New England Has The Easy Road Morning Daily Links

I am well aware that the National No-Fun League sets their teams' schedule, at least opponent wise, years in advance, but that doesn't change the fact that it doesn't really seem fair that the 18-1 New England Patriots have the easiest strength of schedule for the upcoming 2008 season - by far.  The Pats are playing teams with a combined .387 winning percentage from last year; here is a list of all of the teams' strength of schedule. (SOS)

The Money Shot offers his opinion on why Jason Giambi should widely be considered the worst player in all of professional baseball, and I can't say I much disagree; he bites the big one. (The Middle Finger)

An interesting little article on what the former owner of the Sonics is trying to do to keep the team in the town of Seattle. (Save the Sonics)

Tiger Woods had knee surgery yesterday only two days after the conclusion of the Masters, but don't worry Tiger enthusiasts because he should be back in time for the U.S. Open that begins on June 12. (Get Better Soon Tiger)

A few days ago it was reported that the New York Knicks started to give away free food to fans that attended the game, but now the Knicks are losing some of the team's most prominent fans like, you guessed it, Tom Brokaw. (Knicks Lose Another Fan)

One Year Later: We Remember

One year ago today tragedy struck the Virginia Tech campus as innocent students were killed for seamlessly no reason at all.  As a college student at another big state university I can definitely empathize with all of the students of Virginia Tech and just wish to send my deepest condolences to the entire Virginia Tech Hokie community.  April 16th will forever be a reminder to the tragic incident and it should remind us all of the fact that things like sports and material possessions don't really matter in the scheme of life.

Tiger Woods is the best golfer in the world...by far

Congratulations to Trevor Immelman, this year's Masters Champion, the second South African to ever win the tournament, as CBS announcer Jim Nantz pointed out about five hundred times over the course of the final round.  Most of the blog posts that I have read about the 2008 Masters in the last two days are focused on Immelman and bashing Tiger Woods, and rightfully so.  

Tiger Woods didn't execute in the clutch on Sunday, let alone the entire week, yet was still able to finish in second place.  Tiger was -1 (one-under par) and seven shots back of the lead going into the weekend and than made a charge late in the day on Saturday getting to -5 (five-under par) and was within six shots of leader Immelman.  

Make no doubt about it, Trevor Immelman won the Masters and was definitely the most consistent player of the week, not to mention overcoming adversity under immense pressure on both the 70th and 71st holes of the tournament.  But if you watched any of the tournament, especially Sunday, you should know that Tiger Woods was only a few short putts, that many average mini-golfers could make, away from winning his fifth green jacket.

Since Tiger has taken the sport of golf by storm more than a century ago it has become Tiger versus the field; for a few years everyone thought that the field was finally catching back up to Tiger Woods, but I think this weekend is just a prime example of how much better Tiger is than anyone else.

Tiger Woods has finished in the top five in every event he has played in since last July's British Open.  I think it's definitely fair to say that his past week of Masters Championship golf has been his most inconsistent, frustrating and sporadic golf since that time, nearly nine months ago.  

Here we are reflecting on the 2008 Masters and while runner-up Tiger Woods played his worst golf in a long time, other top ten finishers likely played the four best rounds of golf that they will ever be blessed with in their lifetime.  Some things in life just aren't fair.  But don't tell that to Tiger Woods; second place will never be good enough for him.

Carmelo Anthony Is A Good Role Model

Earlier this morning, Denver Nugget fans probably woke up as jubilant as ever after the Nuggets handily beat the Houston Rockets yesterday 111-94, all but almost guaranteeing a playoff berth.  This afternoon when these same people come home from work they probably won't feel quite the same after learning their beloved star Carmelo Anthony was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Anthony's lawyer was quoted as saying, "Like anyone in a similar situation, Carmelo has to wait for the results of the blood test.  He regrets putting himself in the situation."  To me that means the guy knew he was driving drunk; how stupid can you be.  I may not have the athletic ability to be in the National Basketball Association, but I would hope that I at least have the brains to not drink and drive during a playoff battle with two days left in the regular season.  

As much as I hate Don Nelson, Baron Davis' ugly beard, and the entire Golden State Warrior team, Carmelo Anthony no longer deserves to be in the playoffs.

The Main Reason Why I Don't Play Hockey

Other than the fact that I don't know how to skate well at all and I can't shot a hockey puck, the main reason why I don't play hockey is because I don't want to lose part of my manhood.  

During  the third period of game 1 of the first round NHL playoff series between the Washington Capitals and the Philadelphia Flyers, Flyers' left wing Patrick Thoresen dropped to the ice with about six and a half minutes to go in the game.  In effort to block a shot, his testicles were seriously injured, and to make matters worse the Capitals tied the game up 4-4 in the next few moments as he was ailing on the ice in pain.  To be honest if I was him I wouldn't really have been all that concerned with the goal, I'd only be interested in my own boys.  Thoresen faces possible surgery and even possible removal of one of his testicles.  I can't even fathom that kind of possible pain.

If Mr. Thoresen is stuck with the misfortune of losing a testicle I will make it my personal goal to write another meaningful article on him and do everything in my power to try to get an interview with him.  Godspeed Patrick.

Dirk Nowitzki can be considered clutch starting now...

If you didn't see just watch, especially the 'Dirk didn't deserve the MVP' haters.

Please, I am begging you...

Let me just start by applauding Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz because he was truly the reason that the Jazz were even in the game at the end, but Dirk just one up'd him.  Dirk Nowitzki showed great poise in the fourth quarter of the Mavericks' 97-94 victory tonight combining with Jason Terry to score 25 of the team's 30 fourth quarter points.  In this Western Conference any team that wants to advance deep into the playoffs will need to come through in last quarter of the game; some of this week's big games have really proven that true.

04/09

Phoenix 96, SA 79 - 24-11 Phoenix Sun scoring advantage in the 4th quarter

04/06

Dallas 105, Phoenix 98 - 27-9 Dallas Maverick scoring advantage in the 4th quarter

Did I mention the actual playoffs haven't even started yet?

This year's Western Conference playoffs will be the fiercest in a long time, maybe ever.  Wouldn't it be something if all four top teams in the West were upset in the first round of the playoffs; if it ever was to happen, it would be now.

