NBA PICKS: Thursday April 30th

Boston vs Chicago
ATS: Chicago -3
O/U: Under 195.5

Orlando vs Philadelphia
ATS: Orlando +5
O/U: Under 184.5

Houston vs Portland
ATS: Houston -4.5
O/U: Over 179.5

NBA PICKS: Wednesday April 29th

Atlanta vs Miami
ATS: Miami +6
O/U: Under 179.5

Denver vs New Orleans
ATS: Denver -10.5
O/U: Over 197.5

Best 1st Rnd Series: Chicago vs Boston. Hands down.

So I just watched the third OT game out of five and couldn't have been more entertained. Thank you KG for not playing because this is actually a drama-filled, competitive, fun to watch series.

I am glad that a few players have been in the NBA spotlight playing in some watchable games... From Iguodala making a game winner to to Josh Smith throwing down, the young NBA is representing. In this Bulls vs Celtics series, Ben Gordon and Joakim Noah have taken control of some deserved TV time. For Boston, the Perkins/Davis duo has stepped up and Pierce/Allen have shown they aren't throwing in the towel.

Just as good as it is to see players getting love, it's good to see a couple of close match-ups. Philly is looking solid and has hopes of taking the Magic to the brink and Miami has their hands full with Atlanta -- or is it the other way around? Regardless, the Boston/Chicago series has definitely stood out.

Two reasons for this series standing out: Rondo and Rose.

I don't know the numbers off the top of my head so I'm not going to stun you with their averages. But Rose blew up in game one and has been a grown man the entire series. And Rondo is averaging a triple double for the series -- not even LEBRON has that one yet, in fact on 4 dudes have (or something, again, numbers/stats).

But seriously, have you watched these guys? I don't normally like to admit my transgressions, cough, but I really didn't think Rose was going to good -- he seemed too laid back (like the next Marbury). And I didn't think Rondo was legit either, I didn't know much about him. My thought was that you could pretty much stick anyone with the 'Big 3' and they'd be a stud.

This series has changed my mind, about those guys and about point guards. After D-Will, CP3... and now these young dudes, it's made me think that the Timberwolves NEED to draft a PG and build a team around him.

Rondo is more of a star than Pierce. Than Ray Ray. And even KG. He's literally a combo of Chris Paul and Jason Kidd. Rose might be the fastest player in the NBA. You know that Rose will have Chicago in the playoffs for the next 20 years... the guy is just 20 years old!

Gotta love this series, but I think we're done in game 6.

2nd best series: Heat vs Hawks

I can't figure out the Magic/76ers series...

Tonight Orlando took the 3-2 series lead after an 11 point beatdown.

I took the Sixers +8.5, and I was laughing when I did it.. not so much now.

I think that this series is the most difficult to predict, because neither team is really trying to act like the dominant. Both teams would rather be an underdog. Orlando has been playing the underdog role with Boston and Cleveland, almost trying to get the 3 seed so that they could be underrated. The Sixers have always loved playing the underdog role and this year was no exception. After signing Elton Brand people said that they'd compete for the Eastern Conference crown... When he went down, up came an excuse... to be the underdog.

I was just about to type a prediction for this finish of this series, but I can't even say for sure what will happen, or if it will go to 7 games. Because seriously, the Magic could win by 22 next game, or lose by 5. The Sixers could win a close game 7 if they make it there, or blow them out! I really hate this series.

Where is Jameer Nelson? That would make this a lot easier on everyone.

NBA PICKS: Tuesday April 28th - ALL DOGS, ALL OVERS.

Boston vs Chicago
ATS: Chicago +8
O/U: Over 199

Orlando vs Philadelphia
ATS: Philadelphia +8.5
O/U: Over 188

Dallas vs San Antonio
ATS: Dallas +5
O/U: Over 189

Houston vs Portland
ATS: Houston +5.5
O/U: Over 182

All Dogs, All Overs

Mountain Dew: Throw away the THROWBACK sugar...

So I made the mistake of buying the "throwback" mountain dew. I thought to myself, wow, sick, the old school can -- that's fun. Boy was I wrong.

The old can is cool, but the liquid that fills the can tastes like its from the same era as the graphics on the front.

No offense to anyone who is down with the "natural" sugar, or whatever the hell it is -- I understand that you might have to form an acquired taste for it. I mean, I bet my Dad prefers the natural sugar to the current teeth destroying sugar that makes the Dew taste so sweet nowadays.

But come'on don't think I can't taste the difference... It's pretty obviously gross. The throwback Dew is a trial, according to Pepsi Co. They are going to market the old school can and see how sales go for the next two months and then determine if they are going to bring it back for good.

Good thing you can still buy the other Mountain Dew while the promotion is going on.

NBA PICKS: Monday April 27th

Atlanta vs Miami
ATS: Miami -4.5
O/U: Under 185.5

Denver vs New Orleans
ATS: Denver +2.5
O/U: Under 193

Los Angeles vs Utah
ATS: Utah +12.5
O/U: Under 211

NBA PICKS: Sunday April 26th

Boston vs Chicago
ATS: Boston +2.5
O/U: Under 200

Cleveland vs Detroit
ATS: Cleveland -8
O/U: Under 177

Orlando vs Philadelphia
ATS: Philadelphia +4
O/U: Under 191

Houston vs Portland
ATS: Houston -4.5
O/U: Over 182

NBA MOCK DRAFT 2009: Version 1

The NBA Draft isn't until the end of June, but with the NFL draft going on today, I thought I would go over my NBA draft lottery picks (teams that missed the playoffs).

