My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Mia Heat at 7:10 ET.

The Miami Heat swept the Indiana Pacers in last season's first round of the playoffs but the Pacers have beaten the Heat in two previous meetings this season March 19 and 21). Miami visits Indiana Wednesday night after snapping a SIX-game losing streak on Monday. The Pacers had gone through a 2-8 stretch when they shot "lights out" in a 137-110 win at Miami on March 19 and two nights later, the Pacers won at Miami again, this time prevailing 109-106 in OT. Those wins started what became a 4-1 Pacers run that was halted on Monday night in a 132-124 loss to the Wizards.

The NBA's new playoff format guarantees only the top-six teams in each conference a playoff berth. The No. 7 thru No. 10 seeds will be involved in a "Play-In" format for the two final spots (7 & 8). Right now, Miami is 23-24 (8th) and Indiana 21-24 (9th). However, we should note that the 4th-seeded Hornets are just 2 1/2 games ahead of Miami, meaning they are just 3 1/2 games ahead of Indiana. Miami is still playing without Nunn (13.5) but the remainder of its key players, although most have missed to-plus games, are currently active. Butler (21.5-7.7-7.3) and Adebayo (19.4-9.6-4.3) are All Star-quality performers plus guards Herro (15.5-5.3-3.6), Dragic (13.5 & 4.8 APG) and Robinson (12.7 & 3.7) make up a very good trio.

PG Brogdon (21.5-4.7-6.0) and PF Sabonis (20.4-11.3-6.1) are Indiana's two stars but the Pacers feature quality depth. Caris LeVert is finally healthy and averaging 15.0-4.4-39 in his nine games, while SF McDermott (13.4), center Turner (12.7 & 6.4), Justin Holiday (11.5 & 3.8) and Lamb (10.8) also score in double digits. Aaron Holiday averages 6.7 PPG) and McConnell 7.2 & 6.5 APG. McDermott (right-ankle injury) is expected back after he sat out the Wizards game. Lamb's return from injury has also helped, as he's played in 28 games this season since tearing his ACL last February.

The Pacers just recently beat the Heat on Mar 19 and 21 in Miami but have opened as a small home dog. Maybe that's because the Pacers are just 8-12 SU at home this season but it's also because the Pacers are only 4-12 ATS their last 16 games. A little "revenge motive" for Miami also plays into the mix!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Pho Suns at 10:10 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks fired head coach Lloyd Pierce on March 1 and replaced him with assistant coach Nate McMillan. The veteran NBA coach quickly turned the Hawks into the 'Utah Jazz,' as Atlanta has won EIGHT straight while going 6-1-1 ATS. The Hawks opened an eight-game road trip by beating the Lakers at Staples Center (for their 8th straight win) but THREE losses in their next four games followed. The 23-23 Hawks still have three games remaining in their two-week road trip, starting with a visit to Phoenix on Tuesday night. The Suns went 8-0 SU & ATS in last year's 'bubble' but still missed the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season. That will change this season, as Phoenix is 31-14, giving them the West's second-best record.

PG Trae Young (25.6 & 9.4 APG) has led the Hawks all season. There was talk of moving PF Collins (18.4 & 7.8) at the trade deadline but he stayed put and scored a career-high 38 points in Friday's win. Center Capela, who averages a double-double (14.6 & 14.1) on the season and SG Huerter (11.6-3.5-3.5), have been mainstays. On the injury front, SF Reddish (11.2 & 4.0) has missed 20 games (last played Feb 21), as he's being held out of the lineup with a right Achilles injury and it is unclear how long he will be sidelined. However, PF Hunter (16.0 & 5.1) returned for two games for the first time since Jan 29 on March 22nd  & 24th but Hunter missed his second straight game with right knee soreness on Sunday. The team is taking a cautious approach with Hunter since he returned from missing 23 games following surgery on his right knee. The Hawks will have veteran guard Lou Williams (12.1 PPG in 42 contests with the Clippers) available on Tuesday after being acquired at the trade deadline from the Clippers.

The Suns' major offseason acquisition was getting PG Chris Paul but also added SF Jae Crowder. Paul (16.0-4.7-8.5) has been terrific, while Crowder (10.0 & 5.0) has missed just three games, starting 27 of 42. Center Ayton (14.8 & 11.0) and SF Bridges (13.4 & 4.9) have both played in ALL 45 games this season. Then, there is Devin Booker, who averages 25.1-4.1-4.6. The Suns of Mike D'Antoni were known for their fast-paced style (See the book ":07 Seconds of Less") but Monty Williams' team is allowing just 107.0 PPG (3rd) on 45.4% shooting (7th), including 34.1% on threes (2nd).

The Hawks are coming to the end of a two-week long road trip and this visit to Phoenix is a tough stop. The Suns own the NBA's top pointspread mark (30-15) and add another 'cover' in this one. Lay it!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Den Nuggets at 10:10 ET.

The Philadelphia 76ers own the East's best record (32-14) but the Nets have closed within a half-game of them at 32-15 (Bucks are three games back). After one game with Aaron Gordon in the mix, it looks like the Denver Nuggets made a smart move in acquiring the young forward. The Sixers are 10-2 in March as they visit Pepsi Center on Tuesday to take on the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets have won 11 of 14 to reach 28-18, tying them with the Portland Trail Blazers. Denver and Portland are each 1 1/2-games back of the Lakers (West's No. 4 seed) but SEVEN games back of the West's No. 1 seed Utah (35-11).

The Sixers have stayed atop the Eastern Conference despite not having Joel Embiid for most of the month. Embiid (29.9 & 11.5) was having an MVP-caliber season before a bone bruise in his left knee has sidelined him for the past eight games. He's likely to miss Tuesday's game. Philly had a four-game winning streak snapped Saturday night at the Los Angeles Clippers (lost 122-112), the fourth of a six-game road trip, which concludes with this game and finishes in Cleveland on Thursday night. Philly's regular starting-five includes Embiid, Harris (20.9 & 7.6), Simmons (15.9-7.9-7.7), Curry (12.9) and Green (9.7 & 3.6). A trio of guards add depth on the perimeter in Milton (13.8), Korkmaz (8.9) and Maxey (7.3) plus veteran center Howard (6.7 & 8.1).

Denver's been led all season by its two breakout stars, center Jokic (26.9-11.1-8.5) and PG Murray (21.0-3.9-4.9). The 6-10 Porter (16.3 & 7.4) has developed into a quality small forward. Denver just acquired Aaron Gordon (14.4-6.6-4.2) from Orlando and Javale McGee (8.0 & 5.2) from Cleveland to give their frontcourt even more depth. Gordon scored 13 points on 6-for-9 shooting in 21 minutes in his first game for Denver on Sunday. Veteran PF Millsap (9.7 & 5.1) is back healthy, while the 6-8 Green (8.8 & 5.4) and the 6-6 Dozier (7.3 & 3.7) have been very solid off the bench up front. Swingman Barton (12.5-4.1-3.0) missed the end of last season with an injury but has played in 43 of 46 games this season. 

Tough spot here for Philly up against a Denver team that REALLY improved itself with the additions of Gordon and McGee. The Nuggets are primed to make a move in the West with SEVEN of their next nine games here at Pepsi Center. Nuggets win "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on the LA Clippers at 10:10 ET.

The Milwaukee Bucks owned the NBA's best record the previous two seasons (60-22 and 56-17) but each year lost before reaching the NBA Finals. A FIVE-game losing streak (Feb 10-18) left the Bucks at just 16-13 and with many asking, "What's wrong with the Bucks?" Milwaukee answered its critics with 13 wins over 14 games from Feb 19-Mar 24, including EIGHT straight wins before a 122-144 Friday loss to the Celtics on Mar 26.  However, a 102--96 loss to the Knicks followed on Saturday.

The Clippers got Kawhi back for their Saturday game at home vs the 76ers and they beat the team with the East's best record, 122-112. Kawhi led the way with 28 points, as the Clippers won for the FIFTH straight time. The 31-16 Clippers own the West's No. 3 seed (one game ahead of the Lakers), one game back of the Suns but four back of the Jazz, who own the NBA's best record at 34-11. 

Milwaukee's starting-five (when healthy) consists of Antetokounmpo (28.3-11.5-6.4),. Middleton (20.5-61-5.4), Holiday (15.9-4.4-5.1), Lopez (11.4 & 5.2) and DiVincenzo (10.7-5.4-3.0). The 6-10 Portis (11.0 & 6.8) plus guards Forbes (9.4) and Connaughton (7.0 & 4,7) have been regular contributors off the bench, as well as fill-in starters. Here's the latest update. Antetokounmpo was one of four starters to miss Saturday's 102-96 home loss to the New York Knicks but he's expected to play here. Khris Middleton (hip), Jrue Holiday (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (foot) also are slated to be back in the lineup. We'll see. However, key reserves P.J. Tucker (calf) and Bobby Portis (health and safety protocols) have been ruled out.

The Clippers have been playing short-handed, with big man Serge Ibaka (back), swingman Marcus Morris Sr. (calf) and PG Patrick Beverley (knee) injured. However, getting Kawhi (26.0-6.3-4.8) to team with George (22.5-6.3-5.5) is a pretty big deal. LA's depth has proven VERY valuable during the team's 5-0 SU & ATS run, as Jackson has averaged 12.4 PPG in March, filling in nicely for Beverley. Swingman Batum (8.6 & 4.8) has been solid all season (he's now coming off the bench) plus note what these three Clippers have done lately. Kennard is averaging 9.9 PPG his last eight, the 7-0 Zubac is averaging 11.7 & 9.1 the last seven games and Mann is averaging 15.4 PPG in LA's five-game winning streak.

Milwaukee posted a 105-100 home win over Los Angeles on Feb 28, when Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 36 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and four blocked shots. A little revenge motive  between top-tier teams never hurts but while this game opens a stretch of six straight road games and nine of 10 for Milwaukee, the Clippers get set to play just the second contest of NINE straight games at Staples Center (don't look over your shoulders Suns and Jazz!). The Clippers were undervalued vs the 76ers and are again here vs the Bucks.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Bos Celtics at 7:35 ET.

New Orleans forwards Zion Williamson (26.3 & 7.0) and Brandon Ingram (23.8-5.0-4.6) are creating serious headaches for opposing teams on a regular basis but New Orleans remains a modest 20-25 on the season. The playoff structure this season has Seeds 1 through 6 entering the playoffs, while Seeds 7 through 10 will enter a "Play-In' format (Google for details, if interested). The Pelicans are currently 1 1/2-games back of the 10th-seeded Warriors. Led by the trio of Tatum, Brown and Walker, the Boston Celtics were expected to be among the East's top-contenders, battling Milwaukee, Miami, Philadelphia and maybe Brooklyn (would the KD/Irving duo work?). Boston opened 8-3 (even though Walker was sidelined) but the team's early success did not last. As the Celtics welcome the Pelicans to TD Garden, Boston is just 23-23 and tied with the Hawks for the final guaranteed spot (No. 6 seed) in the East. Boston can hardly even 'see' the East's No. 1 team (76wes), who are NINE games up on the Celtics. more in a bit.

Zion Williamson is routinely accomplishing feats that link him to NBA legends, as he has scored more than 20 points in 23 consecutive games, making him the only player younger than 21 to do so. The Pelicans received quite a 'haul' from the Lakers in the A.D. trade, as along with Ingram]m, New Orleans got starting PG Lonzo Ball (14.2-4.2-5.6) and 6-5 SG Josh Hart, who comes off the bench to average 9.0 PPG and an impressive 7.0 RPG. Guard Bledsoe (11.4-3.4-3.8) and center Adams (8.0 & 9.0) were both acquired in trades just prior to the start of the season.

Boston used a HUGE fourth quarter to beat the Thunder 111-94 at OKC on Saturday, which followed an impressive 122-114 victory in Milwaukee on Friday, as Boston concluded a four-game trip on a winning note. Tatum (25.1-6.8-4.5), Brown (24.5-6.8-4.4) and Walker (18.0-3.5-4.6) have having strong seasons, plus Smart (12.9 & 4.5 APG), the team's best perimeter defender and a team leader, has been back on the court since the All Star break. Boston expects big things from Fournier (19.7), who they just got from Orlando but he sat out the last game while enrolled in the NBA's health and safety protocols. It is uncertain if he will take the court against the Pelicans on Monday. Big Man Thompson (7.9 & 8.4) is also in the NBA's health and safety protocols and hasn't played since March 14. The 6-8 Robert Williams (7.7 & 6.6) is seeing more minutes lately and Thompson hasn't really been missed.

Look back over New Orleans's main contributors (see above) and you'll ask the same question I have. How does a team with this roster remain a sub-.500 team? The answer is simply stated by Bill Parcells' famous quote, "You are what your record says you are!" Is it possible that Boston WON'T remember its first game against the Pelicans this season? Williamson had 28 points and 10 rebounds to support Brandon Ingram's 33 points in a 120-115 overtime victory over the visiting Celtics back on Feb 21. New Orleans overcame a 24-point deficit for the largest comeback win in franchise history. Lay the modest points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Las Vegas Insider of the Month is on the Den Nuggets at 9:05 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks fired head coach Lloyd Pierce on March 1 and replaced him with assistant coach Nate McMillan. The veteran NBA coach quickly turned the Hawks into the 'Utah Jazz,' as Atlanta has won EIGHT straight while going 6-1-1 ATS. The Hawks opened an eight-game road trip by beating the Lakers at Staples Center (for their 8th straight win) but then lost to the Clippers (also at Staples) and to the Kings in Sacramento. However, Atlanta rebounded Friday night with a 124-108 in San Francisco over the slumping Warriors. 23-22 Atlanta continues its eight-game road trek tonight in Denver against the Nuggets, who have won 10 of 13 to get to 27-18 (tied with Portland). Both the Nuggets and Blazers are just 1 1/2-games back of the Lakers, who continue to play without LBJ and A.D.

PG Trae Young (25.7-4.0-9.5) has led the Hawks all season. There was talk of moving PF Collins (18.6 & 7.90 at the trade deadline but he stayed put and scored a career-high 38 points in Friday's win. Center Capela, who averages a double-double (14.7 & 14.3) on the season and SG Huerter (121.7-3.6-3.6), have been mainstays. On the injury front, SF Reddish (11.2 & 4.0) has missed 16 games (last played Feb 21), as he's being held out of the lineup with a right Achilles injury and it is unclear how long he will be sidelined. However, PF Hunter (16.0 & 5.1) returned the last two games for the first time since Jan 29 but while he played 28 minutes on Friday, he was 1 of 9 from the floor in scoring five points. It's GREAT news for Atlanta that he's back but he'll need time to get back in the groove.

Speaking of GREAT news, an already deep Denver team just added  forward Aaron Gordon (14.6 & 6.6) from the Magic and swapped centers with Cleveland, getting JaVale McGee (8.0 & 5.2) for his second tour with the franchise in exchange for Isaiah Hartenstein and two future second-round selections. Denver's been led all season by its two breakout stars, center Jokic (27.2-11.1-8.6) and PG Murray (21.1-3.9-5.0). The 6-10 Porter (16.3 & 7.3) has developed into a quality small forward. Denver just acquired Aaron Gordon (14.4-6.6-4.2) from Orlando and Javale McGee (8.0 & 5.2) from Cleveland to give their frontcourt even more depth. Veteran PF Millsap (9.7 & 5.1) is back healthy and starting, while the 6-8 Green (8.5 & 5.3) and the 6-6 Dozier (7.5 & 3.8) have been very solid off the bench up front. Swingman Barton (12.5-4.0-3.0) missed the end of last season with an injury but has played in 42 of 45 games this season.

The Hawks beat Denver 123-115 in Atlanta back on Feb 21 but winning at Pepsi Center will be tough. The Nuggets are playing well (won of 13) and just added two key pieces in Gordon and McGee, who are both available to play tonight. This contest begins a stretch in which Denver will play NINE of its next 12 games at home, with the Nuggets VERY capable of moving up in the West standings during this span. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the LA Clippers at 10:10 ET.

The streaking Philadelphia 76ers have won 10 of their last 11 games and are a perfect 3-0 so far on their six-game road trip. 32-13 Philadelphia is looking to hold off Brooklyn (1 1/2-games back) and Milwaukee (2 1/2-games back) atop the East, as those three teams have separated themselves from the rest of the conference. The 76ers are in LA tonight to play the Clippers, who have won FOUR in a row to reach 30-16. The Clips currently own the West's No. 3 seed, one game ahead of the Lakers. They are one game back of the Suns and four back of the Jazz, owners of the NBA's best overall record at 33-11.

Philly's regular starting-five are Embiid (29.9 & 11.5), Harris (20.7 & 7.6), Simmons (15.9-8.0-7.7), Curry (13.1) and Green (9.6 & 3.7). However, Embiid (a legitimate MVP candidate), has been out since March 12 after suffering a left ankle sprain against the Washington Wizards. However, the 76ers are 6-1 without Embiid these last seven games.

"Everybody is playing confident basketball," Philadelphia guard Seth Curry said. "We're first and foremost playing good defense as a team. That's pretty much there every night for us on the defensive end. And offensively, everybody's involved." Ben Simmons has been the catalyst for Philadelphia, getting everyone involved on offense and setting the tone defensively. During the month of March, Simmons is shooting 51 percent from the floor, averaging 15.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists a contest. A trio of guards add depth on the perimeter in Milton (13.8), Korkmaz (9.1) and Maxey (7.3) plus veteran center Howard (6.6 & 5.5) has played in all 45 games.

The Clippers will be playing short-handed, with big man Serge Ibaka (back), swingman Marcus Morris Sr. (calf), PG Patrick Beverley (knee) and Kawhi Leonard (foot) all questionable to play against Philadelphia. The Clippers had only nine healthy players available in Thursday's win on the road against the San Antonio Spurs but Paul George (22.4-6.2-5.4) picked up the slack, finishing with 24 points and 13 rebounds as the Clippers swept the Spurs in back-to-back games at San Antonio. PG Rajon Rondo came in a Thursday trade but is also is a question mark for Saturday with an abductor strain.

Naturally, the key is will Kawhi (25.9-6.3-4.8) play? I've got a feeling that with Doc Rivers facing his former team for the first time since being relieved of his duties last year, he will. That said, I'm on LA either way. Jackson has averaged 12.4 PPG in March (28 points the last game), filling in nicely for Beverley. Swingman Batum (8.7 & 4.7) has been solid all season (he's now coming off the bench) plus note what these three Clippers have done lately. Kennard is averaging 10.9 PPG his last seven, the 7-0 Zubac is averaging 12.5 & 8.8 the last six games and Mann is averaging 13.5 PPG in LA's four-game winning streak.

This marks the first of NINE straight home games for the Clippers, who could really make a run at Jazz in this stretch. Winning this first game against the 76ers could just set the tone for these next 16 days when the Clippers play nine games at Staples Center. "Fingers crossed" on Kawhi's status.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Bailout Blowout is on the LA Lakers at 10:40 ET.

The Lakers are trying to find their way without superstars Anthony Davis (calf) and LeBron James (ankle) and are back on the Staples Center court tonight after a 109-101 home loss last night to the Philadelphia 76ers, LA's FOURTH in a row. The Cleveland Cavaliers just traded JaVale McGee (8.0 & 5.2) to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, while Andre Drummond (17.5 & 13.5) reportedly is waiting on a contract buyout that will make him a free agent. Drummond has not played since Feb 12 and  has been linked to both the Lakers and the New York Knicks.

The Cavaliers visit LA having managed to win THREE of their last five games, despite all of their recent upheaval. They are coming off a 103-94 road victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, when Darius Garland (16.6 & 5.9 APG had 22 points. Leading scorer Collin Sexton (24.0 & 4.3) did not play Wednesday after experiencing right hamstring soreness in the morning shootaround, but the injury is not believed to be serious. Center Jarrett Allen, acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in January, has averaged 14.4 points and 11.6 rebounds in 17 games since Drummond last saw action, slightly above his season numbers of 13.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.

The Lakers' four-game losing streak started last Saturday when LBJ (25.4-7.9-7.9) was injured in a home loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Kyle Kuzma had 25 points for the Lakers on Thursday, while Dennis Schroder and Montrezl Harrell added 20 each. The Lakers trailed by as many as 18 points in the fourth quarter but pulled within a single possession in the final minute, before the comeback fell short. The offseason acquisitions of PG Schroder (15.1-3.5-4.8) and PF Harrell (14.8 & 6.6) were excellent additions plus I continue to maintain that Kuzma (12.4 & 6.7) is significantly underrated.

However, here's the bottom line. The Lakers are going to have to figure out a way to win games over the coming weeks after coach Frank Vogel said Thursday that AD's (22..5 & 8.4) return is "still a ways away." The Lakers were the subject of some rumors at Thursday's NBA trade deadline but the team never made a move. Only the top six teams in each conference advance straight to the playoffs this season, as the teams in positions seven through 10 will need to participate in a play-in tournament for the final two playoff spots. The Lakers are currently fourth in the Western Conference (28-17), just 1-1/2 games ahead of both the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers (26-18). The defending champion Lakers could use victories anywhere on the schedule they can get them and my bet says this is a game where a "W" should be expected. LA wins "with room to spare!' Lay it.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Dal Mavs at 8:40 ET.

The 45-28 Indiana Pacers were the East's No. 4 seed entering last year's playoffs but got swept 4-0 by the Miami Heat, which made it all the way to the NBA Finals before losing 4-2 to the Lakers. The Pacers hovered around .500 through mid-February but a four-game skid from Feb 24-Mar dropped them to 15-18 and three wins in their last four games still leaves them three-games under .500 at 20-23. The 7-10 seeds will enter a 'Play-In' format for the East's seventh and eighth seeds, so the Pacers are 'living on the edge' by owning the current No. 9 seed (2 1/2 games clear of the dreaded 11th-seed).

Dallas was expected to be a solid playoff contender this season (broke a three-season playoff drought by going 43-32 last season) but that wasn't the case through the season's early going. The Mavericks lost SIX straight from the end of January into the beginning of February to fall to 8-13. However, Dallas finally got its full complement of players back and currently sits 23-19, after winning 15 of its last 21. Dallas holds the No. 7 seed but is just two games back of Denver and Portland (26-18), who share the 5th and 6th seeds.

PG Brogdon (21.4-4.7-6.0) and PF Sabonis (20.2-11.2-6.2) are having excellent seasons. While Brogdon (16 points) and Sabonis (14 points / 11 rebounds) were key contributors in Wednesday's 116-111 win over the Pistons, Caris LeVert recorded his best performance since being acquired in the blockbuster deal that sent James Harden to Brooklyn in January. LeVert scored 15 of his team-high 28 points in the second quarter and in seven games has  averaged 16.7-4.3-4.0. SG Lamb's return from injury has also helped, as he's averaged 10.9 PPG in his 26 games back since tearing his ACL last February.

The Mavs won 128-108 at Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, capping a 2-1 three-game road trip for Dallas, which will embark on a five-game trek after its brief pit stop at home tonight vs Indiana. The duo of Doncic (28.6-8.3-9.1) and Porzingis (20.0 & 8.6) leads the way for the Mavs but the Mavs have excellent depth, led by swingman Hardaway, who is averaging 16.5 PPG (19 starts in his 41 games).

Porzingis collected 27 points and 13 rebounds plus Luka Doncic added a triple-double (13-12-12) in Dallas' 124-112 victory at Indiana back on Jan. 20, game in which the Mavericks played without Dorian Finney-Smith (8.4 & 5.3), Maxi Kleber (7.8 & 5.4), Dwight Powell (4.8 & 3.4) and Josh Richardson (13.2) because of COVID-19 protocols. All FOUR of those players are available tonight, so don't expect 'revenge' to work here for Indiana. After all, the Pacers 'limp' into this contest just 3-11 ATS (a 79% "go-against") in their last 14 games.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Revenge Rout is on the Den Nuggets at 8:05 ET.

New Orleans forwards Zion Williamson (25.7 & 7.0) and Brandon Ingram (24.7-5.1-4.7) are creating serious headaches for opposing teams on a regular basis but New Orleans remains a modest 19-24 on the season. The playoff structure this season has Seeds 1 through 6 entering the playoffs, while Seeds 7 through 10 will enter a "Play-In' format (Google for details, if interested). Williamson and Ingram each scored 30 points to lead the visiting Pelicans to a 113-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets last Sunday and tonight, the Nuggets visit New Orleans for a rematch. The Nuggets bounced back from the loss to New Orleans to win 110-99 at Orlando on Tuesday for their ninth win in 11 games but then lost 135-111 at Toronto on Wednesday, their most lopsided loss of the season. Denver is currently 26-18, leaving them tied with Portland for the West's fifth-best record.

Denver's been led all season by its two breakout stars, center Jokic (27.0-11.3-8.5) and PG Murray (21.1-4.0-4.8). The 6-10 Porter (16.0 & 7.4) has developed into a quality small forward. Denver just acquired Aaron Gordon (14.4-6.6-4.2) from Orlando and Javale McGee (8.0 & 5.2) from Cleveland to give their frontcourt even more depth. Veteran PF Millsap (9.5 & 5.0) is back healthy and starting, while the 6-8 Green (8.7 & 5.4) and the 6-6 Dozier (7.7 & 3.7) have been very solid off the bench up front. Swingman Barton (12.7-4.1-3.1) missed the end of last season with an injury but has played in 41 of 44 games this season.

Williamson enters this game with 21st consecutive games with at least 20 points, the longest ever for an NBA player who has yet to turn 21 years old, which he will do in July. Ingram came from the Lakers in the A.D. along with Lonzo Ball (14.2-4.2-5.6) and Hart (9.1 & 7.6). Not a bad haul. Bledsoe (11.3-3.4-3.7), who was acquired right before the start of the season, guard Alexander-Walker (9.2) and starting center Adams (8.1 & 9.2) round put the main contributors.

On paper, the Pelicans sure look like a team that should be MUCH better than its current record. However, quoting Bill Parcells, "You are what your record says you are!" Denver's 135-111 loss at Toronto on Wednesday was not just its most lopsided loss of the season but also ended a SIX-game road winning streak. With Sunday's home loss to the Pelicans last Sunday still fresh in their minds, expect the Nuggets to win here, as the Pelicans continue to underachieve.

Good luck...Larry 

My 10* Division Game of the Month (Pacific) is on the Sac Kings at 10:10 ET.

The Golden St Warriors were an NBA-worst 15-50 last season but have been more competitive than expected this season but injuries continue to throw 'roadblocks' in their way. The Warriors were 19-15 through Feb 26 but head to Sacramento having lost SEVEN of 10 to fall to 22-22. Golden St currently finds itself as the West's No. 10 seed, the last of the four 'Play In' spots. The Kings welcome the Warriors to Golden 1 Center tonight off a 110-108 win over the Hawks. However, the Kings are just 19-25 and THREE games back of the Warriors. The Kings last made the playoffs back in the 2005-06 season.

Golden St PG Stephen Curry (29.0-5.3-6.2) has been ruled out of the next three contests due to a bruised tailbone and the Warriors are 1-4 in the five games he's missed this season. Forward Paschall (9.5 & 3.2) will also miss tonight's game. Wiggins (17.7 & 4.6) and Oubre (15.1 & 5.9) have both been very good for the Warriors but without Curry, it's hard to back them. The good news is that the team's No. 1 pick (2nd overall) James Wiseman was immediately promoted into a starting role upon returning from a three-game, COVID-related absence to play Tuesday in Golden State's 108-98 home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers (note: it was just his second start since Jan 23). Head coach Steve Kerr announced before the contest that Wiseman (11.8 & 5.9) would be his team's full-time starting center moving forward. "It was good to see him out there," Kerr said after the defeat. "He's going to get better and better as we go. He had a week off ... he needs his rhythm, and that will come."

Speaking of No. 1 picks, Sacramento's Tyrese Haliburton (chosen 10 picks after Wiseman) made his FIFTH consecutive start in last night's 110-108 over Atlanta. The Kings have won FOUR of those five games, with Haliburton (12.8-3.4-5.1 on the season) scoring 17 or more points in three of those victories, including 17 on Wednesday. He joins a backcourt rotation that already features Fox (24.1-3.4-7.3), who is coming off his third-best scoring night of the season with 37 points vs Atlanta, and Hield (16.8-4.6-3.3). Up front, SF Barnes (16.1 & 6.6) has been mentioned as trade 'bait,' while the 6-11 Bagley (13.9 & 7.4) is out until mid-April. The 6-10 Holmes (14.0 & 8.8) is vastly underrated and with Bagley sidelined, Whiteside added eight points and 12 rebounds last night. Remember, Whiteside averaged a double-double in SIX straight years from the 2014-15 through the 2019-20 seasons!

Sacramento is on a 4-1 SU & ATS run (lone loss at Philly, the East's best team) and knows a win here closes them within two games of the Warriors, who won't get Curry back for at least a couple games. The Kings may also remember losing back on Jan 4 in San Francisco 137-106 when the Warriors shot 52.6%, including going 23 of 43 from three-point range. Curry had 30 points in that om]ne and Paschall addec14 & 7. Neither will be available tonight. The Kings make it a 5-1 SU &ATS run with a win and cover tonight.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Ut Jazz at 10:05 ET.

The Utah Jazz opened the season 4-4 but then won 22 of 24 games (21-3 ATS) from Jan 8 through Feb 24 to give them the NBA's best overall record. Utah still owns the NBA's best record at 31-11 but the Jazz have 'cooled' in going just 5-5 their last 10 (more in a bit). Utah welcomes the Brooklyn Nets to Salt Lake City tonight, who edged the Blazers last night in Portland. The Nets have now won 16 of their last 18 games to  reach 30-14, just ONE game back of the 31-13 76ers for the East's top record.

