Thursday, April 29, 2010
#8 Canadiens send #1 Capitals home early 2-1 in Game 7
WASHINGTON- Capitals fans may never recover from this one, Alex Ovechkin may not either.The Capitals the NHL's best team in the regular season by far pulled off an epic collapse. After coming out winning 3 of the first 4 in the series, the Capitals lost their way. Montreal stormed back winning the next 3 games in stunning fashion. The Canadiens finished off the upset last night with a 2-1 win in Washington. This is the first time ever a #1 seed has lost a series to a #8 seed after holding a 3-1 series lead. Up next for the upstart Canadiens of Montreal: The Defending Stanley Cup Champs, Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Celtics dispose of Heat in Game 5 96-86
BOSTON- The Celtics may be hitting their groove. After dropping Game 4 in Miami, Paul Pierce and company wanted to finish the series off at home. Boston was led by Ray Allen, who has found new life in the Playoffs, with 24 points. But the star of the night was Rajon Rondo. Rondo had 16 points, 8 rebounds, 12 assists, and 4 steals. When Rondo stuffs the stat line like that the Celtics are tough to beat. Miami's Dwayne Wade led the Heat with 31, but the rest of his teammates didn't give him much of a hand. Now Wade heads into an off season uncertain what the future holds. Wade is one of many big-name free agents this off season.
LeBron's elbow has Cavs fans on edge
CLEVELAND- The most famous elbow in the world right now is grabbing all the headlines nation wide, and has Cleveland fans nervous. LeBron James elbow is even tweeting at this point saying "Please tell the world I will be fine. I am part of the hammer and the hammer is strong." and "Good night world. LBJ is snoring as usual and I am not looking forward 2 a day of being shoved in a MRI machine. I better get Dairy Queen." When you ask LeBron about injuries he always responds with "I'm a football player". He's almost Jim Brown like (Brown used to get up slowly after every play so that his opponents never knew if he was hurt). I don't think anything but losing a limb can stop the L-Train on his mission for a championship. He stated after game 5 all is well with the elbow and that he will be ready for the Celtics come Saturday.
Lebron; Cavs close out Bulls in Game 5 nailbiter 96-94
CLEVELAND- Well Cleveland. If I told you LeBron would only have 3 points at halftime and your team would be up by 7 you would probably say "Your out of your mind". But that was the case last night. LeBron was doing everything but scoring, maybe the Bulls double-team helped, but the King made sure his teammates made them pay. Antawn Jamison led all Cavalier scorers with 25 points and Shaq pitched in with 14. LeBron got his as well going for 16 of his 19 points in the second half. James nearly missed his 2nd consecutive triple finishing with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. James did seem to be bothered by games end by his elbow. As he went to the line for Free Throws, he shot the first and then seemed so bothered that he went ahead and shot the second left handed. James did miss the left handed attempt. Regardless the King says he is fine and will be ready for Game 1 of the semi-finals Saturday against the Celtics.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Cavaliers; LeBron rebound from game 3 loss with Dominating Game 4 Win
CHICAGO- After coming off a Game 3 loss the Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James came into game 4 extremely focused and ready to make good on his promise to elevate his game in these Playoffs. Not only did he elevate, he took off full force. James led all scorers with 37 points, but he also chimed in for 12 rebounds and 11 assists to earn his fifth career triple-double.
The Cavaliers led by 10 at the half with a 38 point explosion in the second quarter. they followed that up with a 37 point third quarter to blow open a 23-point lead 99-76. Chicago did play well getting 21 points and 20 rebounds from Joakim Noah, but Cleveland came out roaring and looked like the top seed in the Playoffs for the first time this post season. Cleveland comes home up 3-1 in the best of seven series. Game 5 is Tuesday night 8pm and LeBron and Company look to wrap it up at home.
The Cavaliers led by 10 at the half with a 38 point explosion in the second quarter. they followed that up with a 37 point third quarter to blow open a 23-point lead 99-76. Chicago did play well getting 21 points and 20 rebounds from Joakim Noah, but Cleveland came out roaring and looked like the top seed in the Playoffs for the first time this post season. Cleveland comes home up 3-1 in the best of seven series. Game 5 is Tuesday night 8pm and LeBron and Company look to wrap it up at home.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
NCAA will expand Men's Basketball Tourney from 65 to 68
The NCAA announced this afternoon that they will expand the tourney from 65 teams to 68 teams beginning next year. They also announced that they agreed to a $10.8 billion dollar broadcasting deal with Turner Broadcasting and CBS that will allow them to broadcast every tournament game live for the first time ever. How it will breakdown on the networks is as follows: Everything through the second round will be shown nationally on the four networks (CBS, TBS, TNT, truTV). CBS and Turner will split coverage of the regional semifinal games, while CBS will have exclusive rights to the regional finals, the Final Four and the championship game through 2015.
