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

Catch up time!!!

Well about six weeks and a sports hernia later…I’m finally back with a bit of a catch up on all things hoops…firstly my NBA Finals prediction of Miami taking the title in six games disappeared quicker than LeBron James at crunch time!! Congrats to the crew from Big D and their long suffering fans. Job well done guys.

We’ve also had the 2011 NBA Draft. The verdict will be out as to the strength of the draft overall. Nine international players were selected in the first round and some will not appear in the NBA until a few years down the track. Among the notables internationally, Enes Kanter (Utah Jazz), Jonas Valanciunas (Toronto Raptors) and Jan Vesely (Washington Wizards) seem to be the most anticipated. Bismark Biyombo (Sacramento Kings, traded to Charlotte Bobcats) may be the most intriguing player drafted with his huge wing span and athleticism.

The Cleveland Cavaliers picked Kyrie Irving at number one and Tristan Thompson at number four in hopes of improving their roster after last season’s misery. There will be the question of whether Irving will be an understudy to Baron Davis or if Davis will eventually be traded? Other notables drafted in the first round included: Derrick Williams (Minnesota Timberwolves), Keemba Walker (Charlotte Bobcats), Jimmer Fredette (Milwaukee Bucks, traded to the Sacramento Kings), Nolan Smith (Portland Trailblazers) and defensive ace Chris Singleton (Washington Wizards).

Some top college talent taken in round two included: Kyle Singler (Detroit Pistons), Shelvin Mack (Washington Wizards), Chandler Parsons (Houston Rockets), Jon Leuer (Milwaukee Bucks), Josh Selby (Memphis Grizzlies) and E’Twaun Moore (Boston Celtics).

Hopefully the Collective Bargaining Agreement will not affect the 2011-2012 season and the dispute will be settled before the preseason starts.

Ok, I’ll be back over the next few weeks with a few titbits and a look at the international scene, the WNBA and all of the associations around Australia.

NBA Look....

NBA Look…

Now that Blogger has resolved their issues, I can get my update out. Since I blogged last:

The Lakers have been eliminated!! In a bow that was not graceful, LA left the playoffs in a huff. I think we were all hoping for a different or at least graceful exit from the game for a coach of Phil Jackson’s stature. Even without a championship, the man deserved to leave after a hard fought series where his team was all on the same page without the antics of the last game in Dallas.

In contrast, kudos to the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics for showing that there can be a hard fought series without the aforementioned antics by the losing team. Pure class was shown by both organisations.

Congrats to Chicago for wrapping up their series against Atlanta yesterday. The Chicago-Miami affair will be well worth watching.

The last conference semi-final is about to kick off. Can Oklahoma City clinch the series and move on or will Memphis put up some resistance on their home court. I think the Grizzlies will put up a fight but bow out in a close one. This prediction could easily be reversed if Memphis gets their inside game going and the Westbrook-Durant dynamic is not in synch.

Sunday sees game one of the Bulls-Heat series. I will pick Miami to sneak into Chicago and get a first up win in a close one by 5-8 points.

Back for a check in later in the week….

NBA Playoff preview

NBA Post – Season is now here

The time for more playoff basketball is here…NBA style with the 2011 post season kicking off today. Before going forward, I will look back to my NBA preseason entry from 26 October 2010. In that, my playoff picks for the East were correct with the exception of Milwaukee and Charlotte. I was wrong on Milwaukee winning the Central Division.

In the Western Conference, take out my preseason picks of Utah and Phoenix and insert New Orleans and Memphis.

So my pick of Lakers vs. Heat final survives but there may be adjustments as I look at the first round.

Eastern Conference:

Chicago (1) 62-20 vs. Indiana (8) 37-45

This one will not be much more than a tune up for the surprisingly top seeded bulls as they go into the next round easily

Bulls win series 4-1.

Miami (2) 58-24 vs. Philadelphia (7) 41-41

The Heat has finally lived up to some of the hype in the last weeks of the season and should go on to the next round with a series win over the rejuvenated 76ers.

Miami wins series 4-0.