The Nets were already without Kevin Durant (29.0-7.3-5.3) and Kyrie Irving (28.1-4.8-5.7) plus got a scare when James Harden came close to being sidelined due to a sore neck. However, Harden (25.3-7.9-11.2) ended up playing and finished with 25 points and a career-high-tying 17 assists. PF Green (9.8 & 3.8) and SF Harris (17.7 & 3.5) both had good games, scoring 20 and 17 points, respectively. However, Durant and Irving will NOT play here and while the Blazers are a good team, they are NOT the Jazz.

It's "all hands on deck" for the Jazz with a starting-five of Mitchell (25.4-4.6-5.5) and Conley (16.4-3.4-5.5) in the backcourt, while center Gobert (14.5 & 13.4) is surrounded by Bogdanovich (14.9 & 3.9) and O'Neale (7.5 & 6.6) up front. Clarkson (17.5) is the front-runner for 6th-man of the year plus SG Ingles (12.3-3.6-4.2) and backup center Favors (5.9 & 5.3) have been quality contributors off the bench all season.

Tough scheduling spot for the Nets here and without Durant and Irving, it's quite a test. I noted that the jazz have gone just 5-5 in their last 10 but note that NINE of those games came on the road. Utah won its lone home game in that stretch and comes into this game having won 16 straight at Vivint Arena. Also, I bet the Jazz remember losing 130-96 at Brooklyn back on Jan 5, before the Jazz jelled into the dominant team they now are. Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Mil Bucks at 7:35 ET.

Led by the trio of Tatum, Brown and Walker, the Boston Celtics were expected to be among the East's top-contenders, battling Milwaukee, Miami, Philadelphia and maybe Brooklyn (would the KD/Irving duo work?). Boston opened 8-3 (even though Walker was sidelined) but the team's early success did not last. As the Celtics visit Milwaukee tonight for the first of back-to-games with the Bucks (play again Friday), Boston 'limps' in having lost FOUR of its last their five to drop below .500 for the season at 21-22. Boston fell to 8-15 on the road after opening a four-game trek with a 132-126 overtime setback at Memphis on Monday.

The Milwaukee Bucks owned the NBA's best record the previous two seasons (60-22 and 56-17) but each year lost before reaching the NBA Finals. A FIVE-game losing streak (Feb 10-18) left the Bucks at just 16-13 and with all asking, "What's wrong with the Bucks?" Milwaukee has answered its critics with a season-best SEVEN straight wins, as well 12 wins over its last 13 games. A sprained left knee prevented the two-time reigning NBA Most Valuable Player (Giannis Antetokounmpo) from playing Monday against Indiana (Bucks won 140-113) and his availability is in question for Wednesday.

Tatum (24.9-6.8-4.3), Brown (24.7-5.6-3.9) and Walker (17.7-3.6-4.6) represent Boston's latest version of a "Big Three" but Tatum (dealt with "dizziness," per head coach Brad Stevens) and Walker (sat out the second game of a back-to-back set) both missed the game at Memphis. Walker will be back but no word yet on Tatum. Marcus Smart (12.8 & 5.4 APG) came back after the All Star break but Boston is just 2-5 in those seven games. The 6-10 Thompson was expected to greatly enhance Boston's interior play but at 7.9 & 8.4, he's been nothing special. He's missed Boston's last five games, with the Celtics losing FOUR of the five.

Obviously the Bucks can't wait to get Giannis (29.0-11.7-6.4) back but it's unlikely he'll play here. That said, Milwaukee has excellent depth led by SF Middleton (20.4-6.0-5.5) and Jrue Holiday (15.9-4.6-5.2), who scored 28 points and  added 14 assists in the rout of the Pacers (sans Giannis). Center Brook Lopez (11.4 & 5.0) and guard DiVincenzo (10.5-5.5-3.1) are regular starters plus Connaughton (6.9 & 4.5) started in place of Giannis vs Indiana, scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds. The 6-10 Bobby Short (10.8 & 6.9) and SG Forbes (8.5) have been quality players off the bench all season.

Milwaukee is making a strong case that its back to being the East's "Big Dog" (Giannis won't be sidelined for long) and the team's plus-7.5 point-differential is second to only that of Utah (+8.3). The Bucks will also will be out for revenge after losing to Boston 122-121 in the season opener. With or without Tatum, I want NO part of a Boston team that is 8-15 on the road (7-16 ATS), the WORST road record of any of the 10 teams currently in playoff position in the East.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the LA Clippers at 10:10 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks fired head coach Lloyd Pierce on March 1 and replaced him with assistant coach Nate McMillan. The veteran NBA coach has turned the Hawks into the 'Utah Jazz,' as Atlanta has won EIGHT straight (longest active streak in the NBA) while going 6-1-1 ATS. The Hawks opened an eight-game road trip with a visit to Staples Center for a contest with the Lakers on Saturday, who were 4-0 SU & ATS since the All Star break (7-1 SU & ATS since a four-game slide from Feb 18-24), and upset the Lakers 99-94. The 22-20 Atlanta Hawks will try to make it two wins in a row at Staples Center against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.

The Clippers are coming off a 125-98 blowout win over the Charlotte Hornets at home on Saturday, giving them a modest 3-2 record since the All Star break. Los Angeles likely will be playing without starters Patrick Beverley (8.3 & 3.7 APG) and Serge Ibaka (10.9 & 6.7). Beverley has missed the last four games with right knee soreness, while Ibaka has missed the last three games due to lower back tightness. However, players like Jackson and Zubac have stepped up. Also, the news that LeBron James is out indefinitely after suffering a high-ankle sprain in his team's loss to the Hawks (A.D. has been sidelined since mid-Feb), the Clippers have a chance to make up some ground in the Western Conference, hosting 10 of their next 12 games.

PG Trae Young (25.7-4.1-9.4) has led the Hawks all season and the Hawks also got a boost defensively from the return of center Clint Capela, who had eight points and eight rebounds in last Thursday's 116-93 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Capela, who averages a double-double (14.4 & 14.2) on the season, had missed two games with left heel soreness. PF Collins (18.2 & 7.8) and SG Huerter (12.1) have been mainstays, as each has played all 42 games this season. On the injury front, PF Hunter (17.2 & 5.4) is out of commission with an articular tear in his right knee and he is not expected to return until the end of March (he's played just 18 games). Meanwhile, SF Reddish (11.2 & 4.0) has missed 15 games (last played Feb 21), as he's being held out of the lineup with a right Achilles injury and it is unclear how long he will be sidelined.

Kawhi (26.0-6.3-4.9) and George (23,0-6.1-5.4) remain LA's 'Dynamic Duo' but Williams (12.3) has played MUCH better since Feb 1, as has PF Morris (11.9 & 3.8). PG Jackson (8.8) is filling in for Beverley and center Zubac (8.4 & 6.9) has started three in a row averaging 13.0 & 7.7. The 30-11 Jazz sit atop the West, two games ahead of the 28-13 Suns and three up on the 28-15 Lakers. The 27-16 Clippers are 4th at 27-16, four games back of the Jazz. However, as noted above, the Clippers have a great opportunity to "make a move" with 10 of their next 12 games at home. With LBJ and A.D. sidelined, the Clippers co-tenants are clearly vulnerable.

After tonight's game with the Hawks, the Clippers travel to San Antonio (Wed & Thu) for two games with the Spurs but then return to Staples Center for NINE straight games. It's "Movin' time" and it starts here with a win over the red-hot Hawks, who beat the Clippers 108-99 back in Atlanta on Jan 26.  

Good luck...Larry

My 10* play is on the Dal Mavericks at 10:10 ET.

Doncic led the Mavs into the playoffs last season (ending a three-year drought) and Dallas was expected to be a playoff regular with him as its leader. However, the Mavs saw starters like center Porzingis (20.8 & 8.4), SG Richardson (13.3), SF Finney-Smith (8.2 & 5.3) and PF Kleber (7.3 & 5.4) all miss 10 or more games. Doncic (28.8-8.4-9.3) can be unstoppable at times. Porzingis (20.0 & 8.6) has been healthy lately plus 6th-man Hardaway (16.5) has been terrific all season. Hardaway has started for Finney-Smith (8.2 & 5.3) Wednesday and Friday and may again as Finney-Smith is NOT expected to play. SG Richardson (13.0) and PF Kleber (7.8 & 5.4) are the team's other two starters. Guards Brunson (12.5)) and Burke (7.1) round out the main contributors

Portland hung tough despite CJ McCollum (25.-3.8-4.6 being out since Jan 16 (fractured left foot), while center Jusuf Nurkic (wrist) has played just 12 games (9.8 & 7.7) and PF Zach Collins (ankle) has yet to play a single game. Portland's Lillard (30.6-4.5-7.7) is a true superstar plus Trent (15.0) and Simmons (8.1) have stepped up in McCollum's absence. The ageless Anthony adds 14.2 PPG off the bench plus PF Covington (8.5 & 6.6) and SF Jones (7.8 & 4.5) were acquired in the offseason (both are excellent defenders) and while not spectacular, have been solid contributors.

The Mavs and Blazers played Friday night in Portland with the Blazers winning 125-119. Portland is now 25-16 (tied with the Nuggets for the West's No. 5 seed), while the Mavs are 21-19 (No. 8 seed). As expected Doncic (38) and Lillard (31) went mano-a mano but the "big news" was CJ McCollum shaking off the rust with 32 points in his third game since returning from a fractured left foot. The two teams square off again Sunday night and I can't help but play the Mavs in this quick "payback" situation. Full disclosure, I did have the Mavs in the Friday game, as well. 

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on the LA Lakers at 3:40 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks fired head coach Lloyd Pierce on March 1 and replaced him with assistant coach Nate McMillan. The veteran NBA coach has turned the Hawks into the 'Utah Jazz,' as Atlanta has won SEVEN straight (longest active streak in the NBA) while going 5-1-1 ATS. The Hawks open an eight-game road trip with a visit to Staples Center for a contest with the Lakers, who are 4-0 SU & ATS since the All Star break, extending a run in which LA has gone 7-1 SU & ATS since a four-game slide from Feb 18-24.

PG Trae Young (25.9-4.1-9.4) has led the Hawks all season and the Hawks also got a boost defensively from the return of center Clint Capela, who had eight points and eight rebounds in Thursday's 116-93 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Capela, who averages a double-double (14.6 & 14.1) on the season, had missed two games with left heel soreness. PF Collins (18.2 & 7.6) and SG Huerter (12.2-3.7-3.6) have been mainstays, as each has played all 41 games this season. On the injury front, PF Hunter (17.2 & 5.4) is out of commission with an articular tear in his right knee and he is not expected to return until the end of March (he's played just 18 games). Meanwhile, SF Reddish (11.2 & 4.0) has missed 15 games (last played Feb 21), as he's being held out of the lineup with a right Achilles injury and it is unclear how long he will be sidelined.

Speaking of dealing with injuries, the Lakers have been without starters Anthony Davis (22.5 & 8.4) and Marc Gasol (4.8 & 4.1). Davis has missed the last 13 games with a right calf strain and the Lakers will re-evaluate Davis' potential availability at the end of the month. Gasol has missed the last six games due to the NBA's health and safety protocols. He was cleared to come out of isolation but remains in the NBA's health and safety protocols. He could be available for Saturday's game against Atlanta. As always, there is LBJ, who is averaging 25.8-8.1-8.0. Adding PG Schroder (14.8-3.4-4.7) and PF Harrell (14.3 & 6.4) during the offseason was HUGE for the Lakers plus SF Kuzma (12.1 & 6.7) is one of the NBA's more underrated players.

There is NO doubt that the Hawks are on a roll but are they really playing better than the Lakers, who are now 28-13, just two games back of the Jazz for the West's No. 1 seed? The Hawks recent surge has them just 21-20 on the season and back on Feb 1 in Atlanta, the Lakers won 107-99 over the Hawks as SEVEN-point favorites. Here at home, LA is laying LESS than that! I'm on the Lakers!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Revenge Rout of the Month is on the Dal Mavericks at 10:05 ET.

The Dallas Mavericks lost at home to the Clippers on Monday but then rebounded with an impressive 105-89 victory over LA on Wednesday. They now head into another back-to-back challenge when they travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers this weekend (Friday & Sunday). Similarly, Portland was involved in its own short series, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 125-124 on Tuesday and prevailing again 101-93 in the rematch on Thursday (both games were played in Portland).

Doncic led the Mavs into the playoffs last season (ending a three-year drought) and Dallas was expected to be a playoff regular with him as its leader. However, the Mavs saw starters like center Porzingis (20.8 & 8.4) miss 15 games, SG Richardson (13.3) miss 12, SF Finney-Smith (8.2 & 5.3) miss 13 and PF Kleber (7.3 & 5.4) miss 15. Doncic (28.5-8.4-9.3) can be unstoppable at times, like Wednesday vs the Clippers when he poured in 42 points. Porzingis (20.4 & 9.3) has been healthy lately plus 6th-man Hardaway (16.3) has been terrific all season. Hardaway started for Finney-Smith (8.2 & 5.3) Wednesday and may again as Finney-Smith is NOT expected to play. SG Richardson (13.3) and PF Kleber (7.5 & 5.4) are the team's other two starters. Guards Brunson (12.6 & 3.3 APG) and Burke (7.0) round out the main contributors

The Blazers have been streaky, opening the season just 10-9 through Feb 1. However, Portland then won EIGHT of nine, before losing FOUR in a row to close February. Portland is 6-2 in March after its back-to-back wins over the Pelicans. Portland has hung tough despite CJ McCollum being out since Jan 16 (fractured left foot), while center Jusuf Nurkic (wrist) has played just 12 games (9.8 & 7.7) and PF Zach Collins (ankle) has yet to play a single game. Portland's Lillard (30.6-4.5-7.8) is a true superstar plus Trent (15.2) and Simmons (8.1) have stepped up in McCollum's absence (more shortly). The ageless Anthony adds 14.1 PPG off the bench plus PF Covington (8.5 & 6.6) and SF Jones (8.0 & 4.5) were acquired in the offseason (both are excellent defenders) and while not spectacular, have been solid contributors.

Portland is currently 24-16, tied for 5th in the West with Denver), while Dallas is 21-18 (No. 8 seed, 3 1/2-games back of the Blazers). The great news for Portland is that McCollum (24.5-3.8-4.6) finally returned in the two games this week against the Pelicans, playing 23.5 MPG and averaging 10.5 PPG. However, it will take a little while for him to get back to 100%. This is an important two-game series for both teams but MORE important for Dallas. The Mavs are as healthy as they've been all season and have won 12 of 14. They could surely use a 2-0 sweep and of course, a team has to win the first of the two to be in a position for a sweep. Dallas was 10-2 from Feb 6-Mar 10, losing only at Philly (76ers are 18-4 at home) and home to these Blazers 121-118, despite Doncic outscoring Lillard 44-34. My bet says a little "payback" is in order tonight (as for Sunday???).

Good luck...Larry

My 9* East/West Game of the Month is on the Bos Celtics at 7:30 ET.

The Sacramento Kings play their fourth contest of a six-game road trip tonight in Boston against the Celtics. The Kings rebounded from dropping the first two games of their trek with a 121-119 defeat of Washington on Wednesday and visited TD Garden just 16-24 on the season. Boston opened the season as one of the Eastern Conference favorites but after an 8-3 start, the Celtics have looked nothing even remotely like a contender. Boston is languishing in the lower half of the Eastern Conference playoff standings and enters tonight at .500 (20-20) after consecutive losses to Utah and Cleveland.

Luke Walton is in his second season as head coach of the Kings, having gone 31-41 in last year's pandemic-shortened season. Walton's in good company, as the Kings opened this season on a run of 14 consecutive losing seasons and non-playoff appearances. PG Fox (23.7 & 7.6 APG) and Hield (16.5 & 4.6) lead the way, while three Sacramento frontcourt players are producing as well. The Kings don't have a true center, as that frontcourt trio includes 6-8 SF Barnes (16.6 & 6.2) plus 6-11 PF Bagley (13.9. & 7.4) and 6-8 PF Holmes (13.7 & 8.6). Rookie PG Haliburton ((12.7 & 5.1 APG) from Iowa St has stepped right in and looks like he'll be a quality NBA player.

Boston is without post player Tristan Thompson (7.9 & 8.4) due to COVID-19 protocols plus PG Kemba Walker (17.9 & 4.5 APG) did not play against the Cavs, as has been customary for the veteran guard in the second game of back-to-backs. In Walker's absence, Jayson Tatum (25.3-6.9-4.4) and Jaylen Brown (24.3-5.4-3.9) combined for 57 points. There is good news for Boston, as the team's best perimeter defender, Marcus Smart (12.9 & 5.3 APG), has returned since the All Star break and had 19 points against Cleveland. Let me also note that the 6-8 Robert Williams (7.5 & 6.4) posted 13 points and 14 rebounds off the bench on Wednesday and could see a more prominent role down the stretch to help on the glass and defensively.

Boston is NOT a .500 team and should remember losing 116-111 in Sacramento on Feb 3. The Kings are headed for another losing and non-playoff season (15th straight), while Boston should play MUCH better in the second half. Why not start here vs the Kings, who rank 29th of 30 teams in allowing 120.0 PPG plus dead-last in opponents FG percentage (49.1) and three-point percentage (39.2). Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner of the Month is on the Dal Mavs at 9:35 ET.

The Clippers lost at home to the Mavs back on Dec 27 by the scorer of 124-73. That 51-point loss was the most lopsided defeat in franchise history. The Clippers visited Dallas Monday, coming off an embarrassing 135-115 lost in New Orleans against the Pelicans the night before. The Clippers entered Monday's game without Patrick Beverley (knee) and Serge Ibaka (back), so they gave Zubac his second start of the season plus Marcus Morris made just his third. Nicolas Batum was healthy, but he was dropped into a reserve role after starting his first 37 games this season. The result? A 109-99 win over Dallas, which entered that contest having won 11 of its 14 games. After allowing New Orleans to score 135 points on Sunday, the Clippers held Dallas to under 100 points on Monday. The Mavericks did not score a point in the final 3:15, committing two turnovers and going 0-of-5 from the floor in the closing minutes. The same two teams meet again tonight, again in Dallas.

The Clippers are currently the West's no. 4 seed, 1 /2-games back of the Suns and Lakers, plus four games back of the top-seeded Jazz. Kawhi (26.4-6.4-4.8) and George (22.9-6.1-5.3) are LA's "Dynamic Duo" but Kawhi's missed eight games and George 11. However, one is never quite sure when 'load management' will raise its ugly head. The rearranged lineup worked well on Monday, with Zubac (8.2 & 7.0) scoring 15 points with 11 rebounds, Morris (11.9 & 3.7) added 14 points and six rebounds, while Batum (8.9 & 4.7) was effective in his bench role, making 4-of-6 three-point attempts for 12 points. All numbers were above the season averages for each player.

Doncic led the Mavs into the playoffs last season (ending a three-year drought) and Dallas was expected to be a playoff regular with him as its leader. However, the Mavs saw starters like center Porzingis (20.8 & 8.4) miss 15 games, SG Richardson (13.3) miss 12, SF Finney-Smith (8.2 & 5.3) miss 12 and PF Kleber (7.3 & 5.4) miss 15. Doncic (28.1-8.5-9.30 has missed six games and 6th-man Hardaway (16.3) has only missed four. All starters are now healthy plus swingman Hardaway is joined off the bench by guards Brunson (12.8-3/4-3/4) and Burke (7.1).

The Mavs enter this contest 20-18 (No. 8 seed) but are just 2 1/2-games back of the 5th-seeded Nuggets. Dallas has its preferred starting lineup back intact and came into Monday's contest averaging 115.7 PPG in its previous 14 games. Expect a big "bounce-back" effort here by the Mavs, who will be the more motivated side in this one. Any points are just a bonus.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the LA Lakers at 10:35 ET.

The defending champion Lakers won SEVEN straight games from through Feb 12 and stood at 21-6 (only the 21-5 Jazz had a better record). However, in LA's 122-105 loss at Denver on Feb 14, A.D. (22.5 & 8.4) was lost to a right calf strain that has forced him to miss the last nine games. Including the loss to Denver, the Lakers lost SEVEN of 10 to end the first half. The Lakers returned to edge the Pacers last Friday but needed a 34-21 fourth quarter to win by five points. The Lakers take to the court for just the second since the break when they play in San Francisco tonight against the Warriors.

The Warriors were an NBA-worst 15-50 last season but have been competitive this season, although they had lost FOUR in a row before snapped that four-game skid with Sunday's 131-119 home triumph over Utah, the team with the NBA's best record of 28-10. Golden St moved to 20-19 with the win and the Warriors are currently the West's NO. 9 seed (seeds 7 through 10 will qualify for the NBA's "Play-In" postseason format). 

It doesn't appear Davis (strained right calf) will be back anytime soon. The club announced last week that he won't even be re-evaluated until close to the end of the month, meaning an April comeback would be an optimistic outlook. LBJ has missed just one game and leads the team with a line of 25.6-7.9-7.8. The offseason addition of starting PG Schroder (14.8-3.5-4.5) and PF Harrell, who comes off the bench to average 13.9 & 6.4, have been huge.  Klye Kuzma (11.6 & 6.8) is often overlooked but note that he and 24 points and 13 rebounds vs Indiana plus in the Lakers' final game before the All-Star break, had a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double at Sacramento.

The Warriors got a game-high 32 points from Stephen Curry vs the Jazz on Sunday plus a season-best 28 points from Andrew Wiggins Curry (29.3-5.4-6.3), Wiggins (17.2 & 4.5), Oubre (15.2 & 6.0) and the "do-everything" Green (6.1-6.2-8.5) have been Kerr's "Core 4" this season. The team's 1st-round draft pick Wiseman (12.0 & 5.9) has shown potential but injuries plus a recently missed COVID test keeps Kerr only guardedly optimistic. Veteran swingman Bazemore (6.4) and Lee (6.3) plus 6-6 second-year pro Paschall (9.6 & 3.2) add depth.

The Warriors surprised the defending champs 115-113 in January, before the Lakers exacted a measure of revenge in a 117-91 blowout on Feb 28. However, I feel as if this is a great spot for LA, catching Golden St in the second of back-to-back games, in which the Warriors just upset the Jazz. As for LA, it's just the team's SECOND game in the last 12 days because of the All Star break. Don't forget, LA is 13-5 on the road, tied with the Suns for the NBA's best road record.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Pho Suns at 10:05 ET.

The Suns went 8-0 SU & ATS in last year's Orlando 'bubble' and many (most) felt as if Phoenix would seriously contend for a playoff spot in the Western Conference in the 2020-21 season, likely ending a 10-year postseason drought. However, the Suns exceeded expectations in the first half of the current season by entering the All Star break at 24-11. Only the Jazz owned a better record in the entire NBA, while Phoenix was also an NBA-best 24-11 ATS. The Memphis Grizzlies opened the season off three straight losing and non-playoff seasons but had last year's ROY in Ja Morant plus a very deep team. However, Jaren Jackson (17.4 & 4.0) had meniscus surgery on his left knee and has yet to play (reports say he may be back before the end of the season).

Looking at the Memphis roster shows that SIX players are averaging in double digits, led by PG Morant (19.8 & 7.8 APG) and veteran center Valanciunas (16.0 & 11.7). Books (15.9), Anderson (13.0-5.9-3.4), Clarke (12.2 & 5.8) and Melton (10.2) complete the double digit scorers. What's more, SIX more players chip in between 6.7 and 9.8 PPG, including SF Winslow who finally got back on the court in late-February and has averaged 8.8 & 5.4 in nine games. So why are the Grizzlies just 17-18.

The Suns have been healthy for MOST of the season and Chris Paul (15.8-4.7-8.8) has surely given the Suns all that they had hoped for when they traded for him in the offseason. Devon Booker had averaged 26.6 PPG the two seasons before Paul arrived and still leads the team at 25.1 PPG (very little drop-off). Center Ayton hasn't missed a game while averaging a double-double (14.4 & 11.2) plus SF's Bridges and Johnson (both former 1st round picks) are adding 13.8 & 4.9 and 10.4 & 3.4, respectively. Veteran PF Saric (11.7 & 4.1) and SF Crowder (10.0 & 5.0) give Phoenix SEVEN players in double digits.

The Grizzlies opened the second half by beating Washington but have then lost 103-102 at home to the Nuggets and last night, lost 128-122 at OKC. The Grizzlies held a 10-point lead after three quarters but were outscored 38-22 in the final quarter by the Thunder. They now back again tonight at Phoenix and will be catching the Suns off a surprising 122-111 home loss to the Pacers. It marked just the FOURTH loss in the last 21 games for Phoenix. Devin Booker provided a succinct analysis for the defeat. "I think they just played harder than us beginning to end, simple as that," he said. This is the WRONG place at the WRONG time for the Grizz. B-L-O-W-O-U-T Alert!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the Chi Bulls at 9:05 ET.

The Toronto Raptors won the NBA title in 2019 and even without Kawhi, finished with the NBA's second-best regular season record last season. This year's 72-game season opened right before Christmas but the Raptors knew the 2020-21 season could be a "trying one, "as due to COVID travel restrictions, the Raptors would be playing their 'home' games in Tampa. The Raptors stumbled to a 2-8 start but did climb back to 17-17 by the end of February. However, bad luck struck again, as the Raptors are currently on a FOUR-game slide with COVID "wreaking havoc" on the team's schedule with two games being postponed (Feb 28 and Mar 2) plus the Raptors currently have FIVE players sidelined while adhering to the league's health and safety protocols. Toronto will be without Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Malachi Flynn and Patrick McCaw (more in a bit).

As for the Bulls, Billy Donovan took over a team that had gone 71-158 the previous three seasons, so Chicago's 16-20 mark may not seem very impressive but its .444 winning percentage is a 'step in the right direction' from a three-season winning percentage of just .310. In fact, Chicago is in a virtual tie with the 17-21 (.447) Raptors for the 10th and final seed in the East's four-team "Play-In" bracket (includes 7 thru 10 seeds).

When healthy, the Raptors own a formidable lineup but head coach Nick Nurse has already said that FIVE players (see above) will miss Sunday's game. The losses are HUGE, as guard VanVleet (20.1-4.4-6.6) and PF Siakam (20.1-7.5-4.9) are All Star-caliber players, while Anunoby (13.8 & 5.3) has developed into a solid SF in the NBA. Strating in Toronto's last game were Baynes (6.3 & 5.6), Bembry (4.8) and Johnson (3.1). OUCH!

A close look at Chicago reveals that SIX players are averaging in double digits plus four more add between 7.0 and 9.8 PPG. LaVine (28.5-5.2-5.2) and White (16.1-4.9-5.9) comprise an outstanding backcourt, while the following four frontcourt players join them in double figures; the 7-0 Markkanen (19.4 & 5.9), the 6-8 Young (12.2 & 6.1), the 6-10 Carter (11.8 & 7.9) and the 6-8 Porter (10.5 & 5.9) Note that FIVE of the above six (exception is Young) are all former first-round draft picks!

Toronto had allowed 127.3 PPG in the first three of its four-game slide but 'held' Charlotte to just 114 points in last night's 10-point loss. However, the Hornets 'let their foot off the pedal' in the fourth quarter, scoring just 16 points after scoring 98 points through  the first three. The final margin was still 10 points, even with the Raptors outscoring the Hornets by 16 points in the 4th. No reason for the Raptors to be competitive in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Month is on the LA Lakers at 10:35 ET.

The defending champion Lakers won SEVEN straight games from through Feb 12 and stood at 21-6 (only the 21-5 Jazz had a better record). However, in LA's 122-105 loss at Denver on Feb 14, A.D. (22.5 & 8.4) was lost to a right calf strain that has forced him to miss the last nine games. Including the loss to Denver, the Lakers have lost SEVEN of 10 and when they return to the court tonight from the All Star break at Staples Center to face the Indiana Pacers, the 24-13 Lakers are now No. 3 in the West (barely ahead of the 25-14 Clippers), 1 1/2-games back of the Suns and 3 1/2-games back of the No. 1-seeded Jazz. The Pacers were the East's No. 4 seed last year but got swept 4-0 by the Heat in the first round of the playoffs. Indiana's 2020-21 season has been full of stops-and-starts, and enters this contest just 16-19 which puts them in a virtual tie with THREE other teams fighting at the bottom of the East's playoff 'cut line!' The Pavers are opening the second season by playing SIX of the first seven games on the road.

PG Malcolm Brogdon (21.1-4.6-6.2) and PF Domantas Sabonis (20.8-11.1-6.0) are having outstanding seasons. However, TJ Warren averaged 15.5 PPG through the first four games but has not seen the court since. Oladipo was traded away but the player expected to replace him, Levert (18.5 PPG for the Nets), Justin Holiday (11.7 & 4.0) has been starting in the backcourt with Brogdon, while Center Turner (13.5 & 6.5) and SF McDermott (13.2 PPG on 50.6% shooting) join Sabonis up front. has been lost to a medical issue (kidney) is having perhaps his best season as a pro, averaging 20.8 points, 11.1 rebounds and 6.0 assists a contest. Also making 'noise' are Lamb (11.3 PPG in his 21 games since returning from a serious injury last season) and TJ McConell (6.7-3.7-6.8), who averaged 12.5 PPG and 8.5 APG in the four games prior to the break.

The 36-year-old Lebron James (25.8-8.0-7.8 missed just one game the first half of the year for a mild left ankle sprain he's been dealing with since December. Naturally, he played in the All Star game but said that's his only action since (he's well-rested). PG Schroder missed a few games because of COVID protocols but is back and he's been a HUGE addition, averaging 14.9-3.5-4.5. So has PF Harrell, averaging 13.8 & 6.4. Kuzma (11.5 & 6.7) has gotten some starts because of injuries to others, as has Morris (5.4 & 3.8). Caldwell-Pope (8.7) starts alongside Schroder plus Horton-Tucker (7.2) and Caruso (5.8) add depth.

Anthony Davis is expected to return sometime this month but LA needs to "Get its act together" prior to that. Why not start here vs Indiana?

Good luck...Larry

My 10* "Best of the Best" Western Conference Game of the Month is on the Por Blazers at 10:05 ET.