Here is "Version 1" of my NBA mock draft.

1. Sacramento Kings -- Blake Griffin, PF

2. Washington Wizards -- Ricky Rubio, PG (pictured)

3. Los Angeles Clippers -- James Harden, SG

4. Oklahoma City Thunder -- Hasheem Thabeet, C

5. Minnesota Timberwolves -- Brandon Jennings, PG

6. Memphis Grizzlies -- Jordan Hill, PF

7. Golden State Warriors -- Demar DeRozan, SG

8. New York Knicks -- Stephen Curry, SG

9. Toronto Raptors -- Tyreke Evans, PG

10. Milwaukee Bucks -- James Johnson, PF

11. New Jersey Nets -- Sam Young, SG

12. Charlotte Bobcats -- Gerald Henderson, SG

13. Indiana Pacers -- B.J. Mullens, C

14. Phoenix Suns --Earl Clark, PF

NCAA Title Game 2010: Kansas vs Duke

I'm not going into details here, but I wanted to get something down on 'paper'.

Kansas is going to be sick. Duke is going to be sicker.

Beware.

YOU heard it here first.

NBA PICKS: Saturday April 25th

Denver vs New Orleans
ATS: New Orleans +4.5
O/U: Over 198.5

San Antonio vs Dallas
ATS: San Antonio +4.5
O/U: Under 188

Atlanta vs Miami
ATS: Atlanta +4
O/U: Under 186

Los Angeles vs Utah
ATS: Los Angeles -4
O/U: Over 209

NBA PICKS: Friday April 24th

Cleveland vs Detroit
ATS: Cleveland -4.5
O/U: Over 178

Orlando vs Philadelphia
ATS: Orlando -3.5
O/U: Over 191

Houston vs Portland
ATS: Portland +5.5
O/U: Over 184

NFL MOCK DRAFT - First Round

When: April 25-26, 2009
Where: New York, N.Y.

CHESPN MOCK DRAFT - First Round

1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
Stafford is an intelligent player with all the physical tools to develop into a NFL-quality passer.

2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
Curry should make an instant impact on the Kansas City defense. Then again, so could Crabtree. I don't see Cassel having trouble finding Dwyane Bowe, but a Bowe/Crabtree combo would put Cassell on the fast track to being a top fantasy pick.

4. Seattle Seahawks: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
Texas Tech wideout Michael Crabtree is still a possibility, but with the Seahawks signing T.J. Houshmandzadeh, wide receiver may no longer be a need.

5. Cleveland Browns: Everette Brown, OLB, Florida State
Brown is an explosive, quick-twitch lineman who should fair well standing up as an outside linebacker and attacking off the edge.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
The Bengals need to add a playmaker to their defensive line, and Orakpo is an ideal fit as a pass rusher in their 4-3 scheme.

7. Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
The Raiders could go with OT Jason Smith, who would be an ideal fit in Tom Cable’s zone blocking scheme. But with a talent like Crabtree still on the board, he might be too tempting for the Raiders and Al Davis to pass up.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
This draft is filled with OT's. Smith has possibly the most upside of any lineman in the draft and possesses the athleticism to consistently reach the edge.

9. Green Bay Packers: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/FS, Ohio State
With Brown, Orakpo and Raji all off the board, expect GM Ted Thompson to opt for Jenkins.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
The 49ers need to add some talent to the right side of their offensive line, and Oher has the size and power to make it work.

11. Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State

12. Denver Broncos: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

13. Washington Redskins: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

14. New Orleans Saints: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

15. Houston Texans: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

16. San Diego Chargers: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

17. New York Jets: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

18. Chicago Bears: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

20. Detroit Lions: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

21. Philadelphia Eagles: William Beatty, OT, Connecticut

22. Minnesota Vikings: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

23. New England Patriots: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

24. Atlanta Falcons: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

25. Miami Dolphins: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

26. Baltimore Ravens: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

27. Indianapolis Colts: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

28. Philadelphia Eagles: Sean Smith, DB, Utah

29. New York Giants: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

30. Tennessee Titans: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

31. Arizona Cardinals: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Mack, C, California

Feds: Former Toledo player organized point shaving

By JOHN SEEWER, Associated Press Writer

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP)—A former University of Toledo football player recruited his teammates and basketball players at the school to take part in a point-shaving scheme during a three-year period, according to documents filed in federal court.

Adam Cuomo, a little-used running back at Toledo, admitted that he initiated the scheme with a Detroit-area gambler in the fall of 2003 and that they both bet on Toledo games, the documents said.

Cuomo told investigators he gave information about upcoming games to the Detroit gambler and that he introduced numerous athletes to meet with the gambler, according to documents filed this week in U.S. District Court in Detroit.

Cuomo, who was a backup from Hamilton, Ontario, has not been charged. He was at Toledo from 1999-2003.

The FBI has been looking into point shaving at Toledo over the past four years. They say the scheme began in 2003 and continued until 2006 after Cuomo was no longer on the team.

Until now, only two other former players at the school had been linked to the allegations.

Former basketball player Sammy Villegas was charged last June with shaving points in games during the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons. Villegas has not entered a plea, but he is scheduled to be sentenced in June.

Charges against former football player Harvey “Scooter” McDougle Jr. were dropped two years as the investigation continued. McDougle has denied involvement.

McDougle said Friday that he was a freshman when Cuomo was a senior and they did not know each other very well. He remembered seeing Cuomo on campus and at games after his career was over.

According to the documents filed Tuesday, investigators say two football players and one basketball player have admitted to taking part in the point shaving scheme along with the Detroit gambler.