Boston (3) 46-26 vs. New York (6) 42-40

The Celtics showed lots of cracks in the armour late in the season while the Knicks were fine tuning their game… hmm…this could be upset of the round.

Knicks take series 4-3.

Orlando (4) 52-30 vs. Atlanta (5) 44-38

Both teams have been seen as underachievers this season but the winner of this series could go on to be the spoiler against Chicago.

Orlando takes this one 4-2.

Western Conference:

San Antonio (1) 61-21 vs. Memphis (8) 46-36

The Spurs are not completely healthy but they are a deep squad and should get through this round.

Spurs win series 4-1.

Los Angeles (2) 57-25 vs. New Orleans (7) 46-36

This could be a testy series for LA although they swept the regular season series.

LA wins 4-2.

Dallas (3) 57-25 vs. Portland (6) 48-34

Portland is a team that no one wanted to face in the first round. Dallas is a team prone to first round flops…..do the math.

Portland takes it 4-3.

Oklahoma City (4) 55-27 vs. Denver (5) 50-32

The Thunder are getting back on track and Denver has surprised since the All-Star break…good series on the way.

OKC wins 4-2.

If the predictions hold true we will have second round matches of Chicago/Orlando and Miami/NY in the East with San Antonio/OKC and LA/Portland in the West.

For the Conference Finals I would predict Chicago/Miami in the east and San Antonio/Portland in the West with Championship series of Miami vs. San Antonio where I would give the nod to Miami.

But, we will see how things pan out over the next month.

The return....

Back …..finally….

After spending time on the “injured reserve” list, working and doing other sports related stuff (Australian Baseball League and NFL); the “Chuck” has come back to Basketball!!

I am sure there is quite a lot for me to catch up on. Here in Australia, the NBL is getting down to crunch time, the WNBL is up to the prelim final stage and various state associations are just ramping up activities for the forthcoming season. Elsewhere, the Euroleague is getting down to the business end of the season, the NBA is in its stretch run and “Selection Sunday” is just over a week away on the NCAA horizon.

So…today I am starting with an “around the grounds” look at the hoop world.

NBA Update

The Hoops Roundup……NBA

With the NBA season a little over a week old…..there are some surprises around. Chris Paul, now healthy has led the rejuvenated New Orleans Hornets to a perfect start. The team is using a balanced scoring attack to keep the pressure on opponents with Jason Smith bringing energy and skill from the bench now that he is finally getting more court time with his new team. Emeka Okafor is always a double/double threat alongside the equally dangerous David West.

The Boston Celtics are solid so far and the surprising play of Glen “Baby” Davis is a bonus. The “Big Shamrock” has been effective when on the court. Kevin Garnett’s antics have been a disappointment but are consistent with “KG”, sorry young man but the late Maurice Lucas would have probably broken your jaw!!

The NY Knicks unfortunately are looking like the same old Knicks. Chicago and Milwaukee are looking to be the cream of the Central Division with Indiana looking dangerous at times.

In the Southeast, Miami is still trying to get it together and need to find consistency. Meanwhile Orlando and Atlanta top the division at this stage.

Other than the Jazz, San Antonio and Dallas are on top of their game in the Southwest.

Utah is on a five game winning streak at the moment and looks solid with Paul Milsap leading the charge.

In the Western Division the Lakers are off and running but Golden State has regained the dangerous team label to start the season and Monta Ellis has transformed into a team leader with success.

Though John Wall is rounding into a brilliant player, the Washington Wizards are lagging behind and need to improve.

The Rookie Class so far has a few surprises to go with the expected performance of John Wall and Blake Griffin. Undrafted rookie Ish Smith has emerged to become the starting point guard in Houston, Gary Neal is impressing at San Antonio in limited court time, and Gary Forbes is looking solid for Denver.

Top 10:

My fist NBA Top 10 of the year.

1. New Orleans Hornets
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Boston Celtics
4. LA Lakers
5. Orlando Magic
6. Dallas Mavericks
7. Miami Heat
8. Atlanta Hawks
9. Utah Jazz
10. Golden State Warriors

Back in a week or so with more.

