season) and Porter played just NINE games (9.9 & 6.6) before going down. Last year's MVP Jokic (25.8-13.7-7.9) has basically 'mirrored' his stats from last season and is still surrounded by some solid talent. Swingman Barton (15.4-5.0-4.0), PF Gordon (14.6 & 5.7), PG Morris (12.6 & 4.3 APG) and SF Green (10.5) have been consistent. Unfortunately Morris is dealing with a concussion and will miss this game. That means Denver's reserves will need to step up. Hyland (8.8) has moved ahead of Campazzo (6.0 & 3.7 APG) as the team's second-string PG but both will get more minutes with Morris out. Swingman Forbes has been an excellent pickup, averaging 9.8 PPG in his 14 games with the team. Curry (25.8-5.3-6.3), Wiggins (17.9 & 4.2) and Poole (16.4) have been Golden St's "Big 3" this season but now Thompson (17.1 PPG in 15 games) is back. When Thompson starts, Poole comes off the bench. Golden St has gotten used to playing without Green (7.9-7.6-7.4) with Porter (8.3 & 8.2) stepping up. Forward Kuminga (7.9) plus guards Lee (8.1) and Payton (6.7) have been valuable contributors. Then there is center Looney, who has started all 58 games, averaging 6.2 & 7.5). Golden St lost 119-104 Monday night.at the LA Clippers, the team's THIRD loss in its previous four games. In that stretch, the Warriors have been outrebounded by an average of 48.5 to 40.3. That has to change and of course, Denver is led by Jokic, the NBA leader in double-doubles (45) and triple-doubles (15), having 15 of the former and eight of the latter in his past 16 games. Golden State has allowed at least 111 points in each of its past four games but still ranks 4th in points allowed (103.5 per), plus 2nd in both opponents FG percentage (43.%) and three-point percentage (33.3%). I believe this is Golden St's "game to win," remembering an 89-86 home loss to Denver way back on Dec 28th. Lay the points. Good luck...Larry |
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02-15-22 | Celtics v. 76ers +2 | Top | 135-87 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 9 m | Show |
My 10* Division (Atlantic) Game of the Year is on the Phi 76ers at 7:40 ET. The Philadelphia 76ers acquired James Harden along with Paul Millsap on Thursday from the Brooklyn Nets for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round draft picks. However, Harden's strained hamstring is expected to be sidelined through at least the All-Star break. 34-22 Philadelphia defeated Oklahoma City and Cleveland in consecutive games this past weekend without Harden and tonight welcome rival Boston to Philly on Tuesday. The red-hot Celtics will be looking for their NINTH consecutive victory in Tuesday's game. The Celtics were a season-worst three games under .500 when they were 18-21 thru Jan 6 but have since gone 15-4 to reach 33-25. EIGHT straight wins (10 of 11) have moved Boston into the East's No. 6 seed (last guaranteed playoff spot) and just 4 1/2-games back of top-seeded Miami (37-20). The Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks 105-95 on Sunday thanks in large part to Jayson Tatum's 38 points and 10 rebounds. Jaylen Brown added 17 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics, who looked completely in sync offensively. Tatum (25.7 & 8.4) and Brown (23.5 & 6.6) lead the way but there have been times when Tatum and Brown have been criticized for "not playing well with others" but Celtics first-year head coach Ime Udoka recently said, "We know we're much harder to beat when both are firing on all cylinders. They've been shooting better, attacking better, and making plays, and we expect that from those two." However, Boston needs to keep others involved. Boston was active at Thursday's trade deadline. First, they acquired point guard Derrick White from the San Antonio Spurs for Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford and a 2022 first-round pick. Then, they acquired forward Daniel Theis from the Houston Rockets for guard Dennis Schroder and big men Enes Freedom and Bruno Fernando. Theis, a former Celtic, is averaging 8.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in 26 games (21 starts) this season. White has averaged 14.5-5.0-3.5 in his two games and along with Smart (11.8-4.0-5.4) form an excellent backcourt. Big men Horford (10.0 & 7.5) and Robert Williams (10.0 & 9.7) give Boston the look of a "real contender!" Philadelphia is 34-22 (No. 4 seed) but as I've mentioned often, the top-5 East teams are separated by just 2 1/2-games. The Sixers have been resilient while waiting for Harden to make his team debut. Joel Embiid produced his fourth career triple-double with 40 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in a 103-93 win over the Cavaliers on Saturday. Embiid (29.5-11.2-4.5) joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only other Sixers player in history to accumulate a 40-point triple-double. Philly guards Thybulle (5.9) and Milton (10.1) are back and join Maxey (17.0-3.6-4.7), who is developing as a star at PG. Harris (18.9 & 7.4) forms an excellent center/PF duo with Embiid. SF Niang (9.3) continues to play well plus Korkmaz (8.9) and Green (6.6) add depth. Yes, Boston has won EIGHT straight but look closer. FOUR of those wins have been on the road to. Boston's 'victims' have been 23-34 New Orleans, 12-45 Detroit, 13-46 Orlando and the free-falling Brooklyn (has lost 11 of 12). Philadelphia has taken TWO of three from Boston this season and in this final regular season meeting, will make it THREE wins in a row over the team's hated-rival. Good luck...Larry |
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02-14-22 | Spurs v. Bulls -5 | Top | 109-120 | Win | 100 | 11 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Chi Bulls at 8:10 ET. The SA Spurs had their playoff streak of 22 in a row snapped in the 2019 season when they went 32-39. The Spurs went 33-39 last season, qualifying for the play-in' round but failed to advance, making it TWO straight non-playoff years for "Pop." The Spurs are currently 22-35 and one behind the No. 10 seed, the final spot for the 7-10 'play-in' round. The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but 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 prior to this season. Chicago is currently 36-21, one game behind the top-seeded Miami Heat in the East (note: top-5 seeds separated by just 2 1/2-games). The Spurs head to Chicago after a 124-114 win in New Orleans on Saturday (team's third straight win), as Dejounte Murray (20.0 & 9.3) scored 31 points and distributed 12 assists in the victory, giving him the 30-10 achievement in back-to-back games. The Spurs also have five more players averaging in double digits. The group includes Johnson (15.6 & 6.0), Poeltl (13.0 & 9.0), McDermott (11.7), Vassell (11.6 & 4.3) and Walker (10.9). The Bulls came from behind to beat Oklahoma City 106-101 at home on Saturday (also the team's third straight win) behind DeRozan's 38 points. DeRozan (27.7-5.2-5.1) has now scored 30 or more points in six consecutive games (a career-high), and the last Bull to score 30-plus in seven straight games was Michael Jordan in 1996-97. Zach LaVine (24.6-4.9-Center 4.5) missed Saturday's game with a sore left knee and left the team on Sunday to see a specialist. He is considered questionable for the contest with the Spurs and could miss the rest of the week leading up to the All-Star Break. Center Vucevic missed some time due to COVID and is currently dealing with a knee issue but he's playing these days and is averaging a double-double (18.0 & 11.7) on the season. Ball is sidelined but rookie guard Dosunmu (8.0) has made the most of his extra "PT." He is averaging just over 10 PPG since Jan 1 and in his last two games, he has scored 26 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and handed out 19 assists. The Spurs beat the Bulls 131-122 in San Antonio back on Jan 28, but expect the Bulls to 'return the favor tonight,' in a BIG way! Good luck...Larry |
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02-11-22 | Nuggets +5.5 v. Celtics | Top | 102-108 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 23 m | Show |
My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Den Nuggets at 7:40 ET. The Den Nuggets were just 18-18 thru Jan 5 but have won 12 of 18 (SEVEN of their last 10) to move to 30-24. Denver is now the West's No. 6 seed, the final guaranteed playoff spot. The Nuggets will have a tough job moving up in the 'loaded' West, so keeping teams like Minnesota and both LA teams 'at bay,' is priority No. 1. Denver is in Boston tonight to take on the Celtics, who enter on a SIX game winning streak (eight of 10 since sitting 23-24 on Jan 21). 31-25 Boston is currently the East's No. 7 but is just ONE game back of the No. 6 seed plus more notably, only FIVE games behind the East's No. 1 seed. Denver has played all season without Murray (21.2 PPG last season) and Porter played just NINE games (9.9 & 6.6) before going down. Last year's MVP Jokic (25.8-13.6-7.9) has basically 'mirrored' his starts from last season and is still surrounded by some solid talent. Swingman Barton (15.6-4.0-4.1), PF Gordon (14.7 & 5.7), PG Morris (12.6 & 4.3 APG) and SF Green (10.3) have been consistent. Unfortunately Morris is dealing with a concussion and will miss this game. That means Denver's reserves will need to step up (more in a bit). Tatum (25.5 & 8.4) and Brown (23.9 & 6.5) lead the way. There have been times when Tatum and Brown have been criticized for "not playing well with others" but Celtics first-year head coach Ime Udoka recently said, "We know we're much harder to beat when both are firing on all cylinders. They've been shooting better, attacking better, and making plays, and we expect that from those two." However, Boston needs to keep others involved. Boston was active at Thursday's trade deadline. First, they acquired point guard Derrick White from the San Antonio Spurs for Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford and a 2022 first-round pick. Then, they acquired forward Daniel Theis from the Houston Rockets for guard Dennis Schroder and big men Enes Freedom and Bruno Fernando. Theis, a former Celtic, is averaging 8.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in 26 games (21 starts) this season. Denver's offense still revolves around Jokic, who has posted four straight games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. However, the team's bench has played a key role over the past week. The Nuggets' bench outscored the Knicks' reserves 61-34 in Tuesday's 132-115 win over the Knicks. Hyland (8.6) scored 22 points vs the Knicks and has moved ahead of Campazzo (5.8 & 3.7 APG) as the team's second-string PG. Both will get more minutes with Morris out plus swingman Forbes has been an excellent pickup, averaging 9.9 PPG in his 11 games with the team. Boston lost Schroder (14.4) and Richardson (9.7) in Thursday's trades, which will put more pressure on Smart (11.5-54.0-5.4). Up Front, Horford (10.0 & 7.5) and Robert Williams (9.8 & 9.5) have been reliable all season. These teams are pretty evenly matched, so taking the points makes sense. In fact, with Boston shaking its roster up Thursday, I'm calling for Denver to win this game OUTRIGHT! Good luck...Larry |
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02-10-22 | Bucks +4 v. Suns | Top | 107-131 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* NBA Finals Rematch is on the Mil Bucks at 10:00 ET. The Milwaukee Bucks are the defending champions but it's been far from 'smooth sailing' this season. However, the Bucks wrap up a four-game Western road trip tonight in Phoenix, having won EIGHT of 10. It has been a much-needed surge, after the Bucks lost SIX of eight from Jan 3-17. Milwaukee is now 35-21, just a half-game behind the 35-20 Heat, for the East's top record (note: The East's top-5 teams are separated by just 2 1/2-games). I'm sure Milwaukee has not forgotten the thrill of winning the NBA title but I'm equally sure that the Phoenix Suns haven't shed themselves of "the agony of defeat." Tonight is the first rematch of the teams that battled in last season's NBA Finals, Milwaukee visits 44-10 Phoenix. Milwaukee has been dominant while winning the first three contests of this four-game game road trip, as the Bucks have averaged 135 points with a winning margin of 22.7 points. Antetokounmpo scored 44 points on 17-of-20 shooting during Tuesday's demolition of the Lakers. Milwaukee led by 30 in the third quarter before cruising to a 131-116 win. Antetokounmpo (29.2-11.3-6.0) leads the way for Milwaukee, joined by SF Middleton (19.5-5.6-5.3), PG Holiday (17.9-4.7-6.7) and PF/C Portis (15.6 & 9.1). Guards Allen (11.7) and Connaughton (10.2 & 4,4) have been regular contributors plus Cousins has been a valuable signing, averaging 9.1 & 5.8 in just 17 minutes over 17 games (five starts). Phoenix ended a 10-season playoff drought last year by going 51-21 (one win shy of Utah's NBA-leading 52 wins) and made it all the way to the Finals. The Suns took the first two games at home but then saw the Bucks win FOUR in a row, to win the team's second-ever NBA title. The first came way back in the 1970-71 season, led by Lew Alcindor (now Kareem) and the Big O. The Suns opened the current season just 1-3 but then ripped off 18 consecutive wins! Another 1-3 'drought' followed, but the Suns are currently on a 17-2 run, giving them a 44-10 (.815) record. The balanced Suns can place six or seven players in double figures on any given night. Booker (25.7-5.3-4.3) and Paul (15.0-4.5-10.4) are a terrific guard duo. Center Ayton (16.1 & 10.4) is surrounded by SF Bridges (13.1 & 4.3) and PF Crowder (8.9 & 5.2). The Suns also have SF Johnson (11.9 & 4.2), guard Payne (10.5) and center McGee (10.0 & 7.1). Throw in the 6-8 Biyombo, who was signed in January and over 15 games has averaged 8.9 & 6.9 in 22 minutes. Talk about an embarrassment of riches! Both teams come in healthy, although the Suns' Payne will sit with a wrist injury. The revenge motive is clearly with the Suns plus Phoenix has won five of the last six regular-season meetings against the Bucks. Neither team has a weakness and both enter on a roll. "It is kind of like a rematch, right?" Bucks PG Jrue Holiday told TNT after Tuesday's 131-116 road win over the Los Angeles Lakers. "We know what's at stake. We know what happened last year. We know they're going to be focused and we're going to be focused as well." Forget revenge, Take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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02-09-22 | Warriors +3.5 v. Jazz | Top | 85-111 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 4 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the GS Warriors at 10:10 ET. The Golden St Warriors battled the Phoenix Suns for the top spot in the West since Opening Day but have recently fallen three games behind the Suns (Phoenix is 44-10 and Golden St 41-3). The Utah Jazz won an NBA-best 52 games last season and 'hung' right with Phoenix and Golden St early on, but after opening the season 28-10, the Jazz are now 33-21 (well off the place of the West's top-two teams) plus Utah has also fallen behind the red-hot 38-18 Grizzlies.