The gambler, who was not been charged, has been identified as Gary Manni of Sterling Heights. Manni has repeatedly said that he knew many football and basketball players at the school, but they did not fix any games.

Manni’s attorney, Neil Fink, said Friday that he did not know whether Manni will be charged. “I don’t know what the outcome will be,” he said. Fink also would not say whether Manni was involved with Cuomo or any other players at Toledo.

Cuomo helped two of the players who admitted involvement meet with Manni, the documents said. Cuomo could not be reached for comment Friday. There was no listing for him in Toledo or his hometown in Canada. It was not known if he has an attorney.

The FBI said it interviewed several players and recorded phone calls between Cuomo and Manni.

On the day of the 2005 GMAC Bowl, Cuomo told Manni that he was using one of the football players to convince another player to shave points by committing penalties in an upcoming game, the documents said.

Cuomo insisted that Manni pay the player $1,000, the documents said.

The Rockets beat UTEP 45-13 in the bowl game later that day.

In another phone conversation, Cuomo and Manni talked about a failed attempt to convince a basketball player to shave points, the documents said. Manni responded that he already had paid another basketball player to take part in the scheme, the documents said.

Athletic officials at Toledo have allowed federal authorities to take the lead on the investigation. No current players are thought to be involved in the allegations.

The school’s football and basketball coaches who were at Toledo when authorities say the scheme took place are now gone. Athletic officials have said their departures were not tied to the gambling allegations.

NBA PICKS: Thursday April 23rd

Boston vs Chicago
ATS: Boston +3
O/U: Over 200.5

San Antonio vs Dallas
ATS: Dallas -5
O/U: Over 190

Los Angeles vs Utah
ATS: Utah +1.5
O/U: Under 214

NBA PICKS: Wednesday April 22nd

Philadelphia vs Orlando
ATS: Philadelphia +10.5
O/U: Over 193.5

Miami vs Atlanta
ATS: Miami +5
O/U: Under 183.5

New Orleans vs Denver
ATS: Denver -5.5
O/U: Over 197.5

NBA MVP: Kobe Bryant or LeBron James (4/22/09)

The 2009 MVP should go to LeBron James, but Kobe Bryant could easily steal it.

I'm not going to get into how subjective MVP awards are, I mean, that blog has been written and re-written. All I'm going to say is, arguments could be made for giving this years honor to either last year's winner Kobe Bryant or LeBron James.

Bryant may be able to play up to voters for his body of work, or the fact that his team yawned through an entire conference this year. I think that some voters might be thinking, look at LeBron, he's 24 and he's going to have this good of a year each of the next ten seasons. Bryant, on the other hand, could only have a few of these types of seasons left under his belt and therefore should be rewarded while he still can.

Fair enough. I was in the boat last year that saw Kobe winning over Chris Paul because of his life of work rather than a spike in performance for one season.

Bryant's arguments for winning the award are as follows: Kobe Bryant has all the skills in the world, you know that. He led the Lakers to the best record in the Western Conference (65-17). Kobe Bryant finished third in the league in scoring averaging 26.8 points per game. He also averaged 5.2 rebounds per game, 4.9 assists per game, and had a 47% field goal percentage for the season. Defensively Kobe is still one of the best in the game averaging 1.5 steals per game. Also, in 2009 Kobe averaged the lowest turnovers per game since 2003.

LeBron James has the following arguments on why he should win the award: James carried the Cavs to a league best 66-16 record and home court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs. During the season, Lebron James averaged 28.4 points per game, 7.6 rebounds per game, 7.2 assists per game, all while shooting 49% from the field. He finished second in the league in scoring only behind only Dwyane Wade, James was 1st in the NBA in assists among small forwards, and 7th in the NBA in steals per game. His syle of play is team-first and his intimidation factor can cause any team to crumble before the ball is even tipped. James controls the offense and runs the defense. In all of my life of watching basketball, I have never seen anything as extraordinary as LeBron James.

Giving either of these guys the award would be fine, but I think the edge this year has to go to LeBron. In fact, James could be this year's most improved player and could probably take credit for Mike Brown's coach of the year award.

But.

What really matters to these guys? Isn't who wins the trophy, it's who wins the ring.

Mutombo Wags his Last Finger: Career is Over

“For me, basketball is over,” he said.

Mutombo, an 18-year NBA veteran, appeared to get tangled with Portland center Greg Oden and came down hard on his left leg late in the first quarter of Game 2 and did not return.

He stayed prone on the court under the Blazers’ basket for several moments before he was taken away by stretcher. A preliminary examination revealed a knee strain.

Afterward in Houston’s locker room, the 7-foot-2 veteran was on crutches and fighting back tears.

Mutombo's career is defined by his finger wagging, get that stuff out of my house defense. I didn't research it, but Mutombo has probably blocked more players shots than anyone...Today, so many people can say they've been rejected by Mount Mutombo.

My first real memories of Dikembe are of when his Nuggets defeated Gary Payton's Sonics in the first round (8 over a 1) of the NBA playoffs. Dikembe clutching the ball as he laid on his back, tears of joy streaming down his face.

Mutombo is an eight-time All-Star who won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award four times and stands in second on the NBA’s career blocks list with 3,289. He has played for Denver, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York and Houston.

In 1,196 career games, Mutombo has averaged 9.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks.

How could you not love this loveable giant? I'll wave my finger at you.

