NBA Wednesday on ESPN: Free NBA Picks

There are a couple games that really interest me tonight – one is for the intriguing match-up between Eastern and Western powers, and the other is the amount of assists that will be passed out of the hands of Deron Williams tonight when the Jazz host the Golden State Warriors. Oh yeah, and the D-Leaguers teaming up with Steph Curry to put some highlights together is always entertaining. Here’s my take…

LA Lakers (+1) @ Atlanta Hawks (3-31: 7:00 PM ET): The entire LA crew is healthy again, and Pau Gasol will end up doing work against the Hawks front line. Tell me whom in Atlanta is going to guard Pau? If “nobody” was your answer than you’re on to something. Atlanta is a very good team, no doubt about it, but even with Bynum out, the Lakers are a really tough match-up for the Hawks. They’ve won 3 of their last 4 against the Hawks, and with people starting to question if the Lakers’ recent 1-2 three game stretch is any indication of their upcoming struggles, I have a feeling that the Lake-show will be out to prove something. I’ll take them in a double digit win.

Golden State Warriors (+13) @ Utah Jazz (3-31: 7:00 PM ET – ESPN): About this time last season, Deron Williams busted out 20 assists as Utah ousted in the Warriors. This year he’s averaging around 12-13 dimes per game against Golden State. I think he goes for about 15-20 tonight as Utah gets a win over Golden State. But the Warriors have played well lately with their D-Leaguers playing huge. I think they give Utah a run tonight and continue their hot run against the spread to cover despite a likely big game by the Jazz stars.

NIT Final Four Picks: North Carolina, Rhode Island, Mississippi, Dayton

The Dayton Flyers, Mississippi Bulldogs, North Carolina Tar Heels, and Rhode Island Rams look to grow up a little bit and get a little better and focus on learning how to win. It’s not the NCAA Final Four, but this years’ NIT Final Four has a couple teams looking pretty good headed into next season. That’s what it’s all about if you don’t make the dance, after all, every game played is a little more experience for the youngsters, and a couple of these teams really need it. Here’s a little preview of today’s games.

Dayton Flyers @ Mississippi Rebels (pk) (3-30): I like Mississippi because of how terrible their stars shot last time out and they still got the win. The Beat Texas Tech in overtime to get here. Prior to that, Mississippi smoked Troy then beat Memphis by 9. They’ve scored at least 84 points in each game of the NIT. Dayton busted through some good teams as well, destroying Illinois State then beating Cincinnati by 15 points before upsetting Illinois 77-71 in yet another game as an underdog. Dayton was a good team, giving Xavier all they could handle in the the A-10 tournament. This will be a good game, but I’m willing to bet Mississippi gets back on track from the field, and they put up 80+ for the 4th straight game.

North Carolina Tar Heels @ Rhode Island Rams (-1) (3-30): The bottom line in this one is that North Carolina won’t keep winning road games. The Heels might be turning it on just in the nick of time, but they don’t shoot well, they don’t play defense, and they’re still trying to play basketball as if they have Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, and Hansborough running the show. The Heels don’t have a real identity, and the Rams will take advantage of that.

NFL Mock Draft 2010: Lucky Lesters Mock #2

This Mock Draft has been updated as of April 15th, early Thursday morning. A trade or two has gone down, and the draft’s layout has changed a bit. Check out my most recent update!

After an action packed off-season with signings and tradings galore, and seeing as though we are just a month away from the real deal, I’ve put together my second mock draft for you. I think this one will be a little more accurate, but don’t forget to head back to my first mock draft – as there was plenty of intelligent picks to be had. I can’t wait for the most exciting day of the off-season, even if ESPN is doing their best to make this a week-long event. Let the drafting begin!!!

