Chizzy's One-Game Late NBA Conference Previews

Hey there folks. I'm back after a two week hiatus, due largely in part to law school finals. However, now that I'm graduated (FINALLY), I can get back to writing. I wrote these this weekend, but am only now having a chance to post them. Because both teams I picked are now down a game, I regret the decision to post them late, as I now look like a fool.

(1) Chicago Bulls v. (2) Miami Heat

Alright everybody, here's the matchup we've wanted to see all season. Miami vs. Chicago. Let the games begin. The Bulls asserted themselves as the most consistent team throughout the regular season, and I kept thinking how great it would be to see them play the Heat in the playoffs. The possibilities are endless. Now that this series is upon us, I'm oozing with anticipation for tonight's game. Here's a few of the storylines that make this series Must See TV.

1. LeBron James—the "heir apparent" to Michael Jordan—is on a mission to win a title. And now, he has to go though MJ's Chicago Bulls to do it. The irony of the situation is unparalleled. If the Heat win, Cleveland will burn to the ground. Again.

2. Derrick Rose, at age 22, is looking to bring the first non-Jordan era title to Chicago in just his third season. He the youngest MVP in league history, but will he fold like a card table in crunch time with the pressure on against a hardened, veteran Heat team?

3. You have the NBA's most consistent team pitted against the NBA's most closely scrutinized team. It's drama city in this series, people. There may be tears in the locker room, fights under the rim and anything else under the sun. It wouldn't even shock me if Heat GM Pat Riley fired coach Erik Spoelstra mid-series to get another title under that oh-so-finely gelled mop of his.

4. The Heat romped through an overmatched 76ers team and then pulled away from an aging and battered Celtics squad. The Bulls were challenged a little bit too much for my liking against both the Pacers and the Hawks, two teams that lacked anything resembling a true league superstar. How will these squads stack up against talented, healthy and driven competition?

5. Both teams are considered to be top defensive units, and this is going to be a slugfest. While the Heat were labeled "soft" this season, James made the All-Defense team and Dwayne Wade is known as a shutdown perimeter defender. Meanwhile, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson will be bullying in the post for the Bulls. If they rub Heat center Joel Anthony the wrong way, all hell could break loose on the court.

Those are the first five things that popped into my head about this series. I'm sure if I thought about it for awhile, I could come up with 15-20 more. With all that being said, let's dive into the series a little bit more.

Series Stud: LeBron James. For those who aren't familiar, I pick a player in each series that I think is going to be the MVP. I went with DWade for the first two Heat series. While I was right in Round 1, in the conference semis either James or Wade could have been deemed the Series Stud. However, James came through with some clutch shooting, stout defense and almost 10 rebounds a game.

I look for James to continue the hot play and take over this series—he's going to do it by being a jack of all trades. The "decision" is how Spoelstra wants to use him. Defensively, he's going to be with Bulls' guard Luol Deng on a regular basis. But James could be called upon to guard Rose's penetration into the paint. He also may provide a body in the post to frustrate Noah and Boozer. James has to do it all.

Offensively, he's going to play a significant amount of both point and power forward. While running the point, he'll need to facilitate the offense and penetrate to create points. As the power forward in a small lineup, he's going to need to face the basket and hit a lot of short jumpers, a la Michael Jordan in his later years. While posting up, he's going to have to hit slashers cutting into the paint.

If the Heat are going to win, LBJ is going to have to average close to a triple-double for the series by filling any role that is called upon him. I think he can do that.

The Bulls: Derrick Rose runs the show—we all know that. His Hawks series averages of 29.8 PPG, 9.8 APG and 4.3 RPG prove that he has been the man so far this postseason. His effectiveness here hinges on how the Heat can come up with ways to stop him. Will they stick Mike Bibby and Mario Chalmers on him and rely on help defense? Or will they plug the hole at the source and stick James and Wade on him all the time? I don't know what the best way to defend Rose is, but that's why I'm not coaching.

If I were Tom Thibodeau, however, I would look to alleviate some of the offensive pressure off Rose and see if the Game 6 resurgence of Boozer continues against the Heat. Chris Bosh and Big Z are overmatched on the defensive end when playing against chairs, let alone actual basketball players. Boozer can have his way down low if he wants against these two, and if his Game 6 line of 23 points and 10 rebounds is the norm, the Heat will have problems.