The Suns went 8-0 SU & ATS in last year's Orlando 'bubble' and many (most) felt as if Phoenix would seriously contend for a playoff spot in the Western Conference in the 2020-21 season, likely ending a 10-year postseason drought. However, the Suns have exceeded expectations in the first half of the current season by entering the All Star break at 24-11. Only the Jazz own a better record in the entire NBA (Suns are 2 1/2 games back of the Jazz). while Phoenix leads the Lakers by one game and the Clippers by 1 1/2-games. More notably, the suns are also 24-11 ATS, the best pointspread in the entire league. 

The Blazers have been streaky, opening the season just 10-9 through Feb 1. However, Portland then won EIGHT of nine, before losing FOUR in a row. The Blazers did 'right the ship' just before the break, winning THREE in a row at home to enter the All Star break at 21-14 (West's No. 5 seed). Portland has hung tough despite CJ McCollum (26.7-3.9-5.0) being out since Jan 16 (fractured left foot), while center Jusuf Nurkic (wrist) has played just 12 games (9.8 & 7.7) and PF Zach Collins (ankle) has yet to play a single game.

The Suns have been healthy for MOST of the season and Chris Paul (16.0-4.7-8.8) has surely given the Suns all that they had hoped for when they traded for him in the offseason. Devon Booker had averaged 26.6 PPG the two seasons before Paul arrived and still leads the team at  24.9 PPG (very little drop-off). Center Ayton hasn't missed a game while averaging a double-double (14.5 & 11.4) plus SF's Bridges and Johnson (both former 1st round picks) are adding 13.7 & 5.1 and 10.4 & 3.4, respectively. Veteran PF Saric (11.5 & 4.0) and SF Crowder (10.1 & 4.0) give Phoenix SEVEN players in double digits.

Portland's Lillard (29.8-4.3-8.0) is a true superstar plus Trent (15.2) has helped ease the 'pain' of losing McCollum in the backcourt. Kanter (11.9 & 11.9) has been excellent getting more time with Nurkic out plus the ageless Anthony adds 13.9 PPG off the bench. SF Jones (8.1 & 4.8) and PF Covington (7.9 & 6.6) were acquired in the offseason (both are excellent defenders) and while not spectacular, have been very solid.

I'm 'sold' on Phoenix but caution that no one should overlook Portland. The Suns and Blazers are meeting for the second time this season, with the Suns routing the Blazers in Phoenix 132-100 back on Feb 22. It marked the Suns' largest margin of victory this season but note that Portland was in the midst of a four-game losing streak the last time the teams played. Turnabout (here in Portland) is 'fair play.' Take the home dog!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Por Blazers at 10:05 ET.

The Golden State Warriors owned the NBA's worst record (15-50) last season, after appearing in five straight Finals (winning three titles). However, the Warriors have been one of the NBA's "surprise" teams this season, as they are currently 19-16 (No. 8 seed in the West). Portland opened a disappointing 12-10 this season but then ripped off SIX straight wins (Feb 9-18) to reach 18-10. However, a four-game slide followed, before the Blazers ended their skid with a 123-111 home win over Charlotte on Monday. Each team will be playing the first of two consecutive games to close the NBA's first half. The 19-14 Trail Blazers (current No. 6 seed) will remain home to play Sacramento on Thursday, while the 19-16 Warriors will move on to Phoenix.

The Warriors visit Portland off an 'ugly' 117-91 road loss at the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Head coach Steve Kerr called the game "his club's worst effort of the season!" Golden State fell behind 41-21 after the first quarter and never made the game competitive. "There's going to be a handful of games every year that are sort of inexplicable, and this is one you don't spend too much time on," Kerr said. "You flush the toilet, and you move on." Looking for some good news, while Draymond Green sprained an ankle in the second quarter and did not return, he will play Wednesday night according to Kerr. Green plays "wherever needed," leading the team in rebounds (6.0) and assists (8.5). The trio of Curry (29.5-5.4-6.4) , Wiggins (17.1 & 4.5) and Oubre (15.5 & 5.9) have been "constants" but it's sure good news that the team's No. 1 pick from last season's (No. 2 overall pick) is finally back. The 7-1 Wiseman has averaged 11.5 & 4.8 in the last four games, VERY close to his season averages of 12.0 & 5.9). Depth has been provided by the 6-8 Paschall (10.2) plus veteran guards Bazemore (6.5 ) and Lee (6.3).

The Blazers have endured the past 20 games without CJ McCollum (26.7-3.9-5.0), whose fractured foot will be re-evaluated this week. Lillard (29.6-4.3-8.1), as usual. leads the way but he was held to a modest 23 points in the win over Charlotte. However, Carmelo Anthony (13.6) turned back the clock with six 3-pointers and 29 points off the bench, while PF. Robert Covington (7.7 & 6.5) added 21 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks) plus Gary Trent Jr. 17 points came up big. Trent is averaging 15.5 PPG on the season and has done an excellent job of mitigating the loss of McCollum. The same can be said of center Enes Kanter, who is averaging 11.6 & 11.5 on the season, helping ease the loss of starting center Nurkic (9.8 & 7.7), who hasn't played since Jan 14.

These teams split one-sided games in an NBA-style doubleheader early in the season in San Francisco. Damian Lillard led a three-point assault with 6-for-10 accuracy from beyond the arc in a 123-98 Trail Blazers win on Jan 1, while the Warriors rebounded with a 137-122 triumph two nights later behind Stephen Curry's 62 points. The victor tonight  becomes a '20-game winner' and I'm betting Curry 'under' 62 points and taking the Blazers in the game. After all, Portland was a road favorite in both of those early January games in San Francisco but is now a small home dog??

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error of the Month is on the LA Lakers at 10:05 ET.

The Suns went 8-0 SU and ATS in the Orlando 'bubble' but still couldn't sneak into the playoffs. In the offseason, Phoenix acquired longtime All Star PG Chris Paul in an effort to break its 10-year playoff drought. The Suns opened 6-2 but were just 8-8 on Jan 27. However, the Suns visit Staples Center tonight at 22-11, having won 14 of their last 17 games. The Suns currently own the West No. 4 seed just a half-game back of the 24-12 Clippers and ONE game back of tonight's opponent, the 24-11 Lakers. The Lakers won their SEVENTH straight game on Feb 12 and at 21-6, only the 21-5 Utah Jazz owned a better record in the NBA. However, the Lakers then fell into their worst slump of the season (FOUR straight losses and five of six), before winning home games over the Blazers (Fri) and Warriors (Sun) to reach 24-11.

The two Pacific Division rivals are meeting for the first time this season tonight. Devin Booker is a major reason the Suns are among the top teams in the Western, coming off scoring a season-high 43 points in the Suns' 118-99 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. He has topped 30 points in THREE of his last four and is now averaging 25.5 PPG (has averaged 26.6 PPG each of the last two seasons). Chris Paul (16.4-4.7-6.0) has everything the Suns had hoped for and center Ayton (14.5 & 11.6) has stayed healthy (he has not missed a SINGLE game!) with 19 double-doubles on the season. Head coach Monty Williams moved Frank Kaminsky (7.3 & 3.8) into the starting lineup back on Feb 7 and the Suns are 11-2 (Kaminsky has started 11 of those 13 with Phoenix going 10-1).

A.D. (22.5 & 8.4) is sidelined with an Achilles problem (earliest return is right after the All Star break) and LA has gone just 3-5 since he was hurt at Denver back on Feb 15. Of course, LBJ hasn't missed a SINGLE game (35 minutes per), averaging 25.5-8.1-7.8. However, the return of PG Schroder on Friday was a "big deal." He had been held out the previous four games due to COVID-19 protocols (he tested negative but was held out due to contact tracing). Simply put, the Lakers aren't the same club without Schroder (14.5-3.6-4.3) in the lineup (had gone 0-4 SU & ATS in his absence). LA has won both games in Schroder's return! With A.D. sidelined, PF Harrell (13.7 & 6.4) and SF Kuzma (11.1 & 6.5) get more "PT" plus LA has a deep backcourt in Caldwell-Pope (8.8), Horton-Tucker (6.9), Caruso (5.8) and Matthews (4.5). Morris (4.9 & 3.7) has taken Davis' spot at PF and as he has done all season, Gasol (4.8 & 4.1) starts at center.

I like the way the Suns are playing but I said Friday I expected LA to make a strong "final push" before the All Star break. So far, so good. I've had the Lakers Friday and Sunday and will play them again here. The Lakers were in sync in Sunday's 117-91 blowout of the Warriors with LBJ scoring 19 points to lead six Lakers in double figures. James delivered his damage in a season-low 24 minutes as he and the Lakers' starters rested the entire fourth quarter. The LA bench contributed 55 points! Defense has also played a significant role Sunday. The Lakers limited Stephen Curry, who averaged 29.9 points entering the contest, to 16 points. That defensive effort came on the heels of LA holding Damian Lillard to 11 second-half points after he scored 24 in the first in Friday's victory over the Blazers. Watch out Devin! LA is a "bargain" at this price!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division Game of the Year (Pacific) is on the LA Lakers at 8:05 ET.

All are familiar with the "fall from grace" of the Warriors, going from FIVE straight appearances in the NBA finals (three titles) to the NBA's worst record (15-50) in last year's pandemic-shortened season. However, the Warriors have won SEVEN of 10 and at 19-15, 4 1/2-games inside the playoff cutline (10 teams make this year's postseason). The Los Angeles Lakers won their SEVENTH straight game on Feb 12 and at 21-6, only the 21-5 Utah Jazz owned a better record in the NBA. However, the Lakers were buried in their worst slump of the season (FOUR straight losses and five of six) when they hosted the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. LA got off the schneid with a 102-93 victory.

Curry (29.9-5.5-6.3), Wiggins (17.5 & 4.6) and Oubre (15.5 & 6.0) have led the way for the Warriors this season. However, the recent "big news" was that the team's No. 1 pick (2nd overall of the 2020 draft), James Wiseman (12.3 & 5.8), has returned (11-game absence caused by a sprained wrist). He's played in three straight (all off the bench), averaging 13.7 & 3.7 in about 17 minutes per game. it may NOT be a coincidence that the Warriors are 3-0 SU & ATS in that span. Joining Curry, Wiggins and Oubre in the starting lineup are center Looney (just returned as well and is splitting time with Wiseman) and Green (5.7-6.1-8.7), who with the return of Wiseman and Looney, is back to his natural position of PF.

A.D. (22.5 & 8.4) is sidelined with an Achilles problem (earliest return is right after the All Star break) and LA has gone just 2-5 since he was hurt at Denver back on Feb 15. Of course, LBJ hasn't missed a SINGLE game (35 minutes per), averaging 25.7-8.2-7.9. I had a HUGE play on LA in Friday's game and noted that PG Schroder had been held out the previous four games due to COVID-19 protocols (he tested negative but was held out due to contact tracing) but was available to return on Friday. Simply put, the Lakers aren't the same club without Dennis Schroder (14.4-3.6-4.2) in the lineup (had gone 0-4 SU & ATS in his absence). Schroder made his presence felt on both ends of the court in Friday's game. He scored 22 points and helped slow Portland's Damian Lillard, who managed 11 points in the second half after scoring 24 in the first. With A.D. sidelined, PF Harrell (13.9 & 6.5) and SF Kuzma (11.1 & 6.4) will see more "PT" plus LA has a deep backcourt in Caldwell-Pope (8.8), Horton-Tucker (6.7), Caruso (5.5) and Matthews (4.7).

I said in taking LA on Friday that I expected a "Big push" from them heading in the All Star break and while I won't project on Tuesday's home with the Suns or Wednesday's road game at Sacramento (LA's final game before the break), I will play the Lakers here. The Warriors returned from FOUR games in six days on a road trip to beat the Hornets in San Francisco on Friday but now it's right back on the road for THREE in a row prior to the break. The Lakers are up first and PRIMED to avenge a 115-113 loss to Golden St here at Staples back on Jan 18, when the Warriors rallied from 14 points down in the fourth quarter to edge LA. In that game, LA was favored by 8 1/2-points but here, it's HALF that!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* "Signature" 37-Club Play is on the LA Lakers at 10:05 ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers won their SEVENTH straight game on Feb 12 and at 21-6, only the 21-5 Utah Jazz owned a better record in the NBA. However, the Lakers are buried in their worst slump of the season as they enter Friday's matchup against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers. Portland won SIX in a row from Feb 9 through Feb 17 but visit Staples Center on a three-game slide, giving them an 18-13 record.

Starting center Nurkic (9.8 & 7.7) was lost to a broken wrist back on Jan 14 and SG McCollum (26.7-3.9-5.0) was lost to a foot injury two days later (last played Jan 16). Lillard (29.6-4.4-8.0) is having another All Star season for Portland, while Trent (15.3) is filing in for McCollum and Kanter (11.7 & 11.4) for Nurkic. Anthony (13.4) has provided consistent scoring off the bench all season.

No one is surprised that LBJ (25.6-8.1-8.0) has played EVERY game this season but since A.D. (22.5 & 8.4) was sidelined with an Achilles problem, the Lakers have lost FIVE of six. It's also important to note that PG Dennis Schroder has been held out the last four games due to COVID-19 protocols (he tested negative but was held out due to contact tracing) but he is available to return on Friday from a seven-day quarantine. Schroder (14.2-3.6-4.3) has made a big impact for LA this season, as has PF Harrell, who hasn't missed a game while averaging13.8  & 6.4 (both were acquired over the offseason). SF Kuzma (11.3 & 6.2) is getting more minutes with A.D. sidelined plus LA does own a deep backcourt in Caldwell-Pope (8.9), Horton-Tucker (6.8), Caruso (5.3) and Matthews (4.9).

The Lakers are currently 22-11, just behind the 23-11 Clippers but now 4 1/2 games back of the streaking Utah Jazz (26-6) in the West. The All Star break is right around the corner, which will give LA a much needed break, This contest is the first of a three-game homestand, before the Lakers play at Sacramento (Mar 3) before the break. I expect a STRONG push here by LBJ and Co. (getting Schroder back will be HUGE) and I'm laying the points tonight.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Bos Celtics at 7:35 ET.

The Boston Celtics opened the season as one of the Eastern Conference favorites but after an 8-3 start, the Celtics have looked nothing even remotely like a contender. Boston is  with four games remaining before the All-Star break, after losing EIGHT of 11 (including THREE in a row). Boston and Miami (East champs last season) are both 15-17, meaning they would meet in a 9 vs 10 Play-In game (how the mighty have fallen). The Pacers visit Boston off a 111-107 home OT loss to the Warriors, returning to the court on Wednesday after time off due to games against Houston (weather-related) and San Antonio (COVID-related) being postponed (had six days off). The Pacers have hovered around .500 all season and although they are currently 15-15, their record is good enough for the East's No. 4 seed.

PG Brogdon (21.7-4.8-6.4) and PF Sabonis (21.5 & 11.7) are having excellent seasons, while center Turner (13.2 & 6.6), SF McDermott (13.1 PPG on 50.9% shooting) and guard Justin Holiday (11.3 & 4.2) round out the current starting-five. T.J. Warren (foot surgery) and Caris LeVert (kidney operation) remain sidelined. Backup PG McConnell (5.9 & 6.6 APG) plus SG Lamb are also quality contributors. Lamb's return from injury is a BIG deal. He has averaged 12.2 PPG (on 50.7% shooting) in his 17 games back since tearing his ACL last February. Jayson Tatum (25.6-6.9-4.5) and Jaylen Brown (25.4-5.5-3.9) are both All Stars and while a knee injury has limited PG Walker to just 17 games, he's still averaging 17.3-3.6-4.1). Losing Marcus Smart (13.1 & 6.1 APG) has hurt but rookie guard Pritchard (7.3) plus big men Theis (8.8 & 5.0) and Thompson (7.8 & 8.4) are solid NBA players.

The Celtics and Pacers split their first two meetings this season as part of a back-to-back at Indiana in December. Tonight's game begins FOUR straight on the road for Indiana, before the Pacers wrap up the season's first-half with a home game against the Nuggets (Mar 4). Boston won't leave the TD Garden until after the All Star break (four straight at home) and head coach Brad Stevens opined, "These next four games will tell us a lot about where we can go." My bet says Boston wins here "with room to spare."

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Month is on the Mia Heat at 8:05 ET.

It's the Raptors and Heat tonight in Miami. Toronto won the NBA title two years ago and last season had the second-best regular season record next to Milwaukee. However, Toronto has been forced to play its 'home' games in Tampa due to COVID travel restrictions with Canada and the Raptors opened 2-8. They were still just 7-12 through Jan 29 but despite a 'home' loss to Philly last night, are 9-4 their last 13 games (now 16-16 on the season). Miami made it to the NBA Finals last year after bonding in the playoff bubble, posting the best pointspread mark of any playoff team (16-5 ATS). However, a three-game winning streak (all on the road) still leaves the Heat at just 14-17 (12-18-1 ATS). Miami is currently 10th in the East, which would allow them to 'sneak into' the NBA's postseason "Play-In" round

Philadelphia ended Toronto's four-game win streak with a 109-102 win in Tampa. The Raptors played a fourth straight game without Kyle Lowry (17.7-5.4-6.4), who has a sprained left thumb. Norman Powell (17.3) led the Raptors with 24 points and Pascal Siakam (20.6-7.7-4.8) added 22. VanVleet (19.8-4.5-6.7) was left off the All-Star Game reserves roster on Tuesday snub?) but frontcourt players Anunoby (13.9 & 5.90 and Boucher (13.3 & 6.5) has been strong contributors all season.

Adebayo (19.6-9.5-5.5) and Butler (19.1-7.6-7.6) also got snubbed, leaving Miami without an All-Star for the first time since 2017 (both were All-Stars last year). The bigger news is that Herro (16.9-6.1-3.8) missed Miami's last game with a hip injury and is listed as questionable. Vet Goran Dragic (14.4 & 5.3) has an ankle injury and hasn't played since Feb 5 but is listed as questionable for the Raptors game. Both could play.

However, even without Dragic and Herro (as well as Avery Bradley and Meyers Leonard, who are both out longer term), the Heat have shown they have enough firepower to win big games, such as their victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Tough spot for Toronto off two games in three nights vs Philly and now playing a third game in FOUR nights at Miami. I feel that the Heat are starting to "come together" and I expect them to win handily here.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Ind Pacers at 7:35 ET.

All are familiar with the "fall from grace" of the Warriors, going from FIVE straight appearances in the NBA finals (three titles) to the NBA's worst record (15-50) in last year's pandemic-shortened season. The 17-15 Warriors visit 15-14 Indiana playing for the FOURTH and final time on a six-day trip. All three Golden State games in the past five days have gone to the wire, including the Warriors' 114-106 victory in New York on Tuesday. The Pacers are back on the court for the first time since Feb 17.

Curry (30.2-5.4-6.2), Wiggins (17.6 & 4.8) and Oubre (15.1 & 6.0) have led the way for the Warriors this season. Curry led ten way with 37 points against the Knicks (Oubre and Wiggins combined for 35) but the best news was that the team's No. 1 pick (2nd overall of the 2020 draft), James Wiseman (12.2 & 5.9), returned for the first time since Jan 30 (11-game absence caused by a sprained wrist). He played just 16 minutes but scored 14 points. Draymond Green (7-12-9) also bounced back effectively after his late ejection against the Hornets contributed to the narrow defeat last Saturday.

The Pacers' unexpected time off was due to games against Houston (weather-related) and San Antonio (COVID-related) being postponed. Head coach Nate Bjorkgren was happy to give his guys a break while also using additional practice time to fine-tune an offensive attack that had averaged 120.5 points in winning THREE of its previous four games. PG Brogdon (21.6-4.8-6.6) and PF Sabonis (21.5 & 5.7) are having excellent season, while center Turner (13.2 & 6.6), SF McDermott (13.1 PPG on 51.1% shooting) and guard Justin Holiday (11.5 & 4.2) round out the current starting-five. T.J. Warren (foot surgery) and Caris LeVert (kidney operation) remain sidelined. Backup PG McConnell (5.8 & 6.6 APG) plus SG Lamb are also quality contributors. Lamb's return from injury is a BIG deal. He has averaged 12.4 PPG (on 50.8% shooting) in his 16 games back since tearing his ACL last February.

These teams met back on Jan 12 in San Francisco under polar-opposite circumstances. On that night, Indiana was the side enduring a back-to-back on the road while Golden State was well rested, having spent two straight weeks at home. However, the Pacers won 104-95 that night and I believe will win just as easily tonight.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division Game of the Year (Southwest) is on the Dal Mavericks at 8:35 ET.

Memphis opened just 2-6 but then ran off FIVE in a row before five straight games were postponed due to COVID. The Grizzlies returned and won two more (now a seven-game win streak) to reach 9-6 but have since fallen back to 13-13 by losing SEVEN of 11. Dallas was expected to be a solid playoff contender this season (broke a three-season playoff drought by going 43-32 last season) but that hasn't been the case. The Mavericks lost SIX straight from the end of January into the beginning of February to fall to 8-13. However, Dallas finally got its full complement of players back and won FIVE of six (including FOUR straight) before losing 121-118 at home to Portland on Feb 14. The Mavericks haven't played since due to inclement weather in the state of Texas. They had a home game against Detroit and a one-game trip to Houston postponed. Dallas comes in 13-15 and hasn't been at the break-even mark being 8-8 on Jan 23.

Memphis gave regulars Brandon Clarke (12.9 & 5.6), Grayson Allen (10.1) and Kyle Anderson (13.8 & 6.2) the night off against the Suns on Saturday and lost 128-97!  PG Morant (18.9 & 7.8 APG), center Valanciunas (16.2 & 11.0) and SG Brooks (15.8) are all having good years. There's no lack of talent for Dallas, as starting alongside PG Doncic (29.1-8.6-9.4) and center Porzingis (20.5 & 8.2) are guard Richardson (12.5) plus forwards Finney-Smith (9.1 & 4.8) and Kleber (7.1 & 5.4). SF Hardaway comes off the bench to average 16.7 PPG plus guards Brunson (11.7) and Burke (8.0) add more 'punch' off the bench.

Dallas is well-rested and as noted, has its full complement of players back on the court. I still maintain that the Mavs are ready to go on a run. Lay the points in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Den Nuggets at 7:35 ET.

The Denver Nuggets earned the title of "Comeback Kids' in last season's playoffs in the 'bubble' but opened the current season just 1-4. Denver then won 11 of 15 and ended January at 12-8. However, the Nuggets are just 4-5 in February and at 16-13 sit 7 1/2-games back in the West (No. 7 seed). If the playoffs were to begin today, Denver would be in the "Play-In" round (seeds 7 thru 10). The Hawks entered the current season off a three-year mark of 73-158 (.316) and will take the court tonight having lost FIVE losing of their last six games/ Atlanta is a modest 12-17, a record that would leave them a half-game outside of the East's No. 10 seed.

Denver's Jamal Murray is fresh off a career-high 50-point performance in Friday's 120-103 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was a timely performance since it helped the Nuggets end a two-game losing streak and now the team has a chance to break even on its four-game East Coast road trip. Denver has as much quality depth as any team but SG Gary Harris (10.1) and PF Paul Millsap (10.4 & 5.2) are out. Center Jokic (27.0-11.2-8.6) is a star and just became the first Denver player voted to start the NBA All-Star Game since Carmelo Anthony in 2011 (he owns a league-high 26 double-doubles). Murray (20.6-4.4-4.4) has become an All Star caliber player. The 6-8 Porter (14.1 & 6.2) has come into his own (was a high school phenom) while swingman Barton (11.5-3.7-3.2) and guard Morris (10.6) regularly contribute. PF Green (9.1 & 6.0 in just 20 MPG) should get more "PT" with Millsap sidelined.

The Hawks have a bevy of young stars led by Young (26.6 & 9.3 APG), who is joined by PF Collins (17.8 & 7.4), SF Hunter (17.2 & 5.4) plus SGs Huerter (11.7-3.6-3.8) and Reddish (11.4 & 4.0). Former Houston center has been everything Atlanta has hoped for, averaging 14.7 & 14.0. Veteran Gallinari adds 10.6 PPG but has missed 12 games (he's active now). However, Hunter remains out with a knee injury (last played on Jan 29).
 
Atlanta fell behind by 27 points on Friday against the Celtics (would lose 121-109) and its defensive woes continue to mount. The Hawks beat the Clippers 108-99 in Atlanta back on Jan 26 but have since allowed 118.3 PPG (no opponent has been held under 100 points in that stretch) in going 3-9 in their last 12 games. Denver, led by Jokic and Murray, comes in averaging  115.5 PPG (4th) on 48.3% shooting (5th) and I'm laying the 'short' number!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner of the Month is on the LA Lakers at 8:35 ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers welcome the Miami Heat to Staples Center on Saturday, as the teams square off for the first time since LA beat Miami 106-93 in Game 6 of last season's NBA Finals. Miami made a great run last season in the Orlando 'bubble,' reaching the NBA Finals before losing four games to two against the LA Lakers. The Heat's 16-5 ATS record was easily the best of any team in the postseason. However, the current season has not gone smoothly, as the Heat are not only just 12-17 but their 10-18-1 ATS record (35.7%) is the second-worst mark in the NBA.

The Lakers own the NBA's second-best record at 22-8 (13-3 road record is an NBA-best) but were soundly beaten by the Brooklyn Nets 109-98 here in Staples on Thursday (no K.D. for Brooklyn). LBJ had 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Lakers but they played without Dennis Schroder due to the NBA's health and safety protocols. They are also missing Anthony Davis (22.5 & 8.4), who missed his second contest after suffering a calf strain Sunday against the Denver Nuggets. A.D. isn't expected to return for at least a month.

The Heat snapped a three-game losing streak with 118-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. Tyler Herro had 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting as SIX Miami players scored in double figures. Jimmy Butler had 13 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds for his third straight triple-double. The 6-9 Bam Adebayo also recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Adebayo (19.8-9.3-5.5) leads Miami in scoring, although Butler (19.1-7.8-7.7) is close behind. However, Butler has played in just 17 of Miami's 29 games. Herro (17.4-6.2-3.90 is the team's third-leading scorer but Miami really misses vet PG Dragic (14.4 & 5.3 APG) plus its best defensive guard Bradley (8.5). BOTH remain sidelined.

Obviously, Davis' absence is a big deal and Schroder (14.2-3.6-4.3) has been a HUGE plus this season for LA. However, no one is surprised that LBJ (25.9-8.2-7.9) hasn't missed a single game and the Lakers will give more "PT" up front to PFs Harrell (13.2 & 6.2) and Morris (4.4 & 3.4) plus SF Kuzma (11.0 & 6.0) with A.D. out. Not sure who will start alongside Caldwell-Pope (8.5) in the backcourt but Vogel can choose between Horton-Tucker (6.8), Caruso (5.4) and Matthews (5.0).

VERY tough "situation" for Miami here, playing its SIXTH contest (in 10 days) of a seven-game road trip (Miami's last home game was Feb 9) against the defending champs coming off an embarrassing home loss to the Nets (on TNT for all to see). Lay the points with LA!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Bos Celtics at 7:35 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks ended a four-game losing streak by beating the Celtics 122-114 on Wednesday in Boston. PG Trae Young scored 16 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter, eight of which came after the Celtics cut the lead to six with 2:38 remaining. Boston PG Kemba Walker did not play ("load management") and center Daniel Theis missed his second game with a sprained right index finger. The two teams are right back at it tonight at TD Garden.

The Hawks entered the current season off a three-year mark of 73-158 (.316) and will take the court tonight at a modest 12-16 (.429). The Hawks have a bevy of young stars led by Young (26.5 & 9.3 APG), who is joined by PF Collins (18.2 & 7.6), SF Hunter (17.2 & 5.4) plus SGs Huerter (12.0-3.6-3.8) and Reddish (11.5 & 4.0). Former Houston center has been everything Atlanta has hoped for, averaging 14.3 & 14.0.

Boston's 'Dynamic' duo of Brown and Tatum had been the team's top-two producers, with Brown (25.9-5.5-3.6) currently slightly ahead of Tatum (25.8-7.0-4.7) entering this contest. PG Kemba Walker didn't get on the court this season until Jan 17 and while he's averaged 16.4-3.7-4.0 in 13 games, Boston is only 5-8 in that span. Boston really misses Smart (13.1 & 6.) but has depth in the backcourt and the frontcourt.

On the injury front, Atlanta's Hunter remains with a knee injury. On the Boston side, Theis remains questionable but Walker is expected to be back. Brown scored 22 points Wednesday but he is dealing with knee soreness (??). Predicting (guessing?) which players "play or don't play" in situations like Brown is an impossible task (often are game-time decisions). I'll back Boston in this bounce-back spot, as Atlanta's Wednesday win ended a SEVEN-game losing streak against the Celtics and was the first Atlanta win in Boston since April 8, 2018.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the LA Lakers at 10:05 ET.

The Brooklyn Nets played without Durant (hamstring) and Irving (back) in Tuesday's 128-124 win at the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. It was the team's fourth straight win and at 18-12, the Nets have moved past the slumping Bucks, who have lost four in a row to fall to 16-12. Brooklyn is now with 1 1/2-games on the East-leading 76ers 19-10) as they visit Staples Center to take on the defending champion Lakers. LA lost back-to-back road games at Philly and Detroit (Jan 27 & 28) but have since won EIGHT of nine which leaves them at 22-7 (behind only the Jazz, who NEVER lose!).

KD (29.0-7.3-5.3) and Kyrie (28.3-4.6-5.7) have missed 11 and 10 games. They are both listed as day-to-day, which is at best, questionable. However, their absence didn't prevent Harden from leading a big second-half rally Tuesday at Phoenix. Harden (24.3-8.4-11.8 in his 16 games with the Nets). Harden had 38 points, hitting five 3-pointers, with 11 assists and seven rebounds. Joe Harris (14.9) added 22 points, Jeff Green (9.7 & 3.7) collected 18 points and eight rebounds and Tyler Johnson (4.5) also converted five 3-pointers to chip in 17 points.