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02-08-22 | Suns +1.5 v. 76ers | Top | 114-109 | Win | 100 | 10 h 4 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Pho Suns at 7:10 ET. Phoenix ended a 10-season playoff drought last year by going 51-21 (one win shy of Utah's NBA-leading 52 wins) and made it all the way to the Finals. The Suns took the first two games at home but then saw the Bucks win FOUR in a row, to win the team's second-ever NBA title. The first came way back in the 1970-71 season, led by Lew Alcindor (now Kareem) and the Big O. As for the Suns, it was the team's third appearance in the Finals, losing previously back in 1976 to the Celtics (if you don't remember Gar Heard, you are too young!) and in 1993, when MVP Sir Charles and Co. lost to MJ and the Bulls. The Suns opened the current season just 1-3 but then ripped off 18 consecutive wins! Another 1-3 'drought' followed, but the Suns are currently on a 16-2 run, giving them a 43-10 (.811) record. The Suns traveled to Chicago and defeated the Bulls 127-124 last night and continue on to Philly on Tuesday. |
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02-07-22 | Raptors v. Hornets +3 | Top | 116-101 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 37 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on the Cha Hornets at 7:10 ET. The Toronto Raptors fell all the way to 27-45 last season but woke up Monday morning at 28-23, having just moved into the East's No. 6, as the Nets have lost EIGHT in a row. The Charlotte Hornets were 33-39 last season (lost their first game in the 'play in' round) and begin the new week at 28-26 but still among the 'play-in' teams, owning the No.9 seed. However, the Hornets are just 1 1/2-games back of the 6th-seeded Raptors. The Raptors and Hornets meet Monday night in Charlotte, with Toronto arriving on a five-game winning streak, while Charlotte 'limps' in on a four-game losing streak (three of those defeats have come at home). Toronto has FIVE players averaging 14.7 PPG or more. PG VanVleet (21.6-4.7-7.2) and PF Siakam (21.4-8.6.5.6) lead the way, joined by SF Anunoby (18.4 & 5.6), who is having a career-year, and Gary Trent (18.1). Florida rookie Barnes (14.7 & 7.4) rounds out the 'Group of 5.' Big men Boucher (9.1 & 5.9) and Achiuwa (7.8 & 7.2) are regular contributors. SF Bridges (19.7 & 7.2) is having a 'career season,' while PG LaMelo Ball (19.6-7.1-7.5) has missed some games earlier with COVID issues but it's pretty obvious that last season's rookie-of-the-year is the 'real deal!' Three more players are scoring 16-plus PPG. Guar Rozier (18.4-4.2-3.9) lead that group, followed by swingman Oubre (16.6 & 4.1) and SF Hayward (16.4-4.7-3.4). Plumlee (6.8 & 7.7) is an underappreciated starting center plus Washington (9.9 & 5.3) and Martin (8.0 7 4.2) contribute to make the Hornets the NBA's second-highest scoring team at 113.6 PPG. The Hornets have wavered on defense most of the season and the Hornets have held second-half leads in each of their last two games (both losses). Charlotte's four-game losing streak is its his second-longest losing skid, as the Hornets dropped five in a row in November. However, the team responded from that by winning FIVE straight. The Raptors beat the Hornets 125-113 on Jan 25 at home in the first meeting of the season (note: the Hornets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 in trying to revenge a road loss against an opponent of 10 or more points). That adds some extra motivation for the Hornets, as if winning and moving up in the standings to avoid the 'play-in' round is not enough. I'm "all over" the small home dog! Good luck...Larry |
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02-06-22 | Hawks v. Mavs -2 | Top | 94-103 | Win | 100 | 9 h 32 m | Show |
My 10* East/West Game of the Month is on the Dal Mavs at 6:10 ET. It's Atlanta at Dallas on Sunday, Trae Young vs Luka Doncic. The two young stars will forever be compared after essentially being traded for one another on the night of the 2018 NBA Draft. Doncic was originally taken No. 3 overall by the Hawks but was immediately traded to Dallas for a pick that turned out to be Young and another No. 1 pick that wound up being Cam Reddish (recently traded to the NYK). Doncic has the statistical edge this season, averaging 26.2-8.9-9.1 assists, with Young averaging 27.9-4.0-9.3. However, more importantly, BOTH teams come in after turning their respective season around. The Hawks were just 17-25 through Jan 15 but have won EIGHT of 10 to move up to the East's No. 10 seed (last of the 'play-in' spots). The Mavs' climb began earlier, as they were just 16-18 the morning of Dec 31 but have won 14 of 19 to reach 30-23 (No. 5 seed in the West, just two games behind 4th-seeded Utah). Yes, the Hawks have won eight of their last 10 but could not overcome Toronto's 17-for-27 with threes in Friday's 125-114. Young had 22 points and 13 assists, joining John Collins (23) and De'Andre Hunter (23) atop the stat sheet. Fatigue was obvious in the second half for the Hawks, who were playing the second leg of a back-to-back and for the fifth time in eight days. "We definitely had heavy legs," Atlanta coach Nate McMillan said. "They had heavy legs as well. I thought it affected our shooting." Young leads the way (see above), while PF Collins (16.9 & 7.9) continues to put up All Star-like numbers. Center Clint Capela (11.1 & 12.2) is back from an injury, but his absence gave former No. 1 draft choice Onyeka Okongwu an opportunity to show what he can do. Okongwu didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery, but after some early tenuous performances he has become increasingly productive. He's up to 9.0 & 6.1 on the season. I mentioned earlier that Reddish was traded to the Knicks, but the Hawks have plenty of depth. Hunter (13.2), Bogdanovich (12.7), Huerter (11.6) and Gallinari (10.2 & 4.4) all contribute double digit scoring. Doncic had his 44th career triple-double on Friday when the Mavericks ended a two-game losing streak with a 107-98 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. He finished with 33 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists to help Dallas overcome a 16-point second-quarter deficit. It was his eighth triple-double this season, breaking a tie with Fat Lever and leaving him alone in 10th place on the all-time list with 44 (at his age!). Some perspective, Larry Bird is No. 9 with 59. Doncic is joined in the starting backcourt by Brunson (15.9 & 5.5 APG), who is having a very nice season. Center Porzingis (19.2 & 7.7) and 6th-man Hardaway (14.2) are both currently out, but Powell has averaged 10.2 PPG in place of Porzingis and Bullock has taken over for Haraway by averaging 18.2 PPG in his last five games. Forwards Finney-Smith (10.1 & 4.8) and Kleber (7.6 & 5.9) have both recently been healthy. Some injury news reveals that Collins is questionable with a heel injury, although that was the case Friday, when he scored 23 points. However, Gallanari is likely to miss with a hamstring injury. On the Dallas side, PF Kleber did not play Friday and is questionable for Sunday. Series history notes that Atlanta has won 12 of the last 16 games in the series and captured the season opener 113-87 in Atlanta. However, the home team has taken SEVEN of the last eight meetings, and Dallas has won the last three contests on its home court. I have to like Dallas in this spot, playing with revenge from that season-opener in Atlanta plus riding some excellent 'mojo' since New Year's Eve (see above). 'Short' price. Lay it! Good luck...Larry |
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02-05-22 | Knicks v. Lakers -1.5 | Top | 115-122 | Win | 100 | 12 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider Game of the Year is on the LA Lakers at 8:40 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. The Knicks enter the opener of a five-game Western Conference road swing following a 120-108 home loss to the red-hot Memphis Grizzlies. New York has lost FOUR of its last five games, including its last three on the road. The Knicks have also lost SEVEN of nine, killing off any momentum built from a run of five victories in six games last month. New York is 24-28 and it will likely be in the play-in' round, at best (currently one game back of the No. 10 seed.
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02-04-22 | 76ers v. Mavs -1.5 | Top | 98-107 | Win | 100 | 12 h 44 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Dal Mavs at 10:10 ET. The Philadelphia 76ers are currently 30-21, placing them in a virtual tie with the 33-21 Milwaukee Bucks. Both teams are just ONE game back of the 32-19 Bulls and 33-20 Heat, who are in a virtual tie for the East's top record. The Sixers will head to Dallas with an impressive 14-7 record against the Western Conference, with the Mavs sporting a 29-23 record. Dallas is a whopping 12 1/2-games back of the West's No. 1 seed (Phoenix) but it is just two games back of the 4th-seed Jazz (top-four seeds earn the home court edge in the opening round of the playoffs). |
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02-04-22 | Hawks +2.5 v. Raptors | Top | 114-125 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 26 m | Show |
My 10* Eastern Conference Game of the Month is on the Atl Hawks at 7:40 ET. The Atlanta Hawks will visit the Toronto Raptors Friday night, with both teams coming off Thursday wins. The Hawks beat the Suns 124-115 in Atlanta, upping their record to 25-26. Atlanta is now the No. 10 seed in the East, the last of the 'ply-in' seeds. Meanwhile, the Raptors beat the Bulls 127-10 at home, upping their record to 27-23. That gives them the No. 7, but they are just 1 1/2-games back of the 6th-seeded Nets (last guaranteed seed). The two teams just met this past Monday in Atlanta, with the Raptors winning 106-100, snapping the hawks' seven-game winning streak! The Toronto Raptors won the NBA title (led by Kawhi) back in 2019 and even after he "went Hollywood" on them, followed with records of 58-24 and 53-19 the next two seasons. However, the Raptors fell to just 27-45 last season. However, Toronto has moved to the right side of .500 with FOUR straight wins to reach 26-23. Toronto has FIVE players averaging 14.7 PPG or more and all five tallied 16 points or more in beating the Bulls. PF Siakim (21.1-8.5-5.2) led with 25 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists, Three more Raptors scored exactly 21 points, PG VanVleet (21.5-4.7-7.1), SF Anunoby (18.7 & 5.4) and rookie Barnes (14.7 & 7.8). Trent (18.1) had his streak of five games with 30 or more points end when he scored 16 points. The streak matched the team record set in 2016 by DeMar DeRozan. The 6-9 Boucher (9.0 & 5.9) came off bench to add 16 points. Atlanta PG Trae Young (28.1 & 9.2 APG) returned from a shoulder injury to lead the Hawks with 43 points against the Suns. PF Collins (16.7 & 8.0) had 19 points and 10 rebounds but went to the locker room with a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter. He returned to the bench and said his shoulder has hurt all week, and it was aggravated when he tangled with Chris Paul on Thursday. Collins expects to play Friday. Center Clint Capela (11.1 & 12.7) is back from an injury, but his absence gave former No. 1 draft choice Onyeka Okongwu an opportunity to show what he can do. Okongwu didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery, but after some early tenuous performances he has become increasingly productive. He's up to 9.2 & 6.1 on the season. PG Young (27.9 & 9.5 APG) is now a bonafide All Star plus Collins just continues to put up All Star-like numbers. Then there is Atlanta's depth, with Hunter chipping in 12.8 PPG, Bogdanovich 12.5 PPG, Huerter 11.7 PPG and Gallinari 10.2 PPG. Atlanta's loss on Monday to Toronto is its ONLY "L" in its last NINE games. While the Hawks were handling the Suns last night, the Raptors needed a three-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into OT, where they would go on to get the win AND the cover. I'm 'all over" the red-hot Hawks in this one. Good luck...Larry |
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02-03-22 | Lakers +3 v. Clippers | Top | 110-111 | Win | 100 | 14 h 39 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week ('Battle 4 LA') is on the LA Lakers at 10:10 ET. The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers are co-tenants at Staples Center but have met just ONCE so far this season. However, the two intra-city rivals will meet tonight for the first of THREE games in the span of a month. The Lakers are expected to be without LeBron James (29.1-7.7-6.3) for a fifth consecutive game as the star deals with swelling in his left knee. Meanwhile, the Clippers will be without a pair of stars, Kawhi Leonard, who hasn't played all season after knee surgery, and Paul George (24.7-7.1-5.5), who is out due to a torn ligament in his right elbow. The injury woes of both teams have them struggling in the playoff race. Both are currently headed for the 'play-in' round, as the 26-27 Clippers are the West's No. 8 seed and the 25-27 Lakers the No. 9 seed. The Lakers have played just one game with James and Anthony Davis since Dec 17. Davis missed 17 consecutive games with a knee injury, while James hasn't played since Jan 25. There is no timetable for James' return, which will happen once the knee swelling subsides, according to coach Frank Vogel. The Lakers won last night (99-94 victory over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers), as Davis (23.4 & 9.7) scored 30 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Despite playing in just four games since he has returned, Davis is expected to be back on the court Thursday on consecutive days. He has scored at least 27 points in each of the past three games. Westbrook (18.7-7.9-7.8) was supposed to give LA a 'Big 3' but there remains talk that he could be moved by the trade deadline. Carmelo (13.6) remains ageless and scored 24 points last night. Monk (12.4) has been a steady presence as of late and scored a season-high 33 points and matched his career high of 10 rebounds in LA's 129-121 loss in Atlanta on Sunday. The Clippers are back home after a 4-4 road trip and were dragging at the end of the road swing, looking sluggish on defense in a 122-116 defeat against the Indiana Pacers on Monday. George hasn't played since Christmas, with the Clippers going 9-12 over that time. Two-way player Amir Coffey (8.5 & 3.1) has emerged, averaging 13.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game since Dec 26 and 15.3 points with 4.2 rebounds since Jan 9. Withe George sidelined, the team's leading scorer is PG Jackson (16.5 & 4.0 APG), with PF Morris (15.3 & 5.1) right behind him. Swingman Kennard (12.1) and guard Mann (10.1 & 5.1) also score in double digits. The 7-0 Zubac (9.6 & 8.0) is questionable with a calf injury and that's NOT good news for the Clipps. The Clippers won the first meeting with the Lakers, 119-115 back on Dec 3 but I expect the Lakers to win Part 2 of this 'Battle 4 LA.' The Clippers return home after that eight-game road trip but have no home court edge here vs the Lakers, who also call Staples Center home. Take the points. Just a thought. One of these days LBJ will get back in the lineup, "Wouldn't it be Nice" (as the Beach Boys sang) if he joined the fray tonight? Good luck...Larry |
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02-03-22 | Bulls v. Raptors -3 | Top | 120-127 | Win | 100 | 11 h 20 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Tor Raptors at 7:40 ET. The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but 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. Chicago surged to the top of the Eastern Conference on the strength of a nine-game winning streak from Dec 19 thru Jan 7, averaging 120.2 points per game over their winning streak and never scoring fewer than 108 points in any of those outings. However, the Bulls have 'cooled, going 6-8 over their last 14, although they come into this game on a 4-1 run. The Toronto Raptors won the NBA title (led by Kawhi) back in 2019 and even after he "went Hollywood" on them, followed with records of 58-24 and 53-19 the next two seasons. However, the Raptors fell to just 27-45 last season. Toronto has moved to the right side of .500 with three straight wins to reach 26-23.