Here We Go Again Late Morning Daily Links

Last week there was some speculation that Brett Favre might come back to the NFL for a team other than the Green Bay Packers, but Favre quickly shot those rumors down.  This time the stir is being caused by Favre from an interview a few days ago.  In a news story from Biloxi's Sun Herald he interviewed with a reporter and said that he might come back next season for the Packers, if they need him. (Here Favre Goes Again)

The Masters, one of golf's great tournaments, starts today and Awful Announcing offers us some reasons on why we should watch it.  Other than Tiger Woods... (Watch the Masters)

Last Thursday, a girl named 'Alexa Rodriguez' was attacked by a hawk while touring Fenway Park in Boston, and honestly I am surprised that this story wasn't a bigger deal. (When Hawks Attack)

Empty the Bench has a great list of the NBA's top comeback players of the year. (Empty the Bench)

I don't know if everyone saw the baseball scores from last night, but the San Francisco Giants actually pitched a 1-0 shutout over the San Diego Padres. (See it, believe it)

Speaking of Barry Bonds, Roto Arcade has some news that the Detroit Tigers might be looking at signing him and they believe if they do than it will be a big mistake. (Keep Bonds Unemployed)

Top 10 Awesome Fan Signs in Sports

Here is your fifth installment of a new column called 'Top 10 Things In Sports', a new weekly article that I write. Every time we go to sports games there are always fans holding signs that try to be funny, be offensive, or get themselves on tv. Here is your list of the Top 10 Awesome Fan Signs at live sporting events.

Needless to say, most of these signs probably didn't get on tv.

#10 The Biggest Idiot Ever
 

It's a great sign, but the stupid egg roll one next to it kind of diminishes it.  Where he lost points in sitting next to a douche bag, he gained back from use of creativity.

#9 Bench It Like Beckham

 

This picture is from one of the MLS games that David Beckham sat out last season.  I was there so I can say that it was a great game for the MLS, but everyone there didn't pay sixty bucks to see the MLS, they paid to see David Beckham.

#8 Everyone Hates Duke
 
I think the title serves this picture just fine.

#7 His Brother is the Dumb One
 

This sign does it's job; it's witty and everyone around the guy is laughing with (at) him. 

#6 Killing 2 Birds with 1 Stone
 

There aren't many signs out there that effectively insult the men's and women's basketball coach at a school in one shot.  Nice job, fake afro guy.

#5 It May Not True, But It's Still Funny
 

A great sign overall: nice grade-A diss and a thumbs up stamp of approval from the guy on the left.  This guy does lose some points on the lack of historical research however; the first woman to graduate from Purdue wasn't until 1878.

#4 To Sidney Crosby: You Have A Secret Admirer
 

Well that's just plain dirty.  The five hole is the space between the goal-tender's legs, if you didn't know that already... so hopefully you get the joke now... 

#3 The Guy Got Ejected
 

The man needs to get some kind of award for that kind of determination; right behind Isiah Thomas, niiiccee.  He got ejected, imagine that.  At least the guy got on the cover of The New York Times.

#2 Mangino Is A Big Man
 

In case you have never seen a picture of Kansas football head coach, Mark Mangino, here is some eye candy for you.  I just want to know how this guy got 'World's Largest Underwear' stitched on there.  Perhaps he is a fashion major...

#1 Best. Sign. Ever.
 

This will go down as one of the all-time greats.  The element of surprise is executed perfectly and it's even better because the Indian guy has no idea what's going on.  Good job man, you are truly the king.

Olympic Torch Late Morning Daily Links

Today the Olympic torch will take a stroll through the city of San Francisco in it's only U.S stop before heading to the Beijing Olympics later this year. If you are in the San Fran area this morning I encourage you to make a cool sign and join the protest. Maybe you'll get on TV. Google has even made a guide for the international traveling protestor. (Google's Guide to Protesting the Olympic Torch)

This time of the year there are always tons of stupid brackets made, but 'Why Don't we Get Drunk and Blog' has interesting one going on looking for the worst top sports blog on the web. I encourage everyone to rock the vote. (Suckiest Sports Blog)

After seeing Roy Williams in a shirt endorsing the Kansas Jayhawks at the National Championship, some people are starting to think that he isn't full of shit after all. I am definitely going to have to beg to differ on that one. (Roy Williams' Divided Loyalties)

Eli Manning is getting married soon to his longtime sweetheart, how adorable. (We Gonna Get Married)

Supposedly a report has just been announced that Kevin Love and Darren Collison will in fact leave UCLA for June's NBA draft. UCLA may be hard-pressed to achieve failure in the Final Four again next year. (ESPN)

Not that anybody watches hockey in America, but Sports Opinion has their take on the first round of the NHL playoffs that are set to begin tonight. (NHL Playoff Preview)

John Calipari Owes This Guy Dinner

The last few weeks John Calipari, Memphis basketball coach, has declared war on the media.  Anytime anyone in the media has brought up the free-throw situation to Calipari he has done his best to rip them to pieces and go on the defensive.  Do yourself a favor and watch these videos so you lose all respect that you once had for John Calipari.

Here is an interview with a guy on ESPN news, and you almost have to feel bad for the guy.  Johnny boy tore him to shreds.

Here is a separate video of Calipari interviewing with 'Mike and the Mad Dog'.  Calipari avoided the free-throw talk and instead mentioned D.J. Augustin throwing up a free-throw air ball at the end of Texas' loss to Memphis.  Calipari then proceeds to tell this radio guy that if one of his players (specifically Derrick Rose) misses a game winning free-throw than he'd buy him dinner.  Last night with 10.8 seconds left in the game, Rose missed a free-throw that would have given Memphis a four-point lead and likely put the game out of reach for Kansas.

I say the guy calls up Mr. Calipari and demands a good steak.

Kansas Showed Its Greatness

Let's face it: no team is perfect in college basketball, and this year (especially) there was no definitive dominant team for the whole tournament. UNC dominated their first four opponents, but then they folded. Memphis had supposedly overcome their free throw problem, at least until last night when the law of averages came to life. Davidson seemed like it couldn't be stopped until Stephen Curry's big shots stopped falling against Kansas. And Kansas; the Kansas Jayhawks almost fell to the cinderella #10 seed in the Elite 8 and definitely showed it's vulnerability almost blowing their 28 point first-half lead. It was clear that no team had been perfect this March, but somebody had to win.

The Kansas Jayhawks stepped up and did what they had to do and that's really all that matters. KU shoot over 52% from the field during five of their six tournament games, and more impressively held their opponents to pretty horrible field goal percentages with their solid defense. With six seniors and Brandon Rush leaving, there is no doubt KU will have their work cut out for them next year. But that's next year. They can worry about that later.