The Lakers welcome the Nets to town without A.D. (22.5 & 8.4), who is expected to be sidelined until after next month's All-Star break. The Lakers won 112-104 on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves as LBJ (25.7-8.2-7.9) had 30 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists, while the team's off-season additions PG Dennis Schroder (14.2-3.6-4.3) and PF Montrezl Harrell (13.3 & 6.3) contributed 24 and 17 points, respectively. Kuzma (10.8 & 6.0) took AD's spot in the starting lineup and as usual, Gasol (4.2 & 4.2) started at center and Caldwell-Pope (8.5) at shooting guard. A trio of guards (Horton-Tucker, Caruso and Matthews) combine to average 17.5 PPG plus PF Morris adds 4.6 & 2.5.LA is BETTER than it was last season! Lakers head coach Frank Vogel believes the Lakers' depth will help overcome Davis' absence.

The Nets trailed by as much as 24 points against Phoenix but outscored the Suns 74-49 in the second half. The Nets trailed 124-116 after a three-pointer by Chris Paul with 2:48 remaining but Harden and Green sparked a 12-0 run to clinch the victory. This just in. The Suns are NOT the Lakers. The Lakers are holding opponents to 105.8 PPG (2nd) on 44.9% shooting (4th), including 34.8% on threes (3rd). The Nets are the top-scoring team in the NBA at 121.7 PPG (also lead by making 50.2% of their FGs) but will VERY likely be short-handed. The Nets allow 117.9 PPG (28th), which is 12 PPG more than the Lakers. I WON'T buck the Lakers here!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Mil Bucks at 7:35 ET.

The Toronto Raptors won 124-113 at Milwaukee on Tuesday, led by 33 points from Fred VanVleet (20.4-4.2-6.4) and 23 from Pascal Siakam (20.6-7.8-4.5). PG Kyle Lowry (17.7-5.4-6.4) chipped in with 18 points in just 22 minutes before calling it a night early in the third quarter because of pain in his left ankle. He is listed as questionable for this rematch on Thursday night. For the Bucks, they won FIVE straight (also 5-0 ATS) to open February and many (most?) felt that the team was starting to find the form that led to Milwaukee owning the NBA's best record in each of the last two regular seasons. However, starting with a 125-124 loss in Phoenix on Feb 10, the Bucks will take the court on a FOUR-game losing streak (also 0-4 ATS) and at 16-12, have fallen behind both Brooklyn (18-12) and Philly (19-10) in the East.

Toronto won the NBA title two seasons ago and last season, only Milwaukee owned a better regular season record than the Raptors. However, the team opened the current season 2-8 and while the Raptors have gone 11-7 since that awful start, the team is still an underachieving 13-15 on the season as the All Star break approaches. The good news is the SF Anunoby is back after missing 10 games and his 14.6 PPG and 5.9 RPG are needed. The 6-9 Boucher (13.6 & 6.8) is having his "best season" (he averaged just 6.6 PPG last season, his previous high) plus Powell (16.3) has played both SG and SF.

The Bucks played without Jrue Holiday (16.4-4.8-5.4) on Tuesday, as he missed his fifth straight game in COVID-19 protocol (Bucks are 1-4 in those games). He is eligible to play on Thursday but that doesn't mean he will. Forbes (9.5) has stepped into his starting role to average 12.4 PPG but his scoring off the bench has been missed. Milwaukee has all the talent needed in starters Antetokounmpo (28.2-11.4-5.8), Middleton (20.3-5.8-5.8), Lopez (10.8 & 5.1) and DiVincenzo (9.9 & 4.5) plus the 6-10 Portis (11.8 & 7.3) as been excellent off the bench. Forbes will start again if Holiday is a "no-go" or will join fellow reserves Connaughton (6.0 & 3.8) and Augustin (5.9) off the bench. 

I've had a 'hit or miss' relationship with the Bucks this season but this one sure seems to have "B-L-O-W-O-U-T written all over it." I'm laying the points with Milwaukee.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error Game of the Month is on the GS Warriors at 10:05 ET.

The Miami Heat made a great run last season in the Orlando 'bubble,' reaching the NBA Finals before losing four games to two against the LA Lakers. The Heat's 16-5 ATS record was easily the best of any team in the postseason. However, the current season has not gone smoothly, as the Heat are not only just 11-6 but their 9-17-1 ATS record (34.6%) is an NBA-worst! Golden State's story is well-known, as after FIVE straight appearances in the Finals, the Warriors lost Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala to sign-and-trades, Shaun Livingston retired and Klay Thompson sat out the entire season with a knee injury. The result was the NBA's worst record (15-50). Thompson then blew out his Achilles this offseason while rehabbing from knee surgery, so expectations were again low. However, the Warriors have been a pleasant surprise by going a respectable 15-13. 

The Heat basically returned their entire roster intact from last year's run to the Finals but Miami will visit Golden State (fourth contest of a SEVEN-game road trip) with only the East's 10th-best record. Miami had one game canceled in January and struggled to suit up the NBA-minimum number of healthy bodies several other times but currently has no players absent due to COVID reasons. However, guards Dragic (14.4 & 5.3 APG) and Bradley (8.5 PPG and an excellent defender) are both out with ankle and calf injuries, respectively. Butler (19.9-7.4-7.1) has excellent numbers but has missed 12 games but he's back in the lineup now and joined by FIVE more double digit scorers. The best of the bunch are the 6-9 Adebayo (19.8-9.4-5.3) and second-year guard Herro (17.3-5.8-3.9), who was terrific down the stretch in last season's playoffs. That said, Miami remains 11-16 and 9-17-1 ATS.

The Warriors are coming off a 129-98 home beatdown of the Cavs on Monday, as Steph Curry had 36 points in 30 minutes and Draymond Green recorded a career-high-tying 16 assists to pace the win. Curry's (30.1-5.3-5.9) is having a terrific season and Green (5.2-5.6-8.3) has lately started at center with 1st-round pick James Wiseman (12.2 & 6.1) sidelined with a wrist injury. SF Wiggins (17.5 & 4.6) has found a 'home' in the Bay Area plus fellow SF Oubre (13.9 & 4.6) has lately been more of a SG, paired in the backcourt with Curry. Joining Monday's starting lineup with the above four was Toscano-Anderson (6.9 & 4.9) plus second-year forward Paschall (10.0) plus vets Lee (6.5) and Bazemore (6.4) contributed off the bench.

Curry admitted after the romp over Cleveland that he's frustrated by the fact that the Warriors keep beating the league's weaker clubs (10-2 against teams under .500) yet struggle against the heavyweights (5-11 against teams .500 and above). For the Warriors to make and survive in the playoffs that will have to change but for the HERE and NOW, don't the Heat fall into the category of "one of the league's weaker teams?" See above for a reminder.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Bos Celtics at 7:05 ET.

The Denver Nuggets earned the title of "Comeback Kids' in last season's playoffs in the 'bubble' but opened the current season just 1-4. Denver then won 11 of 15 and ended January at 12-8. However, the Nuggets opened February with THREE straight losses, before winning three in a row after its impressive 122-105 home win over the Lakers on Sunday. However, the 15-11 Nuggets are no closer to the West's No. 3 seed (Clippers), as they are ahead of the West's No. 14 seed (Rockets). Denver is 4 1/2 back of the LA Clippers and 4 1/2 games ahead of Houston (14th of 15 West teams).

The Nuggets open a four-game road trip Tuesday in Boston against the Celtics. Boston opened the current season 8-3 but are just 5-10 since and at 13-13 has fallen behind the East's No. 1 seed (Philly) by four games, while leading the East's No. seed (Chicago) by just two games. Boston's fast start has long faded and a team that was considered a real contender to win the Eastern Conference is .500 and mulling trade options as the deadline approaches.

Denver has as much quality depth as any team but SG Gary Harris (10.1) has missed straight  with a left adductor strain, PJ Dozier (hamstring) will likely miss a few more games with his hamstring, swingman Barton (11.6-3.7-3.2) didn't play Sunday for personal reasons plus starting PF Paul Millsap (10.4 & 5.2) missed the second half of the Lakers game with a left knee sprain. Center Jokic (26.3-11.5-8.7). Jokic had his sixth triple-double in the win, PG Jamal Murray (18.5-4.4-4.4) had 25 points and SF Porter, who missed 10 games from late-Dec through late-Jan is back contributing 14.5 & 6.9 on the season.

Boston's 'Dynamic' duo of Brown and Tatum had been the team's top-two producers, with Brown (26.0-5.7-3.4) currently slightly ahead of Tatum (25.6-7.1-5.4) entering this contest. PG Kemba Walker didn't get on the court this season until Jan 17 and while he averaged 16.3-9-4.0 in 12 games, Boston is only 4-8 in that span. Boston really misses Smart (13.1 & 6.) but has depth in the backcourt and the frontcourt.

Boston is a disappointment but is NOT a .500 team. Perfect spot to step up tonight against the Nuggets, coming off that big wo=in over the Lakers!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* "Best of the Best" Division Game of the Year (Central) is on the Ind Pacers at 7:05 ET.

The Indiana Pacers ran into the Miami Heat in the first round of last season's playoffs and got swept 4-0 by the team that would make it all the way to the NBA Finals. As for the Chicago Bulls, they failed to even make the Orlando 'bubble' with a 22-43 record prior to the shut down. Even more troubling was the fact that last season's winning percentage (.338) was better than Chicago's previous full season, when the team went 22-60 (.268) and 27-55 (.329). The last three seasons have been quite a fall from grace for a franchise that had made 11 playoff appearances in its previous 13 seasons.

Chicago opened the current season 7-8 but owned the NBA's best ATS record (11-4) during that 15-game start. However, Chicago enters this contest on a 3-7 SU & ATS run. Zach LaVine (28.1-5.4-5.3) and second-year PG White (15.6-4.6-5.4) form an outstanding backcourt, with LaVine entering this contest having led the Bulls in scoring in each of the team's previous SIX games (32.7 PPG!). Chicago's most recent game was a 125-106 loss in LA vs the Clippers and injuries have taken a toll on this team. The 6-10 Wendell Carter Jr. (12.8 & 8.0) hasn't played since Jan 18 because of a bruised right quad. SF Otto Porter Jr. (11.6 & 6.3) has missed SIX consecutive games with back spasms and the 7-0 Lauri Markkanen (19.1 & 6.1) has missed his four straight games with a right shoulder sprain. All FIVE of the above-mentioned players are first-round draft picks!

Oladipo (20.0 PPG) is gone in a trade and his expected replacement (LeVert) has a medical issue that will keep him out for the remainder of the season plus SF Warren, who averaged 15.5 PPG in the season's 1st four games, has not played since. However, the Pacers but there is still enough talent to go around. PG Brogdon (21.1-4.3-6.3) and PF Sabonis (20.8-11.5-5.6) are playing at an All Star level plus center Turner averages 13.5 & 6.8, while leading the NBA in blocks (3.4 per). McDermott is now starting and averaging 13.3 PPG on 51.5 percent shooting. The Holidays, Justin (11.4 & 4.0) and Aaron (7.3) have both been solid plus Lamb's return from injury is a BIG deal. He has averaged 12.1 PPG (on 50.9% shooting) in his 14 games back since tearing his ACL last February.

Indiana scored 41 points in the fourth quarter on Saturday night to rally to a 125-113 road win over the Atlanta Hawks and now look for a third straight win tonight against the Bulls, who as noted earlier, are FAR from 100 percent healthy. The Pacers have yet to go on a 'run' and even so, their 14-13 record gives them the East's current No. 4, just TWO games back of the second-seeded Bucks. Watch out for this Indiana team.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Western Conference Game of the Month is on the Den Nuggets at 10:05 ET.

The Los Angeles Lakers sit atop the Pacific Division at 21-6, two games up on the Clippers and four up on the Suns. Yes, LA has won seven in a row but things have hardly gone smoothly for the Lakers plus the defending champs also find themselves one game behind the blistering hot Utah Jazz (Jazz have won 18 of 19 and are 22-5). The Denver Nuggets earned the title of "Comeback Kids' in last season's playoffs in the 'bubble,' but opened the current season just 1-4. Denver then won 11 of 15 and ended January at 12-8. However, the Nuggets opened February with THREE straight losses, before posting back-to-back wins. They welcome the Lakers to Pepsi Center at 14-11, leaving them as the West's No. 7 seed and dangerously close to the postseason 'cut line!'

The Lakers began a seven-game road trip back on Jan 21 and won the first three games, before losing 107-106 at Philly, ending their 10-0 start to the season on the road. LA finished that road trip 5-2 (winning the final two games) and returned home to beat the Nuggets 114-93 on Feb 4. FOUR more home wins followed, so LA will take a seven-game winning streak into Denver (more in a bit). LBJ (25.8-7.9-7.9) hasn't missed a game, while A.D. (22.9 & 8.6), the other Half of LA's "Dynamic Duo," has missed five. He was back on the court (Achilles' issue) on Friday and scored 35 points. The Lakers have gotten a HUGE boost from PG Schroder (14.1-3.8-4.4) and PF Harrell (13.5 & 6.3 in 25 MPG off the bench). Those off-season additions are joined by returning guard Caldwell-Pope (8.6 ) and SF Kuzma (10.7 & 6.0), who continue to be regular contributors.

Denver is led by center Jokic (26.7-11.3-8.6) who gets better each season. He's surrounded by one of the NBA's deepest rosters, led by PG Murray (18.3-4.0-4.4). PF Porter (14.9 & 6.2) missed 10 games because of health protocols but is back. Swingman Barton (11.6-3.7-3.3), PG Morris (11.0 & 3.4 APG), PF Green (10.1 & 6.3 in 21 MPG off the bench), PF Millsap (10.4 & 5.2) and SG Harris (10.1) all score in double digits. All but Harris (adductor strain) are "good to go" in this one.

I mentioned things not going smoothly for LA and let me explain. The Lakers returned from their road trip to beat the Nuggets 114-93 but trailed by 12 at the half, before outscoring Denver by 33 points in the second half. That game was followed by a double-OT win over then sad-sack Pistons, then back-to-back OT wins over OKC. A quick glance at Friday's 115-105 win over Memphis does NOT reveal that LA fell behind the Grizzlies 22-2 (yes, that's right!) to open the game! Denver HAS to view this as a "statement game" plus who knows when Anthony Davis' sore Achilles will act up and force him to miss a game? A.D> or not, I'm backing the small home dog.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on the Dal Mavs at 7:35 ET.

The Portland Trail Blazers have won THREE in a row and FIVE of their last six as they open a three-game road trip Sunday in Dallas, facing a Mavericks' team coming in on its own hot streak. The Mavericks have won FOUR straight and FIVE of six. The Blazers are 15-10 (current No. 5 seed in the West) and the Mavs are 13-14, still ONE game back of the No. 8 seeded Warriors.

The Trail Blazers remain without CJ McCollum (26.7 PPG), who last played on Jan 16 due to a foot injury. Post players Zach Collins and Jusuf Nurkic (9.8 & 7.7 in 12 games) are also out with ankle and wrist injuries, respectively. Lillard (29.0-4.4-7.2) leads the way with Trent (14.8) starting in the palace of McCollum and Kanter (11.5 & 11.1) stepping in for Nurkic. Then there is Carmelo Anthony (13.5 PPG), who continues to provide excellent scoring off the bench. 

Dallas finally has its full complement of players on the roster again after the return of Maxi Kleber (7.0 & 5.3), who had missed 11 games in health and safety protocols. Starting alongside Doncic (28.5-8.7-9.4) and Porzingis (20.7 & 8.3) are guard Richardson (12.8) plus forwards Finney-Smith (8..8 & 4.9) and Kleber. SF Hardaway comes off the bench to average 16.8 PPG plus guards Brunson (11.7) and Burke (8.2) add more 'punch' off the bench. 

The Mavericks lost six straight from the end of January into the beginning of February as noted above, have won five of six, including FOUR straight. I had Dallas in its 143-130 Friday win over New Orleans and wrote the following, "It's hard for me to understand why Dallas is just 12-14 but there are REAL signs that things are about to change!" Dallas has averaged 130.5 PPG in its four-game winning streak and I'm 'riding' them again here!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Pho Suns at 3:05 ET.

The Philadelphia 76ers are playing their third contest of a four-game road trip when they visit the Suns this afternoon in Phoenix. Philly opened the trip with a win in Sacramento but lost 118-114 at Portland on Thursday and now finished the trip Saturday in Phoenix and Monday in Utah. The Jazz are currently the NBA's 'hottest' (best?) team, with a 212-5 record after winning 17 of their last 18. However, looking past the Suns would be a mistake, as Phoenix is 15-9 after winning SEVEN of eight, including FOUR straight.

Joel Embiid used a strict offseason conditioning program and it seems to have worked well. He has missed five of the 26 games but has been dominant when on the court, averaging 29.4 & 10.9. PF Harris (20.1 & 7.4) joins him as a 20-point scorer plus while Simmons' scoring is slightly down (14.0 PPG), his overall game has been very good (8.3 RPG and 8.0 APG). Rookie Maxey (8.8) plus vets Danny Green (8.7) and center Dwight Howard (5.8 & 7.7 in 17 MPG) have each played all 26 games, while Seth Curry (12.8) is back healthy. However, Philly could be missing guard Milton (14.0) due to an ankle injury.

The Suns surprised all with their 8-0 SU & ATS performance in the Orlando 'bubble' to end last season and made a key offseason move designed to put an end to the team's 10-season playoff drought by signing PG Chris Paul. The Suns opened 5-1 but in games played through Jan 27 were just 8-8. However, Phoenix is back playing well and enters this contest winners of SEVEN of its last eight and at 15-9, the Suns currently own the West's No. 4 seed. Devin Booker missed a handful of games with a hamstring injury but he's back (23.8-3.7-4.3 on the season). Paul missed his first game of the season last Monday but returned the next game to score 28 points in a win over Milwaukee. The vet is averaging 16.9-4.5-8.1 on the season (EXACTLY as Phoenix had hoped. 6-11 center Ayton (14.1 & 12.6) has been both consistent AND healthy, delivering 15 double-doubles. Former first round picks Bridges (14.5 & 5.5) and Johnson (11.3 & 3.8) have made HUGE strides this season. SF Crowder was another key off-season addition and is averaging 10.1 & 5.0.

Philly is a dominant 11-2 at home but just 7-6 on the road and as noted, the Suns are playing VERY well. An "under the radar move" should be noted, as PF Frank Kaminsky was inserted into the starting lineup four games ago with the Suns going 4-0 SU and ATS. Kaminsky has averaged 11.8 & 6.8 in those four games plus in the last two, has also handed out 13 assists. I'm 'riding' the Suns to another "W."

Good luck...Larry

My 10* "Signature" 37-Club Play is on the Mil Bucks at 9:05 ET.

The Milwaukee Bucks have owned the NBA's best regular season in each of the last two seasons, going 60-22 and 56-17. However, the Bucks have flopped in the playoffs each time. Milwaukee had won FIVE in a row (had scored at least 123 in each of its victories while winning by an average margin of 20.8 points) before its Wednesday game in Phoenix. The Bucks scored 124 points that game but allowed 125 to the Suns. Milwaukee is now 16-9, second-best in the East (1 1/2 games back of Philly which is 18-8) but its winning percentage of .640 is nowhere near the .748 of the last two regular seasons. 

The Utah Jazz lost back-to-back games on Jan 5 and 6 and were just 4-4. However, beginning on Jan 8 (more on this game later), the Jazz would rip off 11 consecutive wins (also going 11-0 ATS) before losing 128-117 at Denver on Jan 31. Utah did not let that loss linger, as the Jazz have opened February with FIVE straight wins and the team's lone ATS loss in that span was when they beat the Pistons by 12 points while laying 12 1/2-points! Doing the math, the Jazz welcome the Bucks to Salt Lake City's Vivint Arena 16-1 SU and 15-2 ATS their last 17 games!

The Bucks starting-five has been excellent, led by forwards Antetokounmpo (28.1-11.1-5.6) and Middleton (20.7-6.0-6.2). Jrue Holiday (16.4-4.8-5.4) has made all forget about Bledsoe plus center Lopez (10.7 & 5.2) is rounding into form while DiVincenzo (9.7 & 4.5) has been a solid complement in the backcourt to Holiday. The 6-10 Portis averages 11.1 & 7.5 in about 22 minutes off the bench, while guards Forbes (9.4), Augustin (6.0) and Connaughton (5.5 & 3.7) give this team excellent backcourt depth. The Bucks came VERY close to bringing a six-game winning streak into Utah but lost 125-124 to the Suns on Wednesday, when Giannis Antetokounmpo's jumper went awry at the buzzer. Antetokounmpo finished with 47 points to lead the Bucks, who were playing without Jrue Holiday. The guard missed his second game in a row due to the NBA's health and safety protocols for COVID-19. According to head coach Mike Budenholzer, "He's in a good place and he's taking care of himself," the Bucks coach said about Holiday. "But he has an eye on the team, too." Forbes has taken his place in the starting lineup and has averaged 16.0 PPG!

The Jazz might also be without one of their key players in PG Mike Conley (16.5-3.7-6.8), who has missed two consecutive games with a strained right hamstring and is considered day-to-day. However, Like Milwaukee, Utah has the depth needed to 'cover' Conley's absence. Stepping into the starting lineup has been Ingles, who is averaging 10.7-3.6-4.6 on the season. All Star guard Mitchell (24.0-4.3-5.1) leads Utah in scoring and the trio of Bogdanovich (15.9 & 4.0), Gobert (13.4 & 13.5) and O'Neale (7.9 & 6.6) complete the starting-five. Sixth-man Clarkson (17.4 & 4.3) has been terrific all season and the return of PF Favors (6.0 & 5.7) has been a nice bonus.

When these teams met last season in Utah, the game was decided on the final play. Joe Ingles faked a pass to his right and then threw it to Bogdanovic near the left corner, one of his favorite spots. Ingles raised both his arms before the three-pointer even settled into the net, as Utah beat the Milwaukee Bucks 103-100. The defeat added to Milwaukee's woes in Utah, where the bucks have lost 18 consecutive games since their last road win over the Utah Jazz back on Oct 30, 2001. So why take the Bucks in this one? Getting back to Utah's Jan 8 win that began the team's current 16-1 SU (14-2 ATS) run came in Milwaukee, as the Jazz won 131-118. Utah shot 50.5% for the game, including making 25 three-pointers on 53 attempts! The Bucks shot just 44.9 percent, including an awful 31.0 percent on 42 three-point attempts. Milwaukee is off a hard-luck loss and HAS to view this contest as a "statement" game. Milwaukee is the NBA's top-scoring team (121.4 PPG) plus ranks second in both overall FG percentage (49.4%) and three-point percentage (40.2%). I had Denver over Utah on Jan 31 (Utah's ONLY loss in its last 17 games) and I'm "all over" Milwaukee in this one!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Dal Mavs at 7:30 ET.

The Mavs went 43-32 last season, ending a three-year postseason drought and led by "All-World" Luka Doncic and 7-3 Kristaps Porzingis, expected to be playoff contenders for years to come. However, Dallas is just 12-14 so far and while the Mavs are just TWO games back of the final playoff spot in the West, they are also just ONE game better than the OKC Thunder, who own the second-worst record of the West's 15 teams. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans come to Dallas 11-13 (in a virtual tie with the Mavericks), despite the presence of Zion Williamson (23.8 PPG on 59.9% shooting with & 7.0 RPG) and Brandon  Ingram (23.7-5.5-4.6). The interesting pregame note is that Dallas has won three in a row and four of its last five. As for New Orleans, the Pelicans had won FOUR in a row before losing 129-116 in Chicago on Wednesday. 

The Pelicans were completing a back-to-back Wednesday in Chicago, after a 130-101 home victory against Houston on Tuesday. They held an eight-point halftime lead before the Bulls outscored them 40-14 in the third quarter. The Bulls made a franchise-record 25 three-pointers and it wasn't the first time New Orleans has had trouble defending three-pointers. The game against Chicago was the EIGHTH game in which the Pelicans have allowed 18 or more three-pointers. Ingram (see above) came to New Orleans in the Anthony Davis trade with LA, along with Lonzo Ball (13.9-4.4-4.7) who starts at guard alongside Bledsoe (13.2) and Hart (8.5* 7.8) who comes off the bench. Center Steven Adams (8.3 & 9.3) is the fifth starter.

Dallas finally has its full complement of players on the roster again after the return of Maxi Kleber (7.1 & 5.3) on, who had missed 11 games in health and safety protocols. Starting alongside Doncic (27.8-8.7-9.3) and Porzingis (19.7 & 8.3) are guard Richardson (12.9) plus forwards Finney-Smith (8.5 7 4.9) and Kleber. SF Hardaway comes off the bench to average 17.2 PPG plus guards Brunson (11.6) and Burke (8.4) add more 'punch' off the bench. There was even a Willie Cauley-Stein 'sighting,' who head coach Rick Carlisle had not played in the last two games, in Wednesday's 118-117 win over the Hawks. Cauley-Stein (6.0 & 4.7) had 14 points (on 5-of-6 shooting) and six rebounds in 23 minutes.

It's hard for me to understand why Dallas is just 12-14 but there are REAL signs that things are "about to change." New Orleans was scheduled to visit Dallas for the first meeting this season on Jan 11 but that game was postponed because of COVID-19 issues with the Mavericks. Be advised that the Mavs swept the FOUR-game series with the Pelicans  last season. Same old, same old here!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Bos Celtics at 7:35 ET.

The Toronto Raptors were the 2019 NBA champions and last season, entered the postseason as the East's No. 2 seed with a 53-19 record, despite losing Kawhi Leonard to the Clippers as a free agent. Note that the Raptors' record last season put them just 2 1/2-games back of the Bucks and was a half-game BETTER than the West's No. 1 seed, and eventual NBA champion Lakers! However, the Raptors opened the current season 2-8 (3-7 ATS). Toronto was still just 7-12 through Jan 29 but visits Boston winners of FIVE of its last six to reach 12-13.

The Boston Celtics opened the current season 8-3 but are just 4-8 since and at 12-11 have fallen behind the East's top-two teams. Philly is 18-7 and Milwaukee is 16-9 plus Brooklyn is 15-12. The Celtics are now the No. 4 seed and are just ONE game up on Toronto and Indiana! Boston is back home, after losing the final two contests of a five-game road trip to finish 2-3. These rivals met Jan 4 in Tampa (current 'home' of the Raptors), winning 126-114.

The Raptors routed the Wizards 137-115 on Wednesday, as they made 19 three-pointers, Kyle Lowry leading the way with five. Norman Powell scored 28 points and Pascal Siakam added 26 for Toronto, which led by as many as 24 points in the dominant victory. The offense is growing," Toronto head coach Nick Nurse said. "We're not going through too many lulls." He's right about that, as Toronto has surpassed 120 points in each of their past five games. VanVleet (20.7-4.3-6.4) and Lowry (17.0-5.7-6.7) comprise a dominant guard duo plus fellow guard Powell adds 15.8 PPG. PF Siakam (20.2-7.8-4.6) is now a bonafide All Star but Toronto has played its past EIGHT contests without the 6-7 Anunoby (14.6 & 5.9), who has been sidelined by a calf strain. Nurse said it was "50-50" whether the forward would be available against Boston.

The Celtics won the first meeting between the two teams (see above) but victory came during a five-game winning streak for Boston that preceded its recent rut. The team was without star forward Jayson Tatum for two weeks due to COVID-19, and his top scoring partner, Jaylen Brown, missed two games with a knee injury before returning to score 33 points in Monday's loss against NBA-leading Utah. Boston remains without Smart (13.1 & 6.1) due to a calf strain but Tatum (26.8-6.9-4.1) and Brown (26.7-5.6-3.4) are quite a one-two 'punch!' PG Walker (15.0-3.5-4.3) is rounding into shape and I expect Boston to get back to its winning ways.

The red-hot Raptors should get Boston's "full attention" and it's my bet that the Celtics are up to the task. Toronto's not just playing the second night of a back-to-back but this marks Toronto's SIXTH straight road game. The Raptors last played at 'home' (Tampa) back on Jan 31, meaning Toronto's been "on the road" for ALL of February. Lay the "more than reasonable" number.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Underdog of the Month is on the Pho Suns at 10:05 ET.

The Milwaukee Bucks have owned the NBA's best regular season in each of the last two seasons, going 60-22 and 56-17. However, the Bucks have flopped in the playoffs each time. Milwaukee visits Phoenix tonight on a five-game winning streak and the Bucks are now 16-8, second-best in the East (1 1/2 games back of Philly) but their winning percentage of .667 is nowhere near the .748 of the last two regular seasons. The Phoenix Suns surprised all with their 8-0 SU & ATS performance in the Orlando 'bubble' to end last season and made a key offseason move designed to put an end to the team's 10-season playoff drought by signing PG Chris Paul. The Suns opened 5-1 but in games played through Jan 27 were just 8-8. However, Phoenix is back playing well and enters this contest winners of SIX of its last seven. At 14-9, the Suns currently own the West's No. 4 seed.

The Bucks are 3-0 on a six-game road trip after posting a 125-112 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday and have won a season-best FIVE straight games. Milwaukee leads the NBA in scoring (121.3 PPG) plus ranks second in FG percentage (49.4) and third in three-point percentage (40.1). The offense has been pretty special during the winning streak, as the Bucks have scored at least 123 in each of their victories while winning by an average margin of 20.8 points. The Bucks starting-five have been excellent, led by forwards Antetokounmpo (27.3-11.1-5.6) and Middleton (20.8-56.1-6.0). Jrue Holiday (16.4-4.8-5.4) has made all forget about Bledsoe plus center Lopez (10.7 & 5.1) is rounding into form while DiVincenzo (9.7 & 4.4) has been a solid complement in the backcourt to Holiday. The 6-10 Portis averages 11.0 & 7.4 in about 22 minutes off the bench, while guards Forbes (9.1), Augustin (6.0) and Connaughton (5.8 & 3.9) give this team excellent backcourt depth.

