24 Jan 11 Texas Tech-Iowa State: Take Cyclones at Home Over Red Raiders

Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesThe Texas Tech Red Raiders and Iowa State Cyclones will meet for the ninth time this Saturday. Each team is in desperate need of a conference win, as both dropped their openers.Iowa State enters with a 2-2 record, but one of those wins was over FSC member Northern Iowa last week 27-0. Texas Tech has had two weeks to prepare for ISU following a disappointing 10-point loss to rival Texas.The college football lines show that the Red Raiders are a 7.5-point favorite.Texas Tech was showcasing a high-powered Atlanta Falcons jersey
offense once again until the Texas Longhorns defense came along. The Red Raiders were held to just 14 points. They are still averaging nearly 34 points per game, ranking 38th in the country.QB Taylor Potts won the starting job in camp over Steven Sheffield and has played well for the most part. He has passed for 810 yards and eight touchdowns with two interceptions. Sheffield has attempted just eight passes in three games.The running game could be more productive for Tommy Tubervillebunch. Baron Batch has not produced up to his standards early on. He leads the team in rushing with 121 yards on 32 attempts and two touchdowns. Eric Stephens is second on the team with 88 yards and two scores.The Red Raiders rank 116th in rushing yards per game at 70. Tech has always been known as a passing team, but they do usually have a little more balance.Lyle Leong is having an All-Big 12-caliber year, catching 20 passes for 251 yards and six touchdowns. He should have an opportunity to put up large numbers against a suspect Iowa State secondary. Detron Lewis is another favorite target and has 15 receptions for 165 yards.Austen Arnaud is set to return as the starting quarterback for Iowa State this weekend. Jerome Tiller played against UNI and led the Baltimore Ravens jersey
Cyclones to only 210 total yards.Arnaud has frustrated fans with costly interceptions over the years, but he still is the best option that the team has at this point. The senior quarterback is completing 57 percent of his passes for 590 yards and two touchdowns with five interceptions. Tiller is a better runner but struggles to move the ball through the air.Alexander Robinson is quietly putting together a fine season with 301 yards rushing and three touchdowns. He is averaging close to five yards per carry and is the biggest offensive threat the Cyclones have to offer. Former walk-on Jeff Woody has started to see more action in the backfield and is a good goal line option.TE Collin Franklin is the top target catching the ball. He has snagged 15 passes for 152 yards. Darius Darks leads all receivers with 12 receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown. Darius Reynolds is the big play receiver who is averaging over 14 yards per catch.Iowa State offense ranks near the bottom in the NCAA, and they will need to score some points to stick with a strong Texas Tech squad.Texas Tech has owned Iowa State over the years, winning seven of the eight meetings between these two schools. The Red Raiders have scored no less than 42 points in each of the last three games against the Cyclones. Iowa Statedefense is better than people give them credit for, and while Techoffense is still very good, it is not as good as past years.If the 'Clones want to return to a bowl for a second straight year, they must win this game. Buffalo Bills jersey
Matchups with Utah, Oklahoma, and Texas really place an emphasis on the Texas Tech game. Take the points to the bank.Play: Iowa State +7.5 Get expert football picks from the team at Locksmith Sports. Jimmy Boyd and company provide winners on a consistent basis to help you win money.

