And now...the 2013 NBA playoffs!!

NBA Playoff time!

The NBA playoffs are nearly ready to kick off so time to make the predictions.....

I did not get to even finish my pre-season picks and only did the Eastern Conference ...not bad predicting playoff teams....only missed out on Philadelphia who are replaced by Milwaukee.

Well here we go...

Eastern Conference

Miami (1) vs Milwaukee (8)

Though the Bucks were able to get a couple of wins against the Heat during the season....this is not the season...it is the post season!! They may come close in a game or two.

Miami to take series 4-1

Brooklyn (4) vs Chicago (5)

This one will be a lunch pail series and probably one of the toughest of the first round. Even without Derrick Rose, the Bulls stand an even chance if they can grab one in Brooklyn. I think they will.

Chicago sneaks by 4-3

Indiana (4) vs Atlanta (3)

The Pacers will have this series to get more consistent for the next round.

Indiana 4-2

NY Knicks (3) vs Boston (6)

Knicks would like to think they will get through easier this season, you never know with the Celtics, they are seasoned and battle tested. Gonna go with the Boston hoodoo!!

Boston 4-3

For the conference final..I'll go Miami vs Indiana with Miami advancing.

Western Conference

Oklahoma City (1) vs Houston (8)

Houston could give the Thunder fits in a couple of games but OKC will pull it out in the long run.

OKC 4-1

LA Clippers (4) vs Memphis (5)

This series will be brutal again this season and the winner may be exhausted come the next round.

LA Clippers 4-3

Denver (3) vs Golden State (6)

This one will be the most entertaining series of the first round but the Nuggets should prevail.

Denver 4-2

San Antonio (2) vs LA Lakers (7)

Sorry Laker Nation but you just are not consistent enough this season and will struggle over a seven game series. The Kobe Factor would not have made it much better so no excuse there.

San Antonio 4-2

Conference wise...I'll give the nod to the Spurs over the Thunder in seven...

For the title, I'll have to give it to Miami ultimately barring injury ... so Miami over San Antonio for the title in six games.

NCAA Championship pick...

For the title...

Michigan vs. Louisville

The Championship Game of the 2013 NCAA Men's basketball tourney is set to tip off in a couple of hours with Michigan going in as slight underdogs to Louisville.

The Wolverines have had some last second heroics along the way and will hope their shooting touch holds up against the Cardinals. Louisville has used a stifling defense and clutch offense to advance through the rounds.

Overall, Michigan is a relatively young team and though they beat the tough Syracuse zone in the Final Four, they may be due for an off night. Louisville will need consistency on the offensive end to pull it off. 

Ultimately I think I will go with the old adage of good defense beats good offense.

Louisville to win title by 8

Final Four predictions...

Down to Four

There are four teams left in the 2013 NCAA Men's Tournament and by the end of the night...we will have our Championship game set. Both matchups should be entertaining so I suppose I'll make my predictions.

Wichita State vs. Louisville

At the start of the tourney, I picked a Louisville-Miami final...well Miami fell by the wayside but the Cardinals are in the hunt. Wichita State has had a great run and will be looking to pull off the upset. Overall I think Rick Pitino will get the Cards to the title match.

Louisville by 7

Michigan vs Syracuse

Syracuse has been brutal on defense through the tournament but were prone to lapses during the regular season. Michigan may have the answers to the Orange zone with their shooting from the outside, a decent inside game and a premier point guard. I think the Orangemen may fall just short...

Michigan by 4

Back with Championship pick in a day or so... 

Finals Series gets underway tonight...

NBL Grand Final Series Rematch up soon

The 2012-2013 NBL Grand Final series will pit Perth against New Zealand in a rematch of last seasons' title series with New Zealand seeking a third consecutive title. 

The evergreen C.J. Bruton will be the emotional leader for the Breakers and lead the charge once again. During the regular season, Perth won three of the four meetings but will start the series minus the scrappy Damian Martin who is a three time NBL Defensive Player of the year. 

Overall the series should be exciting ...prediction wise, I am predicting a close series but looking for New Zealand to pull it off.