MLB Season in Full Swing!! Early Season Predictions!!
Spring is in the air and that means that Baseball is back!! The 2010 campaign is underway and the Paisan has his early season predictions on Division Winner's, Wildcard's, and World Series Champs! Here's the rundown.
AL East
1. Tampa Bay Rays
2. New York Yankees
3. Boston Red Sox
4. Toronto Blue Jays
5. Baltimore Orioles
AL Central
1. Minnesota Twins
2. Detroit Tigers
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Cleveland Indians
AL West
1. Seattle Mariners
2. LA Angels
3. Texas Rangers
4. Oakland Athletics
AL Division Winners: Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins, and Seattle Mariners
AL Wild Card: New York Yankees
AL Champion: Tampa Bay Rays
NL East
1. Philadelphia Phillies
2. Atlanta Braves
3. Florida Marlins
4. New York Mets
5. Washington Nationals
NL Central
1. St. Louis Cardinals
2. Milwaukee Brewers
3. Chicago Cubs
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
5. Houston Astros
6. Cincinnati Reds
NL West
1. Colorado Rockies
2. LA Dodgers
3.San Francisco Giants
4. San Diego Padres
5. Arizona Diamondbacks
NL Division Winners: Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Colorado Rockies
NL Wild Card: Atlanta Braves
NL Champion: St. Louis Cardinals
World Series: St. Louis Cardinals vs Tampa Bay Rays
World Series Champion: Tampa Bay Rays
World Series MVP: Evan Longoria
Tampa Bay has all the pieces in place to take the World Series title. This will probably be the last year this group of Rays gets a crack at it all together. They have the Pitching, Hitting, and Speed and are poised to make a deep run come October.
AL East
1. Tampa Bay Rays
2. New York Yankees
3. Boston Red Sox
4. Toronto Blue Jays
5. Baltimore Orioles
AL Central
1. Minnesota Twins
2. Detroit Tigers
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Cleveland Indians
AL West
1. Seattle Mariners
2. LA Angels
3. Texas Rangers
4. Oakland Athletics
AL Division Winners: Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins, and Seattle Mariners
AL Wild Card: New York Yankees
AL Champion: Tampa Bay Rays
NL East
1. Philadelphia Phillies
2. Atlanta Braves
3. Florida Marlins
4. New York Mets
5. Washington Nationals
NL Central
1. St. Louis Cardinals
2. Milwaukee Brewers
3. Chicago Cubs
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
5. Houston Astros
6. Cincinnati Reds
NL West
1. Colorado Rockies
2. LA Dodgers
3.San Francisco Giants
4. San Diego Padres
5. Arizona Diamondbacks
NL Division Winners: Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Colorado Rockies
NL Wild Card: Atlanta Braves
NL Champion: St. Louis Cardinals
World Series: St. Louis Cardinals vs Tampa Bay Rays
World Series Champion: Tampa Bay Rays
World Series MVP: Evan Longoria
Tampa Bay has all the pieces in place to take the World Series title. This will probably be the last year this group of Rays gets a crack at it all together. They have the Pitching, Hitting, and Speed and are poised to make a deep run come October.
Roethlisberger Suspended 6 Games by NFL
Pittsburgh Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been suspended by the NFL for the first six games of the 2010 season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. The suspension stems from Roethlisberger's incident in a Georgia nightclub in March. Roethlisberger was accused of sexual assault by a 20-year old college student but was never formally charged with any crime. Roethlisberger was also ordered to undergo behavioral evaluation as well. He is barred from participating in any off season activities until evaluation is complete. As long as he is cleared by the evaluators he will be able to participate in Training Camp and Pre-Season Games.
It has also been reported that the Steelers have begun contacting teams in the top ten of the draft about potential deals involving Roethlisberger. Teams believed to be contacted are the Raiders, Bills, Jaguars, 49ers, Seahawks, Rams, and Browns. It is believed that the Rams and Bills have already stated that they are not interested. The interest of the other teams is not known. We will continue to monitor the situation through the coming days.
