SUPERMAN for MVP

Dwight has been a monster on both sides of the ball for Orlando this year.


THE HOWARD CASE:

23 ppg, 15 rpg, 2.5 bpg...BEAST!

Howard is having arguably his best season as a pro and seems to be getting better and better as his offense continues to improve. Shooting just over 60% from the field Superman is starting to score in bunches. Another thing that has been huge for the big man is his improved free throw shooting. In his past two games he went 21 for 25 from the free throw line, scoring 28 and 32 in those games. His offense is starting to get scary good putting in 30+ points on 15 different occasions along with three 40 point outbursts. His rebounding has also been unbelievable pulling down 20+ boards in 9 games this season. Final thought: Howard had 31 21 night last wednesday against 7' Andrew Bogut...just sayin.

Dwight has always been known for his defense and the intimidation factor he has in the paint every night. This year is no different as he averages 2 and half blocks a game to go along with 1 and a half steals. Theres no other player in the NBA that affects as many possessions as Howard does.

MVP stands for Most Valuable Player, and thats what Dwight is for his team. Looking at the Metric stats for Howard you can see what I mean. His PER or Player Efficiency Rating is 26.42 good enough for second just behind King James and his 26.81. His VA or Value Added is also good enough for second and finally the most important stat is EWA or estimated wins added which is 20.4. Where does Derek Rose rank in these categories? PER-11th VA-8th EWA-8th

Even though the media has basically crowned Rose the MVP my vote would still go to Superman because without him the Magic dont make the playoffs.

most VALUABLE player?

Derek Rose has dominated the media’s MVP vote since the All Star break.

THE ROSE CASE:

Looking to become the youngest MVP in league history, Rose continues to be the only player in the NBA in the top ten of scoring and assists. Scoring nearly 25 a game and dropping almost 8 dimes a game Rose has the Bulls in great position to grab the # 1 seed and home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

D-Rose MVP’d the Hawks Tuesday night going off for 30 points with 10 assists all while shooting 11 for 20, 6-8 from 3. Getting it done from the free throw line has also improved his scoring and made him a bigger threat (Remember the missed FTs in the National Championship vs Kansas? Rose does).

The biggest reason Rose has already been crowned the MVP by the media is because he has the Bulls rolling. Chicago has won 15 of their last 17 and 20 of 23. Three wins against the Heat and a few other quality wins against the elite help. Rose makes every Bulls better when he is on the floor and we haven’t seen a guy like that since LeBron in Cleveland.



Jace P.




Why Dwight Howard is my MVP..tomorrow - 3.25.11

Hopeless in Seattle

The Hawks still have a chance to make the playoffs with nine losses as they head into a "playoff" game against the Rams Sunday night..



So the first question that has to be asked is: Can the Seahawks beat the Rams?

The Hawks are bad...real bad and are even worse when Charlie Whitehurst is under center which is most likely the case for this Sunday. On his first throw against the Bucs he sailed an easy screen pass 4 yds over the receivers head and then followed it up by throwing the ball 5yds to the right of his receiver. He has proved over and over that he has no accuracy and a very small understanding of the Offense.

To make matters worse the Seahawk's run game is last in the NFL meaning they'll find themselves in a lot of third in longs like they have all year. So how much confidence do you have in Whitehurst converting a 3rd and 7?

Another bummer for the Seahawks is that the Rams D is 3rd in the league in sacks behind a strong effort from Long and their D line. So 3rd and longs will be even harder to convert if Whitehurt is on his back half of the time. To make matters even worse the last time the Hawks played the Rams their drives went like this..Punt, FG, Downs, INT, Downs, 6 punts in a row, and an INT to finish the game.

So do the Seahawks have any chance? Well there's always the 12th man of Qwest Field to create a hostile environment. This could be a big factor for the Hawks simply because Bradford is a rookie and this is the biggest game of his pro career.

Other things that need to happen for the Hawks to have a chance to win is strong play from the D, great returns from Leon Washington and 0 turnovers. Another thing to consider is this is a big game in prime time and maybe that will be enough to motivate this team in front of their rowdy home fans. And maybe just maybe they can suck it up and win one.

The Second question to ask is: Do we even want to go to the playoffs?

