Merry Christmas to all my readers! Hope you guys enjoy your day with friends and family. After you're done celebrating, dig in with a NBA Christmas Day Quintuple header.
Pelicans @ Heat 12 PM ET on ESPN
Start off the day with emerging superstar Anthony Davis in South Beach to take on D-Wade and the Heat.
Bulls @ Thunder 2:30 PM ET on ABC
Next game features Jimmy Butler, Derrick Rose, and the Bulls facing Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, and the Thunder in OKC.
Cavaliers @ Warriors 5 PM ET on ABC
Must-watch game of the day, as it's a Finals rematch between LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and the East leading Cavs and Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and the West leading (and 27-1!!!) Warriors. No excuse to not catch this.
Spurs @ Rockets 8 PM ET on ESPN
It's a Texas showdown in H-Town, with Kawhi Leonard and the scorching hot Spurs (25-5) taking on James Harden and the disappointing Rockets.
Clippers @ Lakers 10:30 PM ET on ESPN
Kobe's farewell tour concludes the night, with the Lakers taking on Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and the Clippers in the The Battle for LA.
Friday, December 25, 2015
Thursday, December 24, 2015
NFL Picks: Week 16
Thursday, December 24
San Diego at Oakland – 8:25pm, NFLN
San Diego at Oakland – 8:25pm, NFLN
Saturday, December 26
Washington at Philadelphia – 8:25pm, NFLN
Washington at Philadelphia – 8:25pm, NFLN
Sunday, December 27
Carolina at Atlanta – 1:00pm, FOX
Pittsburgh at Baltimore – 1:00pm, CBS
Dallas at Buffalo – 1:00pm, FOX
San Francisco at Detroit – 1:00pm, FOX
Cleveland at Kansas City – 1:00pm, CBS
Indianapolis at Miami – 1:00pm, FOX
New England at New York Jets – 1:00pm, CBS
Houston at Tennessee – 1:00pm, CBS
Chicago at Tampa Bay – 1:00pm, FOX
Jacksonville at New Orleans – 4:05pm, CBS
Green Bay at Arizona – 4:25pm, FOX
St. Louis at Seattle – 4:25pm, FOX
New York Giants at Minnesota – 8:30pm, NBC
Carolina at Atlanta – 1:00pm, FOX
Pittsburgh at Baltimore – 1:00pm, CBS
Dallas at Buffalo – 1:00pm, FOX
San Francisco at Detroit – 1:00pm, FOX
Cleveland at Kansas City – 1:00pm, CBS
Indianapolis at Miami – 1:00pm, FOX
New England at New York Jets – 1:00pm, CBS
Houston at Tennessee – 1:00pm, CBS
Chicago at Tampa Bay – 1:00pm, FOX
Jacksonville at New Orleans – 4:05pm, CBS
Green Bay at Arizona – 4:25pm, FOX
St. Louis at Seattle – 4:25pm, FOX
New York Giants at Minnesota – 8:30pm, NBC
Monday, December 28
Cincinnati at Denver – 7:30pm, ESPN
Cincinnati at Denver – 7:30pm, ESPN
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving 2015!
Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers and hope you guys enjoy a great day filled with food, family, and football.
Here are my Thanksgiving football picks:
Eagles @ Lions 12:30 PM ET on FOX
Philly looks broken, coming off back to back horrible home losses to Miami and Tampa, with the defense, which played so well for so long, no longer able to carry a team with a horrible quarterback situation (Bradford, now Sanchez). The Lions got off to an awful start but have shown a defensive spark lately, I'll take them to win.
Panthers @ Cowboys 4:30 PM ET on CBS
The undefeated Panthers have looked unstoppable of late, with QB Cam Newton looking like a legit MVP candidate and a dominant defense. Meanwhile, the Cowboys got QB Tony Romo back last week but still have a lot of ground to make up to make a postseason push. Expect a close game, but Carolina pulls it out late to remain unbeaten.