As for Mario Chalmers' three pointer that tied the game, 63-63, with 2.1 seconds - that's what greatness is made of.

Top 10 Worst Franchises in Pro Sports

Here is your fourth installment of a new column called 'Top 10 Things In Sports', a new weekly article that I write.  Here is your list of the Top 10 worst franchises in all of pro sports; both the history and the present are taken into account for the list.

Once again, let the sucking begin.

#10 San Francisco Giants 222-263 (.458, last 3 seasons)

The last three seasons haven't even been about baseball in San Francisco; they've just been about Barry Bonds.  With all the attention on Bonds setting the home-run record, no one really noticed that the Giants were at or near the bottom of the NL West; but everyone will notice this year.  I think the San Francisco Giants have a real shot at going 1-161 this season.

#9 Los Angeles Kings 58-83-21 9 (.358, last 2 seasons)

During the last two NHL regular seasons the only race that the LA Kings have been in is for the coveted worst team in the NHL award, and this year they seem to have won.  More than them just being a bad team they own the rights to the third worst goaltending in the league and the second worst penalty killing; keep it up guys.

#8 Milwaukee Bucks 54-102 (.346, last 2 seasons)

The Milwaukee Bucks are the reason there aren't many sports teams in the state of Wisconsin.  They have finished last in the Eastern Conference Central the four seasons since the NBA's divisions were restructured.  On a side note, the Bucks surrender one of the four highest field goal percentages to opposing teams.  The other three NBA teams (no surprise) are also on this list.  And I didn't believe all those people when they said 'Defense wins Championships'.

#7 Memphis Grizzlies 42-115 (.268, last 2 seasons)

You can kind of ignore the numbers on this one because it could get a lot worse in the next few years to come.  The Memphis Grizzlies could become one of the elite worst teams in the NBA without Pau Gasol, especially if their draft picks like Mike Conley Jr. and Rudy Gay don't work out for them.  At least they have younger brother, Marc Gasol...

#6 Miami Heat 13-62 (.173, this season)

Is this the same Miami team that won the NBA Champion only 2 years ago?  The answer, obviously, is no, but talk about a fall from glory.  This team went 2-15 in the month of March, 2-10 in February, and an even worse 1-11 in January.  To be fair this team has been banged up this season including superstars Dwayne Wade and Shawn Marion, but also to be fair, this team will be remembered as one of the worst in the league in a long time.

#5 Miami Dolphins 7-26 (.212, last 2 seasons)

The city of Miami sure is putting out some winners this year.  If anyone should feel bad about the Dolphin's 1-15 season it should be the Baltimore Ravens who actually lost to them.  Come on Bill Parcells, straighten these mofos up!

#4 Kansas City Royals 245-399 (.380, last 4 seasons)

When I was looking up the Royals' past few seasons I wasn't surprised at all.  Everyone talks about how they suck and they really do sporting one 90 loss season and three 100 loss seasons.  This season things are looking up for a change; the KC Royals are a whooping 3-0 and could win more than 70 games ...and...  still finish last in the AL Central.

#3 New York Knicks 109-215 (.336, last 4 seasons)

The New York Knicks have been very consistent over the past four years, only the wrong kind of consistent.  Two seasons ago the Knicks were the worst team in the NBA and believe me, they haven't gotten any better; others teams have just gotten a little worse.  Last year the stir was Isiah Thomas and his legal trouble, and this year the NYK have turned one of the greatest sports' venues into the Madison Snore Garden.

#2 Oakland Raiders 16-71 (.184, last 5 seasons)

At this point, if I was a Oakland Raider fan I would be so outraged that I might just revoke my fan hood.  Whoever is in charge of all of the Raiders' bad decisions should just quit.  And if it's owner Al Davis than he should really think about putting up the team for public auction.

#1 Pittsburgh Pirates 552 -742 (.427, last 8 seasons)

The Pittsburgh Pirates won't wow you with their suck factor as they fly a little bit under the radar because they no longer have any fans.  Don't worry though, this team can definitively hold it's title of 'Worst franchise in all of pro sports.'  The Pirates haven't made the playoffs or had a winning season since 1992, the last year Barry Bonds was on the team.  Don't get too excited either because the end isn't in sight, with 15 straight losing seasons, and counting.

What do you think of my list of worst franchises?  What's your list?

2008 NCAA Tournament All-Underdog Team

With this year's Final Four set as four number one seeds the upsets are done for the rest of this college basketball season.  The clock has struck twelve for this year's cinderella teams, but here is my first annual All-Underdog Team of the 2008 NCAA tournament.  This list consists of players from teams that pulled off at least one upset this year and proved pivotal to their squad.

MY STARTING FIVE

Stephen Curry - #10 Davidson (guard)

Steph Curry is the one that everyone has been talking about and rightfully so; he has been something special, especially as of late.  In his four games in the NCAA's Curry averaged 32 points per game along with 5.7 three pointers.  He took big shot after big shot and until late in the Kansas loss a lot of these shots fell for him.  NBA Draftee, anyone?

Scottie Reynolds - #12 Villanova (guard)

In Villanova's two big wins Reynolds averaged 23 points per contest on over 50% from the field.  Don't forget that the 'Cats were down big in their first game against Clemson and Reynolds was a big part of the second half comeback.

Tyrone Brazelton - #12 Western Kentucky (guard)

Brazelton scored 79 points during Western Kentcuky's three tourney games including a career-high 33 points in the Hilltoppers' exciting 101-99 first round win over favorite Drake.  Brazelton stayed consistent during the tournament and contributed in almost every statistical category.

Sonny Weems - #9 Arkansas (forward)

Weems really hadn't played well since the beginning of March for the Razorbacks, but that all changed when he took the court against the #8 seeded Indiana Hoosiers.  In Arkansas' first round win he managed to rack up a career high 31 points on an amazing 12 of 14 from the field.

Gyno Pomare - #13 San Diego (forward/center)

Junior player Gyno Pomare had a great tournament with 42 points on a 77% field goal percentage in San Diego's two games in the NCAA.  He was also a big part of containing the #4 seed Connecticut Huskie's forward line.

