NBA Finals Game 7 Preview & More

82 regular season games. 3 best-of-seven series. Six NBA Final games. Now the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat are playing in the last game of the 2012-2013 NBA season for the NBA Championship.

Game 6 Recap (Heat won 103-100)
With 28 seconds left in the fourth quarter of game six and a five-point lead it looked as if the Spurs were about to walk out of Miami with the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Then LeBron James hit a three-pointer, Manu Ginobili missed one of two free throws, and Ray Allen hit the game-tying three-pointer to send the game into overtime.

Most people thought that the game was over when the Heat were down five including a good amount of Heat fans who were seen leaving the AmericanAirlines Arena. The Heat had just come back from a five-point deficit within 30 seconds and still had hopes of repeating as NBA Champions.

With 2:42 left in overtime the Spurs took a 100-97 lead and then failed to score for the remainder of the game. The Heat were able to make key buckets late in both the fourth quarter and overtime, while the Spurs struggled from the field, especially behind the arc.

The Heat would go on to score six points and win the game 103-100 and many fans and journalists were left blaming the referees after a couple of no calls for the Spurs. The two plays that are being talked about the most are when Manu Ginobili was driving to the lane for a layup and Danny Green's possible game-tying three-pointer.

While I agree that Ginobil and Green were both fouled on their shots, neither of those calls should be made in those situations. Ginobili traveled before ever being fouled so you can erase the idea of the call. When Bosh bodied Green on the last shot he had his hand on the ball for the most part and in that circumstance almost every time the referee will not blow their whistle. Does that foul get called in the earlier moments of the game? Absolutely, but the referees will allow the teams to play more at the end of games and it has always been that way.

LeBron is Taking the Next Step
When I look at that game two days after it happened I make sure not to think about what didn't happen, but what did. LeBron James had probably one of the best games of his career as he carried his team in the fourth quarter while both Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were invisible.

LeBron is a player that over the years I have never really respected due to some of his career choices, and after game six I'm starting to change my mind. I won't put him on the same level as Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant until he wins a couple of more rings, and if he wins game seven tonight he will at least be making me consider it.

When LeBron and Bosh joined up with Wade in Miami I looked at it as a complete cop-out. The three of them were on the "Redeem Team" and rather than competing against each other in the primes of their careers, they took the easy way out and teamed up two years later.

At the time of "The Decision" I thought that LeBron wasn't the best guy on his team, but I will now agree with everyone that he is the best player on the Heat. LeBron has had to carry this team due to both Wade and Bosh not playing up to their potentials. Wade seems to be on the decline in his career as his age and injury history are catching up with him. Bosh just seems to have never really deserved mentioning in any "big three," as he was only the best player on that Canadian basketball team.

When Bill Simmons wrote the updated version of "The Book of Basketball" in 2010, LeBron didn't have any rings at the time and Simmons ranked him as the 20th greatest player of all time. After losing in the 2011 Finals and then winning the 2012 Finals you can't really have him any lower than 15 (15-19 before his jump: Elgin Baylor, Julius Erving, Bob Pettit, Karl Malone and Charles Barkley).

With a win tonight I would have to push LeBron even further up that list with him passing Moses Malone and John Havlicek which would leave LeBron as the 13th greatest player in the history of the NBA. Anyone could argue he deserves to be higher on the list already, but I'll wait until he wins a few more rings.

Where do the Spurs go from here?
While it isn't being talked about at all really, this is more than likely the last time we will see either team's "big three." Bosh will likely be the Heat scapegoat and be traded for two or three players to save the Heat some money and make them a deeper team.

When you look at the Spurs you see three old guys playing in what will likely be their last chance at a title. A couple of days ago Ginobili talked about possibly retiring at season's end and I actually think it will happen after this game, win or lose. Ginobili has not been his same self at all besides game five and this will likely be his last hurrah with the two guys he spent the last 10-plus years playing with.

Without Ginobili that would leave the Spurs with Duncan, Parker and the rest of their supporting cast trying to make another run at a title after this. By losing Ginobili they would free up cap space and be able to bring in another young body or two. The way that Popovich has been coaching over the years, I'm not too worried about who he brings in as he's made Bruce Bowen, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Gary Neal and others look great after being relative nobodies beforehand.

The Spurs big three will all end up in the Hall of Fame along with head coach, Gregg Popovich. At this point this last championship might be what pushes Parker and Ginobili into consideration for Simmons' next update and actually have them included in the top 100 as well as possibly move Duncan into the top five greatest players of all time.

I think that Popovich might be the greatest coach in the NBA today and with a win tonight the greatest coach in the history of the NBA. I know people think of Red Auerbach, Phil Jackson and Pat Riley as far as the greatest coaches of all time but just look at everything he has done as far as drafting, coaching and winning and this last championship might actually make everyone else realize it. I am guessing that when the last of the big three retires Popovich will likely hang up his whistle so this will likely be his last chance at winning a championship.