Bears @ Packers 8:30 PM ET on NBC
An NFC North battle between two bitter rivals goes under the lights on Thanksgiving, with Chicago and Green Bay renewing their rivalry. Although the Bears defense has played a lot better lately, I find it hard to believe Aaron Rodgers and the Pack will struggle at home, especially after getting back on track Sunday in Minnesota.
Texas Tech @ Texas 7:30 PM ET on FOX Sports 1
Fourth year Texas won't be playing Texas A&M on Thanksgiving, as this year it's Texas Tech who pays a visit to DKR. The Red Raiders are already bowl eligible at 6-5 and have one of the most dynamic offenses in the country with QB Patrick Maholmes and RB DeAndre Washington. However, their defense is pathetic, so expect a shootout in this one. Meanwhile, my Longhorns have limped to a 4-6 season thus far and need two wins in their final two to get bowl eligible. The defense has played better as of late, but the offensive struggles behind young QB Jerrod Heard and the offensive line has made them hard to watch at times this year. Hopefully, they play well tonight in their final home game against that horrible Tech D.
Here are my Thanksgiving football picks:
Eagles @ Lions 12:30 PM ET on FOX
Philly looks broken, coming off back to back horrible home losses to Miami and Tampa, with the defense, which played so well for so long, no longer able to carry a team with a horrible quarterback situation (Bradford, now Sanchez). The Lions got off to an awful start but have shown a defensive spark lately, I'll take them to win.
Panthers @ Cowboys 4:30 PM ET on CBS
The undefeated Panthers have looked unstoppable of late, with QB Cam Newton looking like a legit MVP candidate and a dominant defense. Meanwhile, the Cowboys got QB Tony Romo back last week but still have a lot of ground to make up to make a postseason push. Expect a close game, but Carolina pulls it out late to remain unbeaten.
Bears @ Packers 8:30 PM ET on NBC
An NFC North battle between two bitter rivals goes under the lights on Thanksgiving, with Chicago and Green Bay renewing their rivalry. Although the Bears defense has played a lot better lately, I find it hard to believe Aaron Rodgers and the Pack will struggle at home, especially after getting back on track Sunday in Minnesota.
Texas Tech @ Texas 7:30 PM ET on FOX Sports 1
Fourth year Texas won't be playing Texas A&M on Thanksgiving, as this year it's Texas Tech who pays a visit to DKR. The Red Raiders are already bowl eligible at 6-5 and have one of the most dynamic offenses in the country with QB Patrick Maholmes and RB DeAndre Washington. However, their defense is pathetic, so expect a shootout in this one. Meanwhile, my Longhorns have limped to a 4-6 season thus far and need two wins in their final two to get bowl eligible. The defense has played better as of late, but the offensive struggles behind young QB Jerrod Heard and the offensive line has made them hard to watch at times this year. Hopefully, they play well tonight in their final home game against that horrible Tech D.
My Thanksgiving Picks:
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Novak Djokovic Repeats as Wimbledon Champion
In a match that started off with two spectacular sets which went into tiebreaks, it was the best player in the world who ended up taking control.
Novak Djokovic won his 3rd career Wimbledon and 9th career Grand Slam by beating Roger Federer 7-6 (1), 6-7 (10), 6-4, 6-3 today at the All-England Club in London.
Federer, who came in red-hot after a straight set victory over hometown favorite Andy Murray, went up a break in the first set, but could not hold on despite having two set points, losing in the a tiebreak 7-1. But he rallied in the second set, winning an epic tiebreak 12-10 and leveling the match at a set a piece. However, his momentum could not continue as Djokovic won an early break in the third set. That's when rain began to fall, causing about a 20 minute rain delay.
After the delay, Djokovic did not get broken again, taking the third and fourth sets behind powerful ground strokes on the baseline.
Novak Djokovic won his 3rd career Wimbledon and 9th career Grand Slam by beating Roger Federer 7-6 (1), 6-7 (10), 6-4, 6-3 today at the All-England Club in London.
