1. Los Angeles Lakers (40-17) (4) Make that 10-1 and counting since the Gasol trade and the offense has put up over 110 points in 5 straight games during that stretch.
2. Boston Celtics (44-12) (1) Maybe PJ and Sam are just the veterans Boston needs to give them that edge in the postseason.
3. Detroit Pistons (42-16) (2) Lost in all the hoopla about LA, Boston and Phoenix, people forget these guys are pretty good, and they proved it by spanking the Suns by 30.
4. San Antonio Spurs (38-17) (6) Just when you think they're washed up, the Spurs go on another hot streak, winning ten of their last eleven with Ginobili leading the charge.
5. Houston Rockets (37-20) (8) Foreshadowing the 13-game surge are the looming questions of what impact Yao's foot surgery will have on the Rockets down the stretch.
6. New Orleans Hornets (38-18) (3) The Hornets rolled the dice with the Wells trade, but so far, the result has been snake eyes.
7. Dallas Mavericks (38-19) (10) Not convinced. Lets see them do against San Antonio what they did against those bottom feeders.
8. Utah Jazz (37-21) (7) You just can't get a read on this team. How does the same team that lost to the Clippers and Wolves in the last week find a way to beat the Pistons?
9. Phoenix Suns (39-19) (5) The Shaq buzz is over and now we begin to see the lingering problems the Suns are having with depth and slow-footed halfcourt defense.
10. Orlando Magic (37-23) (11) Amazingly, Lewis has yet to have a 30-point outburst this year, but his impact has been felt in the way Turkoglu's been getting freed up for shots.
11. Golden State Warriors (34-22) (12) You see how valuable Stephen Jackson is to this team when you consider they went 0-6 without him to start the year and their most recent listless home loss to the Hawks.
12. Denver Nuggets (34-23) (9) I liked this team a lot better when Bzdelik was the coach. At least they played defense.
13. Toronto Raptors (32-24) (14) This team is so ridiculously deep at forward, Kapono doesn't even get any burn, and as you saw in the 3-point shootout, he is deadly from range.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers (32-26) (13) Wallace and Varejao together can't replace Gooden's scoring, and we're only talking 10 ppg.
15. Philadelphia 76ers (26-32) (18) They're gaining confidence the longer they stay in the playoff crawl...errr...race in the Eastern Conference.
16. Portland Trail Blazers (30-28) (15) Is it just me or does Oden look like one of those 40-year-old dads trying to stay hip with the mohawk?
17. Washington Wizards (27-30) (19) 23 points in one half? With Arenas and Butler, didn't that used to be Washington's point total in half a quarter?
18. New Jersey Nets (25-32) (17) If you're playing Fantasy, I'd invest in Harris right now. I get a feeling his value is about to SHOOT UP!
19. Sacramento Kings (26-31) (16) It's past the trading deadline and Artest is still there. Hopefully the Kings remember to take cover in case Hurricane Ron has another outburst.
20. Chicago Bulls (23-34) (20) So who's contract is worse? Larry Hughes or Ben Wallace? Shouldn't Paxson and Ferry be investigated for money laundering?
21. Atlanta Hawks (23-32) (21) On paper, this looks like a playoff team next year, possibly this year too if the Hawks can get consistent production from their front line.
22. Milwaukee Bucks (22-35) (23) Lately the Bucks have been playing the spoiler role as their shooters have found their touch again.
23. Indiana Pacers (22-36) (22) Wow, another criminal investigation involving a Pacer. And we thought Bird traded away all the problems when he dealt Artest and Jackson. How wrong we were.
24. Los Angeles Clippers (19-36) (24) And the most talked-about contract buyout has finally happened as Cassell is no longer a Clipper.
25. New York Knicks (18-39) (26) Lee and Robinson are like roses growing out of a gigantic pile of garbage.
26. Charlotte Bobcats (19-38) (25) Jordan should just stick to Nike, this is the second team he's completely run into the ground.
27. Seattle Supersonics (15-42) (27) The most exciting part of a bad team's season is about to begin. We get to find out how the Sonics survive the last 25 games with expiring contracts. Let the tanking begin!
28. Memphis Grizzlies (14-43) (28) Its a matter of time before Lowry finds a new address and a wonder he wasn't part of Memphis's garage sale.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (12-44) (29) Big Al is no joke, he's one of only six players to average a double-double in points in rebounds.