Joel Anthony is a great defender down low (he has the highest +/- rating in the Playoffs so far) and I'm interested to see how he handles the superior post play of the Bulls. Noah, Boozer and Gibson hit the offensive glass hard, and if they get the rebounds, it could spell trouble for the Heat.

The Heat: I kind of hit on this earlier, but I think the Heat's success against the Bulls lies on how they stop Rose. If they can shut down passing lanes when Rose penetrates, it will frustrate the Bulls into an offensive scheme they are unfamiliar with. If Kyle Korver isn't on the court, the situation gets even worse as the Bulls lose their best (and only) three-point shooter.

The Heat's success also relies on their ability to initiate a competent half-court offense against a Bulls team that plays defense with the best of them. James and Wade need to utilize the pick-and-roll often, so the ball stays in the hands of their two best players. Minimizing the control that Mario Chalmers and Mike Bibby have on both ends of the court, as well as pressure on Bosh—who inexplicably admitted to being nervous against the Celtics—are of utmost importance.

The X-factor is the type of impact that Udonis Haslem will have. He returned from injury in the last series and was largely ineffective. But if the extra practice results in providing even 10 meaningful minutes a game, he will bring veteran nerves and much needed depth to a thin Heat lineup. He would also add intensity in the post that the Heat desperately needs. If the return of Haslem means the Heat can box out and protect their defensive rebounds, they will gladly run with the Bulls in the transition game. James and Wade are unstoppable when given a chance to create on the fly, and if they can push the pace of games it only benefits them that much more against a Bulls team that wants to create a half-court game.

The truth is that while the teams are very different, this series is extremely even. The Heat have the two best players, but the Bulls are the more complete team. Both teams need to play into their strengths and try to force the game into their type of tempo. Whoever controls the pace the most will win the series.

Prediction: While the Bulls were the most consistent team in the NBA over the regular season, the Heat have been on a mission since LeBron and Bosh made the move to Miami last July. These teams both have the talent to win a championship, but I think that heart and desire are going to decide this series. Whoever wants it more will win. My buddies and I do a year-long fantasy sports competition called the Gentlemen's Betting League. Before the regular season began, I picked a Heat-Thunder NBA Finals.

I'm not changing my prediction now. Heat in 6.

(3) Dallas Mavericks v. (4) Oklahoma City Thunder

Yowza. These two teams couldn't have gone through two more contrasting series in the conference semifinals. The Mavs brushed off the Lakers like a fly on the wall, while the Thunder went through a seven-game dogfight with the Grizzlies.

The Thunder got beat up battling Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol down low in the post in a matchup resembling a heavyweight title bout. The Mavericks were beat up—literally—through a few cheap shots at the hands of Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom.

The Mavericks effectively ended both a dynasty and one of the greatest coaching careers in history, while the Thunder ended a Cinderella story.

About the only similarity between the two series was that both teams closed out with a bang, blowing out their opponent to clinch a spot in the conference semifinals. But enough looking backward, let's peer forward into my little crystal ball to see what's on tap (I'll prefer a Sam Adams Summer Ale if you're asking) for the Western Conference Finals. It should be a good one.

SERIES STUD: Dirk Nowitzki. I mean, it's gotta be right? I could have picked either Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook for this spot, but those two have the luxury of knowing that if one has an off night, the other can pick up the slack. Who's picking up the slack for Dirk if he has an off night? Jason Kidd? Shawn Marion? Jason Terry, the Sixth Man who thinks he's an All-Star? (Note: I know Terry shot 9-10 from behind the arc in the closeout game against the Lakers. That's not happening again). I just don't see anyone taking over a shift if Dirk cashes out for a game.

If the Marc Cubans have any chance at winning, Dirk has to be the guy to carry them. We know Dirk is capable, as he practically took a team on his back to the brink of an NBA championship in 2006 until the referees handed the title to the Miami Heat. He has a toolbox full of offensive moves. He is one of the game's best shooters, he can post up, create in traffic and basically do whatever he wants on the offensive end. So far in the 2011 Playoffs, Dirk has averaged 26.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG and 2.8 APG. Those are pretty solid numbers. They have to be even better here.
I think they will. And it still may not be enough.