Federer, who came in red-hot after a straight set victory over hometown favorite Andy Murray, went up a break in the first set, but could not hold on despite having two set points, losing in the a tiebreak 7-1. But he rallied in the second set, winning an epic tiebreak 12-10 and leveling the match at a set a piece. However, his momentum could not continue as Djokovic won an early break in the third set. That's when rain began to fall, causing about a 20 minute rain delay.
After the delay, Djokovic did not get broken again, taking the third and fourth sets behind powerful ground strokes on the baseline.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
MLB Final Vote Picks
The majority of the MLB All-Stars have been announced this year, but there are two spots left, one on each team, to be determined by the MLB Final-Vote, which goes on now until Friday.
Here are my picks for the final vote:
That's Brett Gardner of the Yankees for the AL and Johnny Cueto of the Reds for the NL.
Vote here.
Here are my picks for the final vote:
That's Brett Gardner of the Yankees for the AL and Johnny Cueto of the Reds for the NL.
Vote here.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Happy Independence Day!
HAPPY JULY FOURTH everyone. Today, our country is 239 years old. I hope everyone will enjoy the fireworks tonight and stay cool.
Earlier today, Matt Stonie upset Joey Chestnut in the Nathan's Hotdog Eating Contest, downing 62 hotdogs in 10 minutes, to win by 2 hotdogs.
If you're in front of a TV tonight, you can watch America's pasttime, with America's Game of the Week on FOX (regional action, led by Mets @ Dodgers).
Earlier today, Matt Stonie upset Joey Chestnut in the Nathan's Hotdog Eating Contest, downing 62 hotdogs in 10 minutes, to win by 2 hotdogs.
Also, at Wimbledon, the defending champion on the women's side is out, as Jelena Jankovic upset Petra Kvitová 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 in the third round.
If you're in front of a TV tonight, you can watch America's pasttime, with America's Game of the Week on FOX (regional action, led by Mets @ Dodgers).
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Wawrinka Upsets Djokovic to Win French Open
Stan the Man was on his game today in Paris, as he upset top-seed Novak Djokovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 to win his first career French Open at Roland Garros and second career major championship (2014 Australian). Using a powerful serve and blistering backhand, Wawrinka won the second and third sets after losing a hard fought first set.
In the final set, he lost the first 3 games but rallied to break Djokovic twice, winning the next three to be back on serve. Showing obvious nerves, though, he goes down three break points to Djokovic at 4-3 before rallying to win five straight points and stay on serve at 4-4. From there, Wawrinka breaks Djokovic one more time and serves out to deny Djokovic his career grand slam at Roland Garros, where he has now finished runner-up three times.
"I'm really happy to have won it. I'm sure he's [Djokovic] going to get in one day because he's such a strong player," Wawrinka said afterward.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
2015 NBA Finals Preview: Cavaliers vs. Warriors
It's a marquee NBA Finals between MVP Stephen Curry and the league best Warriors and LeBron James and championship-starved Cleveland! Here's a match-up by match-up breakdown.
Point Guards: Kyrie Irving vs. Stephen Curry
Irving has been banged up much of this postseason, with a hurt left knee and right foot, which has limited his explosive effectiveness. At his best, he is one of the most dynamic players in the NBA, with his devastating handles, quickness, and lights out shooting. He also takes a lot of the burden off LeBron James since he consistently beats his man one-on-one, which draws help defenders and opens up shots for teammates. Meanwhile, Curry won the MVP for good reason. The leading scorer and assist man on the league's best team, his play-making ability and lights-out shooting (the best shooting PG in NBA history) has led Golden State to its first Finals appearance since 1975. He has been nearly unstoppable this postseason, averaging 29.6 ppg, 6.4 asg and shooting 44% from three-point range.
Edge: Warriors
Shooting Guards: Iman Shumpert vs. Klay Thompson
Shumpert was a midseason acquisition from the Knicks who brings good perimeter defense and three-point shooting to help Cleveland spread the floor. He has averaged 10.1 ppg this postseason, while also grabbing 5.4 rpg, and shooting 38% from three-point range. Meanwhile, Klay Thompson, assuming he is over the concussion-like symptoms he suffered from Game 5's clinching win over the Rockets, is critical to the Warriors' success with this sharp-shooting and perimeter defense, as he has averaged 20 ppg and shot 43% from three-point range, while also having to guard players like Tyreke Evans and James Harden this postseason. With both teams likely employing cross-matches, Thompson's defense on Irving, as well as Shumpert's defense on Curry will be a big key in this series.