30. Miami Heat (10-44) (30) At long last, the losing streak is over! On a sider, why is Riley playing scrubs like Quinn and Barron and not playing Ricky Davis?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Week 16 NBA Rankings
1. Boston Celtics (41-11) (1) Boston tries playing at a fast pace and it costs them against two of the highest scoring teams in the NBA.
2. Detroit Pistons (39-15) (2) The Pistons get off to a rather inauspicious start as they get blown out at home by the Magic and fall behind by 21, failing to come back against the Bucks.
3. New Orleans Hornets (37-15) (3) On the same court with Jason Kidd, Paul puts on yet another masterful performance, nearly recording a triple double in points, assists and steals.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (37-17) (5) In the big showdown in Phoenix, Kobe got the better of Shaq and the Lakers clearly looked like the team more in synch in a game that could shift divisional leaders in the Pacific Division.
5. Phoenix Suns (37-17) (4) Well, the big fella played and at times looked dominant, but he must get in shape to keep up with Nash, Stoudamire and company.
6. San Antonio Spurs (35-17) (6) Getting Kurt Thomas is exactly what the Spurs needed, as they now have an enforcer who will battle the tougher PF's in the West to keep the pressure off Duncan.
7. Utah Jazz (35-19) (8) Keep an eye on Carlos Boozer, who's now day-to-day with a sore lower back.
8. Houston Rockets (33-20) (10) Even after winning nine straight games, the Rockets oddly sent their best reserve in Bonzi Wells to the divison rival Hornets in exchange for Bobby Jackson.
9. Denver Nuggets (33-20) (9) Winning at home against Boston was big, but a potential trade for Artest could be even bigger.
10. Dallas Mavericks (35-19) (7) Three words to sum up the deal: Kidd got worked! That's all for today.
11. Orlando Magic (34-22) (12) I want to thank Dwight Howard for putting on the best Slam Dunk Contest performance ever for a big man and raising the bar for creativity to new heights.
12. Golden State Warriors (33-21) (11) The league better be put on alert: Baron didn't make the Western Conference squad.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers (30-24) (13) Cleveland got a shooter, an instant-offense reserve, a defender, and an ex-3X defensive player of the year and all they had to give up was Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden.
14. Toronto Raptors (29-23) (14) Jamario Moon would have made the finals if they still did the six-man format in the Dunk Contest. His dunks were outrageous!
15. Portland Trail Blazers (28-25) (15) It was good to see Roy represent in the All-Star game, but his team has cooled off considerably and should now focus on next year while waiting for Oden to arrive.
16. Sacramento Kings (25-28) (16) The Kings were patient and got a decent return for Mike Bibby. Rebuilding teams can always use cap space.
17. New Jersey Nets (24-30) (18) As an added bonus to getting Devin Harris, the Nets got a 25-point game out of Marcus Williams in his second start after the Kidd trade.
18. Philadelphia 76ers (24-31) (20) Great day for Philly when they sign Cheeks to an extension and then proceed to thump the Knicks by 40.
19. Washington Wizards (25-28) (17) Washington better not fall too far with New Jersey and Philly right on their tails in the playoff race.
20. Chicago Bulls (21-31) (22) With Hughes and Gooden in the mix, the Bulls can now focus on rebuilding for next year.
21. Atlanta Hawks (21-30) (19) I thought the Bibby trade was supposed to make the Hawks better, now here they go losing six in a row, including dropping one to Mike's ex-team.
22. Indiana Pacers (21-33) (21) Well, the trading deadline has come and gone, so stay tuned for the offseason when the Pacers really do deal Jermaine.
23. Milwaukee Bucks (20-34) (23) Good for Charlie V for working his butt off after losing his job to Yi and again earning the starting role at PF.
24. Los Angeles Clippers (18-33) (24) The only suspense left in the Clippers' season is how many weeks it takes Brand to come back.
25. Charlotte Bobcats (19-35) (25) Wow, even in today's game with the no-contact rules, the Bobcats prove that you can still score below 70 points if you shoot bad enough.
26. New York Knicks (16-38) (26) The funny thing is, the 40-point loss to Philly wasn't even the Knicks' worst loss this season.
27. Seattle Supersonics (14-38) (28) All Seattle got for Wally and West was Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall??? Wow, between that and the "talent" they got for Kurt Thomas, you know a move is in the works.
28. Memphis Grizzlies (14-40) (27) Hakim Warrick is finally getting his chance to shine and doing quite well, scoring over 20 in four of his last five games since getting the starting job at PF in the wake of the Gasol trade.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (11-41) (29) That birthday cake dunk was the cheesiest thing I've ever seen!