The Mavericks: This is a team that is high on heartbreak. Dirk and Jason Terry lost in the 2006 NBA Finals. Shawn Marion came close on multiple occasions with the Phoenix Suns, including the fateful series against the Spurs a few years back when A'mare Stoudemire was suspended for going onto the court during a scuffle. Jason Kidd lost back to back finals with the Nets, and Peja Stojakovic was on the 2002 Sacramento Kings team that was screwed by the refs in Game 6 against the Lakers.

Can this team get over its demons? Or will it be unable to rise to the occasion and chase another title?

The Thunder are not the Lakers. I never saw the Lakers getting back to the NBA Finals. Kobe's legs are giving out, Bynum is not as good as advertised and the bench was weak. They could only go as far as Kobe could take them. But the Thunder? Different story. I picked them to get to the Finals at the beginning of the season, and the Mavericks have to stop an intense, feisty and hungry team that sees the sky as their limit.

It all starts on the defensive end of the court. How will the Mavericks stop a potent OKC offense? Tyson Chandler will be effective on the boards if he can stay out of foul trouble, but if Westbrook and Durant are filling up the bucket his presence won't matter. Dirk isn't quick enough to guard Durant on the perimeter, and Jason Kidd hasn't played defense in years. The Thunder could put up a 110-point average in this series. I think the Mavericks put Shawn Marion and Deshawn Stevenson on Durant and Westbrook, respectively. Does anyone out there think that will matter? Marion is not the defensive mastermind he was in his prime, and Stevenson is not capable of staying with Westbrook as he drives into the paint.

On the offensive end of the floor, the Mavs need to keep getting red-hot three-point shooting. In particular they need Jason Terry to continue playing the second superstar role. If he can do that, Dallas may be able to keep up with the rapid pace of scoring that the Thunder want in this series.

The Thunder: Similar to my concerns about Dallas' ability to stop Westbrook and Durant, OKC isn't going to stop the Germanator. Coach Scotty Brooks has to be wrestling with the decision of either stopping Dirk or letting him have his way. By the way, how can a grown man still go by Scotty? I know Pippen did it, but anyone still using a "y" at the end of their name better be under the age of 14. It undermines his credibility.

In my opinion, the Thunder's best defensive option is to guard Dirk one-on-one and try and force him into the post. As far as who the Thunder use to cover Dirk, I'm not really sure. Thabo Sefolosha may be the best option. Part of me wants Serge Ibaka on him, but I also don't want to see him rack up foul after foul. He's better served roaming the court.

If you can get someone to limit Dirk in a one-on-one battle, you can focus on stopping the other four guys when they have the ball. I want my perimeter defenders closing passing lanes and putting pressure on Terry and Stojakovic. Jason Kidd is the world's worst three-point shooter that is considered a good three-point shooter. And Shawn Marion can't shoot a jumper to save his life. Let them jack up shots all day.

We all know about Durant and Westbrook, but what impressed me the most about the Thunder in the Grizzlies series is the quality minutes they received from their bench. James Harden really stepped up and started playing like the third overall pick he is. Daequan Cook came in at times and offered a spurt of offense with three-point shooting. Eric Maynor has proved a very cerebral, capable backup for Russell Westbrook, and I even saw him playing point at times when Westbrook was playing the off-guard role. Finally, Nick Collison provided some much needed post presence off the bench when Ibaka or Perkins got in foul trouble.

This team has proven that it's not just about Westbrook and Durant. They are the definition of a team that is young and hungry. They are young, but they did not crumble in either of the first two series. They won't back down here either.

Prediction: Dirk is going to go down as one of the best players in league history. Unfortunately, as time goes on, the clock keeps ticking on his window to win a championship.

I think think the Thunder learned a lot from their seven games with the Grizzlies. Dirk may want it more, but I'm concerned about the rest of the team's ability to keep things going. My guess is that the studly German follows the paths of Malone and Stockton and continues to seek a title. To me, whoever wins this series is the team that comes up with a better defensive scheme.

Ultimately, I think OKC's one-two punch proves to be too much for the Mavericks. The Young Guns move on in thunderous fashion in an exciting series. Thunder in 7.

The Daily Rant: Will We Ever See (Physical) Dominance Again?

Last night while I was watching the Magic vs. Hawks game, Dwight Howard put on another show with 33 points and 19 rebounds and threw down some thunderous dunks. Say what you want about Howard's abilities or how much/little improvement he's shown in his offensive game, I think there's one thing we can all agree on. He's the most dominant center the NBA has seen since Shaquille O'Neal's glory days.