22 Jan 11 RB Mikel Leshoure, Illinois Fighting Illini Defeat Northern Illinois Huskies

LeShoure led the Illini with 180 rushing yards against the Huskies in Week 3.Dilip Vishwanat/Getty ImagesIllinois running back Mikel Leshoure ran for 180 of Illinois 319 rushing yards and one touchdown, leading the Fighting Illini past the Northern Illinois Huskies 28-22 on Saturday. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase also ran for 115 yards and one touchdown, combining with Leshoure to account for 295 of the team319 rushing yards and two of the teamthree rushing touchdowns. The junioris living up to the hype he received in the offseason, showing potential toReebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
become one of the best running backs in the Big Ten. Northern Illinois, led by quarterback Chandler Harnish117 rushing yards and 208 passing yards, fell to 1-2 on the season after the loss. The Illini opened the scoring when Scheelhaase leaped into the end zone during a rushing attempt,putting the Illini ahead early in the first quarter. The Huskies stormed back scoring 12 unanswered points, having one PAT blocked and missing the other. This was also the last time the Huskies led on Saturday. The Illini responded, with a field goal from kicker Derek Dimke and a touchdown by running back Jason Ford followed by a two-point conversion from Scheelhaase, to take an 18-12 lead into halftime. The crowd was silenced in the third quarter when sophomore guard Hugh Thornton lay motionless on the field after taking a helmet to the back of his neck.The 6'5" Thornton had to be carted off the field and taken to the hospital. It was reported after the game that all tests came back negative and he was able to move his extremities. The Illini defense, despite giving up 390 yards of Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
offense, stepped up and made stops when they needed them. Ron Zook put his job on the line, going for a 4th-and-1 at the Ilini's own 46, aftera Huskies' touchdown cut Illinois leadby two, 21-19. Leshoure not only converted the fourth down, but also capped off the drive with a touchdown runto put Illinois ahead late in the fourth quarter. Northern Illinois kicked a field goal to make it a one score game, but the Illini defense held strong and stopped the Huskies' final drive, giving Illinois the victory.

18 Jan 11 NC State at Georgia Tech: Lay the Points with the Yellow Jackets

Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesACC play will begin for the upstart North Carolina State Wolfpack this weekend when they travel to Georgia Tech and take on the Yellow Jackets.Georgia Tech got back on the winning side of things with a 30-24 road win over a depleted North Carolina team. The Wolfpack controlled the entire game Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
against Cincinnati last Thursday and were never seriously challenged in a 30-19 win. Tom OBrienteam has started 3-0 for the first time in his four year tenure.The Yellow Jackets are an eight point favorite according the college football odds makers.North Carolina State has been the surprise team of the ACC to this point. The conference as a whole has taken a beating by analysts for their lack of impressive non conference wins this season.Russell Wilson has thrown his name into the dark horse Heisman contender list. The multi-sport athlete at NC State has thrown for 744 yards and eight touchdowns with no interceptions. Wilson is coming off a season in which he threw 31 touchdown passes and is one of the top players in the nation that not many have heard about.True freshman Mustafa Greene has been a nice addition to the backfield, gaining 174 yards and scoring three times. He has been used with Dean Haynes to give the Wolfpack offense some balance. Five players have at least eight catches in this spread offense.George Bryan leads the team with 10 receptions and has one touchdown. Jarvis Williams is the big play threat with eight catches for 163 yards. TE TJ Graham is effective running routes over the middle and is tied for the team lead with two touchdown catches.Wilson is veryReebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
good at getting all his offensive players involved and not keying on one or two particular players. The defense has been especially strong against the run, holding all three opponents to under 100 yards on the ground. That streak will end this weekend, but containing the run will be vital if the Pack want to pick up a win.Paul Johnsonteam rebounded nicely against North Carolina after their upset loss at Kansas as a heavy favorite.Granted, they werenplaying the full Tar Heel squad thought to be sent out on the field each Saturday but it was still a nice win. QB Josh Nesbitt has been a man on a mission with eight total touchdowns and nearly 500 yards accounted for. He has completed just nine passes in 25 attempts, but is averaging over 20-yards-per completion.Tech thrives on the triple option giving multiple backs the opportunity to carry the ball. Anthony Allen is second on the team in rushing behind Nesbitt with 232 yards on the ground. Roddy Jones is another key part of this offense and has gained 97 yards on 15 carries with two touchdowns. The Jackets as a team average more than six yards per attempt and have already gained more than 1000 yards rushing.Defensively, Georgia Tech has looked suspect at times against average offenses. They will get their first taste of a high-powered passing attack that will test their secondary.The home team has dropped three straight games in this series, but this will be the first time they meet since 2006. Georgia Tech is 7-0 the last two years against Atlantic Division members of the ACC Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
and NC State has just two wins in twelve tries versus the Jackets.This is an interesting match-up due to contrasting styles on offense and will likely be decided on the defensive side of the ball. NC State has historically struggled to run the ball against Tech, which could result in their front four teeing off on Wilson.I expect a Yellow Jacket double digit victory.Play: Georgia Tech -8Sign up for a premium package at Locksmith and start getting expert football picks immediately. No site has a better track record giving out winners.