30. Miami Heat (9-42) (30) It still boggles the mind that this is the same team two years removed from an NBA title.
2. Detroit Pistons (39-15) (2) The Pistons get off to a rather inauspicious start as they get blown out at home by the Magic and fall behind by 21, failing to come back against the Bucks.
3. New Orleans Hornets (37-15) (3) On the same court with Jason Kidd, Paul puts on yet another masterful performance, nearly recording a triple double in points, assists and steals.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (37-17) (5) In the big showdown in Phoenix, Kobe got the better of Shaq and the Lakers clearly looked like the team more in synch in a game that could shift divisional leaders in the Pacific Division.
5. Phoenix Suns (37-17) (4) Well, the big fella played and at times looked dominant, but he must get in shape to keep up with Nash, Stoudamire and company.
6. San Antonio Spurs (35-17) (6) Getting Kurt Thomas is exactly what the Spurs needed, as they now have an enforcer who will battle the tougher PF's in the West to keep the pressure off Duncan.
7. Utah Jazz (35-19) (8) Keep an eye on Carlos Boozer, who's now day-to-day with a sore lower back.
8. Houston Rockets (33-20) (10) Even after winning nine straight games, the Rockets oddly sent their best reserve in Bonzi Wells to the divison rival Hornets in exchange for Bobby Jackson.
9. Denver Nuggets (33-20) (9) Winning at home against Boston was big, but a potential trade for Artest could be even bigger.
10. Dallas Mavericks (35-19) (7) Three words to sum up the deal: Kidd got worked! That's all for today.
11. Orlando Magic (34-22) (12) I want to thank Dwight Howard for putting on the best Slam Dunk Contest performance ever for a big man and raising the bar for creativity to new heights.
12. Golden State Warriors (33-21) (11) The league better be put on alert: Baron didn't make the Western Conference squad.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers (30-24) (13) Cleveland got a shooter, an instant-offense reserve, a defender, and an ex-3X defensive player of the year and all they had to give up was Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden.
14. Toronto Raptors (29-23) (14) Jamario Moon would have made the finals if they still did the six-man format in the Dunk Contest. His dunks were outrageous!
15. Portland Trail Blazers (28-25) (15) It was good to see Roy represent in the All-Star game, but his team has cooled off considerably and should now focus on next year while waiting for Oden to arrive.
16. Sacramento Kings (25-28) (16) The Kings were patient and got a decent return for Mike Bibby. Rebuilding teams can always use cap space.
17. New Jersey Nets (24-30) (18) As an added bonus to getting Devin Harris, the Nets got a 25-point game out of Marcus Williams in his second start after the Kidd trade.
18. Philadelphia 76ers (24-31) (20) Great day for Philly when they sign Cheeks to an extension and then proceed to thump the Knicks by 40.
19. Washington Wizards (25-28) (17) Washington better not fall too far with New Jersey and Philly right on their tails in the playoff race.
20. Chicago Bulls (21-31) (22) With Hughes and Gooden in the mix, the Bulls can now focus on rebuilding for next year.
21. Atlanta Hawks (21-30) (19) I thought the Bibby trade was supposed to make the Hawks better, now here they go losing six in a row, including dropping one to Mike's ex-team.
22. Indiana Pacers (21-33) (21) Well, the trading deadline has come and gone, so stay tuned for the offseason when the Pacers really do deal Jermaine.
23. Milwaukee Bucks (20-34) (23) Good for Charlie V for working his butt off after losing his job to Yi and again earning the starting role at PF.
24. Los Angeles Clippers (18-33) (24) The only suspense left in the Clippers' season is how many weeks it takes Brand to come back.
25. Charlotte Bobcats (19-35) (25) Wow, even in today's game with the no-contact rules, the Bobcats prove that you can still score below 70 points if you shoot bad enough.
26. New York Knicks (16-38) (26) The funny thing is, the 40-point loss to Philly wasn't even the Knicks' worst loss this season.
27. Seattle Supersonics (14-38) (28) All Seattle got for Wally and West was Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall??? Wow, between that and the "talent" they got for Kurt Thomas, you know a move is in the works.
28. Memphis Grizzlies (14-40) (27) Hakim Warrick is finally getting his chance to shine and doing quite well, scoring over 20 in four of his last five games since getting the starting job at PF in the wake of the Gasol trade.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (11-41) (29) That birthday cake dunk was the cheesiest thing I've ever seen!