Tonight's Game 7 Preview
I thought this series would be over in six games with the Spurs hanging up their fifth NBA Championship banner. After game six some people are changing their minds, but I am sticking with the Spurs as I think this being their "last ride" might be what gives them the little extra they'll need.

At the beginning of the year I had the Spurs losing to the Knicks in the NBA Finals and if it wasn't for me changing my mind and joining the Grizzlies bandwagon I would've at least looked a little smart.

I'm not too sure what to expect in tonight's game except for Tim Duncan to end with 25 points and 15 rebounds and LeBron James to end with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Other than that I don't know which players from each team will show up and give their team the extra push to win the title.

What I actually think this game will come down to is the coaching and when I look at the coaching there isn't even a comparison. The idea that Erik Spoelstra could win two NBA Championships as a coach shows that with enough talent in the NBA, coaches aren't exactly that necessary. Opposite him is the future Hall of Famer, Gregg Popovich, who has made every player that has come through his organization that much better.

While you might blame Popovich for a few mistakes late in the last game, there's no way in hell he makes those tonight. Expect "Pop" to stick with the guys that got him here and throw in Green, Neal, Leonard and Splitter depending on the match-ups that the Heat present in front of them.

Spoelstra will likely spend too much time getting Wade and Bosh minutes when the Heat have been a lot more successful without those two on the floor. If the Heat are going to win tonight it's because they have Mike Miller, Ray Allen and Chris "Birdman" Andersen on the floor. The three of them have been more important to the Heat's success in the NBA Finals than LeBron's other two members of the "Big Three."

As I said earlier I'm taking the Spurs to win tonight and grab their fifth NBA Championship. Don't expect to see Danny Green be held to only three points again tonight. San Antonio in four hours it'll be time to pop bottles.

Prediction: Spurs Win 99-97

Finals MVP: Danny Green

The Somewhat Late NBA 1st Round Predictions

I know this is slightly late as the NBA Playoffs are already four days in, but I thought I'd get this up now anyways. All of the picks made in this piece were done last Thursday and have not been changed.

My favorite time of the year is now upon us. In my opinion there is no better postseason than the NBA Playoffs. The NBA Playoffs are really the only postseason tournament that really shows which team was the best team of the year for the most part. When it's a one-and-done tournament like the NFL Playoffs or the NCAA Tournament I don't think you end up with the best team winning every year. I also think that baseball's playoffs usually don't show which team was the best all year, but rather which team got hot at the right point. The NBA Playoffs is two months of best-of-seven series' featuring the 15 best teams in the NBA along with the Milwaukee Bucks and in my opinion there is nothing better.

At the beginning of the year Darryl Wilson and I sat down and went through our preseason picks and midway through the year we made a revised edition that I posted here: NBA Midseason Projections. At the end of the year I finished slightly better than Darryl and managed to get all 16 teams in the playoffs from the mid-point with Darryl getting 14 right. When sitting down the other day we decided that we would come up with our first round projections. Rather than picking the entire playoffs all at once we will just get together before each new round begins.

Eastern Conference:

#1 Miami Heat vs. #8 Milwaukee Bucks (Heat lead 2-0)
Jim: Heat in 4
Darryl: Heat in 5

In all honesty I don't think the Bucks should have been allowed to compete in this year's playoffs. Before the series even started I gave them no chance and expected them to be swept rather easily. So far they haven't done anything to show me or anyone else that they were worthy of being a part of the 16 team tournament. In my opinion I think the NBA should have just given the Heat a bye in the first round, because that's what these two games have basically been for Miami so far.

Brandon Jennings was dumb enough to come out and say that the Bucks would win the series in six games. It's good and all to think that, but when you're playing the team that has been the best all season long, you shouldn't be trying to make any crazy guarantees. If you are going to make a guarantee you are supposed to go out and win the game. People remember Joe Namath's guarantee because he went out and led the Jets to the Super Bowl. In a few years no one is going to remember this series unless LeBron or D-Wade manage to put on one of the greatest statistical performances of all time. By the end of the weekend the Heat should be out enjoying the Miami sun for a few days while the Bucks are unpacking their lockers.

#2 New York Knicks vs. #7 Boston Celtics (Knicks lead 2-0)
Jim: Knicks in 6
Darryl: Knicks in 7

As a Knicks fan I was so happy to get this series. New York fans hate Boston fans and vice versa so getting to see seven possible games between these two teams makes a lot of fans in the northeast very happy. Through two games in New York, the Knicks have come out early trying to get rid of one of their biggest rivals. Carmelo Anthony stated that season two was a must-win and he made sure that Tuesday night the Knicks came out and defeated the Celtics.