Western Conference 1st Round Analysis and Predictions
The Western Conference is again the power Conference. The West is very talented boasting the like of the Lakers, Nuggets, Spurs, Mavericks, Jazz, Trailblazers, Suns, and Thunder.Besides the Thunder the other seven teams have legitimate chances to make a run to the Finals. But beware before jumping on any other bandwagon when the Mamba is lurking. Lakers are still the favorite.
(1) LA Lakers vs (8) Oklahoma City Thunder
(1) LA Lakers
The defending NBA champs are here. Kobe and company are locked and loaded and ready for another run at a championship. With the acquisition of Ron Artest in the off season the Lakers sent a statement to the league that Defense is a priority. The Lakers are a talented bunch with a great starting five (Gasol, Bryant, Bynum, Fisher, and Artest), and a great sixth man in Lamar Odom. The question is the rest of the supporting cast. Vujacic is out with an injury so it will be interesting to see who Phil Jackson plugs into the rotation. Adam Morrisson anyone?
(8) Oklahoma City Thunder
I have one word for you, Durantula. Kevin Durant is a beast period. Durant is coming off his best year as a pro (30.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.8 apg) and led the young Thunder to their 1st ever playoff birth. Led by Scott Brooks the Thunder have over achieved and matured throughout the season. They have a talented but young core of players with Durant, Westbrook, and Green, but no playoff experience. The unfortunate thing is they draw the Lakers in round 1. Look for the Thunder to continue to improve the next few years and be a strong contender in the West.
Paisan's Series Prediction: Durant can score almost at will, but the Lakers lock down Westbrook and the rest of the Thunder. Lakers 4-0
(2) Dallas Mavericks vs (7) San Antonio Spurs
(2) Dallas Mavericks
Dallas has the look of a team on a mission. With the mid-season trade that brought in Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood from Washington, Dallas looked to solidify itself as a major threat to the Lakers and Nuggets out west. Nowitzki is coming off another very good year, and Terry has again been huge as a sixth man once again. and lets not forget the ageless wonder in PG Jason Kidd. Let's not be fooled Kidd makes this team take off. The key is can Carlisle get these guys over the hump. He struggled with managing the egos in Detroit, can he do it in Dallas?
(7) San Antonio Spurs
Its hard to believe that San Antonio is a 7 seed out the West, but that just shows you how deep this conference is. Even as a seven seed you never can count out the Spurs. With Duncan, Ginobli, and Parker not to mention a great coach in Popovich the Spurs are a threat to anyone in the West. The one concern with this team is aging. They are not getting any younger and their best days are maybe behind them. Regardless they will fight till the bitter end and be a tough out in the Playoffs.
Paisan's Series Prediction: These teams really hate each other all the way down to the owners Holt and Cuban. Should be one of the more entertaining 1st round series.
Mavericks 4-3
(3)Phoenix Suns vs (6) Portland Trailblazers
(3) Phoenix Suns
The trade that never happened was the best thing that happened to the Suns season. After almost shipping out Amare Stoudemire before the trade deadline, Phoenix stood pat and surged to the three seed of the Western Conference. They have a good starting five and some decent help coming off the bench. What I like about Phoenix is they have the ability to run and shoot the lights out. Steve Nash is the engine that makes this car purr. If he's on then watch out, they'll be flying all over the court.
(6) Portland Trailblazers
Portland got bit. Yes, you heard me right the Blazers were bit by the injury bug right before seasons end when Brandon Roy injured his knee. Roy will be out the 1st round after having surgery to repair the meniscus in his knee. Its kind of hard to be positive about a team that's lacking their star player, but Portland will attempt to get out of the first round without Roy. If Portland can pull an upset here then Roy could return for round two. I just think it will be tough for these guys without him.
Paisan's Series Prediction: Suns too much for wounded Blazers, Suns 4-1
(4) Denver Nuggets vs (5) Utah Jazz
(4) Denver Nuggets
The Denver enter the playoffs without their leader. George Karl has been out getting treatment for throat cancer and no team has missed their coach more than the Nuggets. At times during the second half of the season it seemed these guys were on the verge of self destructing. But with team leaders Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony Denver was able to harness the reigns and get back on track. The Nuggets are very dangerous with formidable bigs and sharp shooting behind the 3-point arc. If this team plays hard they are tough to beat. The question is which Nuggets team will we get?
