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Ron Artest saves the day for the Lakers in game five

May 28th, 2010

The defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers have had an interesting postseason to say the least as they have had it very easy at times and have also really struggled at times.

In the first round of the playoffs, a young and motivated Oklahoma City Thunder team lead by arguably the best scorer in the league in Kevin Durant gave the Los Angeles Lakers a run for their money as they beat the defending champs twice. Even though the Lakers eventually advanced to the second round after six games, Kobe Bryant and company were tested much earlier than anticipated and many people started second guessing the Lakers chances of repeating as NBA champs.

In the second round, things got much easier as the Lakers faced off against an outmatched Utah Jazz team which went down in four games. After the sweep of the Jazz, the defending champs looked like they were back to form, but they still had to get through their division rivals in the Western Conference Finals going head to head against the Phoenix Suns.

Despite the Phoenix Suns having somewhat of an unexpected breakout year after trading Shaquille O’Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers were the overwhelming favorite to advance to the NBA Finals.

In the first two games of these Western Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers were on fire as just dominated the Phoenix Suns from start to finish in both games one and two. Not only were the Lakers playing great as a team, but Kobe Bryant was damn near unstoppable as the Suns just had no answer for the Black Mamba.

Heading into game five, the series had taken a drastic change as the Phoenix Suns were able to win two straight games on their home floor with some solid zone defense that completely confused the Lakers offense.

Throughout most of game five, the Lakers got back to their dominate ways and at one point got out to an 18 point lead, but the Suns were able to battle back and cut the lead to just three in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter.

With time running out, the Suns only hope was to hit a desperation three and that they did with Jason Richardson get lucky with a banked three with 3.5 seconds remaining.

Of course, as usual, this was Kobe time! Everyone knew that the reigning NBA Finals MVP was getting the basketball, but they did expect him to try and pull off a catch-and-shot with 3.5 on the clock. Despite having plenty of time to set up a good shot, Kobe immediately shot the ball will missed everything, but luckily Ron Artest was there to save the day as he caught Kobe’s air ball and put it right back up to finish off the Suns 103-101.

Needless to say, with time expiring, Artest’s put-back turned out to be the game-winner and despite just scoring four points, Ron-Ron was the hero in game five.

Now the series will head back to Phoenix for game six in which the Suns will be facing elimination for the first time in the Western Conference Finals.

Tags: Lakers, NBA, Ron Artest
Posted in NBA, Online Sportsbooks

Donovan McNabb officially on the trading block in Philly?

March 25th, 2010

Ever since 1999, the Philadelphia Eagles have had the benefit of having a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback behind center in Donovan McNabb. Even though he may struggle through injuries from time to time and is probably on the sidelines a little more than head coach Andy Reid prefers, the Eagles have had a lot of success with number five taking the snaps over the last decade. With six Pro Bowl selections, a Super Bowl appearance and five NFC championship games it would be hard to argue that Donovan McNabb isn’t one of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL. Yes, he still hasn’t won that elusive Super Bowl title and the Eagles always seem to drop the ball when they make it to the NFC championship games, but throughout the regular season and the playoffs the Eagles are as tough to beat as any team in the league.

Even with all the Eagles success with Donovan McNabb behind center, the team always seems to get involved in trade rumors and talks of replacing their six-time Pro Bowler in the offseason. This offseason is no different, but there is one big difference, no one in Philly would mind seeing backup quarterbacks Michael Vick or Kevin Kolb taking over the starting job next season.

With that being said, Eagles head coach Andy Reid has said today that Philadelphia is listening to possible quarterback trade scenarios which could very well involve the 33 year old veteran quarterback out of Syracuse.

Obviously McNabb would be the clear choice to move if the Eagles got the right offer as he is 33, consistently banged up and not getting younger.

So far, the Oakland Raiders and the Buffalo Bills have inquired about trading for the Donovan McNabb, but no deal is imminent as of yet.

Tags: NFL, sports betting
Posted in NFL Football, Online Sportsbooks, Sports

President Barack Obama’s NCAA Tournament Bracket

March 18th, 2010

A lot of people have their opinions about our new president Barack Obama, but the one thing that sports fans love about him is that he is one of us as he loves baseball, football and basketball!

One thing that Barack Obama was right about last year was his pick for the NCAA Tournament National champion as he picked the North Carolina Tar Heels in his March Madness bracket.