Ever since Rajon Rondo went down with injury, many fans and journalists talked about how the Celtics might be better without Rondo. The easy truth is that they are definitely not a better team. Without Rondo the Celtics have had to rely heavily on Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett and the last time I checked it isn't 2008 still. The Celtics needed Rondo this year if they were going to make one last attempt at competing for a championship, because after this season they will likely start all over.

The Knicks have been hampered by injuries all season as much as the Celtics, but Gotham's squad has made many key moves before and during the season to make them the biggest threats to the Miami Heat for the east title. While bringing in Raymond Felton, Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin have been great moves for the Knicks, it's the move that they didn't make that I think has bettered them the most. When New York chose not to match the Houston Rockets contract for Jeremy Lin I was skeptical at first if it was that great of a move, but during the season I came to the realization that it was definitely the right move by the front office.

With the series now headed to Boston, the Celtics will likely have to win both games if they are going to see this series go much further as I don't see them coming back to MSG and winning in game five. I originally predicted the Knicks to end this in six, but I'm starting to think it might be over even earlier than that.

#3 Indiana Pacers vs. #6 Atlanta Hawks (Pacers lead 1-0)
Jim: Pacers in 6
Darryl: Pacers in 5

The Pacers have been without their best player almost all season long and have still managed to get the third seed in the east and will likely be headed to the conference semifinals. With Danny Granger out now for the remainder of the playoffs after missing most of the season, I'm expecting both Roy Hibbert and Paul George to be able to lead them past the Hawks and put up a good fight with the Knicks in the conferene semis. If they had Granger I think they'd finish this series even earlier and would have a much better shot at moving on to the conference finals or even in the NBA Finals.

The Hawks have seemed to be that one team that just can't get over the hump. Over the years they have had Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Al Horford leading their squad and haven't been able to reach the conference finals. With Johnson now playing for Brooklyn the Hawks have now had to rely on Smith and Horford more and it seems as if the two of them are incapable of being the leading man on a team. After the season they will have to possibly work on a trade to bring in someone else because they just don't seem to be going in the right direction at this point.

This is definitely the least sexy of the series' being played in the east including the Heat-Bucks series that is already finished. Neither team will likely contend past this round and expect the Pacers to finish this series in five or six games. The only things to really look forward to in this series are the match-ups between George and Smith as well as Horford and Hibbert.

#4 Brooklyn Nets vs. #5 Chicago Bulls (Series tied 1-1)
Both: Bulls in 6

New York's new team is definitely on the rise and have had a pretty good team in the first season back in the big apple. With their new core of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez they have proven to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference all season long. However, they are playing a team that just happens to look better than them, even without their best player.

The Chicago Bulls have managed to get the five seed in the East without former MVP Derrick Rose. Rose has been on the shelf for the entire season with some questioning whether or not he is capable of lacing them up now for the playoffs. The likelihood of Rose suiting up at all for these playoffs is very slim, so I'm not giving them a realistic shot at possibly getting past the Heat in the next round. Even without Rose I still think they are the better team as Tom Thibodeau is one of the best coaches in the NBA today.

The series is currently tied at one a piece and heading to Chicago for the next two games. The place that Michael Jordan built will definitely be rocking in the next two games as the Bulls have always managed to have one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA. Expect the Bulls to take a 3-1 lead after four with the Nets winning at home in game five and the Bulls finishing it in Chicago in six.

Western Conference:

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #8 Houston Rockets (Thunder lead 1-0)
Jim: Thunder in 5
Darryl: Thunder in 4

James Harden went from being on the best team in the Western Conference to the eighth seed about a week before this year's NBA season started. Somehow the Thunder have managed to not skip a beat when losing one of their big three and managed to finish with the best record in the Western Conference.

Kevin Durant has been the MVP this year in the NBA. He has been so important to the success of the Thunder in Harden's absence. While I don't think the Thunder will be able to sweep the Rockets, I do expect them to get it done rather quickly. Durant's new "fire" has been huge for the Thunder and I really think his added attitude and confidence are the key to his success. If he continues to carry the monkey on his back of possibly being second and being out to prove that he should be first, this could end up being the Thunder's year to take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Watching Harden play against his former team might be exciting for some, but you shouldn't expect the Rockets to really compete with the Thunder this year. With Linsanity, Chandler Parsons and Omer Asik they are definitely a playoff team, but they still need at least one more piece if they are going to compete with some of the best in the West.

#2 San Antonio Spurs vs. #7 Los Angeles Lakers (Spurs lead 1-0)
Jim: Spurs in 5
Darryl: Spurs in 4

You look at these two teams playing in the first round and you should get excited. Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant are suiting up against each other. Gregg Popovich and Phil Jackson are manning the sidelines. Then you actually look at the squads as they suit up and now you have Jodie Meeks on the floor for the Lakers with Mike Antoni (the D is silent because it doesn't exist) running the plays. Bryant's leg injury stole away the possibility of one last Kobe-Duncan match-up in the playoffs that could have possibly helped show which player will end their career with the more successful legacy.