With O'Neal on the mend in Boston, I started to wonder if we've seen the last of Shaq. While his roles as Kazaam and Neon Boudreaux (Kazaam and Blue Chips) weren't dominant, his play in the paint for Orlando, Los Angeles, and Miami was. He still showed flashes in Phoenix and Cleveland, and for a time this year, Boston.

My question is, will we ever see someone as physically dominant again? Dwight Howard stands 6'11" and 265lbs. Shaq stood 7'1" 302lbs when he entered the league in 1992 and started ripping down backboards. O'Neal averaged at least 23.4 ppg his first 11 seasons in the NBA, including three times having an average over 29 ppg, and no fewer than 10.7 rebounds per game in those 11 seasons. Has career totals are very impressive as well, averaging 23.7ppg, 10.9rpg, and 2.3bpg, for totals of 28,596 points, 13,099 rebounds, and 2,732 blocks. Respectively those totals are good for 5th, 12th, and 7th all-time.

No one could guard him, and Hakeem Olajuwon stands as the only center who ever really took it to Shaq. Olajuwon hit jumper, fadeaway, and hook after jumper, fadeaway, and hook in the 1995 NBA Finals. That was the zenith of Olajuwon's career while O'Neal's was just starting to peak.

O'Neal will probably be the only 7'1" man capable of driving the entire length of the floor. Don't believe me, watch this. He was able to post-up against anyone. He had a powerful drop step move; he could shoot a hook over you; execute an up and under; or just simply go through you on his way to the rim. He could power 340lbs into the air and thunder home an alley-oop that shook not only the rim, but the entire arena. He took out nearly the entire Rockets team in this brawl, and probably would've ended Brad Miller's life had he connected on this haymaker. He threw around Andrew Bynum, and even wrestled the Big Show. Plain and simple, Shaq was a beast. If he could've learned to shoot foul shots, he'd probably have a shot at overtaking Kareem Adbdul-Jabbar or Karl Malone for 1st or 2nd all-time in points scored.

Yeah, his rap career flopped (Fu Shnickens), and his clothing line, T.W.I.S.M. (The World Is Mine - stolen from Scarface) failed. But, Shaq will remain the most physically imposing athlete of all-time, and I don't think there's a real comparison. Bo Jackson was the most physical and athletic running back I've everseen, and the Giants' Brandon Jacobs stands at 6'4" 264lbs. Frank Thomas was the biggest baseball player I've ever seen standing 6'5" 270lbs, but neither of them were as dominant as O'Neal for as long a stretch of time. Dwight Howard might be close, but I'll always remember Shaq. If this is the last we've seen of him on the hardwood, so be it. He got his rings, he left a legacy, and there's probably evidence of a bloodtrail in the paint on NBA floors around the league. Shaq is a living legend. Seriously, who else could do this? And no, I'm not talking about Mark Madsen dancing. Shaq, if this is the last of you, you'll be missed.

***An update to the Shaq blog, as my roommate gave me this little gem yesterday. Shaq gives the DDT to Sir Charles Barkley. Enjoy!***

Chizzy's Really Late First Round NBA Preview, Part 2-B, Plus Playoff Picks

How about these NBA Playoffs so far? Derrick Rose has made me question whether he is half-man/half-god AND the second coming of MJ in Chicago, the Hornets made me look like an idiot (not that I'm complaining), the Big 3 is asserting themselves as the most dominant team so far, and Knicks/Celtics and Thunder/Nuggets are already shaping up to be some all-time great first round series.

So life got in the way this weekend and yesterday, and I really didn't have an opportunity to get this up on Sunday before the games. While yes, I do apologize, I'm not getting paid to do this, so whatever. We've only missed one game of these series, and my opinion on what's happened is NOT going to change. Check out these last two series previews, then my full NBA Playoff picks afterward.

(3) Boston Celtics v. (6) NY Knicks: I love everything about this matchup. You have the most storied franchise in NBA history against the most overrated franchise in NBA history. The Celtics have won 17 NBA titles, have been to the Finals two out of the last three years, love to play shut down D, and have three of the all-time greats and one future great playing for them. The Knicks have the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, years of futility haunting them (last title: 1970), are returning to the playoffs after a long absence, have two of the best young stars in the game playing their first season with the run-and-gun offensive minded Knicks. The Celtics started the season strong, the Knicks were on a whirlwind tour. Fact of the matter is, these teams could not be different, and you could flip a coin for this series. It’s going to be a doozy.