THE RESERVES

Michael Beasley - #11 Kansas State (forward)

Nothing in the tournament changed for Mr. Beasley as he was himself averaging a double-double in K-State's two tourney games.  Simply put, Michael Beasley can have an off game, and yet still accumulate numbers that would be other guys' best career games; that's how good he is.

Kenny Hasbrouck - #13 Sienna (guard)

Hasbrouck really took charge of Sienna's big upset over #4 seeded Vanderbilt.  In the first round win, he scored 30 points and sank all ten free throws that he shot.  He was also a big reason that the Sienna Saints were able to hang tough with Villanova for so long in the second round.

Some MLB Opening Day Thoughts

Today was the first day of the MLB season and you know what that means - six straight months of baseball in the news each and every day.  Brace yourself...

There were some very good baseball games on today's slate, the best of which was probably the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Atlanta Braves 12-11 in twelve innings.  The game went back and forth and just didn't seem to want to end.  Another great game was the Brewers versus the Cubs, at least minus the first eight (scoreless) innings of the game.  Starters, Ben Sheets and Carlos Zambrano, pitched some great ball, but when it came down to crunch-time in the ninth inning it was a completely different story.  Two of the most under-achieving pitchers in baseball took the stage.  

You guessed it, Eric Gagne and Kerry Wood.  In the top of the ninth-inning Wood gave up three runs to the Milwaukee Brewers, as they took the 3-0 lead.  Then in the bottom of the same inning something extraordinary happened.  Kosuke Fukudome, Japanese native and cousin of competetive hot-dog eater Kobayashi, came up to the plate.  The setting seemed electric as the entire crowd sang in chant, "Fu-ko-do-me", and on the fifth pitch of the at-bat he hit a home run to tie the game at 3-3.  Too bad for the Chicago Cubs that they still lost, 4-3, and still won't end their World Series drought of exactly 100 years.  Don't feel bad Kerry Wood, you aren't the reason...at least entirely.

My personal pick for the World Series champion this year is the New York Mets.  They are pretty good and if anyone has a chance to dethrone the gross Yankee-Red Sox duo than it's them.  So, come on, Johan Santana, don't win the World Series for yourself, or your team, or even your fans - do it for the Yankee haters.

Davidson Deserves A Hug

Before this NCAA tournament, like most people, I didn't know much about the Davidson Wildcat basketball team; other than they hadn't lost a game since Friday, December 21 of last year.  That left them coming into today's Elite 8 matchup with an impressive 25 straight wins.  And like I just said I hadn't really heard much about Davidson before Selection Sunday and wasn't a fan of them.  Yet at the end of the these last few games that I have watched them play in the tournament I have found myself rooting for them, even if that meant them messing up my bracket (which they did, by the way).

Davidson, the hero #10 seed, took down some of the best teams in the nation during their tournament run in #7 seed Gonzaga, #2 seed Georgetown, and #3 seed Wisconsin, not to mention playing Kansas, a definitive top four team in the nation, down to the wire.  It would have been real interesting if Davidson had the chance to play UNC next weekend for a trip to the championship, as the Wildcats lost a close 68-72 game to the Tar Heels in November.

As for Stephen Curry, and his 25.3 points per game this season (32 per game during the tournament), I think this definitely won't be the last we see of him.  First, Davidson only has two graduating seniors on their team, and have to be excited for next season.  Second, and probably more important to Curry as an individual, he very realistically could end up in the National Basketball Association.  But don't tell Curry that; if you ask him about his team's success in the tournament, he'll tell you what any good teammate says.  The Davidson Wildcats played as a team and won as a team.

The NFL Needs A New Statistic

Statistics have always been a big part of sports, and in football there are tons of them.  At the end of every year NFL players can marvel at themselves and keep track of how many yards, touchdowns, tackles, sacks, interceptions, or field goals that they stacked up in the previous season.  But it just feels like there is something missing.

With all the recent rule changing in the NFL, I propose that they add a new stat to the list: times arrested.  It's becoming so common recently that it would almost be a crime not to have it as a stat.  The NFL could have league leaders and even hand out a pretty trophy to the biggest outlaw every year; it would be great.

Speaking of the biggest outlaw, Adam "Pacman" Jones might actually make his way onto the football field in the 2008 season, after being suspended for the entire 2007 season.

It's not really clear exactly how many times Pacman Jones has been arrested, but it falls somewhere between two and six.  A few days ago Jones had a lengthy interview with the Michael Irvin Show and finally took responsibility for his actions, said he is a changed man, and that he promises to do gooder.  You really got to hand it to the guy because he hasn't been in legal trouble for over two months; good for you Pacman, keep that streak alive for a few more days.

In the last few weeks the Dallas Cowboys, America's Team (of Criminals), have expressed interest in Jones and it's really looking like he'll get to hang out with his law-breaking buddy, Tank Johnson, in Dallas.  I say that Cowboy's owner, Jerry Jones, just goes to a jail and pick up some guys for his team because it will probably leave him in a better situation.

The Cowboy's new slogan?  Where gangsters go to get clean.

Top 10 Most Underrated Things In Sports

Here is your third installment of a new column called 'Top 10 Things In Sports', a new weekly thing that I will do.  Here is your list of the Top 10 things in sports that we think are way underrated and want more people to pay attention to.

#10 Arena Football

I am definitely not arguing that Arena Football should become as mainstream as the No Fun League and college football, but it's still a good substitute in the spring and a fun sport to watch.  There is tons of scoring and it's very easy to understand, other than a few strange rules.

#9 Minor League Baseball

If you are a Red Sox or Yankee fan than you have permission to skip this one, but not all you fans of the twenty MLB teams that alway suck.  Sometimes it is good to get away from your lousy Kansas City Royals and go watch some good baseball.  Minor League baseball games are cheap and usually pretty entertaining; maybe you'll even see a future MLB superstar, or you know, Roger Clemens.

#8 The Winter Olympics

From what I have looked at, the difference in television ratings between the winter and summer olympics is kind of staggering.  The 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece reached over 3.9 billion people while the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy reached a measly 200,000.  Even if that first number is a little high and the second, a little low, that is still quite a big hole in between them.  During the 2010 Winter Games at least check out curling in the middle of the day; it's kind of like icy shuffleboard without the old people smell.

 

#7 ESPN's Feel Good Stories

I know it may seem cheesy, but sometimes it's good to read something outside of the world of competitive sports.  E-Ticket, an ESPN weekly feature, features stories about different people around the sports world and most of the stories are very creative and fresh.  One of my favorite's features the journey of a North Alaskan high school football team.