NBA Preview

Finally Back from Injured Reserve!!!!

Yes, after quite a long absence, I am back to my basketball blog. The NBA season starts tomorrow (Tuesday USA) so I will jump right in. My last post ages ago, was on the verge of the NBA Finals. A lot has happened since then including Mr. James going to South Beach and The Big Shamrock appearing in Boston.

A lot of ink/cyberspace has been used in analysing LeBron’s move to Miami. Bottom line, the young man took the option that he felt best suited to his needs. Still with the recent injuries on the Heat Roster, no title is guaranteed. Some of the comments about James’ loyalty were interesting. I remember a few years ago a certain young draftee did not want to play in New Jersey if drafted there and wanted to play for the LA Lakers. At least LeBron went to the team that drafted him and gave it a shot there.

Ok, now to look at this upcoming season:

Eastern Conference


Atlantic Division
Boston is still the class act here and will win the division as they tune up for the playoffs. New York could be an interesting team and may make the playoffs, same for New Jersey. Philadelphia will be looking to reverse the bad fortune of last year with some new faces and new coach. Toronto will need work although rookie Ed Davis could impress.
Division Winner: Boston Celtics

Central Division
Chicago has reloaded and Milwaukee is looking to consolidate last year’s playoff effort. Cleveland will be under the radar and have time to improve/rebuild. Indiana will be hoping point guard Darren Collison will solidify their backcourt. All in all, the division will not be the power it once was.
Division Winner: Milwaukee Bucks


Southeast Division
Definitely the power group of the Eastern Conference with Orlando, Miami, and Atlanta at the top and Charlotte looking to return to the playoffs. Add in Rookie of the Year candidate John Wall in Washington and this group looks exciting.
Miami will have to stay healthy and get solid if not spectacular from the frontline to live up to expectations. Dwight Howard and Orlando should be stronger again. Atlanta will be solid and dangerous.
Division Winner: Miami Heat

Playoff Teams:
Boston, Chicago, Miami, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte and New York
Conference Champions:
Miami Heat

Western Conference


Southwest Division
San Antonio and Dallas will be looking for one last big run as they age. Houston hopes to stay healthy and gel as a unit and Memphis looks to make the playoffs after a near miss last season. The Hornets are hoping last seasons debacle is way behind them.
Division Winner: San Antonio Spurs

Northwest Division
Oklahoma City is suddenly the class of the division this season. Portland will be solid. Denver will be an interesting prospect and Utah is always in the playoffs.
Division Winner: Portland Trailblazers

Pacific Division
The Lakers will use the division as a playoff tune up. Phoenix is hopeful as usual and will entertain. Sacramento could be the best of the rest while Golden State is always a chance of scoring 120+ in a game. David Lee will help the Warriors inside. The Clippers are the Clippers, you never know.
Division Winner: LA Lakers


Playoff Teams:
San Antonio, Portland, LA Lakers, Dallas, Utah, Oklahoma City, Denver and Phoenix
Conference Champions:
LA Lakers


NBA Champions:
Miami Heat, though there are several obstacles along the way, if this team stays reasonably healthy, they can actually win it all but the burden lies more with Dwayne Wade than Bosh or James.

Locally here in Australia, the National Basketball League season is underway. Catch NBL and NBA action on OneHD here.

NBA Playoff Predictions are now done....

It’s Playoff Time!!!!

The 2010 NBA Playoffs are underway in earnest with several contenders looking to knock off defending champions the LA Lakers.

In the Eastern Conference:

Cleveland - 61-21 (1) vs. Chicago 41-41 (8)

The Cavaliers got off to a solid start with a 96-83 thumping of Chicago on Saturday. The game led star Cav LeBron James to issue the statement “we have the look of a champion”.

After last season’s Conference Finals defeat at the hands of the Orlando Magic, the Cleveland outfit comes back tougher through the key addition of Shaquille O’Neal, wit more court savvy in the form of Anthony Parker and more versatile in the front court through Antawn Jamison.