That sounds like a weird question but winning Sunday night would move their first round pick from around 13th to 21st. Since the rule change, the highest pick a playoff team can have is 21st. At the 13th pick we have a slim chance at QB Ryan Mallet, a good chance at RB Mark Ingram and we could look at a few other DT/DE. At the 21st pick there is a lot less talent and few guys the Seahawks could use. (The Seahawks also have the opportunity to draft Jake Locker with the 13th pick....The video below demonstrates my feelings about that..
So from the draft perspective and the fact that we would most likely get crushed by the Saints in the first round it seems like losing would be the best thing for this team, but not so fast..

Sure the NFC West is terrible and winning the division is by no means impressive but its still a division title. The Hawks havent been to the playoffs in 4 years and winning the division is a much needed morale boost giving the team some momentum going into next year. So get it done Hawks! Win the game you win the division. Add another banner to the Qwest field rafters, giving Seattle fans another reason to believe.




Remember its better to be the king of turd island rather than one of the peasants.


Jace P

Merry Christmas from the NBA

Whether you were naughty or nice the NBA is gifting you some big games on Christmas Day



Bulls
Knicks at ---> ESPN 9:00AM

Up first at 9am the Bulls meet the Knicks in Madison Square Garden..The Bulls have been on fire of late with the return of Carlos Boozer, winning 9 of their last 10 games. The Knicks were the upstart team for a while but have cooled off after losing 3 of their last 4.

The Bulls are coming off an ugly win against the Wiz but coach Tom Thibodeau is confident his team is ready to play christmas day. "We're 14 deep, we have great belief in our bench. When one guy goes down, or is in foul trouble, or sick, the next guy steps in and does the job."

They'll need some of that bench play to try and slow down the 30 pt machine that is Amare Stoudemire. Taj Gibson and Kurt Thomas will be key for the Bulls in this one

Prediction: Bulls send Spike Lee a lump of coal and win 109-100


Boston
Orlando at---> ABC 11:30AM

Boston is the hottest team in the NBA right now winning 14 in a row. And the Magic? Well not as good winning only 2 of their last 10..However the Magic looked great Friday night as they beat the NBA leading Spurs snapping their 10 game win streak.

The Celtics are probably the most complete team in the NBA doing it with great passing and tough defense but could struggle against the Dwight Monster. Howard has been a double double machine, grabbing 20+ boards on a few occasions and will go to work against Semih Erden and the Shamrock (Shaq).

Not having Rondo will be a big blow for the Celtics but Nate Robinson has been doing a decent job helping the Celtics continue their win streak.

If the the Magic's new additions can be a factor in this one the they will give the Celtics a run for their money..

Prediction: Orlando lights up the scoreboard ending the Celtics win streak 115-98


Miami
Lakers at---> ABC 3:00PM

This is the big one...I have had this game on my calender since the NBA schedule was released last summer for sooooo many reasons.

1. Kobe vs LeBron

Duh..this a matchup every one wants to see every year and I promise you it wont disappoint.

2. Finals

A lot a analyst picked this as the Finals matchup this year and we get a sneak preview!

3. LA/Kobe on Christmas

The Lakers playing on Christmas is like the Cowboys on Thanksgiving..its tradition and Kobe always makes it special, hitting on a game winner last year to beat the Celtics.

4. LeBron, Kobe, Wade, Gasol, Bosh..

Need I say more?

Needless to say this will be an exciting game featuring two teams with contrasting styles..

Prediction: The HEAT take out the champs in a close one..101-98


Denver
Oklahoma City at--->ESPN 5:00PM

Should be good game with lots of scoring..If you aren't eatin' dinner make sure you check this one out to see Durant and Westbrook, two of the most exciting young players in the NBA

Prediction: The Thunder roll at home 111-98


Portland
Golden State at--->ESPN 7:30PM

Eh, by this time you'll probably be playing your new video games or watching a movie or something and thats probably a good call because this game will be a stinky one.. Golden State is playing well below expectations and Portland's play is like watching paint dry. If you havent seen Monta Ellis play then check it out but other than that I'd pass on this one..

Prediction: Warriors at home 104-89


Merry Christmas and Enjoy the games!




Jace P

NFL Power Rankings! 12/21/10

Look out for Ray Rice and the Ravens as the playoffs approach..