 

#6 Outside of America - Every Sport Other Than Soccer

I only know a few people outside of the United States, but from what I have talked to them about soccer, it really is the phenomenon that everyone thinks it is.  If you are a big sports fan in the U.S. than just take a second to think about how much time you spend either playing sports or watching sports in a week; chances are that time is divided between more than one sport.  The rest of the world loves sports too, but the difference is that they spend all of that same time on one sport, soccer.  It's encouraging to see the NFL, MLB, and NBA go international and hopefully that will continue.

 

#5 Falling Asleep To Golf

Don't get me wrong, golf is great game, but if you are ever looking for a Sunday nap just turn some golf on TV.  Golf is a great bonding thing for father and sons to do, but you also have to admit that it's not the most exciting thing to watch either.  If you are feeling a little pekid next Sunday take a nap with some golf.  It'll do the body good.

#4 Fantasy Sports

To outsiders fantasy sports seem nerdy and pointless, but I really think that case can be made for just about anything in life.  If you are a big sports buff, and never been in a fantasy sports league, the least you can do is try it out.  Pick your favorite sport and if you really put some work into your team it will open up an entirely different side of sports to you.

#3 Crowd Brawls

When I think of crowd brawls the first thing that comes to mind is the infamous 'Malice in the Palace' involving Ron Artest, the Indiana Pacers, and the Detroit Pistons.  Personally, I think as long as no one dies or gets seriously injured, they are pretty funny.  The fact that athletes like Artest, who are getting paid millions of dollars, can't keep their cool when fans are talking shit about their momma is a pretty curious thing.  And the face of the fan who is about to get pummeled by a completely-built athlete, that's pretty funny too.

#2 X Games

I would hardly consider myself a skater or a punk, but many people associate the X Games with those two terms.  Let me just tell you, if you fall into that category than you are definitely missing out.  Some of the stuff those guys like Shaun White throw down is just amazing and seems to defy gravity.  When I go through my mid-life crisis I am going to make sure to try out for the X Games; or at least ride a dirt-bike or something.

#1 Rushing The Court/Field

People don't realize it, but when they are watching a college basketball game like Kansas State play #1 Kansas at Kansas State, they just want to see the crowd rush the court at the end of the game.  A college team can completely suck, but if they pull off an amazing upset at home and the crowd gets to rush the basketball court or football field than the season is suddenly a success.  Or at least should be cause of the awesomeness of it.  Which is why I think rushing the court and rushing the field should be introduced in pro sports.  How awesome would that be?  I'll tell you,  it'd be like being in college for life.

The No Fun League Is Here To Stay

At the end of the month the NFL, formerly the National Football League, teams will be voting to as to whether or not they should officially change names to the "No Fun League."  

The past few off-seasons the league has passed some really dumb rules to try to suck as much fun as they possibly can out of the game of football.  Today that fun-squeezing seemed to continue when I heard that the league's teams will be voting on a ban of player's hair flowing out of their helmets because "the hair could cover their name" and is a uniform violation.  Everyone knows that's not the real reason for their stupid new proposed rule, and I can't help but feel that the rule is directed towards a certain race, which is just wrong. 

Roger Goodell - if you ever find this article than I want you to leave my site with this simple and very non-vulgar statement engraved in your mind: Quit your job, you fun-sucker-out-of-er.

What would players like Troy Polamalu, Marion Barber, and Al Harris be like without long hair?  I'll tell you what, just boring old football players.

The picture above is of the famous Lambeau Leap, a precise art that is executed at home Green Bay Packer's football games by the receiver who catches a touchdown.  Now look at that picture and tell me how that is hurting anyone: beer flying everywhere, a massive celebration, and that beautiful cheesy grin on Donald Driver's face.

The NFL acts like everything that has to do with the league is a matter of national security, but the reality is that football is supposed to be a form of entertainment for fans.  Banning things like touchdown celebrations just take away an element of that entertainment value.

With that I just want to leave you with a simple statement and that is this -

I would demand he buy me another popcorn.

Yahoo! Second Chance NCAA College Brackets: Let's Win A Million!

9,223,372,036,854,780,000, the number of possible combinations in the 63 game NCAA college basketball tournament.  The experts say it's more likely for one person to be struck by lightning twice on the same sunny day than winning some state lotteries, so I can't really imagine what kind of hyperbole people could come up with for filling out a perfect bracket with more than nine hexillion possible combos.

Maybe - filling out a perfect bracket; less likely than Duke not choking in the first two rounds and advancing to the second week of play.  It's alright Coach K, you'll get that 70th career tournament win someday.

Filling out a perfect bracket; less likely than Memphis hitting their free throws at the end of a close game.

Or my personal favorite - filling out a perfect bracket; less likely than underdogs going 4-0 at a tournament site in the first round, including 2 #12 seeds and 2 #13 seeds.

This year, in an effort to get more people to fill out brackets on their site, Yahoo! offered five million dollars for a perfect bracket, and of course could still feel comfortable that their money would stay safe in the bank.  Face it, I could offer my first-born and the right to have a personal flying carpet, and a perfect 63 game bracket would still never come to be.

But this weekend, all of you lazy workers looking for a big break may have caught one.  Yahoo! is offering one million dollars for a perfect second-chance bracket.  Starting with the sweet sixteen and only fifteen remaining games in the tourney, there is now a much more manageable 32,768 possible combinations in this bracket.  You know what that means?  For the next two days you need to fill out brackets every waking moment you are available; fill them out during breakfast, during work, during lunch, during class, when your wife is trying to have a conversation with you, and before you go to sleep.  Pick the obvious games and pick the upsets; make sure to mix and match crazy combinations.  And because I opened your eyes to these great new odds, please feel obligated to give me a fraction of your newly found fortune when you pick that coveted perfect second chance bracket.

Dallas Mavericks: Looking Into The Crystal Ball

On February 18, three days before this year's NBA trade deadline, Jason Kidd finally made his return to Dallas. This, all after almost two weeks of different reports that J-Kidd was coming to be a Dallas Maverick. Since his acqusition, the Dallas Mavericks are a mediocre 9-8, four and a half games back of the Western Conference lead in seventh place, and most importantly 0-8 against serious NBA Championship contenders. These eight loses have included the New Orleans Hornets, San Antonio Spurs (twice), LA Lakers (twice), Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets, and Boston Celtics. Seeing the Mavericks lose nailbiter after nailbiter has to be completely disheartening for the Dallas fanbase, but at least there is a little good news. Dallas has competed in six of their seven losses, but they have failed to execute and make the neccesary big plays at the end of games. 