30. Miami Heat (9-42) (30) It still boggles the mind that this is the same team two years removed from an NBA title.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Week 15 NBA Rankings
1. Boston Celtics (40-9) (1) The combination of Scalabrine, Powe and Big Baby is doing more than it's fair share to ease the loss of KG.
2. Detroit Pistons (38-13) (2) They just keep quietly rolling along, winning nine in a row to stay well within striking distance of that top spot in the East.
3. New Orleans Hornets (35-15) (5) Everyone in the media's buzzing about the Lakers, Suns and Mavs and their big trades, but New Orleans remains in the thick of things after winning their second straight in Phoenix.
4. Phoenix Suns (36-15) (3) Shaq says all the right things, but is he really ready to take a backseat to Nash and Amare? Time will tell.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (34-17) (4) Frankly, I haven't seen Kobe this happy since 2002, and to think, Bynum isn't even back yet.
6. San Antonio Spurs (33-17) (8) I keep getting that feeling that they're just saving their energy for the second half, much like last year.
7. Dallas Mavericks (34-17) (7) Now Dallas is trying to keep up in the West! But did they give up too much for Kidd? Never a good idea to trade a PG who's more than 10 years younger and has a chance to be a top-tier guard by 28.
8. Utah Jazz (33-19) (6) And I hope every aspiring star learned a good lesson from Deron Williams. If you get snubbed and play out of your mind as a result, good things will happen as Williams gets on the team as an injury replacement.
9. Denver Nuggets (32-19) (10) And look who's right on Utah's heels again after four straight road wins and winning six of their last seven.
10. Houston Rockets (31-20) (12) 11 wins in their last 12 games, yet the Rockets still can't quite get over the hump and into that 8th seed.
11. Golden State Warriors (31-20) (11) What is the NBA coming to when Mickeal Pietrus starts making trade demands?
12. Orlando Magic (32-21) (9) Then again, it could be worse if you're a Magic fan and stuck with JJ Redick's griping. At least Pietrus has shown some level of talent in the NBA.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers (29-22) (13) LeBron can't do everything, that much is apparent, but they need Gooden and Varejao healthy for the stretch run, as they got dominated without them against Houston and Denver.
14. Toronto Raptors (27-23) (15) Great minds do think alike! I say Jamario's gonna jump over the moon two weeks ago and now he says he's got a dunk that will defy gravity! Stay Tuned...
15. Portland Trail Blazers (28-23) (14) The same early road magic that helped propel the Blazers on their 15-game winning streak seems to have deserted them lately.
16. Sacramento Kings (23-27) (16) All these Western Conference Bigwig teams are making moves, but the Kings' best move is to stand pat, let this group of young talent develop, and eventually hop into the playoff picture when all the good teams fall.
17. Washington Wizards (24-27) (17) Yet another Eastern Conference team with a big losing streak that's somehow still seeded. Just getting Butler and Arenas back may be enough for this team to trudge into the playoffs around the .500 mark.
18. New Jersey Nets (23-29) (20) Getting Harris, Stackhouse and a few expiring contracts is a great long-term move for New Jersey. Now all they gotta do is trade Vince and Jefferson and they'll have even more cap room.
19. Atlanta Hawks (21-27) (18) What if the Suns are playing on the same day as the "overtime redo" game the Hawks play against the Heat? Can Shaq be in two places at once?
20. Philadelphia 76ers (22-30) (21) So with the Nets rebuilding and no other team making any real move for the final spot, could this young Sixers team actually make the playoffs and thus be a year ahead of schedule?
21. Indiana Pacers (21-31) (24) One of the few bright spots has been the strong-but-largely-unnoticed play of Danny Granger. Good thing this fantasy owner notices.
22. Chicago Bulls (21-32) (19) The funny thing is, the Bulls were in a similar position two years ago when they caught fire down the stretch and snuck into the playoffs as a 7th seed.
23. Milwaukee Bucks (19-33) (22) Look at it this way, Milwaukee, you still have two months before the Brewers' season starts and you still have good beer and cheese.
24. Los Angeles Clippers (17-32) (25) I wonder if Cassell was going Tonya Harding on Rondo, who he may have to back up in a couple weeks once the Clippers put him on waivers.
25. Charlotte Bobcats (18-34) (23) As the injuries and losses pile up, the 'Cats can look forward to another year in lottery-land.
26. New York Knicks (15-36) (26) You know it's getting bad when this team is joyously celebrating a one-point road win in Milwaukee.
