6pm ET - TNT - Wizards @ Cavaliers - The soap opera continues in this series...Brendan Haywood called LeBron a crybaby and DeShawn Stevenson showed up at the Wiz's Cleveland hotel wearing a Vick jersey and Falcons hat. I don't care who wins this series, I just want it to continue.

7pm - Versus - Canadiens @ Flyers - This is the only series that does not have the potential to be a sweep. But, it still could be a short series with the Flyers leading 2-1 and playing game four at home.

8pm - ESPN - Brewers @ Cubs - The Brewers send Jeff Suppan to the mound to face Ryan Dempster. A Brewers win would put them in a tie with the Cubs atop the NL Central. But, the Brewers will have a tough task facing Dempster. Dempster is 3-0 with a 2.90 ERA

8:30pm - TNT - Hawks @ Celtics - Time for the Celtics to get serious. The Hawks won both games in Atlanta, but now have to travel to Boston where the Celtics had the second best home record during the regular season. Barkley summed it up by saying this would be the biggest upset in NBA history if the Hawks could pull it out...but they won't.

9:30pm - Versus - Sharks @ Stars - The Stars can close it out in game four at home.

Non-sports pick - 9pm - Discovery Channel - MythBusters "MacGyver Myths" -

MacGyver - The only tool you'll ever need...

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 2:30 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

Thanks to fellow evil-blogger (and fellow JMU Duke!), Awful Announcing for the video.

Posted by Ryan Hudson at 12:00 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

I mentioned it briefly last night, but HBO's Bob Costas did a 90-minute look at the current landscape of sports media, including blogs. Here is the video that aired before the live panel discussion (aka when Bissinger got kinda crazy on Deadspin.com editor, Will Leitch):

Much thanks to AA for the video-y goodness.

Posted by Ryan Hudson at 11:00 AM | Email Author | Permalink |

I could be wrong, but after his performance tonight on "Bob Costas Now," I'd say it's a safe bet. On this particular episode, they took at look at how new sports media is constantly evolving, and how it is affecting the fans, players and sports in general. It focused on five different topics, each of which began with a produced video-clip, "followed by a different live panel of high-profile sports personalities, broadcasters, journalists and executives, who will join Costas for an in-depth discussion." Segment Two was titled: "The Internet and Impact of Bloggers." If you're a fan of blogs, it did not go well.

The panel was Deadspin.com editor Will Leitch, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Buzz Bissinger and, for some reason still unknown, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards.

It began with Bissinger interrupting Leitch during the first question, to inform Leitch that he is "full of s***." It only got worse, as Bissinger continued to attack Leitch and was eventually joined by Costas and even Edwards. By the end, Leitch was stuck defending seemingly every blog ever, and even the commenters on those blogs. Bissinger put a bow on his rant that kinda made him seem like a crazy person with this:

"This guy, whether we like it or not, is the future," Bissinger said, jabbing his finger in Leitch's direction. "The future in the hands of guys like you is really going to dumb us down to a degree that I don't think we can recover from."

On the plus side, Ken Tremendous, in non-Moses Schrute form, got some good face-time on the video before hand.

Other takes:

MDS at AOL Fanhouse

Dan Shanoff

We Are the Postmen


Awful Announcing

Update: Will Leitch has his reaction to the whole thing.

Posted by Ryan Hudson at 11:00 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

7pm ET - ESPN - Yankees @ Indians - Mussina had his best performance in his last outing, allowing just four hits in seven strong innings against the White Sox. He topped 100 pitches for the first time since last June. Mussina and the Yankees look to split a four-game series with the Tribe.

7pm - Versus - Canadiens @ Flyers - The Flyers will look to take a 2-1 lead in the series in Philly against the top-seeded Habs.

8pm - TNT - Celtics @ Hawks - Look for Paul Pierce to respond after rookie Al Horford taunted Pierce in game three. Not smart.

10:30pm - TNT - Lakers @ Nuggets - Lakers have a chance to close out the series in Denver tonight. They have dominated the Nuggets, winning the first three games by an average of 15.5 points.

Non-sports pick - 9pm - CW - Gossip Girl - Check out the "greatest teen drama of all-time". Apparently the off-screen drama is just as interesting as on-screen.

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 2:00 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

Marshawn Lynch is a hilarious guy. I actually got to meet him during a rookie photo shoot last year and he had befriended all the other rookies. He was extremely personable, yet not crazy (lookin at you Kenny Irons). But, while he is great in person and on camera, he should stay away from the print medium. Here's a little excerpt from his most recent blog entry on Yardbarkers where Marshawn talks about the upcoming draft:

dis year i got 2 cuzins cummin to join me ....(Head) josh johnson best QB n da draft and (jizzle) rob jordan best WR n da draft

Aside from the sexual references (he's gotta be aware of these right?), English Professors heads are exploding left and right.