1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma: As I said in my original Mock Draft way back before the Super Bowl, Bradford is easily the best quarterback in this class and his future is bright – I loved him as the top quarterback in a much better QB class last season, and I like him just as much this year (but with more injury concerns). I also had him going #4 to the Redskins. But since then, the former Heisman Trophy winner has shown his true colors, and I now believe his upside and the face that he could be a great quarterback ends up being too much for the QB-less Rams to pass up.
2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska: The biggest baddest sure thing star in the draft. I now understand why the Rams likely won’t pick the DT #1 overall, and that’s all fine and dandy, but I would take THIS DT #1 overall because he would fit a huge need, help a bad defense, and is the best player in college football. That last part is a big deal. I am a little sick of the idea of where a player should be drafted based on their position. You take the biggest difference maker, and I think Suh is that. I love Bradford, and get what the Rams are thinking, but the Lions benefit big time from that move. The big cat almost won the Heisman as a freaking defensive tackle. He’s a no-brainer for me.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma: This beast of a tackle would have been a Top 10 pick last season, but he stayed in school – unlike some other Oklahoma Sooners, this season only upped his stock, as McCoy gained strength and speed and proved even more dominating than before. He has the ability to be a force against both the run and pass. The Bucs likely benefit the most form St. Louis deciding to go quarterback here, they would have been looking at a safety or even reaching for an offensive lineman here, but now they get one of the best players in the draft at a position they have needs.
4. Washington Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State: It looks like the Redskins agreed with McShay and myself on Claussen’s worth, which is exactly why they removed the chances of grabbing him by trading for Donovan McNabb. So now what will they do? I still think they lose in this draft as there’s no great value pick for them to grab. Russell Okung is supposedly the best offensive lineman in the draft, but I don’t see the elite footwork and athleticism that Mike Shanahan asks for in his OTs. So what do they do? Eric Berry probably isn’t an option for a team with a highly paid safety in the prime of his career. So what do they do? I haven’t seen a team drafting at 4 with so many questions. The Redskins almost have to move down here, but who wants this spot? If they stay here, and in my Mocks everyone stays in their slot, I think the Redskins should go for Anthony Davis, the most gifted OT in the draft, out of Rutgers. He fits the athletic mold Splinter likes from his O-linemen, and it fits a big need for the Skins. But it’s beginning to look like they won’t pick a question mark as large as Davis with a pick this high. Despite his limited athleticism, Okung is the guy that everybody sees as the safest thing right away, the guy most ready to help. That’s what the Redskins have signed up for, so they likely go Okung.
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee: The Chiefs will probably shape a lot of the draft going forward, but I’ve decided it’s too hard to pass up a pro-bowl caliber player at a position of need for a team that needs a leader in the secondary. There it is. Eric Berry is a great pick for the Chiefs.
6. Seattle Seahawks: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State: I’m not sure why the Hawks traded 2nd round picks with San Diego to get Whitehurst, but hey, maybe that is worth it in the future. What it did was eliminate a chance at Brandon Marshall, because the Dolphins could put a better now and later package together. What it does is open the door for Seattle to go big with the draft’s most explosive offensive player, Dez Bryant. He could give Seattle a great deep threat to team with TJ Housh, and give the offense some explosion down field. A reach, maybe, but his character questions are blown out of proportion, and he’s a big time game-breaker.
7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB, Florida: The Browns would be smart to sure up their defense with the best corner prospect in the draft, really the only guy that has a guaranteed 1st round grade and first round production in college (though I like Kyle Wilson from Boise State). Haden has good value here as the only cover corner with a 1st round slot, plus I think he’ll be very good, and the Browns could always use help at any position really, and name a tougher position to find an elite player than corner. Okay, maybe QB – but there’s nobody the Browns should take at 7 there.
8. Oakland Raiders: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida: This physical freak of nature could become exactly what a 3-4 defense wants at the pass rushing end. He has the physical tools to dominate and has the motor to make it happen. I think this is a great upside pick for a defense looking for big plays. The problem with this pick is that I really like this guy, he grades out really high, and the Raiders could use more pass rushing presence. Yes, that wouldn’t be a problem unless it was Oakland picking a team that rarely drafts logically. Oh well, I’ll give them a lucky accident here.