Series Stud: Carmelo Anthony. Alright ‘Melo, the spotlight’s on you now. You wanted to play in New York? Well you got New York. You want a shot to prove that you can hang with the big boys and carry a team in the playoffs? Here it is big guy, and the big, bad Celtics are staring you down. In March and April, he averaged 26+ PPG, 6.5+ RPG, and shot just under 47% from the field. Pretty impressive numbers for the big guy. He looked like crap in Game 1, but I’m sticking with him as my Series stud. He has to wear down Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett on the offensive end and step up his game; if he doesn’t, this series is over quick.

The Celtics: The Celtics just don’t look like the same team since the trade that sent glue guy Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City in the middle of the season. They lost 10 of their last 21 games, unlike Celtics team of the past that got better as the season wore on. What do Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett need to get them going? A little blue pill, that’s what. When men are young and get lucky with a lady on a fateful night in the bar scene, they go home and can pull out all the stops. They have the moves that the ladies like, and it’s not a one track album, if you catch my drift. But as we age, something happens. When we men get older, something happens. We still have all the right moves, but then our back creaks a little bit, our stamina decreases, and it takes a hell of a lot longer to start the engine on the automobile. And once it starts, it’s probably not catching again until morning. That’s where the little blue pill comes in, and ladies and gentlemen, I don’t think the doctor wrote the Celtics a prescription this year. With the exception of PG Rajon Rondo, the Celtics look a little bit slower, have a little les s hop in their step, and don’t have that extra gear they did a few years ago. But if the Celtics can find that inner mojo, bear down on defense, and keep these games in double digits, they may be able to get the job done.

The Knicks: Not quite sure what to make of these guys. Starting March 10: lose nine out of ten games, including two losses to Indiana and Milwaukee, and losses to also-rans Detroit and Charlotte. Then go on a seven game winning streak, putting up 100 points in six of the seven games. Finish the season with double-digit losses to the Bulls and Celtics. I’m confused. They score the second most points in the league, while giving up the 28th most. They obviously have the Almost-Big 3, with Carmelo, Amare Stoudemire, and Chauncey Billups. Amare has been a forced to be reckoned with all season long on the offensive end, but couldn’t stop a sloth if it was coming at him at the lane. Hopefully Ronny Turiaf will continue his defensive presence in the middle all series. Billups has played great since coming over from Denver, and is playing with a chip on the shoulder since people seem to have written him off. With Billups out for Game 2 and who knows how long thereafter, guards Toney Douglas and Landry Fields really need to step up and contribute. Mike D’Antoni’s run-and-gun offense needs to get it going, or else this series is already over.

Prediction: Knicks in 6. I hate to do this, but I just don’t see the Celtics coming through. The Celtics limped into the playoffs, and can’t find that magic blue pill. They fizzle out as the Knicks wear them down under the brightest lights in the game: Madison Square Garden. (Editor’s note: I don’t like this pick anymore, with Billups out in Game 2. But I promised myself to stick to my guns).

(4) Oklahoma City Thunder v. (5) Denver Nuggets: I’m super excited for this one. I think this is the most electrifying matchup we have. Blazers-Mavs and Celtics-Knicks will be better, but this once has some pop. Lots of storylines here. The Boy Wonders against the Ugly Duckling. Does Kevin Durant use his World Championship experience to take that next step to superstardom? Or does Russell Westbrook assert himself as Derrick Rose 2.0? How does Denver use the motivation from being doubted after the Carmelo Anthony trade? Can Oklahoma City handle playing in Denver with the altitude change? Does Denver play their hearts out for cancer-free coach George Karl, who couldn’t even talk this time last year? Like I said, there’s a lot to look forward to. The end of Game 1 proved we’re going to see a crazy series.

Series Stud: Kevin Durant. He’s got the sweetest stroke in the game, and is a pure scorer. Sometimes you don’t even realize he’s playing then, look at the box score and he’s got 30 points. Durant’s been one of the game’s brightest young stars, but his toughness and ability to win big games has been questioned since his days at Texas. Then he carried our country to a gold medal at the 2010 World Championships, something we hadn’t won in quite some time. Now people are waiting for the big step in the NBA. I think he does it this year.