Finals Series Prediction:

New Zealand Breakers 2-1

Sunday's Regional Finals

Last two Final Four spots available

Sunday's games could easily be mistaken for the Final Four instead of the battle to get there...let's pick 'em...

Michigan vs Florida

Both teams have strengths but both have been inconsistent at times....Florida by 9

Duke vs Louisville

Duke won early in the season but they have had big shooting games recently and if they hold to form...they are due for a let-down...Louisville by 6

Back with Final Four picks later in the week...

Two tickets to Final Four up for grabs...

Regional title predictions

Two regional finals are set for Saturday....

My picks for the day...

Syracuse vs Marquette

Marquette returns to Final Four after winning by 3

Wichita State vs Ohio State

Ohio State by 6

Sweet 16 has four games left....

Four Spots left

After a shocking day prediction wise, I will jump in with my final Sweet 16 picks....can't get much worse than yesterday's 1-3 effort!!

Oregon vs Louisville

Louisville by 13

Michigan vs Kansas 

Kansas by 7

Michigan St. vs Duke

Duke by 3

Florida-Gulf Coast vs Florida

Riding Cinderella!! Gulf Coast by 4

Back with regional final picks tomorrow....

We are at 16!!

NCAA Sweet 16 picks

The 2013 NCAA tournament has reached the Sweet 16 and we will have a final four by the end of the weekend. I survived relatively well last Sunday going 6-2 on the day with North Carolina and Minnesota being the losses.

Ok...here we go for the first four games of the weekend that still has a couple of Cinderella's alive.

Marquette vs Miami Fla.

The Hurricanes seem destined.....Miami by 8

Arizona vs Ohio State

Ohio St. by 10

Syracuse vs Indiana

Could be a tough one for the Hoosiers....Indiana by 3

LaSalle vs Wichita State

LaSalle by 2

Short but sweet ...back tomorrow with the other four games....

Meanwhile in Australia......

The Semi Finals of the 2012-2013 NBL season got under way yesterday with both Perth and New Zealand picking up easy wins. Expect both the two to meet in the Final as they have been the dominate forces throughout the season.

Picks for Sunday games

Eight more tickets for Sweet 16

Saturday proved to be another day of wild ones in the 2013 NCAA tourney with Marquette escaping again and Gonzaga not surviving.

Ok, straight into the picks for Sunday...

Iowa St. vs Ohio St.

Ohio St. by 7

Temple vs Indiana

Indiana by 11

North Carolina vs Kansas

What the heck...going on a limb...UNC by 9

Minnesota vs Florida

Upset!! Minnesota by 3

Florida - Gulf Coast vs San Diego St.

Gulf Coast does it again by 5

LaSalle vs Ole Miss

LaSalle by 1

Illinois vs Miami Fla.

Miami by 10

Creighton vs Duke

Duke by 7

See you later in the week....

Current Record: 31-13

And now there are 32

Predictions for Round of 32 Saturday

Compared to some, I had a reasonable Friday in NCAA Tourney Predictions going 11-5 for the day. Though there were a couple of "who'd have thunk it" results for the day...particularly Georgetown getting beaten and to a lesser extent Kansas State getting upset.

Anyhoo...here we go with Saturday's picks.

VCU vs Kansas

Here we go...could be a Rams run again this year...not really classed as a big upset anymore...

VCU by 4

Memphis vs Michigan State

Mich St. by 8

Colorado St. vs Louisville

Louisville by 14

Harvard vs Arizona

Harvard rolls on by 3

Oregon vs St. Louis

St. Louis by 8

Butler vs Marquette

Marquette by 2

Wichita State vs Gonzaga

Gonzaga by 5

Cal vs Syracuse

Syracuse by 10

Current Record: 27-9

Day 2 NCAA ...

Back for Day 2 predictions

I kicked off my 2013 Tourney picks with a 12-4 day so going into day 2...looking for more of the same..my pick of New Mexico for the Final Four in one bracket is truly dead but I'll soldier on.