9. Buffalo Bills: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma: I think Trent Williams would be a big help to the Bills. But it’s between intelligent helpful pick and Jimmy Claussen here, and I have an eerie feeling the Bills are going to go the wrong way with this one. Still, I like Williams as a pick for Buffalo, a team that could only get better on the offensive line, especially with the run-heavy scheme they will likely be running next season (likely scratching the hurry up they put together last year). Williams is big and strong and solid.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Earl Thomas, S, Texas: Don’t tell me that the Jaguars get smart and draft a kid that will immediately make their defense better as a leader and a great player for a secondary that really struggles to hold their own against the rest of the NFL. Don’t tell me it’s happening. I’m putting this pick down because it’s smart, it’s perfect, it’s easy – but I wouldn’t be stunned for a minute if Jacksonville grabbed Claussen here.
11. Denver Broncos: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee: I originally had the Broncos adding Earl Thomas, and still think he’d be a great pick for the Broncos here. In my draft, their new elite receiving prospect is off the board, and that’s probably good, because taking a receiver high wouldn’t be the greatest help to this team. Dan Williams projects as a great center piece in a 3-4 defense, and a great defensive lineman is something Denver could really use. Plus, it snags a player the Dolphins covet at pick 12 – perfect.
12. Miami Dolphins: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech: Before the Marshall trade I saw the best wide receiving prospect in the draft going here, but with Marshall on board, and Dez now off the board, they’ll have to go in a different direction. They could use some help at lots of places, but defense is probably their biggest need. They don’t have any outside linebackers that make their 3-4 great, and they could go for a guy like Kindle here, but I think Morgan is the better value. They can use him on the line somewhere – he might not be a prototypical guy in a 3-4, but he does everything well, against the pass and run, and has a great motor – which should help even out the Brandon Marshall trade…
13. San Francisco 49ers: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa: I like Brian Bulaga… This big offensive tackle has the feet I want in an offensive lineman, and he hasn’t reached his full potential yet. Yes, I like OL guys that don’t rely too heavily on overpowering college defensive linemen throughout their NCAA careers – because in the NFL, that won’t always be an option. Bulaga has the footwork to be very good, and should help a struggling run-game from the get go. People say that Bulaga isn’t an elite athlete, but balance is a key to athleticism in my mind and he’s great there. I had the Niners picking up Brian with their next pick, and that’s still possible, but this is a great fit for them in a big spot of need.
14. Seattle Seahawks: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers: I thought the Hawks would get a chance at Morgan, but he’s off the board now. That leaves them in a good spot to take the most talented offensive lineman in the draft. The Hawks have good offensive line coaches in Seattle, and they should be able to do a lot with Davis. There’s no doubt in my mind that an OL pick in the 1st round would really help the Hawks’ chances at success.
15. New York Giants: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama: There’s not much I have to say besides that this kid is one of the best football players I watched on the college level this season. I’m not ready to say this is one of the biggest needs the Broncos have, or that I can justify this pick over a defensive end and physical specimen like Carlos Dunlap, but McClain is a beast and would certainly give this team a lot of options at line-backer. I think he makes the entire defense more physical and athletic. Carlos Dunlap: The Giants could use some push on defense. I think Dunlap’s size and physical upside makes him a great selection for a Giants team that definitely lost a bit of their defensive punch as the season went forward. This team had a lot of injuries, and I’m not sure they have terrible need anywhere, which makes Dunlap, and his upside, an even better selection.
16. Tennessee Titans: Sergio Kindle, DE, Texas: This team definitely needs pass rush help, as the time opposing quarterbacks got when they dropped back definitely effected the defense and their 31st ranking against the pass. There are lots of options defensively, and I’m not sure which guy fits the Titans’ defense best – but I like Sergio Kindle as a playmaker in a defensive front that is lacking difference makers. I think Brian Price is a good pick, as is Jason Odrick or even Everson Griffen – and those all might be safer picks, but Kindle’s big play ability wins out here.