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02-02-22 | Blazers +4 v. Lakers | Top | 94-99 | Loss | -113 | 12 h 34 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Por Blazers at 10:40 ET. The Portland Trail Blazers are 21-30 (current No. 10 seed in the West) as they end a four-game road trip tonight in LA against the 24-27 Lakers, who are 24-27 (current No. 9 seed). The Lakers are back home after a six-game road trip in which they went just 2-4. LA got Anthony Davis (23.2 & 9.5) back from a knee injury but in the process, lost LeBron James (29.1-7.7-6.3) to his own knee issue at the same time. The Trail Blazers know injury issues well. Star guard Damian Lillard (24.0 & 7.3) has been out since the start of the new year and had abdominal surgery. He won't be evaluated again until later this month. Center Cody Zeller and forward Larry Nance Jr. are out with knee injuries and forward Nassir Little had season-ending shoulder surgery Tuesday. However, a look at the team's starting lineup in its last game, shows a team capable of competing. McCollum (20.8-4.2-4.5) was joined in the backcourt by Simons (15.6), while center Nurkic (14.6 & 10.7) was surrounded by SF Powell (18.4) and PF Covington (7.8 & 5.6), who is an excellent defender. Davis and James have played together just ONCE since Dec 19, a 106-96 road victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Jan 25. At 16-14 before Davis went down for 17 consecutive games, the Lakers are 24-27 now and as noted, headed for the 'play-in' round. "I still believe that we got a good team, we just haven't been all the way healthy for our team," Davis said, according to the Los Angeles Times. "LeBron is now out, I just came back. I think the most frustrating part is that we can't finish games. We've had a lot of games that we had won and teams come back and beat us." Westbrook (18.9-7.8-7.7) was supposed to give LA a 'Big 3' but there remains talk that he could be moved by the trade deadline. Carmelo (13.4) remains ageless and Monk (12.6) just scored a season-high 33 points and matched his career high of 10 rebounds in LA's last game (a 129-121 loss on Sunday). However, the Lakers continue to lack any real sort of 'chemistry' and after routing the Blazers 139-106 New Year's Eve in Portland, may just get caught 'flat' here, even though they've lost THREE in a row coming in. Take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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01-31-22 | Heat v. Celtics -2.5 | Top | 92-122 | Win | 100 | 11 h 40 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Bos Celtics at 7:40 ET. As the final day of January dawns, the 32-18 Miami Heat own the East's best record but just barely. Bottom line is, the top-six teams in the East are separated by just 2 1/2-games. It's my opinion that Miami's Erik Spoelstra doesn't get his due when the discussion of the NBA's best coaches comes up. He led the 'South Beach 3' to four NBA Finals (2-2) and in 2020, shocked the NBA with his team's run to the Finals, before losing 4-2 to the Lakers. The Heat have dealt with numerous injuries and COVID absences, but despite all that, they are 32-18 (.640) up from last season's 40-32 (.556) record. As for the Celtics, they are 26-25 on the season and the franchise which is tied with the LA Lakers for the most all-time NBA titles (each own 17), is currently the East's No. 9 seed, Boston may quite possibly need to the reach the postseason by making it through the 'play-in' round (how the mighty have fallen). Miami is coming off a 124-120 loss in overtime at home on Saturday to the Raptors. Miami played without former Raptors All-Star guard Kyle Lowry (13.4-4.5-8.3) because of personal reasons and it's unclear if he will play here. The good news for Miami fans is that the team's top-three players are all healthy and/or COVID-free. Swingman Butler (22.0-6.3-6.3), guard Herro (20.3-4.9-4.0) and center Adebayo (17.8 & 10.1) make for quite a trio. Miami's depth is also impressive and one of the main reasons it sits atop the East. Five more players chip in between 8.6 and 12.0 PPG. Boston is coming off a 107-97 win over the Pelicans on Saturday. Tatum (26.2 & 8.4) and Brown (24.3 & 6.6) again led the way. Tatum scored 38 points, while adding eight rebounds and seven assists. Brown chipped in 31 points for Boston, whose only other double-digit scorer was Josh Richardson with 10 off the bench. "We know we're much harder to beat when both are firing on all cylinders," Celtics head coach Ime Udoka said. "They've been shooting better, attacking better, and making plays, and we expect that from those two." However, Boston needs to keep others involved. It's not as if Boston lacks talent. Schroder (14.8-3.4-4.5), Smart (11.3-4.0-5.4) and Richardson (9.7) form a solid backcourt, while big men Horford (10.1 & 7.2) and Roberts Williams (9.9 & 9.6) are quality NBA players. Miami has a rematch with the Raptors in Toronto tomorrow night and I'm looking for Tatum and Brown to continue their hot play and lead Boston to the "W" and cover! Good luck...Larry |
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01-28-22 | Bulls v. Spurs +2.5 | Top | 122-131 | Win | 100 | 12 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on the SA Spurs at 8:40 ET. The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but 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 prior to this season. Chicago surged to the top of the Eastern Conference on the strength of a nine-game winning streak from Dec 19 thru Jan 7, averaging 120.2 points per game over their winning streak and never scoring fewer than 108 points in any of those outings. However, in its 11 contests since, Chicago has averaged 106.5 points and failed to score more than 96 in three of them, going 4-7. The Bulls are currently 30-17, just a half-game back of the top seeded Heat (31-17). Note that the East's No. 1 thru No. 6 seeds are separated by just TWO games.
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01-27-22 | Lakers v. 76ers -2.5 | Top | 87-105 | Win | 100 | 9 h 53 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Phi 76ers at 7:40 ET. |
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01-26-22 | Raptors +4.5 v. Bulls | Top | 105-111 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 35 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Tor Raptors at 8:10 ET. The Toronto Raptors won the NBA title (led by Kawhi) back in 2019 and even after he "went Hollywood" on them, followed with records of 58-24 and 53-19 the next two seasons. However, the Raptors fell to just 27-45 last season. Toronto moved to the right side of .500 on Tuesday with a 125-113 defeat of Charlotte, with the win ending a stretch in which the Raptors had lost FIVE of seven. At 23-22, Toronto currently owns the No. 8 seed but the Raptors are closer to the No. 11 seed (last team out of the play-in round), than they are to the No. 6 seed (last guaranteed playoff spot). Toronto leads the No. 11 seed by just 1 1/2 games, while it sits FOUR games back of the No. 6 seed. The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but 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. Chicago surged to the top of the Eastern Conference on the strength of a nine-game winning streak from Dec 19 thru Jan 7, averaging 120.2 points per game over their winning streak and never scoring fewer than 108 points in any of those outings. However, in its 10 contests since, Chicago has averaged 106.1 points and failed to score more than 96 in three of them. The Bulls are currently 29-17, just a half-game back of the top seeded Heat (30-17). Note that the East's No. 1 thru No. 6 seeds are separated by just TWO games. Toronto's win over Charlotte came without Fred VanVleet (21.7-4.7-7.0), who was sidelined with swelling in his right knee, and rookie Scottie Barnes (14.6 & 7.8), who had a right wrist injury. However, head coach Nick Nurse said both will travel to Chicago. Gary Trent Jr. (16.6) led the Raptors with a season-high 32 points and Pascal Siakam (21.3-8.3-5.1) just missed a triple-double with 24 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds. SF Anunoby (18.8 & 5.4) is having a career-year and big men Boucher (9.3 & 6.0) and Achiuwa (7.8 & 7.5) started with VanVleet and Barnes sidelined. Also note that guards Flynn and Banton combined for 21 points off the bench. 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 26.3-5.0-4.8. He was arrested in Chicago's last game but will play here. However, PG Ball (13.-5.4-5.1) is out until mid-March (knee) and center Vucevic (16.5 & 11.3) is listed as day-to-day with a knee issue. Zach LaVine (24.9-4.8-4.2) is back after missing a few games plus backup PG White (12.7) is around to fill in for Ball. Rookie guard Dosunmu (7.5) scored a career-high 24 points on personal bests of 10 made field goals and four made three-pointers, starting in the backcourt with DeMar DeRozan resting. Bottom line is, I like the Raptors plus the points. As noted above, the Bulls have underperformed for the last 10 games and I see Toronto building off last night's win, as the Raptors try to make a move up and OUT of the play-in round. Toronto may also be more than a little motivated against former teammate De Rozan plus are playing with revenge from a 111-108 home loss to the Bulls in late October. No surprise at all if Toronto wins it outright. Take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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01-25-22 | Mavs v. Warriors -3 | Top | 92-130 | Win | 100 | 14 h 44 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the GS Warriors at 10:10 ET. The 34-13 Golden St Warriors have been battling the 37-9 Phoenix Suns for the top spot in the West since Opening Day but have recently fallen 3-1/2 game behind the Suns. The Dallas Mavericks were just 16-18 through Dec 29 but have won 11 of 13 and now, at 27-20, hold the West's No. 5 seed. The Mavs play the opener of a two-day, two-game Western swing tonight at San Francisco's Chase Center and follow with a game Wednesday in Portland. The Warriors welcome the Mavs to San Francisco having failed to reach 100 points in SEVEN of their last 14 outings, a stretch during which they've gone just 7-7 despite having won their last two.
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01-23-22 | Jazz +4.5 v. Warriors | Top | 92-94 | Win | 100 | 12 h 46 m | Show |
My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on the Ut Jazz at 8:40 ET. The Jazz and Warriors have been battling the Phoenix Suns for the West's (and the NBA's) best record all season. As of Sunday morning, the Suns sit at 36-9, 3-1/2 games ahead of the 33-13 Warriors and 6-1/2 games ahead of the 30-16 Jazz, who have seen the Grizzlies slip past them into the No. 3 seed at 32-16. The Warriors have gone just 4-6 over their last 10 games (more later), after a 29-7 start, and now face a week in which they must deal with a tough four-game sequence book-ended by Utah and the Brooklyn Nets. Meanwhile, Jazz have won just TWICE in their last eight games, with injuries playing a role in Utah's recent regression. |
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01-23-22 | Nets v. Wolves -2 | Top | 125-136 | Win | 100 | 13 h 25 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Min T-wolves at 8:10 ET. If it's not ONE thing, it's ANOTHER!" The Brooklyn Nets had anticipated that a stretch of road games would give them significant minutes with their star trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving on the floor. So, what happens? Durant sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee a week ago Saturday and will be sidelined for at least a month. The Nets complete a four-game road trip tonight in Minnesota, having won two of the first three, led by their part-time backcourt duo of James Harden and Kyrie Irving. Brooklyn dropped a seven-point decision in Cleveland on Monday when Harden and Irving combined for 49 points but then eked out a one-point win in Washington when the duo combined for 48 points. On Friday, the duo scored a collective 61 points of a 117-102 win in San Antonio. The duo combined for 26 points in the final 12 minutes when the Nets shot 60 percent and outscored the Spurs 38-28. Through all of this season's turmoil, the Nets currently sit atop the East with a 29-16 record. However, Chicago and Miami are just a half-game back and the top-six East seeds are separated by just THREE games.
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01-21-22 | Grizzlies v. Nuggets -3.5 | Top | 122-118 | Loss | -109 | 11 h 11 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Den Nuggets at 9:10 ET. The Memphis Grizzlies lost 132-110 to the Hawks on Nov 26, giving them a 9-10 record. However, the Grizzlies have gone 22-6 since. They are now 31-16 (No. 3 seed in the West), two games back of the Warriors and 5-1/2 games back of the Suns. Memphis was considered a team on the rise before the season began but it is now obvious its ascension has arrived sooner than expected. The Nuggets have had their issues, mostly with injuries and illnesses, and welcome the Grizzlies to Denver just 23-20, good enough for teh No. 6 in the West. The Nuggets are FIVE back of the No. 4 seed but well clear of the No. 11 seed (last team to miss the play-in round).
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01-21-22 | Heat v. Hawks -1 | Top | 108-110 | Win | 100 | 11 h 34 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 7:40 ET. The Atlanta Hawks ended a 10-game homecourt losing streak Monday with a second-half surge against the Milwaukee Bucks, and then did it again Wednesday, when an impressive second half carried them to a 134-122 win over Minnesota. However, the Hawks are just 19-25, leaving them THREE games back of the East's No. 10 seed (last team into the 'play-in' round). Visiting Atlanta tonight will be the 29-16 Miami Heat, who are in a virtual tie with the 28-15 Bulls for the East's No. 1 seed. At the moment, just 2-1/2 games separate the No. 1 seed and the No. 6 seed in the East. Miami beat the Portland Trail Blazers 104-92 on Wednesday for their second straight win and SIXTH in the last seven games. The Heat played without Tyler Herro (20.7-4.9-4.0), who entered the health and safety protocol, and Kyle Lowry (13.4 & 8.3 APG), who missed the last two games for personal reasons. Herro will miss the Atlanta game and Lowry's status is uncertain. There is good news though and that the Heat have Bam Adebayo (18.6 & 10.2) back in the lineup. He has played two games since thumb surgery had sidelined him since Nov 29, averaging 17.0 & 10.0. Adebayo had 20 points and 11 rebounds against Portland and helped offset the loss of Jimmy Butler, who was ejected after playing only 15 minutes. Swingman Butler (21.7-5.8-5.8) is Miami best player plus guards Strus (11.6) and Robinson (11.4) plus PF Tucker (8.2 & 5.6) are steady and consiotent contributors. Atlanta understands being shorthanded, as the Hawks have been without starting center Clint Capela (11.8 & 13.1) for the last six games (ankle) but have seen former No. 1 draft choice Onyeka Okongwu make big strides since he's been healthy. Okongwu didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery, but after some early tenuous performances he has become increasingly productive. He's up to 9.8 & 6.3 on the season, after averaging 13.7 PPG and 6.7 RPG in his last three games. PG Young (27.9 & 9.5 APG) is now a bonafide All Star plus PF Collins (17.2 & 8.0) just continues to put up All Star-like numbers. SG Bogdanovich (12.0 & 3.8) is out but Hunter (12.8) and Huerter (11.3) are both back in the lineup and playing well. Let's NOT forget that this Atlanta team made it all the way to the Eastern Conerence finals last season, where the Bucks ended the team's championship hopes. The Hawks have been one of the league's biggest undercahievers so far but may be starting to see a 'light at the end of the tunnel.' The Hawks make it THREE straight home wins tonight! Good luck...Larry |
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01-19-22 | Wolves +2.5 v. Hawks | Top | 122-134 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 45 m | Show |
My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on the Min T-wolves at 7:40 ET. The Atlanta Hawks broke a five-game losing streak Monday with their 121-114 home win over the Milwaukee Bucks. However, that's only HALF of the story. The victory also broke Atlanta's 10-game home losing streak. The Hawks will try to build on the momentum gained from breaking those streaks when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. However, the Timberwolves have won two straight after a 112-110 road victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday and they have won SIX of their last eight to creep to within one game of avoiding the play-in round of the playoffs. Atlanta has been hurt by the absence of center Clint Capela (11.3 & 13.1), who has missed five games with a sprained ankle. Without Capela, the Hawks have relied on Gorgui Dieng and Onyeka Okongwu, the team's 2020 first-round draft choice. The extra playing time seems to have benefited Okongwu (9.2 & 6.2), who didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery. Young's (27.7 & 9.4 APG) backcourt mate Bogdanovich (12.0) is out but the Hawks have Huerter (11.3) and Gallinari (10.3 & 4.2) to fill in. PF Collins (17.2 & 7.9) continues to play at an All Star level plus Hunter (12.1) finally returned on Jan 12 (had been out since Nov 12) and has averaged 15.8 PPG in his first four games back. |
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01-19-22 | Nets v. Wizards -1 | Top | 119-118 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 16 m | Show |
My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Was Wizards at 7:10 ET. If it's not ONE thing, it's ANOTHER!" The Brooklyn Nets had anticipated that a stretch of road games would give them significant minutes with their star trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving on the floor. So, what happens? Durant sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee on Saturday and will be sidelined for at least a month. The first game of "Life without Kevin Durant" didn't go so well for the Nets."For me personally, it was a big hit," Kyrie Irving said after Brooklyn's 114-107 setback to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. "You feel it energetically, the presence in the locker room. Everyone is going to feel it, but for me personally, it's like we just got back into the swing of things and here we are again. One of our guys is out for a long period of time. We've just got to face the reality, man, and move forward." The 27-16 Nets hope to get back on track Wednesday when they continue a four-game road trip against the 23-21 Washington Wizards. 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. Washington welcomes the Nets to D,C, having won FOUR of five and at 23-21, That gives them the No. 8 seed but the Wizards are back healthy and I expect them to make a run at the No. 6 seed in the second half. With K.D. (29.3-7.4-5.8) sidelined, the Nets will likely lean on Harden (22.7-8.0-10.0) even more than usual plus Irving (20.0-5.5-35.0 in four games) will play in the road games. Patty Mills (13.4), SF Kessler Edwards (8.3 & 4.1) and the 6-9 Day'Ron Sharpe (6.1 & 4.3) all started in Monday's loss. Some good news was that PF/C Aldridge (13.3 & 5.6) made significant contributions for the first time in awhile, playing 22-1/2 minutes while scoring 13 points (added five rebounds). Beal (23.7-4.7-6.4) and Dinwiddie (13.7-4.5-5.8) make for a strong backcourt. Then there is the trio I like to call "Lakers-East," who have been MAJOR additions. SF Kuzma (15.7 & 8.9), PF Harrell (14.6 & 7.3), and swingman Caldwell-Pope (11.6) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.3 & 6.4. Here's the bottom line. While the Nets continue to battle with player issues, the Wizards are getting healthier. They were already playing well before leading scorer Bradley Beal returned in the last game. Then there is center Thomas Bryant, who scored 15 points off the bench on Monday, marking his highest total since he finished with 21 in Washington's 123-122 win over Brooklyn on Jan 3, 2021. More good news? Head coach Wes Unseld Jr. was out on COVID protocol. These teams are moving in opposite directions right now both on and off the court and I expect those trends to continue tonight, with Washington winning "with room to spare!" Good luck...Larry |