This season Barack Obama has filled out another bracket and from the looks of things he knows his stuff once again as his picks are on the ball, at least until the NCAA Tournament starts on March 18^th.

This time around Obama has picked the Kansas Jayhawks to be National champs as he believes that no team will be able to take down Bill Self’s number one squad.

Here are how Barack Obama’s picks look:

Sweet Sixteen

Midwest Region

Kansas Jayhawks (1), Michigan State Spartans (5), Georgetown Hoyas (3), Ohio State Buckeyes (2)

East Region

Kentucky Wildcats (1), Wisconsin Badgers (4), Marquette Golden Eagles (6), West Virginia Mountaineers (2)

West Region

Syracuse Orangemen (1), Butler Bulldogs (5), Pittsburgh Panthers (3), Kansas State Wildcats (2)

South Region

Duke Blue Devils (1), Texas A&M Aggies (5), Baylor Bears (3), Villanova Wildcats (2)

Elite Eight

Midwest Region

Kansas Jayhawks (1), Georgetown Hoyas (3)

East Region

Kentucky Wildcats (1), West Virginia Mountaineers (2)

West Region

Syracuse Orangemen (1), Kansas State Wildcats (2)

South Region

Duke Blue Devils (1), Villanova Wildcats (2)

Final Four

Kansas Jayhawks (1), Kansas State Wildcats (2), Kentucky Wildcats (1), Villanova Wildcats (2)

National Champion

Kansas Jayhawks (1)

For the most part I like Obama’s picks here, but there are few teams that I believe should have been included like the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Purdue Boilermakers and the Maryland Terrapins. All and all though, he picks are on point in my opinion!

Tags: basketball, NCAA, sports betting
Posted in Gambling, Online Sportsbooks, Sports

Gilbert Arenas following in LeBron James footsteps by changing his number to 6

March 12th, 2010

It has been a very disappointing few years for Agent Zero of the Washington Wizards as he has either been riding the pine with injuries or causing trouble off the court, but one thing remains the same for Gilbert Arenas, he is getting paid! Not all that long ago, the Washington Wizards made a bold move by signing Gilbert Arenas to a huge seven year contract of $110 million dollars. Now that sounded like a deal that was worth to the team a few years back, but now it looks more like one of the biggest mistakes in franchise history as he has been nothing, but an injury prone, trouble making and seriously overpaid NBA superstar.

Just recently Arenas frequented the headlines due to his locker room altercation with teammate Javaris Crittenton when the two point guards drew their guns on each other after arguing over a gambling debt. Fortunately, the conflict was resolved before and gunfire started, like it would anyway, but the damage was already done as both players were ultimately charged and subsequently suspended for the rest of the NBA season.

Now that Gilbert Arenas has nothing to do, but think about how he put his NBA future and huge contract in jeopardy, the former All-Star point guard has decided to start fresh with a new number by changing his jersey number from number zero to number six.

Ironically enough, the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James also decided to make the change to number six only a few weeks ago as a tribute to hall of fame shooting guard and arguably the best player ever to play the game in Michael Jordan. The reason for the change was because King James believes that the number 23 should be permanently retired in honor of the six-time NBA champion.

Tags: basketball, NBA, sports betting
Posted in NBA, Online Sportsbooks, Sports

Brady Quinn next to be on the way out in Cleveland?

March 12th, 2010

Yesterday the Cleveland Browns decided to part ways with former Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Anderson after he had his worst season with the Browns. When the NFL off-season came around for the Cleveland Browns, which was at about midseason as they were one of the worst teams in the league, there were a lot of rumors flying around on what was going to happen with the quarterback situation. Back in 2007, the Cleveland Browns looked like one of the most promising young NFL teams in the league as they had Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Anderson behind center and up and coming wide receiver Braylon Edwards. As a result, the Brown won 10 games and looked like a team with a very bright future, but the success was short lived and the team slipped slowly back into mediocrity in 2008.

With Derek Anderson quickly turning into nothing more than a mediocre quarterback and no longer had the ability to get the job done for the Browns behind center after having a Pro Bowl season, Cleveland gave young quarterback Brady Quinn a shot as the starter.

Unfortunately, even though the Brady Quinn was thought to be the future face of the franchise, he just couldn’t live up to expectations and now seems to be on his way out of Cleveland.

