NBA D-Leaguer Gets 2nd Stint with Bucks

I know there are many injury notes to get to, but let me first congradulate Eddie Gill who just signed his 2nd 10 day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Gill had been playing for the Colorado 14ers of the NBA D-League and was originally called up on February 9th. The 14ers have added John Lucas to fill out the teams' 10 man roster. For more on the 14ers, check out http://www.14ershoops.com/.

On February 5th, I had a chance to talk to Eddie Gill. You can revisit my interview with him by going to http://walshtalk.blogspot.com/2009/02/inside-look-at-d-league.html. Fans of Eddie Gill can see him take on the Denver Nuggets, Sunday at 3:00 Mountain in Milwaukee. The game will be televised on Altitude 2.

Thanks to Chad Andrus, who is the voice and head of media relations for the Colorado 14ers.

Now some very bad news for NBA teams. Phoenix's Amare Stoudemire is out a minimum of 8 weeks after having surgery to repair his retina. The injury was suffered early in the Suns blowout win at the Clippers Wednesday night. Stoudemire ended up going for 42, despite the injury in the game. What else can go wrong this season for the Suns?

Boston is awaiting MRI results on Kevin Garnett, who left in the first half after injuring his knee in a loss at Utah. Garnett went back to Boston for tests, meanwhile the Celtics still have 3 games remaining on their current 6 game roadtrip. I have heard this morning Garnett could miss anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks.

San Antonio's Manu Ginobili will miss 3 weeks due to ongoing problems with his injured ankle. The Spurs under .500 when Manu is out of the line-up.

What does this all mean? Phoenix was done anyway, I just feel bad for Amare. I hope he makes a full recovery and his management can start treating him with respect. For the Spurs and Celtics, this is a bad thing for playoff positioning. The loss of these players could very well cost these teams home court advantage throughout the playoffs. However, if you look long term both stars will be well rested come playoff time, which will turn into a major advantage. Based on all the injuries to contending teams, your top 3 teams right now in the regular season are the Lakers, Cavs and Nuggets.

Alex Rodriguez is in more trouble. Now it is reported that he was in contact for several years with a trainer who was banned from MLB clubhouses league-wide. He should have just told the truth to CBS 14 months ago or atleast to Peter Gammons a week and a half ago. Idiot.

Barry Bonds is looking better and better in his chances to avoid "Bubba" and prison. The Judge in his case has ruled that much of the damning evidence against Bonds is inadmissable in court.

A bad blow to the Colorado Rockies, Pitcher Jeff Francis will miss the 2009 season due to shoulder surgery. If Manny doesn't sign with the Dodgers, the NL West could be historically bad this season.

Picks...I dropped both last night, my bad. I'm now 47-24-1 against the spread. I have only one game tonight. The college board is made up of cupcake teams and the NBA is really messed up because of injuries and trades. The Bulls dismantled a good chunk of their team yesterday and I have no clue why they are just 1 1/2 point dogs in this game. Denver is well rested and didn't do anything at the trade deadline, and are focused on finishing this monster 8 game roadtrip in style.

NBA

Denver - 1 1/2 @ Chicago

Talk to you Monday, have a good weekend.