17. San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State : I sure hope not, and I know some people thought I was crazy when I suggested the 49ers go OL-OL in back to back 1st round picks, but that’s because I really don’t think Claussen will work out, and two big guys will really help this team gain an identity. Claussen can run a pro-style offense, and that’s something to pursuade the Niners with, but I’m thinking true help for a team on the verge of the playoffs wins out, and they go a different direction. Kyle Wilson can help the 49ers where they really struggled down the stretch, deep. Wilson is a very solid ball defender that makes big plays and is downgraded a bit because he played for Boise State. I think if he played for Florida he’d be a Top 10 pick. This guy can play.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho: The Steelers need help right now, and I think Iupati steps in and plays from the get go. He’s a beast of a guard, and a technician for a rookie – he should sure up Big Ben’s time in the pocket, and if he does a really good job, they’ll put him in charge of keeping Ben out of trouble at bars and sorority houses and strip clubs alike.
19. Atlanta Falcons: Brian Price, DT, UCLA: Mel Kiper has C.J. Spiller going here, but that doesn’t make too much sense to me. They already have a running back that gets a huge portion of carries, they have a guy in Jerious Norwood who, when healthy, has been dynamic with his limited touches, and they need a lot of help defensively to waste their 1st round pick on a situational running back (which is what Spiller would be for them). What the Falcons need more than anything is some help stuffing the run. Brian Price would give the Falcons everything they need up front, help against the run and a pass rushing presence from the interior.
20. Houston Texans: Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan: I haven’t seen Graham going to the Texans in many mock drafts, but the kid could do big time things rushing the passer opposite Mario Williams. No double teams, no problem – Graham’s quickness will automatically make life tough for opposing quarterbacks, and put less pressure on a shaky secondary. If you can’t improve your secondary with a value pick at corner or safety, why not improve your secondary with a value pick at defensive line?
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State: The Bengals could really use a dual threat at defensive end, and this kid’s want-to and absolute motor will make him a solid option right off the bat. They need help on the defensive line, at least some depth, because they are shallow up front and injuries derailed them late last season.
22. New England Patriots: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson: I still love this pick for the Patriots. I don’t see what’s taking Bill Belichick so long. The Patriots love to pass the ball, and they love to pass it short, why not have one of the most feared open space players in the draft come in and make the most out of Tom Brady’s ability to read defenses, and take advantage of mismatches. Spiller is a mismatch to big play waiting to happen. I know he doesn’t fit the normal Patriot mold, but what does that mean anyway? Does it mean they haven’t drafted one in a while? I see Spiller as a double-digit touchdown guy in the NFL – the Pats could use that at the RB position.
23. Green Bay Packers: Taylor Mays, S, USC: The Packers need help up front really bad. Sure, Aaron Rodgers holds on to the ball a little longer than he should, but that doesn’t mean a grip of those sacks weren’t the fault of a faulty offensive line. The Packers do need help there, but OTs have already been reached out for, and the next best shouldn’t be drafted here. They could go for a guy flying up the charts like center/guard prospect Maurkice Pouncey. Pouncey keeps defensive tackles in front, and can help run and offense, rarely making pass protection mistakes. However, Taylor Mays is on the board, and I don’t think he gets passed up here. He’s a playmaker, an elite size and speed guy that excelled two years ago for one of the best defenses in college football. He struggled a bit last year in a down year for the USC defense, often trying to do too much – but in a league that considers upside, Mays has great value here.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Everson Griffen, DE, USC: The Eagles need youth and help lots of places defensively, but who knows, they might just go on and add a 4th quarterback here just to further complicate matters and mess around with us. I thought they’d try to grab Dan Williams if he fell, but he won’t – that’s what I’ve figured – and I don’t know if there’s another defensive lineman that’s way better than the next guy, but I think Everson Griffen has the upside you want if you’re part of the Eagles’ brass. A big, bad O-lineman wouldn’t be bad here, but I think Griffen is the right choice.
25. Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma: I think Gresham is the biggest game changing receiving option left in the draft, and though Todd Heap has shown skills in the past, he’s about as reliable to play every day as Pacman Jones is at staying in line at a strip club. Heap’s best years are gone, his health is always a question, and I think Gresham is much more talented than him anyway. The Ravens could grab defensive help in numbers, a guy like Jerry Hughes or maybe even Brandon Spikes as a playmaker for the future. They could go for a wide receiver like Arrelious Benn, Bradon Lafell, or even Demaryius Thomas, an elite receiver physically that might have been held back in college by the offense he was in. But I think the Ravens don’t reach for a receiver here and instead take one of the best pass catching tight ends to come out in a long time.