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01-17-22 | Bucks v. Hawks +5.5 | Top | 114-121 | Win | 100 | 8 h 17 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 6:05 ET. Tonight's Milwaukee/Atlanta game will feature Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.5 PPG ranks 3rd) and Atlanta's Trae Young (27.6 PPG ranks 4th) but also a Milwaukee team that's lost FIVE of its last seven while the Hawks have lost FIVE in a row. Antetokounmpo, a two-time league MVP, scored 30 points Saturday in a 103-96 loss to the Toronto Raptors. He has scored 30-plus points in SEVEN of his last eight games, and in the 16 games since the beginning of December, he has averaged 30.4 points and 10.7 rebounds. SF Middleton (19.1-5.5-5.3) is again having an excellent season but Milwaukee was without Jrue Holiday (18.4-4.6-6.7) for the fifth straight game because of a sore left ankle. Holiday practiced on Friday, but did not play on Saturday, and could return on Monday. However, Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer said he wasn't ready to rush Holiday back into the lineup. The good news is that both Allen (12.1) and Connaughton (10.5 & 4.6) are back from the COVID list. Center Brook Lopez has played just ONE game this season, but the 6-10 Bobby Portis (15.4 & 9.2) has really done an excellent job filling in (has played in 36 of 45 games). Atlanta has been hurt by the absence of center Clint Capela (11.3 & 13.1), who has missed four games with a sprained ankle. Without Capela, the Hawks have relied on Gorgui Dieng and Onyeka Okongwu, the team's 2020 first-round draft choice. The extra playing time seems to have benefited Okongwu (8.9 & 6.1), who didn't play until Dec 17 because of offseason shoulder surgery. Young's (27.6 & 9.3 APG) backcourt mate Bogdanovich (12.0) is out but the Hawks have Huerter (11.2) and Gallinari (10.2 & 4.2) to fill in. PF Collins (17.3 & 7.8) continues to play at an All Star level plus Hunter (11.6) finally returned on Jan 12 (had been out since Nov 12) and has averaged 14.3 PPG in his first three games back. Milwaukee is of course, the defending champs but at 27-18, curently own just the East's No. 4 seed (two games back of the No. 1 seed). As for the Hawks, their terrific playoff run last postseason seems like 'ages' ago, as they are just 17-25 and have currently lost 10 straight home games (hard to believe!). That said, my bet says 10 is ENOUGH. The Bucks are not as good as they were last year (team is averaging 111.6 PPG, down from a league-high 120.1 last season) and I'm "all over" the home dog in this one. Bow Wow! Good luck...Larry |
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01-17-22 | Nets v. Cavs -3 | Top | 107-114 | Win | 100 | 5 h 24 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Cle Cavs at 3:10 ET. "If it's not ONE thing, it's ANOTHER!" The Brooklyn Nets had anticipated that a stretch of road games would give them significant minutes with their star trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving on the floor. So, what happens? Durant sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee on Saturday and will be sidelined for at least a month. The 27-15 Nets have closed within a half-game of the East's No. 1 (Bulls) but now open a four-game trip Monday afternoon without K.D. when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers. "Guys got to step up. It's simple," Harden said. "Obviously you know how great of a player KD is and what he brings to the table each and every night consistently. So, guys got to step up and fill that role and just continue to compete." No problem, right James? The Nets have played just two games with the trio since the unvaccinated Irving is ineligible to play home games due to New York City's vaccine mandate. In the first game with the trio, Brooklyn rallied from 19 down to beat Indiana on Jan 5 and in the second game, the Nets routed the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. The Cavs welcome the Nets to town at 26-18. That's good enough for the East's No. 6 seed and with NO team sprinting out to a great start, the Cavs find themselves just 2.5 games back of the Bulls. That's some accomplishment, as the Cavs entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the last three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time, this time to Hollywood, instead of South Beach. The Cavs have EASILY been one of the NBA's biggest surprise this season, even though they lost Sexton (16.0 PPG) for the season to a knee injury early on and then vet PG Rubio (13.1-4.1-6.6) went down with a knee injury as well after 34 games (he's also done for the year). Monday begins a stretch in which the Nets play 12 of their next 17 on the road, but with Durant (29.3-7.4-5.8) likely sidelined for most, if not all, of the games. The Nets will likely lean on Harden (22.7-8.0-10.0) even more than usual. Harden totaled 27 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds Saturday and is averaging 27.2 points in 11 games since returning from COVID-19 protocol on Christmas. Irving (17.7-5.0-3.7 in three games) will play in the road games (we think?), while the Nets will also rely on Patty Mills (13.4), as well as rookies like guard Cam Thomas (7.7), the 6-9 Day'Ron Sharpe (5.9 & 2.2) and SF Kessler Edwards (8.0 & 4.2). The Cavs are starting a HUGE frontline with 6-10 center Allen (16.6 & 11.0) surrounded by two 6-11 players, rookie Mobley (15.0 & 8.0) and Markkanen (13.3 & 5.3). PG Graland leads the team in scoring (19.7) and assists (7.8). Rondo was just picked up to help in the backcourt (10.3-4.0-4.7 in his first three games) but he's out with an ankle injury. Former All Star Love has settled in coming off the bench and is averaging 14.0 & 7.2. Cleveland lost to Brooklyn TWICE within a week in November but is 17-9 since that time and enters on a four-game winning streak, after overcoming an 18-point deficit in an 107-102 win in Oklahoma City that capped an impressive 5-1 road trip with the only loss coming at Golden State back on Jan 9. In recent years, Cleveland did not have the talent to "avenge" losses, but this year is DIFFERENT. Rookie Evan Mobley, who missed the first two games against the Nets due to a right elbow injury, added 20 points Saturday and is averaging 17.8 points in 11 games since spending time in the protocol. PG Darius Garland scored 27 points and had a career-high 18 assists Saturday and has scored 59 points in his past two games following a three-game shooting slump. Believe it or not, Cleveland is actually inching closer in an Eastern Conference race where only 2 1/2 games separate the top six teams. The Cavs gain another 'inch' with a "W" in this one! Good luck...Larry |
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01-16-22 | Jazz -4.5 v. Nuggets | Top | 125-102 | Win | 100 | 11 h 28 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Ut Jazz at 8:10 ET. The Utah Jazz visited Denver back on Jan 5 and won 115-109, even with center Rudy Gobert in the NBA's health and safety protocols at that time. That gave them EIGHT wins in their last nine but the Jazz haven' won since, dropping FOUR in a row (also 0-4 ATS). However, with a four-day break and Gobert returning to the lineup, the 28-14 Jazz are optimistic that they can end their skid when they play at Denver on Sunday night. Nuggets will be playing their second straight home game in as many nights, after routing the Los Angeles Lakers 133-96 on Saturday night. Denver is 22-19 on the season, giving them the No. 6 seed (the last guaranteed playoff spot), as seeds 7-10 enter the "Play-In" round to determine the West's No. 7 and No. 8 seeds.
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01-14-22 | Cavs v. Spurs +3.5 | Top | 114-109 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 52 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the SA Spurs at 8:40 ET. The San Antonio Spurs left on a seven-game road trip back on Dec 31, one that opened with a 118-105 loss at Memphis and ended on Jan 10 with a 111-96 loss at the NY Knicks. The Spurs were just 1-6 on the trip and returned home on Wednesday, only to lose 128-124 to the Rockets, who own the West's worst record at 12-31 The 15-26 Spurs hope to end a four-game losing streak when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. In contrast, to the Spurs, the 24-16 Cavaliers (current No. 6 seed in the East) come to San Antonio off back-to-back road wins, 109-108 at Sacramento and a shocking 111-91 win at Utah.
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01-14-22 | Celtics +3.5 v. 76ers | Top | 99-111 | Loss | -101 | 6 h 9 m | Show |
My 9* Late-Breaker is on the Bos Celtics at 7:05 ET. A big criticism of the Celtics this season has been the team's over reliance on the duo of Tatum and Brown but the two All Stars have recently quieted the notion that "they can't play together!" Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 50 points and 27 rebounds in Monday's 101-98 win vs Indiana (Brown had a team-high 26 points to go along with a career-high 15 rebounds while Tatum added 24 points and 12 boards) and then in Wednesday's rematch, the duo combined for r67 points in the Celtics' 119-100 win at Indiana to complete a home-and-home series sweep of the Pacers. Brown had a game-high 34 points and Tatum chipped in 33. Tatum (25.7 & 8.4) and Brown a (24.5 & 6.6) are the team's 'Dynamic Duo' and the duo has performed like Superheros lately, combining for 50 or more points in three of their past four games and are averaging a combined 51.8 points between them over the last five. Boston is expected to be without guard Smart (11.6-4.0-5.3) for a second straight game but fellow guards Schroder (16.1 & 4.5 APG) and Richardson (10.4) are set to go. So are Horford (10.8 & 7.5) and Robert Williams (9.8 & 9.0), who are both solid big men. Philly center Joel Embiid (27.1-10.4-4.3) enters this contest having scored exactly 31 points in each of his last five games. The four-time All-Star center has been the 76ers' top point producer in 11 consecutive games, scoring fewer than 31 points just once during that stretch (23 vs Atlanta on Dec 23). PF Harris (18.4 & 7.5) is a great "No. 2 " plus the 76ers have excellent depth, despite Simmons not playing all season and with Melton (10.5) and Green (6.7) currently sidelined. PG Maxey (16.6-3.5-4.4) has had a solid season, with Curry chipping in 16.2 PPG and Korkmaz 9.3 PPG. The 6-7 Niang (9.9) and backup center Drummond (averaging 9.1 RPG in just 19 minutes), round out the main contributors. |
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01-12-22 | Nets +1.5 v. Bulls | Top | 138-112 | Win | 100 | 13 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Brk Nets at 10:10 ET. NBA teams are approaching the midway point of the 82-game schedule and the surprising Chicago Bulls lead the Brooklyn Nets by 2 1/2 games atop the Eastern Conference standings. The Chicago Bulls were 31-41 last season, missing the postseason for the FOURTH consecutive year but 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 Nets lost to the Bucks in the East's semifinals last season and as all know, have dealt with the Kyrie "situation" all season. The Nets travel to Chicago in the midst of a four-games-in-six-nights crunch (as do the Bulls), hoping to avoid a series sweep by Chicago, which has won the first two meetings this season between the two teams. Durant (29.8-7.7-5.8) helped keep Brooklyn afloat with a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds against host Portland on Monday, but the Nets were unable to prevail, falling 114-108 for their FIFTH loss in seven games. Brooklyn was without James Harden (22.4-8.1-9.7), who is questionable for Wednesday's game with a hyperextended left knee. However, Nets head coach Steve Nash said that while Harden likely would be available against the Bulls, Brooklyn would continue to be cautious. PG Kyrie Irving, who recently returned to the Nets, did not play in either of the first two meetings with the Bulls. Irving, who chooses not to be vaccinated against COVID-19, is unable to play in New York City due to its vaccine mandate but can play on the road. He has scored 22 points in each of his first two contests this season. 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 26.2-5.2-4.8. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (25.7-5.0-4.2), Vucevic (16.0 & 11.5) and Ball (13.1-5.5-5.1). Almost all of Chicago's key performers have missed a few games because of COVID but the team is pretty well set these days. Guard White is the most recent to return and is averaging 11.5 PPG, while SF Jones (6.5 & 3.5) has been starting with DeRozan in the frontcourt, along with true center Vucevic. Chicago routed the visiting Detroit Pistons 133-87 last night, as EIGHT Bulls scored in double figures. The Bulls notched their most lopsided win against the Pistons in the history of the rivals' 272-game series history, while matching a season high for points and made three-pointers (18) en route to its 10th win in 11 games. The Nets are on an 0-7 ATS slide but have been favored in all of those games. Brooklyn has been an underdog just FIVE times this season and after failing to cover in its first game, has won FOUR in a row when getting any number of points. The Nets are not much of a dog here but after two losses to the Bulls, the Nets will be highly motivated to gain a measure of respect with a win here, reminding the Bulls that they are "still the one" to beat in the East. Good luck...Larry |
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01-12-22 | Celtics -2.5 v. Pacers | Top | 119-100 | Win | 100 | 9 h 38 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Bos Celtics at 7:10 ET. The Celtics are just 20-21 on the season and currently hold down the No. 10 seed in the East (last of the four "Play-In" seeds). The Pacers welcome Boston to Indianapolis at 115-26, FIVE games back of the Celtics and that 10-seed. These teams just met in Boston on Monday, overcoming a 12-point deficit in the third quarter to force overtime, but ultimately came up short in a 101-98 loss.
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01-11-22 | Warriors -2 v. Grizzlies | Top | 108-116 | Loss | -104 | 10 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on the GS Warriors at 8:10 ET. The Memphis Grizzlies got a HUGE victory over the Golden St Warriors last May with a "play-in" win on the road against the Warriors, denying Golden St a playoff berth. The clubs have split this year's earlier head-to-heads, with each commanding much more attention than your average NBA regular-season contest. First, the Grizzlies duplicated their play-in victory over the Warriors last May with another overtime triumph in the second week of the regular season. Then, two days before Christmas, Golden State, which had put itself one win from a playoff berth with a victory in the 2021 regular-season finale, finally avenged the eventual bid denial with a 113-104 win. Both of this season's two meetings came in San Francisco but tonight's game between the 30-9 Warriors and the Grizzlies will be contested in Memphis. The Warriors arrive in 'Graceland' at 30-9, tied with the Suns for the West's (and NBA's) best record at 30-9 but the bigger story has to be the return of Klay Thompson. Thompson needed just 40 seconds this past Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers to put up his first points since the 2019 NBA Finals. The hoop brought Warriors fans to their feet, but the best was yet to come. That occurred late in the second period, when Thompson, known more for his catch-and-shoot prowess, drove by taller opponent Jarrett Allen for a resounding dunk that formally stamped his Achilles and knee as fully repaired. Thompson scored 17 points in 20 minutes, as the Warriors won. What's more, the Warriors have also gotten a significant number of players back from COVID protocols. The Warriors original "Big Three' will all be in the starting lineup, as Thompson will join Curry (26.8-5.3-6.0) and the recently returned Green (7.9-7.6-7.4). Wiggins (18.8 & 4.4) and Poole (17.4) have been terrific this season and now, after stays on the COVID list, are back. Guard Lee (8.3) is also back plus center Looney (6.0 & 6.7) has quietly been a steady presence, playing in and starting all 39 games. The Memphis Grizzlies lost 132-110 to the Hawks on Nov 26, giving them a 9-10 record. However, the Grizzlies have won 19 of 23 since, as Memphis now owns a 28-14 record, good enough for the Western Conference's No. 4 seed. The Grizzlies will take a NINE-game winning streak into tonight's game after a 127-119 Sunday win at the Lakers..Morant 24.7-5.7-6.7) is the Grizzlies' star but scored just 16 vs the Lakers (he's battled knee issues for awhile). Some bad news is Dillon Brooks (18.4) is out with an ankle injury plus center Steven Adams (7.0 & 9.0) has now joined the health and safety protocol. Adams had played in AND started, all 40 games before missing the last two games. SG Bane (17.7 & 4.5) and SF Jackson (16.4 & 5.5) have been major contibutors all season, staying injury and COVID free. The Warriors have never been healthier and now with the addition of Thhompson, seem poised for a strong run in the seaosn's second half. Yes, Mmephis has won NINE in a row but the Grizzlies are facing some injury and COVID issiues to key players. I'm "all over" the Warriors in this one. Good luck...Larry |
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01-10-22 | Cavs v. Kings +5.5 | Top | 109-108 | Win | 100 | 11 h 32 m | Show |
My 10* Late-Breaker is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers were in the WRONG place at the WRONG time last night in San Francisco, as the Warriors welcomed back Klay Thompson. Thompson contributed 17-points on 7-for-18 shooting (3-for-8, on threes), as the Warriors won 96-82. Cleveland's defense was NOT the problem, holding the Warriors to 40.2 percent shooting overall and 23.8 percent on three-pointers. However, when a team scores just 82 points, it VERY rarely wins. The Cavs won SIX in a row from Dec 8-18 but have since lost SIX of nine (22-18 on the season).