The Thunder: GM Sam Presti has built Oklahoma City into a contender through solid drafting, savvy trades, and key free agent pickups. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant lead the way, but ladies and gentlemen, when you look in the dictionary for the definition of “team,” the 2011 OKC Thunder are staring right back at you. Durant and Westbrook provide the bulk of the scoring, and Westbrook is backed up by steady as she goes floor captain slick (E)ric Maynor. Sharp-shooter James Harden has finally settled into his role, and 2009 Three-Point Challenge champion Daequan Cook can come in if needed. Thabo Sefolosha brings a defensive intensity that carries over to the entire team. Even 10th or 11th man Nate Robinson brings much needed intensity from the bench.

But this team needed a fiery presence down low; someone who could scare the crap out of teams. Kendrick Perkins has been that man, guarding the rim wreaking havoc while letting forward Serge Ibaka roam to block shots on inadequate minions who attempt to come anywhere near the basket. The two have averaged 17 rebounds and over 3.5 blocks per game between them. With twin towers down low, the perimeter players can roam the three point line, and I look for the OKC D to turn it up a notch come playoff time. Perkins may have been the missing piece to this jigsaw puzzle, and I see OKC going a long way in these playoffs. No one wants to play them.

The Nugs: What a season. Marred by the Carmelo rumors all year, the was struggling to remain in the playoff race. Then after the trade, the Nuggets go on a tear. They reel off 18 wins in 25 games to take the five seed, without a star player. These guys are a mish mash of role players: Nene Hilario and tattoo freak Chris Anderson dominate in the post, Ty Payson and Ray Felton split point guard duties, Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler play as swingmen, and Kenyon Martin somehow continues to find a place in this league. Basically, these guys play with heart, and little else, because there is no such thing as a superstar anywhere near this roster. If this team goes anywhere in the playoffs, they’re going to do it because they band together and play like Milan High in Hoosiers, or rally around Denver figurehead Coach Karl and win one for the Gipper.

Prediction: Thunder in 7. The Nuggets are playing their hearts out for George Karl, and are going to take the Thunder to the brink. But I’m pretty sure this is the end of the line. They have no star to carry them through Durantula and Westy.

Playoff Picks (after the first round):

Eastern Conference:

Conference Semis: Bulls over Magic in 5 – DRose, Noah, and Boozer are too much for Dwight Howard and the Magic; Heat over Knicks in 6 – Big 3 > Big 2 + Billups. The Knicks need to wait ‘til 2012 when Chris Paul or Deron Williams is wearing the blue and orange.

Conference Finals: Heat over Bulls in 7 – Sorry Chicago fans, mainly my buddies Gross, Koon, and Fetta, I think the hunger of the Big 3 will overcome the drive of the Bulls in a series for the ages that we haven’t seen in years. The Bulls will have their time, but not this year. A great series that is reminiscent of the Bulls-Celtics first round matchup in 2009. No one wants to lose, and both teams will be hard-pressed to keep the momentum going into the Finals.

Western Conference:

Conference Semis: Thunder over Spurs in 7 – The youth prevails. Kind of like the Celtics, I think the Spurs wear down because they miss their little blue pill, and the Thunder’s pace will take them over the top in Game 7. Blazers over Lakers in 6 – Team ball takes down Kobe’s team. The matchups are horrible for the Lakers in this series, as Portland’s depth and perimeter defense makes the Lakers find someone else to take over the series. The problem is there’s no one else.

Conference Finals: Thunder over Blazers in 6 – In an unusual matchup for the conference Finals, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook arrive in a big way. A great series of two true “teams” ends up with the Thunder shutting down the Blazers on the road in Game 6.

NBA Finals: Heat over Thunder in 6 – The cities of Cleveland and Seattle cry themselves to sleep every night watching the former star (LBJ) and beloved team (the SuperSonics) duke it out for the title. The experienced Heat overpower the Thunder in a fun, exciting series that we may see a few more times in the next few years. The average age of Harden, Durant, Westbrook, Perkins, and Ibaka is only 23 years old, the Heat’s Big 3 are locked up for five more years each. Wow. When you consider all this game has to offer right now, the NBA is up for exciting times in the near future. With so many great teams and even more superstar players, here’s hoping there won’t be a lockout next year as it seems that we’re heading toward another momentus era in NBA history.

Sports Quick Hits

Some plans got changed around for me this weekend, and I ended up at the Reds games on Saturday and Sunday. I didn't have time to come up with a specific article on one topic, so consider this our version of ESPN's bottom line...just more descriptive.