26. Arizona Cardinals: Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida: Warner retired so did Bert Berry, Dansby and Boldin were traded, I don’t know what the Cardinals will need more. Similar to a wiffle-ball, they have lots of holes, I know that. I know Carlos does lots of things for the Cardinals, and I’m not sure that Spikes will get those all done right off the bat – but he’s a difference maker at the ILB position and he plays with the physicality and instincts that make good players great, and the Cardinals could use some more pop, especially now that Dansby is gone. I know Spikes isn’t projected this high, but if the Cardinals can get him, it’d be great for them. Some other options, Carlos Dunlap, Jerry Hughes, or even a quarterback if they like a guy like Claussen and he’s still waiting. Jermaine Gresham if he’s still there? You bet – definitely an option.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida: Oh what does the team that has everything draft? Good question. The Cowboys seem to be loaded at running back, possess a strong offensive line, look to be loaded on defense and have millions of dollars invested into receiver. Do they reach for an offensive lineman like Charles Brown and hope he develops into a starter for them? The Cowboys should probably trade down with no big time need, and acquire some picks in a very deep draft. But, if they do en up picking here, how about a guy like Maurkice Puncey? Good pick for them. He’d sure up the offensive line at a few positions, and help this team if things went wrong up front, plus add a great prospect for the future. This pick may not be flashy enough for Jones, but it’s a good one.
28. San Diego Chargers: Jahvid Best, RB, California: I like Ryan Mathews and think he could be a very good running back in the NFL, but Best has special upside and he should be strongly considered here. Don’t decide against drafting him because he’s small and you already have a small back. I love Sproles and his ability to makes nothing into something, but if Best is small, Sproles is miniature. Best has amazing speed, and it translates on the field. People question him because of his concussion and his struggles against top ranked defenses – but this kid can run, and he’s going to be a good one. If you’re going to drop a 1st round pick on a running back, it might as well be a homerun talent you’re bringing in.
29. New York Jets: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame: I’m sticking with this one. The Jets have some good players at receiver, and Edwards and Cotchery both have good size and speed – and I don’t know what Tate will “measure” out at, but I have to be honest, I don’t care. Golden Tate should get a weekly thank you letter from Charlie Weis that says, “I’d like to thank you for getting me a job as an offensive coordinator after I got fired. You are the reason I looked good when I did.” Tate might not have great size or speed or whatever you want to have for receivers – but he does do one thing, he goes and gets the ball and he makes magic happen. The kid was unstoppable and he made Jimmy Claussen look really good on some “up for grabs” balls. I think the Jets could really use a guy like him in their run first, big pass play offense.
30. Minnesota Vikings: Charles Brown, OT, USC: Brandon Spikes could slip, no doubt about it. As could a guy like Brian Price, and both would be good options for the Vikings. This team definitely needs some youth on defense and more specifically at linebacker. But, the Vikings could get that on the days following the first round, and I don’t think they’ll be able to get an OL prospect like Charles Brown unless they go now. Brown would give some nice depth on the line to a team with possibly question marks arising, as Brett got killed in the NFC Championship and the offseason wasn’t good to Bryant McKinnie’s respect level.
31. Indianapolis Colts: Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama: Kareem’s ability to anticipate the throw, hold down a side, and make sure nothing gets over his head should really help him in Indy’s safe scheme. Jackson moves very well, not just fast, but with good balance and great hips. He looks like a very good corner to me, and Indy could always use help on the outside.
32. New Orleans Saints: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri: This seems like an easy pick for the Saints as Weatherspoon looks like the most NFL ready sideline to sideline OLB in the draft, and the Saints are looking for one because Scott Fujita bolted for greener (money) pastures in Cleveland. There are obviously lots of options at linebacker, and the Saints could find more value going for a guy like Carlos Dunlap, Jared Odrick, even a pass rush specialist like Jerry Hughes – some player ranked higher than Weatherspoon. But why risk it when you can get a great player to fill in when you need help?
33. Best Players Left: Devin McCourty, Carlos Dunlap, Ryan Matthews, Jerry Hughes, Aaron Hernandez, Arrelious Benn, Terrence Cody, Demaryious Thomas, Brandon LaFell, Colt McCoy, Patrick Robinson, Jonathan Dwyer, Dexter McCluster, Jimmy Claussen, Mike Williams, Ed Dickson, Cam Thomas

