Ryno Sports

NFL Week 9
Last Week: 9-5-0 (7-7-0 o/u)
Season: 64-49-3 (62-53-1)

NY Giants (-2.5/38.5) at NY Jets - Jets and the over

Jacksonville at Baltimore (-7/37) - Ravens and the under

Oakland (-3/39) at Detroit - Lions and the over

San Diego at Chicago (-2.5/40) - Chargers and the over

Indianapolis at Miami (-3/39) - Colts and the over

New Orleans at Tampa Bay (-8/39) - Bucs and the under

Washington at Dallas (-4.5/38) - Redskins and the over

Carolina (-7/37) at Houston - Panthers and the over

Cincinnati (-3/39) at Arizona - Cardinals and the under

Pittsburgh at Seattle (-4.5/44.5) - Seahawks and the under

Philadelphia (-4.5/39.5) at Atlanta - Falcons and the over

St. Louis (-3/45) at San Francisco - Rams and the over

Green Bay at Minnesota (-4.5/48.5) - Packers and the under

New England at Denver (-2.5/35.5) - Pats and the over

:: Ryan 1:20 AM [+] ::

NBA Preview 03-04

It seems like yesterday Tim Duncan and David Robinson were finishing off the Nets in the 6th game of the NBA Finals, but here we are ready to kick off another season. For the first time in three years there is a different defending champion and the most parity we've seen in recent memory. Every team with the exception of possibly Utah and Milwaukee feels as if they've improved themselves over the summer and can compete for a playoff spot. Two teams -- Denver and Cleveland -- tied for the worst record last season with an embarrassing 17 wins. This season there's a good chance there won't be a team under 25 (No, not even the Jazz). Lets get ready for the marathon that is the NBA.

You will find a capsule on all 29 teams with a season outlook for each. You'll also find MVP, Rookie of the Year and all of the other individual award predictions. All to go along with the 2003-2004 NBA Champion.

Eastern Conference
* In order of predicted finish*

1. New Jersey Nets
- After seriously flirting with Tim Duncan and the Spurs, J-Kidd decided he had roughly 100 million reasons to stay and finish what he started. Just for kicks he brought along Alonzo Mourning with him to solidify the front line. Kenyon Martin is ready to be a superstar and Richard Jefferson is on the verge of being an All Star. Throw in Kerry Kittles, Jason Collins and rookie Zoran Planinic as a supporting cast and you've got the best team not in the West. Zo's health and Byron Scott's contract are both issues that could haunt this team throughout the season, but only a serious injury to Kidd will stop them from making another trip to the finals.
Season Outlook: Championship or bust.

2. Detroit Pistons
- Larry Brown is a lucky, lucky man. Not only does he not have to deal with the 'answer', but also he inherits a team that won 50 games, the Pacific Division and the post-LeBron lottery. He has a budding superstar in Richard Hamilton (19.7 ppg), the league's best defender in Ben Wallace (15.6 rpg/ 3.2 bpg) and one of the east's best point guards in Chauncey Billups (16 ppg/ 3.9 apg). The best part for Brown is that none of the three will run their mouth to him or the media, a problem he always had in Philly. The Pistons should compete with the Nets for the east's best record.
Season Outlook: Winning the East would be a nice way for Brown to start his run in Detroit, but getting to the Conference Finals will make the season a success. No matter how the season ends, this is a team that will be a force in the NBA (not just the East) for years to come.

3. Philadelphia Sixers
- The buzz around this team should be about how AI and Big Dog Robinson are going to torment opposing defenses throughout the season. But, as has been the case each time a 'big name' has come to play next to Iverson (Read: Jerry Stackhouse, Keith Van Horn, etc...) all of the talk has surrounded the chemistry between the Answer and his new partner in crime (on the court that is). So far the two of them have had nothing but great things to say about each other and if stays that way throughout the year this team can be very dangerous. Besides Iverson and Robinson, new coach Randy Ayers has a solid group of 2nd tier talent in Derrick Coleman, Eric Snow and Kenny Thomas. Thomas is the most intriguing of the bunch, spending his first full season with the Sixers after joining the Sixers in December of last season. After locking him up long term this summer, Philly thinks he can produce in an AI system and if he does you'll be mentioning the Sixers with the Nets and Pistons.
Season Outlook: It's tough for a coach to fill in for a winning coach, even more so when that coach is Larry Brown. But if Ayers can get the players to buy into what he's selling and Iverson and Robinson can make nice then a ticket to the Conference Finals could be in the cards.