A quick aside here, but after attending 4 Reds games in this young season, I think I can say that Reds fans might be some of the worst foul-ball catchers out there.

- First up, Chizzy and I have our alternating mock draft underway. I'll be handling the odd numbered picks, and he'll take care of the even numbered picks. We should have that up in the next couple of days.

- Sticking with the draft, I can't provide you with full disclosure, but what I can tell you is that Chris Kouffman, from the "Draft Winds" series I mentioned in my mock draft, will have his "Path to the Draft" episode aired sometime early this week. Obviously some of it will be scrubbed out due to time constraints, as you have in any interview. If you'll remember he was asked to come on the show for their piece on Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett...and let's just say that at some point this week a bomb is going to be dropped. And I'm not talking a conventional 500lb bomb, or even a MOAB (Mother of all bombs - considered to be the most powerful non-nuclear weapon)...it's going to be full nuclear. I'll give you a heads-up on what to look for when it happens, if you can't tell.

- One last NFL nuggett for you. Judge Nelson's "a few weeks" ruling will be at two this Thursday. It remains to be seen on whether or not she'll end the lockout, thus allowing the players to return to working out at their facilites. No word yet on free agency or the trading of players. Mediation begins again tomorrow, and DeMaurice Smith's hat collection will be there.

- If you remember Chizzy's article about Bryan Stow, it's regrettable to hear that he was put back into a medically induced coma over the weekend. Please remember to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

- Thanks to Schwendy's NHL Preview, I found myself watching some hockey in the past few days. I guess if I had to pick a favorite team, it'd be the Rangers, as that was my dad's team (we used to live near New York City when I was 3). They lost to the Captials in OT despite being ahead late into the 3rd period. I got up after the game, and when I came back to the TV, the Canucks - Blackhawks game was about to start. A fat guy started singing "Oh Canada", with a more than raucous crowd joining in to the point the fat guy stopped and simply held the mic up for the crowd. This video isn't from the playoff game, and I'm not sure if this is how "Oh Canada" traditionally works in Vancouver, as the same fat dude is singing in every YouTube video I could find, but to give you a sense of how much Canadiens love hockey, watch this. Keep in mind this is from 2009, but it was the same last week. I doubt we'll be seeing something like this in the States, eh?

- Barry Bonds was convicted on obstruction of justice. And you expected something else to happen? I think it'd be better for baseball history if Bonds, McGwire, Sosa, Palmierio, et al just came out and admitted they used steroids. I mean, really, you're telling me this guy became this guy by hard work in the gym? Please.

- If Dwight Howard were on any other NBA playoff team, that team would win the championship hands down. He scored 46, Jameer Nelson scored 27. No other player on the Magic scored more than 6 points. You do the math.

- Chizzy's NBA Preview was pretty in line with my NBA Playoff fantasy picks. I'm part of a league called the "Fantasy Heptathlon", where we bet on seven different sporting events each year. As defending champion of the NBA Playoff picks, let me just say that I felt very, very shaky with my selections this year. Here are my first round picks (we must correctly identify the winner and the length of the series. 1 point is lost for each game you're off. For instance, if you picked the Bulls to sweep, and they do, you get 8 points).

Eastern Conference:

Bulls over Pacers in 4 - I went ballsy with that one.
Heat over 76ers in 5 - Yeah, I think Philly could steal one.
Celtics over Knicks in 6 - I regret picking this series to last that long already.
Magic over Hawks in 6 - To quote Homer J. Simpson, "Doh!"

Western Conference:

Spurs over Grizzlies in 7 - Feeling pretty good about this after Game 1.
Lakers over Hornets in 4 - Damn you Chris Paul.
Portland over Dallas in 6 - I got nothing.
Thunder over Nuggets in 6 - I've got the Thunder going to the West Finals.

- I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing. Hard to tell after each series has only 1 game played. That said, how do the NBA Playoffs last so long? I mean really, these teams all play back-to-back home and away games half the year. Just for an example, Orlando and Atlanta won't play their Game 3 until this Friday. It's no wonder people watch March Madness more, though I'll make one guarantee however. All games in the NBA Finals, however many there are, will ALL be better than Butler vs. UConn.

That's it for now, keep on the lookout for our Alternating Mock Draft, and for the bomb that's about to be dropped regarding Ryan Mallett.