Not that it matters, but in their nine wins with Jason Kidd, the Mavericks have averaged nearly a twenty-point margin. The reason I say it doesn't matter is that unfortuanetely all nine of these teams are below .500 and all of them may not even make the playoffs.  

Earlier this season, Dirk Nowitzki was being reported as having an 'off-season', especially by many local reporters, mainly just because Josh Howard had emerged as having his best season in his career, thus far. In fifteen games with Jason Kidd, I don't think anyone should be complaining with Dirk's recent play which includes 27.2 points per game on 52% from the field and a few very big shots where he single-handidly kept the Mavericks in games (I.E. hitting a three-pointer at the end of regulation on March 2 in Los Angeles against the Lakers to force overtime). Mavericks' forward Brandon Bass has also really had a chance to shine with his recent play including his season-high point total earlier this month totalling in 19 against the New Jersey Nets on March 8. 

If the Mavs want to get out of their rut against good teams he will need to  become more of a consistent scorer.  Recently, the Mavericks picked up two solid role players in point guard Tyronn Lue and Jamaal Magloire.

Outlook & Predictions: Dirk Nowitzki was hurt in today's game against the San Antonio Spurs and if it is a serious injury than the Dallas Mavericks may be in serious danger of not even making the playoffs.  Assuming that Dirk is okay I say that the Mavericks finish the season 52-29 as the Western Conference's #6 seed and lose in the first or second round of the playoffs.  Unfortunately for the Mavs, Jason Kidd coming to Dallas in February may not have left enough time for him to get use to the Dallas Maverick's system; at least this season.

I'll Be Back Baby!

Hey Guys, just wanted to let you know that I will be out-of-town in a small, small place with no internet or new technological stuff like that for a few days!  I am sure you will have plenty of basketball to keep you busy and our time apart will go by quickly; it'll be nice to be on vacation for awhile!

Top 10 Most Overrated Things In Sports

Here is the second installment of a new column called 'Top 10 Things In Sports', a new weekly thing that I will do.  Here is your list of the Top 10 things in sports that we think are way overrated and people care way too much about.

#10 NHL Regular Season

There were a  lot of mixed emotions about me leaving off the NHL from 'The Top 10 Things in Sports That Suck', but don't worry hockey haters.  The shallow and pedantic NHL regular season makes this list instead.  Go watch a regular season hockey game and then tell me it should be on ESPN.  In the NHL, if it ain't the playoffs it ain't interesting, unless it is sixty minutes of fighting.

#9 Bad NBA Teams

The lowest-tier teams of the National Basketball Association may achieve a new goal this season by featuring three teams with less than twenty wins.  If it happens it will be the first time since 2001 that the league has at least three such teams.  The competitors this year are the Minnesota Timberwolves (17-50), the Memphis Grizzlies (16-51), the Seattle SuperSonics (16-52), and the current leading Miami Heat (12-55).  Next year, to be fair, I think the Heat should move down to NCAA College Division II basketball.  People have always said that any NBA team can beat another team on any given night, but if you are gonna tell me that right now, well than that's just crazy!

#8 Weird NFL Game-times

In case anyone was wondering, NFL games are supposed to be played on Thanksgiving Day, Sundays, and every Monday Night, but the league seems to think otherwise.  NFL, why don't you stop screwing with us and scheduling games on random Thursday and Saturday nights; it'd be much appreciated.

#7 Watching Baseball on TV

Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the sport of baseball, America's supposed "pastime", but watching baseball on television just isn't the same as being at the game.  The ball is almost never in play, you lose your focus so easily while doing other stuff, and you'll miss your entire episode of "Lost."  Just go to the ballpark next time.  Your league worst Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates or Kansas City Royals will really appreciate your business.

#6 Referees

As a kid I was always taught to treat the ref with respect and I did my best except for the time I punched the mean old guy (just kidding), but recently a lot of refs have really gotten on my nerves.  If these guys want respect from the players than they need to stop making horrible calls, and that's right betting on the games.

#5 Pro All-Star Games

I'm just going to go ahead and say it: If you watch the NFL Pro-Bowl you have way too much time on your hands.  You really need to go get a hobby or something if that's the case.  More than that I don't like All-Star games because who wants to see superstars play each other and look just ordinary when they can play mediocre players on other teams and look magnificent.

#4 Part of College Football's Bowl Season

It really bums me out when I see a bowl game is on TV the last week in December and then it's something like the New Orleans Bowl.  I think once, when I was younger, all of the bad bowl games actually made me sick, gave me chicken pox, and made me miss about a week of school.  But this year when they put the International Bowl on January 5 and the GMAC Bowl on January 6 it really made me want to upchuck.

#3 MMA

Before you attack me on this one, let me just say that I have watched mixed martial-arts before.  The problem is that any time I have ever seen it, the two guys "fighting" just end up on top of each other humping and fighting  like little girls.  At least the Rock had really moves in wresting, you know, like the people's elbow.

#2 Specific Knowledge Sports "Experts"

Guys like Mel Kiper Jr. and Joe Lunardi really piss me off because it seems like they are getting paid and get to be on TV for absolutely no reason.  Both of these guys are so called "experts" in the NFL draft and bracketology, respectively.  The problem I see with that is that they never tell me anything that I don't know or I can't look up.

#1 College Basketball RPI

The RPI, or Ratings Percentage Index, is outdated and because of the NCAA's flip-flop mentality they really need to just get rid of the thing.  It's obvious that the NCAA college basketball selection committee didn't use the RPI as much of a factor this year because while Dayton and Illinois State (ranked 32 and 33 in RPI) didn't get in the tournament, Kentucky and Oregon (ranked 57 and 58 in RPI) did.  Personally, I think it's a stupid and incomplete stat so NCAA should do us all a favor and get rid of it.  And you guys probably used the dumb thing to help fill out your brackets.  Suckers!