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 2:46 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

7pm ET - ESPN2 - 76ers @ Pistons - Iguodala will need to step up and be more aggressive for the 76ers to be successful. But that will be difficult with the lengthy Tayshaun Prince covering him.

7pm - Versus - Rangers @ Penguins - RCS Preview

8pm - ESPN - Hornets @ Mavericks - The Mavs were dominated in their two games in New Orleans, but they have beat the Hornets 13 straight times in Dallas.

10pm - Versus - Stars @ Sharks - RCS Preview

10:30pm - ESPN - Suns @ Spurs - The Suns are relatively happy with the way they played in the first two games...problem is they lost both of 'em. For the Suns, I guess it's not whether you win or lose. It really is how you play the game.

Non-sports pick - 8pm - AMC - Die Hard - Can you really pass up "40 stories of sheer adventure?"

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 4:55 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

A new round of hockey is upon us and since, despite watching the first round, I still don't know that much about hockey I've invited my roommate John DiDomenicis back for more playoffs previews. He went 6 for 8 in first round predictions.

#2 San Jose Sharks vs. #5 Dallas Stars (Season Series – Dallas won 4-2-2)

The biggest surprise in the first round had to be the Dallas Stars’ impressive series victory over the defending champion Ducks. They took them down in 6 games while scoring 20 goals and giving up only 13. San Jose barely escaped in 7 games against the Calgary Flames, in what may have been the most competitive series in the first round. These teams know each other well, playing 8 games in the regular season, with Dallas holding a slight edge. It will be interesting to see if Sergei Zubov, Dallas’ best defenseman, will play in this series and just how effective he will be. I expect low scoring games with these two elite goaltenders in between the pipes. However, both teams boast potent offensive weapons and if defense is soft the goals will be there. San Jose will have the pressure on them as usual, after falling short the last couple years. The first round victory has to take a little bit of that pressure off their leaders, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, but they know that it is Cup or bust out there in San Jose. In my opinion this will be the best played series in the 2nd round and the winner will advance to the Finals after that. As for the winner, I have to go with my prediction to win the Cup and say the San Jose Sharks, who are just so solid throughout their entire lineup.

Prediction:

Sharks in 7 games.

Posted by Jeff Briggs at 11:43 AM | Email Author | Permalink |

A new round of hockey is upon us and since, despite watching the first round, I still don't know that much about hockey I've invited my roommate John DiDomenicis back for more playoffs previews. He went 6 for 8 in first round predictions.

#2 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 New York Rangers

This might be the best matchup in the 2nd round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, in terms of public awareness. The series pins up one of the biggest markets in the US (New York) against the biggest name in hockey (Sidney Crosby). This series has plenty of big names on each side of ice, with the likes of Jaromir Jagr, Brenden Shanahan, and the unmistakable Sean Avery suiting up for the Blueshirts; as well as Evgeni Malkin, Sergei Gonchar, and Marian Hossa for the Baby Pens. Both teams are suspect on the blue-line, where speed and defensive ability are glaring weaknesses. However, goaltending has been a strength for both of these teams down the stretch, with Fleury and Lundqvist recovering well from midseason injuries and slumps respectively. Marc-Andre Fleury impressed many in his 2nd playoff series, posting a .955 save percentage against the Ottawa Senators. Both teams had a week off before this series kicked off and I think that favors the Rangers, as they get an opportunity to game-plan on how to stop the Pens’ two great centers, Crosby and Malkin. The difference will be the Rangers ability to slow the game down and keep the shot count in the mid 20’s. This favors a very experienced New York team and will frustrate the young guns from Pittsburgh.

Posted by Jeff Briggs at 11:39 AM | Email Author | Permalink |

I was moderately pleased with my amateur photoshop skills with my Pacman the video game, but Sportaphile has found an ACTUAL Pacman video game. I've been put in my place.

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 12:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink |

Dan Steinberg has given us amazing stories of the Wizards time and time again through his DC Sports Bog and I always assumed that every team is probably just as interesting, but they just don't have someone like Steinberg documenting their exploits. But, apparently this isn't the case with the Cavaliers:

This is why you couldn't pay me enough to have me switch my blogging focus from Washington to Cleveland. We all started out in the Cleveland locker room this morning, which had all the humor of Rust Belt decay. Then we gradually wandered our way to the fun side of the arena, and what did we see?

