Over the last couple days the NBA has completely turned around. The Lakers have gone from a pretty much guaranteed finals apperance to maybe a slight favorite. The loss of Andrew Bynum due to a torn MCL is huge. Last year, this team could not win the whole thing without him. Kobe's 61 point breakout last night at MSG was unbelievable, but if you are a Laker fan that has to scare you. When Bryant scores big the Lakers aren't as efficient. Look back to 2006 when Kobe dropped 81 on Toronto, LA didn't go to far that season.
The Lakers aren't the only contender with injury issues. Orlando has basically lost their All-Star Point Guard Jameer Nelson for the season with a torn labrum and dislocated shoulder. I know what that feels like and he won't be back at 100 % this season. Without their Quarterback on the court it is hard to imagine the Magic making a deep run, when before the injury to Nelson it looked like they were going to do so.
New Orleans was in complete control over Portland last night and then All-Star Point Guard Chris Paul left the game with a groin injury in the 3rd quarter. The result- Portland 42-17 the rest of the way in route to a big road win for the Blazers. Paul is listed as day-to-day, but everyone knows groin injuries can linger on. How will this affect the Hornets who are contenders in the West?
On a non-injury note what is up with the Phoenix Suns? For a while they looked like they would be the team on the outside looking in come playoff time and then they smoke Sacremento. I mean 129-81, that is just abuse and the Kings should be ashamed of themselves. When the regular season concludes it will be either Phoenix or Dallas missing out on the playoffs. I think the Suns window has closed as far as a championship goes.
There is a similar situation going on in Detroit. The Pistons were blasted Sunday in the 4th quarter by Cleveland which resulted in a loss and I no longer consider Detroit a contender. They were once dominant at home and this season they are just 13-9. Detroit's run of Eastern Conference Finals apperances will end this season. The Pistons just don't have what it takes with a new coach, Allen Iverson-who I love but doesn't fit with this team-and Rip Hamilton coming off the bench. It is just not working in Detroit.
With all that said....Here is this week's new NBA top 5
1. Boston Celtics
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. San Antonio Spurs
4. Los Angeles Lakers
5. Denver Nuggets
NHL Top 5
1. Boston Bruins
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Detroit Red Wings
4. Washington Capitals
5. Calgary Flames
NCAAM Top 5.
1. UCONN
2. Oklahoma
3. North Caronia
4. Pittsburgh
5. Marquette
2009-2010 NFL Top 5
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Philadelphia Eagles
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. Carolina Panthers
5. Houston Texans
What is up with Manny Ramirez? He just rejected a 1 year-25 million dollar deal with the Dodgers, this coming after he rejected a 2 year deal from LA earlier worth about 50 million. What will it take to sign this guy? Spring Training begins in about a month and still no home for Manny. I just have no idea what it will take to sign this guy? I've never seen anything like this. Manny-the economy is bad, 25 million for one season is not a raw deal.
Finally, the picks......3-1 last night....would have been 4-0 if Chris Paul doesn't get hurt. Since the blog began I'm now 24-16 ATS....
Tonight........LAY OFF EVERYTHING, NOTHING LOOKS GOOD AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS YOU SHOULDN'T PLAY.
No picks.
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