Albany vs Duke

Do not think I'll be up at 2am for this one....Duke by 14

Ole Miss vs Wisconsin

Wisconsin by 7

Temple vs NC State

NC State by 8

Pacific vs Miami

And now in basketball...it's all about The U!! Miami by 15

Cincy vs Creighton

Will be a gritty one!! Creighton by 7

LaSalle vs Kansas St.

K-State by 5

James Madison vs Indiana

Indiana by 21

Colorado vs Illinois

Colorado by 4

Florida-Gulf Coast vs Georgetown

G'town by 17

Iona vs Ohio State

Ohio State by 22

Villanova vs North Carolina

UNC by 9

Northwestern St. vs Florida

Florida by 16

Oklahoma vs San Diego St.

San Diego St. by 4

Iowa State vs Notre Dame

Iowa State by 2

Western Kentucky vs Kansas

Kansas by 18

Minnesota vs UCLA

Minnesota by 7

Current Record: 16-4

Back with more tomorrow...enjoy the games..

Bracket kicks off today!!

The Madness begins

The 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball tournament kicks into full swing overnight (2am) here in Australia with sixteen games on tap for the first day. Before I crash with the alarm set...I'll throw in my picks for the day. They may actually contradict some of my bracket picks but winging it!!

Valparaiso vs Michigan State

Michigan State by 14

Bucknell vs Butler

Butler by 3

Wichita State vs Pitt

Pitt by 7

New Mexico St. vs St Louis

St. Louis by 8....go Cody Ellis...Perth in da House!!

St. Mary's vs Memphis

Upset...St. Mary's by 2

Davidson vs Marquette

Marquette by only 5

Southern vs Gonzaga

Gonzaga by 17

Oregon vs Oklahoma St.

Oregon by 4

NC A&T vs Louisville

Loisville by 22

South Dakota State vs Michigan

Michigan by 8

Belmont vs Arizona

Arizona by 12

Cal vs UNLV

Cal by 6

Missouri vs Colorado St.

Missouri by 7

Akron vs VCU

VCU by 13

Harvard vs New Mexico

New Mexico by 24

Montana vs Syracuse

Syracuse by 20

Back with more tomorrow....

Let the Madness Begin...for 2013!!

Predicting Louisville-Miami Final

After a night of exhaustive research, soothsaying, head against wall banging and various other activities of frustration....I present my 2013 NCAA Mens basketball bracket. 

So...this year....I am predicting a Louisville-Miami final in Atlanta.

First Four games

North Carolina A&T (19-16) vs Liberty (15-20)

Liberty pulled a major surprise to get into the dance from the Big South conference and A&T benefited from upsets to win the MEAC tourney title.

NC A&T by 14

Boise State (21-10) vs LaSalle (21-9)

The winner of this one gets a date with Kansas State. Both teams have shown flashes but LaSalle may be a bit more polished at the moment.

LaSalle by 6

Middle Tennessee (28-5) vs St. Mary's (Ca) (27-6)

This one would fit as a normal bracket game and could be the best of the First Four games. The winner has a solid chance against Memphis in the main draw.

St. Mary's by 3

LIU-Brooklyn (20-13) vs James Madison (20-14)

Indiana looms on the horizon for the winner of this one.

JMU by 8

Midwest Region

I'm going with Louisville to get by Michigan State in this one.

West Region

Picking a Big 10 rematch with Wisconsin losing again to Ohio State.

South Region

Calling an upset in this region...picking VCU to do it again  over Georgetown.

East Region

Giving Miami the edge over Indiana in the regional final.

Once the Final Four starts... I'll take Louisville over Ohio State and Miami over VCU.

Champion

Most will do a double take when they see the Miami Hurricanes as NCAA Champions ... in basketball.

Back with more picks through the rounds....

NBA Returns for full season

2012-2013 Preview

After last season’s holdout, the National Basketball Association returns with a full schedule for the new season. The Miami Heat will be looking to defend their crown and should be the favourites for the title again. There has been some shuffling of players with teams looking to make title runs, rid themselves of bad chemistry or to build for the future. 