That's Caron Butler with his nickname "Tough Juice" inscribed in the back of his head. The Wizards are bringing back the 80's again. Nick Young will be sporting a fade as well.

But, this isn't the best story that has come out of this series since the last they played. There was a new development on the LeBron/Jay-Z and DeShawn/Soulja Boy feud. Turns out that after practice Stevenson was wearing a Jay-Z shirt. Stevenson said it was unintentional:

I just wore it [randomly]. "I don't want TNT saying I wore a LeBron-Jay-Z shirt. I just wore it, I swear.

Anyone buying this? But, again, this proves the Wizards are the most interesting team in the NBA. While LeBron might provide amazing highlights on the court, the Wizards provide the entertainment off the court. Here's hoping they can turn this into a series.

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 4:08 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

7:30pm ET - Versus - Avalanche @ Red Wings - RCS Preview

8pm ET - TNT - Cavaliers @ Wizards - The series now goes to Washington where the Wizards are looking for answers. They have been dominated by LeBron and the Cavaliers. The Wizards will need their big three of Jamison, Arenas, and Butler to step up to extend this series beyond four games.

10:30pm - TNT - Rockets @ Jazz - The Jazz took the first two in Houston and now travel home where they were 37-4 during the regular season. But, one of those four losses was at the hands of the Rockets.

Non-sports pick - 10pm - ABC - Lost - I'd give a description but I refuse to watch promos or read anything about upcoming episodes.

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 1:30 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

A new round of hockey is upon us and since, despite watching the first round, I still don't know that much about hockey I've invited my roommate John DiDomenicis back for more playoffs previews. He went 6 for 8 in first round predictions.

#1 Detroit Red Wings vs.#6 Colorado Avalanche
(Season Series – Wings won 4-0)

Wow. If we could rewind this series about 10 years, we would see one of the most heated rivalries in all of sports. Spanning from the 95’-96’ season to the 01’-02’ season, the Red Wings and Avs met up in the playoffs 5 of the 7 years. Sandwich in the middle a Claude Lemieux cheap shot, a 144 PIM regular season brawl, and 4 Stanley Cups – you can see why these teams were involved in some of the most memorable games of the decade. (Ed. Note - check out this video of top 10 moments between the two teams, number 3 is my favorite for the interview afterwards)
Colorado Avalanche vs Detroit Red Wings top 10

Enough history, lets get to the series at hand. Colorado improved a lot at the trade deadline, picking up playoff God Peter Forsberg and long-time Av Adam Foote. Both were instrumental in upsetting the Wild in their first round series. Foote excelled in shutting down one of the most dynamic forwards in the game, Marian Gaborik, and will have his work cut out for him again with Swedes Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Advantage in net goes to the Avalanche and red-hot Jose Theodore, who looks like he did back in 2001-2002, when he won the Vezina Trophy (top goalie) and the Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP) during the regular season. How can you not give the defensive advantage to the Red Wings and Nicklas Lidstrom, who is no doubt the best defenseman in the last 15 years. Both teams have overwhelming firepower up front, but I feel like the Avs can go a little deeper down the middle and that will make the difference here.

Posted by Jeff Briggs at 11:54 AM | Email Author | Permalink |

A new round of hockey is upon us and since, despite watching the first round, I still don't know that much about hockey I've invited my roommate John DiDomenicis back for more playoffs previews. He went 6 for 8 in first round predictions.

#1 Montreal Canadiens vs. #6 Philadelphia Flyers
(Season Series – Habs won 4-0)

Both teams come off very different game 7 victories over their respective first round opponents. Carey Price stole the show in Montreal, making 25 saves, as the Canadiens won in a 5-0 rout over the Boston Bruins. Philadelphia clawed their way into overtime against the Caps with the help of Marty Biron, and Joffrey Lupul became an instant hero knocking in his first of the playoffs just over 6 minutes into overtime. All four games these 2 teams played this year, although not close on the scoreboard, were very competitive and had great pace – so expect more of the same. Although Philly can’t get rid of the “Broad Street Bully” moniker from the 70’s, they actually do have good team speed and will certainly need it in this matchup. As always, goaltenders will play a pivotal role in this playoff series; however, the play of Philadelphia’s 2nd and 3rd defensive pairs against the secondary scoring lines of Montreal will dictate how the series will unfold. Perhaps one thing going for the Flyers is that they have no pressure on them, after surpassing all realistic expectations for the 2007-2008 season. The Canadiens are the only team from Canada remaining, so you can expect scrutiny of the Canadiens’ effort and play to be at an all-time high. I think Montreal will be able to take this one, but if they can’t get the job done in games 5 or 6 and have to go the distance, I see the pressure getting to them and the Flyers advancing to the Conference Finals.