NBA PICKS: Tuesday April 21st

Detroit vs Cleveland
ATS: Cleveland -11.5
O/U: Under 177.5

Utah vs Los Angeles
ATS: Los Angeles -11
O/U: Over 211

Houston vs Portland
ATS: Houston +6
O/U: Over 183.5

Kobe-LeBron Finals would align NBA’s stars

By Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK – The march to an inevitable Finals began 25 blocks west of the Board of Governor’s meeting, where the NBA had worked the post-Super Bowl week to bring the masses the season’s biggest story line: the collision course of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

The planet’s two biggest stars turned Madison Square Garden into a Broadway production for back-to-back games in February, Kobe and LeBron dropping 113 points on the defenseless New York Knicks, and transforming a nice, easy trot into a sprint for a June coronation.

Together, they started this run to June at the Beijing Olympic Games, and turned that into a two-man East-West game across the season, elevating the MVP debate to levels unseen since Michael, Magic and Bird were the rage.

For everything that bubbles uneasily beneath the sport’s economic surface, for the issues threatening the sport’s prosperity, these playoffs promise to work themselves into a frenzied and fortuitous finish because of this impending reality: Lakers and Cavaliers, Kobe and LeBron, for the NBA championship.

Who would’ve believed that something short of a Lakers-Celtics Finals rematch could become an even bigger series for the sport?

As the spiraling economy met poorly run franchises in suspect markets, the NBA finds itself with too many teams on too many shaky foundations. It isn’t just small-market teams reaching out for credit loans through the league office, but traditionally profitable powers whose owners’ businesses are in financial binds. Yes, owners are paying the price for a bad economy, but in too many cases, they’re paying for their own foolish management, too.

“We’re going to work with our players to come up with a model that makes it more profitable,” NBA commissioner David Stern said.

In a second-floor conference room of the St. Regis, Stern ended a two-day Board of Governors meeting with a scaled-down state of the NBA address for four reporters. He had finished the meetings with the owners and management elders for his 30 franchises, and declared that the reopening of discussions with the player’s union on the Collective Bargaining Agreement can be done without “saber rattling.”

Stern has subtly started to make his case for the union to give back a bigger part of the revenue. Now, the players get 57 percent of basketball-related income, and the owners are coming hard for a more equitable split. As much as ever, the Kobes and LeBrons and Wades are underpaid for what they bring to the NBA. And maybe, too, the interchangeable rank-and-file role players make too much.

“I think every word that’s coming out of David’s mouth these days is all about setting up take-backs with the next Collective Bargaining Agreement,” one NBA team president said Friday.

Nevertheless, the sport’s star power promises to be postseason’s salvation. These playoffs are packed with flawed, broken-down teams, with All-Stars like Kevin Garnett, Manu Ginobili, Tracy McGrady and Jameer Nelson out. There are star centers, Tim Duncan and Tyson Chandler, playing on hobbled legs and feet.

These are playoffs where the biggest threat to the Lakers in the Western Conference could come from the emboldened young Portland Trail Blazers. The Celtics are simply a shell of themselves in the Eastern Conference with KG’s gimpy knee. LeBron and Kobe are thundering down the tracks, threatening to topple those Celtics-Lakers television ratings of a year ago.

An L.A.-Cleveland Finals could be an intriguing test of LeBron’s ability to brand himself beyond the bright lights of a big city. As much as anything, the NBA is learning that the information age has made a Cleveland icon accessible to the globe. There were more than 100 million digital downloads of NBA highlights around the world. The game has grown bigger globally, but made everything seem a little smaller, too.

Yes, it is still important to have L.A., Boston and New York in contention, but maybe less so than ever. Truth be told, the lowering of the salary-cap numbers by 2010 could make it more difficult for the NBA to get a superstar – James or Wade – to New York. As competent as Donnie Walsh has been as New York’s president, the Knicks’ chances are undermined by superstars who want to win championships and understand that Mike D’Antoni’s defense-free system is ill-suited for that pursuit. Why average 40 points a night for the Knicks when you can drop 50 on them?

The NBA doesn’t need to wait until the summer of 2010 to reshuffle its stars because it sure feels like they’re aligned right now. As the commissioner started to make his case for CBA take-backs on the eve of the NBA playoffs, the planet’s two biggest players push for a Finals finish that could transcend the sport in a season when its foundation felt suddenly so shaky.

Found on Yahoo.com on April 17

NBA Playoffs: FIRST ROUND PREDICITONS (4/17/09)

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

No. 1 Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Pistons
-- Cleveland may have lost their final home game in OT, but they still went 39-2 this season. I don't see Cleveland having any problems against an Iverson-less Pistons. The only worry the Cavs will have in round 1 is they'll be overconfident. LeBron James is so good that he could probably advance playing 1 on 5. Doubting LeBron is a mistake, I got the Cavs in 4 games.

My Pick: CAVS IN 4


No. 2 Celtics vs. No. 7 Bulls
-- A banged up Celtics squad is facing the scariest first round team... Chicago. Derrick Rose is serious, but will he crumble under the playoff lights? Really though, if the Bulls weren't playing the Celtics in the first round I might have advanced them. But even without KG on the floor, it's going to be the Celtics moving onto the second round. ... I mean, you can't forget about the other two parts of the 3 party: Pierce and Allen.

My Pick: CELTICS IN 5


No. 3 Magic vs. No. 6 Sixers
-- The Sixers may have a chance in this one. I personally think that the Magic are overconfident and that they don't have the players that fit into their roles well. Hedu is 6'10" but wants to be 6'3" and Rashard Lewis should be more of a 4, but wants to stand around the perimeter launching 3's all game. The Sixers are young and talented, Louis Williams, Thad Young, but without Elton Brand to control Dwight Howard -- it should be Orlando's series.