NFL Mock Draft Database

NCAA Tournament Picks: Elite Eight Picks & Predictions

The Elite Eight couldn’t have played out better on Saturday. Butler snagged their much deserved spot in the Final Four while Kentucky finally found a team willing to fight them from start to finish, and they didn’t hold up. West Virginia used their toughness and a new found accuracy from three-point range to pull off the upset and punch their ticket to Indiana. Today we have Duke trying to make it so at least one top-seed gets to Indiana. But Baylor will give them a run, oh yes they will. Then we have Tennessee and Michigan State trying to defy the odds and get to the Final Four. Both have gone through their fair share of problems this year. Tennessee lost players early to off-the-court problems, and have been short players all year. Michigan State lost their top scorer and assist leader in the Round of 32. So needless to say, both of these teams are as tough as you get, and just as resilient. Today should be grand!

Tennessee Volunteers (-2) @ Michigan State Spartans: I am going to apologize right now and give my respect to the Spartans by saying they’ve really impressed and surprised me since Kalin Lucas went down. They fight for everything they get, and they do stuff right. But can they really continue to win without their best player? I don’t think so. And Tennessee isn’t going to get pushed around, and they aren’t going to let a lack of effort and big shots keep them out of the Final Four.They can close with the best of them, and when they are focused, they win. I think they get by the Spartans.

Baylor Bears (+5) @ Duke Blue Devils: The bottom line here is that I think Baylor is not only the better team, but the match-up Duke will struggle most with. Nobody on Duke’s roster can guard LaceDarius Dunn. Udoh is a big, block-shot happy post that will give the Blue Devils trouble if he doesn’t get jobbed by the refs. Then you have Tweety Carter who has will as strong as anyone. Baylor is tough and they fight and they have the athletes to worry the Devils. Duke is bound to have a bad game, and they haven’t really peed the bed yet. Get the water-proof bed cover ready!

March Madness Basketball: Fridays Sweet 16 Picks & Previews

I don’t know if the games on Friday can get much better than Thursday’s games. I guess Kentucky ended up giving it to Cornell pretty good, but it got kind of close in the 2nd half. And West Virginia got the real UW team to stand up, so they put them away with ease after a tight first half. Syracuse became the 2nd 1-seed to see their Championship hopes fall flat, and Kansas State defeated Xavier in an epic Double-Overtime game. Can more top seeds get ousted? Will Duke make it a third number one out of the Dance? I can’t wait!

Tennessee (+4.5) @ Ohio State: I love Ohio State, but the farther Tennessee gets in this tournament the scarier they get. They are a very talented team, even with one of their most talented players suspended for the season. But Ohio State is a great team as well. Evan Turner is the best college basketball player in the land, and when this game is close, it’s hard not to bet on him. Here’s the deal, I like this game to be close, and 4.5 seems about right. The Buckeyes like to win games with the final shot, and Tennessee has that in them too. So I like this game being closer than 5, which gives the points the win in my book.

St. Mary’s @ Baylor (-4): I think Baylor is one of, if not the most complete team in the tournament and they play tough! Lacedarius Dunn is a legit pro prospect that really can’t be guarded by any one guy in this tournament (ala Turner), Tweety Carter is a gamer that hasn’t had a huge game yet (so watch out) and Epke is a very solid big man that is very long and should give Samhan a lot of trouble down low. There it is, I think Baylor wins by double digits.

Northern Iowa (+1.5) @ Michigan State: I think Lucas’s absence will be too much for Michigan State and Norther Iowa has looked very good in this tournament. They are a very good team, they do lots of little things right and can shoot the ball with the best of them. I’ll take them to get to the Elite 8.

Purdue @ Duke (-8): It disgusts me, and I hope I hope I hope I’m wrong – but I don’t see Duke getting anywhere close to losing this game. If I could get one wish granted it would be for Purdue to upend the Blue Devils, but as is I’m thinking that is borderline impossible. Even if Duke shoots like garbage, which is bound to happen sooner or later, they are playing too tough down low to be out of a game, and they can finish. I like Duke to win by double digits.