27. Memphis Grizzlies (14-37) (27) I'll give Rudy Gay this: at least he has the foresight to get suggestions through YouTube instead of stealing other players' dunks, as Slam Dunk competitors have done in the past.
28. Seattle Supersonics (13-37) (29) Oklahoma City Supersonics? Keep them in Seattle, let the Utah Jazz hold their reign as the team with the most puzzling nickname in the NBA.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (10-40) (29) How does McHale defend trading Garnett without TWolves fans throwing him through a plate-glass window?
30. Miami Heat (9-41) (30) This team is either really bad, snakebitten, or both, but the losing never seems to stop. And how does Riley not get any draft picks for Shaq?
2. Detroit Pistons (38-13) (2) They just keep quietly rolling along, winning nine in a row to stay well within striking distance of that top spot in the East.
3. New Orleans Hornets (35-15) (5) Everyone in the media's buzzing about the Lakers, Suns and Mavs and their big trades, but New Orleans remains in the thick of things after winning their second straight in Phoenix.
4. Phoenix Suns (36-15) (3) Shaq says all the right things, but is he really ready to take a backseat to Nash and Amare? Time will tell.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (34-17) (4) Frankly, I haven't seen Kobe this happy since 2002, and to think, Bynum isn't even back yet.
6. San Antonio Spurs (33-17) (8) I keep getting that feeling that they're just saving their energy for the second half, much like last year.
7. Dallas Mavericks (34-17) (7) Now Dallas is trying to keep up in the West! But did they give up too much for Kidd? Never a good idea to trade a PG who's more than 10 years younger and has a chance to be a top-tier guard by 28.
8. Utah Jazz (33-19) (6) And I hope every aspiring star learned a good lesson from Deron Williams. If you get snubbed and play out of your mind as a result, good things will happen as Williams gets on the team as an injury replacement.
9. Denver Nuggets (32-19) (10) And look who's right on Utah's heels again after four straight road wins and winning six of their last seven.
10. Houston Rockets (31-20) (12) 11 wins in their last 12 games, yet the Rockets still can't quite get over the hump and into that 8th seed.
11. Golden State Warriors (31-20) (11) What is the NBA coming to when Mickeal Pietrus starts making trade demands?
12. Orlando Magic (32-21) (9) Then again, it could be worse if you're a Magic fan and stuck with JJ Redick's griping. At least Pietrus has shown some level of talent in the NBA.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers (29-22) (13) LeBron can't do everything, that much is apparent, but they need Gooden and Varejao healthy for the stretch run, as they got dominated without them against Houston and Denver.
14. Toronto Raptors (27-23) (15) Great minds do think alike! I say Jamario's gonna jump over the moon two weeks ago and now he says he's got a dunk that will defy gravity! Stay Tuned...
15. Portland Trail Blazers (28-23) (14) The same early road magic that helped propel the Blazers on their 15-game winning streak seems to have deserted them lately.
16. Sacramento Kings (23-27) (16) All these Western Conference Bigwig teams are making moves, but the Kings' best move is to stand pat, let this group of young talent develop, and eventually hop into the playoff picture when all the good teams fall.
17. Washington Wizards (24-27) (17) Yet another Eastern Conference team with a big losing streak that's somehow still seeded. Just getting Butler and Arenas back may be enough for this team to trudge into the playoffs around the .500 mark.
18. New Jersey Nets (23-29) (20) Getting Harris, Stackhouse and a few expiring contracts is a great long-term move for New Jersey. Now all they gotta do is trade Vince and Jefferson and they'll have even more cap room.
19. Atlanta Hawks (21-27) (18) What if the Suns are playing on the same day as the "overtime redo" game the Hawks play against the Heat? Can Shaq be in two places at once?
20. Philadelphia 76ers (22-30) (21) So with the Nets rebuilding and no other team making any real move for the final spot, could this young Sixers team actually make the playoffs and thus be a year ahead of schedule?
21. Indiana Pacers (21-31) (24) One of the few bright spots has been the strong-but-largely-unnoticed play of Danny Granger. Good thing this fantasy owner notices.
22. Chicago Bulls (21-32) (19) The funny thing is, the Bulls were in a similar position two years ago when they caught fire down the stretch and snuck into the playoffs as a 7th seed.
23. Milwaukee Bucks (19-33) (22) Look at it this way, Milwaukee, you still have two months before the Brewers' season starts and you still have good beer and cheese.
24. Los Angeles Clippers (17-32) (25) I wonder if Cassell was going Tonya Harding on Rondo, who he may have to back up in a couple weeks once the Clippers put him on waivers.
