The regular season is over and it's time to make that money. Can LeBron James finally capture his first NBA championship? Do the Lakers have enough to compete in the West? What about the Griz? Spurs? How about the Bulls in East? Is D-Rose healthy? Check it out! In 1,000 words or less, I give my playoff predictions and pick the NBA champion. Let's go! … [Read more...] about NBA Playoff Predictions: Who wins it all?
Western Conference
NBA Playoffs: Five BIG Questions in the Western Conference
With the Utah Jazz beating the Phoenix Suns and claiming the last playoff spot last night, the playoff picture is set in the Western Conference. Let's see if we can answer five big questions in the Western Conference. … [Read more...] about NBA Playoffs: Five BIG Questions in the Western Conference
The 2012 NBA MVP is . . .
The NBA MVP debate has heated up, then cooled down. Then it heated up again, and then it cooled down, again. It seems that the MVP has come down to two players: Miami Heat forward LeBron James and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant. … [Read more...] about The 2012 NBA MVP is . . .
Dallas Mavericks Need Jason Terry to Step Up in Playoffs
It’s officially playoff time in the 2011 NBA, as the Dallas Mavericks’ sixth man, Jason Terry, is aware his production in the postseason will be a vital role. The Mavericks clinched the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and are set to face the Portland Trail Blazers when Game 1 of the first round tips off Saturday night. Dallas potentially could have had the No. 2 seed, … [Read more...] about Dallas Mavericks Need Jason Terry to Step Up in Playoffs
Denver Nuggets Still Looking Dangerous Post Carmelo Anthony
Just in case there were any doubters out there who didn’t think the post-trade Denver Nuggets could make some noise in the playoffs, they should be convinced now. The streaking Nuggets won their sixth consecutive game Sunday afternoon. And it was the most impressive win of the season. Heading into Los Angeles to face a Lakers team that had won nine consecutive games and were … [Read more...] about Denver Nuggets Still Looking Dangerous Post Carmelo Anthony
Are Indiana Pacers in Relapse?
Well, so much for the newfound optimism under Frank Vogel. After starting 9-3 under the interim coach, the Indiana Pacers have lost seven of their last eight games, including five straight in which the team never realistically threatened for the win. Three of those defeats came by 17 or more points. The most recent loss, a 101-75 thrashing Wednesday at the hands of the … [Read more...] about Are Indiana Pacers in Relapse?
NHL Western Conference Finals: by the numbers
By Paul M. Banks In two days, the Chicago Blackhawks will start their battle with the San Jose Sharks for Western Conference supremacy. And when the gauntlet is thrown down, there will be lots of trends and numbers to monitor. Here's a look at how these guys got here, and what streaks to keep your eye on during the series: … [Read more...] about NHL Western Conference Finals: by the numbers
Dale Tallon: Architect of Blackhawks Success
By Paul M. Banks Heading into 2008-09, the season of Chicago Blackhawks renaissance, it was thought in certain circles that Hawks General Manager Dale Tallon could be on the way out. Tallon was more Bill Wirtz’s guy than he was Rocky Wirtz’s guy. After NHL coaching legend Scotty Bowman joined the Hawks organization (pronounced “organ-I-zation” in Canadian English) as … [Read more...] about Dale Tallon: Architect of Blackhawks Success
Blackhawks set to face League’s Best Team
By Paul M. Banks The Winter Classic may have received all the hype, but few regular season games will have more importance than Wednesday night, when the Hawks welcome the NHL points leading San Jose Sharks to the United Center. “It’ll be a good test, a huge game we gotta be up and ready for,” Hawks defenseman Brent Seabrook said. On Sunday the Hawks (38-22-11, 87 pts) broke … [Read more...] about Blackhawks set to face League’s Best Team
Brian Campbell Talks About All-Star Game & Break
By Paul M. Banks Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brian Campbell was the leading vote-getter among Western Conference blue-liners for the NHL All-Star game in Montreal. This will be his third all-star appearance, in 2007 he was the leading vote getter among Eastern Conference defensemen or “defencemen” as they would say in his native Strathroy, Ontario. In 07-08 Brian led … [Read more...] about Brian Campbell Talks About All-Star Game & Break