Devin Booker missed a handful of games with a hamstring injury but he's back (23.5-3.6-4.3 on the season). Paul (16.4-4.7-8.5) has delivered and 6-11 center Ayton (14.0 & 12.8) has been both consistent AND healthy. Former first round picks Bridges (14.4 & 5.5) and Johnson (11.4 & 3.8) have made HUGE strides this season. The Suns beat the Cavs 119-113 at home on Monday, despite Chris Paul (hamstring) missing his first game of the season. Paul is questionable to play Wednesday. However, E'Twaun Moore moved into the starting lineup while Devin Booker picked up more of the playmaking responsibilities. It didn't affect Booker's play, as he poured in a season-high 36 points, matched his season best of five 3-pointers and added eight assists. As for Moore, he had a season-best 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting while playing 40 minutes.

Milwaukee has an issue at PG as well, as Jrue Holiday didn't play at Denver and it appears he will be sidelined for the rest of the road trip, if not longer, due to health and safety protocols. Milwaukee didn't clarify anything per Holiday's status but teammate Khris Middleton made comments after Monday's game that suggested the 30-year-old tested positive for COVID-19. The 119 points scored against Cleveland were the Suns' most since a 130-126 overtime loss against the Nuggets on Jan 22. Booker has topped 20 points in four of five games since returning from a hamstring injury and center Deandre Ayton contributed 15 points and 16 rebounds against Cleveland, giving him 15 double-doubles in 23 games this season. Two hot teams and with luck, Paul may play for Phoenix (we know Holiday won't play for the Bucks). I'm 'jumping all over' the home dog!

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Utah Jazz at 10:05 ET.

The Boston Celtics opened the current season 8-3 but are just 4-7 since and at 12-9 have fallen behind the East's top-two teams. Philly is 17-7 and Milwaukee is 16-8. The Celtics opened their current five-game road trip with a 111-107 win at Golden St (Tue) but then lost 116-111 at Sacramento the following night. However, despite missing Jaylen Brown (26.4 & 5.5) and Marcus Smart (13.1 & 6.1 APG), they beat the Clippers 119-115 Friday night but then lost 100-91 at Phoenix on Super Bowl Sunday. Boston concludes its five-game road trip tonight in Salt Lake City against the Utah Jazz. The Jazz ripped off 11 straight wins both SU & ATS beginning on Jan 8 and not ending until they lost 128-117 in Denver on Jan 31. However, the Jazz welcome Boston to Vivint Arena having won FOUR in a row since that loss to Denver (lone non-cover was a 12-point win as a 12 1/2-point favorite!).

Jayson Tatum (27.0 & 7.1) has been back the last seven games (was out due to COVID protocols) and has 'not missed a beat' but Boston is just 3-4 in those games. PG Kemba Walker (15.9-3.4-4.0) didn't get on the court until Jan 17 and in his nine games, the Celtics are only 3-6. Smart (calf) is out for a while and Brown is questionable at best for this game (knee). Tristan Thompson (7.1 & 8.6) and Theis (7.1 & 8.6) usually start up front for Boston but Brad Stevens has recently used some different players up front (not much luck).

Utah PG Conley (16.5-3.7-6.8) has had an excellent season but could sit with hamstring injury. However, the Jazz inserted Ingles (10.1-3.6-4.5) into the starting lineup in Utah's last game and it was "business as usual. All Star guard Mitchell (23.5-4.3-4.9) leads Utah in scoring and the trio of Bogdanovich (15.9 & 3.8), Gobert (13.3 & 13.5) and O'Neale (7.9 & 6.8) complete the starting-five. Sixth-man Clarkson (17.5) has been terrific all season and the return of Favors (6.1 & 5.8) has been a nice bonus.

This will be Boston's FIFTH road game in eight days and will be without Smart and quite possibly Brown. Recapping, Utah has won 15 of its last 16, going 14-2 ATS! I see NO reason to 'step in front of that train,' especially at this reasonable price.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Mil Bucks at 9:35 ET.

The Milwaukee Bucks have owned the NBA's best regular season in each of the last two seasons, going and. However, the Bucks have flopped in the playoffs each time. Milwaukee visits Denver tonight on a four-game winning streak and the Bucks are now 15-8, second-best in the East (1 1/2 games back of Philly) but their winning percentage of .652 is nowhere near the .748 of the last two regular seasons. The Nuggets were the "Comeback Kids" of last season's playoffs but opened the current season just 1-4. However, Denver responded with an 11-4 run. However, the Nuggets are off back-to-back losses and at 12-10, are SIX games back of the West's No. 1 seed (Utah) but just ONE game better than the West's No. 10 seed.

The Bucks starting-five have been excellent, led by forwards Antetokounmpo (27.1-11.2-5.8) and Middleton (20.4-5.8). Jrue Holiday (16.4-4.8-5.4) has made all forget about Bledsoe plus center Lopez (10.6 & 5.0) is rounding into form while DiVincenzo (9.5 & 4.3) has been a solid complement in the backcourt to Holiday. The 6-10 Portis averages 11.2 & 7.2 in about 22 minutes off the bench, while guards Forbes (8.8), Augustin (6.1) and Connaughton (5.9 & 4.0) give this team excellent backcourt depth.

Denver center Nikola Jokic had 47 points in Denver last win (home to Utah on Jan 31) and then in a loss at Sacramento two games later, scored a career-high 50 points. He's having a spectacular season, averaging 27.2-11.5-8.6. PG Murray (19.0-4.0-4.5) had a breakout postseason and continues to play at an All Star level, The 6-10 Porter (15.2 & 6.4) has missed 10 games but is now back, giving Denver quite a trio. Denver also features as much quality depth as any team, as SIX other players are averaging between 7.1 and 11.0 PPG. However, SG Harris (10.1), the team's best perimeter defender, is out with a left adductor strain and Murray is listed day-to-day with a knee problem (he missed Denver's last game).

 My 10* East/West Conf Game of the Month is on the Pho Suns at 2:05 ET.

The Boston Celtics opened the current season 8-3 but are just 4-6 since and at 12-9 have fallen behind the East's top-two teams. Philly is 17-7 and Milwaukee is 15-8. The Celtics opened their current five-game road trip with a 111-107 win at Golden St (Tue) but then lost 116-111 at Sacramento the following night. However, despite missing Jaylen Brown (26.4 & 5.5) and Marcus Smart (13.1 & 6.1 APG), they beat the Clippers 119-155 Friday night. Yes, the Clippers played without Paul George but LA did shoot 51.9% from the floor!

The Phoenix Suns surprised all with their 8-0 SU & ATS performance in the Orlando 'bubble' to end last season and made a key offseason move designed to put an end to the team's 10-season playoff drought. by signing PG Chris Paul. The Suns opened 5-1 but in games played through Jan 27 were just 8-8. However, Phoenix is back playing well and enters this contest winners of FOUR of its last five. At 12-9, the Suns currently own the West's No. 4 seed.

Jayson Tatum (27.3 & 7.3) has been back the last six games (was out due to COVID protocols) and has 'not missed a beat.' However, as noted at the top, Brown and Smart are sidelined. Booker missed a handful of games with a hamstring injury but he's back (23.1 PPG on the season). Paul (16.4-4.7-8.5) has delivered and 6-11 center Ayton (13.9 & 12.8) has been both consistent AND healthy. Former first round picks Bridges (13.9 & 5.4) and Johnson (11.3 & 3.7) have made HUGE strides this season.

Coming off its surprising win over the Clippers, the less than 100% Celtics face a tough spot here against a Phoenix team beginning to look like a real playoff contender. "The Price is Right" on the Suns.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout of the Month is on the Dal Mavs at 8:35 ET.

The injury-plagued Golden State Warriors go for a two-game sweep of the host Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night. Golden State was forced to play small with its three centers and top reserve forward injured. However, they outshot and even outrebounded the Mavericks in a 147-116 romp in the opener of this three-day, two-game set on Thursday. Kelly Oubre Jr, who has been a disappointment this season, scored a career-best 40 points, as all five Golden St starters (plus two reserves), scored in double digits. Dallas stayed with the Warriors at the half (actually led 76-74) but while the Mavs were able to score just 40 points in the second half (20 points each in the 3rd and 4th quarters), the Warriors had a 73-point second half!

The Mavs went 43-32 last season, ending a three-year postseason drought and led by the "All-World" Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, expected to be playoff contenders for years to come. Dallas had lost NINE of 11, including SIX consecutive games SU & ATS, before winning 122-116 in Atlanta on Wednesday. However, Dallas lost for the 10th time in its last 13 games when it got blown out at home by the Warriors Thursday night (see above).

Golden St not only outshot Dallas on Thursday (57.3%, including 51.2% on threes while making 23 of 27 FTs), the Warriors also outrebounded them 45-42. Rookie center Wiseman (12.2 && 65.1) is out for a while with a wrist injury and PF Paschall (10.0 PPG off the bench) is at best, day-to-day. Curry (28.2-5.5-6.1), SF Wiggins (17.7 & 4.7) and Oubre (13.3 & 5.5) will be the lone double digit scorers on the court tonight for the Warriors.

Meanwhile, Dallas finally has its full complement of players on the roster again after the return of Maxi Kleber (6.6 & 5.5) this past Monday, who had missed 11 games in health and safety protocols. Starting alongside Doncic (27.2-8.8-9.4) and Porzingis (19.6 & 8.2) are guard Richardson (12.5) plus forwards Finney-Smith (8.6) and Kleber. SF Hardaway comes off the bench to average 17.2 PPG plus guards Brunson (11.8) and Burke (9.1) add more 'punch' off the bench. 

Hard to understand why Dallas is just 9-14 (2nd-worst record in the West), while the Warriors are 12-10 (current No. 7 seed). However, as Bill Parcells once opined, "You are who your record says you are." That, I'm NOT 'buying' into Dallas owning a  worse record by year's end than Golden St. Quick turnaround AND "payback" delivers a convincing Dallas win tonight.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* ESPN Game of the Month is on the LA Clippers at 10:05 ET.

The Boston Celtics opened the current season 8-3 but are just 3-6 since and not playing nearly as well as the Eastern Conference's top-three teams, Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Brooklyn. The Celtics will be in Staples Center tonight to play the middle contest of a five-game road against the LA Clippers. The Clippers began the season with a season-opening 116-109 over the Lakers but after 10 games, were just 6-4. However, the Clippers have won 11 of 13 since to reach 17-6 and are now tied with the Lakers for the second-best record in the West (Utah Jazz are 17-5).

The Celtics opened their current road trip with a 111-107 win at Golden St (Tue) but then lost 116-111 at Sacramento the following night. Jayson Tatum (26.8-7.3-4.1) has been back the last five games (was out due to COVID protocols) but while he's averaged 26.6 PPG in that span, Boston has gone just 2-3. He joins Jaylen Brown (26.4-5.5-3.6) to give Boston a 'Dynamic Duo' but the Celtics played Wednesday night without Kemba Walker (rest), Marcus Smart (calf) and rookie Payton Pritchard (knee). Smart (13.1 & 6.1 APG) and Pritchard (7.7) will NOT play tonight and the status of Walker (15.0 & 4.3 APG) is at best, questionable. BTW...Walker got a late start to the season due to an injury and in the seven games he's played, the Celtics are just 2-5!

The Clippers won SIX consecutive home games through the middle of January then began a six-game road trip. The trip started with stars Kawhi Leonard (26.2-5.3-5.3) and Paul George (24.4-6.2-5.5) in COVID-19 health and safety protocols. They each missed two games on the trip but had a combined 60 points in a 121-99 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday to end the trip 4-2. New additions Ibaka and Batum have each missed just ONE game, while starting the other 22. Ibaka is averaging 12.3 & 6.7, while Batum adds 10.2 & 4.7. PG Patrick Beverley (8.1 & 4.4 APG) will miss his seventh straight game (right knee soreness) but the Clippers have managed without him because of the team's excellent depth. In the backcourt it's Williams (9.4), Kennard (8.1) and Jackson (8.0) plus up front it's SF Morris (11.1 & 3.6) and center Zubac (7.6 & 6.3).

 Expect the Los Angeles Clippers to get reacquainted with their home floor seamlessly and win "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* TNT Game of the Month is on the LA Lakers at 10:05 ET.

Los Angeles completed a 5-2 road trip by beating the Atlanta Hawks 107-99 on Monday. Anthony Davis scored 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting with three blocks, and LeBron James contributed 21 points, nine assists and seven rebounds for the Lakers. LA returns home winners of 10 of 13 games, giving them a 16-6 overall record. Visiting Staples Center tonight will be the "Comeback Kids" of last season's playoffs, the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets opened the current season just 1-4 but come to LA having gone 11-4 since that poor start and as winners of SIX of their last seven.

Denver's most recent win was this past Sunday, when the Nuggets ended Utah's 11-game winning streak with a 128-117 win over the Jazz at Pepsi Center. Nikola Jokic tied a career-high with 47 points on 17-of-26 shooting, making all four of his three-pointers. He also had 12 rebounds and five assists. Jokic is having a superb season, averaging 26.8-11.8-8.6. PG Murray (18.9-4.0-4.4) had a breakout postseason and continues to play at an All Star level, The Porter (16.6 & 6.5) has missed 10 games but has been back for the last sis and gives Denver quite a trio. Denver also features as much quality depth as any team, as SIX other players are averaging between 7.1 and 11.1 PPG, although SG Harris (10.1), the team's best perimeter defender, will miss due to the left adductor strain he suffered in Sunday's game.

It's an accepted fact that LBY (25.0-7.7-7.5) and A'D, (22.3 & 8.7) are as good as any NBB duo but LA's really been helped by the addition of starting PG Schroder (13.6-3.6-4.2) and PF Harrell (13.2 & 6.3) coming off the bench. Also, don't dismiss returning players like Kuzma (9.9 & 5.7), Caldwell-pope (9.4), Horton-Tucker (6.7) and Caruso (5.6)

The Nuggets have been on a four-day break after Monday's home contest against the Detroit Pistons was postponed because the latter did not have the required eight players available due to the NBA's safety and health protocols. Meanwhile, LA's head coach Frank Vogel says his club remains a work in progress, despite owning one of the NBA's best records. The 16-6 Lakers have recently fallen behind the 17-6 Clippers and 16-5 Jazz and Denver surely got their attention with that win over Utah. "We'll continue to stick to our process and hopefully get better as the season goes along," Vogel said. Here's a good spot to "show what the team is made of." My bet says that LA wins "with room to spare!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Dal Mavs at 7:35 ET.

The Mavs went 43-32 last season, ending a three-year postseason drought and led by the "All-World" Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, expected to be playoff contenders for years to come. However, Dallas enters this contest having lost NINE of 11, including SIX consecutive games SU & ATS. Dallas sits 8-13 on the season, third-worst in the West. The Atlanta Hawks opened the current season off three straight losing ones (24-58, 29-53 and 20-47) but are currently 10-10, which would give them the No. 6 seed in the East if the season ended today.  

Dallas has to be desperate to end a frustrating six-game losing streak on Wednesday night, after Monday's 109-108 loss to Phoenix on Monday was decided by Devin Booker's three-pointer with 1.5 seconds left! The good news on Monday was that Dallas has its full complement of players on the roster again after the return of Maxi Kleber (6.9 & 5.4), who had missed 11 games in health and safety protocols. He produced two points and six rebounds in 18 minutes on Monday. Kleber and Kristaps Porzingis (18.6 & 8.2) were both in the starting lineup for the first time this season, as the Mavs used their 12th different starting combination this season. Doncic (27.3-9.0-9.4) and Dallas has excellent depth, as Hardaway (16.9), Richardson (12.9)and Brunson (11.5) all average in double digits. Burke (9.9) and Finney-Smith (8.5 & 4.4) just miss. 

PG Trae Young (26.9-4.2-9.0)  is the brightest star of Atlanta's young talent but don't discount Hunter (17.2-4.5-4.5), Collins (15.9 & 7.5), Reddish (11.9 & 4.4) and Hueter (11.3-3.8-3.4). Then there is former Houston center Clint Capela, who is averaging 13.8 & 14.4 on the season. The Hawks were missing No. 2 scorer De'Andre Hunter against LA, who was out after having a non-surgical procedure on his right knee on Sunday. He was replaced in the starting five by Cam Reddish, who played a solid defensive game against LeBron James. The Hawks went toe-to-toe with the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers on Monday before faltering in the final two minutes and losing 107-99. Atlanta continues to hold its own against the league's top teams, an indication of a potential breakthrough. However, the Atlanta players don't want to think in terms of a moral victory.

Tonight, the Mavericks just NEED a "W." Porzingis continues to work his way back from an October knee surgery. He was withheld from the lineup Saturday but returned to play 34 minutes on Monday, when he scored 19 points and added 10 rebounds. Will he play tonight? No guarantee but this is the healthiest Dallas has been all season and I will 'buy in' on that and play the Mavs.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the SA Spurs at 8:35 ET.

"Break up" the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis entered last season off back-to-back seasons of going 22-60 and 33-49. When the season was shut down due to COVID, the Grizzlies were 32-33. However, they then went 2-6 in 'the bubble,' meaning they needed to win two straight against the Blazers to earn the No. 8 seed. Portland beat them in the first game. Memphis opened this season off three straight non-playoff seasons and opened 2-6. However, the team then ripped off FIVE straight wins before COIVID issues forced five straight postponements. Memphis returned to the court Saturday night at San Antonio and crushed the Spurs 129-112. That's SIX consecutive wins and covers! Who are these guys?

The Spurs were 'flat' on Saturday, off an impressive Friday night home win over the Nuggets, snapping Denver's 5-0 SU & ATS run. San Antonio fell to 0-3 on the second night of back-to-backs this season and the result may just have been a classic case of the Grizzlies' fresh legs -- really fresh, in fact (hadn't played in days!) -- vs San Antonio's tired ones. San Antonio is 11-9 and in a log jam of Western Conference teams hovering around the playoff 'cut line' that features two 10-8 teams, two 11-9 ones and a fifth at 9-9.

Memphis has SEVEN players on the injured list, including the 6-11 Jaren Jackson and SF Winslow, who have each not played this season. Usual starters guard Grayson Allen (8.0) and center Jonas Valanciunas (14.4 & 10.4) were both out due to "health and safety protocols" on Saturday but Valanciunas is with the team and could play Monday. Morant (22.0 & 7.7 APG) and Brooks (15.1-3.9-3.1) are a strong guard duo and Saturday's other three starters included 6-8 PF Clarke (13.3 & 6.1), 6-9 SF Anderson (12.8-7.1-3.9) and 6-8 PF Tillman (8.3 & 4.1), a Michigan St rookie.

The Spurs are led by veteran guard DeRozan (19.8-4.8-6.7) and veteran center Aldridge (14.2 & 4.5) but have a 'TON' of depth. Starting alongside the two above-mentioned vets are 6-6 SF Johnson (14.5 & 7.5) plus guards Murray (15.0-7.2 -5.3) and Walker (12.10. Two players chip in double digits off the bench in guard Mills (14.3) and SF Gay (11.3 & 5.5). San Antonio also got great news in Saturday's loss, as Derrick White (averaged 11.3 PPG last season) saw his first action since missing 14 games with a broken toe and paced the Spurs with 18 points!

The Spurs just snapped Denver's 5-0 SU & ATS run and in this quick turnaround, do the same to Memphis' 6-0 SU &ATS run! Lay the small number!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Revenge Game of the Month is on the Dal Mavs at 8:35 ET.

The Phoenix Suns surprised all with their 8-0 SU & ATS performance in the Orlando 'bubble' to end last season and made a key offseason move designed to put an end to the team's 10-season playoff drought. The Suns jumped out of the gate 5-1 SU & ATS but have gone just 4-7 SU & ATS their last 11. The Mavs went 43-32 last season, ending a three-year postseason drought and led by the "All-World" Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, expected to be playoff contenders for years to come. However, Dallas enters this contest on a five-game losing streak SU & ATS, giving them an 8-12 record (3rd-worst in the West).

These teams also met in Dallas this past Saturday, with center Deandre Ayton dominating the middle and PG Chris Paul coming on strong late as the Suns rallied past the Mavericks 111-105. Ayton (14.4 & 12.6) had 18 and 17 on Saturday, while Paul (15.6-4.6-8.7) scored 16 of his 29 points in the 4th quarter when the Suns outscored the Mavs 34-23. Devin Booker (22.9) sat out for a fourth straight game while dealing with a strained left hamstring and is no better than questionable for tonight's game.

Doncic (27.4-9.2-9.40 is again having a 'monster' season and expect Porzingis (18.6 & 8.) to play tonight, after resting on the second night of a back-to-back in Saturday's loss. Dallas has excellent depth, as Hardaway (16.8), Richardson (11.9), Brunson (11.5) and Burke (10.4) all average in double digits.

Truth is that Booker remains doubtful for Monday's game, while the Mavs look to almost "all hands on deck." This is a quick rematch for Dallas and the Mavs are already 0-2 vs the Suns this season (lost 106-102 in Phoenix on opening night). The Mavs are 2-8 over their last 10 and enough is ENOUGH. Great revenge and bounce-back spot here for Dallas, plus "the PRICE is sure Right!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division Game of the Year (Northwest) is on the Den Nuggets at 3:35 ET.

Denver started the season with four losses in the first five games but had won 10 of its next 13 before falling 119-109 to the Spurs on Friday night, when the Spurs outscored the Nuggets in the fourth quarter 32-23. The defeat snapped a five-game Denver winning streak and came in the team's final game of a five-game road trip in seven days. The Nuggets return home but waiting for them are the Utah Jazz, who now own the NBA's best record of 15-4 on the strength of an 11-game winning streak (also, an amazing 11-0 ATS!).

Utah has reeled off 11 straight wins, the past two without Donovan Mitchell (23.4-4.4-4.9) and Derrick Favors (5.8 & 5.0). Mitchell (concussion protocol) and Favors (lower back soreness) haven't played since last Tuesday but traveled to Denver on Friday while their teammates were completing a two-game home sweep of the Dallas Mavericks. Their status for Sunday has not been updated but the duo is at best, questionable. The Jazz have terrific depth with SEVEN Players (including Mitchell) averaging in double digits. PG Conley (16.8 & 6.1 APG) has found a home in Utah after struggling last season plus the same can be said about last year's in-season pick-up, 6th-man Clarkson. He comes off the bench to average 17.9 PPG! Center Rudy Gobert is a great defender, good for a nightly 'daily double' (13.6 & 14.1 on the season).

However, speaking of 'double-doubles,' Denver center Nikola Jokic notched his 19th straight double-double to start the year in Friday's loss in San Antonio (). He's averaging 25.7 & 11.7 on the season. He had also been averaging double digits in assists but he averaged just 5.3 per game over his last six games, falling to third in the league at 8.7 per game. Denver can match Utah's depth now that Porter (17.2 & 6.8) has been back for the last five games and SG Harris (10.7) has broken out of an extended offensive slump. He is known for his defense but the Nuggets need his scoring, too. In the last nine games, he has hit 46.5 percent from three-point range. Throw in PG Murray (19.1-4.0-4.4) plus Morris (11.1), Green (10.9 & 6.3), Barton (10.7) and Millsap (9.6 & 5.2) and one gets the point.

Denver came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat Utah in last year's playoffs and in the first meeting this season, Utah edged the Nuggets 109-105 in Denver (Jan 17). It's Denver's turn to 'return the favor' in this one. Utah's 11-game win streak ends here. That's my bet!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Rivalry Game of the Month is on the LA Lakers at 8:35 ET.

The Lakers blew a big lead at home to Golden St back on Jan 18 (115-113 loss) and then began a SEVEN-game road trip. LA opened with an impressive 113-106 win at Milwaukee and followed with wins at Chicago and Cleveland, extending their road to record to 10-0 to open the season. However, the Lakers then lost 107-106 at Philly (76ers are at home) but followed with a 107-92 loss at Detroit, when they scored just 34 points in the second half (LBJ had two points after halftime). Two games remain on their demanding seven-game road trip, including tonight at TD Garden with the Celtics. Boston enters off a setback of its own, failing to beat the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday after coming back from as much as 15 points down. Boston was up 101-99 with less than two minutes remaining but couldn't hold on in the 110-106 loss. The Celtics are a modest 10-7 on the season.

Anthony Davis has a bruised right quad and did not play at Detroit and is questionable here. LBJ (25.5-7.8-7.5) and A.D. (21.9 & 8.8) lead the Lakers but the additions of PF Harrell and PG Schroder have been HUGE. Harrell comes off the bench to average 12.8 & 6.6 and Schroder has started all 20 games at the point, producing 13.6-3.7-4.2. Caldwell-Pope (9.9) starts at SG and Kuzma (10.1 & 5.8) comes off the bench like Harrell.

Boston has its preferred starting-five back, as PG Walker returned five games ago and Tatum is out from under COVID protocols. Brown (27.1 & 5.6) and Tatum (26.5 & 6.8) are quite a one-two 'punch' but while Walker is averaging 16.4 & 4.1 APG, Boston is 1-4 in his five games back. Smart's has been excellent (13.6 & 6.0) and undersized center Theis (9.4 & 4.9) but new acquisitions PF Thompson (6.2 & 8.6) and PG Teague (5.9 & 2.3 APG) have been underwhelming.

The Lakers matched the Celtics for most titles in league history at 17 by winning last year's title and there is NO better rivalry in the NBA. Obviously, if A.D. misses it's a big deal but I REALLY like the Lakers off their back-to-back losses, either way. LA's plus-8.3 point differential is the best in the league, while Boston checks in at juts plus-2.3. As LBJ said after the loss at Detroit, "We got to keep our minds fresh, keep our bodies fresh as much as we can to go out there and put together a complete 48-minute game, or close to 48 minutes. Obviously we haven't done it the last couple of games, and we just got to be better on Saturday." LA will "be better" tonight!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on the Mil Bucks at 8:05 ET.

The Charlotte Hornets topped the Indiana Pacers 108-105 on Friday, avenging a loss to the same team two nights earlier. Charlotte made key plays down the stretch after a double-digit lead had vanished. Hornets head coach James Borrego liked the poise his team demonstrated. The 8-11 Hornets  will need more than just poise to get past the Milwaukee Bucks tonight, who will arrive in Charlotte licking their wounds after a 131-126 road loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.

The Bucks have owned the NBA's best regular season record in each of the last two seasons but have fallen short in each of the last two postseasons. Milwaukee is just 11-7 this season, as the team's .611 winning percentage is FAR below the .748 win percentage the Bucks have had the last two seasons in going a combined 116-39. Giannis (27.5-11.0-5.5) has won the last two MVP awards and has quite a sidekick in SF Middleton, who is averaging 21.6-6.6-5.9 6.2. Jrue Holiday (15.9-4.7-5.23 has taken over for the departed Bledsoe plus guard DiVincenzo (9.9 & 4.1) and center Brook Lopez (10.9 & 5.2) round out the starting lineup. The 6-10 Portis comes off the bench and has been a HUGE addition in averaging 10.6 & 7.5 in about 22 MPG. Forbes, Connaughton and Augustin add a combined 19 PPG.

Gordon Hayward left Boston to sign with Charlotte and one wonders why. He's averaging 22.9-5.3-3.7 but after playing for the Jazz and Celtics, what could he possibly expect this Charlotte team to do the next three-to-five years? Guards Rozier (18.9 &n 4.1) and Graham (13.9 & 6.3) have both played well but the jury is still out on the team's No. 1, LeMelo Ball (11.4-5.9-5.9). PJ Washington (12.9 & 6.8) is a solid frontcourt player and center Zeller (8.0 & 6.9) is back after missing a month.

The Bucks stormed back from a 29-point hole before falling at New Orleans, snapping Milwaukee's two-game winning streak. The Bucks have yet to exceed four straight victories this season, so they are still looking to sustain a good roll. I have to believe that 'roll' IS coming and will note that Milwaukee's point differential of plus-8.2 is just shy of LA's league-leading plus-8.3. In comparison, Charlotte's at minus-1.7. Milwaukee has been an excellent ATS play off a SU loss these last two seasons and I see "B-LO-W-O-U-T written all over this one."

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Ultimate Underdog of the Month is on the SA Spurs at 8:35 ET.

The Denver Nuggets were the "Comeback Kids" of last season's playoff 'bubble' but struggled out of the gate in the current season. Denver lost on Jan 17 and fell to 6-7 but have since won and covered each of their last FIVE games, The team's recent surge has them 11-7 on the season and owners of the West's No. 4 seed. The Nuggets look to complete a perfect road trip (last four wins have all been on the road) as they conclude their five-game road trip in San Antonio Spurs. Not much was expected of the Spurs coming into this season, after San Antonio saw a 22-year playoff run end last season with a 32-29 record. However, at 10-8, the Spurs own the West's fifth-best record.

The Nuggets head to San Antonio off a 109-82 Wednesday win at Miami in which Denver led by 25 points at the half. Jokic (25.2-11.8-8.9) finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds for his 18th consecutive double-double. Porter Jr. (18.3 & 7.1) scored 17 points, Green (11.5 & 6.7) added 15 points and 10 rebounds and Jamal Murray (19.0-3.9-4.2) had 14 points for Denver. Paul Millsap (9.7 & 5.2) had 11 points and Will Barton (10.8-4.2-3.0) 10 points, giving the Nuggets SIX players in double-figure scoring.

The Spurs are led by DeRozan (20.1-5.3-6.8), who is joined by SIX double digit scorers. Aldridge (14.9 & 4.6) is playing center and has averaged 20.3 PPG his last three. PG Murray (14.4-7.3-5.3), SF Johnson (14.4 & 7.4) and guard Walkers (12.6) are San Antonio's other r-three starters, while guard Mills (14.3) and SF Gay (11.5 & 5.5) regularly contribute off the bench.