In game one with Shaq returning from an injury layoff and playing as if he were ten years younger, Cleveland bolted to a 56-41 advantage at the half and was never headed.

LeBron as usual filled a lot of spaces on the scoresheet with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocked shots for Cleveland with support from Mo Williams (19 points, 10 assists), Jamison (15 points, 10 rebounds), O’Neal (12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks), and Anderson Varejao (8 points, 15 rebounds).

Series prediction:

While the Bulls play the Cavs tough usually, I don’t see Chicago winning more than two games. Cavs in six or less.

Orlando 59-23 (2) vs. Charlotte 44-38 (7)

With game one of this series set for Sunday, look for the edge to go to Orlando although Charlotte, making their first playoff appearance is looking to impress new owner and playoff legend Michael Jordan. Charlotte improved throughout the season and is just short in depth department. That said, the Magic will still need key contributions from Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson in this series.

Series Prediction:

At some stage during the series, the Bobcats will rattle the cage of the Magic and test their resolve but in the end, Orlando’s post season experience will put them past the post. Magic in five.

Atlanta 53-29 (3) vs. Milwaukee 46-36 (6)

In game one, Atlanta played a flawless first half, bolting out to a 62-40 halftime advantage before surviving a ragged second half on their way to a 102-92 win. The Hawks had six players score in double figures and the inside play of Al Horford, Josh Smith and Marvin Williams proved too much for the Bucks team that was missing Michael Redd and inside presence Andrew Bogut.

Look for the same formula throughout this first round tilt. Although rookie Brandon Jennings dropped in 34 points in the opening game, the Bucks supporting cast is not up to par.

Series Prediction:

Atlanta in a sweep.

Boston 50-32 (4) vs. Miami 47-35 (5)

The Celtics took game one in a scrappy affair 85-76. There is a bit of animosity between the defence minded squads with Celtic emotional leader Kevin Garnett facing a possible two game suspension for elbowing the Heat’s Quentin Richardson in the jaw with less than a minute left in the game.

Miami suffered a monumental loss of composure, leading 61-47 with 7:02 left in the third quarter, the heat were outscored 24-7 and trailed 71-68 three minutes into the fourth quarter.

This series will be decided by the play of Dwayne Wade’s supporting cast and the freshness of Celtic veterans Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Garnett.

Series Prediction:

I think Wade may again reach near super human levels of play at times in this series and Boston may not always be able to weather the storm.

Miami in six or seven.

Western Conference:

Los Angeles 57-25 (1) vs. Oklahoma City 50-32 (8)

Though the Thunder limped into the playoffs, they could present and interesting first round proposition for the defending champions. Russell Westbrook needs to find his groove again and Thabo Sefolosha will need all of his “Swiss Army” tricks to deal with Kobe Bryant. That said, if Kobe forgets the team concept and takes the battle personally, there could be trouble in Tinsletown.

Series Prediction:

I think the Lakers will survive this round in six games though they will get a scare.

Dallas 55-27 (2) vs. San Antonio 50-32 (7)

The Spurs will be looking to avenge last season’s first round defeat at the hands of the Mavericks. This season, the Spurs rested Tim Duncan throughout and built up towards a playoff run. They also have a healthy Manu Ginobili. While Dallas made moves to bolster their team and won quite a few close contests through the regular season, their record could have easily been a lot worse.

Series Prediction:

I think ultimately the Spurs will pull this one out in seven.

Phoenix 54-28 (3) vs. Portland 50-32 (6)

Portland were definitely the over achievers through the season and survived injuries to key players to patch together a 50 win season. Now with the loss of Brandon Roy, the Blazers’ chances of survival are slim.

Series Prediction:

Suns will win this one in four or five.

Denver 53-29 (4) vs. Utah 53-29 (5)

Denver rode a 42 point effort from Carmelo Anthony to 126-113 win in game one of the series. J.R. Smith came off the bench to drop in 20 points in support of Anthony. After leading by just two points after three quarters, the Nuggets poured in 38 fourth quarter points to pull away.