25. Charlotte Bobcats (18-34) (23) As the injuries and losses pile up, the 'Cats can look forward to another year in lottery-land.
26. New York Knicks (15-36) (26) You know it's getting bad when this team is joyously celebrating a one-point road win in Milwaukee.
27. Memphis Grizzlies (14-37) (27) I'll give Rudy Gay this: at least he has the foresight to get suggestions through YouTube instead of stealing other players' dunks, as Slam Dunk competitors have done in the past.
28. Seattle Supersonics (13-37) (29) Oklahoma City Supersonics? Keep them in Seattle, let the Utah Jazz hold their reign as the team with the most puzzling nickname in the NBA.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (10-40) (29) How does McHale defend trading Garnett without TWolves fans throwing him through a plate-glass window?
30. Miami Heat (9-41) (30) This team is either really bad, snakebitten, or both, but the losing never seems to stop. And how does Riley not get any draft picks for Shaq?
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Week 14 NBA Rankings
1. Boston Celtics (36-9) (3) Garnett's MVP argument may have picked up steam, as the Celtics aren't nearly the same defensively without him.
2. Detroit Pistons (34-13) (4) Detroit got a statement home win on Super Bowl Sunday by dominating the Mavs with Sheed doing a bulk of the damage.
3. Phoenix Suns (34-14) (2) Is it just me, or did Steve Kerr just hit the panic button? #1 Shaq isn't nearly the same player he was even three years ago and #2 last I checked, Phoenix is a running team and Shaq is aging, out of shape and has a bad hip. Hopefully for the Suns' sake he flunks his physical.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (31-16) (7) The Lakers' offense just got a lot more potent with Gasol arriving. Kobe must be thrilled that he can get away with a 6-point game and his team still wins comfortably.
5. New Orleans Hornets (32-15) (1) BAM! Just like that, the 9-game winning streak comes to a halt as the Hornets' defense surrenders over 110 points in 3 straight games.
6. Utah Jazz (31-18) (6) Easy Deron! Easy! Lets just say Paul got thoroughlly owned, being outscored 29-6 and out-assisted 11-6. As for Williams, you'll get that All-Star berth next year! Coaches can't sleep on you forever!
7. Dallas Mavericks (32-15) (5) Dirk's gotta play tougher if this team wants to erase the bitterness of last year's meltdown. Sheed just flat out dominated him!
8. San Antonio Spurs (30-16) (9) As long as the D keeps locking folks down, they can ease their way through this offensive funk and start their usual 2nd half surge.
9. Orlando Magic (31-19) (8) Benching Nelson may have to do for now, as he's got to start living up to his contract sooner or later.
10. Denver Nuggets (29-18) (14) Beating Portland was big, but Denver now must win against Utah to stay in a divisional race that figures to come down to the last week of the season.
11. Golden State Warriors (29-19) (10) Will we ever know what Webber paid CJ Watson to get his #4 back?
12. Houston Rockets (28-20) (12) If Yao and Yi had met up a month earlier and McGrady had the same 33-point game, he'd probably be a starter on the All-Star team right now.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers (27-20) (11) LeBron does in the Celtics again, giving his team loads of confidence should these two meet up again with higher stakes.
14. Portland Trail Blazers (27-20) (13) As hard as they try, there's only so much you can do when Iverson or LeBron wants the ball in the closing seconds.
15. Toronto Raptors (26-21) (16) TJ will have to work to get his starting job back with Calderon owning folks while he was recovering.
16. Sacramento Kings (22-24) (17) Theus deserves a lot of credit for keeping this team afloat while its three stars missed time with injuries/suspensions.
17. Washington Wizards (24-23) (15) Lets hold all that "they're better without Arenas" talk, because the Wiz won't beat anyone if they play sloppy on defense.
18. Atlanta Hawks (20-24) (18) They're still in the playoff race and inexplicably still haven't traded Josh Childress for a good PG.
19. Chicago Bulls (19-28) (20) Noah is making the most out of his starts with Smith out, doing wonders for his confidence.
20. New Jersey Nets (20-28) (22) Well, the Nets made a huge deal this week. They got Stromile Swift for Jason Collins. Yippee!
21. Philadelphia 76ers (19-30) (24) Young and Carney continue to shine when given the chance and the Sixers' future looks bright with them stepping their games up.
22. Milwaukee Bucks (19-30) (23) Yi blew the one chance he had to give the Bucks' season meaning by not showing up against Yao.