Edge: Warriors
Small Forwards: LeBron James vs. Harrison Barnes
LeBron's outside shooting may be putrid this postseason (17.6% from three-point range?!?), but he has done everything else for the Cavaliers without Kevin Love and a healthy Irving. Averaging 27.6 ppg, 10.6 rpg, and 8.3 rpg, he has carried Cleveland back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2007 and given the city a legitimate chance at a championship in his first year back after four years in Miami. How effective he is against the top defensive team in the NBA in the Warriors will obviously big storyline in this series, as he should see a bevy of different defenders, from Harrison Barnes to Klay Thompson to NBA Defensive Player of the Year runner-up Draymond Green and even Andre Iguodala off the bench. Speaking of Barnes, he's had a solid postseason, shining in Game 5's clincher over the Rockets with 24 points, while playing shutdown defense on James Harden. His impact on this series will be to stretch the floor by knocking down open jumpers, rebounding, and playing good defense on the best basketball player on the planet.
Significant Edge: Cavaliers
Power Forwards: Tristan Thompson vs. Draymond Green
Thompson has been a beast on the boards, averaging 9.9 rpg this postseason and 10.4 ppg, mostly off putbacks and hustle plays around the rim. If he can be as effective on the glass as he was against the Hawks and get more possessions for the Cavs against the NBA's top defensive team, then Cleveland has a great shot. Meanwhile, Green does it all for the Warriors, as he rebounds, runs the floor, and short threes. Most importantly, however, he anchors a great defensive team. He should match-up with LeBron for a good chunk of the games and he needs to keep LeBron in front of him and force him into long jumpers.
Edge: Warriors
Centers: Timofey Mozgov vs. Andrew Bogut
Both teams employ a lot of small-ball, so there are times this series when neither of these two will be in the game. Mozgov was acquired midseason to replace the injured Anderson Varajao and has fit in nicely, finishing around the rim, rebounding, and being the team's top shot blocker. Meanwhile, Bogut is the leading rebounder and shot blocker on the Warriors. His defense around the basket area against James' drives could be a key thing to watch for in this series.
Edge: Warriors
Bench: JR Smith/Matthew Dellavedova/James Jones vs. Andre Iguodala/Festus Ezeli/Shaun Livingston/Leandro Barbosa
Cleveland has had to dig deep into its reserves, with Kyrie ailing and Kevin Love out for the season. JR Smith is the ultimate heat-check, streaky shooter, who has been lights out this postseason (40% for 3). Dellavedova has quickly made his name into a pesky (dirty?) player who defends at a high level and can knock down open jump shots, and can run the offense when Irving goes to the bench. Finally, James Jones (who is in his 5th-straight Finals riding LeBron's coattails) is a sharp shooter from three-point range as well.
Meanwhile, Golden State's bench has been one of the best in the league this year and has continued to be in the playoffs. Andre Iguodala's jump shot has been awful, but his playmaking ability and perimeter defense has lifted the second unit. Ezeli has been more than capable as a backup center in limited minutes this postseason, with his rebounding and shot blocking. Finally, Livingston and Barbosa, playing limited backup minutes for Curry and Thompson, have provided sparks off the bench with their slashing and quick scoring ability.
Edge: Warriors
My prediction:
LeBron looks like a man on a mission to end Cleveland's championship drought and it would seem unwise to pick against him. However, I think the Cavs took advantage of weak Eastern Conference opponents and he will struggle against a Warriors team that will throw multiple defenders and multiple looks at him. I just don't think Kyrie Irving is healthy enough and Golden State's bench has been more consistent all-year long than the Cavaliers'. Give me the MVP of the league (this year) and the league's most complete team.
In 6.
Last round’s record: 2-0
Playoff record: 11-3
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