The Nuggets have been a yo-yo of a squad in the absence of Coach George Karl who is being treated for cancer.

Most experts are picking the Jazz to take out the series but the Nuggets first up win could propel them to better play.

Series Prediction:

I will go against conventional wisdom here and pick Denver in six.

Further into the future, I see the Cavs getting their rematch with the Magic in the Eastern Conference and the Lakers meeting the Spurs in the Western Conference.

My final prediction has Cleveland beating the Spurs in six games. I have been wrong before…see my NCAA picks!!LOL!!

New Hoops concept hits Australia

Elite Classic Kicks off in Adelaide

Tuesday at noon Australian time, a new innovative basketball tourney will kick off with the start of The Elite Classic-High Stakes Hoop$ tournament. The classic will see eight teams vie for a minimum purse of $250,000 over the five day event. The event can be seen live on Australia’s OneHD.

The Classic will provide some unique features including a “Game Breaker Phase”, where on one occasion in each half for a three minute period, every made three point shot will count as four points. The phase can be initiated by either the coach of the team or the on court captain.

The Classic will also feature the “Game within the Game”, where points are awarded for winning individual quarters. This will be compiled by awarding two points for every quarter won by the losing team. The winning team will automatically receive eight points.

The rosters for the event have a smattering of talent from across the globe, some instantly recognisable with NBA pedigree and most with NCAA experience along with some of Australia’s favourites.

The Rosters:

Rush
Team Rights Owner – Lanard Copeland
Coach – Sedale Threatt.
25 Michael Boone *
23 Lonnie Harrell *
9 Chris Brown *
22 Michael Rose **
24 Brad Bridgewater
10 Sedale Threatt Jr
11 Yusuf Qaafow
12 Daniel Dillon
14 Thalo Green
Fleet
Team Rights Owner – Brett Maher & Consortium
Coach Ken Cole
12 Troy Jackson **
23 Willie Farley **
15 Brett Maher
21 Chris Goulding
20 Riley Luettgerodt
24 Luke Schenscher
7 Tom Daly
25 Chris Molitor
22 Oscar Forman

Rays
Team Rights Owner Pat Reidy & Matt Shanahan
Coach – Matt Shanahan
25 David Fisher *
14 Freddy Robinson *
11 Kevin Lisch **
13 Peter Crawford
33 Tony Ronaldson
10 Damien Martin
15 Adam Gibson
20 Brad Hill
24 Ben Allen
David Bowley

Cyclones
Coach – Bruce Bolden
21 Terrence Woodberry *
22 Mario Brown *
14 Graeme Dann
10 BJ Carter
20 Clint Reed
9 Deba George
24 Steven Broom
11 Josh Knight
12 Brad Gerlach
25 Jordan Dodman

Monarchs
Team Rights Owner – John de la Torre
Coach -  Al Green
20 Isiah Victor *
11 Scott O’Gallagher *
24 Martinis Woody **
12 Wayne Oliver **
21 Ed Millard **
15 Rashard Tucker **
22 Galen Young **
13 Brad Williamson
14 Julius Hodge
23 Lance Allred
Coasters
Team Rights Owner – Julie Corletto
Coach Darryl “D Mac” McDonald
23 D’Lancy Carter *
10 Mike Helms *
11 Bennett Davison **
15 Sean Lampley **
12 Luke McMillan
13 Kevin Ratzch
4 Brad Davidson
7 Darren Ng
9 Derrick McDonald
Pythons
Team Rights Owner – Lance “Buddy” Franklin
Coach – Mark Bradtke
10 Mark Bradtke
5 Tony Danridge **
11 Kevin Johnson **
15 Harry Lum **
23 Corey “Homicide” Williams **
4 Dante Sykes **
13 Geremy Robinson **
7 John Rillie
9 Michael Florence
8 Mike McDaniel
Reef
Team Rights Owner – Stewart Briggs & Dale Ryan
Coach Dale Ryan & Mick Downer
14 Jason Cameron
8 Nathan Niesler
13 Todd Blanchfield
15 Blogoj Janev
12 David Bartholomaeus
9 John Fitzgerald
10 Keith Borgen
11 Jason Curtis
5 Anthony Esparza
4 Stephen Hoare

*denotes Draft pick from Overseas Player Draft.