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01-08-22 | Bucks v. Hornets -1 | Top | 106-114 | Win | 100 | 10 h 5 m | Show |
My 10* Eastern Conference Game of the Month is on the Cha Hornets at 7:10 ET. The Milwaukee Bucks ran away from the Brooklyn Nets in their showdown Friday night, winning 121-109 in a rematch of their 2021 playoff series. A 38-point third quarter was among the high points for Milwaukee. The Bucks moved to 26-15 with the victory, placing them in a virtual tie with the 24-13 Nets for second in the East, as both teams trail the surprising Bulls by 2.5 games for the East's top spot. The Bucks are in Charlotte tonight to face the Hornets. Charlotte was 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 20-19, just two games behind the East's No. 6 seed and 2.5 games back of the No. 5 seed. The Hornets have a notable performance to build off coming into this game against the Bucks, as they've been off since dominating the Detroit Pistons in Wednesday night's 140-111 victory. It was only one point off the franchise record for points in regulation. Giannis Antetokounmpo (28.0-11.4-6.0), who had missed Milwaukee's previous game because of non-COVID illness, had 31 points against Brooklyn. SF Middleton (18.6-5.3-4.9) is again having an excellent season, but PG Holiday (18.4-4.6-6.7) is currently in the league's COVID protocols. So are guards Allen (11.9) and Connaughton (11.1 & 4.7). The Bucks signed guards Langston Galloway and Jeff Dowtin to 10-day hardship contracts on Friday. Center Brook Lopez has played just ONE game this season, but Bobby Portis (15.6 & 9.0) has really done an excellent job filling in. Charlotte PG LaMelo Ball (19.3-7.3-7.8) 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 & 7.2) is having a 'career season' and returned to the lineup two games ago after a two-game absence. Hayward (17.2-4.8-3.7) has only missed one game plus guard Rozier (17.5) and swingman Oubre (16.6) give the Hornets FIVE players averaging 16-plus points. Oubre drained EIGHT of his nine three-pointers in the fourth quarter against Detroit, setting a franchise record for threes in a quarter. His output boosted the Hornets to a franchise-record 24 successful threes in the game. Milwaukee is averaging 112.3 PPG, but that's down from leading the NBA in scoring in each of the previous three seasons (Bucks averaged 120.1 PPG last season). The Hornet's ranks second in scoring this season at 115.5 PPG but also allow the most points (116.6 per). However, this is a tough spot for Milwaukee off its big win over Brooklyn and now head to well-rested Charlotte for not just one but TWO games (teams play again in Charlotte on Monday night). Milwaukee just eked out a 127-125 home decision against Charlotte back on Dec 1 despite LaMelo Ball's 36 points and nine assists in that game. I don't expect Milwaukee to be so fortunate tonight, with so many key contributors sidelined. 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 | 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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01-01-22 | 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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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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12-17-21 | 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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12-15-21 | 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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12-13-21 | 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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12-11-21 | 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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12-10-21 | 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 | 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 | 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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12-07-21 | 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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12-06-21 | 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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12-05-21 | 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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12-04-21 | Clippers v. Kings +1.5 | Top | 99-104 | Win | 100 | 13 h 38 m | Show |
My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET. The Sacramento 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. However, I'm sure there will be many opportunities for him down the road. The Kings have shown some 'life' and progress since being led by interim head coach Alvin Gentry, going 3-3. The LA Clippers have been without Kawhi up until now and may be without him all season. They visit Sacramento just 12-11, after beating the Lakers Friday night in Staples Center. The Clippers played the Lakers for the first time this season on Friday night and came away with a 119-115 win to end a season-long three-game losing streak. SIX players reached double digits, with PG (25.6-7.3-5.3) just missing a triple-double with 19-8-9 and Kennard (10.4) matching him with 19 points. Kennard has played all 23 games this season (zero starts), as have PG Jackson (17.3 & 4.0 APG), center Zubac (10.2 & 8.1) and SG Bledsoe (9.7-4.1-3.4), while George has missed just one game. The Clippers had one of their most balanced scoring games of the season against the Lakers, as six players scored between 11 and 21 points. "Seeing us tonight, that's how we got to play," Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said. "That's the blueprint right there." However, Paul George rolled his ankle against the Lakers after initially injuring it against the Warriors but said he's hopeful to play against the Kings (??). 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 (20.3 & 5.5) is joined on the perimeter by fellow starter Haliburton (1.5 & 5.5 APG) and Hield (16.2 & 4.3), who seems fine coming off the bench these days. Undersized center Holmes (15.2 & 9.8) has developed into a quality big manSF Barnes (19.0 & 7.2) has been terrific since arriving in Sacramento a few years ago. The Kings would get a major boost with the return of Barnes, who has missed the past four games because of a sprained right foot. He's questionable against the Clippers. The Clippers win last night snapped a three-game slide, which included 124-115 loss in Los Angeles against these very same Kings. Beating the Clippers in back-to-back games would be a MAJOR step in the right direction for Sacramento and Gentry. The Kings won two of their first three under Gentry, including a wild triple-overtime win at the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov 26, when the lead changed 23 times. However, Sacramento didn't come near that performance in its next two games, losing by 27 points at the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday and by 25 at the Lakers on Tuesday. That bounce-back win 24 hours later against the Clippers was VERY welcoming. Another "W" here would be HUGE. Haliburton, for one, said he appreciates Gentry's hands-off style. "Coach Gentry has done a good job in letting the players kind of have a lot to say," he said. "He comes in and we're already talking and having that conversation, and he just lets us go." I'm "all over" the Kings in this one! Expect a double-digit win. Good luck...Larry |
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12-03-21 | Cavs +4.5 v. Wizards | Top | 116-101 | Win | 100 | 11 h 37 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Cle Cavs at 7:10 ET. Two teams that were expected to struggle this season, but which have done better than projected to this point, collide on Friday night when the 12-10 Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Verizon Center for a game with 14-8 Washington Wizards. These teams met back on Nov. 10 in Cleveland, with the Wizards winning 97-94. Talk about quick turnarounds! LBJ bolted Cleveland for a second time after the 2017-18 season and the Cavs entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the previous three seasons. However, the Cavaliers posted their third straight lopsided victory with a 111-85 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday and will try to match a season-high four-game winning streak tonight in D.C. The Cavs continue to play well despite losing standout guard Sexton (16.0) for the season due to a knee injury. PG Garland (18.5 & 7.2 APG) has been terrific plus the Cavs have found themselves quite a frontcourt. 6-10 center Allen leads the group in scoring (16.3) and rebounding (11.3) Then the Cavs have the 6-11 Mobley, the third pick of last year's draft, averaging 14.5 & 8.2), while the 6-11 Markkannen, formerly with the Bulls, is adding 14.5 & 6.2. Guard Okoro (7.9 & 4.2) has been starting lately in Sexton's place but picking up vet PG Rubio ahs been HUGE, as he has played in ALL 22 games, averaging 13.8-4.0-6.3. Formerr All Star Love is now more of a role player but he's a pretty good one, averaging 11.1 & 7.5. The Wizards have been searching for an identity for some time now and MAY have found one this season. Guards Beal (22.7-5.1-6.2) and Dinwiddie (14.1-5.2-5.5) are the 'heart' of the team but a trio I like to call "Lakers-East," have been MAJOR additions. PF Harrell (16.6 & 8.1), SF Kuzma (13.0 & 8.9) and swingman Caldwell-Pope (11.2) have really found a home on the East Coast. Undersized center, the 6-9 Gafford, is averaging 9.3 & 5.9. A couple points of interest in this one. The Cavs are an impressive 15-7 ATS, while the Wizards are a more modest 12-10. I noted that the Cavs enter on a three-game winning streak (they are also on a 5-game ATS run) and they've allowed just 91.0 points in their three-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Wizards have allowed 112.3 PPG over their last three games. Jarrett Allen followed up a career-high 28-point, 14-rebound performance in Cleveland's 114-96 win in Dallas on Monday and then with his fifth straight double-double (19 & 11) two nights later in Wednesday's win in Miami. Mobley scored 15 of his 17 points in the third quarter versus the Heat and finished with 11 rebounds, as the Cavaliers moved to 9-2 in the last 11 games played with Mobley in the lineup. Love the way the Cavs are playing. Take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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12-01-21 | 76ers +2.5 v. Celtics | Top | 87-88 | Win | 100 | 12 h 12 m | Show |
My 10* Division (Atlantic) Game of the Month is on the Phi 76ers at 7:40 ET. Both the 76ers and Celtics have opened 11-10 and meet for the first time this season in Boston on Wednesday night. Philadelphia began its season with eight wins in 10 games before dropping eight of its next 11 amid a COVID-19 outbreak (more later). Boston has a new head coach this year (Ime Udoka) and opened just 2-5 but are now, like Philly, 11-10 on the season. The 76ers' 101-96 win over Orlando on Monday snapped the team's two-game skid and the best news is that the team is back healthy. Seth Curry (16.2) led the way with 24 points while PF Tobias Harris (20.1 & 8.4) added 17 with nine rebounds and center Joel Embiid (22.8 & 10.3) contributed 16 & 13. Embiid has missed 10 games and Harris eight but both are AOK at the moment. Guard Maxey has played all 21 games and has averaged 18.0 & 5.0 APG. Milton (11.6), Niang (11.2) and Korkmaz (9.7) have mostly been used off the bench, adding excellent depth. Boston played without guard Dennis Schroder (17.1-4.0-4.9) and center Robert Williams III (9.4 & 9.6) in its 109-97 win at Toronto on Sunday. Schroder was sidelined with a right ankle sprain while Williams sat out with a non-COVID-19 illness. All-Star Jaylen Brown (22.4 & 5.3) was a game-time decision as the team continued to manage his return from a hamstring injury. Brown played 27 minutes and scored 16 points. Tatum (24.3 & 8.5) has played in all 21 games and Horford is back in Boston, averaging 12.5 & 8.3 (he's missed just three games). Smart (11.2-4.1-5.7) has been Schroder's backcourt partner and Josh Richardson is adding 9.5 PPG, after scoring 18 points in Boston's latest game (he had missed three games with a non-COVID-19 illness). Boston has struggled to shoot the ball this season, hitting 43.5 percent from the floor (24th), including only 32.6 percent on three-pointers (25th). As noted above, this the first of four meetings between Philadelphia and Boston and I'll add that the 76ers swept the three-game series between the teams last season. New season, same result! Good luck...Larry |
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11-29-21 | Hornets +5.5 v. Bulls | Top | 119-133 | Loss | -105 | 9 h 23 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Cha Hornets at 8:10 ET The Charlotte Hornets were 33-39 last season and the Chicago Bulls were 31-41. The two teams meet for the first time this season with the Hornets coming to Chicago with a 13-9 record and the Bulls checking in at 13-8. Charlotte had won EIGHT of nine before falling 146-143 in overtime at cellar-dwelling Houston on Saturday night. That was NO way to open a four-game road trip. As for Chicago, the Bulls have lost THREE of four, after Saturday's 107-104 home loss to the Miami Heat. Charlotte is led by the outstanding trio of Bridges (20.3 & 7.4), Ball (19.4-7.9-8.0) and Hayward (17.0-4.9-3.5). Plumlee (6.8 & 7.3) started the first 20 games but is currently sidelined (right calf strain), with PJ Washintgton (9.9 & 4.3) filling in the last two (15.0 & 5.5 in his two starts!). Perimeter players Rozier (17.4-3.6-3.3) and Oubre (14.7 & 4.0) have also been regular and effective contributors. 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. 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 25.8-5.2-4.1. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (25.3-5.1-3.7), Vucevic (13.4 & 11.0) and Ball (12.3-5.4-4.7). Vucevic missed time while part of the NBA's COVID-19 protocol but he returned three games ago and is just fine (12.3 & 11.3). This contest is a "toss up" in my view and the Hornets come in on a 7-3 ATS roll, while the Bulls are 0-8 ATS in their eight SU losses this season. I 'smell' an outright win here by the Hornets and will gladly take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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11-28-21 | Bucks v. Pacers +3.5 | Top | 118-100 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 51 m | Show |
My 10* Division (Central) Game of the Month is on the Ind Pacers at 5:10 ET. The reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks carry a six-game winning streak into Indianapolis for a Sunday matchup with the Indiana Pacers. The Bucks got off to just a 6-8 start, before beginning their current winning run Nov 17. That gives them a 12-8 mark but no one is off to a blazing start in the East (like the 17-2 Warriors and 17-3 Suns out West), as the Nets lead the East at 14-6, just TWO games better than Milwaukee. 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 but do enter this contest having won THREE of four (lone loss was in OT vs the Lakers). The Bucks had some health and injury issues early on but are in pretty good shape right now. Naturally, the Bucks are led by Giannis Antetokounmpo (winner of the MVP award the two previous seasons), whose line reads 27.1-11.7-6.0. However, FIVE more players are averaging in double digits. That group includes Middleton (17.1-5.2-4.8), Portis (15.4 & 8.5), Holiday (14.2-4.4-5.6), Allen (14.2) and Connaughton (12.1 & 5.1). Nwora (8.0) and Hill (7.4) are also reliable contributors. The Pacers have All Star quality players in PG Brogdon (20.7-6.0-6.2) and PF Sabonis (18.0 & 11.5) plus a deep supporting cast. That list includes guards LaVert (14.2) and rookie Duarte (13.3 & 4.3) plus center Turner (12.9 & 7.6). Playing mostly in reserve roles, swingman Holiday (9.6) plus guards McConnell (8.7 & 5.2 APG) and Lamb (7.7) are effective contributors. In their three wins over the last four games, the Pacers limited New Orleans, Chicago and Toronto to 94, 77 and 97 points, respectively. Indiana complemented its tough defensive play in Friday's 114-97 win over Toronto with balanced scoring. SEVEN Pacers scored in double-figures, including three off the bench: Kelan Martin with 15 points, Chris Duarte with 12 and Torrey Craig with 11. Caris LeVert scored 19 points, his most since returning to the lineup on Nov 13. Domantas Sabonis led the way with 23 points, and with 18 rebounds in his 15th double-double of the season. This Indiana is WAAAY better than its record and a home win over the Bucks would be a much-needed confidence-builder. Yes, the Bucks have won six straight (just 3-3 ATS) but it's hard to ignore that Milwaukee is more than 10 points per game off of its NBA-leading scoring average of a season ago. The Bucks are averaging 109.5 PPG this season, down from 120.1 last season. I'm taking the home dog. Good luck...Larry |
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11-26-21 | Raptors v. Pacers -3.5 | Top | 97-114 | Win | 100 | 12 h 13 m | Show |