My Pick: MAGIC IN 5


No. 4 Hawks vs. No. 5 Heat
-- The Hawks and Heat are the East's most sexy/fun teams. Atlanta is the Blazers of the East, boasting a young and talented core line-up along with crafty vets to fill in the spaces. I like the Heat with Beasley and of course Wade and Jermain O'Neal. But I still think that the Hawks have the edge. After taking the Celtics to 7 games last year in the first round, I think Atlanta makes it to round two this year.

My Pick: HAWKS IN 7



WESTERN CONFERENCE:

No. 1 Lakers vs. No. 8 Jazz
-- Down the stretch the Lakers were solid while the Jazz were not. Utah may not even win a game in this series after just one month ago they looked like the only team in the West who could have a chance against LA. If Utah does take this series, it will be proportionate a 16 seed beating a 1 seed in the NCAA tourney. I don't see that taking place. Kobe and Gasol are on a mission.

My Pick: LAKERS IN 5


No. 2 Nuggets vs. No. 7 Hornets
-- This could shape up to be one of the best first round series in the 2009 NBA playoffs. Both teams are stacked and have the potential to take it to the next level. And unlike in the East, the top 8 teams in the West are all on the same level. Don't put too much on the fact that Denver has the 2 and New Orleans has the 7, it could turn out to look like the Hornets should have been No. 2.

My Pick: DENVER IN 7


No. 3 Spurs vs. No. 6 Mavericks
-- I have a feeling that Dallas is going to take advantage of the opportunity of being the No. 6 seed. Dallas finished the season strong and has all of the tools to upset San Antonio. Without Manu I don't see SA making it out of the first round -- even though Tim Duncan and Tony Parker might think otherwise. I just like Dirk and Kidd in this one.

My Pick: DALLAS IN 6


No. 4 Blazers vs. No. 5 Rockets
-- The Rockets got screwed out of the No. 2 seed on the last night of the playoffs and therefore start their playoff journey as an underdog on the road. Regardless of the seeding, I think the Rockets will use veteran leadership from Yao and Artest to get past a young, up and coming Blazer squad. Oden v Ming could be sweet, as well as seeing Roy in his first playoff series. This should be a good one, the hardest series to predict.

My Pick: BLAZERS IN 7

NBA: Ranking the playoff Contenders (April 9, 2009)

With the NCAA season over and the NBA playoffs less than two weeks away (last day is April 15), I thought it would be appropriate to rank the NBA teams heading into the stretch run. Here are my "power rankings" for April 9, 2009. (Previous ranking from March 3 is in parenthesis)


1. (1.) Los Angeles Lakers – The Lakers are creeping up on Cleveland for the best record in the NBA and therefore home court throughout the playoffs. L.A. will need help from foe Boston who has a match-up against the Cavs on Sunday. Big game against Denver tonight, Bynum is set to return.

2. (2.) Cleveland Cavaliers – Cleveland has been nearly perfect at home this season (38-1), their only blemish came at the hand of the Lakers who will need the defending NBA champions to conquer the Cavs in Cleveland on Sunday at 3:30 ET on ABC. The best record in the NBA is up in the air, LeBron is trying to take it.

3. (5.) Denver Nuggets – It's official, the Nuggets have a shot at making it to the Western Conference championship game against LA. Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony are as strong a two-some as any in the NBA. Chris Anderson is 2nd in the NBA in blocked shots, Linas Klieza, Nene Hilario, Johan Petro, oh what about JR Smith! And Dahntay Jones is one of my new favorite players. Come playoff time Denver may do alright since they are close to locking up the No. 2 seed, but when it comes to playing games on the road, Denver may faulter. The Nuggets are 32-8 at home this season and just 21-18 on the road.

4. (7.) Orlando Magic – Orlando is 8-2 in their last 10 games and continues to show people they shouldn't be overlooked. The Magic ran all over the Cavs on Friday night in a whomping, but I'm still not sold. What's up with Jameer Nelson? What position does Hedu play or Lewis for that matter? Are they too inexperienced? Just one game back from Boston for the No. 2 seed in the East.

5. (3.) Boston Celtics – When everyone is healthy this team is the NBA champions. Surprisingly, the Celtics are still in contention for the No. 2 overall seed in the East. Even more surprising is that they are starting to look like an underdog. I don't trust the knees of KG nor do I trust the skills of Stephon Marbury. But then again, who would bet against Boston from having a date with Los Angeles in the NBA Finals?

6. (4.) Utah Jazz – I still think the Jazz are the only legitimate threat to the Lakers in the post-season. But with the way that they have performed on the road this season, I don't think I'll have anyone but the Lakers in the NBA Finals.

7. (8.) New Orleans Hornets – The Chris Paul led Hornets have started to find their swagger again. Even though New Orleans is 5-5 in their last 10, they have the talent and skill to pull off getting home court and could push Denver/LA to the limit in round 2. It's hard to think that this team esentially sucks (they won't do anything in the playoffs) considering they have Chris Paul, David West and Tyson Chandler. I think they are a Jason Richardson type player away from being a real threat to any team in the NBA -- R. Butler isn't the answer.

8. (6.) San Antonio Spurs – Since losing Giniobili the Spurs have all but lost hope. Even though they are still rolling along without him thanks to players like Drew Gooden, I don't see Tim Duncan carrying this team anywhere. I'm kind of OK with the Spurs fading away, they've always been annoying to watch (too fundamental) and they are just annoying in general (who likes Tim Duncan? Seriously, if you aren't from San Antonio, who would ever put a poster of this d-bag on their wall?).