Yes, the Nuggets have won 10 of their 13 games since beginning the season 1-4 but San Antonio is a mix of older and younger players who are coming together. This is Denver's FIFTH road in SEVEN days and is the perfect spot for the home dog to 'bark' LOUDLY!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Pho Suns at 9:00 ET.

OKC made it to the NBA Finals back in the 2011-12 season but that was NINE years ago and the Thunder are in rebuilding mode, as the trio of Harden, KD and Westbrook have all since moved on, as have All Stars like Paul George and Chris Paul after brief stints. The 7-9 Thunder are in Phoenix tonight to face the 8-7 Suns and Chris Paul, who they traded away in November as part of a rebuilding effort. The Suns opened the season 5-1 (were 8-0 SU & ATS in the 'bubble') but are just 3-6 since.

Leading OKC these days is guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The third-year player is averaging a career-best 21.9 PPG with 5.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists. He had 24 points with nine rebounds and six assists as the Thunder won 125-122 at Portland on Monday. Mike Muscala (9.8) added 23 points and a career-best six 3-pointers. However, the Thunder played without Al Horford (11.1 & 7.1), who has been out since Jan 15 for the birth of his daughter and George Hill (11.8), who was out with a strained right thumb. Both are NOT expected to play.

The Suns are coming off back-to-back narrow defeats against the Denver Nuggets, falling in overtime in the first game and double OT on Saturday. Saturday's 120-112 defeat only went to extra time when Denver's Jamal Murray made a leaning three-pointer at the end of regulation while falling out of bounds (Naturally, I had the Suns in a forgettable week). Booker (22.9 PPG) sat out with an injured hamstring but word is, he'll be back tonight. Either way, I'm 'ON' the Suns. Former first round picks Bridges (15.1 & 5.8) and Johnson (11.9 & 3.2) have made HUGE strides this season plus 6-11 center Ayton is averaging a double-double on the season (15.0 & 12.2). All three have NOT missed a game. Neither has Chris Paul, who is averaging 13.8-4.7-9.0. SF Crowder (FA pickup) has also played all 15 games (12 starts), averaging 10.3 & 4.6). The "situation" is just right for a double-digit Phoenix win. That's the play!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Phi 76ers at 7:35 ET.

The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers are an NBA-best 14-4 and play tonight in Philadelphia against the 76ers, who own the East's best record at 12-6. The Lakers improved to 10-0 away from home on Monday at Cleveland, 115-108, as LeBron James celebrated his homecoming with a season-high 46 points on 19-of-26 shooting to go along with eight rebounds and six assists. Philadelphia is looking to bounce back from a 119-104 loss on the road to the Detroit Pistons on Monday, when the 76ers played without Joel Embiid (back) and fell to 0-4 without the All Star this season. Embiid is off the injury list on Wednesday and is expected to play.

Only four other players in NBA history have scored at least 46 points in a game once they reached the age of 36. The others? The late Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan and Jamal Crawford (how'd he get in there?). LBJ (25.2-7.9-7.4) and A.D. (21.8 & 8.9) lead the Lakers but the additions of PH Harrell and PG Schroder have been HUGE. Harrell comes off the bench to average 13.7 & 7.4 and Schroder has started all 18 games at the point, producing 13.6-3.8-4.2. Caldwell-Pope (10.6) starts at SG and Kuzma (9.8 & 5.6) comes off the bench like Harrell.

Embiid used a strict offseason conditioning program and it seems to have worked well, as he has missed just four games, averaging 27.7 & 11.5. PF Harris (19.8 & 6.7) and PG Simmons (12.8-8.4-7.1) have contributed nicely, while rookie Maxey (10.0) plus vets Danny Green (9.1) and Dwight Howard (6.5 & 7.9 in just 15.5 MPG) have all played in each of Philly's 18 games. Seth Curry (15.6) is back after sitting out two weeks due to the league's health and safety protocols plus Milton is adding 15.1 PPG off the bench.

The Lakers were last home back on Jan 18 and won't return until playing in Atlanta on Feb 1. This is their FOURTH of seven games on the road and the champs will stumble somewhere. Why not here at Philly, as the 76ers are an NBA-best 9-1 at home?

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Ultimate Underdog is on the Det Pistons at 7:05 ET.

The Philadelphia 76ers won 114-110 at Detroit on Saturday, The Pistons have the NBA's worst record at 3-13 but head coach Doc Rivers said he's happy with any road vic0rty. Philly struggled on the road last season and are just 3-4 away from home this season, although Philly owns the East's best record at 12-5.  As for the Pistons, they are coming off a frustrating week in which they went 0-4 when they could have easily gone 4-0. They squandered a 19-point lead to Miami, then blew a 17-point, fourth-quarter lead at Atlanta. Det dropped a one-point decision to Houston before the Sixers came to town and won by four points on Saturday.

Embiid used a strict offseason conditioning program and it seems to have worked well, as he is averaging 27.7 & 11.5). PF Harris (19.4 & 6.6) and PG Simmons (12.9-8.7-8.1) have contributed nicely, while rookie Maxey (9.6) plus vets Danny Green (9.3) and Dwight Howard (6.6 & 8.1 in just 15.5 MPG) have all played in each of Philly's 17 games. Seth Curry (16.5) scored 14 points on Saturday, playing his second game since sitting out two weeks due to the league's health and safety protocols. Milton is adding 15.4 PPG off the bench.

Jerami Grant (24.3 & 6.4) has been Detroit's best player all season but the Pistons could also use a bounce-back game from him. Grant was just 3 of 19 from the floor (11 points) on Saturday, after scoring 20 or more points for 14 consecutive games. Detroit's two former All Stars, Rose (14.8 & 4.1 APG) and Griffin (12.8-6.3-4.2) both missed Saturday's game but they are expected to play on Monday. Starting along with Grant in Saturday's game were guards Ellington (11.1) and Wright (8.0-4.1-4.1) plus center Plumlee (8.3 & 8.5) and rookie SF bey (8.1 & 3.3). The silver lining for Detroit on Saturday was the play of young reserves Svi Mykhailiuk (7.6) and Sekou Doumbouya (4.3). The duo combined for 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Detroit gets a second chance (in three days) against the 76ers (at best, a mediocre road team) and note that while Detroit is an NBA-worst 3-13, it is 8-7-1 ATS, Home dog 'barks' LOUDLY in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM of the Month is on the Ind Pacers at 7:05 ET.

The Toronto Raptors were the 2019 NBA champions and last season, entered the postseason as the East's No. 2 seed with a 53-19 record, despite losing Kawhi Leonard to the Clippers as a free agent. Note that the Raptors' record last season put them just 2 1/2-games back of the Bucks and was a half-game BETTER than the West's No. 1 seed, and eventual NBA champion Lakers! However, the Raptors opened the current season 2-8 (3-7 ATS) but after winning 107-102 Sunday afternoon at Indiana, have gone 5-1 SU (still just 3-3 ATS), since that terrible start.

Indiana Pacers first-year coach Nate Bjorkgren will try to gain a split with his former boss and Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse Monday night when the teams complete a two-game set at Indianapolis. Bjorkgren played at South Dakota when Nurse was an assistant coach there and was an assistant coach for Nurse with the Raptors for the last  two seasons before he took over at Indiana this season. The Pacers enter this game just 1-3 SU its last four but 0-4 ATS.

The Raptors won on Sunday but were without Kyle Lowry (infected toe) and Pascal Siakam (left knee swelling). Siakam averages 18.6-8.1-4.7 and Lowry 18.2-6.5-7.1. Their status for Monday is uncertain. VanVleet (19.1-4.5-6.4) has developed into an All-Star caliber player plus Anunoby (14.9 & 5.9), Boucher (14.6 & 6.5) and Powell (12.9) all averaging in double digits.as. Oladipo (20.0 PPG) is gone in a trade and his expected replacement (LeVert) has a medical issue. SF Warren (15.5) remains out with a foot injury for the Pacers but there is still enough talent to go around. PG Brogdon (21.9-3.9-7.1) and PF Sabonis (20.9-12.9-5.8) are playing at an All Star level plus center Turner averages 14.0 & 6.8, while leading the NBA in blocks (4.2 per). McDermott is averaging 12.9 PPG on 49.4% shooting off the bench. The Holidays, Justin (11.1) and Aaron (6.3)  have both been solid plus Lamb's return from injury is a BIG deal. He has averaged 15.0 PPG in his three games back since tearing his ACL last February.

The Raptors held Malcolm Brogdon to 12 points on 5-for-22 shooting from the floor and Domantas Sabonis, who had 10 points and 19 rebounds, did not score in the second half, going 0-for-7 on FGs. All that, and Sunday's game was tied at 102 with 1:09 to play! Quick turnaround (at home, no less) really favors the Pacers. Expect Brogdon and Sabonis to bounce back and who knows about the status of Lowry and Siakam.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the Mil Bucks at 8:05 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks have a bevy of young stars and have won three straight games to reach 8-7, as they head to Milwaukee. The Bucks have owned the NBA's best regular season record in each of the last two seasons but have fallen short in each of the last two postseasons. Milwaukee is off back-to-back losses, 125-123 at Brooklyn and 113-106 at home vs the Lakers, and find themselves just 9-6. The team's .600 winning percentage is FAR below the .748 win percentage the Bucks have had the last two seasons in going a combined 116-39.

Trae Young scored 43 in Atlanta's 116-98 Friday win at Minnesota, emerging from a mini-shooting slump that had seen him score 50 points over a three-game stretch. He now has 81 points over the last two games, upping his average to 25.3 PPG (ha hands out 8.7 APG, as well). Young is the brightest star of Atlanta's young talent but don't discount Hunter (16.3 & 5.9), Collins (15.9 & 7.5), Reddish (12.4 & 4.7) and Huerter (11.9). Then there is former Houston center Clint Capela, who is coming off his first career triple-double (13 & 19 plus 10 blocks! He's averaging 14.5 & 14.2 on the season.

Giannis (27.0-10.3-5.1) has won the last two MVP awards and has quite a sidekick in SF Middleton, who is averaging 22.9 & 6.2. Jrue Holiday (16.1-4.3-5.2) has taken over for the departed Bledsoe plus guard DiVincenzo (10.1) and center Brook Lopez (9.9 & 5.3) round out the starting lineup. The 6-10 Portis comes off the bench and has been a HUGE addition in averaging 10.9 & 8.1 in about 23 MPG. Forbes, Connaughton and Augustin add a combined 19 PPG.

While Atlanta is young, Milwaukee's starting lineup averages nine years of experience. For all its youthful talent, Atlanta's three-game 'surge' has them just 8-7 on the season. Looking closer at that 'surge' and you'll note the Hawks own two wins over Minnesota and one over Detroit, two teams with a combined win percentage of .226. Off back-to-back losses, expect the Bucks to R-O-L-L!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Bos Celtics at ET.

The Boston Celtics have dropped three straight, a stretch during which they have been without star forward Jayson Tatum as he recovers from COVID-19. Tatum was considered 50-50 to play in the team's last game but did not, as Boston lost its third in a row, 122-110 at Philadelphia. Conversely, the Cavaliers are in the midst of their best stretch of the young season, having beaten the Brooklyn Nets in back-to-back meetings to extend their winning streak to three. 

"Break up the Cavs," who are now 8-7 and currently own the East's No. 6 seed (Cavs last made the playoffs in 2018, going 19-63 and 19-46 the last two seasons). The key to Cleveland's turnaround has been third-year guard Collin Sexton (16.7 & 20.8 PPG in his first two), who has scored at least 20 points in each of the 10 games he has played this season. Sexton poured in a career-high 42 points in a double-overtime win over the Nets on Wednesday and enters this contest averaging 26.8 & 4.2 APG. More good news for Cavaliers came with guard Darius Garland (16.9 & 5.9 APG) returning from eight games missed with a shoulder injury to score 11 points in Friday's win. Center Drummond (18.8 & 15.1) has become a nightly double-double plus newly acquired Prince (15.5 & 5.0) and Allen (15.5 & 8.5) have been better than advertised in their two games since coming from the Nets.

Jaylen Brown had 42 points and nine rebounds during the losing effort on Friday and has flourished during Tatum's absence. He's averaging 26.9 & 6.0 on the season, pulling even with Tatum (26.9 & 7.1). Smart (13.8 & 5.6 APG) is the team's best perimeter defender and undersized center Theis (6.7 & 8.3) has performed well. Getting PG Walker back (he's averaged 15.7 & 5.0 APG in three games) is good news but the problem is, Boston's lost all three. Ex-Cav Thompson (6.7 & 8.3) has been fine but has NOT had the breakout season he and the Celtics expected. 

Again, when Tatum gets back is still unsure but with Boston having won its last EIGHT meetings vs Cleveland, I look for the Celtics to end their current three-game slide against the Cavs off their back-to back wins over the Nets.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* "signature" LEGEND Play is on the Pho Suns at 9:05 ET.

15 games into the season Denver center Nikola Jokic is averaging 25.5-11.3-9.9, just a fraction under a triple-double. He finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists last night, in Denver's 130-126 OT win at Phoenix. The Suns led by as many as 14 but Denver rallied to tie it late in the fourth quarter, then won it in overtime. The Nuggets are now 8-7, the first time this season Denver is above .500. As for the Suns, they fell to 8-6, after a 7-3 start.

The Nuggets got a boost Friday with the return of Michael Porter Jr., who had missed 10 games due to coronavirus issues. Porter had seven points and six rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench in his first action since Dec. 29. Porter is averaging 17.0 & 6.6. Swingman Barton missed all 'bubble' games last season with an injury but has played in all 15 games this season (11 starts), averaging 11.8-4.2-3.1.Morris (11.7) and Harris (11.1) contribute in the backcourt alongside Murray (19.1). Millsap (10.7 & 5.1) and Green (10.3 & 6.5) give Jokic support.

The Suns are a perfect 8-0 SU & ATS in the Orlando 'bubble' and added Chris Paul (13.3 & 8.7 APG) in hopes of becoming a real playoff contender. He teams with Booker, whose scoring has been slightly down this season (22.9 PPG from 25.6 PPG each of the last two season). However, the Suns are likely to NOT have Booker (31 points last night) for this immediate rematch, as was injured late in overtime during a scramble for the ball. After the game, coach Monty Williams said Booker hurt a hamstring, leaving him doubtful for the Saturday contest. Obviously, I'd prefer to have Booker but I'm "all over" the Suns anyway. Former first round picks Bridges (15.4 & 5.9) and Johnson (11.4) have made HUGE strides this season plus 6-11 center Ayton is averaging a double-double on the season (14.9 & 12.1).

Denver has been an underachiever so far this season and I don't trust them at all in trying for a two-game road sweep at Phoenix (on back-to-back nights), whether Booker plays or not!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner of the Month is on the Bos Celtics at 7:35 ET.

The first game of Friday's ESPN doubleheader is 8-5 Boston playing at 10-5 Philadelphia. These teams met Wednesday in Philly, with Embiid's 42 points leading the way to a 117-109 win (Sixers outscored the Celtics 31-17 in the 4th quarter). Boston has lost two straight after a five-game winning streak and the 76ers are 8-1 at home. Boston's Tatum has been out due to COVID-19 protocols but head coach Brad Stevens said Tatum has a "50-50 chance" of playing Friday.

The Celtics played well for large stretches on Wednesday night, led by Jaylen Brown's (25.8 & 5.8) 26 points and  25 from Marcus Smart (13.3 & 5.5 APG). However, they clearly missed Jayson Tatum (26.9 & 7.1). The Celtics did receive a huge lift from PG Kemba Walker, who hit five 3-pointers and scored 19 points in just his second game back from a knee injury (Celtics are 0-2 in his return). Rookie Pritchard (8.3) and FA signee Teague (7.1) give Boston depth on the perimeter. Undersized center Theis is shooting 69.1% from the floor, while averaging 9.6 PPG over his last 10. He's now getting help inside from former Cav Thompson, who is averaging 6.9 PPG and a team-high 8.5 RPG.

Embiid used a strict offseason conditioning program and is averaging 26.4 & 11.3. His 42-point effort makes him just the second player to have two, 40-point games this season, joining Washington's Bradley Beal. PF Harris (19.3 & 6.8) and PG Simmons (12.2-9.2-8.0) have contributed nicely, while rookie Maxey (11.6) plus vets Danny Green (9.7) and Dwight Howard (6.9 & 7.9) have all played in each of Philly's 15 games. SG Milton is adding 16.8 PPG off the bench.

Obviously, it would be GREAT to get Tatum back but note that the Celtics hung with Philly all game on Wednesday, with no Tatum and Embiid scoring 42 points. Tatum or not, the Celtics (Boston swept Philly 4-0 in last season's playoffs) plus the points is the play in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* play is on the Mil Bucks at 7:35 ET.

The LA Lakers are 11-4, tied with the Clippers for the NBA's best record. However, the Lakers own the NBA's best point-differential (plus-10.2), with the Clippers checking in at plus-7.1, No team has been better on the road than the Lakers, who take a perfect 7-0 SU run into their game tonight at the Bucks, who are 9-5 (6-1 at home) and own the league's second-best point differential at plus-9.8. Both teams are coming off losses, the Lakers 115-113 at home to the Warriors and the Bucks 125-123 at Brooklyn.

The good news for NBA fans is that in this 'Year of COVID,' both teams come in healthy. The Lakers blew a 14-point, fourth-quarter lead against the Warriors, with LBJ missing a last-second three-pointer. The Lakers are led by the dynamic duo of LBJ (23.7-7.9-7.5) and A.D. (21.3 & 9.0) plus have to added two terrific players in PG Schroder (14.8-4.2-4.7) and PF Harrell, who comes off the bench to add 14.0 & 7.4  in 24 1/2 minutes per game). Giannis (27.2-10.2-5.23) has won the last two MVP awards and has quite a sidekick in SF Middleton, who is averaging 22.1-6.3-3.6. Jrue Holiday (15.7-4.2-5.1) has taken over for the departed Bledsoe plus guard DiVincenzo (10.1 & 3.9) and center Brook Lopez (9.7 & 5.4) round out the starting lineup. The 6-10 Portis comes off the bench and while his numbers are a little shy of Harrell's, he's been a HUGE addition in averaging 10.9 & 8.1 in 23 MPG.

Which team to take off a loss? The Lakers are the better defensive team (105.1 PPG ranks third) but Milwaukee is averaging 120.4 PPG (2nd) on 48.5% shooting (5th), including 40.3% on threes (2nd). Beating the defending champs is something the Bucks almost NEED to do. That's my bet.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Ind Pacers at 7:05 ET.

The 6-7 Dallas Mavericks visit Indianapolis to take on the 8-8 Pacers stuck in their first three-game losing streak since late in the 2018-19 season. Dallas lost 116-93 to Toronto on Monday to open a three-game trip. Tonight's contest is the second of a brutal stretch of five games in seven days for Dallas. The Pacers are coming off an 'ugly' 129-96 at the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, which concluded an extended road trip that saw the Pacers play four games (a fifth was postponed) from Jan 11-17. Tonight's game begins a four-game homestand for Indiana.

Luka Doncic (27.2-9.9-9.3) had 36 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists in a 117-101 home loss to Chicago on Sunday but the Raptors held him to 15 points, seven rebounds and nine assists in Monday's loss. Jalen Brunson returned to the lineup after missing the previous four games due to the NBA's health and safety protocols but the Mavericks still are without Josh Richardson, (13.8), Dorian Finney-Smith (.3 & 5.0), Maxi Kleber (7.4 & 5.3) and Dwight Powell (5.0 & 3.6). The 7-3 Porzingis returned four games ago after recovering from an injury but while he's averaged 18.5 & 7.8, the Mavs have lost THREE of those four games.

The Pacers are not 100 percent either, as Oladipo (20.0 PPG) is gone in a trade and his expected replacement (LeVert) has a medical issue. SF Warren (15.) remains out with a foot injury and center Turner (12.4 & 6.8), who also leads the NBA in blocks, is sidelined with a right-hand injury suffered in Indiana's 111-87 win over Portland last Thursday. However, PG Brogdon (22.2-4.0-7.5) and PF Sabonis (21.7-12.8-5.8) are playing at an All Star level. McDermott (2.6 PPG on 51.3% shooting) has played well all season off the bench and the Pacers are getting solid contributions from three more guards. The Holidays, Justin (11.0 & 3.5 APG) and Aaron (5.9 & 2.5 APG) will get increased "PT" plus so will Sumner (6.7).

Neither team is 100 percent but the Pacers are the play here at home, as the Mavs continue to struggle, despite Luka's brilliance.

Good luck...Larry

My NBA 10* Game of the Month is on the Mil Bucks at 7:35 ET.

It's safe to say that James Harden's Brooklyn debut will be remembered for some time. Two days after the Nets officially acquired him from Houston in a massive deal that cost them Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, Harden started slowly and wound up with 32 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds in 40 minutes. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, his 14 assists broke the franchise record set by Kevin Porter in 1977 for most assists in a Nets debut. Harden posted his 47th career triple-double and became the seventh player to get a triple-double in his debut with a new team. Brooklyn's 122-115 win over the Magic was its season-high third straight win and Kevin Durant sure din't seem to mind 'sharing the stage' with Harden, as he scored a season-high 42 points. The question on Monday (MLK Day) is can Harden can produce an impressive sequel when the Milwaukee Bucks visit Brooklyn for a nationally televised contest between teams many think will meet in the Eastern Conference finals?

Milwaukee heads to Brooklyn after getting a 112-109 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 31 points on 14-of-21 shooting but also missed nine of his 10 free throws. Antetokounmpo is having another terrific season (26.8-10.0-5.2) but is shooting a career-worst 57.5 percent from the line. SF Khris Middleton (21.8-6.5-5.7) is on pace for a career-season and added 25 points and hit two clutch three-pointers in the final two-plus minutes after Milwaukee squandered a 14-point lead against the Mavs. Bledsoe is gone but Jrue Holiday (15.2-4.2-5.0) has filled his role VERY well. Guard DiVincenzo ((10.3 & 4.1) and center Brook Lopez (9.3 & 5.3) join the above three in the starting lineup. A trio of guards add about 20 PPG off the bench plus the 6-10 Portis (11.5 & 8.2) has been a HUGE addition in his role of coming off the bench.

Giving up LeVert (18.5-3.3-6.0), Allen (11.2 & 10.4) and Prince (8.1) plus losing Dinwiddie (20.6 & 6.8 APG last season) after just three games to an ACL are no small losses. Then there is Kyrie (27.1-5.3-6.1) "situation." Irving missed his sixth straight game (against Orlando) due to personal reasons and health and safety protocols. The Nets are 4-3 without Irving this season, while Durant is averaging 34.5 points in four games since returning from missing three games due to protocols. Milwaukee comes in on a four-game winning streak and is 7-1 in its last eight games, a stretch where the Bucks are averaging 119.0 PPG. Milwaukee owns the East's best point-differential (plus-10.7), a GREAT indicator of the strength of a team. "Statement Game" here for the Bucks!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on the Por Blazers at 3:05 ET.

The Portland Trail Blazers have won FIVE of their last six and have upped their record to 8-5. They will look to continue their winning ways Monday afternoon at Moda Center when they welcome the 7-6 San Antonio Spurs to Portland. The Spurs have won FIVE of seven and the team's 7-6 record is good enough to lead the Southwest Division (we don't reference divisions much these days). Portland's 8-5 record leaves them one game back of the Jazz in the Northwest. Overall, Portland is the No. 5 seed and San Antonio the No. 6 seed.

The Spurs came off an impressive 4-1 road trip but despite leading the roster-depleted Rockets 99-90 with 4:39 to play, got outscored 19-6 the rest of the way to lose. However, the Spurs rebounded from that loss in Saturday's rematch. However, the Rockets, despite suiting up just eight players (the league-mandated minimum), were up to the task until the final five minutes. DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points in Saturday's win, while Jakob Poeltl and Dejounte Murray added double doubles, as the Spurs were at their best when fatigue finally got to Houston. SEVEN Spurs are averaging in double digits, with guards DeRozan (20.7-5.7-6.7) and Murray (15.8-7.3-5.2) leading the way.

While the Spurs came back from a double-digit first-half deficit to beat short-handed Houston 103-91, Portland was forced to mount its own comeback against the Hawks without CJ McCollum (26.7-3.9-5.0), who scored 16 first-half points but did not play in the second half due to a sprained left foot. The Blazers limited Atlanta to 20 points in each of the final two quarters and roared back after trailing by seven at halftime to win 112-106. Damian Lillard (27.6-4.8-6.8) led the way vs Atlanta with 36 points. Melo (13.0) and Gary Trent (11.5) have been productive off the bench and center Kanter made his first start of the season, as Nurkic (9.8 & 7.7) is out with a broken hand. Kanter has 12 points and 15 rebounds in 29 minutes and has been a great addition, averaging 10.8 & 9.4 on the season. Other new additions like SF Jones (7.0 & 4.2) and PF Covington (6.5 & 5.9) have underperformed but Jones scored 10 points vs the Hawks, while Covington had 10 rebounds.

Nurkic will be missed (out at least EIGHT weeks) but McCollum underwent an MRI and his injury was just a sprain. He will be a game-time decision Monday.  Portland is being VERY undervalued here and I say "The PRICE is RIGHT!"

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Situational Stunner is on the LA Clippers at 10:05 ET.

The defending champion Lakers own the NBA's best record at 11-3 but their Staples Center co-tenants, the Clippers, look to stay within striking distance when they host the Indiana Pacers tonight. The Clippers have won FIVE of their last seven contests, after they crushed the Kings 138-100 on Friday (15th consecutive win at Sacramento!) to reach 8-4 The Pacers are also 8-4, after routing the Portland Trail Blazers 111-87 on Thursday. The win snapped an 11-game losing streak at Portland, where the Pacers hadn't won since 2007.

The Pacers' scheduled game Saturday at the Phoenix Suns was postponed, due to the league's health and safety protocols. The Suns didn't have the NBA's required eight players available because of contract tracing. The Pacers announced on Saturday that they had acquired guard Caris LeVert from the Houston Rockets for guard Victor Oladipo. The trade was reported to be in the works earlier in the week after LeVert was shipped to Houston by the Brooklyn Nets in a deal involving James Harden. However, Levert will be out indefinitely after an MRI revealed a small mass on his left kidney during a physical prior to finalizing the four-team trade. Brogdon (22.8-4.2-7.4) and Sabonis (21.9-12.8-5.8) are off to great starts but the will not have Oladipo (traded), LeVert (see above) and SF Warren (15.5 PPG), who hasn't played since Dec 29 with a foot injury.

The Clippers beat the Kings without starting guard Patrick Beverley (personal reasons) and 6th-man Lou Williams (hip). It isn't clear if they will play Sunday. However, the dynamic duo of Paul George (25.3-6.1-5.2) and Kawhi (25.0-4.9-6.0) are ready to go. New additions Ibaka (11.8 & 6.2) and Batum (9.8-5.4-2.9) have started all 13 games, while Marcus Morris Sr. is back healthy, adding 18 points off the bench in Sacramento.

Note that George (50.3%), Kawhi (48.3%), Ibaka (51.6%) and Batum (49.4%) all shott right around 50% on the season, while the Clippers are the NBA's best three-point shooting team (43.6%) and FT-shooting team (83.9%).This is Indiana's FOURTH road game in nine days and I'm "all over" the Clippers in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the SA Spurs at 5:05 ET.

The 4-6 Houston Rockets and the 6-6 San Antonio Spurs square off for the second time in three days Saturday, with the Rockets looking to build on their first road win of the season. The Rockets needed just nine angry, intense players, none of them named James Harden (24.8-5.1-10.4 or John Wall (18.6-4.7-5.1), to beat San Antonio 109-105 on Thursday in their first game since they traded Harden to Brooklyn in a blockbuster four-team deal. The trade is still being finalized and will eventually net Houston Victor Oladipo (from Indiana), Dante Exum (from Cleveland) and Rodions Kurucs (from Brooklyn, but none were in uniform on Thursday, nor will they be in the lineup on Saturday. What's more, Wall, Gordon (14.3) and House (7.5 & 4.5) are at best, game-time decisions .

The Spurs returned home from an impressive 4-1 road to take on the Rockets Thursday night and led 99-90 with 4:39 to play but the Rockets outscored the Spurs 19-6 the rest of the way. Christian Wood (23.1 PPG and 10.1 RPG on the season) had 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. The Spurs wasted a career-high 29 points from Keldon Johnson (14.8 & 7.3), who is one of SEVEN Spurs averaging in double digits. Guards DeRozan (20.4-5.5-7.0) and Murray (15.7-7.1-5.4) lead the way.

I refuse to overthink this. "The Rockets had something to prove, and they played like it," Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV said. "They felt disrespected. That energy and animosity was built up inside of them. They were definitely ready to play." Added head coach Gregg Popovich, "It's got nothing to do with defense, offense -- it has to do with between the ears, being ready to play. We had four or five guys who were out to lunch." Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* East/West Conference Game of the Month is on the Mil Bucks at 7:35 ET.

Luka Doncic collected 34 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists and a career-high four blocks in Dallas' 104-93 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, leading the Mavericks to their FOURTH straight victory. More good news came in the form of Kristaps making four 3-pointers to highlight his 16-point performance in his season debut. The 7-foot-3 Porzingis (20.4 & 9.5 LY) was playing for the first time since tearing his meniscus in his right knee during the Mavericks' playoff setback to the Los Angeles Clippers back in August. The now 6-4 Mavs travel to Milwaukee on Friday to take on the Bucks, who have had the league's best record in each of the last two regular seasons. Milwaukee opened 2-3 this season but enters this game having won SIX of seven to reach 8-4 on the season.