Prediction:

Canadiens in 6 games.

Posted by Jeff Briggs at 11:47 AM | Email Author | Permalink |

It finally happened. After months of speculation that Adam "Pacman" Jones would be headed to Dallas, it's now official. And to commemorate the trade, NAMCO, will release their newest version of the Pacman video game series. We were fortunate enough to get a screen grab of the game play:

From RCS

Hopefully Jerry Jones can get really good at this game to keep Pacman away from the police.

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 4:30 AM | Email Author | Permalink |

Is it Pacman Jones’s on field abilities or off field exploits that remind Jerry Jones so much of his 1990s Super Bowl Cowboys? Maybe Jones's plastic face has leaked into his brain and he thinks if he assembles a similar lineup of thugs and crack addicts, he’ll achieve the same level of success.

Have you committed a crime? You might have a spot on "America's Team"

QB - Mike Vick - Fresh out of jail for dog fighting and into Jerry Jones’s checkbook. This team will need that veteran leader that has actually spent time in jail. Also, he's been keeping in football shape by playing permanent QB!
(Wait, maybe he’s not)

I'm an animal lover

RB – Maurice Clarrett – The OSU star never quite caught on in the NFL, too busy “getting his goose on” and robbing people at gun point. Well, Cowboys have always used guns back since the Old West, so this makes sense.

What do you keep in your car?

RB – Laurence Phillips – This once promising running back will fit right in on this team. We need the type of fiery personality that will drive his car into three teenagers after a pick-up football game. Imagine what kind of craziness he can bring to a game with some actual meaning! Hopefully he’ll drive a MAC truck onto the field to go after someone once he gets tackled.

RB Coach – OJ Simpson – Why stop at the players. Coaches can also have a long criminal history for “America’s Team”.

Two Mugshots!

WR1 – Chris Henry – Sure, throwing bottles at and punching an 18-year old might get you kicked off the Bengals, but in Dallas it can probably get you a lucrative contract.

Best Mugshot!

LB – David Berkowitz – Jones just might get confused and think he’s the son of Sam Huff. Not just the "Son of Sam" serial killer.

DT – Tank Johnson – The Cowboys DT can supply the rest of the team with the guns needed to commit their crimes.

OG – Eric Steinbach – No real reason for this inclusion, except to mention he got arrested for boating under the influence! Jerry Jones can buy the Vikings sex boat and he can drive (boat?) it around.

Who put that boat there?

Really, the list is just too long. For an example, this list was just from one year.

All I hope for is more ways to make fun of the Cowboys in the future.

Posted by Jeff Briggs at 11:00 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

8pm ET - ESPN - Yankees @ White Sox - Mike Mussina will face Javier Vazquez. Vazquez has pitched very well this year with an ERA of 3.20 and a record of 3-1. Mussina has pitched decent aside from his first start, but age seems to be catching up to him and he probably won't be able to pitch more than 6 innings.

8pm - TNT - Hawks @ Celtics - Bibby called out Boston fans as fair-weathered. Fanhouse points out that Boston was 23rd in attendance last season as opposed to this year they sold out every game. Sounds like fair-weathered fans to me. I'm sure those fair-weathered fans will give Bibby a nice welcoming for game two.

10:30pm - TNT - Nuggets @ Lakers - Let's see if the Nuggets can have any sort of inside presence to stop Gasol from getting lay-ups and dunks.

Non-sports pick - 8pm - ABC Family - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - "So much time and so little to do. Strike that...Reverse it."

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 2:03 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

7pm ET - TNT - Mavericks @ Hornets - The Mavs will try and tire Chris Paul out by denying him the ball and making him run more on defense. Won't that just tire Jason Kidd out?

7pm - Versus - Flyers @ Capitals - Ovechkin scored two goals in their game six win over the Flyers. Can he lead his team into the second round?

9:30pm - TNT - Suns @ Spurs - What can these two possibly do for an encore? And over/under on flops I'd put around 10.

Non-sports pick - 8:30pm - NBC - SNL: The Best Of Chris Farley - Since there's an average of :30 seconds of funny things on SNL now, might as well turn to the past.

