Larry's Picks (5 Live)
Hornets rookie Sion James should see decent minutes Friday against a Bulls team that plays at the second-fastest pace. With LaMelo Ball, Collin Sexton and others out for Charlotte, I bet James to score at least seven points. On Nov. 28 vs. Chicago, James scored nine points in 20 minutes.
The Musketeers are averaging 87.7 points over their last three games and should dominate a visiting Missouri State team that just got blown out at Tulsa, 98-74. The Bears played without senior forward Michael Osei-Bonsu, who is dealing with an undisclosed injury. His status for Friday is unclear. Either way, i'll back a surging Xavier team that's won and covered five of its last six games.
The Bucs' leading tackler (Tykee Smith) and third-leading tackler (SirVocea Dennis) did not practice Tuesday. That would only help the receiving matchup for Bijan Robinson, who caught six passes for 100 yards in the season opener vs. Tampa Bay. Drake London (who had 15 targets in the opener) is trending toward missing another game, while Kyle Pitts is playing through a knee injury. The Bucs give up an NFL-high 10.4 yards per pass attempt to players lined up in the backfield, per Fantasy Points Data. After not being a factor in the receiving game last week, Robinson should be targeted heavily in this matchup.
The Spurs' Devin Vassell is coming off a no-show game at New Orleans, scoring five points in 27 minutes. But he has been incredibly consistent this season, always bouncing back from a low-scoring performance with at least 15 points. This is a good matchup for Vassell as the Lakers rank bottom-5 against spot-up shooters. Vassell scored 15 against the Lakers earlier this season despite shooting 5 of 14. He has cleared this number in seven of his last nine overall and averages 17.0 ppg (on 45.7 percent shooting) on the road.
This is a big number for a matchup of two storied programs, but based on current form, I bet the favorite. The Wildcats have played an easy schedule and still rank second-worst nationally in 3-point percentage allowed (42.5 percent). Michigan takes more than 40% of its shots from deep and has made 44% of its 3-pointers over the past three games. Combined with Michigan's advantages inside, I'm looking for another Wolverines blowout.
Magic leading scorer Franz Wagner (ankle) is out, and Paolo Banchero remains on a minutes restriction. That should mean a huge role for Anthony Black in this NBA Cup quarterfinal. As it is, Black is averaging 30.8 minutes and 13.3 rebounds plus assists this month. The Heat play at the league's fastest pace, which should increase Black's opportunities. He posted eight rebounds and six assists vs. Miami in Friday's 106-105 home win. Black isn't shooting well so I like isolating his rebounds and assists rather than going PRA. I would also play Over 9.5 at even money or better.
Dallas Goedert has drawn just 11 targets over the past three games, with two catches in each. On Monday night he'll face a Chargers team that allows the fourth-fewest targets and catches to opposing tight ends. Even Brock Bowers last week only made four catches vs. LA.
Rashee Rice has been a target hog lately and he has the best matchup among Chiefs’ receivers Sunday night. That’s because he operates a lot out of the slot, where Houston is vulnerable. Look for Patrick Mahomes to rely on Rice against the Texans’ zone-heavy scheme.
Patrick Mahomes has thrown 34 or more passes in six straight games. On Sunday Night Football, the Chiefs’ best chance at offensive success will come via the quick passing game. That’s because their already weak run game is likely to struggle behind a makeshift O-line. Look for at least 35 attempts.
Blake Corum has received at least seven carries in six straight games, clearing this rushing total four times. Last week he erupted for 81 yards at Carolina. With the Rams likely to be in clock-killing run mode late, I bet Corum to run for at least 33 yards.