*For this weeks Power Rankings the Dudes will be combining opinions to make a Top 10*


10. New York Football Giants (9-5 -L1) vs Philadelphia 31-38

Tough tough loss for the Giants at home as they continue to struggle with the "elite" teams of the league..the bad news keeps coming with Aaron Rodgers being cleared to play next week..By no means a lock for the playoffs


9. San Diego Chargers (8-6 -W2) vs San Francisco 34-7

Vincent Jackson is back and that is great news for the Chargers as Rivers continues to tear it up through the air..two very winnable games left on the schedule (Bengals and Broncos) Cue the Arnold Schwarzenegger audio clip "GO CHARGERS GO!"-->http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTpbM3-vsI4

8. Chicago Bears (10-4 -W1) at Minnesota 40-14

Blown out by the Pats last week, only to blow out the Vikings on Monday Night..I really dont think this team has the legs to do anything in the playoffs but then again did anyone have the Jets going to the AFC Championship game last year?

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4 -L1) vs New York Jets 17-22

The loss to the Jets opens the door for Baltimore in the AFC North..Steelers will benefit from two easy games to get key players healthy and possibly lock up a first round bye

6. New Orleans Saints (10-4 -L1) at Baltimore 24-30

Brees was great but the D couldn't stop Ray RIce as he racked up over 200 all purpose yards..To call the MNF game against the Falcons a big game would be an understatement.. Needs two big wins and two Falcons losses to get a bye and home field throughout

5. New York Football Jets (10-4 -W1) at Pittsburgh 22-17

No one needed a win this weekend more than the Jets..after losing two straight the Jets got a signature road win..Revis Island and the Jets D need to play better for them to make some noise in the playoffs

4. Philadelphia Eagles (10-4 -W3) at New York Giants 38-31

I love the Eagles Offense and their big play ability but you cant fall behind like they did Sunday..The good news is the Eagles have two home games to finish the season and winning both will give them a first round bye and an outside shot at Home Field throughout..

3. Baltimore Ravens (10-4 -W2) vs New Orleans 30-24

Ray Rice's offensive explosion is great news for the Ravens and Im jumpin' on the Bandwagon (if there is one)..The D hasn't been stellar but if the offense can keep showing up the Ravens have a real shot at challenging the Pats for the AFC Championship..Two easy wins left on the schedule means they can lock up a first round bye (depending on the tie breakers with the Steelers)

2. Atlanta Falcons (12-2 -W8) at Seattle 34-18

Eight straight wins doesn't lie..The Falcons are without a doubt the most complete team in the NFC but will have a big test on MNF against the Saints..Winning on Monday night would lock up the division and most likely Home field advantage throughout (Carolina in their final game)..The Falcons are 6-0 at home..


1. New England Patriots (12-2 -W6) vs Green Bay 31-27

They survived a slow start and a big night from Matt Flynn which will only continue to boost the Pats momentum heading into the playoffs..two easy wins left on the schedule which will probably include a lot of rest for the starters..Pats will be the number one seed in the AFC





Jace P.

Alex F.

Super Bowl Picks in two weeks!!!

NFL Week 15 Picks

The Falcons are looking to stay atop the competitive NFC South and move to 12-2 on the season this Sunday against the Seahawks...


Browns
Bengals at

Bengals finally snap their losing streak by getting the ball to the Tocho show

27-14 Bengals

Redskins
Cowboys at

The Boys roll scoring through the air and off turnovers

34-17 Dallas

Texans
Titans at

After the heartbreaker on MNF the Texans come out and score early and often against a confused and abused Titans team..Andre Johnson and Cortland Finnegan Round II!

Texans slug it out and win 35-13

Jaguars
Colts at

Usually the Colts are resting up their starters at this point in December..Not the case this year as both squads face must wins

Jags stick to the Colts sweeping the season series..24-16

Chiefs
Rams at

Both teams really need a win here..Chiefs are bad on the road and the Rams are good at home..Prediction?

Chiefs have a big day on the ground and pull out a late win...28-24

Bills
Dolphins at

Bills continue to blow their chance at Andrew Luck winning on the road...17-9

Lions
Bucs at

Back at home in the nice weather the Bucs will play a lot better on offense. Even though the Lions beat a Green Bay team without Aaron Rodgers, this game means to much to a Bucs team still trying to make the playoffs..

Bucs win 24-13

Cards
Panthers at

Two terrible teams = One Ugly game

Cards win a whopping two games in a row and stay in the playoff hunt..24-17

Saints
Ravens at

The Saints have won six in a row but havent been tested since Halloween..The Ravens have only lost one game at home but the Defense hasn't been as stout as usual..I like the Saints passing attack against the Ravens pass D in this one

Saints win a close one 34-27

*Game of the Week*

Eagles
Giants at

The Giants aren't as good as their record indicates and I really believe the Eagles are one of the top 5 teams in the league..If Vick can limit his turnovers and McCoy continues to run it well this game will get out of hand early..Eli Manning will help the Eagles by throwing a few pics too..