23. Charlotte Bobcats (18-31) (19) The bottom line is it's very hard to win when your bench can't produce any offense.
24. Indiana Pacers (19-30) (21) Could O'Neal really be that hurt or is he just trying to tank the Pacers' season?
25. Los Angeles Clippers (15-30) (26) Maybe the Clippers should ask their fans to play while they continue to miss half the roster with injuries.
26. New York Knicks (14-34) (25) The minute I pick up Nate Robinson, he goes 0-for-9! I am a jinx on some of these waiver-wire guys!
27. Memphis Grizzlies (13-35) (27) They maybe terrible now, but in three years, the Grizz may reap the benefits from trading Gasol.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (10-37) (30) So will the fans boo or cheer KG when he comes back to the Twin Cities in his soopafly blazer?
29. Seattle Supersonics (12-36) (28) Durant with another game winner! He just keeps getting better and better folks!
30. Miami Heat (9-37) (29) At least with Marion, a healthy Wade has an open-floor running mate. Now they just need ten more players who can actually do something.
2. Detroit Pistons (34-13) (4) Detroit got a statement home win on Super Bowl Sunday by dominating the Mavs with Sheed doing a bulk of the damage.
3. Phoenix Suns (34-14) (2) Is it just me, or did Steve Kerr just hit the panic button? #1 Shaq isn't nearly the same player he was even three years ago and #2 last I checked, Phoenix is a running team and Shaq is aging, out of shape and has a bad hip. Hopefully for the Suns' sake he flunks his physical.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (31-16) (7) The Lakers' offense just got a lot more potent with Gasol arriving. Kobe must be thrilled that he can get away with a 6-point game and his team still wins comfortably.
5. New Orleans Hornets (32-15) (1) BAM! Just like that, the 9-game winning streak comes to a halt as the Hornets' defense surrenders over 110 points in 3 straight games.
6. Utah Jazz (31-18) (6) Easy Deron! Easy! Lets just say Paul got thoroughlly owned, being outscored 29-6 and out-assisted 11-6. As for Williams, you'll get that All-Star berth next year! Coaches can't sleep on you forever!
7. Dallas Mavericks (32-15) (5) Dirk's gotta play tougher if this team wants to erase the bitterness of last year's meltdown. Sheed just flat out dominated him!
8. San Antonio Spurs (30-16) (9) As long as the D keeps locking folks down, they can ease their way through this offensive funk and start their usual 2nd half surge.
9. Orlando Magic (31-19) (8) Benching Nelson may have to do for now, as he's got to start living up to his contract sooner or later.
10. Denver Nuggets (29-18) (14) Beating Portland was big, but Denver now must win against Utah to stay in a divisional race that figures to come down to the last week of the season.
11. Golden State Warriors (29-19) (10) Will we ever know what Webber paid CJ Watson to get his #4 back?
12. Houston Rockets (28-20) (12) If Yao and Yi had met up a month earlier and McGrady had the same 33-point game, he'd probably be a starter on the All-Star team right now.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers (27-20) (11) LeBron does in the Celtics again, giving his team loads of confidence should these two meet up again with higher stakes.
14. Portland Trail Blazers (27-20) (13) As hard as they try, there's only so much you can do when Iverson or LeBron wants the ball in the closing seconds.
15. Toronto Raptors (26-21) (16) TJ will have to work to get his starting job back with Calderon owning folks while he was recovering.
16. Sacramento Kings (22-24) (17) Theus deserves a lot of credit for keeping this team afloat while its three stars missed time with injuries/suspensions.
17. Washington Wizards (24-23) (15) Lets hold all that "they're better without Arenas" talk, because the Wiz won't beat anyone if they play sloppy on defense.
18. Atlanta Hawks (20-24) (18) They're still in the playoff race and inexplicably still haven't traded Josh Childress for a good PG.
19. Chicago Bulls (19-28) (20) Noah is making the most out of his starts with Smith out, doing wonders for his confidence.
20. New Jersey Nets (20-28) (22) Well, the Nets made a huge deal this week. They got Stromile Swift for Jason Collins. Yippee!
21. Philadelphia 76ers (19-30) (24) Young and Carney continue to shine when given the chance and the Sixers' future looks bright with them stepping their games up.
22. Milwaukee Bucks (19-30) (23) Yi blew the one chance he had to give the Bucks' season meaning by not showing up against Yao.