It's GREAT news that Porzingis is back to join Doncic (27.4-9.6-8.3) but here's what the injury list looks like for the Mavericks. Maxi Kleber: out (health and safety protocols), Jalen Brunson: out (health protocols), Dorian Finney-Smith: out (health protocols), Dwight Powell: out (health protocols), Josh Richardson: out (health protocols). Going down the line. Kleber is averaging 7.4 & 5.3, Brunson 11.1, Finney-Smith 9.3 & 5.0, Powell 5.0 & 3.6 and Richardson 13.8.

The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 26.2-10.1-5.5 and SF Middleton (21.6-6.3-5.7) is off to  a terrific start. Jrue Holiday has been a big addition (no one misses Bledsoe), averaging 15.2 PPG and 5.0 APG. The 6-10 Portis (11.8 & 7.8) has also been  a strong addition, while returning guard DiVincenzo (10.7 & 4.2) and center Brook Lopez (9.2 & 4.8) have both started all 12 games.

Milwaukee may be "just" 8-4 and only owns a 6-6 ATS mark but the Bucks own the NBA's best point-differential at plus-11.4 PPG. That is as good an indicator as any as to the strength of a team. Lay the points here, against a Dallas team nowhere near 100%!

Good luck...Larry 

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Den Nuggets at 10:05 ET.

The Golden St Warriors lost K.D. to free agency last season and Klay Thompson to injury and went 15-50, the worst record in the league. Thompson again re-injured himself before the start of the current season (Achilles this time) and will miss a second straight season, All things considered, the Warriors' 6-5 start isn't bad. The Denver Nuggets have had an uneven start to this year, after coming out of the gates last season with a 12-2 record. Injuries and COVID-19 protocols have been a major  factor, as the Nuggets return home with a 5-6 record to host Golden St.

Without Thompson and with Durant in Brooklyn, teams are focused on stopping Curry but Steph has averaged 27.8-5.1-6.4. Wiggins (17.9 & 4.8), a former No. 1 overall pick, has found a home in San Francisco  plus James Wiseman (2nd pick of the 2020 Draft) has avenged 10.6 & 6.4). FA acquisition Oubre (10.8 & 5.5) has disappointed and after missing some early games, Green has returned to average a modest 4.4-5.1-6.6. He looks nowhere-near the 'force' he once was.

Denver center Jokic (24.3-10.9-10.6) has been great but Michael Porter Jr. (19.5 & 6.8) has missed SEVEN games due to issues with the coronavirus, and his return last week was delayed after sitting out three games. Hours before he was to return against Dallas he was ruled out with what coach Michael Malone said Tuesday was due to COVID. The Nuggets were also without Gary Harris (10.6) on Tuesday for personal reasons, a defensive presence that would have helped in the loss to the Nets. Denver had opened its road trip 2-0 but couldn't hold an 18-point lead at Brooklyn.

Obviously, Porter and Harris (team's best perimeter defender) are missed but the Nuggets still own excellent depth. Murray (19.7) was terrific in last year's 'bubble' and swingman Barton is back healthy averaging 11.6-4.3-2.8. The 6-8 Green comes off the bench to average 11.4 & 6.4 in about 20 minutes and backup PG Morris (11.4 & 3.2) is a quality reserve. Curry's been held to just 31 points combined in the last two games so watch out but Denver is a VERY good team, even with some missing starters. The Nuggets play their next three games at home and can kick-start their season with some good play. The Warriors are on the road for the FIRST time since Dec 29, coming off a SEVEN-game homestand! I say it's a Blowout Alert!

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* Underdog of the Month is on the Sac Kings at 10:05 ET.

The Portland Trail Blazers made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals two seasons ago but last year needed a strong run 'in the bubble' to sneak into the postseason. Led by 'Bubble' MVP Lillard, the Blazers were a 'sexy' pick to upset the Lakers in the first round but after a 100-93 upset in Game 1, Portland lost FOUR in a row. The Blazers have won THREE straight and are 6-4 as they welcome the Sacramento Kings to Moda Center (I miss the Rose Garden) on Wednesday. Luke Walton begins his second season with the Kings, having gone 31-41 in last year's pandemic-shortened season. Walton's in good company, as the Kings opened this season on a run of 14 consecutive losing seasons and non-playoff appearances. Just a thought. Think Sacramento fans feel that it may have been a mistake to fire Rick Adelman after EIGHT straight winning and playoff seasons because he was never able to deliver an NBA championship? Probably a rhetorical question, right?

5-6 Sacramento's starting-five are all averaging in double digits, led by the Kings' excellent guard duo. PG Fox (18.3 & 5.4 APG) and Hield (14.7 & 4.2) lead the way, while three Sacramento frontcourt players are producing as well. The Kings don't have a true center, as that frontcourt trio includes 6-8 SF Barnes (17.9 & 6.9) plus 6-8 PF Holmes (13.2 & 7.7) and 6-11 PF Bagley (12.7 & 8.0). Rookie PG Haliburton ((12,1 & 5.3 APG) from Iowa St has stepped right in and looks like he'll be a quality NBA player. More depth is provided by four players chipping in between 6.4 and 7.8 PPG.

Speaking of backcourts, Portland believes it owns the NBA's best in Lillard and McCollum. McCollum is off to a great start, leading Portland in scoring (28.1 PPG), while adding 4.1 RPG and 5.0 APG. Lillard's numbers are slightly down (26.1-4.9-6.4) but the fact that one can say that with a straight face, proves what type of player he is. Portland expected to be healthier this season plus acquired Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr. to shore up defense. Neither Covington (6.6 & 6.0) nor Jones (6.4 & 3.5) have been as good as hoped for, with both players starting all games. The problem has been no player is even HALF as much as either McCollum or Lillard. Carmelo Anthony (13.0) has added a scoring 'punch' off the bench, as have backup center Kanter (11.2 & 9.3) and guard Trent (10.8). Starting center Nurkic (9.5 & 7.2) has underperformed and is currently listed at day-to-day (quad) while PF Collins (ankle) has yet to play a game this season.

The Blazers routed the Kings 125-99 this past Saturday and that memory is still fresh in the Kings' memory. Sacramento enters the rematch with a bit of momentum, after producing a convincing 127-122 home win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday. Portland recovered from a 17-point deficit and still trailed by 14 with 9 1/2-minutes remaining in the game but 'escaped' with a 112-11 home win over Toronto (NBA-worst record of 2-8 ) on Monday. no comeback here, as the Kings get some quick 'revenge.'

Good luck...Larry

My 10* East/West Game of the Month is on the Ind Pacers at 7:05 ET.

No one was quite sure that the Suns' 8-0 SU & ATS run in the Orlando bubble would carry over to the 2020-21 season, as the Suns opened the regular season having not made the postseason since the 2009-10 season. Phoenix showed it was serious about ending its playoff drought by acquiring 10-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul from the Thunder. The Pacers had a solid season last year but got swept by the red-hot Miami heat in the playoffs. Both teams have looked good early on, with the Suns taking a 6-3 record into this game with the 6-2 Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse

The Suns are coming off a 110-105 overtime loss to Detroit on Friday night but have looked like a solid playoff contender so far. PG Paul (13.0-4.9-8.3) is doing what's expected of him and while Booker's (21.7-3.3-4.4) are down slightly from the last two seasons (he's averaged 26.6 PPG in each of the last two), no one is worried. The 6-11 Ayton (18.2 & 7.5 in 38 games last season) is currently the team's second-leading scorer (13.4) and leading rebounder (11.4), while two former first-round picks are coming into their own. The 6-6 Bridges is adding 13.1 & 5.7 plus the the 6-8 Johnson 12.8 & 7.00. SF Crowder was an off-season addition (like Paul) and is averaging 10.9 & 4.4.

Indiana SF Warren became a big time score "in the bubble" but is currently sidelined (was averaging 15.5 PPG). Malcolm Brogdon has turned in career-high scoring performances in each of his last two games at home. He boasts team-best averages in points (23.6) and assists (7.0), has padded those numbers by averaging totals of 29.7 and 8.3, respectively, over the last three games. He's had 33- and 35-point performances in his last two at home. Sabonis (20.8-11.4-6.4) is now a bonafide All Star and Oladipo (20.4-6.0-4.3) looks to be back at full-strength, giving Indiana THREE 20-point scorers. Center Turner is averaging 11.9-5.5-4.1 BPG) plus SF McDermott (10.9) and guard Holiday (10.5) add excellent depth.

I would have preferred the Suns coming off a win last night at Detroit but this remains a tough spot, playing at Indiana team off a game the previous night, where the Suns haven't won since Nov 18, 2016.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Mil Bucks at 8:05 ET.

Milwaukee has had the NBA's best record in each of the last two seasons but did not make it to The Finals either time. Milwaukee's 130-115 home victory over Detroit on Wednesday ups the Bucks' record to 4-0 home, even while playing in an empty arena because of COVID-19 restrictions. However, the Bucks are just 1-3 on the road, leaving them with a modest 5-3 overall record (THREE teams from the East have six wins and Philly has seven). The 4-4 Utah Jazz will visit Fiserv Forum on Friday, coming off a game in MSG in which they blew an 18-point lead early in the second half of a 112-100 loss to the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. The Jazz sputtered on offense and defense in the third quarter and eventually the Knicks took control in the final minutes, scoring 68 points in the second half.

The Jazz don't lack for talent with SIX players averaging in double digits. Guards Mitchell (21.3-3.6-5.0) and Conley (17.4-4.1-5.1) start, while Clarkson (15.5) comes off the bench. Center Gobert is averaging a double-double at 13.9 & 13.1. The Bucks are led by forwards Antetokounmpo (26.1-10.8-5.4) and Middleton (21.1-6.1-6.1) plus newcomers Jrue Holiday (14.8-4.1-5.4) and Bobby Portis (11.4 & 8.0) have made an immediate impact. Both teams have excellent depth.

Defensive lapses and strings of careless turnovers are becoming a recurring problem for Utah. The Jazz have been roasted on a regular basis by hot-shooting guards this season and teams are no longer fearing Rudy Gobert around the basket as they have in past seasons. It all adds up to a team that has NOT held an opponent under 100 points so far this season and has allowed 116 points per game in its four losses (lost by an average of 15.5 PPG). Yes, Milwaukee is a modest 5-3 but take note that the Bucks own the best point-differential of any NBA team at plus-13.7, 4.9 PPG above the next beat team. Milwaukee averages a league-best 125.3 PPG, while shooting 50.5% from the floor, including 43.7% on threes (both percentages also rank No. 1 in the NBA). W-I-P-E-O-U-T Alert!

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* Western Game of the Month is on the Den Nuggets at 10:05 ET.

Luka Doncic (33-16-11) recorded his first triple-double of the season in Dallas' road win at Houston on Monday night, a day after sitting out a loss to the Bulls in Chicago. Nothing Doncic does these days is a surprise. After all, in four of his other five games, he has averaged 28 points, 9.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists. The problem for Dallas so far has been the absence of Porzingis, who averaged last season. The 3-4 Mavs head to Denver to take on the 3-4 Nuggets tonight, as both teams look to get their respective seasons back on track. The Mavericks are coming off a playoff appearance in last season's Orlando bubble, which has raised expectations for this season. Denver knows all about high expectations after its run to the Western Conference finals in the bubble.

Doncic is joined by two other double digit scorers in Hardaway (17.0 & 4.0) and Richardson (13.7). Denver's Nikola Jokic is playing at an MVP level, averaging a triple-double this season, joining Washington's Russell Westbrook as the only players to do that early in the season. The 7-footer actually leads the NBA in assists (11.9 per game), is fifth in rebounding (11.7) and 16th in scoring (24.1). Only Westbrook and Oscar Robertson have averaged a triple-double for an entire season, but Jokic has that capability. Unlike the Mavs, the Nuggets have great depth with PG Murray (22.2) coming off a breakout performance in last season' playoffs. Porter (19.5 & 6.8) moved into the starting lineup this season but hasn't played since Dec 29 but is listed as probable for tonight's game. Excellent swingman Barton (11.3-4.7-3.0) is back healthy and has played in all seven games (three starts).

The Pepsi Center has always been a tough venue and even without fans, I expect the Nuggets to be an OUTSTANDING home team this season. How about starting right here, Denver? That's my bet.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Pho Suns at 9:05 ET.

The Toronto Raptors were the 2019 NBA champions and last season, entered the postseason as the East's No. 2 seed with a 53-19 record, despite losing Kawhi Leonard to the Clippers as a free agent. Note that the Raptors' record last season put them just 2 1/2-games back of the Bucks and was a half-game BETTER than the West's No. 1 seed, and eventual NBA champion Lakers! How QUICKLY things can change. The Raptors lost Monday night at their temporary home in Tampa 126-114, falling to 1-5. They now open a four-game Western Conference swing Wednesday night at the 5-2 Phoenix Suns, who are enjoying their best start since the 2009-10 season. I'm pretty sure most (all?) remember that the Suns surprised all with their 8-0 SU & ATS performance in the Orlando 'bubble' to end last season.

The Raptors started well Monday against Boston and led by as many as 13 during the first quarter but the Celtics dominated in the second quarter (38-14) and by the fourth quarter, Boston led by as many as 26. Fred VanVleet (21.8-5.5-5.5) has been one of the bright spots for the Raptors and scored 35 points Monday (has reached at least 25 in three consecutive games). Kyle Lowry (18.7-4.5-7.7) gives Toronto an All-Star backcourt but breakout star Siakam has struggled this season. "We've got to get these guys playing to their capabilities," Raptors head coach Nick Nurse said. "I think they're better players than that, so we as coaches, and our leaders of our team, need to. ... get these guys together and get them playing."

The Suns haven't made the postseason since the 2009-10 but acquired 10-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul from the Thunder in hopes of ENDING that drought. He is teamed with All-Star shooting guard Devin Booker, who has averaged 26.6 PPG in each of the past two seasons. Phoenix also added veteran forward Jae Crowder (VERY underrated) in addition to Paul and are hoping that 6-11 Ayton (18.2 & 7.5 in 38 games last season) will stay healthy all season. SIX players are averaging in double digits. Booker's scoring (21.1-4.1-4.4) is down but Paul has stepped into his role of team-leader averaging 8.3 APG plus has added 13.4 PPG. Ayton has opened by averaging a double-double (13.7 & 10.7) plus as noted above, Crowder (10,0 & 4.7) is underrated. The 6-8 Cameron Johnson averaged just 8.8 PPG as a rookie (No. 1 pick from North Carolina in 2019) but is up 12.7 PPG to start this season. The team's No. 1 pick from 2018, Villanova's 6-6 Bridges, is adding 14.1 & 5.6 after averaging 8.7 PPG his first two seasons.

I'm not so sure Toronto is going to get things turned around soon with no true home court for at least HALF the season. The Raptors' 1-5 record is their worst start since they lost their first NINE games of the 2005-06 season. The Suns lost 112-107 at home to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday but after trailing by 31 points, got back in the game late. "I love the way we scrapped and battled," Suns head coach Monty Williams said. "We know we can beat that team because we've done it before. We've just got to get off to a better start than we did tonight." The 5-2 Suns are enjoying their best seven-game opening to a season since they were 6-1 in 2009-10, the last time the franchise made the postseason. Phoenix is the play!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Oddsmaker's Error of the Month is on the NO Pelicans at ET.

The 4-2 Indiana  Pacers and the 4-2 New Orleans Pelicans meet tonight in New Orleans in a East vs West. The Pacers opened 3-0 but have lost TWO of three since, while the Pelicans come in off back-to-back wins. The Pacers come in off a loss to Boston, a win over Cleveland and a loss to the Y Knicks, all at home. This marks just the team's second road game of the season and first since December 26. The Pelicans routed the Thunder 113-80 in OKC (Dec 31) and then on Saturday night, blew a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter before battling back to edge Toronto 120-116.

Indiana's Brogdon (22.2-4.0-6.3) is off to a great plus PF Sabonis (20.8-11.3-6.7) and Oladipo (20.0-5.6-4.4) are both healthy and looking like the All Stars they've become. SF Warren (15.2) is out with a foot injury but center Turner (12.7-6.2-3.7 BPG) and 6th-man McDermott (11.7 & 4.2) have both played well. For New Orleans, Ingram (24.0-6.8-5.3) gets better by the game and of course Zion (19.7 & 8.2) gets as much coverage (hype) as any player in the league. The Pelicans have added guard Bledsoe (12.4 & 4.2 APG) and center Adams (10.0 & 9.0) this season plus Lonzo Ball (12.3-4.5-4.5) and Hart (9.0 & 8.2) joined the team last season along with Ingram in the A.D. trade.

What I like most about New Orleans in the early going is the team's defense. New Orleans has held opponents to 102.0 PPG (3rd) on 43.1%) shooting (4th). "The Price is Right" in this one. Take the home team.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the GS Warriors at 10:35 ET.

The Portland Trail Blazers made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals two seasons ago but last year needed a strong run 'in the bubble' to sneak into the postseason. Led by 'Bubble' MVP Lillard, the Blazers were a 'sexy' pick to upset the Lakers in the first round but after a 100-93 upset in Game 1, Portland lost FOUR in a row. As for the Golden St Warriors, after FIVE consecutive trips to the NBA Finals (3-2), the Warriors finished with an NBA-worst 15-50 record (you know the reasons why).

These Western Conference rivals have gone head-to-head in the playoffs in THREE of the past five seasons and are scheduled to play two games in three days, both in San Francisco. Portland has opened 2-2 against a tough schedule that has featured all Western Conference playoff teams from last season. The Trail Blazers got veteran forward Carmelo Anthony back from COVID-19 issues when made his season debut in Wednesday's 128-105 road loss to the Clippers (had 125 points in 25 minutes). That followed a 115-107 win at Staples Center against the Lakers two nights before. Portland is led by its dynamic guard duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. The Blazers also brought back Enes Kanter and Carmelo Anthony to give the Blazers some scoring punch off the bench when Lillard and McCollum aren't on the floor. Notably, Jusuf Nurkic and Rodney Hood are back after serious injuries kept one or the other off the floor for lengthy stretches last season. Hood re-signed with the Blazers as a free agent during the offseason. Portland acquired Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr. to shore up defense. However, Lillard (23.0 PPG) is off to a slower than expected start, shooting just 40%, including 28.9% on threes. McCollum has been great, averaging 28.0-3.5-6.3, while shooting 44.3% and 47.8% on threes! Nurkic (9.8 & 7.5) has started slow but Kanter has added 11.5 & 10.2 as a backup center. Neither Covington (5.5 & 5.3) nor Jones (6.5 & 3.8) have started well.

The Warriors started the season with blowout losses at Brooklyn and Milwaukee but with road wins at Chicago and Detroit. Tonight, Golden St becomes the LAST team in the NBA to host a home opener. Golden State was at its season-best both offensively and defensively in Tuesday's 116-106 win at Detroit, shooting 50 percent from the floor and limiting the Pistons to 38 percent. It's NO surprise that Steph Curry has been the driving force in the Warriors' offensive improvement. He averaged 19.5 points and shot 4-for-20 on three-pointers against the Nets and Bucks, games in which Golden State was held to 99 points apiece. However, Curry made 10 of his 24 threes, while averaging 33.5 PPG, as the Warriors scored 129 points against the Bulls and 116 against the Pistons. Somewhat surprising is that the Warriors' No. 1 pick, James Wiseman, scored 37 points and added 14 rebounds in the team's two losses but just 13 points and nine rebounds in the two wins (how does that make sense?).

All things considered, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr is happy where his team sits. "I think coming into this trip, when the season schedule came out, we all looked at it and we all thought if we could go 2-2, that'd be a really successful trip," he said after the win in Detroit. "Especially given the length of our offseason and everything going on with our team: Draymond being out, Draymond missing camp, all that." The good news is that Draymond Green expects to play for the first time after he missed the first four games following a positive coronavirus test and a subsequent strained right foot. He's a defensive ace and makes a HUGE difference.

As noted, it's Golden State's FIRST home game and it comes on the FIRST day of a much-needed "New Year." Expect the home dog to 'bark' LOUDLY in this one.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Game of the Week is on the Ut Jazz at 9:05 ET.

The Phoenix Suns surprised all with their 8-0 SU & ATS performance in the Orlando 'bubble' to end last season and made a key offseason move designed to put an end to the team's 10-season playoff drought. The Suns acquired 10-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul from the Thunder and will pair him with All-Star shooting guard Devin Booker, who has averaged 26.6 PPG in each of the past two seasons. Phoenix also added veteran forward Jae Crowder (VERY underrated) in addition to Paul and are hoping that 6-11 Ayton (18.2 & 7.5 in 38 games last season) will stay healthy all season. The Utah Jazz are well aware that only a FEW plays separated the Jazz from a potential run to the 2020 Western Conference Finals in what turned into first-round loss to the Nuggets (Jazz led the series 3-1, then lost THREE in a row!). Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert both agreed to contract extensions before the new season and Jordan Clarkson re-signed with Utah on a four-year deal after emerging as the team's sixth man last season. Bringing back Derrick Favors represented the biggest free agent addition for the Jazz. Favors spent 8 1/2 seasons in Utah before being traded to New Orleans a year ago.

The Suns opened with a home win over Dallas but then lost by three points at Sacramento. However, they rebounded to beat the Kings (again in Sacramento) and then routed the Pelicans at home. Phoenix looks to win three in a row for the first time since ending the 2019-20 season with that eight-game winning streak in the NBA bubble this summer. SIX players are averaging in double digits, although Booker's scoring (19.0-4.8-3.5) is down about a 'TD' per game. Paul has stepped into his role of team-leader averaging 9.5 APG plus has added 11.8 PPG. Ayton has opened by averaging a double-double (11.5 & 11.8) plus as noted above, Crowder (11.5 & 5.5) is underrated. The 6-8 Cameron Johnson averaged just 8.8 PPG as a rookie (No. 1 pick from North Carolina)but is up 15.5 PPG to start this season. The team's No. 1 pick from 2018, Villanova's 6-6 Bridges, is adding 15.5 & 6.0, after averaging 8.7 PPF his first two seasons.

However, the Suns have nothing on the Jazz when it comes to frontline players or in the depth department. Mitchell (20.3 & 5.0 APG) is not off to a strong start but NO ONE is worried. The good news is that PG Conley (19.3-6.3-5.0) IS off to a strong start, as is 6th-man Clarkson (18.0 &n 4.7) and center Gobert (16.7 & 14.3). Bogdanovich (17.7 & 5.23) gives Utah FIVE players averaging 15-plus points. Starting guard O'Neale (4.7 & 8.7) is one gritty player plus PF Favors (7.0 & 5.3) is thrilled to be back in SLC. No team wants to travel on New Year's Eve and surely not in "The Year of COVID." The Jazz are 2-1 but lost their lone home game to the T-wolves. Enough of that. I expect a VERY comfortable Jazz win!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Brk Nets at 7:35 ET.

The Atlanta Hawks missed the playoffs for the THIRD straight season when it finished 20-47 but Trae Young increased his scoring average from 19.1 PPG in his rookie season to 29.6 PPG in his 'sophomore' season. When free agency began, the Hawks were among the more aggressive teams, adding Bogdan Bogdanovic, Rajon Rondo, and Danilo Gallinari to join Young and Clint Capela, who was acquired from Houston at last season's trade deadline. The Hawks have not been at full health in the early going but they are averaging 124.7 PPG (2nd-best) in opening 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS. They'll attempt to improve to 4-0 Wednesday night when they visit the Brooklyn Nets for the first of two consecutive games (something new this season due to COVID protocols).

The Nets signed Kevin Durant as a free agent prior to the 2019-20 season knowing he wouldn't be ready until the 2020-21 season. The Nets opened the season impressively by getting big games from stars Durant and Kyrie Irving in nationally televised blowout wins over Golden State and Boston. However, Brooklyn has followed up those wins with a two-point loss at Charlotte on Sunday, followed by a 116-111 overtime loss at home to Memphis on Monday. The Nets played Monday after learning Spencer Dinwiddie would be lost for the season due to a knee injury. The Nets also rested Durant and Irving for the first time this season against Memphis, after the duo played 95 minutes apiece in the first three games.

Young (34.0-4.0-7.3) has been great and this season will be surrounded by a talented cast of characters. The 6-9 Collins (averaged 21.6 & 10.1 plus 19.5 & 9.8 the last two seasons) and has opened averaging 14.0 & 6.3 his first three games. Huerter (13.7) is in his third season plus second-year pros Hunter (12.3 & 6.7) and Reddish (10.3 & 5.3) both look good. Bogdanovic (13.0 & 7.0) has been a quality scorer for years, as has been Gallinari. However, Gallinari has played just ONE game and is out here with a foot injury. PG Rondo finally saw action Monday (12 & 8 assists), as did center Capela (7 & 9).

No doubt that Dinwiddie (20.6-3.5-6.8) will be missed but the Kryrie (29.3-4.3-6.0) and Durant (26.7-4.0-3.) make the Nets a legitimate contender in the East. LeVert is chipping in 17.0-4.8-5.8 and fellow guard Harris (11.5 & 4.5) is a solid NBA player. Also, don't forget about center Allen (8.3 & 11.8), who quietly comes to work each game and is HIGHLY underrated!

Sure, Atlanta is 3-0 but the wins have come over a trio of opponents with a combined 3-9 record, including East teams Chicago (1-3) and Detroit (0-4). The Nets took three of four meetings last season from Atlanta and are 12-2 in the last 14 meetings. Both Kyrie (shooting 61.1%) and Kevin (53.2%) got their 'rest' and both are back here and the result will be a Brooklyn W-I-P-E-O-U-T!

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Situational Stunner is on the Mil Bucks at 7:35 ET.

The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off an embarrassing loss Sunday night, falling 130-110 to the NY Knicks. The Bucks have now opened 1-2 and try to get on the winning track tonight in Miami against the Heat. One would think ALL the motivation lies with Milwaukee, as the Heat knocked the Bucks out of last year's postseason four games-to-one! What's more, Miami may be without Jimmy Butler, who is doubtful with a sprained right ankle.

SF Middleton is off to a great start, averaging 26.7-7.3-6.0. Of course, Milwaukee's best player (the NBA's as well?) is Giannis, who checks in averaging 25.7-13.0-3.7. Center Brook Lopez (16.8 & 6.4 in his career) is off to a slow start (7.0 & 3.0) but Jrue Holiday has been an excellent addition, averaging 15.0-4.7-4.7. Adebayo had a breakout year last season and leads Miami in scoring (21.0) and rebounding (7.5) after two games. Vet PG Dragic has welcomed his role of coming off the bench and is averaging 19.0 PPG and a team-high 8.0 APG. Last year's 1st-round pick from Kentucky, Herro, is settling in as a starter (12.0-4.0-3.5) plus this year's 1st-rounder, the 6-8 Achiuwa from Memphis, is averaging 9.5 PPG in just 16 1/2-minutes per game. Butler has ankle issues and is averaging 11.5-6.0-4.0.

Butler missed the second half of Miami's home-opening win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday and Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra announced Monday afternoon that his star swingman is doubtful for this game with the Bucks. A key for the Bucks will be getting more secondary scoring beyond their two stars, while also doing a much better job on defense. Milwaukee's been the NBA's best team in each of the last two seasons and losing streaks have been RARE! How rare? Beginning at the start of the 2018-19 season, the Bucks had gone a remarkable 29-1 SU and 23-7 ATS after a loss, BEFORE losing three straight right before the shutdown. Then, the Bucks seemed disinterested in the eight-game conclusion to the regular season in the 'bubble,' then fell flat against the red-hot Heat in the second round. The Bucks lost a one-point game at Boston to open the season but "right on cue," routed the Warriors 138-99 in their next game. Losing to the sad-sack Knicks was a HUGE embarrassment plus the Heat offer great motivation after beating Milwaukee in the last season's playoffs. Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry 

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Bos Celtics at 7:05 ET.

The Boston Celtics blew a 17-point lead entering the fourth quarter in their season-opener against the Bucks at home (won 122-121) and then, after holding a three-point halftime lead at the "New & IMPROVED" Brooklyn Nets, got  blitzed 72-41 in the second half on Christmas Day. Boston visited Indiana on Sunday to take on a Pacers team that had opened with a 121-107 Wednesday home win over the New York Knicks and followed with a convincing 125-106 road victory over the Chicago Bulls. Sunday's game saw the Pacers eke out a 108-107 victory that improved their record to 3-0 (Celtics fell to 1-2). Domantas Sabonis converted the game-winning layup with just 8.4 seconds remaining, giving the Celtics the ball back down one after he missed a free throw that would have made it a three-point play. Jayson Tatum's three-point attempt with 1.8 seconds to go clanked off the back of the rim, sealing the result.

Gordon Hayward opted-out of his contract to sign with the Hornets (you will LOVE losing in Charlotte, Gordon) and Boston is still waiting for PG Kemba Walker to get healthy. However, Boston has a strong starting-five with Brown (26.0-5.0-3.7) joined in the backcourt with Smart (9.0 & 6.3 APG). Smart took the place of an injured Hayward in LY's postseason, starting 16 of 17 games and averaging 14.5-5.2-4.6. He is also the team's best defender. PF Tatum (25.0 & 8.7) blossomed into a star last season and is joined up front with Theis (5.3 & 4.0) and the newly-acquired Tristan Thompson (9.0 & 8.0). Thompson averaged a double-double in each of his last two seasons at Cleveland (10.9 & 10.2 and 12.0 & 10.1). Boston also signed PG Teague (9.3) and he's very capable of easing the pain until Walker returns (he's averaged double digits in each of his last NINE seasons!).

The Pacers have a good team led by the 6-11 Sabonis (24.3-11.0.5-7.0) and the now-healthy SG Oladipo (22.0 & 5.0). SF Warren led the team in scoring last season (19.8) and has averaged 15.0 PPG after three games. Brogdon (21.3-4.7-6.3) teams with Oladipo for an outstanding backcourt plus the 6-11 Turner (9.7 & 6.7) is a solid center, who is also averaging 5.7 blocks per game! McDermott comes off the bench and has averaged 13.7 & 5.0 in the first three games.