4. Orlando Magic
- If Tracy McGrady's back keeps him out for long periods of time you can forget everything after this about the Magic and slide them to No. 8 if they're lucky. IF T-Mac can stay moderately healthy this team will be alive deep into the season. Juwan Howard was a great pick up and finally gives Doc Rivers a legit second scoring option. Throw in Super Soph Drew Gooden and first round pick Reece Gaines you have a very formidable starting five. Rivers could run into some maturity issues with a team that has an average age of just under 24. Gooden has already made some statements that show he might not be ready to accept being a 'clean up' scorer, but if anyone can make it work, Doc Rivers can.
Season Outlook: Assuming McGrady doesn't make any more assumptions about playoff victories -- as he did last year against Detroit -- and Rivers can keep all the youngins in line, this is a squad that will make a run for the NBA Finals.

5. Indiana Pacers
- This is where the official line gets drawn: Top 4 and the rest. Indiana feels they belong at the top of the East after signing Jermaine O'Neal long term and bringing in Rick Carlisle fresh off a 50 win season in Detroit. But they were forced to part ways with Brad Miller (Traded to the Kings) and are hoping the combination of Scott Pollard and Jonathan Bender will take some of the pressure off O'Neal in the middle. Losing your starting center without adding anything significant is reason enough not to be mentioned as an Elite team, even in a weak conference. Ron Artest is still the best on the ball defender in the league, but can he keep his attitude throughout a season for the first time in his career? I don't think he can. The wild card for this team is Al Harrington. If the 23 year old Harrington can turn his unlimited potential into results, it won't matter much how much crying Artest does in the corner.
Season Outlook: I love Carlisle as a coach, but I'm not sure his players feel the same way. You can overcome chemistry issues in the regular season, but if any of those carry into the post season look for a first round exit.

6. Boston Celtics
- Good news for Celtic fans: Paul Pierce is going to have a career year! Bad news for Celtic fans: It's because no one else on this team can score consistently. Vin Baker is in great shape and sober (for now), but you can't count on him until he proves he can keep his body in good condition and the booze a good distance away. Rookie Marcus Banks is the only true PG on the team and while he was impressive at UNLV last season, well... that was UNLV. Raef LaFrentz should be able to put up big numbers against the power forwards posing as centers in the East, but is he going to carry this team late in the game? They have three future all stars in Kendrick Perkins, Jiri Welsh and Banks, but none are ready to be major players in this league yet. With all these holes, the Celtics are lucky to get a six seed in the East.
Season Outlook: Danny Ainge is going in the right direction, but there just aren't enough weapons to do anything significant. One and done in the playoffs.

7. New Orleans Hornets
- 49-190. Those are the numbers Tim Floyd put up while a coach in Chicago. Everyone understands the Hornets are light years ahead of the Bulls that Floyd coached, but even that team should've been able to pull together more than 49 wins in roughly three years. The talent on this Hornet team is good enough to compete with any team in the East, but Floyd's coaching ability -- or lack thereof -- along with the injury problems Baron Davis and Jamal Mashburn have them holding on to one of the last two playoff spots. If I'm wrong about Floyd and Davis/Mashburn then this is a silly prediction.
Season Outlook: Sorry Hornet fans, but you can blame management (you'll get used to it, just ask the fans in Charlotte) for a first round bump from the playoffs.

8. Chicago Bulls
- It's time for the Bulls to make the playoffs. I wanted to put them higher, but I had to remind myself that they're still the Bulls and Jerry Krause hasn't even been gone a full year yet. Losing Jay Williams doesn't hurt this team in any major way because he did very little last season and Kirk Hinrich is a bigger better version. The two baby bulls -- Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler -- are ready to break out and Jalen Rose and Donyell Marshall will handle the majority of the scoring. Don't forget Scottie Pippen is back to keep all the young lads in line and solidify the D.
Season Outlook: They'll finally start winning on the road and will make the playoffs. The Nets or Pistons will smack them in the first round, but it will be a great first step for the franchise.