While the Lakers are without Bryant, you can still look at their roster and see some of the biggest names in the NBA including Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and "The Artest Formerly Known As Ron." Those four will be going up against the big three of Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.

As much as you could say that the Lakers might actually show up and defeat the Spurs, there's just no way that this team will be able to do it with this coach. They are going to be outplayed and outcoached in this season and this might be ugly for Laker fans. In my opinion, Popovich is the greatest NBA coach I've ever seen as he has managed to take average players and fit them into his system to produce great results. This season is likely to be the last time you see the Spurs contending for a championship with Duncan, Ginobili and Parker as the three of them aren't getting any younger. It's time to enjoy the "Big Fundamental" while we all still can.

#3 Denver Nuggets vs. #6 Golden State Warriors (Series tied 1-1)
Jim: Warriors in 7
Darryl: Warriors in 6

You would think that when all-star David Lee went down with an injury that will have him miss the rest of the playoffs that the Nuggets would likely win this series very easily. I was very nervous about my original pick when the injury happened, but in Tuesday's game we were all remembered that the Warriors still have Mr. Steph Curry.

When I look at the current crop of young NBA guards there aren't many I'd put on the same level as Curry outside of Kyrie Irving. Curry managed to break the record for most three-pointers made in a season and has helped lead a Warriors team that has struggled a lot over the last decade. With Curry, Lee, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut being the main five for the Warriors they are definitely on their way up in the Western Conference. In a couple of years this team could be one of the best teams in the West and could compete regularly with the Thunder over the next decade.

The Nuggets are led by Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried and Andre Iguodala with Danilo Gallinari missing the rest of the playoffs due to injury. If the Nuggets had a healthy Galo to play with I would have had to choose them to win the series. This season is going to be very close and will likely go the entire season with a winner being crowned in game seven. Remember when Steph Curry came out and put Davidson on the map? He's about to do the same with Golden State.

#4 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies (Clippers lead 2-0)
Jim: Clippers in 6
Darryl: Grizzlies in 7

To be honest I'm shocked to see the Clippers hold a 2-0 lead over the Grizzlies. The Clips won game one pretty easily by over 20 points and were able to squeak out a close win in game two following a game-winning floater by Chris Paul. With the next two games headed to Memphis, the Grizzlies will have to come out playing the defense that got them to this point in the season if they are going to advance.

CP3 has been the best player in the NBA this season that doesn't play the 3-4 position that has been occupied by LeBron, Melo and Durant. When CP3 was traded to the Clippers they finally had something to look forward to in Los Angeles in the NBA outside of the Lakers. The Clippers had been the laughing stock of the NBA for years and with CP3 and Blake Griffin now leading them, they are now the best team playing in the Staples Center.

The Grizzlies will need their big men of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol to better protect the rim and control the glass if they are going to turn this series around. Mike Conley and Tony Allen will have their hands full enough with all of the different guards the Clippers can throw out at them so the bigs will be the ones that will be relied on in this series.

I'm expecting the Grizzlies to head back to Memphis and win both games at home to even up the series with the Clippers then finishing it in six. This series should end up with more low scoring games going forward so if you like defense, this is something that should be worth watching.

1/30 NBA Predictions

Tonight's NBA Games:

Washington Wizards (11-32) @ Philadelphia 76ers (18-26)

Wizards are on the road against the 76ers in what appears to be a snoozefest. The 76ers haven't played the way anyone expected them to before the season because of the absence of Andrew Bynum and the Wizards have finally gotten back their best player in John Wall. The Wizards have only won three times on the road this season and it's not looking like they get their fourth tonight.

My prediction: 76ers win 102-92

Detroit Pistons (17-28) @ Indiana Pacers (26-19)

10 years ago this was one of the best rivalries in basketball and the last five years it has slowly gotten worse and worse. The Pistons are on the way down and the Pacers are on the way up and I think the home team will continue to go up in this game. Expect a defensive game played in this one.

My prediction: Pacers win 91-79

Orlando Magic (14-30) @ New York Knicks (27-15)

I don't think there's any "Magic" left in this team this season. The Howard trade had to happen, but it doesn't appear that they got enough to build off of from that trade to this point. The Knicks will be missing Jason Kidd but I still expect them to prevail at home.

My prediction: Knicks win 110-94

Sacramento Kings (17-29) @ Boston Celtics (21-23)

Where do the Celtics go from here. They just won at home on Sunday against the Heat and now have a Kings team visiting the TD Garden that has been completely inconsistent all season. The Celtics should win this game but without Rondo the rest of the season I don't see them blowing anybody out.

My prediction: Celtics win 98-94

Toronto Raptors (16-29) @ Atlanta Hawks (25-19)

The best team in Canada doesn't exactly play all that well outside of the Great White North. Expect the Hawks to win this game rather convincingly.