** denotes overseas player signed directly by team, these players did not nominate for the Draft and were signed as free agents.

TBA denotes To Be Announced.

The Draw:

Tuesday 6 April
12:00 pm  Cyclones v Monarchs
2:00 pm    Coasters v Rays
4:00 pm    Fleet v Rush
6:00 pm    Reef v Pythons
Wednesday 7 April
12:00 pm  Pythons v Coasters
2:00 pm    Rush v Cyclones
4:00 pm    Rays v Reef
6:00 pm    Monarchs v Fleet
Thursday 8 April
11:00 am  Fleet v Cyclones
1:00 pm    Reef v Coasters
3:00 pm    Rush v Monarchs
5:00 pm    Pythons v Rays
Friday 9 April
4:00 pm    Semi-Final #1
6:00 pm    Semi-Final #2
Sunday 11 April
4:30 pm    Championship Game

There is more info and a fan forum at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elite-Classic-Basketball/264829268543
The tourney homepage is at: http://www.highstakeshoops.com

NBA Weekly Update

It’s All Ball Y’all!!!

The NBA season is well and truly underway with the last week bringing some much awaited excitement from Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks. On Saturday “Mr. Jennings”, touched up the Golden State Warriors with a 55 point outing in three quarters no less as he went scoreless in the first term. Also over the last week in the NBA, the Phoenix Suns continued their resurgence with three wins sandwiched around a loss to the defending champion LA Lakers. But in picking a team of the week, I’ll have to go with the Cleveland Cavaliers who are in the midst of a four game winning streak after an indifferent start. Shaq is currently day to day with a shoulder problem but the team as a whole is coming together for a title push this season.

Other surprises thus far in the league are the San Antonio Spurs who are an even .500 while trying to sort through various injuries and adjust to new personnel. The whole Central Division is playing at .500 or better. Miami looks stronger than expected, Denver looks solid and Sacramento has surprised a few people.

My first NBA Top 10: Record Previous Rank

1. Cleveland 7-3 --

2. Boston 8-3 --

3. Denver 7-3 --

4. Orlando 8-3 --

5. Phoenix 9-2 --

6. Atlanta 9-2 --

7. LA Lakers 7-3 --

8. Dallas 8-3 --

9. Portland 8-4 --

10. Miami 7-2 --

Bubbling: Houston, Milwaukee

In Ball Today

Greetings fellow Ballaholics. We are now in our essence with action in the NBL, NBA, WNBL and the ASEAN leagues in full throttle.

In the NBL, Wollongong and Perth top the table with the other eight teams neck and neck heading towards the mid point of the season. There are still a number of top notch players out due to injuries so the power base could shift as they return. Most recently, the Gold Coast Breakers pulled off a huge upset of the New Zealand Breakers last night in NZ.

Meanwhile in the WNBL, Bulleen and Townsville remain undefeated at the top of the ladder. On the bottom rungs sit the AIS and Perth both of whom are hungry for a win. Defending champs Canberra continue to have an up and down ride at this stage of the season but never count them out.

Remember the Singapore Slingers?? Well guess who sits atop the ASEAN Basketball League ladder?? So far the Slingers are undefeated after four matches in the newly formed competition. Have a look through the rosters of the teams on the league website and you will see a few former SEABL players along with a few others who have played here in Australia.

And finally, in the last week, we have gotten our NBA fixes!! Early on, the Denver Nuggets have to be the team of note with Carmelo Anthony lighting up the score sheets. The Orlando Magic are also looking ominous. Defending champion LA Lakers have a few injured players but are winning close games through the scoring of Kobe Bryant. San Antonio rookie DeJuan Blair has proved to be a future double/double machine with his ferocious efforts off the glass.

Oh, don't forget, for us true fans, the NCAA kicks off its season in the next week or two...go Heels!!