Larry's Picks (8 Live)
Jayden Daniels has taken one sack in two playoff games. ...
The Bills are dealing with key defensive injuries. ...
Larry's Past Picks
CJ McCollum poured in 45 points last time out, an overtime win over Utah on Monday. I like him to score at least 24 Friday in Memphis. In his two meetings with the Grizzlies this season, McCollum scored 30 and 32 points. New Orleans will be without Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones.
UNC Wilmington has scored 80-plus in two straight games, both victories, but it's been more of a struggle on the road. The Seahawks are 1-2 SU in their past three road games, with losses at Hofstra and Howard. After shooting a season-best 50 percent in the win over William & Mary, look for the Seahawks to have a tougher time at Charleston. I bet on the Cougars, led by reigning CAA Player of the Week Deywilk Tavarez (14.1 ppg), to get a home win and cover.
Brandon Miller remains out with a wrist injury, so Nick Smith Jr., a 2023 first-round pick out of Arkansas, should make his third straight start. In the first two starts, Smith had 15 points and five rebounds against the Bulls, then 19 points and three rebounds versus the Mavericks. Now Smith faces a Grizzlies team that plays at the NBA's fastest pace. Look for Smith, who went 8 of 15 from deep in those two starts, to play 25-30 minutes and collect at least 14 combined points and rebounds.
Nikola Jokic is averaging 14.3 rebounds this month, and now he faces a 76ers team missing Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond. Over the past three games, Philly has given up an average of 57 rebounds -- tied for fourth-most. Look for Jokic to grab at least 13 boards Tuesday.
James Harden is coming off a 12-assist performance against the Lakers, the third time in four games he has notched double-digit assists. On Monday he faces a Bulls team that ranks second in pace and 23rd in defensive rating. Harden is probable with a groin injury after playing 40 minutes Sunday. He won't have Ivica Zubac to run the pick-and-roll with or lob to, but Harden should still get to nine assists.
Jazz center Walker Kessler is coming off an eight-rebound outing versus Charlotte, but in his previous five games he collected 71 boards (14.2 per game). Now he gets to face a Pelicans team that gives up the most rebounds per game to opposing centers (17.4). The Jazz remain without Lauri Markkanen and John Collins. They rested' Kessler when these teams met Friday, but Kessler is good to go Monday in a very appealing matchup.
Lamar Jackson ups his running in the playoffs. He rushed for 81 yards last week. Against Buffalo in the regular season, he got 54 yards on just six carries. With the weather potentially limiting passing, and without his top receiving threat in Zay Flowers, look for Jackson to be a big factor on the ground yet again.