My 10* NBA Game of the Month is on the Ind Pacers at 8:10 ET. The 9-10 Toronto Raptors play the 8-12 Indiana Pacers at Indianapolis on Friday night. 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 Indiana Pacers missed the postseason with a 34-38 record last year, after playing in NINE of the previous 10. As one can see by the team's current records, the 2021-22 season has not exactly gone too well for either team. OG Anunoby has blossomed this season, averaging 20.1 & 5.5 but a hip pointer has caused him to miss FOUR straight games (he's questionable again here). Center Khem Birch (6.9 & 5.4) also did not play on Wednesday due to a knee issue. PG VanVleet (19.4-4.9-6.8) is a true All Star, as is PF Siakam (17.8 & 6.6), who is back after beginning the season injured. SG Trent (17.5) has been a valuable addition plus rookie Barnes (Florida) has been a HUGE surprise, averaging 14.8 & 8.4. When healthy (and that's the current situation), the Pacers have All Star quality players in PG Brogdon (21.3-6.1-5.8) and PF Sabonis (17.8 & 11.2) plus a deep supporting cast. That list includes guards LaVert (13.8) and rookie Duarte (13.3 & 4.2) plus center Turner (12.7 & 7.5). Playing mostly in reserve roles, swingman Holiday (10.0) plus guards McConnell (9.0 & 5.2 APG) and Lamb (7.7) are effective contributors. Here's the catch. This contest marks Toronto's final one of a six-game, 11-day road trip that began back in Portland on Nov 15. The Raptors have already beaten the Packers TWICE this season in late-Oct, when Indiana opened 1-6. The Pacers are hardly 'rolling' since but they have gone 7-6 since that 'ugly' start. Toronto's been good on the road but the Raptors are a poor 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 following an ATS victory. Indiana, on the other hand, is 5-1 ATS in its last six home games against teams with winning road records. What a GREAT spot for the Pacers in this one! Good luck...Larry |
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11-24-21 | Blazers v. Kings +3.5 | Top | 121-125 | Win | 100 | 14 h 15 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET. The Portland Trail Blazers have made the NBA playoffs in each of the last EIGHT years, while the Sacramento Kings own a 15-year postseason drought! Other than that minor fact, it's hard to tell these two franchises apart! The Blazers are near-perfect at home (9-1) but will bring a 1-7 record with them to Sacramento, which is just 6-12 (2-7 at home) and will be playing its second game after the firing of head coach Luke Walton. The Blazers have been led by one of the NBA's best backcourt duos for quite some time now. Lillard (21.8 & 7.9 APG) has taken over the scoring lead from backcourt partner McCollum, shaking off a poor start by scoring at least 20 points in EIGHTstraight games. McCollum (21.0-4.2-4.3) is right behind Lillard, as the duo is joined in the starting lineup by SF Powell (16.7), center Nurkic (10.8 & 11.8) and PF Covington (7.1 & 4.8). Guard Simons (11.6) plus forwards Little (8.2 & 5.4) and Nance (6.6 & 5.1) add depth off the bench. There is NOTHING wrong with the talent Sacramneto puts out on the court, it's just the Kings can't seem to "get it right." Fox (19.9 & 5.6 APG), Haliburton (12.1 & 5.1 APG) and Hield (16.8) are a terrific guard trio plus SF Barnes (19.3 & 7.4) and undersized center Holmes (14.4 & 9.8) are quality players. Harkless is a nominal starter at PF but big men like Metu (8.7), Len (6.2 & 4.1) and Thompson (4.8 & 5.3) are gaining more playing time. Baylor rookie Mitchell (8.7) has also shown promise on the perimeter. Here's the 'dope.' Portland's only road win came back on Nov 12 in a 104-92 victory at Houston, which owns an NBA-worst 1-16 record. Ironically, Portland's only home loss came in its season-opener, when the Kings beat the Blazers 24-121 victory. "Revenge" would be an easy call but "not so fast." Sacramento forward Harrison Barnes established career bests of 36 points and eight 3-pointers in that win and I believe Alvin Gentry can help this team to perform up to the level of its talents. The Kings have lost EIGHT of nine (including four straight) and their first game under Gentry looked a lot like most Kings games. "I do think our confidence has been rattled a bit," Gentry said. "You do have a tendency to go through that somewhat. The one message I said from Day 1 is that the only thing and the only one that's going to rescue us from this is us. There's nobody in this league, not in the 35 years I've been in it, that has any sympathy for us. So you have to come together and you have to find a way to bail yourself out of this." Here's the perfect spot for the Kings to earn a much-needed win. They should have some confidence from theri win at Portland but they also catch Portland on the second of a back-to-back, having won 119-100 last night at home over the Nuggets. Good luck...Larry |
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11-24-21 | Suns v. Cavs +7.5 | Top | 120-115 | Win | 100 | 9 h 33 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Cle Cvs at 7:10 ET. The Phoenix Suns used their perfect 8-0 record in the Orakndo 'bubble' two years ago, to end a 10-year playoff drought last season, finishing just ONE game behind the Utah Jazz for the best regular season record. The Suns extended their win streak to 13 games in Monday's opener of a four-game road trip with a 115-111 victory over the San Antonio Spurs and can match the third-longest win streak in franchise history with a victory tonight in Cleveland on Wednesday. The Cavaliers have been an early-season surprise but their 117-112 loss to Brookly on Sunday give them a season-high four-game losing streak. |
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11-22-21 | Pacers +3.5 v. Bulls | Top | 109-77 | Win | 100 | 8 h 0 m | Show |
My 9* Late Breaker is on the Ind Pacers 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. They visit Chicago Monday night with an underachieving 7-11 record, for a road game with the 12-5 Bulls. Indiana snapped a three-game losing streak Saturday with a 111-94 home victory against New Orleans. The Pacers seemingly got the message from a night before, when coach Rick Carlisle benched the starters midway through the third quarter of an eventual three-point loss at Charlotte. The Pacers' second and third units nearly helped the team erase a 25-point deficit against the Hornets. Saturday night, Indiana led New Orleans by 13 after one quarter before pulling away behind a 38-18 third quarter. The Pacers have talent, led by PG Brogdon (21.2-6.2-6.0) and PF Sabonis (17.8 & 11.1). LeVert (14.4) and rookie Duarte (13.4 & 4.2) are excellent perimeter scorers, while Turner (12.7 & 7.4) is an effective center. Swingman Holiday (9.4) and PG O'Connell (9.2 & 3.2 APG) are also valuable contributors. 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. 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 26.8-5.4-5.2. He has energized the Chicago Bulls, along with LaVine (26.5-5.6-3.7), Vucevic (13.6 & 10.8) and Ball (12.7-5.2-4.1). Chicago is coming off a come-from-behind, 109-103 victory against the visiting New York Knicks on Sunday and will look to extend its home winning streak to four (Bulls are 6-2 at home on the season). Vucevic returned to the team Sunday (has been sidelined since Nov 11) but it still is unknown when he'll be able to resume game action. Head coach Billy Donovan confirmed Sunday that "it's all up to the doctors at this point," saying "the next step is clearing all the cardiovascular protocols." I'm expecting this Indiana team to start playing up to its talent level and why not start here, as the Bulls returned home after a 5-game West Coast trip and are now playing on back-to-back nights. Take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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11-19-21 | Pacers +2 v. Hornets | Top | 118-121 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 15 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Ind Pacers at 7:10 ET.
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11-18-21 | Raptors +9.5 v. Jazz | Top | 103-119 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 24 m | Show |
My 10* Sitautional Stunner is on the Tor Raptors at ET. The Toronto Raptors began the season with Pascal Siakam on the sidelines but the All Star returned on Nov 7 and has looked good, averaging 17.0-7.3-4.3 but after winning FIVE straight from Oct 27 thru Nov 3, the team has lost FIVE of six, including all four games in which Siakam has played. The jazz opened 7-1 but have dropped four of their last six, although they are hoping they got their 'groove back' during a commanding 120-85 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. As for Toronto, the Raptors are hoping a couple of days off will help them resume the level of play they had while winning those five straight games a couple of weeks ago. |
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11-17-21 | Bulls v. Blazers -2 | Top | 107-112 | Win | 100 | 14 h 18 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Por Blazers at 10:00 ET. 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. Chicago visits Portland tonight at 10-4, just a half-game back of the 10-3 Wizards for the East's best record. Portland is led by the dynamic guard duo of Lillard and McCollum plus owns a deep roster but is just 7-8 through 15 games.
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11-15-21 | Nuggets v. Mavs -4 | Top | 101-111 | Win | 100 | 12 h 39 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on the Dal Mavericks at 8:10 ET. The 9-4 Denver Nuggets just completed a 5-0 homestand with a 124-95 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday but are right back on the court tonight in Dallas to face the 8-4 Mavs, who have won FOUR of their last five games. These teams met back in Denver on Oct 29, with the Nuggets routing the Mavs 106-75. It's no surprise that Nikola Jokic (last year's MVP) is averaging 25.5-13.7-6.3 but Denver's bench is not quite as 'deep' this season. First off. no one knows for sure when Murary can play plus SF Porter, who averaged last eason, is averaging just 9.9 & 6.8 TY. What's more, Porter (back) remains out for the "foreseeable future," according to recent reports. Morris (10.9 & 3.9 APG) is starting for Murray but he's NO Murray Dallas is led by the "do-everything" Luka Doncic, who is averaging 25.1-8.3-7.7 and the 7-3 Porzingis finally looks to be coming around. He's averaged 17.9 & 7.4 in his seven games but the duo look to build on their best outing of the young season when the Mavericks face the visiting Nuggets in this one. Dallas bounced back from a 10-point loss to the Chicago Bulls with an impressive 123-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, as Porzingis scored a season-high 32 points in the victory while Doncic recorded his 37th career triple-double with 32 points, 12 rebounds and a season-high 15 assists. Swingman Hardaway (14.2) is now a starter and guard Brunson is averaging 14.9-4.6-4.6 off the bench. Denver is unrested, while Dallas hasn't played since Friday. The Mavs are 6-1 against Western Conference teams this season and have gone 5-1 at home. Throw in a HUGE revenge motive from that October beatdown in Denver (see above) and I'm "all over" the Mavericks. Good luck...Larry |
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11-15-21 | Pacers v. Knicks -3 | Top | 84-92 | Win | 100 | 11 h 33 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the NY Knicks at 7:40 ET. The Indiana Pacers were a postseason participant for NINE of the previous 10 years, prior to sitting out last year's playoffs with a 34-38 record.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. The two teams meet tonight in MSG. The 6-8 Pacers have a worse record through 14 games this season than last, when they were one of the biggest disappointments in the league. As for the 7-6 Knicks, they have a better record through 13 games this season than last season, when they were one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. The Pacers earned their second straight win Saturday by racing to a 20-point lead before edging the visiting Philadelphia 76ers 118-113, while the Knicks have been off since Friday, when they squandered a 16-point lead and fell to the host Charlotte Hornets 104-96 |
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11-14-21 | Bucks v. Hawks -1.5 | Top | 100-120 | Win | 100 | 9 h 2 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Atl Hawks at 6:10 ET.
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11-14-21 | Spurs +2.5 v. Lakers | Top | 106-114 | Loss | -101 | 5 h 17 m | Show |
My 9* Rivalry Rout is the SA Spurs at 3:40 ET. The Los Angeles Lakers are REALLY struggling and have to be 'scratching their heads' after suffering a 107-83 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in which LA scored just 34 points in the second half. LBJ missed the game with an abdominal strain, dropping the Lakers to 3-4 this season when James (24.8-5.5-7.0) has not played (Lakers are 7-6, overall). LA looks to bounce back against longtime rival San Antonio, which comes to Staples Center just 4-8 on the season, after a poor showing in a 123-109 home loss to Dallas on Friday. The 'ugly' loss to Dallas, came right after playing so well in a 136-117 win over Sacramento on Wednesday. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said it's not the first time this season that his team has not followed up a big win with another consistent performance. "It's really the first or second time they've been disappointing in that regard where we didn't play the usual move-the-basketball type play," Popovich explained. "I think we created one turnover in the first half, so the mental toughness is something that has to be understood and acted upon. We need that. To me, it's a mental toughness exercise where you just have to realize that everybody has to bring it every single night," he added. "You can't get satisfied because you won a game, and the next game is going to be the same way. You have to bring it. Our physicality was lacking (against Dallas)." The spurs are playing center Poeltl (13.9 & 9.7) who is currently enrolled in the league's health and safety protocols, However, 'Pop' has options. Devin Vassell (12.3 & 4.0) led the Spurs with 20 points in the loss to Dallas, with Keldon Johnson (15.4 & 6.6) and Dejounte Murray (18.1-7.7-7.8) scoring 15 each, Doug McDermott (11.0) doing for 14 points, Drew Eubanks (7.0 & 5.0) scoring 12 and Lonnie Walker IV (11.8) chipping in 10 for San Antonio. Anthony Davis (23.8 & 11.0) led the Lakers with 22 points and eight rebounds, with Russell Westbrook (19.4-8.8-8.5) adding 20 points and Dwight Howard (4.7 & 5.2) pulling down 10 rebounds off the bench. Los Angeles was outscored 40-12 in the third period, when it saw a five-point halftime lead turn into a 24-point deficit. It was the Lakers' lowest-scoring quarter of the season. "We just had no effort in the third quarter," Davis said. "We're not going to win a championship the way we're playing -- that's not us right now. We have to be better, and we've got to decide who we want to be." Minnesota had dropped SIX straight games before surprising the Lakers. Neither of these teams look like their respective championship teams of yore but as long as 'Pop' is coaching the Spurs, it's a RIVALRY! Los Angeles beat the Spurs 125-121 in overtime in San Antonio on Oct 26 in one of the three games the Lakers have won this season without LBJ. The Spurs WILL remember that and while a bounce-back by LA off its humiliating loss to Minnesota makes sense, there is NOTHING that makes sense about this LA team so far. How is 'multiple NBA champion Russell Westbrook' faring guys? I'm taking the points, as 'Pop' steals one! Good luck...Larry |
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11-12-21 | Bulls +5.5 v. Warriors | Top | 93-119 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 39 m | Show |
My NBA 10* ESPN Game of the Month is on the Chi Bulls at 10:10 ET. The Golden State Warriors went from FIVE consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals to 15-50 in the 2019-20 season. Last season was better (39-33) but NO one expected the Warriors to open the current season 10-1. Any doubts these days regarding Steph's greatness? The Warriors will welcome the Chicago Bulls to San Francisco tonight in front of the ESPN cameras. The Bulls are coming off a 31-41 season, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. However, Chicago has opened 8-3, after routing the Brooklyn Nets 118-95 on Monday and following with a 117-107 win over Dallas (both games were played in Chicago). |
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11-12-21 | Bucks v. Celtics +2 | Top | 113-122 | Win | 100 | 9 h 52 m | Show |
My 9* ESPN 'Table-Setter' is on the Bos Celtics at 7:40 ET. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks will visit Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics on Friday night. Neither team can be too happy where it stands coming into this one. The Bucks are 6-6 and the Celtics are 5-6. Milwaukee let a 24-point lead slip away vv New York on Wednesday night, but the Bucks still found a way to pull out a 112-100 win on the road against the Knicks. Milwaukee has now won back-to-back games, after dropping five of its prior six games. As for Boston, the Celtics got some revenge with a 104-88 home win against the Raptors on Wednesday after being blown out by Toronto in a 32-point defeat in the Celtics' home opener.
