Random NBA Thoughts

I am currently watching the Spurs and Celtics battle in Boston, and I can't help but think about how Tim Duncan and company still don't get the credit they deserve. Yes, I am aware they always come up in conversations about teams that have a shot to go the distance. Still, they seem to be consistently overlooked till they are in the finals and everyone is ready to sing their praises again. This year, the Celtics, who actually just won the game 98-90, are one of those pretty picks. The Hornets are making a nice run, and the Suns and Mavs are always in the mix as well. But no one seems to mention that all these exceptional regular season teams generally get completely outplayed when they face San Antonio in the post season. The Spurs don't care if they get a 1 seed or an 8 seed, because they know once the games really matter, they are the best team in a sport that glorifies individual efforts more than any other.

Speaking of individual effort, Kobe Bryant has got to be one of the most entertaining athletes of this generation. On two separate plays within a minute Kobe drove strong to the lane. The first time, he found a wide open man for an uncontested layup. The second, he dunked it so hard he almost brought the basket down. His focus on being more of a team player is paying off as well, and the Lakers could do some playoff damage of their own. It is possible to play team ball and still look good in the box score, and I think that the NBA as a whole is starting to realize that the Spurs do indeed have the recipe for success.

Here are a few picks in games today:

I like the Nuggets/Cavs total to go over the 206 mark. Lebron's offensive game tends to be really strong against good competition. The Nuggets can score with the best of them.

Nuggets/CAVALIERS Over 206

The Mavs go to Jersey to take on the Nets. J-Kidd wants out of the Dirty Jerz, and could ya blame him. The Nets have had their fair share of injury problems, and have failed to develop any sort of chemistry all year. The Mavs, after an ugly loss last week to the Pistons, have won three straight, and are playing great. Love the Mavs in this game

Mavericks (-6) over NETS

Last but not least, I am making a Pro Bowl pick. I am one of the few people alive who still watches Football's all-star game every year. I think I just go through denial that football season's over and cling to the game in Honolulu because of my unhealthy obsession with pigskin.
It's hard to go against the AFC when you have guys as good as Peyton Manning and Braylon Edwards coming off the bench. Still, call it a gut feeling, but I will take the NFC with the points, because all relevant reasons for prediction must be thrown out the window in a game like the Pro Bowl.

NFC (+3) over AFC


Picking Record: 1-1