9. Toronto Raptors
- The word is Vince is back. Carter has even tried to shut up the critics (me) with a handful of ridiculous dunks throughout the pre-season to prove his body is back where is was a few years back. Don't mind me if I use my favorite phrase: I'll believe it when I see it. There also isn't much talent on this team other than Carter. Antonio Davis could shoulder a lot of the load but he's too worried about bitching to management for a trade. Chris Bosh will be a star but he's still way too raw to have an Amare Stoudemire impact.
Season Outlook: Not enough depth to make the playoffs even if Vince stays healthy.

10. Washington Wizards
- After owner Abe Pollin treated the greatest player of all time -- not to mention the savior of his dead franchise -- like a stray dog, it's amazing he was able to attract any free agents. Yet somehow he reeled in the best young point guard in the league, Gilbert Arenas. Unfortunately for Gil, he won't have anyone to dish the ball to. Jerry Stackhouse just had knee surgery and the next best option for this team is Kwame Brown. Brown has shown very little improvement in his game and even less maturity. New coach Eddie Jordan's motion offense will give Brown and the rest of Wizards plenty of problems.
Season Outlook: It'll be a long year in DC. Except Pollin won't get people to come to the games in the middle of long losing streaks this time around.

11. Miami Heat
- The Heat were a few spots higher, but without Pat Riley they won't win as many games. He is still one of the best coaches in the league and I mean no disrespect to Stan Van Gundy, but the Heat were a better team with Riles running the show. However, he didn't leave the Heat without talent. There are three promising young players on this team in Caron Butler, Lamar Odom and Dwyane Wade. Odom will have to prove to the rest of the league that he was worth a 65 million dollar investment, which won't be easy without Riley to keep him in line. He can start simply by not getting hurt or testing positive on a drug test. If Miami can duplicate this past off season -- good draft, big name free agent -- then there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Season Outlook: How 'bout them Marlins!?

12. Cleveland Cavaliers
- LeBron. Is there anything else to say? Yes, but no one really cares. This season is LeBron and his cast of fellow young guns. There's a ton of talent on this team and Paul Silas is the perfect coach to help develop it. Nonetheless, they'll all need a year to learn that in order to win you have to know how to play defense. Luckily there won't be much emphasis on the W\L record if LeBron can put up a highlight reel dunk each night. If the Cavs can keep their core group of players together and get another lucky bounce of the ping pong balls, this franchise will compete for an conference championship within three years.
Season Outlook: A lot of replays of LJ dunks and at seasons end you can count the ping pong balls.

13. New York Knicks
- They lost their leader and are without a top flight point guard. Allan Houston can still shoot the lights out, but who's going to get him the open look? Van Horn? 58 year old Dikembe Mutombo? Certainly not Howard Eisley. The only chance this team has a chance at making a run at a playoff spot is if Antonio McDyess plays in at least 60 games. It looks as if he'll miss the first few weeks of the season, so he's already off to a great start. The Knicks finally have some promising young players in Mike Sweetney and Maciej Lampe, but the Garden (Read: the Dolans) have no patience so the odds of them adding more young players next year are slim to none.
Season Outlook: If you ever wanted to go to a Knick game, this is the year because there will be plenty of empty seats. You can daydream about the Bobcats maybe being dumb enough to take some of your bad contracts and then hope you get a good bounce in the lottery. All of this while praying Laden and Co. don't set the franchise back five years again.

14. Milwaukee Bucks
- The Bucks rolled the dice last season and came up with nothing. Trading your best player for a free agent to be superstar was high risk/high reward. Well, there was no reward. Michael Redd, Tim Thomas and Desmond Mason have to become the new 'Big 3' if Milwaukee is going to avoid the basement. Redd is deadly from outside, but he certainly isn't Ray Allen. Rookie T.J. Ford has Jay Williams written all over him, which leaves the team without a point guard. Coach Terry Porter has some good young talent, but he'll need to use plenty of smoke and mirrors to get results.
Season Outlook: Teams hate the 'R' word, but this is a prime example of a team in rebuilding mode.

15. Atlanta Hawks
- Not your typical bottom of the barrel team. Sure, they re-signed their best player -- Jason Terry -- but the biggest addition made was a player that won't play one minute for them: Terrell Brandon. Coach Stotts will do his best to get his team to compete night in and night out, but this franchise has it's eyes on the future. Brandon's contract was acquired for Glenn Robinson and will come off the books after this season, leaving the Hawks with plenty of money to spend in free agency. They have two stars to build around in Terry and Shareef Abdur-Rahim. An exciting young player in Boris Diaw-Riffiod to watch blossom, but not enough to compete in this league. As long as they aren't forced to ship everyone out after the season the Hawks can make a huge jump next year.
Season Outlook: When is draft night?