15 Jan 11 St. Louis Rams Preseason Struggles Marc Bulger

Merriam-Webster defines the word "lackluster" as: n. 1. lacking in sheen, brilliance or vitality. 2. St. Louis Rams 2006 preseason football. Those able to maintain consciousness through this year's round of Rams preseason games will notice the following disturbing trends: The Rams, as a team, have appeared inept on offense, evidenced by nary a single first-unit touchdown being scored. Not to be outdone, the Rams' starting defenders have been torched by the first-teamers of the Colts and Chiefs, respectively. To compound the issue, Rams coaches and players seem utterly Detroit Lions
unconcerned. Following the Kansas City game, when asked about the first team's inability to score, quarterback Marc Bulger responded, "I'm not worried about it, and I don't think the rest of the guys are." Head coach Scott Linehan seemed equally dismissive of the Rams' poor performances, evidenced by his decision to bench nearly the entirety of his starting offense and defense for the preseason finale at Miami.Granted, preseason football in the NFL is, by definition, a toned-down, yawn-inducing affair and coaches do not want to have players on injured reserve to begin the season. Linehan has undoubtedly been playing it safe in this regard, but at what point does the ineptitude of the team's play cause you to rethink the safety angle and attempt to tune up the starters one last time against the Dolphins, even if for a single series? Rams coaches have maintained that the players have appeared sharp throughout training camp and that they're ready for the season. However, are there any NFL coaches who would respond to such a line of questioning with, "We've appeared quite dull Green Bay Packers jersey
in training camp," or "I just don't think we're ready for opening day?" "Appeared sharp in training camp," now deserves a place in the pantheon of football clichés, alongside, "we're going to give 110 percent," and "we've got to overcome adversity." I'll add to the aforementioned clichés with yet another, as the Rams have displayed a complete "lack of urgency" this preseason. All teams practice well. The only way to truly gauge a team's performance is to square off against another team who's only concern is defeating you. Yes, you don't want to get your guys hurt, but if it's at the Houston Texans jersey
expense of having a bunch of ill-prepared players trotting on the field on opening day, it's not worth having no listings on Wednesday's injury report. "The big picture is I think we're as healthy as we could possibly ask to be," Linehan said. "I think we're in as good a condition as I've been around a team at this point. I would be surprised if we don't come out and put on a good performance in the beginning of the year."No one else would be.Get more original St. Louis Rams insights (3)