9. (13.) Houston Rockets – In reality, I don't see the Rockets going far. This team is so frustrating. For the last few seasons the Rockets should have been considered a contender for an NBA crown -- I mean come on, TMAC & Yao? They probably shouldn't be seen as a contender this year, and in fact, I don't think the T-Mac/Yao dynasty will ever amount to anything.

10. (9.) Portland Trail Blazers – Portland should be more than satisfied with thier current position in the NBA standing and food chain. As one of the younger organizations in the league, the expectations are not as high for the Blazers as they are for teams like the Lakers or Celtics. Even though this team has a roster stuffed to the brim with talent, it may be another two or three years before that talent converts into a title bound team.

11. (12.) Dallas Mavericks – Well, last night's Maverick team looked great against the Jazz -- but will that team show up every night? I think that the guard play on Dallas is so weak that it will kill them in the post season. I know they have Kidd/Terry... but Jason's like 40 and Terry isn't a real point. It's funny how that if you'd ask the Nets now whether or not they'd swap Harris for Kid and they'd say "HELL NO".

12. (10.) Atlanta Hawks – Well Flip Murray has been a stud. He has stepped up recently and controlled the Hawks young stars. If the playoffs started today, the Hawks would be the No. 4 seed in the East and have home court in the first round. I feel like if I'm the Celtics, there is no way I'm excited about the posibility of having to play the Hawks (who took Boston to 7 games last year in the opening round) in the playoffs, home or away.

13. (11.) Phoenix Suns – I don't have Phoenix in the playoffs, I've had them out since Amare went down. Even though the Suns are all but out of the playoff picture, I still think that they have a better team than the remaining teams in the East.

14. (14.) Miami Heat – Is it possible that Wade is MVP this year? Give me credit for saying that before anyone else. Please. I've followed Wade from the moment he stepped onto the court at Marquette, but I never imagined he'd turn into what he is today. Wade is single handedly leading his team into the post-season, reminicent of the days where his running mates were Odom and Butler. If I were any Eastern Conference team, the last team I'd want to see in the playoffs is any team with Dwayne Wade.

15. (19.) Chicago Bulls – I had a feeling that Chicago would make a push for the post-season, especially after the trade that landed them Salmons and Miller from Sac-town. If someone told me Derrick Rose was in his 12th year in the NBA, from the way he's played, I'd beleive them.

16. (15.) Philadelphia 76ers – The Elton Brand experiment got Philadelphia into the playoffs, but it really wasn't because of Brand who missed most of the season. Thaddeus Young is a stud.

17. (16.) Detroit Pistons – Detroit is washed up, they have some decent young talent, but the older more veteran talent hasn't exactly stepped up or acted like they even care. Once Chauncey was dealt this team's heart was ripped out of it. Replace that was a soul-less Iverson and what do you get? A team who should easily make the playoffs on the outside.

18. (20.) Charlotte Bobcats – At last the Bobcats are a playoff contender. Larry Brown and Michael Jordan should be able to produce a team that plays in the playoffs. I like where this franchise is headed, but it will boost morale in Carolina if the NBA squad was playoff bound.


Out of it:

Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies

My Master's Picks

So there's this fantasy Masters tournament game that my dad has played for a dozen years or so...

You are given a set list of players with attached point values (Tiger = 45, Rory McIlroy - 15, etc). You must pick five players and their combined value cannot exceed 100 points.
Scoring is based on cumulative score relative to par, the winner gets a bonus of -3 to their score and if a player you picked misses the cut (you're pretty much screwed), his score will be doubled AND you need to add +5.

Here is the list of golfers to choose from and their respected point value:

Player Pts. Player Pts. Player Pts.

Tiger Woods 45 Paul Casey 20 D.J. Trahan 10

Geoff Ogilvy 30 Retief Goosen 20 Hunter Mahan 10

Padraig Harrington 30 Rory Sabbatini 20 Ian Poulter 10

Phil Mickelson 30 Sean O'Hair 20 Martin Kaymer 10

Vijay Singh 30 Stewart Cink 20 Miguel A. Jimenez 10

Anthony Kim 25 Zach Johnson 20 Richard Sterne 10

Jim Furyk 25 Aaron Baddeley 15 Robert Allenby 10

Kenny Perry 25 Andres Romero 15 Stephen Ames 10

Luke Donald 25 Angel Cabrera 15 Boo Weekley 5

Robert Karlsson 25 Justin Leonard 15 Brandt Snedeker 5

Sergio Garcia 25 Justin Rose 15 Bubba Watson 5

Steve Stricker 25 K.J. Choi 15 Carl Pettersson 5

Adam Scott 20 Nick Watney 15 Chad Campbell 5

Camilo Villegas 20 Pat Perez 15 Jeev Milkha Singh 5

Ernie Els 20 Rory Mcllroy 15 Jose Maria Olazabal 5

Henrik Stenson 20 Stuart Appleby 15 Lee Westwood 5

Mike Weir 20 Trevor Immelman 15 Rocco Mediate 5

Other (write-in) 5

I picked two teams... One with Tiger, one without... here they are:

WITH TIGER:
Tiger Woods - 45
Kenny Perry - 25
Nick Watney - 15
DJ Trahan - 10
Tim Clark - 5 (write-in)

WITHOUT TIGER:
Geoff Ogilvy - 30
Anthony Kim - 25
Angel Cabrera - 15
Justin Rose - 15
KJ Choi - 15

Master's coverage is on ESPN Thursday and Friday and CBS on Saturday and Sunday.