Teams playing two games in three nights against each other with both contests being held in the same city is an adjustment that's been made due to COVID-19. Maybe I'm gullible but I just DON'T see the Pacers winning back-to-back games against the Celtics but rather, it sets up as a 'PERFECT STORM.' Go Celts!

Good luck...Larry 

My 10* Eastern Conference Crusher is on the Bos Celtics at 8:05 ET.

The Boston Celtics opened its season with a 122-121 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks (blew 17-point 4th-quarter lead but avoided OT when Giannis short-armed his second FT) but then got 'rolled' by the "new and improved" Nets on Christmas Day. The Celtics held a three-point halftime lead but were blitzed 72-41 in the second half!" We know we have a lot of work to do, that's very clear," Boston head coach Brad Stevens said after the loss to the Nets. "And we know who we have to shoot for, that's good to know. I thought our guys gave a good effort at the start, and then it just got away from us in the fourth."

The Indiana Pacers welcome the Celtics to Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Sunday, with the teams meeting again on Tuesday. Indiana has won its first two games, opening with a 121-107 Wednesday home win over the New York Knicks and following with a convincing 125-106 road victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night. Boston has won NINE of the last 13 meetings, although the teams split two games last season.

Gordon Hayward opted-out of his contract to sign with the Hornets (you will LOVE losing in Charlotte, Gordon) and Boston is still waiting for PG Kemba Walker to get healthy. However, Boston has a strong starting-five with Brown (30.0-6.5-3.5) joined in the backcourt with Smart (9.8 & 6.5). Smart took the place of an injured Hayward in LY's postseason, starting 16 of 17 games and averaging 14.5-5.2-4.6. He is also the team's best defender. PF Tatum (25.0 & 7.5) blossomed into a star last season and is joined up front with Theis (6.0 & 6.5) and the newly-acquired Tristan Thompson (10.0 & 8.0). Thompson averaged a double-double in each of his last two seasons at Cleveland (10.9 & 10.2 and 12.0 & 10.1). Boston also signed PG Teague (9.5 & 3.0 APG) who will help ease the pain until Walker returns (he's averaged double digits in each of his last NINE seasons!).

The Pacers have a good team led by the 6-11 Sabonis (27.0-11.5-8.)0) and now-healthy SG Oladipo (22.0 & 5.5). SF Warren led the team in scoring last season (19.8) and has averaged 14.0 PPG after two games. Brogdon (19.5-4.5-7.0) teams with Oladipo for an outstanding backcourt plus the 6-11 Turner (9.5 & 6.5) is a solid center, who already has 12 blocked shots. McDermott comes off the bench and has averaged 12.5 & 7.0 in the first two games.

The Pacers have opened 2-0 but please, the wins have come over the Knicks and Bulls, who went 21-45 and 22-43 last season, respectively. Meanwhile, the Celtics have beaten Milwaukee (best record in the NBA the last two seasons) and lost to VERY improved Nets. "The benefit of playing these two games against two great teams is we can be better, we can assess the bar, and now you know what you have to strive for," Smart told reporters. "It's a good way to test us as a team to see where we're at and where we have to get to. Like I said, there's definitely things we can clean up. It's only the second game, but we can't lose any sleep over it." I agree. Boston wins by double digits!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Was Wizards at 7:05 ET.

The Magic had an excellent season-opener on Wednesday in beating the defending East Champs (Miami Heat) 113-107 in Orlando. Starters Fournier (25), Gordon (20 & 7), Vucevic (15 & 11) and Fultz (15) all played well plus as he did last year, Ross scored 19 points off the bench. The Magic travel to Washington D.C. for a Saturday game with the Wizards, a team they swept 4-0 during last season, scoring at least 120 points in each game.

The Wizards opened the season the same night, losing 113-107 at Philadelphia, despite Bradley Beal's 31 points and Russell Westbrook's triple-double (21-11-15) in his Washington debut. The Wizards will go only as far as their dynamic backcourt duo will take them this season but a pair of 6-10 big men are on the verge of becoming more than just "complementary" players. Bertans spent three seasons in San Antonio, averaging just 6.2 PPG, playing about 15 minutes per game. However, in his first season with Washington (2019-20), he averaged almost 30 minutes per game while averaging 15.4 PPG plus shot 42.4% on threes. Fellow big man Bryant had a breakout season last year, averaging 13.2 & 7.2 in his third NBA season. Bertans had 14 points on Wednesday and Bryant 10 & 5.

"Not good enough. Honestly, I'm kind of disappointed in myself," Westbrook said after the loss at Philly. "I had some mishaps and plays where I could have been better and had a better game to try to win. I don't like moral victories at any point in my career. I always like to go out and try to win the game. I've gotta be better and I'll be better next game." Beal averaged 34.3 points in three games last season vs Orlando, including a 42-point performance in a 127-120 loss on Dec 3. Forget last season's results, the Wizards get a comfortable win in their home opener.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NBA Game of the Month is on the LA Lakers at 8:05 ET.

LBJ, A.D. and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers opened their title defense Tuesday night and lost at Staples Center to co-tenants, the LA Clippers. The Lakers celebrated their NBA title with a ring ceremony (often a jinx as I pointed in taking AND winning with the Clippers!), then trailed by as many as 22 points early on against the Clippers before rallying but eventually losing 116-109. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks to the playoffs last season to end the franchise's three-season absence but Dallas lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. The Mavs opened their season Wednesday night but lost 106-102 to the Suns, who picked right up where they left off from last year's Orlando 'bubble' (Suns were 8-0 SU & ATS).

Luka Doncic (who enters his third season) is being touted as an MVP candidate, after averaging 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists in 61 games last season and already has 25 triple-doubles in just 133 career regular-season games. Doncic had a "typical" game Wednesday night, scoring 32 points with eight rebounds and five assists. However, NO other teammate was able to score more than 12 points. Doncic is just 21 and according to him, is still working his way into shape. "It's true I'm not in my best shape," Doncic said. "I will get there for sure. But, you know, I've never been a muscular guy, so what can I say?" After the game, head coach Rick Carlisle added, "He's still getting his game legs under him. That will get there. But he understands the game as well as any 21-year-old I've ever been around. He'll make the adjustments that are necessary." With Doncic's sidekick (the 7-3 Kristaps Porzingis) still recovering from right knee surgery, stemming from tearing his meniscus in mid-August during the series with the Clippers, I'll be VERY wary of playing on the Mavs in the early going. Porzingis isn't expected back until January.

Many believe (and count me among them) that the defending champs have improved during the offseason with the additions of reigning Sixth Man of the Year and former Clippers big man Montrezl Harrell, the Sixth Man runner-up in guard Dennis Schroder, veteran center Marc Gasol and guard Wesley Matthews. Schroder started against the Clippers and had a line of 14-12-8, while Harrell came off the bench to add 17 & 10. Kuzma, who just signed an extension with LA, came off the bench to score 15 points. Anyone seriously worried that LBJ and A.D. won't hold up their end this season? This is a great opportunity for the Lakers to quickly wipe out the sour taste left by Tuesday's season-opening loss and expect the Mavs to play the perfect foil! Lay the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Eye-Opener is on the Mia Heat at 12:05 ET.

New Orleans head coach Stan Van Gundy will be back on familiar turf Friday when his Pelicans face the Miami Heat, the team that gave him his start coaching in the league in 1995. The Pelicans won their season opener on Wednesday, 113-109 at Toronto (Raptors are playing their 'home' games in Tampa). Ingram just missed a triple-double (24-9-11) with 'King' Zion adding 15 & 10. The game also marked the Pelicans debuts of Eric Bledsoe (18 points) and Steven Adams (eight points, a game-high four steals and two blocks).

While the Pelicans were beating the Raptors, the defending East champs were losing 113-107 in Orlando. "We have to be more precise," Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra said when asked about his team's 22 turnovers against Orlando. "Our spacing has to be a lot better, and we have to be willing to work the offense." The turnovers came primarily from Bam Adebayo (seven), Jimmy Butler (six) and Tyler Herro (four). Then again, Adebayo had 25 & 11, Butler 17-7-7 and Herro, who blossomed into a start in last year's 'bubble,' started and had a line of 13-6-4. Goran Dragic had 20 points and seven assists, continuing his role as super sub. "I told 'Spo' that however he wants to use me, I'm here for the team," said Dragic, a 2018 All-Star back in his days as a starter. "I'm already feeling comfortable with this (backup) role."

New Orleans shot 52.5% vs Toronto but DON'T expect a repeat performance here against an excellent defensive team like the Heat. The Heat actually made 50.6% from the floor in the loss at Orlando and I'm looking for them to bounce back in a big way here. The Heat opened last season's playoff run 7-0 SU & ATS and finished 14-7 SU and with a playoff-best 16-7 ATS record. Heat 'came together' last postseason and will be a tough team to beat all of this season, especially at home and off a loss no less! 'Cheap' price. A win over ex-head coach Van Gundy would be 'icing on the cake.'

Good luck...Larry

My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on the Pho Suns at 10:35 ET.

The Phoenix Suns surprised all with their 8-0 SU & ATS performance in the Orlando 'bubble' to end last season and made a key offseason move designed to put an end to the team's 10-season playoff drought. The Suns acquired 10-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul from the Thunder and will pair him with All-Star shooting guard Devin Booker, who has averaged 26.6 PPG in each of the past two seasons. Phoenix added veteran forward Jae Crowder (VERY underrated) in addition to Paul and are hoping that 6-11 Ayton (18.2 & 7.5 in 38 games last season) will stay healthy all season.

Luka Doncic (who enters his third season) is being touted as an MVP candidate. He averaged 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists in 61 games last season and already has 25 triple-doubles in just 133 career regular-season games. He led the Mavericks to the playoffs last season to end the franchise's three-season absence but Dallas lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. Doncic is just 21 and according to him, is still working his way into shape. "It's true I'm not in my best shape," Doncic said. "I will get there for sure. But, you know, I've never been a muscular guy, so what can I say?" It's also NOT good news for Dallas sidekick, the 7-3 Kristaps Porzingis, isn't ready for the start of the season. He is still recovering from right knee surgery, stemming from tearing his meniscus in mid-August during the series with the Clippers.

The Suns went 3-1 against the Mavericks last season, including two victories in the bubble, 117-115 on Aug 2 and 128-102 on Aug 13. By year's end, it's likely that the Mavs will be a better team than the Suns but that's NOT the case here in Game 1 for both teams.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* Division Game of the Month (Northwest) is on the Por Blazers at 10:05 ET.

Utah Jazz are well aware that only a FEW plays separated the Jazz from a potential run to the 2020 Western Conference Finals and what turned into first-round loss to the Nuggets (Jazz led the series 3-1, then lost THREE in a row!). The Portland Trail Blazers made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals two seasons ago but last year needed a strong run 'in the bubble' to sneak into the postseason. Led by 'Bubble' MVP Lillard, the Blazers were a 'sexy' pick to upset the Lakers in the first round but after a 100-93 upset in Game 1, Portland lost FOUR in a row.

Both teams should be solid contenders this season. Donovan Mitchell (24.0-4.4-4.3) and Rudy Gobert (15.1 & 13.5) both agreed to contract extensions before the new season and Jordan Clarkson (15.6) re-signed with Utah on a four-year deal after emerging as the team's sixth man last season. Bringing back Derrick Favors represented the biggest free agent addition for the Jazz. Favors spent 8 1/2 seasons in Utah before being traded to New Orleans a year ago. "We need to hold ourselves to a high standard," Mitchell told the Deseret News. "You know, we blew a 3-1 lead. We lost in the first round, and there's no time for that. There's no time for slow starts." Added Gobert after signing his new deal, "I'm here to stay, and I'm here to WIN a championship. I'm here to win with my brothers, I'm here to win with coach (Quin Snyder) and I'm here to win with you, Utah."

Portland is led by its dynamic quard duo of Damian Lillard and CJ MCcollum, who averaged 30.0-4.3-87.0 and 22.2-4.2-4.4 last season, respectively. They also brought back Enes Kanter and Carmelo Anthony to give the Blazers some scoring punch off the bench when Lillard and McCollum aren't on the floor. Notably, Jusuf Nurkic and Rodney Hood are back after serious injuries kept one or the other off the floor for lengthy stretches last season. Hood re-signed with the Blazers as a free agent during the offseason. Portland acquired Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr. to shore up defense.

Frankly, I like BOTH teams this season but in this pre-Christmas opener, I MUCH prefer the home team which avoids traveling, ESPECIALLY at this price!

Good luck...Larry

My NBA 10* 'Battle 4 LA' is on the LA Clippers at 10:05 ET.

After the shortest offseason in league history, the Lakers will open defense of their NBA title by hosting the Clippers. Of course, both teams call Staples Center home. Conventional wisdom seems to be that the defending champs have improved during the offseason with the additions of reigning Sixth Man of the Year and former Clippers big man Montrezl Harrell, the Sixth Man runner-up in guard Dennis Schroder, veteran center Marc Gasol and guard Wesley Matthews. Hard to argue with the team's additions but the Lakers' success in the end will depend on the play of LBJ and A.D. James won his fourth NBA title Oct 11 when the Lakers beat the Miami Heat in six games, averaging 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and a league-high 10.2 assists per game during the 2019-20 regular season. Davis won his first title and averaged a team-high 26.1 points with 9.3 rebounds and finished third in the league in blocks at 2.3 per game. Davis just recently agreed to a five-year, $190 million maximum contract to stay with the defending champs.

After the Clippers blew a 3-1 series lead against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals which prevented a much-anticipated showdown with the Lakers, they parted ways with Doc Rivers, replacing him with former assistant Tyronn Lue. BTW...What makes so many think Doc Rivers is a "great" coach? The Clippers' fortunes again will depend on Kawhi Leonard (27.1 & 7.1) and Paul George (21.5 & 5.7). Like Davis, George recently signed a HUGE contract to remain with the Clippers. However, unlike A.D, George was a flop in last season's playoffs. Lou Williams averaged 18.2 points and 5.6 assists during the regular season and will again be a big part of the team. Forward Marcus Morris, guard Patrick Beverley and center Ivica Zubac are again expected to be key contributors. So is forward Serge Ibaka, who the Clippers signed as a free agent to fill the void left by Harrell. Ibaka averaged 15.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game last season with the Toronto Raptors and was part of the Toronto team of two years ago that won the NBA title (as was Kwahi). Nicolas Batum has long been a solid NBA player and joins the Clippers along with Luke Kennard, who averaged 15.8 PPG on 40% shooting on threes in a 25-game injury-filled season last year with Detroit.

Here's the bottom line. It's 'Ring Night' for the Lakers and that's often been distracting for home teams plus the Lakers cruised through an abbreviated preseason 4-0, which included TWO wins over the Clippers, who lost all three preseason contests. ALL the motivation is with the Clipps tonight and I'm taking the points.

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NBA Game of the Month is on the LA Lakers at 9:00 ET.

The Miami Heat reached this year's NBA Finals as the East's No. 5 to face the LA Lakers, the West's No. 1 seed. Miami is the first team seeded fifth or lower to reach the NBA Finals since the eighth-seeded New York Knicks lost to San Antonio in 1999. The last team seeded fifth or lower to win an NBA title was Houston in 1995, when it beat Orlando as the West's No. 6 seed. 

Miami used a 13-0 run to take a 23-10 lead midway through the opening period of Game 1 but it was ALL Lakers after that. Anthony Davis scored 34 points and added nine rebounds, while LBJ had 25 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists, as the Lakers cruised to a 116-98 win. The Lakers outrebounded Miami 54-36, led by as many as 32 points and made 15 three-pointers. Adding insult to injury, Miami PG Goran Dragic left in the second quarter with a torn plantar fascia in his left foot and PF/C Bam Adebayo left in the third quarter with a shoulder strain.

LBJ scored 33 points with nine rebounds and nine assists in Game 2, while Davis made 14 of his first 15 shots on the way to 32 points, as the Lakers beat the short-handed Miami Heat 124-114 (no Dragic and Adebayo). James and Davis were the first Lakers duo to score at least 32 points in a finals game since Game 3 against New Jersey in 2002, when Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant did it. However, the Heat (still without Dragic and Adebayo) "came up big" and beat the Lakers 115-104 in Game 3. Miami's starters outscored the Lakers' starting five 89-51 and Jimmy Butler played "the game of his life," with 40 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. Butler became the 21st player to have a triple-double in the NBA Finals but it was just the third 40-point triple-double in Finals history. 

Now, it's time for Game 4 on Tuesday. Do we have a series? The Heat come in with a renewed sense of confidence as they look to even the best-of-seven series. "We're going to win," Heat swingman Jimmy Butler said of Game 4. "We're going to compete. We're not going to lay down; we're going to fight back in this thing and even it up 2-2." Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said of his star's big performance after Game 3, "How else do you say it other than Jimmy effing Butler," "This was a very urgent game, and he was doing it on both ends of the court. Just put his imprint on every important part of the game." Alrighty then! Meet Jimmy Butler, the incarnation of MJ. A quick reality check of his playoff history, pre-2020. He had appeared in SEVEN postseasons (for three different teams, Bulls, T-wolves and Sixers)  with those teams winning THREE of 10 series, going 24-34 (.414). 

LBJ played a typical game in Sunday's loss (25-10-8), as he's averaging 27.7-10.7-9.0 through three games. However, the Lakers committed 10 turnovers in the first quarter alone in Game 3, one more than they had total in Game 2. They finished the contest with 20, James being responsible for eight and Anthony Davis five. Davis, after scoring 34 and 32 points in the first two games, took just NINE shots and finished with only 15 points. LA's other three starters (Howard, Green and Caldwell-Pope), combined for a pathetic11 points on 3-0f-13 shooting (23.1%).

LA's complementary players have been an on-and-off situation all season but let me note that the Lakers haven't dropped back-to-back games all postseason. My bet says they don't start here vs a 'wounded' Heat team, even though Miami features "the INCOMPARABLE" Jimmy Butler. Lay the points!

Good luck...Larry

My NBA 10* Game of the Year is on the LA Lakers at 9:00 ET.

The Miami Heat may be just the East's No. 5 but they are in The Finals against the LA Lakers, the West's No. 1 seed. Miami is the first team seeded fifth or lower to reach the NBA Finals since the eighth-seeded New York Knicks lost to San Antonio in 1999. The last team seeded fifth or lower to win an NBA title was Houston in 1995, when it beat Orlando as the West's No. 6 seed. The Lakers cleared enough cap space to lure LeBron James in 2018 free agency and then traded the cache of draft assets they collected in six straight trips to the lottery for Anthony Davis. Owning two of the five best players in the league has the Lakers on the verge of tying the Celtics for the most NBA titles all-time, at 17.

While the Lakers own the two-best players in this series, look at the Heat's journey to The Finals. They swept the undermanned Indiana Pacers in the first round (4-0 ATS) and then KO'd two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the East-leading Milwaukee Bucks in the second round (4-1 SU & ATS) on the strength of a versatile defense and an arsenal of offensive weaponry, They then beat the equally well-balanced Celtics in the conference finals in six games (4-2 SU & ATS) by out-hustling and out-executing Boston. All FIVE starters average in double figures, led by PG Dragic (20.9-4.2-4.7), swingman Butler (30.7-5.7-4.5) and PF Adebayo (18.5-11.4-4.9). SF Crowder (12/3 & 5.7) and SG Robinson (11.5) round out the starting-five, while Kentucky rookie guard Tyler Herro (16.5) has become a playoff star coming off the bench.

Switching to the Lakers, it's A.D. (28.8 & 9.3) and LBJ (26.7-10.3-8.9) plus a ever-changing cast of characters that play well one game and then disappear in the next. Kuzma is the team's first player off the bunch and is the only other Laker to average in double digits (10.5), more than two 'TDs' fewer than A.D. and LBJ. Caldwell-Pope (9.9) and Danny Green (8.1) have joined A.D. and LBJ as having started all 15 games of the playoffs LA. Caldwell-Pope, Green and Kuzma are joined by a rotating collection of Alex Caruso, Dwight Howard, JaVale McGee, Markieff Morris and Rajon Rondo, not exactly the kind of supporting cast you would expect on a dominant playoff team.

Both teams are 12-3 with Miami  going 12-3 ATS, while the Lakers are 9-5-1 ATS. The Lakers can be a disjointed group but A.D. and LBJ are truly a 'Dynamic Duo!' Also, the Lakers are shooting an impressive 49.8% as a team and when they've been favored by six points or less in this season's playoffs, have gone 4-0-1 ATS. My NBA Game of the Year is on the LA Lakers!

Good luck...Larry

My 10* NBA Conference Finals Game of the Year is on the Bos Celtics at 8:30 ET.

The Celtics dropped the first two games of this best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals against the Heat, each time blowing significant leads (14 points in Game 1 and 17 points in Game 2). However, they then won Game 3 of the series 177-106, while leading wire-to-wire. That contest was on Saturday, meaning that each team has had a three-day break heading into tonight's Game 4. Which team will be best-served by the layoff? Boston is looking to win consecutive playoff games for the first time since the start of its second-round series against the Toronto Raptors, while Miami attempts to respond to just its SECOND loss of the postseason.

Knowing that Game 3 would be followed by three days off for scheduling purposes, the Celtics leaned heavily on their stars in Saturday's crucial win. Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker combined for 72 points, each playing more than 40 minutes. What's more, Gordon Hayward took the court for his first game since an ankle injury sustained on Aug 17 sidelined him for more than a month, and played 31 minutes off the bench! The Celtics shot nearly 48.2 percent from the floor and outscored the Heat 60-36 in the paint, leading by as much as 20 points in the fourth quarter.

Miami is an NBA-best 10-2 SU & ATS this postseason but as Jimmy Butler opined after the team's Game 3 loss, "I think it gets old, playing from behind consistently. Especially against a great team like Boston and what they bring to the table." Butler is averaging a modest 17.0 PPG through the first three games, as PF Bam Adebayo (22.0 & 10.7) and PG Goran Dragic (21.7 & 4.7 APG) have led the way. However, Miami's won with balance scoring this postseason, as all five starters are scoring in double digits plus rookie PG Herro has averaged 14.8 PPG off the bench.

I believed Boston to be the better team at the start of this series, while acknowledging that terrific play of Miami up tom this point. It's "put up or shut up" time from Boston tonight (and for me, by the way)!

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* Game of the Week is on the Bos Celtics at 7:00 ET.

No team had played better this NBA postseason than the East's No. 5 seed, the Miami Heat. The Heat were dominant through the first two rounds, going 8-1 SU & ATS. Miami's lone loss was 118-115 (OT) vs Milwaukee in Game 4, when the Heat had the Bucks 'buried' in an 0-3 'hole.' The Heat's team defense has been OUTSTANDING, as Miami has held opponents in its eight wins to an average of just 101.9 PPG. The Celtics are the East's No. 3 seed (won 48 regular season games to Miami's 44) and swept the 76ers in the first round. However, after going up 2-0 vs the Raptors in the second round, they were extended to seven games by the defending champs. The Celtics won Game 7 but only by a 'hair,' when Marcus Smart made what was a game-deciding block with just under one minute left (Boston would win, 92-87).

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals was an excellent one, as the teams made the statement, who needs the No. 1 and 2 seeds for excitement. The Celtics led the Heat by 12 points entering the final quarter and were up 14 early in the 4th. However, the Heat made a dramatic comeback and in OT, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo were the heroes. Butler completed the game-winning three-point play with 12 seconds remaining but it was Adebayo's block to deny Jayson Tatum the chance to tie with 3.7 seconds left that garnered the most attention postgame. PG Dragic continued his outstanding postseason play with 29 points and SF Crowder added 22. Butler had 20-5-5 and Adebayo 18-6-9. Let's NOT ignore the performance of rookie guard Tyler Herro (Kentucky), who fell an assist shy of his first career triple-double (12 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists) in 40 minutes off the bench.

Boston's Tatum led the Celtics with 30 & 14 plus Smart continued his strong playoffs with 26 points in the loss. However, another poor showing by All-Star point guard Kemba Walker really hurt Boston, Walker needed 19 shots (he made just six) to get to 19 points. It was his THIRD straight game failing to reach 20 points while shooting worse than 32 percent. He was 1 of 9 from three-point range. "I'm just playing terrible, to be honest," Walker said. "Not much I can say, but I have to be better. I have to do better for this team on both ends of the floor. I have to make better decisions. I just have to make shots overall."

It's only Game 2 but doesn't it feel like a "Make or Break" one for Boston. Reading the Game 1 recap on ESPN.com, it was reported that the Celtics had been 156-1 since the shot-clock era started 65 years ago -- winners of 92 straight -- when leading by 12 or more points going into the fourth quarter of a playoff game. They're now 156-2. There's no real 'gap' between these two teams but n\my bet says Boston ties it up at one-all.

Good luck...Larry

 My 10* Game 7 Decider is on the LA Clippers at 9:00 ET.

The entire NBA 'world' is anticipating a Western Conference showdown between the Lakers and Clippers. Both LA teams took 3-1 leads in their respective semifinal series and the 'Battle 4 LA' seemed all but set in the Orlando 'bubble.' However, the Nuggets have so far, put that 'party' on hold. The Lakers finished off the Rockets handily in Game 5 of their series (119-96) but the Clippers have now blown back-to-back double digit leads in Games 5 and 6 of their series with Denver The Nuggets trailed by 16 points at the half in Game 5 but went on the win 111-105 and "did it again" in Game 6.The Clippers led Denver by 19 points with 22 minutes to go, only to see Denver pull away for a 111-98 victory. Denver won the third quarter 30-16 and the 4th, 34-19. LA head coach Doc Rivers was blunt after the team's Game 6 loss, saying there was 'no secret' to his team's collapses. "There's no secret like potion that something happened," Rivers said on Monday about the Clippers' two blown leads in a row. "The two things that we didn't do, clearly defensively, they shot almost 60% in the second half. The one thing that did stand out, they went to the free throw line like on every play."

Denver center Jokic (26.1-9.9-5.5) and PG Murray (26.1-5.1-6.5) have led the Nuggets during the playoffs, as only PF Porter (11.8 & 6.9) joins them in double digits this postseason. In Sunday's contest, Jokic had 34 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, while Murray had 21 points, Gary Harris added 16 and Michael Porter Jr. chipped in with 13. The Nuggets outscored the Clippers 64-35 in the second half. "It was just amazing," Denver head coach Michael Malone told the media after the game. "We had 11 straight stops at one point. Coming into this round they were the No. 1 offense in the playoffs, so I'm running out of adjectives, superlatives, whatever you want to call it to speak on our team because that is a tough, resilient group of you know what. I love our team."

Paul George has had an uneven postseason for the Clippers but had 33 points, six rebounds and five steals in Game 6 for the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard contributed 25 points, eight boards and five assists but those numbers were below his playoff averages of 29.4-9.6-5.5. "Just gave up the lead again, pretty much," said Kawhi, who made 8 of 18 shots and 3 of 5 three-pointers. "They came down and either scored or got fouled in the third quarter, and we couldn't buy a basket. That's how they came back."

So here we are in the FOURTH Game 7 of the 2020 playoffs and naturally, the Nuggets are again part of the story. Denver played two seven-game series in the 2019 playoffs (1-1) and came back from a 3-1 deficit in their first round series to oust the Jazz. The Nuggets will be trying to become the first NBA team to rally from a 3-1 deficit in back-to-back series. As Nuggets center Nikola Jokic said, "To us, Game 7 is just another game. Truthfully, the 'weight' of a Game 7 contest will weigh more heavily on the Los Angeles Clippers. They are attempting to advance to their first-ever Western Conference final and they are 0-7 in franchise history in previous attempts to get there.

The "difference" this time around? The Clippers never had a player like Kawhi Leonard before. He was the Finals MVP for the Spurs in 2014 and then repeated that performance last year in leading Toronto to that franchise's first-ever NBA title. Can he lead the Clipps to the 2020 title? That's NOT the question here. However, my bet says he helps the Ciphers erase the above-mentioned 0-7 record by leading them to a double-digit win in Game 7.

Good luck...Larry

My 9* Game 1 Series Opener is on the Bos Celtics at 6:30 ET.

No team has played better this NBA postseason than the East's No. 5 seed, the Miami Heat. The Heat have been dominant through the first two rounds, going 8-1 SU & ATS. Miami's lone loss was 118-115 (OT) vs Milwaukee in Game 4, when the Heat had the Bucks 'buried' in an 0-3 'hole.' The Heat's team defense has been OUTSTANDING, as Miami has held opponents in its eight wins to an average if just 10.19 PPG. The Celtics are the East's No. 3 seed (won 48 regular season games to Miami's 44) and swept the 76ers in the first round. However, after going up 2-0 vs the Raptors in the second round, they were extended to seven games by the defending champs. The Celtics won Game 7 but only by a 'hair,' when Marcus Smart made what was a game-deciding block with just under one minute left (Boston would win, 92-87).

All five Miami starters are averaging in double digits, led by swingman Butler (21.8-5.6-4.2), PG Dragic (21.1-4.4-4.8) and PF Adebayo (16.2-11.7-4.8), who is shooting a team-best 54.1% among the Miami's six double-digit scorers.  Kentucky rookie Herro chips in 14.7 PPG off the bench. Boston hasn't "missed a beat" after Gordon Hayward went out with an injury in the team's first playoff game. Marcus Smart has started in his place and is averaging 13.1-5.5-4.2 this postseason. The team's "Big 3" of Tatum (25.3 & 10.1), Brown (21.0 & 7.6) and Walker (19.6 & 5.3) has been excellent (Note: Walker's had his ups and down). 

The Celtics 'rode' their stars hard down the stretch of their semifinal series with Toronto, with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart each playing north of 40 minutes in the final two contests. However, the Celtics haven't played since Friday, so fatigue should NOT be ANY factor. As for Miami, the Heat have been idle since Sep 8. Could the layoff 'cool' them off (couldn't resist that one!)? I'm on Boston in this one.

Good luck...Larry