14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft team needs

One for four. That's what the Seattle Seahawks batted in the opening month of free agency. Entering the offseason, the Seahawks' top needs were a tight end, right guard, free safety and run-stopping defensive tackle. They aimed high at guard and tight end and struck out swinging on Kris Dielman and Daniel Graham. And they probably lost Graham because they focused so intently on getting defensive end Patrick Kerney, a luxury addition who comes as-is, with no guarantee.The Hawks finally filled a hole when they doubled up at safety with Deon Grant and New York Jets jersey
Brian Russell. They also eventually found a tight end and are crossing their fingers that age (35) won't catch up to Marcus Pollard and that Pollard can still catch a few passes. They're also hoping for a miracle from Floyd "Pork Chopped Liver" Womack, the injury-prone guard who probably should start spelling his last name "Woe-mack." That said, the Seahawks currently are counting on Pork Chop to remain healthy for once and start at right guard in 2007. If it isn't him, it will probably be Chris Gray, the 36-year-old graybeard who was recently re-signed.So of their four major needs, the Hawks satisfactorily addressed only one and then found Band-Aids for two others. They still might add a free agent or two, but they otherwise will have to try to fill a few needs in the draft at the end of the month. They must come out of the college selection meeting with more options along the interior line, as well as a young tight end and that run-stuffing tackle. They also could use a fourth defensive end, another backup linebacker and perhaps another cornerback.The Seahawks' first pick is scheduled to be at No. 55. The ideal guy there would seem to be Arizona State tight end Zach Miller, who in the past month has slipped out of the first round almost within reach of the Seahawks. Miller, who starred at Arizona State for three seasons, is well versed in the passing game. At 6-foot-5, 256 pounds, Miller runs very good routes and has excellent hands, having averaged 48 catches per season at ASU. They might have to go up a few spots to get him, but Miller would seem to be one of the best matches of need and value for the Seahawks.Another good option in the second round - if he were available - would be USC center Ryan Kalil, whom the Seahawks could convert to guard and also use as a backup center. However, Kalil's stock apparently has risen to the edge of the first round, so the Hawks might not be able to stretch high enough to get him.If the Seahawks cannot get Miller, Kalil or another good guard prospect (Ben Grubbs, Justin Blalock, Arron Sears), they could add Oakland Raiders jersey
another Marcus to a team that already has three (Tubbs, Trufant, Pollard).DeMarcus "Tank" Tyler, a 6-2, 306-pound defensive tackle from N.C. State, seems to be the kind of plugger the Seahawks could use in their tackle rotation, and he figures to be available at 55. Then there is Fresno State's Marcus McCauley, a big (6-1), fast (4.39) cornerback who could supplant Kelly Herndon as the No. 3 guy and provide insurance in the unlikely event the team does not re-sign Trufant after the season. If the Seahawks can't get Miller in the second round, they might be able to secure a tight end in the third round, when they select 85th overall. Ben Patrick, a 6-3, 252-pound senior from Delaware, is a great receiving tight end who could be a nice fit in Seattle's West Coast scheme. Another option in the third round could be Ohio State defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock, a 6-2, 299-pound run stopper, or Boston College guard Josh Beekman (6-2, 313).In the end, the Seahawks can consider the first day a success if they come out of it with two of the top needs - tight end, guard, defensive tackle. The perfect scenario would involve trading receiver Darrell Jackson to get another first-day pick and then filling all three major needs.The second day could offer future help, too. Over the past six years, the Seahawks usually have hit on a guy in the fourth or fifth round. Rob Sims, the projected starter at left guard this year, was a fourth-round pick last year. D.J. Hackett, who played like a starting receiver last season, was a fifth-round choice in 2004. Backup quarterback Seneca Wallace was a fourth-rounder in 2003. Defensive tackle Rocky Bernard was a fifth-rounder in 2002. And Womack was a fourth-rounder in 2001, when the Hawks also got former special-teams ace Alex Bannister in the fifth round.So even if the SeahawksPhiladelphia Eagles jersey
ignore need for value in the second or third round and end up with, say, a cornerback and linebacker, they still could get some help at key spots on the second day. However they do it, they have to come out of the draft with the positions they struck out on in free agency, or they will be stuck trying to find a tight end, guard and defensive tackle again in 2008.Hard-hitting Seattle Seahawks draft analysis

13 Jan 11 Deadend Blazers? Or Not? Blazers Fighting Through Injuries.

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesThe Portland Trailblazers are in desperate need of a center. The NBA has granted the Blazers with two slots to sign who they would like, due to the unethical disadvantage of the Blazers injuries. The Blazers have used one of their slots as they re-signed Forward Shavlic Randolph.ReturnsReebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
Although the Blazers are most likely going to have a few players returning from injury after the all-star break (Rudy Fernandez, Travis Outlaw and Nicolas Batum), the Blazers will still be lacking players due to the fact that BOTH of their centers are out for season(with almost identical injuries). I know what your thinking...Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla out for theseason? Yes, BOTH of them.How are the Blazers Succeeding? All-star Brandon Roy, Juwan Howard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Miller, Jerryd Bayless and the Rookies. They arethe reason whythe Blazers are succeeding.After suffering two early center losses in the season, the Blazers still managed to take a two game road trip to Texas and come out with tough wins over Dallas and San Antonio. Then later in the season, the Blazers whooped up the Lakers at the Rose Garden. But along the way they did suffer a home loss to the Zach Randolph led Memphis Grizzlies.But over all the Blazers are still proving that they are a sky rocketing team looking forward to only one thing, the Playoffs.How can the Blazers Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
make the Playoffs? Keep doing what they are doing. Andre Miller is doing an outstanding job of taking over for the inconsistent Steve Blake, while Blake was doing a great job of leading the Blazers down hill, Andre jumped in and led the team as Point Guard even though Brandon Roy (MVP and leader of the team) and himself had differences (Andre Miller and Coach Nate McMillan also havehad their differences).Whatshould weexpect from Portland? Two words. Greatness and Strength.The Portland Trailblazers will make the Playoffs. I believe the Blazers canbe placedfrom the fifth seed in the west to the eighth seed.The Blazers will be a tough matchup in the first round, but will not make it all the way(second or third round at the most). With the lack of size i expect teams to take advantage of the post and go to the basket Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
and tear the Blazers up inside. The Blazers will fight with their goodshooting and ability to drive for the lay-in. The thing that is noticeable about Portland's success is that they are not selfish, they all care about the team and will do what it takes to be the best.