"A tournament unlike any other... The Master's"

Lynch to miss 3 games, Draft Fred Jackson

Bills RB Lynch suspended for 3 games by NFL

By JOHN WAWROW, AP Sports Writer

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP)—Bills running back Marshawn Lynch will miss the first three games of the regular season after being suspended without pay by the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

The NFL announced the suspension Thursday, a month after Lynch pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge in Los Angeles. It was the player’s second run-in with the law, following a hit-and-run accident in Buffalo in May.

The suspension means the Bills will be without the 2007 first-round draft pick for their prime-time season-opener at New England on Sept. 14. The rest of the Bills schedule has not been released.

Under league rules, the suspension takes effect after the Bills final preseason game, and Lynch will be allowed to take part in the team’s offseason programs, including training camp.

Lynch has the option to appeal the ruling.

Without Lynch, the Bills will be missing one of their key offensive threats. He’s coming off consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards rushing, and last year led the team with nine touchdowns.

Backup Fred Jackson would likely take over as the interim starter. Jackson, however, has yet to accept the team’s one-year $460,000 tender offer while attempting to negotiate a long-term deal with the Bills.

My NCAA Championship Prediction

On June 16 last summer I put a $5 bet on North Carolina to win the NCAA tournament.

I knew they would have a solid group coming back and I had faith in Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansbrough to do whatever they needed to make it to this game.

Yea, at the time it was a pretty logical bet -- so I made it. If UNC wins tonight I'll turn my $5 investment into $25. Granted making $25 doesn't seem like much off of $5, but if you were to place the same $5 bet today, you'd only walk away with $1.35.

Tonight's Championship game will be a re-match of a game in December that was actually played on Ford Field. UNC didn't have much of a problem with MSU in that contest routing the Spartans 98-63. Lawson had the upper hand, striking for 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including a pair of 3-pointers. He added eight assists and seven steals. Lucas managed six points, making just two of 10 shots, with five assists and a steal.

Instead of winning by 35, I see UNC winning by a modest margin of 10 points.

MY PREDICTION:
UNC 83
Michigan State 73

Tonight's game starts at 9:21 ET.

My Final Four Predictions

We've reached it: The Final Four

North Carolina Coach Roy Williams has been to the Final Four so often -- seven times -- it almost seems as if it should appear on his regular season schedule. Izzo, here for a fifth time, isn't far behind, and although Calhoun is making "just" his third appearance, he's the only one in the group with two national titles -- Williams and Izzo have one each.

I think we are in for a good Final Four considering Jay Wright's no joke of a rookie coach -- Villanova has been bounced from the dance by the National Champion in three of the last four seasons and in this tournament alone they've already beaten UCLA, Duke and PITT.



I think that UCONN has a fire in their eye. I don't have any excuse of why I took Purdue over them, but I see the light (and in my one other bracket I have Nova as a sleeper and UCONN, UNC, Louis). Michigan State will have the "happy to be there" attitude and UCONN should have no problem.

BUT! The only way that UCONN doesn't win is if Thabeet is taken out of the paint and that big Greek dude with the ugly parents they keep showing on TV (Goran Sutan) is able to dominate and spread the UCONN defense. I doubt it will happen. The starting five for UCONN might all play in the NBA -- get off them.

UCONN 77
Michigan State 69

Villanova has a sick line-up, they'll keep the game close and you'll be asking "Who's Redding? Who's Anderson? What the hell." The Tar Heels can't get too far behind or they may have a case of deja vu... Last year the Tar Heels dug one of the biggest holes in Final Four history when they let Kansas jump out to a 40-12 start.

I think that the first half will be good for Villanova but then after a little bit of a pep talk from Roy Williams the Tar Heels take over the Wildcats in the second half. Tyler Hansbourgh has toned down his annoyingness this season and deserves some respect for that -- as well as being one of the only people to show loyalty to the college game and stay four years. Ty Lawson is a beautiful player and should carve up the Nova D and make an early case for Final Four MOP. It's a matter of time now before UNC is cutting down the nets and singing One Shining Moment.

UNC 89
Villanova 82

Michigan State vs UCONN is 6:07 pm ET
Villanova vs UNC is 8:47 pm ET

Monday's National Championship starts at 9:21pm ET

Need2Know: FINAL FOUR

North Carolina, Connecticut, Villanova and Michigan State will face off in the 2009 Final Four

On November 20, I ranked the top 25 for College hoops, this is where I had the four Final Four squads and what I said about them at that time:

1. North Carolina Tar Heels - No timetable for Hansbrough's return could be bothersome to the Tar Heels, and with Tyler Zeller out for the season, it could be no where but down in the rankings for UNC.

4. Connecticut Huskies - Hasheem Thabeet is the "Big Man On Campus" for staying in College, now he needs make his stay worth-while.

6. Michigan State Spartans - Next week MSU has games against Gonzaga and Georgetown, then faces UNC on Dec. 3rd. If the Spartans want to be considered a top 10 team, they need to prove it against worthy opponents.

20. Villanova Wildcats - Dante Cunningham owned Fordham Monday scoring 31 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

I'd probably put them in that same order of overall chance of winning it all. I think that it's going to be hard to make a case for the Spartans over the Huskies, same goes for the Wildcats over the Tar Heels.

I'm going to be disappointed if it's a Spartan/Wildcat final. In contrast, it may be one of the best title games in a while if UNC faces UCONN.


On March 12, I posted my Top 30 NCAA Players list... Here is who you need to watch tomorrow afternoon (ranking and what I said about them on 3/12):

3. Hasheem Thabeet, C, Connecticut -- One of NCAA history's best shot blockers, UCONN's tourney fate rests in Thabeet's large hands.