My prediction: Hawks win 100-86

Miami Heat (28-13) @ Brooklyn Nets (27-18)

This is probably my favorite game of the night and there's a reason why ESPN will be airing this one. These two teams have used free agency and trades to really build squads that will compete come playoff time. The defending champions got to visit the White House yesterday on their day off and haven't played that well outside of South Beach so expect the Nets to win at the house Jay-Z built.

My prediction: Nets win 99-93

Chicago Bulls (27-17) @ Milwaukee Bucks (24-19)

Da Bulls are heading to Milwaukee tonight in a game between two Central Division rivals. The Bucks have played well this season behind their backcourt of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis and the Bulls have somehow played amazing without their all-star point guard Derrick Rose. This game will be a close one, but I'm giving the slight edge to the home team.

My prediction: Bucks win 96-94

Los Angeles Clippers (33-13) @ Minnesota Timberwolves (17-24)

The biggest story of this game might be the injuries that both teams are facing. Both teams are without their best players in Chris Paul and Kevin Love and will have to continue to find scoring from other players on the court. The Clippers have played well without CP3 while the T'Wolves have not been the same without their 20-12 guy in Love. There won't be any "Love" for the T'Wolves tonight.

My prediction: Clippers win 108-96

Charlotte Bobcats (11-33) @ San Antonio Spurs (36-11)

The Bobcats have won five times on the road. The Spurs have lost twice at home. Yikes this one isn't going to be close even without Tim Duncan.

My prediction: Spurs win 96-80

Houston Rockets (25-22) @ Denver Nuggets (28-18)

The Nuggets might have the best homecourt advantage in basketball due to the high altitude in Colorado. Linsanity hasn't exactly lived up to the same hype that he had when he took over the Big Apple last year due to less shot attempts and teams learning how to play him. Expect Ty Lawson and Andre Iguodala to keep the Rockets backcourt from scoring too many points tonight.

My prediction: Nuggets win 103-94

New Orleans Hornets (15-30) @ Utah Jazz (24-21)

The Jazz just got embarrassed against the Rockets by 45 points on Monday. This is a great bounce back game for a team that definitely needs one. Expect the Jazz to win at home.

My prediction: Jazz win 98-89

Los Angeles Lakers (20-25) @ Phoenix Suns (15-30)

Kobe Bryant has looked like Magic Johnson 2.0 the last three games for the Lakers and if he continues to play this well I expect the Lakers to keep winning. Expect Kobe not to slow down against a team that has starting guards of Goran Dragic and Jared Dudley. This is the kind of team he could drop 40 on without blinking.

My prediction: Lakers win 106-90

Yesterday's NBA Results: 3-1

Golden State Warriors (28-17) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (13-33) - Warriors won 108-95
(Originally predicted Cavaliers would win 107-90)

Milwaukee Bucks (24-19) @ Detroit Pistons (17-28) - Bucks won 117-90
(Originally predicted Bucks would win 96-92)

Dallas Mavericks (19-26) @ Portland Trail Blazers (23-22) - Trail Blazers won 106-104
(Originally predicted Trail Blazers would win 109-105)

New Orleans Hornets (15-30) @ Los Angeles Lakers (20-25) - Lakers won 111-106
(Originally predicted Lakers would win 112-90)

NBA Midseason Projections

This season marks the second time that Darnell and I have made preseason projections for the NBA regular season. Because last season was shortened we never re-did our projections midway through the season and just went off of what he projected the entire year. Neither of us want to really remember last year's picks because we both thought that Dirk Nowitzki would be in shape and lead the Dallas Mavericks back to the NBA Finals for the West. I'm pretty sure Dirk hasn't cared about basketball since he won his ring in 2011 and he more than likely won't care the rest of his career.

Before this season started I predicted that the Knicks would defeat the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals (ECF) and the Spurs would defeat the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals (WCF). For the NBA Finals I projected the Knicks to defeat the Spurs in a rematch of the 1999 NBA Finals and am sticking with all of those picks for the playoffs.

Darnell is currently predicting the Knicks to defeat the Bulls in the ECF and the Clippers to defeat the Spurs in the WCF. He had the Knicks defeating the Clippers for the title. Before the season started his only difference was that he projected the Heat instead of the Bulls to lose in the ECF.

Anyone could argue that I am being biased in my picks towards the Knicks, but the East looks really weak this year. The Knicks currently sit second in the East and the only team they are struggling against right now is the Bulls. The West could be won by any one of three teams in the Spurs, Thunder and Clippers, but I'm thinking this will be Tim Duncan's "last ride," and he will want to go out on top similar to that of Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens.