Glen Taylor Is A Nut Job

On June 28, 1995 the Minnesota Timberwolves chose Kevin Garnett with the fith overall pick in the NBA draft.  More than a decade of dominance and eleven all-star appearances later, Garnett is finally out of Minnesota and a member of the Boston Celtics.  Hopefully that's not news to you because he has been there since last summer.  During all of KG's time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Glen Taylor (owner of the T-Wolves) was absolutely in love with him.  Now, more than seven months after Garnett has left Minnesota Glen Taylor is suggesting that his former star "tanked it" at the end of last season because he didn't play in the last five games.  For how bad the Minnesota Timberwolves have been the last two seasons, a combined 48-100, there is no way that KG could have single handily tanked last year's season; the team is much too horrible for that.  The only possible explanation for Taylor's recent angry comments is that Kevin Garnett is on a team that will very likely win more than three times as many games than that of Glen Taylor's this season.

But seriously put yourself in KG's position last year.  You are a superstar in the NBA playing for the 27-50 Minnesota Timberwolves, there are five games left in the regular season, your team is near the bottom of the league, and you are no where near 100% because of a quadricep injury.  Is it really worth it to risk an injury and more importantly, potentially millions of dollars?

The Classless move of the week goes to Mr. Glen Taylor.

NCAA Tournament Brackets: How To Fill 'Em Out!

Whether you are a casual sports fan or an avid college basketball know-it-all, chances are that you are filling out your NCAA bracket this week.  Here are some helpful guidelines for filling out your bracket that are very simple to follow.

1) Be Smart

Ah, one of my main guidelines for... - most things in life.  If you are in a office pool for money or just trying to impress someone else with a great bracket do a little research, it won't hurt anyone.  Keep in mind that seven of the last ten National Champions won their conference tournaments the same season, and many teams who make deep runs in the Big Dance have had success late in the season.  Don't make idiotic picks like #16 seeds over #1 seeds because it has never and may never happen.  Even if it does, it doesn't really matter because the risk isn't anywhere near worth the reward.  If you are having some trouble, here is a great webpage on ESPN to look at the history of seed-by-seed matchups in the tournament.

2) Find Your Balance

I have seen different sites that say, on average, there are anywhere from 15 to 21 upsets per year, so that is a good guideline to follow.  For all intensive purposes, an upset is going to be defined as a lower seed beating a higher seed, for instance, a #9 beating a #8 is considered an upset even though #9 seeds do have more head-to-head wins, historically.  The 2006 and 2007 tournaments were almost completely opposite in that '06 was full of surprises and '07 was completely predictable.  The first round in '06 consisted of 9 upsets, 8 of which were double-digit seeds, yet in '07 only two #11 seeds and three #9 seeds pulled off first round upsets.  Just know, if you have to pick between being safe and sorry, go with the safe.  If you don't really know too much about college basketball pick mostly high seeds and a few upsets.  Don't get too ridiculous with the number of upsets in your bracket because there is a reason that teams are a top four seed.

3)Know That Luck Is Involved

When #11 seed George Mason made the Final Four in 2006, no one could have predicted that, yet there were still brackets on Yahoo and ESPN that had all four Final Four teams correct.  It kind of makes you wonder if people sit in front of their computer and fill out hundreds and hundreds of brackets the week leading up to the tournament - hopefully, no one is that sad, but I have a sad hunch that some people are.  Just realize that a lot of making your bracket is luck, so if I were you I wouldn't put my life savings on things like March Madness.

NCAA Basketball Tournament Thoughts

After a weekend full of college basketball conference tournaments, it is finally almost time for the Big Dance.  My conference tournament picks went a cool 15 for 30 and my picks from last month for the top 16 teams in the tourney went 8 for 16, both of those falling somewhere in between great and horrible.

Today I watched a lot of ESPN's Bracketology and I really got tired of Bob Knight and Jay Bilas talking about how there should be no automatic bids into the NCAA tournament.  It's really getting repetitive because it is all Bob Knight is talking about.  The main thing they were trying to say is that the way it is now the tourney does not involve the best 65 teams in NCAA, and that may be true, but the fact of the matter is that if a team is a top 30 team they make it to the tournament.  I love conference tournament week and it's what gives all teams a chance unlike the BCS does.  Contrary to popular belief, this tournament does not need to be expanded to 128 teams - that's just getting ridiculous.

I think the NCAA committee did a good job naming the four number one seeds: UNC, UCLA, Memphis, and Kansas, who all clearly proved that there were the four best teams in college basketball by winning their conference tournaments and regular seasons.

As a #7 seed Butler got absolutely shafted because 1 - they shouldn't be lower than a #5 seed and 2 - they shouldn't have to play an away game against #10 South Alabama (bubble team) in Birmingham, Alabama.

My favorite matchup in all of the tournament is probably #6 USC vs. #11 Kansas State because a big part of that matchup is freshman phenomenon's O.J. Mayo of USC and Michael Beasley of Kansas State.

From looking at the 34 at-large bids, Villanova was the lowest seed at #12, and to me that means they were the last team to get in the tournament.

The winner of the award for Biggest Snub goes to Arizona State (19-12, 9-9) who beat #9 seed Arizona (19-14, 8-10) twice and as you can see, has the better record.

Los Angeles Lakers: Looking Into The Crystal Ball

Since their recent acquisition of Pau Gasol the LA Lakers are 16-3.  Prior to the trade, the Lakers were an above average 29-16, but with the recent surge they are now 45-19 and have taken control of the Western Conference lead.  

In his first 18 games as a Los Angeles Laker, Pau Gasol has averaged 19.9 points per game, an amazing 58% from the field, and most importantly brought an important presence to the middle for the Lakers that had been missed since Andrew Bynum was playing in January.  But not everything in the team's turnaround has to do with Gasol.  Kobe Bryant has scored more than 30 points in ten of the Laker's past twenty games and Lamar Odom has had a double-double in most of the team's games since February 1st.  It just kind of goes to show you that not everything is about stats, as Kobe Bryant has had better numbers in past years.  Kobe has always scored plenty of points, but numerous times in the past month he has put this team on his shoulders and scored when it's been needed, making him a major competitor for this year's MVP award.  The Lakers are coming up on a very tough part of their schedule with six of the next seven against other playoff-type teams in the powerful Western Conference, five of which are on the road.  The team needs to stay focused throughout this stretch and not get dismantled if they lose a few in a row.  To the doubters out there, realize that the Los Angeles Lakers aren't even at full strength yet and soon center Andrew Bynum and forward Trevor Ariza will be back on the court.

Outlook & Predictions: The LA Lakers have gotten good.  I say they end the season 57-25 as the Western Conference's #2 Seed and I definitely can see this team getting to the Western Conference Finals.