Western Conference

1. San Antonio Spurs
- The story over the summer was about how they missed out on Jason Kidd, but while you weren't looking the defending champs got better. David Robinson retired and that loss will be felt, but they brought in Radoslav Nesterovic to fill in on the court. On the sidelines, MVP Tim Duncan will have to take more of a vocal leadership role and I have no doubt that he'll handle it like he handles everything else: with grace. Manu Ginobili -- who was hampered by injuries much of his rookie season -- will get more minutes and showed in the Finals he can score at will when his game is on. Tony Parker isn't Jason Kidd and he'll sulk about the fact his team wanted to replace him for a good part of the season, but that will blow over. More importantly, Parker has to put his horrible Finals performance behind him. The supporting cast has improved with the additions of Robert Horry, Hedo Turkoglu and Anthony Carter. Not that Duncan needed any more help, but he got it just the same.
Season Outlook: As with all defending champions, anything less than another title will be considered a let down.

2. Los Angeles Lakers
- It's hard to say just how good this team will be until the date of Kobe Bryant's rape trial is determined. There is a chance it won't be until next summer, which would let him dedicate most of the season to the Lakers. In that case this is the best team in the NBA, hands down. However, if his first trial date falls on, say Feb. 20th then this team will have problems. And by 'problems' I mean they won't win 60 games. Even without Kobe the Lakers will be an elite team lead by three superstars who can carry this team through the playoffs. However, the uncertainty and media circus that would surround Kobe if a trial was going on during the season would hurt the team chemistry. Even Phil wouldn't be able to do anything about it.
Season Outlook: Full season with Kobe: NBA Finals. Any other lineup: Conference Finals.

3. Dallas Mavericks
- You thought they had some firepower before? Gez. Now add Antoine Walker and Antawn Jamison to that mix and this is a team that could out score the Globetrotters. So they'll score plenty of points but they could give up just as much. Get used to scores like 140-133, 130-125 and -- on a low scoring night -- 115-109. Sure, their only true center is Shawn Bradley but when they throw Nash, Finley, Walker, Jamison and Nowitzki what will other teams do? Who does the center on the other team guard? If they put him on Dirk, he can just step out and hit a three. And if they go out to guard him he put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket. Add a tough Danny Fortson who says he's finally ready to contribute on the court and hard nosed rookie Josh Howard and the Mavs will just be able to beat teams into the ground with their weapons. Again, there will be night where they are on the losing side of that 140-133 game, but the fact that they can put up those numbers every single night is a scary thought.
Season Outlook: This could be the most exciting team to watch. A healthy Mavs team should go to the Conference Finals, but they'll have to get through the Lakers or Spurs to get there.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves
- A second 100 million dollar contract will help with this, but it must hurt KG to know that even with all the new parts he was given during the off season still most likely won't get him past the second round. Although seeing how he's never been able to get his team out of the first round, that has to be progress. No matter how far the Wolves get, they won't go quietly into the night. The big names are here with the kid now: Cassell, Sprewell and the Kandi man. Bringing in Cassell makes them so much deeper though. Their most exciting player from the playoffs, Troy Hudson, now can turn himself into the 6th man of the year. Maybe they'll win it all so we can see Mark Madsen do his special dance again.
Season Outlook: Goodbye 1st round! Hello 2nd round! The End.

5. Phoenix Suns
- All the talk around the Suns is if they can handle having expectations. Last season no one expected anything, so it was a nice story when they gave the Spurs all they could handle. Most critics around the league -- I'm not among them -- expect Phoenix to take a spill with all of those expectations on their back. Coach Johnson gets all of his key players back, including a healthy (and newly extended) Stephon Marbury along with Amare Stoudemire who was almost blind in one eye last season and still managed the best rookie season by a high schooler. If you thought Amare was a freak last year, wait until he finishes a season where he can actually see the basket. If their two first round picks -- Leandrinho Barbosa and Zarko Cabarkapa -- can be one tenth of what Amare was last season, they're depth will be scary come playoff time. They still lack a true center, but will attempt to make due with Jake Voskuhl and Scott Williams.
Season Outlook: A return trip to the playoffs is a sure thing. With all their weapons they have a good shot at upsetting one of the big 3 to make it to the Conference Finals.