12 Jan 11 Gilbert Arenas, Javaris Crittendon Deserve To Be Suspended

Brendan Smialowski/Getty ImagesMany people are of the belief that guns don't have a place in our societyat least not for those not at war or working in security.Some are for greater gun control, and some cite the Constitution and their right to bear arms. But wherever you stand on that debate, one thing canOakland Raiders jersey
certainly be agreed upon: Guns have no place in an NBA locker room. Or any locker room, arena, or sports facility. Especially when players' lives are so vulnerable to public scrutiny. Especially when tensions escalate to dangerous levels. Especially when athletes are looked up to as role models. It's one thing to say the right thing in front of the lights and microphones. It's quite another to do the right thing behind the scenes, when adoring fans and sponsors aren't watching.You would think that a guy like Gilbert Arenas would have figured that out. After all, he is one of the NBA's most entertaining players: a frequent blogger and an exceptional player who is always good for a quote, nickname, or smile off the court. If anyone knows PR, it's him. So why would he do something so stupidand yes, this was truly idioticlike bringing a set of guns , unloaded or not, into a locker room?Apparently, it was, in his words, a jokethe extension of a previous disagreement with Washington Wizards teammate Javaris Crittendon. But Crittendon didn't find it so funny, actually fearing for his personal safety.In fact, he was reportedly so afraid that he brought an unloaded gun with him to the locker room for protection. Crittendon is clearly in the wrong, as well. It is easy to sympathize with the young player who feared reprimand (or worse) from the franchise's star player. Perhaps his fears were legitimate, and it's hard to get on him too much for protecting himself.But bringing a gun into an NBA arena is so clearly a violation of the rules that he should have Philadelphia Eagles jersey
known he would get in trouble. Guns result in nothing but trouble, like alcohol or daytime talk shows. The strange case of former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burresswho now sits in jail for his massive brain cramp of bringing a loaded weapon into a nightclubshould have taught usand all athletesthat by now.But apparently, Arenas believed that because of his star power and franchise player status, he was somehow above the fray. In fact, he mocked the outcry on his Twitter page days after the incident was made public, and he took very questionable photos before a game against the Philadelphia 76ers satirizing the incident. Mr. Arenas, Mr. Crittendon: Guns aren't cute. They aren't funny. They kill and maim and destroy and tear and ruin people. Happiness isn't a warm gun. This isn't some minor thing you can twist around with a public apology and a PR stunt, a blog entry, or a 40-point game. In fact, you won't be playing any games for a long time. Arenas and Crittendon have been suspended for the entire season. NBA Commissioner David Stern got this one right.Firearms have no place in an NBA arena. It's bad for the league, it's bad for the fans, and above all, it's dangerous. Stern's words did the best job summing it all up:"We mean what we say when we say that guns are prohibited from being in our buildings and on team business...You will be dealt with harshly, because it's very potentially dangerous to our players, to the other players, and to anyone else who might be involved."I felt that I should do something to keep Arenas Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
from doing even further damage to himself, and I told him that." Hopefully, this punishment will set a precedent for future athletes who believe that they are outside and above the law. Otherwise, we could end up with an even worse incident on our hands.This article is also featured onSports Shakes