For the current NBA Standings you can go to this link. The following standings show how Darnell and I project the standings to look like at the end of the regular season (The number in parentheses indicates what we predicted before the season started):

My Standings (@jimzacharias):

East: 

1. Miami Heat (1) 
2. New York Knicks (2)
3. Chicago Bulls (4)
4. Indiana Pacers (3)
5. Brooklyn Nets (6)
6. Atlanta Hawks (7)
7. Milwaukee Bucks (9)
8. Boston Celtics (5)
9. Philadelphia 76ers (8)
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (10)
11. Detroit Pistons (12)
12. Washington Wizards (11)
13. Toronto Raptors (14)
14. Orlando Magic (13)
15. Charlotte Bobcats (15)

West:

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (1)
2. Los Angeles Clippers (4)
3. San Antonio Spurs (2)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (5)
5. Denver Nuggets (6)
6. Golden State Warriors (12)
7. Los Angeles Lakers (3)
8. Houston Rockets (10)
9. Utah Jazz (9)
10. Portland Trail Blazers (11)
11. Dallas Mavericks (7)
12. Minnesota Timberwolves (8)
13. New Orleans Hornets (14)
14. Sacramento Kings (13)
15. Phoenix Suns (15)

Darnell's Standings (@Darneezee):

East:

1. Chicago Bulls (9)
2. New York Knicks (4)
3. Miami Heat (2)
4. Indiana Pacers (3)
5. Boston Celtics (1)
6. Brooklyn Nets (6)
7. Milwaukee Bucks (8)
8. Atlanta Hawks (7)
9. Detroit Pistons (13)
10. Toronto Raptors (14)
11. Philadelphia 76ers (5)
12. Orlando Magic (10)
13. Cleveland Cavaliers (11)
14. Washington Wizards (12)
15. Charlotte Bobcats (15)

West:

1. San Antonio Spurs (1)
2. Los Angeles Clippers (3)
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (4)
4. Golden State Warriors (12)
5. Memphis Grizzlies (5)
6. Denver Nuggets (6)
7. Portland Trail Blazers (9)
8. Dallas Mavericks (7)
9. Los Angeles Lakers (2)
10. Houston Rockets (10)
11. Utah Jazz (8) 
12. Minnesota Timberwolves (11)
13. Sacramento Kings (14)
14. New Orleans Hornets (15)
15. Phoenix Suns (13)

Could this be the year that Carmelo Anthony or Kevin Durant win their first NBA Championship? Could Tim Duncan or Kobe Bryant possibly win one more ring before finally hanging it up? Could the Bulls or Clippers finally get healthy enough before the playoffs and make a run behind their all-star point guards? Or could this be the year that the Miami Heat repeat and LeBron James adds another championship ring to his case for being one of the greatest players of all time?

1/27 NBA & NCAA Results

NBA Games: 

Went 7-3 with my picks my first day in the NBA and today went 4-3 bringing my overall record to 11-6.

Miami Heat (28-13) @ Boston Celtics (21-23) - Celtics win 100-98 in 2OT

As good as the Celtics looked in beating the Celtics I think the real story is the Rajon Rondo injury and where the Celtics will go from here: The Last Day of the Celtics Big 4. Paul Pierce put the Celtics on his back and he seemed to be everywhere at points late in the game. As much as I'm not a big fan of LeBron James or the Miami Heat, I was actually upset to not see LeBron try and win the game. He should be better than he is and I think this is why I'll never consider him to be as great as everyone else does. Instead of driving to the hoop to tie it in 2OT he has Shane Battier shoot a 30 footer after he realizes he doesn't have an open shot. (Originally predicted Celtics would win 101-97)

Oklahoma City Thunder (34-11) @ Los Angeles Lakers (19-25) - Lakers win 105-96

I don't know what's going on in Lakertown right now but I'm starting to think Magic Johnson has taken over the body of Kobe Bryant. Bryant dropped 14 assists and 9 rebounds for the second straight game and it is looking like he's trying to show that this thing can work in LA right now with this team. I can't actually remember the last time Bryant had double digit assists two games in a row. While the Thunder may have lost a game to the Lakers that many thought the Thunder would win pretty easily in, this game was all about Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. If the Lakers can keep this up they could make a run and get themselves back into the playoff picture. (Originally predicted Thunder would win 112-95)

Detroit Pistons (17-27) @ Orlando Magic (14-29) - Pistons win 104-102

J. J. Redick could be making his way to a contender in the coming weeks after he put on quite a shooting display for the Magic. Even though the Magic lost this game they aren't actually going anywhere this season so right now they shouldn't be too upset. Orlando should consider trading Redick and anything else that other teams might consider picking up for draft picks and trying to rebuild in the upcoming drafts. As of right now they have one first rounder this year, two in 2014 and two in 2015. If they are able to gain another one they could try and build a new young team in the draft because as of right now the team they are putting on the court aren't exactly exciting. At least they have Disney World. (Originally predicted Magic would win 104-101)

New Orleans Hornets (Pelicans) (15-29) @ Memphis Grizzlies (28-15) - Hornets win 91-83