6. Sacramento Kings
- There are so many questions surrounding the Kings this season. Will Chris Webber ever be able to stay healthy? The same could be asked of Peja Stojakovic. Brad Miller was their big (and I use that word loosely) addition and the supposed answer to the moves everyone else in the west made. Miller's a good player, but he's used to going up against the center starved eastern conference. Remember what happened last time he tried to take on Shaq? He almost had his head taken off. The back court is solid with Bibby, Christie and Jackson. The questions in the front court can be answered if Gerald Wallace plays to his potential and Vlade can give the Kings one more year.
Season Outlook: They'll win their share of games going toe to toe with the super powers. But will ultimately be blown out in the first round by Dallas.

7. Houston Rockets
- Getting a healthy Steve Francis last season was just as good as signing a top level free agent. Sure he had his problems adjusting to playing with Yao, but Van Gundy will show the Franchise why it's in his best interest if the offense goes through the big man. Van Gundy was able to lock up a poor man's version of Allan Houston in Eric Piatkowski to sure up the outside shooting. If Kelvin Cato can give the Rockets a solid 15 off the bench night in and night out, it will allow Van Gundy to keep Yao fresh for the stretch run, which is where he wore down last season. Eddie Griffin would've been a great role player on this team, especially with his shot blocking ability but he's already been suspended indefinitely which is a great way to get on a coach's good side. Even if he makes his way back to the team, it will be a miracle if he gets any quality minutes.
Season Outlook: It will be fun to watch Yao and Stevie Franchise grow under the watchful eye of Van Gundy. The talent for a playoff spot is there, but they're one year away from being any sort of force to be reckoned with.

8. Seattle Sonics
- It was obvious Gary Payton was going to bolt after last season, so not only did they get a player in return, but the Sonics were able to get a superstar back in Ray Allen. Ray-Ray will miss time to start the season with an ankle injury and if Seattle plans on making any sort of noise they need him to be healthy. If Allen stays healthy and their young core of Vladimir Radmanovic, Rashard Lewis and Luke Ridnour contribute significant amounts as the season progresses, you could see them grab a 6 or 7 seed. More likely though, they're in the same boat as Houston: one year away.
Season Outlook: Missing the playoffs would be a huge let down, but no one in Sonic town will panic. Taking a beating from one of the Big 3 in the first round will be easier to take knowing they'll be back. The players to build around are here, it's just a matter of keeping them all together.

9. Golden State Warriors
- The money wasn't there to keep around wonder boy Gilbert Arenas (see Washington Wizards), so they traded one of their best players (Jamison) for Nick Van Exel and signed Speedy Claxton to pick up the slack. Eric Musselman has a ton of talent, but they all seem to play the same position. Jason Richardson, Mike Dunleavy and first round pick Mickael Pietrus are all perfect swing men. If all three are on the court at the same time it's a double edged sword: athletic and dangerous on the offensive side but with glaring weaknesses down in the post. Dallas can pull off throwing five shooters on the floor, but the Warriors aren't as skilled to do the same. Unfortunately for GS, there aren't any legitimate centers on the roster. Erick Dampier and Adonal Foyle with their 6 rpg? Hopefully the lottery will produce a big man next year because the rest of the parts are there.
Season Outlook: This season will be a lot like last year. They'll be in the running for that last playoff spot and fall short. Missing not only the playoffs, but one of the top picks in the draft. This is a team that needs the extra lottery balls more than they need another late season let down.

10. Portland Trailblazers
- The Blazers have more talent than five teams ahead of them here but the circus that is the Jailblazers still shows no signs of going away. If players aren't being arrested on drug charges or domestic violence then they're being thrown out on the court during all too familiar whine sessions. Why Mo Cheeks doesn't quit is beyond me. He'd be better off winding down for a couple years on TNT as an analyst and then come back to coaching full time. As for that talent I mentioned, oh it's there. Zach Randolph is starting to stand out on a nightly basis and Rasheed Wallace is still one of the best power forwards in the league when he isn't acting like a three year old. Bonzi Wells is good for another season of 15+ ppg, but he isn't a leader. The only player with leadership skills -- Pippen -- couldn't wait to jump ship at the end of last season. Plenty of talent with no leadership or maturity.
Season Outlook: If things go right for this team, they should be in the playoff hunt. But too many things will go wrong and they'll be left out in the cold.