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 2:00 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

Actual good news for Lions' fans. Turns out Calvin Johnson was hurt much of last season. He could put up big numbers this year...If he hasn't become addicted to vicodin. (NFL Gridiron Gab)

Isiah Thomas had his resume ready... (ESPN)

D Leaguer Rod Benson has another blog gem. This time he ranks the five best 2-D basketball video games. NBA Jam: Tournament Edition is definitely a solid choice at number one. (Too Much Rod Benson)

The NFL Network can't do anything right. As Bart Simpson says, "Damned if you do and damned if you don't". Not only do they have issues with all the cable companies that DON'T carry their network, but now they have problems with the ones that DO. (AOL Fanhouse)

I think it's about time ESPN updated Miguel Tejada's picture. The Orioles dumped that 31 33-year old on the Astros. (ESPN)

It's always fun to hear a player speak candidly, especially when that player is Ron Artest. Here's an interesting dialogue between Artest and Rocky Mountain News columnist, Dave Krieger. (Rocky Mountain News)

I knew Brian Urlacher was upset and contemplating retirement, but I didn't think he'd go to the Yankees. I guess though, if you're looking to get paid way more than you deserve, that's the team to go to. (Awful Announcing)

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 4:34 AM | Email Author | Permalink |

7pm ET - ESPN - Mets @ Cubs - Carlos Zambrano will look to extend the Cubs winning streak to four in a row, but will be facing the Mets who have won five of their last six games.

7pm - Versus - Capitals @ Flyers Bruins @ Canadiens - Flyers look to avoid a game seven in Washington. The Bruins and Canadiens, two of the Original Six, battle in Game 7 tonight.

7pm - TNT - Wizards @ Cavaliers - After the game LeBron said, "I have no problem getting hit. But there's a difference between a foul and a LeBron foul. If that's what their game plan is, I have to be able to get back up and continue to let my game speak for itself." This series just gets more and more interesting.

9:30pm - TNT - Jazz @ Rockets - The Jazz scored 50 points in the paint with the absence of Yao Ming. The Rockets can't fall down 0-2 in the series, especially then having to travel to Utah since the Jazz owned the best home record in the league this season.

Non-sports pick - 8pm - CBS - How I Met Your Mother - It's the return of Robin Sparkles!

Cavaliers 93 Wizards 86

LeBron/DeShawn "Rivalry" - I think LeBron is right about his comparing himself to Jay-Z and DeShawn Stevenson to Soulja Boy. LeBron can do this. He went 12 for 19 for 32 points and even mocked DeShawn’s signature ‘I can’t feel my face’. But, maybe with the support of Soulja Boy in game three, DeShawn can have redemption.

Not All LeBron - Zydrunas Ilgauskas poured in 22 points to go with 11 rebounds. I believe I mentioned him as the most underrated player (points for me). Also, seem pretty right-on about Ben Wallace and Wally Szczerbiak being the most overpaid players. Wallace had 6 rebounds and was 0 for 2 from the line. Wally was 1 for 6 from behind the arc.

Spurs 117 Suns 115 Double OT

There were more flops in San Antonio than in Vegas on Saturday (who am I, Jay Leno?). Makes sense since they're the two oldest teams in the playoffs - crafty veterans.

Timmy! - The Suns played a great game, but the Spurs played a slightly better one. Tim Duncan was simply amazing. He picked a pretty good time to hit his first three-pointer of the season. After he hit it ABC showed a shot of Mike D'Antoni who simply shook his head. He would give him that look any day of the week.

This series could go down as the best first round matchup ever.

Hornets 104 Mavericks 92

CP3 For MVP - Do you need any more examples why Chris Paul should be MVP? I know the postseason doesn't count towards MVP voting, but that was one of the best playoff debuts ever. He went 15 for 23 for 35 points, had 10 assists, 4 steals, and just 1 turnover. He torched Jason Kidd and the entire Mavericks team.

Jazz 93 Rockets 82

The Sleepy Eyed Assassin Could Use A Nap - Sorry T-Mac, good chance this isn't going to be your year (again). McGrady went 7 for 21 for just 20 points. He's going to have to play unbelievable for the Rockets to stand a chance. The Rockets shot just 6 for 21 from beyond the arc and shot only 62% from the free throw line.

Magic 114 Raptors 100

"They're Heating Up!" - The Magic were on fire in the 1st quarter (not literally, unlike the Nuggets bus). They hit 9 of 11 three-pointers and scored a 43 points. Then, Dwight Howard dominated to the tune of 25 points, 22 rebounds, and 5 blocks.

Say It Ain't So Rasho - What has happened in the world? Rasho Nesterovic has turned into an above average basketball player. My apologies - I called him the most overpaid player in this series, but turns out he has been playing very well recently. He shot 8 for 15 and had 8 boards. Of course, he couldn't help shut down Howard, but who can?