NCAA Tournament: Thursdays Sweet 16 Previews & Picks

The Sweet 16 is sweeter than ever as big underdogs litter the field. Thursday’s games promise to impress as four of this tournament’s sweethearts go at it against powerhouse 1 and 2 seeds. Butler got the most respect of the “small schools” grabbing a 5 seed and Xavier wasn’t far behind with a 6, but Cornell has been ripping it up from the 12 slot, and Pac-10 Conference Tournament Champion Washington has taking their mascot a little too seriously, proving the Dawgs have more bark than many expected. But Syracuse, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Kansas State will be trying to show those underdogs why 1 and 2 seeds almost always win the Championship. Here’s a short rundown of each game.

Butler @ Syracuse (-6.5): The Orange have dominated in their first two games, showing no ill effects of their lost big man. They’ll be down a starting center once again for their tilt with Butler, but if they’re shooting well, it won’t matter much for the 5 seed in this one. Wesley Johnson has been an amazing player in this tournament, and if he continues his streaky ways, he has a few more good games in him. I like the Orange to win by double digits.

Washington @ West Virginia (-5): The Mountaineers have been one of the best teams in basketball all season long. The Washington Huskies have turned it up a notch over the home stretch of the season, and have played as well as anyone during this tournament. The Mountaineers have lost their starting point guard as well, and right now the line is dropping. The Mountaineers are favored by just 4 at most books. But I still like West Virginia in this one. They play tougher than Washington, and the Huskies won’t be able to out-athlete WVU.

Xavier (+5) @ Kansas State: I really like Kansas State and I wouldn’t be surprised if they won here. This is a tough game for me, but the way Xavier plays defense, and the way K-State’s stars shot lights out last game – well that combo equals out to be a lower scoring game with a closer outcome, and thus I like the points. Xavier is a very good team and K-State will have trouble with their solid defense.

Cornell (+9) @ Kentucky: Kentucky hasn’t had a close game in this tournament, and not many are expecting this to be close. Cornell has gotten a lot of hype, but can these kids really play with the likes of lottery picks like Xavier Henry, Patterson, and even the likely #1 pick, John Wall? You bet. Why? They can shoot the rock. Yes, Cornell can shoot the rock and they will. I like them to stay within double digits, making these 9 points worth their price in gold.

NBA on ESPN: Denver @ Boston, Lakers @ Spurs: Picks & Previews

Denver Nuggets @ Boston Celtics (-4): I don’t think the Celtics are going to make a run at the NBA Championship, but they should get the Nuggets in Boston. The Nuggets just lost to the New York Knicks in a game where Carmelo Anthony shot the ball very well and scored 36 points. Anthony often follows up great performances with poor shooting, and this is a back-to-back for the Nuggets, yet another thing working against them.

This would be the 3rd loss in a row for the Nuggets, not something that happens too often on a very good team with one of the league’s best players in Anthony, one of the leagues best leaders in Billups, and a cast of teammates that do the little things well. But without George Karl around to right the ship, I think the Nuggets have a tough battle ahead of them on Wednesday Night.

Boston got beat up the last time they played, and their head coach was ejected late in the game after going at the referees for quite some time. But they have been playing well, and I think that loss will wake them up a little bit, which is good for a team that has lacked that elite focus they have had over the years. I’ll take the Celtics.

LA Lakers (+1) @ San Antonio Spurs: This season I haven’t been real impressed with one of the best players in NBA history, Tim Duncan. He’s been slower defensively, and aside from his complaining, everything else offensively has been down a bit. He’s still a great player, but without him playing at the top of his game, Pau Gasol is a better option.

With Tony Parker out, the Spurs have still been solid, but against a team like the Lakers, a team that Tony often has huge numbers, I think the Spurs will struggle. I’ll take the Lakers to win outright in San Antonio.

Denver Nuggets @ New York Knicks: NBA Free Pick & Preview

Denver Nuggets (-6) @ New York Knicks: You have to love the Nuggets in this game. Look at them, they’ve lost 2 of their last 4, sure, but they were rocking a big winning streak before that and have taken 8 of their last 10 without much trouble. They’ve lost 4 straight against the spread, sure, but they’ve had ridiculous spreads lately, and their last 3 ATS losses were double digit spreads.

The Knicks are playing pretty good ball, for them, as they’ve only lost 6 of their last 10… Right, like I said, for them. They do have Tracy McGrady playing good minutes off and on, and David Lee has been solid all season – but this team just can’t stop opponents. And the Nuggets are as efficient offensively as any team in the league.