11. Los Angeles Clippers
- Penny pinching Donald Sterling finally spent some money and he'll want an immediate return from his investment. It won't happen and lets hope he doesn't go back to his old ways too quickly because the core -- Elton Brand, Corey Maggette and Marko Jaric -- are under contract for a few years now. If Quentin Richardson can improve his scoring average to the 15 ppg and Chris Kaman can justify his draft position then you could see them move themselves right into contention for the 7th or 8th playoff spot. Those are two pretty big assumptions along with another big one that is Brand and Maggette will stay healthy throughout the season.
Season Outlook: They certainly won't have anyone calling them the 'most exciting team in LA' as they did last season, but Clip fans will get to see the potential of this team at times this year. Lottery bound, but not too far away.

12. Denver Nuggets
- Kiki didn't in the LeBron lottery, but they're better off with Carmelo. That's right, I said it. Melo will contribute more right away without the weight of the NBA on his shoulders. Andre Miller was a nice addition and gives them someone to distribute the ball to Anthony as well as their two young big men Nikoloz Tskitishvili and Nene. Earl Boykins gives them a nice insurance policy at the point in case Miller goes down with an injury. If (and I understand how big an IF this is) Marcus Camby can play more than half of the season, this team could be dramatically better if only because it would allow Jeff Bzdelik to bring his young seven footers along slowly throughout the year.
Season Outlook: Kiki's put together an exciting team that finally gives fans in Denver hope again. If he can make another pickup in the draft and one more decent free agent and they'll have a chance to be in the West's second level of teams within a year or two.

13. Memphis Grizzlies
- I'm not one to doubt Jerry West (aka: "The Logo") and Dinosaur Brown who both have great basketball minds, but what did they accomplish in the off season? After coming this close to getting LeBron James it all went down hill. They weren't able to lure a single big name free agent down to Memphis and they turned two first round picks into Dahntay Jones and Troy Bell. Hmm. So they decide a trade is where they're going to improve and acquire Jake Tsakalidis and Bo Outlaw from the Suns. Hmmmm. All of this was after a season in which they traded Drew Gooden away for Mike Miller. Hmmmmmm. There must be some master plan, I just wish it was visible to the rest of the world. Sure, Pau Gasol could turn into a superstar this year but he's the only one. I need more than an improved Jason Williams to believe they have more than one star. You will see fast paced offense and great defense but you need to have a consistent second scorer to be effective and this team simply doesn't have one (Sorry, Shane Battier).
Season Outlook: They won't get blown out too often, but they'll lose plenty. If you're a Grizz fan, start scouting for the draft now. Maybe you'll win the lottery this year. Hey, you never know.

14. Utah Jazz
- It's going to be a long year in Utah. Not only did they lose the two best players in Utah history, but their biggest addition was Keon Clark. Yikes. If you have a real good memory then you remember I stated earlier they will win 25 games. There are people out there that believe they might only win 9, but Jerry Sloan is too good a coach to let that happen. I admit the 25 prediction might be a bit on the high end, but that's how much respect I have for Sloan. And despite what you've heard they do have some talent. Let me repeat that: some. Andrei Kirilenko has a world of potential, but will be expected to carry this team offensively. That's a lot to ask of a 22 year old that averaged 12 ppg last season. Matt Harpring had a break through season but will have to prove he can stay consistent without defenses having to worry about Malone. Their first round pick Aleksandar Pavlovic has a ton of potential. But how much can you expect from a 19 year old in his rookie season on a last place team?
Season Outlook: Very long season, but I still say they'll win 25 games. Call me crazy, but Sloan will find a way to put together that many wins. Unfortunately for Jerry, his team is at least three years away from being a playoff caliber team but the building blocks are there.