23. Charlotte Bobcats (18-31) (19) The bottom line is it's very hard to win when your bench can't produce any offense.
24. Indiana Pacers (19-30) (21) Could O'Neal really be that hurt or is he just trying to tank the Pacers' season?
25. Los Angeles Clippers (15-30) (26) Maybe the Clippers should ask their fans to play while they continue to miss half the roster with injuries.
26. New York Knicks (14-34) (25) The minute I pick up Nate Robinson, he goes 0-for-9! I am a jinx on some of these waiver-wire guys!
27. Memphis Grizzlies (13-35) (27) They maybe terrible now, but in three years, the Grizz may reap the benefits from trading Gasol.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (10-37) (30) So will the fans boo or cheer KG when he comes back to the Twin Cities in his soopafly blazer?
29. Seattle Supersonics (12-36) (28) Durant with another game winner! He just keeps getting better and better folks!
30. Miami Heat (9-37) (29) At least with Marion, a healthy Wade has an open-floor running mate. Now they just need ten more players who can actually do something.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Super Bowl XLII Prediction
Super Bowl XLII
New England vs. New York Giants
Line: Patriots by 12
This Super Bowl is for history, as the Patriots have a chance to accomplish something that has no team has ever accomplished: a 19-0 season. Winning the Super Bowl will immortalize the Patriots with the 72 Dolphins and the 34 Bears as the only teams to finish a season completely unscathed. It will certainly open the debate for this team being perhaps the greatest ever. All that stands in their way is a resilient Giants team that used and end-of-season loss to the Patriots as motivation to surge through the NFC as the surprise representative. They beat the Packers and Cowboys in resilient fashion to get there and their QB showed championship poise to deliver the Giants to their fourth appearance in the big game. Eli will have to again play a perfect game if his Giants are to stand a chance against this Pats team. That means making the smart throws he's been making and giving the ball to Jacobs and Bradshaw as much as possible. It also means spreading the field by getting Steve Smith and Kevin Boss involved in the middle along with Toomer and Burress on the outside. If the Giants' protection holds, Manning could make plays, but he needs to be wary of Samuel and Hobbs, who are opportunistic CB's who can take advantage of poorly-placed throws. Defensively, the Giants have to get pressure on Brady. They have a diverse enough pass-rush to give Brady the same kind of problems teams like Baltimore and Philadelphia did in the regular season. What New England has shown teams, though is that on Brady's worst day, they have enough of a rushing attack to move the football. Laurence Maroney has two consecutive 100-yard rushing games and Kevin Faulk remains a huge 3rd down weapon. The Giants will be game, but they just won't have enough on defense to stop the never-ending dimension of the Patriots' offense. Patriots 37, Giants 27
Conference Championship Games vs Spread: 2-0
Conference Championship Games Straight Up: 1-1
Season vs Spread: 137-124-9
Season Straight up: 169-81
New England vs. New York Giants
Line: Patriots by 12
This Super Bowl is for history, as the Patriots have a chance to accomplish something that has no team has ever accomplished: a 19-0 season. Winning the Super Bowl will immortalize the Patriots with the 72 Dolphins and the 34 Bears as the only teams to finish a season completely unscathed. It will certainly open the debate for this team being perhaps the greatest ever. All that stands in their way is a resilient Giants team that used and end-of-season loss to the Patriots as motivation to surge through the NFC as the surprise representative. They beat the Packers and Cowboys in resilient fashion to get there and their QB showed championship poise to deliver the Giants to their fourth appearance in the big game. Eli will have to again play a perfect game if his Giants are to stand a chance against this Pats team. That means making the smart throws he's been making and giving the ball to Jacobs and Bradshaw as much as possible. It also means spreading the field by getting Steve Smith and Kevin Boss involved in the middle along with Toomer and Burress on the outside. If the Giants' protection holds, Manning could make plays, but he needs to be wary of Samuel and Hobbs, who are opportunistic CB's who can take advantage of poorly-placed throws. Defensively, the Giants have to get pressure on Brady. They have a diverse enough pass-rush to give Brady the same kind of problems teams like Baltimore and Philadelphia did in the regular season. What New England has shown teams, though is that on Brady's worst day, they have enough of a rushing attack to move the football. Laurence Maroney has two consecutive 100-yard rushing games and Kevin Faulk remains a huge 3rd down weapon. The Giants will be game, but they just won't have enough on defense to stop the never-ending dimension of the Patriots' offense. Patriots 37, Giants 27
Conference Championship Games vs Spread: 2-0
Conference Championship Games Straight Up: 1-1
Season vs Spread: 137-124-9
Season Straight up: 169-81
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