As much as I didn't give the Lakers much chance of winning their game I really didn't expect the Hornets to win this game. Coming in to the fourth quarter of this game the Grizzlies were up four but then they fell apart and only scored 15 in the fourth quarter. This is just one of those games that the Grizzlies should win. Go Pelicans I guess. (Originally predicted Grizzlies would win 106-90)

Atlanta Hawks (25-19) @ New York Knicks (27-15) - Knicks win 106-104

I think Carmelo Anthony is happy to have Raymond Felton back from injury right now. In Felton's second game back from injury he was able to add 12 points and 10 assists to a Knicks team that has really missed his play. As good as it is to see Felton back this game was all Carmelo. Anthony shot above .500 from the field and managed to make 9/12 three pointers finishing with a game high 42 points. The Hawks put up a fight all game and this matchup could possibly be seen again later in the year come playoff time. (Originally predicted Knicks would win 108-103)

Phoenix Suns (15-30) @ Dallas Mavericks (19-25) - Mavericks win 110-95

Dirk Nowitzki led his team to victory with 18 points and did it while passing Allen Iverson on the all-time scoring list. Nowitzki now stands at number 18 all-time and next up on the list of people to pass is former Knicks legend Patrick Ewing. This game was also the 1,000 career game of Shawn Marion's career. Marion added 18 points and 9 rebounds in a game against his former team. The Suns were led by point guard Goran Dragic, 18 points and 8 assists, who has been the teams only real bright spot so far this season. (Originally predicted Mavericks would win 103-96)

Portland Trail Blazers (22-22) @ Los Angeles Clippers (33-13) - Clippers win 96-83

No Paul, no problem. The night before the Trail Blazers were able to win at home and the Clippers paid them back with a win of their own at home. LaMarcus Aldridge continues to show why he was picked for the all-star game this season as he had another double-double for the Trail Blazers, scoring 21 points and adding 11 boards. I'm starting to think that the Clippers second team could possibly beat a few teams in the NBA on a regular basis right now. Not many teams can get by without an MVP candidate but the Clippers are seeming to do fine without him at this point. Both Eric Bledsoe and Jamal Crawford have been playing great basketball in his absence and this is allowing Chris Paul to get as healthy as possible before his return. (Originally predicted Clippers would win 107-98)

NCAA Games: 

In my first day of doing NCAA men's basketball picks I went 6-4.

Rutgers (12-7) @ UConn (13-5) - UConn win 66-54

It really does suck to see this team playing the way that they are and knowing that come March everything they do won't matter. As someone that grew up loving the Huskies, this season is probably the lowest point for this team that I can remember. (Originally predicted UConn would win 71-62)

#13 Michigan State (17-4) @ #7 Indiana - Indiana win 75-70

Two great teams, with two great coaches, in what this year is the best conference in men's college basketball. If you missed today's game you'll have another opportunity to watch these two teams throw down come February 19th at Michigan State. (Originally predicted Indiana would win 76-69)

#2 Michigan (19-1) @ Illinois (15-6) - Michigan win 74-60

I really expected Michigan to choke in this game. A lot of the top teams in the country have been falling this week and I was thinking the trend was going to continue. Michigan will likely be the #1 team in the country when the polls come out Monday. The way this season has been going, how long will they actually hold onto that spot. (Originally predicted Illinois would win 77-73)

Quick Results:

Seton Hall (13-7) @ St. John's (13-7) - St. John's win 71-67 
(Originally predicted St. John's would win 70-64)

Virginia Tech (11-8) @ Clemson (11-8) - Clemson win 77-70
(Originally predicted Virginia Tech would win 66-64)

California (11-8) @ Colorado (14-6) - Colorado win 81-71
(Originally predicted Colorado would win 68-63)

Iowa (13-7) @ Purdue (11-9) - Purdue win 65-62
(Originally predicted Iowa would win 67-66)

#17 Creighton (18-3) @ Southern Illinois (8-12) - Creighton win 81-51
(Originally predicted Creighton would win 81-60)

Florida State (11-8) @ #25 Miami (FL) (15-3) - Miami (FL) win 71-47
(Originally predicted Miami (FL) would win 74-63)

George Mason (12-8) @ Northeastern (13-7) - Northeastern win 71-51
(Originally predicted George Mason would win 70-67)

The Last Day of the Big 4 Celtics

Today will probably mark the last time Rajon Rondo gets to suit up with teammates Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. With Ray Allen on the court for the visiting Heat this is more than likely the last time all four of these players will share a court together.

Before the game Celtics fans were hoping that Rondo had only a minor injury but during today's game between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics it was announced that Rondo had torn his ACL and will miss the rest of the season. This the Celtics chances of possibly contending for another title went out the window with the injury. The big question is what will the Celtics look like next season?

Doc on Rondo injury: "Obviously the Rondo news is tough. I knew before the game, I didn't tell anyone. Obviously it was pretty emotional."
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 27, 2013

When the first "Big 3" were brought together before the 2007-2008 season they were the team that everyone thought would win the title. That year they won their first title with a young Rondo who had a much smaller role than he does today.