Los Angeles has added point guard Steve Nash to go with Dwight Howard who has finally been shipped to LA, Brooklyn hopes the roster shuffling will help them progress, Philadelphia is still a tough win for anyone, Chicago will try to hang on and hop for a speedy recovery from Derrick Rose, San Antonio will be looking to make one more run before their core group is broken up, Indiana will be dangerous and even Oklahoma City has made a late move before the start of the season.

Ok, let’s take a brief look at the league and make a few predictions.

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division:

Boston Celtics
After the departure of Ray Allen to South Beach, the Celtics picked up Jason Terry and Courtney Lee along with re-signing the healthy Jeff Green to go with draft picks Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo. Melo may be somewhat of a project but with an injury to Kevin Garnett or Brandon Bass may get minutes sooner than planned, ditto for Sullinger.

Overall the Celtics will contend again but will need to keep their core group of veterans healthy.

Record: 48-34

Brooklyn Nets
Team JayZ welcomes Joe Johnson to the fold. Not the big Dwight Howard addition but tis club is a solid one. Despite off court hubbub, Kris Humphries is a steady NBA player and fits in well with Brook Lopez and Gerald Wallace up front. Barring injury this group with help from Andray Blatche, Josh Childress, three point shooting newcomer Mirza Teletovis, and banger Reggie Evans should be able to play with most NBA frontlines.

In the back court, Deron Williams will once again run the show and hope to get Johnson involved in the offense often. Marshon Brooks showed flashes last season and it is hoped he can adjust to coming off the pine this season.

The Nets will be improved and should make a serious run for a playoff spot.

Record: 45-37

New York Knicks
Once again, the Knicks limp into the start of the season with Amare Stoudamire out for up to six weeks. 

After not keeping Jeremy Lin, the Knicks will use the tandem of Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd to run the show from the point guard slot. They will team with J.R. Smith in the backcourt. Carmelo Anthony may have to spend time as the team’s power forward in lieu of Stoudamire with back up from “geezers” Marcus Camby and Kurt Thomas.

The Knicks may be on the outer at seasons end but may just sneak into the post season, do not expect much more than a .500 record.

Record: 43-39

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia has a solid young squad and may just win the division if Boston slips. 

The addition on Andrew Bynum will give the team a new look inside and all deep threat Spencer Hawes to slide over to the power forward slot. Thad Young, Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday should all continue to improve thus leading the team to a better finish.

Record: 49-33

Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are still building but will be in the draft Lottery again this year.

Record: 31-51

Division Winner: Philadelphia 76ers

Central Division:

Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are hoping to keep the rest of their team healthy while awaiting the return of Derrick Rose. Luol Deng will have to become the team leader in his absence. Veteran Kirk Hinrich will serve as point guard and Nate Robinson will look to bring a spark from the bench.

Up front, the team will look to Carlos Boozer for more production this season.

Record: 46-36

Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs are real young but have some quality amongst the youth. The team still needs to get more depth and will struggle at times this season.

Record: 33-49

Detroit Pistons
Will be better than last season but may be inconsistent. The Pistons have two solid young centres in rookie Andre Drummond and last season’s first rounder Greg Monroe and the steady Rodney Stuckey in the backcourt. Other pieces are needed and some big contracts need to be offloaded. The team may sneak into a playoff spot or just be mediocre.

Record: 39-43

Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are the most balanced team in the Eastern Conference and with Chicago hurting and Boston aging; Indiana could be a serious threat to battle Miami in the conference.

Paul George will get more court time and is a matchup nightmare. Danny Granger has adjusted to being a more all-around small forward and Roy Hibbert has improved but needs to become more animated and tougher in the post at both ends of the court.

David West will be depended on for toughness inside and rebounding.

While they will not surprise many this season, Indiana will be a tough game on all schedules.

Record: 50-32

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks will be exciting at times and erratic at other times. Monta Ellis will score but the front court is aging and ailing. The development of John Henson could change the outlook of the Milwaukee crew over the course of the season.