Eagles keep flyin high...31-21

Falcons
Seahawks at

Sorry Hawks i dont see any situation where they can win..

Falcons win 38-17

Jets
Steelers at

The struggling Jets havent put up much of a fight the past two weeks and Mark Sanchez is playing very poorly...Steelers havent been great either but always play tough at home..

Steelers get a big win..27-13

Broncos
Raiders at

Raiders take it at home..28-17

Packers
Pats at

This would be a good game if Aaron Rodgers was playing but without their QB Brady and the Pats will run over Green Bay at home..

27-9

Bears
Vikings at

The Vikings season is over but the Bears isnt..

Bears win easily against Joe Webb and the Vikes..27-7


11-5 last week

20-12 past two


Jace P.

Knicks, its Melo-Time

The Knicks have been playin solid basketball over the past couple of weeks.


This team is basically scoring at will all while Amare terrorizes the league. The Knicks are first in scoring under Mike D'Antonio's run and gun system and it all starts with the man nicknamed "Tall and Talented", Amare Stoudemire. He's gone 9 straight games with 30+ points and just turned in a huge performance Wednesday night against the Celtics, (39 points and 10 Rebounds).

The rest of the Knicks squad hasn't been bad either..

Raymond Felton who the Knicks signed in the offseason has been putting up 18 ppg and 9 apg.Adding to that Gallinari and Chandler have been putting up a a combined 33 ppg. Landry Fields has also been a pleasant surprise starting in his rookie season.

Denver has been playin pretty decent ball lately going 11-1 at home.

This is a problem for New York because if the Nuggets keep playin well Carmelo wont be moved till the trade deadline if at all. The Nuggets should and will move Melo for the right deal but both sides have been at a stand still as of late. In the Western Conference its always tough to get a playoff spot because the 8th seed usually has a good record (50-32 Oklahoma CIty's record last year) so if the Nuggets start losing as we get into late January I think we'll see the talks heat up.


So whats it gonna cost to get Carmelo to New York?

Landry Fields and Chandler have been rumored as well as draft picks and possibly Danilo Gallinari. The Knicks dont really wanna give up any of these guys but will, it'll just depend what combination the two sides can agree on. Its also been rumored that a third team will be involved in this trade simply because the Knicks dont have enough to offer.



My Prediction..

Carmelo wont be dealt till the Trade Deadline

A third team will be involved to add some young talent to the Nuggets

Knicks will part with Landry Fields and Wilson Chandler and possibly some draft picks



Jace P.

NFL Power Rankings! 12/13/10

VICK and the Eagles are Flyin' High



5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3 -W4) vs Cincinnati 23-7

The Steelers win without scoring an offensive touchdown in Sundays game..oh yah they played the Bengals..Two defensive TDs for the Steelers was the only bright spot as the offense continued to sputter. Up next? A reeling Jets squad.


4. Philadelphia Eagles (9-4 -W2) at Dallas 30-27

The Eagles are playing tough with MVP canidate Mike Vick and the offense is capable of scoring on every play. The D hasn't been too bad either with 30 takeaways. They'll be tested next week against the Giants as they play for 1st place in NFC East.

3. New Orleans Saints (10-3 -W6) vs St. Louis 31-13

The Saints push their winning streak to 6 with another decisive win. Drew Brees has hit his stride and will continue to put up big time numbers. They have three key games to end the season (Ravens, Falcons, Bucs) and winning all three should give them first in the NFC South and a first round bye which is scary for every NFC team.

2. Atlanta Falcons (11-2 -W7) at Carolina 31-10

The Dirty Birds keep on winning and only have one real test left (Seattle, New Orleans, Carolina). The Offense is playing well and the D is doing just enough. With their only two losses coming on the road Home field advantage throughout would help.

1. New England Patriots (11-2 -W5) at Chicago 36-7

They've won 10 of their last 11 and the Offense continues to get better as the season progresses. If Aaron Rodgers plays this weekend it will be a good test for their young defense. You gotta assume they win at least 2 out of 3 and wrap up Home Field advantage..making them pretty much unbeatable.

On the outside looking in: Ravens, Giants, Jets, Jags, Packers




Jace P.

Clutch thy name is Derrick Rose

Change the video to 720P for better picture