5. Tyler Hansbrough, PF, North Carolina -- Four straight first team All-ACC, enough said there. Can he cement his legacy with a National Title?

6. Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina -- ACC POY Lawson's control of UNC's offense may be the reason the Tar Heels cut down the nets in Detroit. UNC boasts for the first time ever two ACC POY's on the floor of the same team.

19. Wayne Ellington, G, North Carolina -- The third UNC player on this list is just as valuable as the first two.

22. Jeff Adrien, PF, Connecticut -- As much as everyone's attention is on Thabeet, Adrien might be UCONN's most well rounded player.

Other ballers to keep an eye on:

Dante Cunningham, PF, Villanova -- Cunningham is averaging team-highs in both points (16.2) and rebounds (7.4) for the Wildcats and has exceeded expectations. This year Cunningham was named the Big East’s Most Improved Player. He also earned second-team all-league honors.

Scottie Reynolds, PG, Villanova -- The reason why the Wildcats are in the Final Four is because of Scottie Reynolds. If Villanova can get past UNC, it's ultimately going to come down to what Reynolds can do against Ty Lawson. He is one of the nation’s best all-around guards. He has 3-point range, is very good from the line and has the strength to get into the lane and finish

Reggie Redding, GF, Villanova -- Reggie Redding doesn’t wow you with his offensive skills, but he’s a tough, physical player who can make a big impact defensively. He’s a good passer and an excellent rebounder for a guard.

Danny Green, GF, North Carolina -- Green is UNC's do-it-all player. He’s a better offensive player than you’d expect from someone who is his team’s fourth option, and he has 3-point range. He has a nice mid-range game, can handle the ball, is a good rebounder and was a member of the ACC’s all-defense team.

A.J. Price, PG, Connecticut -- Price is the leading scorer and assist man, and UConn cannot afford an off-game from him. He is the Huskies’ best 3-point shooter and their most capable ball-handler.

Stanley Robinson, F, Connecticut -- Robinson is a phenomenal athlete who could become a star once his offensive skills match his physical gifts. He can jump out of the gym, but most of his high flying comes on defense and on the glass.

Kalin Lucas, PG, Michigan State -- Lucas heads one of the nation’s best backcourts. Lucas might be the best all-around guard in the Big Ten. He’s an inconsistent shooter, but even when his shot is off, he’s an effective player because of his playmaking and defensive abilities. He has great quickness and puts that to good use on forays into the lane, where – despite his size – he is strong enough to finish.

Durrell Summers, SF, Michigan State -- Summers has tremendous offensive skills. He has good size and athleticism, but the Spartans’ talent level is such that he’s not asked to shoulder a big offensive load. His defense could be better, but he'll be a big factor in the success of the Spartans.


The last 10 Final Four Most Outstanding Players have been:

Year	Player, Team	Cl.	G	FG–A	3FG–A	FT–A	Reb.	Ast.	Blk.	Stl.	PF	Pts.
2008	Mario Chalmers, Kansas	Jr.	2	10–23	3–9	6–8	7	6	0	7	6	29
2007	Corey Brewer, Florida	Jr.	2	9–19	7–13	7–8	10	2	3	3	5	32
2006	Joakim Noah, Florida	So.	2	12–20	0–1	4–4	17	5	10	2	5	28
2005	Sean May, North Carolina	Jr.	2	19–29	0–0	10–14	17	5	2	1	3	48
2004	Emeka Okafor, Connecticut	Jr.	2	17–26	0–0	8–15	22	2	4	1	6	42
2003	Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse	Fr.	2	19–35	6–9	9–11	24	8	0	4	5	53
2002	Juan Dixon, Maryland	Sr.	2	10–18	5–11	8–11	3	5	0	7	3	33
2001	Shane Battier, Duke	Sr.	2	13–26	5–12	12–17	19	8	6	2	4	43
2000	Mateen Cleaves, Michigan State	Sr.	2	8–18	3–4	10–12	6	5	0	2	4	29
1999	Richard Hamilton, Connecticut	Jr.	2	20–39	3–7	8–11	12	4	1	2	4	51

Michigan State vs UCONN is 6:07 pm ET
Villanova vs UNC is 8:47 pm ET

Monday's National Championship starts at 9:21pm ET

$10 bucks says Plax joins the Cowboys... Replaces TO

So the Giants are done with Plaxico Burress, one of the best WR's in the NFL. Eli has plenty of options on the depth chart so it probably won't hurt the Giants too much, but which team will get the benefit of having a Pro Bowl athlete in the prime of his career?

How do you replace a big media darling like Terrell Owens? Plaxico!

There's no way that Jerry Jones doesn't run and get the guy who shot himself. I mean, I have a funny feeling that Jerry even knew a while ago that the Giants weren't going to keep him. Or maybe they even talked to Plax and told him to not re-sign with NY. They probably dumped TO knowing that they'd end up nabbing Plax. F-ing Cowboys.

Burress’ four-year tenure with the Giants was highlighted by a game-winning touchdown catch in the Super Bowl against the previously undefeated New England Patriots in February 2008, but it was also dogged by fines and suspensions.

Burress’ status has been uncertain since he shot himself in the thigh on Nov. 29 with a gun he’d stuffed into his waistband. He faces a felony weapons charge that could put him in prison for at least 3 1/2 years if convicted.

Romo is the luckiest bastard. Jessica and now maybe Plax. Maybe he could actually win a playoff game rather than just looking good on paper.