Fave Five - The Magic's entire starting five were in double figures and Rashard Lewis was the only starter to shoot under 50% from the field.

The Magic have been overlooked the entire season. It's time they start to get some respect.

Lakers 128 Nuggets 114

Lakers' fan were prepared for Carmelo. They chanted DUI when he was at the line. Apparently, Carmelo couldn't stay in the lane while driving in Denver when he was pulled over, and the entire Nuggets team couldn't stay in the lane last night.

All Pau (That would be catchier if his name was Paul) - Gasol had 36 points on 14 for 20 shooting. And by shooting, I mean lay-ups and dunks. Gasol also had 16 rebounds and 8 assists. I'm surprised Lakers' fans didn't start cheering him for MVP. He's what has really turned this team around.

Line Of The Night - George Karl is going to take his team home in between games one and two and Charles Barkley quipped, they'll be headed back to Enver cause there's no 'D'. The Nuggets need to get a bigger line out there to contend with Gasol. Kleiza gave them a nice lift off the bench and would be a physical upgrade if they could work him in more often.

Pistons 86 Sixers 90

Rusty Pistons - Pistons were held to 39% shooting with only Jason Maxiel shooting over 50%. I get the feeling this team is a little too cocky and not very focused. You think?

Difference Maker - Andre Miller had an amazing 4th quarter and sparked the 76ers rally. The 76ers were down 70-63 heading into the fourth. That's when Miller scored 11 of his 20 points in the first six minutes of the fourth to give them the lead 78-77.

Celtics 104 Hawks 81

Did you expect anything else? The Celtics defense played amazing and their offense was consistent and evenly distributed. Allen, KG, and Pierce are all hungry for a championship and aren't going to fool around like the Pistons.

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 2:10 AM | Email Author | Permalink |

#1 Boston Celtics vs. #8 Atlanta Hawks
(Season Series – 3-0 Celtics)

Season Series: 3-0 Celtics
Average Score: 101-87

Best Player Name: Zaza Pachulia (Hawks - Don't act like you knew)
Most Obscure College: Jeremy Richardson (Hawks) attended Delta State. Is this an online place like Phoenix University?
Glenn Robinson Award ("He’s Still In The NBA?" Award): PJ Brown of the Celtics. You hear about the 38-year old Sam Cassell, but PJ Brown is the same age and finished ahead of Kobe Bryant for MVP in 2004-2005.
Best Facial Hair: Scot Pollard

Is this a playoff beard or a protest beard for more playing time?

Music Battle: Dropkick Murphy’s “Tessie” vs. Ludacris's “Welcome To Atlanta”. We gotta go with "Welcome To Atlanta" because that's where the playas play.
How The Hawks Will Win: The game is judged based on flash instead of points. The fundamentally sound Celtics would have little chance against the likes of Josh Childress, Salim Stoudamire, & Josh Smith. I mean, they have a guy named SPEEDY Claxton on their team.
How The Celtics Will Win: With a broom.

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 8:38 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

#2 Detroit Pistons vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers
(Season Series –2-2)

Average Score: 86-85 Pistons

Most Misunderstood: RASHEED WALLACE - Sure, he didn’t want to attend the All-Star game, but that’s because he wanted a vacation because he tries so hard during the REAL games. Yeah, he gets tons of technical fouls, but do you know who also gets tons? Kobe Bryant. They’re both ultra-competitive and thus can’t control their emotions.
Most Annoying Moment (s): Detroit Announcer John Mason: "DEEEETROIT….BASKETBALL!"
Player You’ve Never Heard Of: THADDEUS YOUNG. Many people questioned the 76ers pick of Young with the 12th pick overall including David Aldridge. Young responded to Aldridge:

You're not stupid at all. At that time, he was probably the better pick. 'Cause he did more in college than I did. And he was a four-year, a five-year guy. He was a redshirt, I think. He had much more college experience. He had played at high intensity all four years he played at Florida State. He was a great player. I only had one year of college.

While Thornton still might have been the better pick, Young has averaged about 10 points and 5 rebounds over the last three months of the season and it's no coincidence that the 76ers have played their best ball since he started to produce.
Rap Battle: Eminem vs. The Roots - The Roots win this one, and it's not even close. Eminem hasn't had a decent album since The Marshall Mathers LP, and that was eight years ago. He also introduced 50 Cent to the world, and for that, he should forever be punished. Plus, the Roots are just awesome.
This Guy’s A Basketball Player?: Walter Herrmann of the Pistons

Notable Video: Tayshaun Prince gets THIS reaction for taking off his shirt?