Record: 33-49

Division Winner: Indiana Pacers

Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks will be strong again with Al Horford and Josh Smith in the middle. Kyle Korver looks to be the bet to get more minutes and start on the wing where his three ball skills will come in handy. 

Devin Harris comes in to run the show and will team with Louis Williams who returns home to Atlanta and Anthony Morrow in the backcourt.

DeShawn Stevenson and Jeff Teague will provide a spark from the bench.

The Hawks should still go into the post season but may not go past the first round.

Record: 43-39

Charlotte Bobcats
Mike Dunlap will have his work cut out for him as the Bobcats go into another rebuilding phase. 

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist may be a bright spot and solid piece for the future. Bismack Biyombo will see increased minutes this season and Tyrus Thomas could still be a factor inside. Brendan Haywood will be a solid if not spectacular centre for the team.

The backcourt has a few possibilities but overall the team may improve as the season progresses. Expect them to be in the lottery again next spring.

Record: 21-61

Miami Heat
The defending champs may have actually solidified with the addition of veterans Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Dwayne Wade will hope to stay healthy through the season and not have to play as many minutes in order to stay fresh for the post season.

Overall, the Heat has enough bodies and brains to easily repeat as long as complacency does not set in.

Record: 61-21

Orlando Magic
There are a lot of new faces in Orlando to go with the new coach. 

The Magic will be lottery bound this season and the season will be a long one.

Record: 23-59

Washington Wizards
The Wizards also have a different look this season and may be a little tougher defensively but they are not a serious threat for the playoffs.

Record: 25-47

Division Winner: Miami Heat

Playoff Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, NY Knicks and Atlanta Hawks

Ok, that covers the Eastern Conference; back tomorrow with the Western Conference preview….enjoy the games kicking off overnight!!

Thunder, Heat set for title tilt

At the start of the season, I had the Chicago Bulls beating Oklahoma City for the title. At the start of the playoffs, I tipped San Antonio over Chicago in six games. My preseason NBA Picks and Playoff Picks are invalid…..so I will now go for broke and attempt to pick the winner of the 2011-2012 NBA title.


The Miami Heat has proven me wrong so far in the offseason and Oklahoma City has been a slight surprise. So I will say the finals will go six games. The team to win it all?? Though I have not given them much credit and jumped on the “they can’t do it” bandwagon a couple of times during the playoffs, I can’t see Miami losing the championship two years in a row so I will say Miami in six games.

NBA Playoff Time!!!

NBA playoffs are here....

We have reached the post season in the condensed 2011-2012 NBA year with several question marks over a few teams' chances. Will the Mavs survive the first round after last years title run?? Can the Bull go a step further?? Can the Hea make the final step to a championship?? Is Boston too old?? Are the Lakers done?? 

There are more scenarios to ponder but I'll jump into my picks.

Eastern Conference:

Chicago (1) vs. Philadelphia (8)

The Sixers limp into this one after a brutal second half of the season. The Philly crew looked to keep the momentum after a fast start but struggled in the new year. 

Overall ...the Bulls will be too strong in this one

Chicago 4-1

Boston (4) vs. Atlanta (5)

The Celtics are also banged up but they are the veterans of the playoffs. Kevin Garnett has had a resurgence since the All-Star break and though they will be tested, Boston should pull this one out

Boston 4-2

Indiana (3) vs. Orlando (6)

The Pacers have been going about their business relatively unnoticed and can be a difficult foe for any team in the post season. Orlando, without Dwight Howard, are not expected to go very far.

Indiana 4-2

Miami (2) vs. New York (7)

This one will bring back memories of past series' between these two clubs. The Knicks have been better since Mike Woodson took over but Miami has a point to prove and will get through this series.

Miami 4-2

Western Conference:

San Antonio (1) vs. Utah (8)

The Spurs have reinvented themselves with an injection of youth and have not lost a step...surprising many by taking the top spot in the conference. 

Utah may win one game but the Spurs will advance.