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11-10-21 | Kings v. Spurs +1 | Top | 117-136 | Win | 100 | 11 h 29 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the SA Spurs at 8:40 ET. The San Antonio Spurs return home after a 99-94 loss in Oklahoma City on Sunday, a game in which they squandered a 16-point first-half lead before fighting back to make it a one-possession game in the final seconds. The ability to "close out games" has been lacking so far for the 3-7 Spurs (more later). The Sacramento Kings are 5-6 this season, as they look to end the longest active playoff drought of any NBA franchise (Kings have missed the last 15 postseasons!). San Antonio led by 10 at the half at OKC but was outscored 34-14 in the third period as it missed 11 of its final 13 shots in that quarter. "We got to learn from that -- not just settling and doing what we do to keep those leads," guard Lonnie Walker IV said. "We just got to come together. When these scoring droughts come, we try and do it ourselves." Keldon Johnson (16.2 & 5.8) led the Spurs with 22 points in the loss while Walker (12.3 & 5.6 APG had 15 off the bench, Drew Eubanks scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Dejounte Murray, Doug McDermott and Thaddeus Young added 10 points apiece. Eubanks and Young are role players but PG Murray (17.6-8.1-8.3) is San Antonio's best player. As for center Poeltl (13.9 & 9.7), Popovich added that he isn't sure about his availability this week as he deals with health and safety protocols. "We know he is not going to be ready for (the Kings game) or Friday (against Dallas)," Popovich said. The Kings visit San Antonio on the heels of a 109-104 home loss to defending Western Conference champion Phoenix that went down to the final seconds. Sacramento's poor third quarter allowed the Suns to build a 21-point lead early in the fourth, but the Kings rallied to within a possession before a late turnover and free throws by Phoenix closed out the game. The Kings played against Phoenix without guard Tyrese Haliburton (13.6 & 5.0 APG), who had lower back tightness. Sacramento has depth at the guard position with PG Fox (18.6 & 6.2 APG) and Hield (17.4 & 5.4), who started (has been coming off the bench). SF Barnes (22.5 & 8.7) is having a career season plus undersized center Holmes (14.6 & 10.5) just seems to get better. Baylor rookie Mitchell IS getting better by the game and is up to 9.9 PPG on the season. The 3-7 Spurs have good peripheral numbers, as they're ranked third in the league in pace, ninth in the league in field goal percentage, second in assists, sixth in steals, and they're tied for fifth in defensive rating. Maybe that's why they are 6-4 ATS. Six of San Antonio's seven losses this season have come by an average of five points and while they'll have to win to cover here, I have little faith in the Kings, who just NEVER seem to fulfill any perceived promise. Pop over Luke Walton ANYTIME! Good luck...Larry |
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11-09-21 | Hawks +8 v. Jazz | Top | 98-110 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 52 m | Show |
My NBA 10* East/West Game of the Week is on the Atl Hawks at 9:10 ET. The Atlanta Hawks began last season off FIVE consecutive fifth-place finishes but won the Southeast Division last year with a 41-31 record. They then made it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals, beating the East's top-seeded 76ers, before losing to the Bucks, the eventual NBA champs. Atlanta opened 3-1 this season but has suddenly 'fallen apart,' by losing SIX of seven, including four in a row. The Hawks are in Salt Lake City along with the team's 1-6 record on the road. The Jazz owned the NBA's best regular season record last season but lost in the second round of the playoffs to Denver. The Jazz opened the current season 7-1 (won 116-98 in Atlanta on Nov 4) but enter this contest off back-to-back losses at Miami (no big deal) but also at Orlando (not good!). The Jazz are 7-3 on the season (3-0 at home). No way to explain Atlanta's poor start, as the team has a terrific team leader in PG Young (23.7 & 9.5 APG), who is surrounded by a strong starting cast and plenty of depth. Young plus PF Collins (16.3 & 8.9), SG Bogdanovich (12.4) and center Capela (9.6 & 10.9) have started all 11 games, while SF Hunter (11.7) has started 10 of 11. Throw in Reddish (11.9), Gallinari (7.3) and Huerter (6.9) and it's a 'head scratcher' that the Hawks are playing this poorly. Utah can easily match Atlanta's 'cast of characters.' SG Mitchell (25.8-4.3-5.3) and PG Conley (16.1 & 4.8 APG) are the starting backcourt (Conley has missed three games), while SF Bogdanovich (16.9 & 4.6) and PF O'Neale (7.3 & 4.6) surround center Gobert (15.2 & 16.1). Clarkson (14.4) was 6th-man-of-the year last season and comes off the bench with guard Ingles (8.5),who has started the three games that Conley missed, and center Whiteside (7.1 & 7.9). The Charlotte Hornets lost to the Clippers 120-106 as six-point underdogs (got outscored 27-4 to end the game) on Sunday but then last night the Hornets played the second game of a back-to-back and lost to the Lakers just 126-123 in overtime. This Atlanta Hawks team finds itself in a similar position, as it comes to Utah off a 127-113 road loss at Golden State just last night. If this were the end of the season, fatigue would be an issue. However, we're still in the first month of play and these elite athletes will only benefit from the quick turnaround as they try to get back into the winner's circle. I like betting on motivated teams and after arguably being the biggest surprise team last season, their early play sio far has been a HUGE dissappointment. A little revnge motive from a beatdown by the Jazz back in Atlanta (see above), only adds to the motivation. Take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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11-08-21 | Nets v. Bulls -1.5 | Top | 95-118 | Win | 100 | 11 h 28 m | Show |
My 10* NBA Game of the Week is on the Chi Bulls at 8:10 ET The 7-3 Brooklyn Nets are in the midst of a six-game road trip (longest of the season) and visit Chicago tonight after winning at Detroit and Toronto, extending the team's overall winning streak to FIVE in a row. The Bulls opened the season 6-1 but are coming off consecutive losses against the Philadelphia 76ers.
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11-07-21 | Hornets +5 v. Clippers | Top | 106-120 | Loss | -104 | 13 h 8 m | Show |
My 10* 'Late Show' play is on the Cha Hornets at 9:10 ET. the Charlotte Hornets began the season with a 3-0 record but they've tailed off since then and visit Staples Center tonight just 5-5, after getting blown out 140-110 in Sacramento Friday night. As all know, the Clippers began the season without Kawhi (he may miss the entire season) and opened 1-4. However, the Clippers have returned to their winning ways on the strength of more consistent defensive play. Los Angeles has held opponents to an average of 98 points a contest over the last three games, wins over the Thunder and back-to-back victories on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That said, OKC and Minnesota are not exactly a 'Murderer's Row' of opponents. Miles Bridges (22.7 & 7.7) is enjoying a 'career year' early on for Charlotte, as his average over his first three seasons was 10.6 PPG. Bridges is joined by the impressive trio of Ball (19.9-5.7-7.0), Hayward (18.1-4.7-3.6) and Oubre (12.5 & 4.50). Plumlee has started all 10 games at center, chipping in 6.5 & 7.9. Charlotte has reached 100 points in all except two of its 10 games. The Hornets check in as the NBA's highest scoring team, averaging 114.2 PPG, but are allowing a league-high 117.4 PPG. As expected, George (27.9-8.1-4.9) leads the way for the Clippers, with PG Jackson (16.8-3.9-4.1) SG Bledsoe (8.8-3.4-4.3) and center Zubac (8.9 & 6.6) also starting all eight games. Jackson has heated up in averaging 21 points a contest during L.A.'s three-game winning streak plus Kennard (11.1) and Mann (10.4) are both averaging double digits off the bench. The Hornets have struggled defensively this year (to say the least) but they catch a break facing this LA offense which is averaging only 105.4 PPG (ranked 19th). Paul George and the Clippers have been strong defensively (102.1 PPG ranks 6th), but I think the home side gets caught flat-footed here in the opener of its six-game homestand. The game marks the return of LaMelo Ball to his hometown. The second-year pro out of nearby Chino Hills played for the first time in Los Angeles last season, back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, both losses. However, this weekend will be the first time Ball plays in L.A. with fans in attendance. I'm grabbing the points. Good luck...Larry |
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11-05-21 | Hornets +1.5 v. Kings | Top | 110-140 | Loss | -107 | 11 h 27 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Cha Hornets at 10:10 ET. The Charlotte Hornets began the season with a 3-0 record but they've tailed off since then and head to Sacramento just 5-4. However, Charlotte head coach James Borrego said those early outcomes should be remembered for some of the things that were learned. 4-4 Sacrameto topped the New Orleans Pelicans 112-99 on Wednesday night, as the Kings won a home game for the first time this season. Miles Bridges (24.1 & 8.0) is enjoying a 'career year,' as his average over his first three seasons was 10.6 PPG. He racked up 32 points, reaching the 30-point mark for the fourth time this season in Wednesday's 114-92 loss at Golden St. Bridges is joined by the impressive trio of Ball (19.4-6.0-6.3), Hayward (17.3-5.0-3.8) and Oubre (12.9 & 4.6). Charlotte has reached 100 points in all except two of its nine games, after scoring a season-low total in Wednesday night's loss (see above). However, the Hornet's still check in as the NBA's highest scoring team, averaging 114.7 PPG, while also shooting a league-high 39.6% on threes. The Kings own a terrific guard trio. Fox (17.9 & 6.5 APG) and Haliburton 13.1 & 5.5 APG) are starting, with Hield coming off the bench to average 16.8 PPG. The Kings will have to see if there's any fallout from the league regarding center Richaun Holmes' second-half ejection Wednesday night. He was restrained from team staff members prior to exiting the court. He's an undersized center averaging 15.0 & 9.9. Then there is SF Harrison Barnes, who has a 14.0 PPG average over his 11 seasons but has been spectacular so far, averaging 23.3 PPG and 9.5 RPG. The Kings remain an enigma, as the team's Wednesday win over the Pelicans was the FIRST time in their eight games that the Kings held an opponent under 100 points (99). In fact, half (2 of 4) of the Kings' wins have come over New Orleans. Charlotte should come in confident, as it has won its last FIVE meetings with Sacramento. Play the Hornets. Good luck...Larry |
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11-05-21 | Grizzlies +1 v. Wizards | Top | 87-115 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Mem Grizzlies at 7:10 ET. The Washington Wizards opened 5-1, the franchise's best start in 16 years. However, as they welcome the Grizzlies to the nation's capital, Washington is looking to shake off a two-game losing skid. Memphis is off back-to-back home wins against the Nuggets, winning 106-97 (Mon) and 108-106 (Wed). Both teams will take the floor with 5-3 records. To no one's surprise, Ja Morant (27.0-5.5-7.5) is setting the pace for Memphis early. Second-year wing Desmond Bane is elevating his play early on, helping fill the void with Dillon Brooks sidelined due to a broken hand. Bane has averaged 17.5 & 4.1, while shooting better than 41 percent from beyond the three-point arc on almost eight attempts per game. Guard Melton has also been a nice surprise, averaging 12.6 PPG. Then there is Jaren Jackson Jr, who is coming off a 2020-21 in which he missed all but 11 regular-season games due to injuries. The fourth-year forward is averaging 13.6 & 5.4, while scoring in double-figures in six of the Grizzlies' first eight games. The team's new starting center is Steven Adams and he's close to averaging a double-double (9.4 & 9.1). Washington's starting guard duo is Beal (24.4-5.7-4.9) and Dinwiddie (17.9-4.9-5.9). Then there's the "Lakers-East" trio of PF Harrell (18.0 & 9.9), SF Kuzma (14.1 & 9.9) and guard Caldwell-Pope (9.5 & 4.0). However, Washington comes into Friday's matchup with more than a few issues. Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant have not yet played this season and neither has a clear timetable to return. Davis Bertans is out indefinitely with an ankle injury, and now Kyle Kuzma is questionable for Friday after leaving Wednesday's game with an arm injury. I think Washington is going to take another step back here. Defending champion Milwaukee is coming to D.C. on Sunday, while Memphis will enjoy two whole nights off after this before a favorable home stretch starting with Minnesota on Monday. Scheduling (for both teams, in every sport) is always something I look at carefully when assessing a contest and this one favors Memphis in that department. Memphis is the play. Good luck...Larry |
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11-03-21 | Mavs v. Spurs +1 | Top | 109-108 | Push | 0 | 11 h 46 m | Show |
My 9* 'Battle at The Alamo' is on the SA Spurs at 8:40 ET. The San Antonio Spurs need to shrug off their worst defensive performance of the young season when they return home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. The Spurs were routed 131-118 Monday at Indiana, as the Pacers shot 63.8 percent from the floor in the first half while building a 22-point lead at the break and never looked back. The Spurs have dropped five of their last six games, as they welcome the 4-3 Mavs to the Alamo City. It's the second game of a home-road back-to-back for Dallas, which began with a 125-110 defeat to the visiting Miami Heat on Tuesday. Doncic is one of the league's best, although his scoring is down some (24.0-7.7-7.1). Swingman Hardaway spent the better part of last season as the team's 6th-man but he started all seven games, averaging 13.9 PPG. Kristaps Porzingis, nicknamed the "Unicorn," has missed the last four games due to back tightness. Porzingis missed 29 of Dallas' 72 games last season due to his back issues and is off to a slow start even in the three games he has played. He is averaging 12.7 PPG (six below his career average) and is shooting 30.2 percent from the floor and 23.5 percent on three-pointers. His career averages are 44 percent on field goals and 36 percent on threes."We want him to be right," Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said of Porzingis. "If he's not right, he can't play. The Spurs started the same five players in each of their first four games but McDermott (11.5) has missed all three games of San Antonio's just-concluded road trip with a balky right knee. He will be a game-time decision. Walker (12.7) has started in his place, joining Murray (17.6-7.6-8.5), Johnson (14.9 & 5.3), Poetl (13.9 & 9.7) and White (13.1 & 6.3 APG). This year's version of the Spurs is running a free-flowing offense (110.0 PPG ranks 13th) and should be able to outscore a Dallas team that is having offensive struggles. Dallas is averaging 100.0 PPG (28th) on 40.9% (29th). I had a play on Dallas last night and lost. I rarely "play on" a team one night, and then go against them the next, but there are exceptions to every rule. That's the case here. These contests really do need to be viewed and assessed individually and this is simply a bad spot for the scuffling Mavericks. They're dealing with several key injuries (Porzingis) and they're facing a Spurs team that returns home eager to bounce back after a 131-118 at Indiana on Monday. San Antonio is also playing with the immediate revenge factor here after falling 104-99 at Dallas on October 28th. That is significant, as dating to last year the Spurs are 5-1 ATS in their last six in trying to avenge a road loss against an opponent in which they were held to 99 or fewer points in. Spurs win in 'The Battle 4 Texas.' Good luck...Larry |
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11-03-21 | Raptors +3.5 v. Wizards | Top | 109-100 | Win | 100 | 10 h 10 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Tor Raptors at 7:10 ET. The Toronto Raptors are still without All Star Pascal Siakam, who is not expected back until mid-November. However, since the Raptors lost their season-opener 98-83 at home to the Wizards, they've won FIVE of their last seven games, including FOUR in a row. Toronto will be out to avenge that opening-night loss and extend their winning streak to five when they conclude a three-game road trip Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards. The Wizards lost 118-111 to the host Atlanta Hawks on Monday, snapping a three-game winning streak to fall to 5-2. Rookie Barnes (18.1 & 8.9) has been terrific for Toronto but he suffered a sprained right thumb late in Toronto's win Saturday night against the Indiana Pacers. His status for Wednesday is uncertain. SF Anunuby scored a career-best 36 points Monday in a 113-104 victory over the New York Knicks and leads the Raptors in scoring at 20.3 PPG (adds 5.6 RPG). VanVleet started slowly but is up to 17.0-5.5-7.4 and Trent (15.1 PPG) has been a consistent producer. Starting center Precious Achiuwa played only 17 minutes with two points and nine rebounds on Monday. He was replaced by Khem Birch, who had six points, eight rebounds, one blocked shot and two steals. However, Achiuwa is averaging 8.3 & 8.6 in a modest 23.5 MPG (pretty good). The Wizards are led by the guard duo of Beal (24.3-5.5-4.5) and Dinwiddie (18.8-4.7-5.3) plus a trio of former Lakers. PF Harrell (18.4 & 9.9), SF Kuzma (15.9 & 11.0) and guard Caldwell-Ppe (9.7) kinda makes the Wizards, the "Lakers-East!" The Wizards had starting point guard Spencer Dinwiddie, who did not play Thursday (rest), and starting center Daniel Gafford (right quadriceps contusion), who missed the two previous games, back in the lineup Monday. However, Washington had too many wasted possessions against the Hawks. Toronto has won with its defense, allowing just 100.3 PPG (3rd). The Raptors will remember that in their home loss to the Wizards, they held a team averaging 112.4 PPG (6th) to just 98 points. The Raptors come in on a four-game winning streak and have also won their last FOUR visits to the nation's capital. Take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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11-02-21 | Heat v. Mavs +2.5 | Top | 125-110 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 11 m | Show |