(5) Utah Jazz
Poor, poor Utah. No team has been hit harder by injuries late in the year than the Jazz. But no matter who goes down Coach Jerry Sloan keeps finding bodies to plug in and keep winning. With Boozer and Kirilenko banged up Utah will look to Milsap and Okur to step in and step up. Deron Williams is a top-3 point guard in the NBA and can distribute the ball nicely, but also can shoot when needed. Utah played very well after the All-Star break and seems to be in stride heading into the Playoffs.
Paisan's Series Prediction: This series will be a battle and Utah won't go easy, but the Nuggets get in gear and "Mr. Big Shot" and Melo get the Nuggets to round 2. Nuggets 4-2
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
2010 NFL DRAFT Mock Draft
Ahhh yes the NFL Draft is upon us and the smell of optimism reigns throughout all NFL cities. For now everyone is off to a fresh start and last season is a mere afterthought. The 2010 NFL Draft is regarded as one of the deepest drafts in recent history. Teams are stockpiling picks trying to build with young talent. With the uncapped year teams have been waiting on the draft instead of going out and signing restricted and un-restricted free-agents to contracts. With the draft less than 48 hours away lets break down the 1st round barring any trades:
1. St. Louis Rams- Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma
2. Detroit Lions- Gerald McCoy, DT Oklahoma
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- N'damukong Suh, DT Nebraska
4. Washington Redskins- Russel Okung, T Oklahoma State
5. Kansas City Chiefs- Bryan Bulaga, T Iowa
6.Seattle Seahawks- CJ Spiller, HB Clemson
7. Cleveland Browns- Eric Berry, S Tennessee
8. Oakland Raiders- Trent Williams, T Oklahoma
9. Buffalo Bills- Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame
10. Jacksonville Jaguars- Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State
11. Denver Broncos- Rolando McClain, LB Alabama
12. Miami Dolphins- Earl Thomas, S Texas
13. San Francisco 49ers- Anthony Davis, T Rutgers
14. Seattle Seahawks- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE USF
15. New York Giants- Joe Haden, CB Florida
16. Tennessee Titans- Derrick Morgan, DE Georgia Tech
17.San Francisco 49ers- Kareem Jackson, CB Alabama
18. Pittsburgh Steelers- Brandon Lafell, WR LSU
19, Atlanta Falcons- Dan Williams, DT Tennessee
20. Houston Texans- Taylor Mays, S USC
21. Cincinnati Bengals- Jermaine Gresham, TE Oklahoma
22. New England Patriots- Brandon Graham, LB Michigan
23. Green Bay Packers- Bruce Campbell, T Maryland
24. Philadelphia Eagles- Nate Allen, S USF
25. Baltimore Ravens- Kylie Wilson, CB Boise State
26. Arizona Cardinals- Arrelious Benn, WR Illinois
27. Dallas Cowboys- Rodger Saffold, T Indiana
28. San Diego Chargers- Ryan Matthews, HB Fresno State
29. New York Jets- Daryl Washington, LB TCU
30. Minnesota Viking- Jared Odrick, DT Penn State
31. Indianapolis Colts- Maurkice Pouncey, C Florida
32. New Orleans Saints- Sean Weatherspoon, LB Missouri
NBA Playoffs are Underway!! Eastern Conference 1st Round Analysis and Predictions
Well we are now underway with the NBA Playoffs! The Playoffs are times when Champions are made and Dreams are shattered. Today we will take a look at the Eastern Conferences series. Round 1 to the eye looks like it could be very predictable. The Conference is very Top Heavy. The top four teams are very strong going in (Cleveland, Orlando, Atlanta, and Boston) and the the last four all kind of scratched and clawed their way in (Miami, Milwaukee, Charlotte, and Chicago). So let's get started:
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Chicago Bulls
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers come off another record year of wins. Standing at the top of the Eastern Conference and a top the NBA overall standings with a record of 61-21 earning Home Court throughout the Playoffs and Finals. Powered by the 2009 MVP LeBron James Cleveland is poised to make a deep run in these Playoffs. Cleveland upgraded its roster more than anyone in the NBA after falling short last year versus Orlando. Adding Shaquille O'neal, Anthony Parker, Antawn Jamison, Jamario Moon, and Leon Powe to the roster. Cleveland really struggled against the size of Dwight Howard and most of their moves were to match up with Dwight and his Magic.