San Antonio 4-0

Memphis (4) vs. LA Clippers (5)

Many are picking Memphis as the danger team in the Western Conference again and they could well be. The match up between these two will be the closest in the first round.

Chris Paul will be the determining factor win or lose.

LA Clippers 4-3

LA Lakers (3)  vs. Denver Nuggets (6)

The Lakers are without playoff tough Metta World Peace for at least six games of the post season but may be able to get by Denver without the wily vet.  They will need consistency from Bynum and Gasol and a balanced offence.

LA Lakers 4-2

Oklahoma City (2) vs. Dallas (7)

Will Dallas be able to turn it on in the playoffs?? Might be a tough ask in this series.

Oklahoma City 4-1

Overall....I will go out on a limb and pick Chicago to face Indiana in the Eastern Conference final and San Antonio vs. Oklahoma City in the Western Conference. 

For the Championship......I will pick San Antonio over Chicago in six games!!

Looking back at my NBA preview from December....I had Orlando missing out on the post season in anticipation of a Dwight Howard trade but picked seven playoff teams correctly...Washington?? What was I thinking!!

In the West...Denver and Utah get in in place of my Portland and Golden State picks....

My preview can be read here

Title will be decided tonight!!!

Perth and New Zealand meet in the decider

After a one point 87-86 win in Perth, New Zealand and Perth will clash soon for the 2012 NBL Championship in New Zealand.

In a rarity of sorts....Perth controlled the boards against the rugged Breaker front line in Game 2.

Again due to time constraints....here are some stories from the NBL. 

Prediction wise, I think the crowd will get the Breakers home by 7.

Game Three preview here.

Redhage article here.

NBL Finals Game two up in Perth!!!

Did the Breakers bring their brooms to Perth??

Game two of the NBL Grand Final Series kicks off later tonight in Perth with New Zealand looking to sweep the Wildcats and take the crown across the Tasman again. Last week saw Perth scramble back to nearly pull the upset in Auckland but was it their best shot??

I will go with the Wildcats to extend the series to a decider in New Zealand next week.

For a few stories and previews from the NBL website click here, here, here or here.

Enjoy the action tonight!!

NBL Finals Series is on....

Aussie Basketball Finals series underway

The Australian NBL Grand Final series would have just tipped off in New Zealand with the Perth Wildcats visiting the New Zealand Breakers to start the best of three series.

In short, I predict the series will go the distance with New Zealand pulling it out in the end.

Unfortunately I do not have time to write a full preview at the moment but please have a look at the series preview from the NBL website here, the game schedule and fast facts here, or two other lead up articles here and here.

Ok, time to settle in and watch the action.

Title Time!!

NCAA Title Tilts are on!!

The 2011-2012 NCAA mens and womens championship games are set with Kansas facing Kentucky later today in New Orleans for  the mens title and Notre Dame meeting Baylor for the womens crown in Denver on Tuesday.

Kansas vs. Kentucky

Not many predicted Kansas to be here in the pre-season. Most looked at it as a rebuilding year for the Jayhawks after losing the Morris twins and others. They have hit a hot streak at the right time of year after losing to Baylor in the Big 12 tournament. 

Kentucky has lived up to the hype but several experts are saying there could still be a loss of focus by the young team. The Wilcats have been shaken not too long ago when losing the SEC championship game to Vanderbilt.

Kentucky beat Kansas on a neutral court back in November but the Jayhawks would like to think they have improved since then. This game is also a championship rematch coaching wise with Bill Self facing off against John Calipari just as they did in 2008 when Kansas topped Calapari's Memphis squad. 

There is temptation to pick the upset here. Instead I''ll go with Kentucky surviving a major scare to grab the crown.

Kentucky by 7

Notre Dame vs. Baylor

Notre Dame returns to the Women's NCAA championship game to face another Big 12 opponent this season. After losing to Texas A&M in the title game last season, the Irish face an even tougher foe in undefeated Baylor.

In November, Baylor was too strong down the stretch for Notre Dame in their win over the Irish. This time they will have to keep their composure if they want to end the season a perfect 40-0. Expect them to do it.

Baylor by 8.