My 10* East/West Game of the Week is on the Dal Mavs at 7:40 ET. Miami made an improbable run to the NBA Finals in 2020 but last year, aftera modest 42-30 sesson, got swept 4-0 by the Milwaukee Bucks (eventual champs) in the first round. However, the Heat have come out like gangbusters this season, opening 5-1 (only Chicago, yes Chicago, is better at 6-1). The Mavericks welcome the Heat to Dallas with a 6-4 overall record, including a perfect 3-0 mark at home. Swingman Jimmy Butler (25.3-7.0-5.5) is healthy and playing great, as is the ever-improving Bamm Abedayo (20.6 & 14.0). However, major addition, PG Lowry (from Toronto), is off to a sow start, averaging only 8.4 PPG (in 31 minutes), shooting an 'ugly' 33.3% overall (26.9% on threes). Picking up the slack is third-year gaur Herro, who is averaging 22.0-6.5-4.5 off the bench. Doncic is one of the league's best, although his scoring is down some (22.5-8.5-7.97). Swingman Hardaway spent the better part of last season as the team's 6th-man but he started all six games, averaging 13.3 PPG. Kristaps Porzingis, nicknamed the "Unicorn," has missed the last three games due to back tightness. Porzingis missed 29 of Dallas' 72 games last season due to his back issuea and is off to a slow start even in the three games he has played. He is averaging 12.7 PPG (six below his career average) and is shooting 30.2 percent from the floor and 23.5 percent on three-pointers. His career averages are 44 percent on field goals and 36 percent on threes."We want him to be right," Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said of Porzingis. "If he's not right, he can't play. A lot has gone right for Miami so far, but I am still not sold on the Heat being quite as good as they've looked so far. Dallas will need Porzingis to get healthy for the Mavs to be a strong playoff contender but I believe the Mavs are in a great spot for a win tonight as a small home underdog. Good luck...Larry |
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11-01-21 | Bulls v. Celtics -1 | Top | 128-114 | Loss | -107 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Bos Celtics at 7:40 ET. |
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10-28-21 | Grizzlies +6 v. Warriors | Top | 104-101 | Win | 100 | 14 h 17 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Mem Grizzlies at 10:10 ET. Klay Thompson missed the last two seasons and the latest word is that he is expected to be cleared to return to full-contract practices within a month. The latest word on the team's highly-touted No. 1 pick from the 2020 Draft (James Wiseman), is the following. The Warriors' training staff has targeted Friday as the date Wiseman should be able to start jumping and working out at full speed, and a "full clearance" is expected to be in the next couple weeks. In the meantime, the Warriors have opened 4-0. The Warriors welcome the 2-2 Memphis Grizzlies to Chase Center tonight, a team that is coming off an 'ugly' 116-96 loss last night in Portland (note: I had the Blazers in that one). Memphis opened the season with an 11-point home win over the sad-sack Cavs (although the Clippers may argue that Cleveland is NOT that bad!) but then set out on a four-game Western road swing. Memphis began with back-to back games at Staples Center against the Clippers (won) and then the Lakers (lost by three). PG Ja Morant (35.0 & 8.0 APG) led the way through three games for Memphis (no surprise there) but Desmond Bane's and De'Anthony Melton's play had SURE been eye openers. Bane was averaging 19.3 & 4.7 and Melton 18.3 & 4.7. Memphis also picked up center Stevens Adams in the offseason and he had the front office 'patting its own back' by averaging 13.0 & 13.0. Some great news was that Jarren Jackson Jr. looks completely healthy, averaging 15.3 & 6.0, after an injury-riddled season last year. However, not much went right in Portland on Wednesday night. Morant was jst 5 of 12 for 17 points, Adams shot 2 of 8 for four points with seven rebounds, Jackson had just seven points and two rebounds plus Melton imploded, missing all eight FG attempts in 25 scoreless minutes. Only Bane held up his end with 19 points, as Memphis shot 36.5% (17 of 50 on threes). Curry has led Golden St in scoring in all four games and enters tonight with a line of 29.0-8.3-6.3. SF Wiggns eventually got vaccinated and has opened averaging 16.8 & 5.3. The team's other three starters are Poole (15.3 & 4.3 APG), PF Green (9.5-7.3-6.8) and center Looney (6.5 & 5.8). Golden State head coach Steve Kerr has to be smiling (although maybe a little concerned) as each of the team's four wins have come despite a halftime deficit, a season-opening feat accomplished just once previously in NBA history by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1985-86. The eighth-seeded Warriors and ninth-seeded Grizzlies put on an entertaining show in the inaugural NBA play-in tournament last May, with Memphis getting two late hoops from Ja Morant to pull out a 117-112 overtime victory and enter as the West's No. 8 seed. However, I'm not reading much of anything into the "revenge" angle here though. New season, new faces and new circumstances. There's no bad blood between these teams, so in my opinion, the revenge factor is a moot point. Sure, it's back to-back nights for Memphis but off an AWFUL effort last night in Portland, I expect Memphis to play VERY well. Golden St has made a habit of falling behind and then coming back to win (see above) to open this season but a trend like that is unlikely to continue. Without Thompson and Wiseman, I don't believe the Warriors are the better team. Take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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10-27-21 | Grizzlies v. Blazers -2 | Top | 96-116 | Win | 100 | 12 h 21 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Por Blazers at 10:10 ET. The Memphis Grizzlies have opened 2-1 but 3-0 ATS. The team continues its four-game Western road trip tonight in Portland, after splitting two games at Staples Center. The Grizz beat the Clippers but lost a close one to the Lakers. As for the 1-2 Blazers, they are 1-2 and will be looking to put a humiliating performance behind them when they play host to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.The Trail Blazers are adjusting to new head coach Chauncey Billups and the transition looked ugly in Monday night's 116-86 road loss to the Clippers. Portland committed 30 turnovers in a defeat that shooting guard CJ McCollum termed "a shellacking."
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10-27-21 | Wizards +4.5 v. Celtics | Top | 116-107 | Win | 100 | 7 h 16 m | Show |
My 9* Late Breaker is on the Was Wizards at 7:40 ET. Boston opened the season losing at New York (138-134 in 2 OTs) and then returned home and got 'spanked' 115-83 by the Toronto Raptors. That result was the team's worst home loss since March of 2007 and was an 'ugly' home debiut for Boston's first-year head coach Ime Udoka. The etam was booed off the floor with Udoke saying recently, "I think the Toronto game was an aberration. We were building on that, playing the way we wanted to." He's referring to Boston winning its next two games, 107-97 at Houston and 140-129 (in OT) at Charlotte. The 2-2 Celtics are back in front of the hometown crowd again tonight, hosting the 2-1 Washington Wizards. Washington opened with two straight wins but lost 104-90 at the Brooklyn Nets on Monday for their first loss of the season. Despite the loss, the Wizards were happy to get Bradley Beal (21.0) back after their All-Star guard missed one game with a right-hip contusion. Beal led the team with 19 points against Brooklyn, although his points didn't come easily on an 8-for-22 shooting night, including 3-of-13 from 3-point range. PG Dinwiddie (19.0-5.0-7.0) is off to an excellent start with his new team plus a trio of former Lakers (can we call Washington, LA Lakers-East?) have made immediate impacts. PF Harrell (15.3 & 7.7) is coming off the bench (his preferred role), while Kuzma (14.3 & 13.0) and Caldwell-Pope (7.7) are starting at SF and PG, respectively. The Celtics feature the 'Dynamic Duo' of Jaylen Brown (28.3 & 7.3) and Jayson Tatunm (27.5 & 8.3), although Brown didn't play on Sunday at Houston. However, he returned Monday at Charlotte and scored 30 points while grabbing nine rebounds. Tatum was the star, scoring a game-high 41 points plus handed out eight assists. The Boston Celtics return home with momentum on their side after back-to-back road wins but starting center Al Horford (14.0 & 10.5) sat out Monday with a left- adductor strain. He is listed as probable. Washington's l104-90 oss at Brooklyn was a predictable letdown spot, as the Wizards were off a drawing 135-134 OT win at home over the Pacers, while the Nets needed a win to avoid a 1-3 start. The Wizards were still clearly "gassed" from their emotional win over Indiana but there's no better time to refocus and get back on track than right here and now in Boston. The Celtics enter his game with 'heavy legs,' off back-to-back victories (Sun & Mon), needing overtime to pull away for the 140-129 victory at Charlotte on Monday night. Grab the points. Good luck...Larry |
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10-26-21 | Lakers -4.5 v. Spurs | Top | 125-121 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 19 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the LA Lakers at 8:40 ET. The Lakers were taken out in the first round of last season's playoffs by the Suns, as A.D. was hurt during the series and who knows what may have happened if he didn't go down with that injury? The Lakers then opened teh current with back-to-back home losses to the Warriors and Suns, before edging the Grizzlies at Staples Center on Saturday, 121-118. San Antonio lost the "play-in" game last year and finished as the 10th seed in the West with a 33-39 record. The Spurs saw the departures of DeMar DeRozan (21.6-4.2-6.9), Rudy Gay (11.4 & 4.8) and Patty Mills (10.8) this past offseason, leaving a group of supporting players playing in a free-flowing offense. San Antonio opened with a home rout of Orlando but then lost at Denver and back at home to Milwaukee. LBJ (26.0-6.3-5.3) is expected to play on Tuesday despite suffering a leg injury midway through the win over Memphis. James ended up playing 40 minutes. He said afterward that his leg was "sore" and that he would receive continual treatment on it heading up to the dustup with the Spurs. LA woke up offensively against Memphis, shooting 53.6 percent from the floor and 53.3 percent from three-point range. Veteran Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 28 points and he has averaged 17.7 PPG in three games. Anthony Davis added 22 points and eight rebounds and checks in at 25.7 & 11.0 so far. Westbrook (12.0-7.7-8.7) has yet to find his rhythm and I will make no predictions as to whether he will fit in well or not. The Spurs' Johnson (20.7) is a rising star and leads six players in scoring double digits. Starting alongside Johnson are guards White (15.3 & 6.7 APG) and Murray (13.3-8.0-7.0) plus forward McDermott (14.0) and center Poetl (12.3 & 9.3). Guard Walker (13.3) adds double digits off the bench. The bottom line is, coming off their first win of the year over a quality Grizzlies team, I believe that the Lakers win again here in this favorable matchup with "room to spare!" Lay it! Good luck...Larry |
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10-25-21 | Bucks v. Pacers +3 | Top | 119-109 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Ind Pacers at 7:10 ET. |
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10-24-21 | Grizzlies v. Lakers -6 | Top | 118-121 | Loss | -102 | 14 h 21 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on the LA Lakers at 9:40 ET. The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their season opener 121-114 to the visiting Golden State Warriors and then lost another home game on Friday, 115-105 to the Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, Memphis began its season by scoring 132 points in an 11-point home win over the Cavs and then last night, right here in Staples, beat the Clippers 120-114.
So what's up in LA? Will Westbrook eventually fit with James and Davis? Time will tell. Right now, after an 0-6 preseason, the Lakers are looking to avoid starting 0-3 for the SECOND time in their LeBron James-era. LA does catch Memphis in a tough spot here, playing on back-to-back in Staples, as part of a four-game Western trip that will conclude with Games against the Trail Blazers and the Warriors. In contrast, the Lakers' upcoming schedule is favorable, with games against the Spurs, Thunder, Rockets twice (both at home), followed by another home game against Oklahoma City. LA will never admit to it, but the "panic button" has been pushed. Expect to see a full four-quarter effort from the home side and I believe that'll result in the Lakers' first win and cover of the season.
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10-23-21 | Grizzlies +4.5 v. Clippers | Top | 120-114 | Win | 100 | 13 h 32 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Memphis Grizzlies at 10:40 ET. The Los Angeles Clippers will look to bounce back in the team's first home contest of the season Saturday against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, after opening the campaign with a 115-113 road loss against the Golden State Warriors (Curry had 45 points). The Memphis Grizzlies are the opponent, coming in off a 132-121 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. |
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10-23-21 | Mavs v. Raptors +4 | Top | 103-95 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 46 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Tor Raptors at 7:35 ET. The Toronto Raptors flopped in their season-opening game Wednesday, falling 98-83 at home to the Wizards. However, Toronto rebounded last night with an impressive 115-83 upset victory at Boston. The Raptors travel tonight to Dallas to play the Mavericks, who got served in their season-opener 113-87 in Atlanta. Normally I avoid "playing on" teams in the second game of a back-to-back, but this is different. It's the start of the season, so fatigue simply is not an issue at this point of the campaign. Plus, this is a difficult travel spot for the Mavericks, as they make a rare trip "North of the Border." Let's take a closer look. |
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10-22-21 | Jazz v. Kings +6 | Top | 110-101 | Loss | -106 | 12 h 43 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on the Sac Kings at ET. The Utah Jazz compiled the best record in the league last season (52-20) but suffered the disappointment of a second-round playoff exit. As for the Sacramento Kings, they finished 31-41 last season, extending the team's almost unfathomable 15-year playoff drought (longest active in the NBA). The Jazz opened with a 107-86 home victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder (held the Thunder to just 37.4% shooting), while the Kings opened their season with an impressive 124-121 road win over the Portland Trail Blazers (both played on Wednesday). Naturally, the Jazz are a better team than the Kings (duh!) and series history points to Utah (Jazz have won 13 of the past 15 meetings) but I've got a feeling the Kings will be much more competitive in the 2021-22 season. Utah had six players in double digits against the Thunder, led by Bogdanovich's 22. Gobert had a double-double (16 & 21) but Mitchell (26.4 PPG last season) had a modest 16 on 6 of 17 shooting (including 3 of 10 on threes). The Kings' Harrison Barnes carried the Kings with career highs of 36 points and eight 3-pointers. PG De'Aaron Fox added 27 points and eight assists plus center Richaun Holmes had 21 points and 11 rebounds (Buddy Hield scored 17 points off the bench). Here's the rub. As noted above, the Jazz have won 13 of the last 15 against the Kings and that includes all three last season, with an average winning margin of 29 points. In fact, Utah set a franchise record for points when it demolished the Kings 154-105 in Sacramento on April 28. My bet? The Kings 'sneak up' on the Jazz, who could be forgiven for taking Sacramento lightly in only the second game of the season. Take the points. Good luck...Larry |