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 3:45 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #8 Denver Nuggets
(Season Series – 3-0 Lakers)

Average Score: 118-102 Lakers
Best Trade Of The Year: Lakers landing Pau Gasol for…Kwame Brown??
Most Obnoxious Injury: Andrew Bynum. He’ll be back in 5-6 weeks…we mean more like 2 months…we mean the playoffs maybe…definitely the playoffs…a week before the playoffs start…we think he’ll be ready for the playoffs….” Waiting to hear he’s been caught playing pick-up with Greg Oden.
Least Intimidating Name: Linas Kleiza
Best Nickname: Vladimir “Space Cadet” Radmanovic
Keith Van Horn Award (Most Overplayed player): Kenyon Martin – $13.25 million. Martin is averaging 12.4 points and 6.4 rebounds which might not be bad on a team like the Nets, but when you’re on a team that is averaging over 110 points per game you should be producing more. Martin accounts for about 16% of the teams payroll, but is contributing just over 10% of their points. Not that points are everything, but it’s not like he’s making it up on the defensive end.
Series Nickname: Who Has The Best (Mug)Shot?

Anthony Iverson

Bryant

Who Snitched???

Player To Watch Out For: JR Smith – He’s averaging over 15.5 points per game since the beginning of March and is shooting over 40% from 3-point range.
Best Video From This Year: Bryant Jumps over Aston-Martin
Celebrity Fans vs. Nuggets mascot?
How The Lakers Will Win: By getting back on defense and taking advantage of transition baskets. And feeding it to Gasol in the post in a half court set.
How The Nuggets Will Win: That mile high air gets to the Lakers and the Nuggets run them out of the building and steal one in Los Angeles. Or, Kobe Bryant gets involved in some extra-curriculars in Denver, and I’m not talking jumping over cars.

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 3:38 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

#3 Orlando Magic vs. #6 Toronto Raptors
(Season Series –2-1 Magic)

Average Score: 109-103 Raptors
YouTube Battle: Dwight Howard dunk vs. Chris Bosh self-promotion video - I gotta say, I think Chris Bosh's video is a bit more creative.
Most Foreign Players: Raptors have Andrea Bargnani, Primoz Brezec, Jose Calderon, Carlos Delfino, Jorge Garbajosa, Rasho Nesterovic. Makes sense since they’re the only international NBA team.
Stephen A. Smith’s take:

"Rasho Nesterovic?!?!?!?!?!"

Keith Van Horn Award (Most Overpaid Player): For this we brought back Stephen A. Smith: "RASHO NESTEROVIC!!! He’s makin $7.84 million?? You know how many cheez doodles that could buy?”

You’ll Know It’s Over When: JJ Redick gets some playing time.
Glenn Robinson Award ("He's Still In The League?" Award): Adonal Foyle (Magic)
Scary Thought: Dwight Howard is only 22 years old.
On-Court Trash Talk: Magic – “How does it feel to be America’s hat?”
Raptors -“Hey, how’s that American dollar treating you, eh?”

How The Magic Will Win: Dwight Howard will dominate the paint and when they double team him, the Turkish Assassin will make them pay.
How The Raptors Will Win: They will sign Doomsday to a 10-day contract.

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 6:38 AM | Email Author | Permalink |

12:30pm ET - ESPN - Wizards @ Cavaliers - RCS Preview

1pm - NBC - Flyers @ Capitals - The Caps lost a heart-breaking double-OT game on Thursday and the Flyers can now close out the series if they can win in Washington.

3pm - ABC - Suns @ Spurs - RCS Preview

7pm - ESPN - Mavericks @ Hornets - RCS Preview

7pm - Versus - Canadiens @ Bruins - The Bruins exploded for 4 goals in the third period of game five to get within one of the Habs. Bruins goalie Tim Thomas was superb, stopping 31 of 32 shots. They will need more of that if they want to force a game seven.

9:30pm - ESPN - Jazz @ Rockets - RCS Preview

10pm - Versus - Wild @ Avalanche -Wild think they outplayed the Avs in game five, but Jose Theodore was simply amazing in front of the net. They think they can force a game seven if they just stick with what they've been doing.

Non-sports pick - ABC - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - This is me telling you to watch the playoffs.