10 Jan 11 NBA Trade Deadline: Heat Stays Put, Will Dwyane Wade?

Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesWith the Miami Heat failing in their attempts toacquire Amar'e Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer, the team now turns back to their original plans of making a majoracquisition in the offseason.While the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, L.A. Clippers, and Sacramento Kings made a plethora of combined trades to give them major cap relief after the season, Miami was caught on the sidelines watching their advantage disappear.Before the trade machine got rolling earlier this week, the Heat and Sacramento KingsReebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
were the only teams expected to have enough cap space to potentially sign two players to max contracts in the offseason. Now they are joined by all the teams above.This summer's free agent bonanza just got a whole lot more interesting. And it's only February.Chicago and New York were already expected to make a run for Wade, but now they can offer him the chance to possibly play alongside LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Amar'e Stoudemire, or Joe Johnson.A team with Derrick Rose and any of those names would have to be enticing for Wade. If Miami isn't able to convince him the team will contend next year, the Chicago native would have a hard time saying no to a Bulls offer like that.Same goes for New York. Would Wade really pass up the chance to play alongside LeBron in The Garden?With so many Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
teams free to enter the bidding for the max free agents, the odds for everyone landing two of these guys became diluted at the deadline. With seven franchises all targeting the same three or four players, it's hard to imagine more than one or two teams walking away with a pair of All-Stars.Pat Riley's chances of bringing in a superstar to pair with Wade aren't looking as good anymore and that's got to be chilling for him. If the Heat don't make a major upgrade, if they don't land any of the big names, how could they expect Wade to stick around.Yes, Wade seems sincere in his desire to remain with the Heat, but he's been vocal about theconditions for doing so. He wants to contend. Miami needs to bring him some serious firepower and not waste yet another year of his prime fighting for one of the bottom seeds in the EasternConferencePlayoffs.You can bet Riley has shared his vision of the 2010-11 season with his perennial All-Star. Wade has no reason not to trust him either; after all, Riley'sdelivereda Championship roster before.But if things don't work out Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
how they're supposed to, the franchise will have all but assured Wade walks. Riley has kept him waiting for two years with promises of a dynasty, Wade won't wait another.So while other teams made moves to increase their chances of free agency gold, Miami has fallen back with the rest of the herd. Being able to offer two max deals isn't so special anymore. Instead of Wade recruiting LeBron to the Heat, it may just end up being LeBron recruiting Wade to New York or Chicago.