Best Record: New Jersey Nets

Worst Record: Utah Jazz

Eastern Finals: Nets over Pistons

Western Finals: Lakers over Mavs

NBA Finals: Nets over Lakers in 7


Individual Awards

Most Valuable Player: Tim Duncan

Rookie of the Year: Carmelo Anthony

Sixth Man: Troy Hudson

Defensive Player: Kenyon Martin

Most Improved: Eddy Curry

Coach: Jeff Van Gundy

Executive of the Year: Mitch Kupchak



:: Ryan 9:51 PM [+] ::

NFL Week 8
Last Week: 8-6-0 (9-5-0 o/u)
Season: 55-44-3 (55-46-1)

Cleveland at New England (-5.5/38) - Patriots and the under

Denver at Baltimore (-1/39) - Ravens and the over

St. Louis at Pittsburgh (-1.5/46) - Steelers and the under

Seattle (-2/42) at Cincinnati - Seahawks and the over

Detroit at Chicago (-3/41) - Lions and the over

NY Giants at Minnesota (-5.5/44) - Vikings and the under

Tennessee (-3.5/44) at Jacksonville - Titans and the over

Dallas at Tampa Bay (-6.5/36.5) - Bucs and the over

Carolina at New Orleans (-2/39.5) - Panthers and the over

San Francisco (-6.5/41.5) at Arizona - 49ers and the under

NY Jets at Philadelphia (-3/36.5) - Eagles and the over

Houston at Indianapolis (-13/42.5) - Texans and the under

Buffalo at Kansas City (-6.5/43.5) - Chiefs and the over

Miami (-3/37.5) at San Diego - Dolphins and the under


:: Ryan 7:44 PM [+] ::

This has been the best post season I have ever seen. If the World Series is half as good as the games we've already seen, we're all in for one hell of a ride.

I'm pretty sure my 6 year old niece is more mature than Manny Ramirez. I'm surprised he didn't yell at Aaron Boone for getting to first base too fast.

Curse or no curse, Grady Little should be out of a job in about two weeks or so.

That'll give the Jedi Knights in Boston enough time to deny Game 7 having anything to do with them not keeping him on as the Sox skipper.

The NBA season hasn't even started yet and already you can tell there are going to be two story lines all season: Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. I understand this isn't at all a surprise, but I thought maybe David Stern and his crew would try to ride the World Champion Spurs a bit more. Maybe that isn't possible since no one watched the playoffs, huh?

The same thing happened right after MJ left for the second time. The league was starving for "The Next Jordan" and made sure every single highlight included something with Vince Carter in it. Unfortunately 'Vincanity' couldn't stay healthy, so now the NBA will hope and pray that LJ can at least partially deliver on some of this hype the way MJ always could.

Just for laughs I sat through one of the Knicks pre-season games at the Garden the other day. Layden and Chaney are trying real hard to make it seem like this team can compete for a playoff spot, but it's going to be a long season. And at the end a playoff series isn't going to be in the cards. Middle of the lottery here we come!

The Eastern Conference is still the bastard step child of the West, but look out for much better competition coming out of the "other" side of the NBA.

Everyone knows the Pistons and Larry Brown are going to be back again and it's common knowledge the Nets will be scary good. But look out for Orlando to turn a lot of heads if T-Mac can stay somewhat healthy.

I figure it's only a matter of days before Scott Layden asks David Stern for a supplemental draft so they can snatch up Sebastian Telfair.

Is it crazy to think the Marlins will win in 6 games?

Then call me crazy.


:: Ryan 7:58 PM [+] ::

NFL Week 7
Last Week: 9-5-0 (8-6-0 o/u)
Season: 47-38-3 (46-41-1)

Washington at Buffalo (-3/39) - Redskins and the over

Philadelphia at NY Giants (-3/38) - Eagles and the under

Dallas (-3/39) at Detroit - Lions and the over

San Diego at Cleveland (-5/41) - Chargers and the under

Baltimore (-2/36.5) at Cincinnati - Ravens and the under

Denver at Minnesota (-3.5/44) - Vikings and the over

Tennessee at Carolina (-1.5/38) - Titans and the over

New Orleans (-1.5/41.5) at Atlanta - Falcons and the over

New England at Miami (-5.5/37.5) - Patriots and the over

Green Bay at St. Louis (-4/49) - Packers and the over

NY Jets (-3/37.5) at Houston - Jets and the under

Chicago at Seattle (-11/41.5) - Bears and the under

Tampa Bay (-3.5/39.5) at San Francisco - Bucs and the under

Kansas City (-3.5/47) at Oakland - Chiefs and the over

:: Ryan 11:45 PM [+] ::