Top 10 Things In Sports That Suck

I am introducing a new column called 'Top 10 Things In Sports', a new weekly thing that I will do.  Here is your list of the Top 10 things in sports that we are tired of hearing about, we hate, or just plain suck.

With that, let the sucking begin.

#10 NFL's Ban on Celebrations

The league's new rule that stops players like Chad Johnson and Terrell Owens use their creativity and grace for celebrating should be considered a crime.  Let the men spread their wings a little - no props allowed? that's just stupid.

# 9 ESPN's Hot Seat

At first the Hot Seat was cool and somthing new, but now is like a boring desk job - the same everyday.  For those who aren't familiar, the Hot Seat is a daily portion on SportsCenter where a guest is asked questions by an ESPN guy.  One of the main problems is when

 Skip Bayless who, by the way,is only a few spots out of this list, is in charge.  Instead of asking the other person their opinions, he just argues with them and hardly lets them get in a sentence.

#8 Yankees vs. Red Sox Rivalry

The most overrated and over-reported rivalry in all of sports.  The New York Yankees play the Boston Red Sox about fourteen times every season, but I don't care.  Every off-season is like a prime-time drama for these teams, and every year they add more big names to the two evil empires.  Please refer to what America's new immigration policy should be if you have any questions.

#7 Congress

Leave my sports alone Congress, no one wants you guys to intervene with stuff you have no idea about.  As if senators weren't happy enough with ruining our country, now they have to take away our sports.  Congress, go back home, and save some rain-forests or something.

#6 NFL Players' Arrests

Michael Vick, Jamal Lewis, Pacman Jones, Chris Henry, Tank Johnson, David Boston - the list goes on.  Whatever happened to professional athletes being good role models for kids because in the NFL, that has definitely gone down the drain lately.  Great job, Roger Goodell!

#5 Spygate

I really hope everyone knows that all NFL teams spy on other teams because if you don't, than get outta the bubble that you live in.  I don't want to hear about Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.  They were in the news everyday in the fall because of their chase for perfection; I don't want to see their ugly faces on ESPN's front page everyday in the spring too.

#4 Steroids in Baseball

Baseball players do steroids, why can't people just accept that.  No one cares about Roger Clemens or Barry Bonds anymore; sure they are cheaters, but so is half of America.  And in case anyone was wondering Bud Selig is part of the problem and just adding fuel to the fire.

#3 NFL Network

The only reason the NFL Network is ranked higher than Bryant Gumbel, is because they have other employees; it still sucks.  It really stinks for the fans of the NFL because the league sure doesn't care if anyone sees the NFL Network games.  You would think with all of the money they are getting for the high subscription rates that they could afford more than about four cameras for live broadcasts.

#2 BCS

As the 2007-2008 college football season proved, the Bowl Championship Series is one of the biggest jokes in all of sports.  Letting voters decide the fate of top teams with no playoff system is absolutely ridiculous, but don't worry sports fans.  If there are more years like this past one, a playoff will have to become closer to a reality... eventually.

#1 Bryant Gumbel 

Is there really any question whether or not the younger Gumbel brother is the worst sports announcer of all-time?  I could name about 100 (million) people that could do a better job than him.  He talks too much, interrupts the other commentators, and thinks he is the most important, but to put it simply, Bryant Gumbel couldn't commentate his way out of a paper bag.  This past season's Green Bay Packer - Dallas Cowboy game displayed him at his very finest, claiming that Romo was both the quarterback for the Packers and first name is Rick.  Rick Romo is sure to have great success in the NFL...

NCAA College Basketball Tournament Bubble Trouble

According to ESPN's Bubble Watch there are still 31 teams that are on the bubble, that is either barely in the tourney or looking in from the outside.  ESPN says there are 32 locks, thus far, but a few of the teams that "should be in", and therefore not locks to be in, to me are locks.  These teams include West Virginia, Baylor, Kansas State,  and even teams like Kent State and UNLV.  This year, I see so many mediocre teams near the bottom of the field's bracket.  More than ever before picking the in teams and out teams is like splitting Don King's hair.  This week, fans from bubble teams have to be sitting on the edge of their seat during every conference tournament final game.  Teams like Gonzaga and Virginia Commonwealth losing in their conference finals definitely put a damper on the bubble because Gonzaga is a lock and VCU, the mid-major, deserves to be in the tournament a lot more than many other teams in major conferences.  After this week, everything will be sorted out, but there are several teams that are only one win away from being in the Big Dance - i.e. Ohio State / Texas A&M.

With every upset the bubble will shrink.  Let the upsets continue!

Utah Jazz: Looking Into The Crystal Ball

If you look in the NBA headlines on most big sports websites, you aren't going to find much news on the Utah Jazz; they have been flying under the radar the entire season, but I don't think that really bothers them.  Jerry Sloan and the Utah Jazz are 42-22 this season, and unlike many of the other teams in the Western Conference who change playoff positions on a daily basis, have a secure grasp on the 4th seed.  This is mainly because of their four game lead over the second place, Denver Nuggets, in the Northwest division.  Last year the NBA adopted a new rule that if a team in second place in any division has a better record than another division's winner, than that team could become the third seed.  Though this is likely to happen this year, the rule is limited to one team and therefore as long as the Jazz stay in front of the Nuggets they are ensured the 4th seed and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

The Jazz have an unbelievably balanced distribution of scoring with eight players averaging over eight points per game.  A big part of that is one of the best young point guards in the NBA, Deron Williams, who is averaging 10.3 assists per game.  This season, Utah ranks 5th in the league in scoring (106.3) , 2nd in assists per game (26.5) , and perhaps most impressively 1st in the league in field goal percentage (49.7%) - mainly because of their great shot collection and willingness to give up shots for other open men.  The Utah Jazz sport the best home record in the NBA this season, 28-3, including twenty straight wins at home.  This could prove to be very big in this year's Western Conference playoffs because if the Jazz could protect home-court than playoff series would become much more manageable to win.

Outlook & Predictions:  This Utah Jazz team is good, but they will have to keep playing well to the end of the season, as their last six games of the season are against potential Western Conference playoff teams.  I think the Jazz go 52-30, win the Northwest Division, and enter the playoffs as the Western Conference's 4th seed.  I believe Utah will lose in the second round of the playoffs, but they are definitely one of my dark-horse teams that could make a deep run in the playoffs this season - notice I am not bolding that.