9 Jan 11 The Verdict:No One Stands a Chance Against The Lakers Except The Lakers.

I think this is the first time in NBA history a team this inconsistent has had a record this good. With all the dilemmas the Lakers have withstood this year, injury to key players, lack of focus, internal frustrations, There's no way they should have the second best record in the NBA right now. Kansas City Chiefs jersey
The credit formost of the success they have had while not playing to their potential goes to The Mamba. His ability to make plays down the stretch of close games has given them six wins off game winning shots.Themark of his murderous fangs were left onmany more occasionswhere his timing when releasing his deadly venom was just enough to swing the momentum back to the Lakers before things got out of hand.Now can you imagine what the Lakers record would look like if they only loss games where the opponents genuinely beat them at their best?With the talent they have the Lakers were projected to have the leagues best record by this time, and they would have it if they played with the hunger of the Cavs.The Lakers are automatically the best team by default because they have Kobe. While who's better between the two depends mainly on who one likes more as a person, the Lakers have the upper hand because Kobe has the ability to rip the opposing teams heart out in the games final moments, Lebron doesn't.That ability as much as it is a gift is the Lakers biggest curse. When analyzing the majority of the Lakers losing efforts the results of the reason they lose came down to A Kobe wasn't there to bail them out, B Kobe was there to bail them out and true to hisFG percentagehe was due for a miss, or C the biggest factor all season a lack of physical interior pressence.Looking deeper into these games I noticed even more kinks the Lakers need to work out, such as Derek Fisher starting.Any Lakers fan will tell you that our most vulnerable spot on the defensive end is the PG spot. I know Fisher is kept around for his veteranleadership, but I don't think he has gotten that memo.He takes way too many shots to only average 7 points a game! Good thing about the Lakers offense it doesn't need a point Miami Dolphins jersey
guard, the triangle is ran through the post so Derek could easily be replaced by Shannon Brown.Shannon is bigger and fast enough to keep up with the leagues younger and quicker point guards. In the vast majority of the Lakers losses the point guard battles were landslides, take the last game the Lakers played against Denver. The majority of Chauncey's points were wide open three pointers!The Lakers might as well have been playing 4 on 5, Derek was late on his switches and was getting beat off the dribble by a point guard that has lost a step or two himself over the years.Another relevation I unearthed was that the Lakers still have yet to noticed that Gasol does not have big games against physical forwards. That will not change, its apart of his DNA.While he is a very skilled big man his heart does not pump the blood of a warrior it pumps the blood of a hair stylist, better yet a animal rights activist.So when L.A plays against intimidating frontlines they need to work Gasol in when he has a size advantage down low,or preferablly when the opposing teams starting big menare out of the game catching a breather.Also too many times the Lakers have had Bynum going the first 5 or 6 posessions of the game just to abruptly shut him out the offense in a attempt to please Gasol.My suggestion is once you get Bynum going ,keep going to him until he runs out of gas. Once Bynum is shut out of the offensive process his focus drifts off completely.Thats when the fouls start piling up and he ends up riding the pine where heoften looks relieved to be out of Minnesota Vikings
the way.Out of the 15 losses L.A has this year, I'm not convinced that any of those teams beatthem at their best.Also, I'm almost certain that neither of those teams can beat L.A in a 7 game series.So my verdict is thatno team in the NBA is good enough to take thetitle from L.Aif they play with the urgency of a champion, but they sure cangive it away if they continue to be inconsistent.

8 Jan 11 Surprising Teams Meet in Charlotte

Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesNCAA basketball betting players are well aware of Oklahoma City, as their rotation is filled with players that could be still participating in the NCAA Tournament, but theyre playing their trade in the NBA, and theyre making a surprising push for homecourt in the playoffs. The Thunder will head to Charlotte on Wednesday, and the Bobcats aren that far behind in their own race for homecourt in the postseason, and theyre excellent on their home floor.Thunder vs Bobcats odds Wednesday, March 17, 7:00 PM ETThe Thunder New York Giants jersey
have won five in a row and eight of their last 10 overall, and they shot a blistering 60% from the field in a 119-11 win over Utah on Sunday. Kevin Durant continued his torrid season with 35 points, while Russell Westbrook had 30 points and 11 assists for the Thunder, who had all of their starters score at least 30 points. Durant (Texas), Westbrook (UCLA), Jeff Green (Georgetown) and James Harden (Arizona State) have all played in the Tournament over the last four years, and they could draw off that experience to raise their game for the stretch run.The Bobcats were further down the online betting scale coming into the season, but after a 96-69 win at Orlando on Sunday, Charlotte was five games behind Boston in the race for homecourt advantage in the playoffs. Stephen Jackson led the way with 28 points for the Bobcats, who won their sixth game in a row, and they outrebounded the Magic 46-34. Defense is what has gotten the Bobcats this far, as theyve held every opponent on this six-game winning streak under 100 points.Charlotte should be favored in this contest according to sportsbook odds (bodog reviews), but theyll have to travel from Charlotte to Indiana to face the Pacers on Tuesday night. These two have met just once this year, with the Thunder coming away with a 96-91 win at home over the Bobcats on Boxing Day. Durant dropped 30 points for the Thunder, who outrebounded the Bobcats 48-36 and shot 47% from the floor. Youll probably see Jackson on Durant in a matchup that will be fun to watch, but the New York Jets jersey
Thunder bench has lost a little as Harden is out with a hamstring injury. But for being such a young team, the Thunder are a very good team on the road, and theyve been off since beating the Jazz on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bobcats could be fatigued, so look for Oklahoma City to push the pace. Bet on the Thunder away from home before making your March Madness betting picks.