The biggest key to the Nuggets getting this win with ease is the fact that this game is the first of a back to back for Denver. And they play a Celtics team that has been playing well on Wednesday, so unless they want to chance dropping 3 in a row, they’re going to have to slap around the Knicks on Tuesday night. Also, if they can figure out New York early, they can rest their big guns and get them ready for Wednesday Night in Boston.

While this game is often closer than it should be, the Knicks have still been ousted by at least 7 points in 3 of their last 4 meetings with the Nuggets. I like Denver to win by

March Madness Picks: NCAA Tournament Round 2

March Madness Picks: NCAA Tournament Round 2: Well, my hot streak didn’t continue yesterday as I was dead wrong about the New Mexico Lobos taking care of the Huskies, and I missed the Ohio Bobcats pick as well. I did come through with the Baylor Bears, though they made it closer than my gut needed. What a tournament though!! Kansas is OUT! The Pac-10 is making a name for themselves, and the Big East dropped another high seed yesterday. Did I mention Kansas is OUT!!?? Craziness! Here’s Sunday’s Picks…

West Virginia Mountaineers (-5.5) @ Missouri Tigers: I like the idea of what the Tigers bring to the table. They are representing the Big 12 and doing it well. They have a big time press and can run against anyone. But the Mountaineers are too tough, and they will out-athlete Missouri. It would be a good story, but I don’t think this one will end up being all that close.

Wisconsin Badgers @ Cornell Big Red (+4): I originally thought either Wisconsin or Temple would lose right off the bat, and I certainly was right about that as Wisconsin just barely snuck by Wofford and Cornell downright dominated Temple. I think Cornell will keep that small college tough play alive and they have a good chance to win outright against a Wisconsin team that doesn’t score very efficiently. Cornell can shoot the ball, and that should get them the cover.

Syracuse Orange @ Gonzaga Bulldogs (+7.5): The Zags are a very good team, they match up well against Syracuse because they move the ball well and have multiple shooters that penalize a zone. Syracuse is also without their big man, and thus have a shorter rotation than normal. Gonzaga doesn’t get much bench help either, but I think their rounded style and better health should give them the nod to cover this one.

NCAA Tournament Day 3: 2nd Round

The first day of the tournament was glorious in all its efforts, giving us buzzer-beater after buzzer-beater and 3 overtime games, one of which had multiple extra sessions. There were some big time upsets, even a bracket buster as Georgetown went down in a heap. The Big East fell to 1-3 after Day one as small schools and undervalued squads made a name for themselves. Day 2 wasn’t quite as exciting as most games weren’t all that close down the stretch, and aside from a few upsets, the best teams usually made it through unscathed. The Big East fought back with a 3-1 Day 2 and they have a pretty solid group of 4 ready to fight until the end. Day 3 has a couple Cinderella stories early, here are my picks against the spread.

Tennessee Volunteers @ Ohio Bobcats (+9): If this was any other team except Tennessee, I would have my money on the favorites. It’s very common for a big underdog to upset a good team then get blasted in the very next round, and while I won’t put that past the realm of possibility here, I don’t think Tennessee is a team that’s going to come out and destroy anybody in this field. Do I still think they’ll win? Yeah, they have a couple closers on that Vols team, and they are fighters. But Ohio should play within double digits, and 9 points is enough for me to take the dog.

Old Dominion Monarchs @ Baylor Bears (-4): As many people have realized, I love Baylor in this tournament. They have everything you need to succeed in this field, a great point guard with all the will in the world, a wing that is often unstoppable and might have more talent than anyone not named John Wall and Evan Turner, and a post that is an awesome defender and has advantages in speed, quickness, and length over the competition almost every time out. Baylor is only favored by 4, and even though ODU is a solid team, I see Baylor winning by 7-10 points.

New Mexico Lobos (+2) @ Washington Huskies: Wow, people really do believe the Husky-hype machine in this one. Listen, New Mexico is the much better team and while UW is certainly playing well of late, I see their “underdog” momentum crashing to the ground as they have now become the favorite to beat New Mexico. You might not have heard much about the Lobos, but they claim one of the best players in this tournament and I think they get the win over the Pac-10 Tournament Champs.

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