NFL Week 6
Last Week: 4-9-1 (5-8-1 o/u)
Season: 38-33-3 (38-35-1 o/u)

NY Giants at New England (-3/40.5) - Patriots and the over

Tampa Bay (-3/37.5) at Washington - Bucs and the under

Oakland at Cleveland (-3/44) - Browns and the under

Carolina at Indianapolis (-5.5/38) - Panthers and the under

Kansas City at Green Bay (-1.5/48) - Packers and the over

Houston at Tennessee (-10/39.5) - Texans and the over

Miami (-3.5/38) at Jacksonville - Dolphins and the over

Chicago at New Orleans (-5.5/42) - Saints and the under

Philadelphia at Dallas (PK/37.5) - Eagles and the over

Buffalo (-2.5/37) at NY Jets - Jets and the under

Pittsburgh at Denver (-6.5/44.5) - Steelers and the under

Baltimore (-5.5/37) at Arizona - Ravens and the under

San Francisco at Seattle (-3.5/45) - 49ers and the over

Atlanta at St. Louis (-11/45.5) - Falcons and the under


:: Ryan 7:45 PM [+] ::

Day one of NBA training camp and Kobe already has the headlines. Get used to all Kobe all the time, kids.

It would be nice to see the Twins send the Yankees home just to see how George would respond.

He'd just buy the franchise and use it as the Yankees Triple A team next year.

Since when does anyone care what Rush Limbaugh has to say? All Rush cares about is making himself the story and that's what he's done here. Rush wanted attention. He got it. Suddenly there is a buzz over his radio show that hasn't been there in years. He deserved to get fired, but it's a shame his name will stay in the news.

Scott Layden says the Knicks are being "conservative, and we're not going to rush things" when it comes to Antonio McDyess and his knees. While it may seem Scotty is making sure he doesn't make the same mistake twice, it's just further proof of how far away McDyess is from being able to play. Good luck filling those seats every night Scott

Stupid question of the week award goes to Suzyn Waldman: "Would you trade Alfonso Soriano for Carlos Beltran?" I know it wasn't here original thought, but just bringing it up gets her the award.

Beltran is a nice little player but Soriano is of a special breed that you don't just up and trade because you realize he can't play second base.

Still no word of Charlie Ward being Jet bound. Damn.

Roy Halladay is your AL Cy Young.

Ron Gardenhire is your AL Manager of the Year.

If you know who the AL MVP will be then you know more than the rest of the world.

The NFL thinks Maurice Clarett will be bad for the game. What will be bad for the game is Mo beating their draft eligibility rules, causing a flood of underdeveloped college players into the draft. You might not be able to get away with doing it case by case but you could damn well try. Clarett isn't the problem, the hundreds of wanna be Clarett's are the problem. Remember that Mr. Tagliabue.

I have an idea for the Wilpons about how they can find their new GM. Gather up your contenders for the job and tell them the first one to trade Roger Cedeno gets the job. Career minor leaguer, bag of balls, promotions intern -- just get something, anything, in return for Cedeno and the job is yours.




:: Ryan 4:43 AM [+] ::

NFL Week 5
Last Week: 7-6-1 (9-5 o/u)
Season: 34-24-2 (33-27 o/u)

Tennessee (-1.5/40.5) at New England - Titans and the over

Cincinnati at Buffalo (-8/40) - Bills and the over

Miami at Giants (PK/37.5) - Dolphins and the over

Seattle at Green Bay (-2/45.5) - Seahawks and the under

Oakland (-4/42.5) at Chicago - Bears and the under

New Orleans at Carolina (-6.5/38) - Saints and the under

Minnesota (-5/43) at Atlanta - Falcons and the over

Denver at Kansas City (-3/45.5) - Chiefs and the over

Arizona at Dallas (-7/37.5) - Dallas and the over

San Diego at Jacksonville (-3/42) - Chargers and the under

Washington at Philadelphia (-5.5/39) - Eagles and the over

Detroit at San Francisco (-7/41) - Lions and the over

Cleveland at Pittsburgh (-7/42.5) - Steelers and the under

Indianapolis at Tampa Bay (-4.5/37) - Bucs and the under






:: Ryan 10:01 PM [+] ::