Five seasons later and former starters Kendrick Perkins and Allen are now on other teams contending for a championship and Garnett, Pierce and the Celtics must now think about what stands in their future.

Coming into this season there was already talk about blowing up the team and building around Rondo, but the Celtics decided to make one final run with Pierce and Garnett. With Rondo out the rest of the season now, and more than likely part of next season as well, the Celtics will now have to decide on what to do with it's second all time leading scorer in Pierce, along with Garnett who was the key piece in what brought the Celtics their first championship in over two decades.

Garnett is under contract for next season and Pierce has a team option that they will more than likely use. I think the smart choice for them to do is to trade Pierce and Garnett to young teams and look for a young swingman like a Klay Thompson and a young big man like Kenneth Faried. These are two trades that I could see possibly happening. You put Pierce on a young Warriors team that needs a veteran leadership and they become better right away. You put Garnett on a team that comes close every year but never has enough to get too far in the Nuggets and that team also gets better.

If the Celtics were able to pull these trades off they could then build around a young team of Rondo, Bradley, Thompson, Green and Faried. They would then need to look for a center and then this team could be a team to watch in the future.

Even though the Celtics just won one of the best games so far this season, the only thing that people will remember and talk about is the injury to Rajon Rondo.

1/27 NBA & NCAA Predictions

NBA Games:

I went 7-3 yesterday with my NBA picks.

Miami Heat (28-12) @ Boston Celtics (20-23)
Oklahoma City Thunder (34-10) @ Los Angeles Lakers (18-25)

I think when the NBA made their schedule for today's games on ABC they thought these games would be possible previews of the conference finals in both the East and West. Now the two most successful teams of all time are fighting for a chance at the eight spot in their conferences and the two teams that met in the NBA Finals last year could be set for a rematch this upcoming June.

My predictions: Celtics win 101-97 and Thunder win 112-95

Detroit Pistons (16-27) @ Orlando Magic (14-28)

Two really bad teams that have no star power and aren't going to be improving anytime soon. The Pistons only starter remaining from their 2004 championship is Tayshaun Prince and this team is nothing like it once was almost a decade ago. The Magic traded away Dwight Howard before the season started and it looks like they also traded away their season as well.

My prediction: Magic win 104-101 in a game that I hope people aren't forced to watch

New Orleans Hornets (14-29) @ Memphis Grizzlies (28-14)

The soon to be Pelicans will be visiting a team that no one wants to seem come the playoffs. The Grizzlies for some reason are still overlooked when people discuss contenders and this might finally be their year. This game probably won't be a close one, sorry Unibrow.

My prediction: Hornets lose 106-90, but this loss isn't as bad as finding out they are will be Pelicans next season

Atlanta Hawks (25-18) @ New York Knicks (26-15)

Both teams are currently fighting for position for the playoffs in the East and I see no reason for why either team would miss the playoffs at this point. While the Knicks failed to show up against the 76ers on Saturday, I see them turning it around in today's game.

My prediction: Knicks win 108-103

Phoenix Suns (15-29) @ Dallas Mavericks (18-25)

Remember when both the Suns and Mavericks were competiting deep into the playoffs in the Western Conference? Let's hope their fanbases do too because it's not looking good for either of these teams this year. The Suns have a lot of nice young pieces to build around but they don't have a star to put them around. The Mavs just look old right now and seem to be way too focused on the possibility of picking up Dwight Howard this upcoming offseason.

My prediction: Mavericks win 103-96 in the battle of I wish Steve Nash was still here

Portland Trail Blazers (22-21) @ Los Angeles Clippers (32-13)

I got yesterday's game between these two teams right when I pick the home Trail Blazers to defeat the Clippers. Today I'm going with the home team again and thinking the Clippers will pull this one out. I just don't see this team even without CP3 losing twice in a row to a team that isn't better than them.

My prediction: Clippers win 107-98

NCAA Games Quick Picks:

Seton Hall (13-6) @ St. John's (12-7) - St. Johns wins 70-64
#13 Michigan State (17-3) @ #7 Indiana (17-2) - Indiana wins 76-69
Virginia Tech (11-7) @ Clemson (10-8) - Virginia Tech wins 66-64
Rutgers (12-6) @ UConn (12-5) - UConn wins 71-62
California (11-7) @ Colorado (13-6) - Colorado wins 68-63
Iowa (13-6) @ Purdue (10-9) - Iowa wins 67-66
#2 Michigan (18-1) @ Illinois (15-5) - Illinois wins 77-73 (Upset Alert)
#17 Creighton (17-3) @ Southern Illinois (8-11) - Creighton wins 81-60
Florida State (11-7) @ #25 Miami (FL) (14-3) - Miami (FL) wins 74-63
George Mason (12-7) @ Northeastern (12-7) - George Mason wins 70-67