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 5:15 AM | Email Author | Permalink |

#4 Utah Jazz vs. #5 Houston Rockets
(Season Series – 2-1 Jazz)

Average Score: 99-97 Jazz

Coach Of The Decade: Jerry Sloan. How does he continue to win and make the playoffs every year in Utah? He's made it to the playoffs in 22 of the past 25 years. He is by far the longest tenured coach. Pretty unbelievable.
Most Annoying Thing Will Be: Dikembe Mutombo’s finger wave. How about you run down the court to play offense as opposed to waving your finger?

Most Likely To Cheat On His Wife: Andrei Kirilenko. Don’t worry, he’s allowed.
Basketball Player or R&B Artist?: Luther Head
Best YouTube Video: Rockets trying to sound like a dinosaur.
Better Beer Name - Ronnie Brewer or Carlos Boozer? - We have to give this one to boozer because that's a much funnier name.
Rap Battle: Scarface/UGK/Chamillionaire, etc. vs. Southern Class. One city gave birth to Southern rap, the other required me to Google "salt lake city rap." That should just about sum it up.
How The Jazz Will Win: Outscoring the Rockets. That sounds like something John Madden would say, but what I mean is the Rockets might not have enough firepower to keep up with the Jazz. If the games are high scoring the Jazz will win.
How The Rockets Will Win: Beats me, but they’ve done it all season long (including 22 straight).

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 9:30 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

#2 New Orleans Hornets vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks
(Season Series – 2-2 Home team won each game)
Average Score: 100-99 Mavs

Most Underpaid Player Ever: Chris Paul is making a mere $3.6 million this season. That’s an unbelievable bargain for the player that SHOULD be MVP.
Player That Doesn’t Deserve To Win: Devean George. George vetoed the initial trade for Jason Kidd and luckily for him they were still able to get the deal done. If they had not and the Mavs had fallen apart, he would be a very hated man. How does someone like Devean George get a no-trade clause?
Glenn Robinson Award ("He’s Still In The League?" Award): Juwan Howard. Not only is he in the league, but he’s wearing number 55. Just seems odd.
Matchup To Watch: Chris Paul vs. Jason Kidd - Basically, the Mavs will need to help Kidd defend the much quicker Paul. If they attempt to let Kidd defend him on his own, they will get burned.
Scene On Bourbon St. Whether Mavs Win Or Lose: Dirk Nowitzki

Cheesy Headline If Mavericks Lose: "Kidd Allergic To Hornets Sting"
Cheesy Headline If Hornets Lose: "Mavs Are Chris's Pallbearer" (Can't get much cheesier)

How The Hornets Will Win: At home. Winning all four home games in New Orleans.
How The Mavericks Will Win: Slowing CP3 down and letting Dirk take Tyson Chandler inside and out.

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 4:15 PM | Email Author | Permalink |

#3 San Antonio Spurs vs. #6 Phoenix Suns
(Season Series –3-1 Suns)

Average Score: 93-86 Suns

Best Chance Of A Fight: Bruce Bowen & Raja Bell
History: Remember this? Things could get chippy in this series. (Here's Nash's response)
Most Difficult To Officiate: Shaquille O'Neal banging in the post against Fabricio Oberto flopping
Battle Of The 6th Man: Manu Ginobili vs. Leandro Barbosa - It's not even fair to call Ginobili a sixth man since he leads the Spurs in scoring.
Most Intriguing Match-up: Tim Duncan vs. Shaquille O'Neal - Two of the top ten best big men ever will square off. Duncan has much better stats than Shaq this season, but Shaq might bring the toughness the Suns need to beat the Spurs.
Glenn Robinson Award ("He’s Still In The League?" Award): Damon “Mighty Mouse” Stoudamire OR Jacque Vaughn OR Kurt Thomas OR Brent Barry OR Robert Horry OR Michael Finley. Wow the Spurs are old. Maybe this should be changed to the Spurs Award.
Series Nickname: Assisted Living Series - These are the two oldest teams in the playoffs. The Spurs average age is 31.4 and the Suns are 29.6.
Player To Pull For: Grant Hill. He was amazing when he was healthy, but even when injured he never complained. He's turned himself into a great roll player and has always been a great teammate. Even if you hate Duke, you kinda have to root for Grant Hill (unless you are from Orlando).
Simpsons References: Brian Skinner And DJ “Some of these guys have a bad attitude Skip” Strawberry.

SKINNER!!!

Cheesy Headline If The Spurs Win: "Suns Too Hot For Spurs"
Cheesy Headline If The Suns Lose: "The Big Cactus Wilts In San Antonio"
How The Spurs Will Win: Very, very, boringly (not a word).
How The Suns Will Win: Very, very, excitingly (same).

Posted by Robbie Gillies at 3:30 PM | Email Author | Permalink |