This is also James' last year of his contract, so the pressure is on Cleveland to get to the promised land soon rather than later. No one knows what the future holds after July 1, 2010.
(2) Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls come off quite an up and down season. The supposed altercation between Coach DelNegro and GM John Paxson has been a huge distraction entering the Playoffs. But Chicago does boasts stud PG Derrick Rose who can make it happen from anywhere on the court. Rose is one of the best point guards to hit the scene in years. Rose is a talent that gets the best of the players around him. Chicago is very young in their starting five with Rose, Gibson, Noah, Deng, and Hinrich. They do have some veteran presence with Miller but that's really it. This is a young team starting to piece it together. Unfortunately they get Cleveland in the 1st round.
Paisan's Series Prediction: Derrick Rose is fun to watch, but LeBron and the Cavaliers have too much size and too much experience. Cleveland Rolls Chicago 4-0
(2) Orlando Magic vs. (7) Charlotte Bobcats
(2) Orlando Magic
The reigning Eastern Conference Champions come back with almost the same cast from last year. They did basically trade Hedo Turkoglu for Vince Carter and brought in Matt Barnes as well. Orlando also has a healthy Jameer Nelson right out the gate. Orlando played well down the stretch posting a 23-6 record after the All-Star Break. Dwight Howard is coming off another huge year where he was named the 2009-10 Defensive Player of the Year. Orlando is deep and hungry. After making it to the Finals last year and fizzling out against the Lakers. Look for Orlando to make another deep run in the Playoffs.
(7) Charlotte Bobcats
For the first time in franchise history the Charlotte Bobcats enter the Playoffs. Led by the Traveling Man Larry Brown Charlotte comes in at 44-38 and embarks on their first ever playoff journey. Charlotte has some very good young talented point guards with Felton and Augustine along with some fairly good bigs in Wallace and Jackson. Charlotte acquiring Stephen Jackson from the Warriors earlier in the year really got this team to take off. Jackson has been a model citizen since arriving and has embraced the roll of leader.
Paisan's Series Prediction: Charlotte is young and inexperienced but will battle with Orlando, but Dwight Howard and friends are on a mission. Orlando 4-1.
(3) Atlanta Hawks vs. (6) Milwaukee Bucks
(3) Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks seem to be getting better and better and nobody is paying attention to them. Mike Woodson has done a heck of a job the last few years getting these guys to gel. They are led by Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford, Marvin Williams, and Mike Bibby. Plus they have the best sixth man coming off the bench in Jamal Crawford. Atlanta's only concern may be their size upfront. Pachulia is OK and Horford is good but whose really coming off the bench? It may be tough for Atlanta come the next rounds. Regardless this team can shoot the lights out and are very formidable in the East.
(6) Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee enters the Playoffs losing perhaps their best player Andrew Bogut right before seasons end to a gruesome injury. Despite being hit by the injury bug throughout the year Milwaukee rebounded quite nicely with the acquisition due to the play of rookie PG, and my pick for Rookie of the Year, Brandon Jennings. Not to mention the nice move getting John Salmons from the Chicago Bulls mid season. Now we all know that Scott Skiles coached teams will bring the defense and slow down the game tempo, so despite the injuries the Bucks can still be dangerous and a tough out.
Paisan's Series Prediction: Jennings comes to play but the rest of the Bucks don't make the party, Hawks 4-2.
(4) Boston Celtics vs (5) Miami Heat
(4) Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are getting old. It seems like they get older with each game. The once unstoppable Kevin Garnett looks a shell of himself and Rasheed Wallace has been the biggest Free Agent bust to date. Rondo has continued to mature and impress but Pierce and Allen have been mediocre at best. Boston limps into the playoffs losing 7 of their last 10 games. It what most likely will be their last run together this aging group looks more tired and spent then hungry for another title. Even Doc Rivers knows the end is near with his talks of retirement as of late.
(5) Miami Heat
Miami comes into the Playoffs one of the hottest teams down the stretch. Miami went 21-9 down the stretch to surge to the five seed. Led by the resilient Dwayne Wade Miami has been able to position themselves for the upset in this series. The one concern with the Heat is that Dwayne Wade needs help. Beasely must step up and so does Jermaine O'neal. But Dwayne Wade can take over a series quickly and when he does it doesn't matter who else is on the court.
Paisan's Series Prediction: Dwayne Wade makes it interesting, but the Old Guys get it done. Celtics 4-2.
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