The day before Derek Anderson was released from the Cleveland Browns, a trade was made bringing backup Seattle Seahawks quarterback Seneca Wallace to Cleveland. As a result, the Browns released Anderson to avoid paying a roster bonus and his large salary for next season.

The debate seemed to be over on which quarterback was getting the boot in Cleveland, at least until Wednesday when reports have surfaced stating that the Browns are actively shopping Brady Quinn.

Tags: Football, NFL, sports betting
Posted in NFL Football, Online Sportsbooks, Sports

Top NBA free agents available right now

March 3rd, 2010

Michael Finely (former team San Antonio Spurs): Of all the NBA free agents available in the second half of the regular season, the San Antonio Spurs recently released veteran guard Michael Finley is arguably most desirable of the lot as he could definitely help out a title contending team or a playoff team looking to fill the roster before playoff time. The one team that seems to be interested in Finley already is the Boston Celtics who always seem to be on the lookout for aging veterans who can help him off the bench like they did with veteran point guard Stephon Marbury last year.

Kenny Thomas (former team Sacramento Kings)

Over the years forward Kenny Thomas has been one of those players that always gives you a solid performance never get much recognition as he has one of the PJ Brown or Kurt Thomas type big men that aren’t flashy, but put up solid numbers.

After being released from the Sacramento Kings, Kenny Thomas is need him second half of the season.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas (former teams Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards)

Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off perhaps the biggest trade or the most beneficial trade before the NBA trade deadline on February 18 by sending center Zydrunas Ilgauskas to the Washington Wizards in exchange for versatile forward Antawn Jamison.

The trade raised a lot of eyebrows as it was ready obvious that the wizards would just buy out Big  Z’s $11.5 million dollar expiring contract and waive him, 30 days later, the Cavs will be able to sign him once again as they try it on an NBA title at season’s end.

So even though Big Z has gotten interest from teams like the Dallas Mavericks and couple of other teams, he will ultimately end up back in Cleveland.

Larry Hughes (former teams New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings)

in part as a Tracy McGrady trade which sent him to the New York Knicks, veteran point guard Larry Hughes was sent to the Sacramento Kings, but was ultimately bought out and waived.

Unfortunately, Hughes has an injury that will keep him out some time and stopped other teams from pursuing him, but as the season progresses I won’t be surprised to see him land somewhere.

Wally Szczerbiak (former team Cleveland Cavaliers)

This list seems to be filled with four Cleveland Cavaliers players and here’s one more in sharp shooting Wally Szczerbiak who is basically retired, but would consider coming back if it is where the Cavs.

Tags: basketball, NBA, sports betting
Posted in NBA, Online Sportsbooks, Sports

New Comers to the 2010 US National Basketball Team

February 10th, 2010

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder- No player on the new comer is more important or impactful than Kevin Durant who will almost certainly make the national team that much better!

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder- Westbrook has really started to come into his own this season and as a result was picked to play for the US.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls- The Bulls may still be struggling, but Rose just keeps getting better and he will definitely improve the US backcourt.

Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves- Jefferson has been struck with injuries, but he was apparently good enough to make the cut.

Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves- Love is a surprise in my opinion, but he is a promising young player.

Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzlies- Gay is a dynamic player who will only get better over time!

OJ Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies- Along with his teammate, Mayo is a good pick for this team.

Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers- It is about time Odom got some love and this pick has to make him feel vindicated.

Andre Igoudala, Philadelphia 76ers- Another strange pick in my opinion, but the other AI is a good player nonetheless.

Kendrick Perkins, Boston Celtics- Perkins is a banger in the paint and will be a good player to help the frontcourt.

Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers- Granger came on strong last season and has struggled a bit this year, but apparently he is good enough to be on this list.

David Lee, New York Knicks- Lee is arguably one of the best big men in the NBA and he is the second best pick on this list next to Durant.

Brook Lopez, New Jersey Nets- Lopez is a great player on a very bad team and I am glad the powers that be have rewarded him for his efforts.

LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trailblazers- The Blazers wouldn’t be a playoff team if it weren’t for Aldridge.

Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats- Every single season Wallace seems to get better and this season the Bobcats are reaping the benefits and so will the US squad.

Eric Gordon, Los Angeles Clippers- Another iffy pick. Gordon is a good young player, but not good to be on this team in my opinion.

Players that Declined

Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics- It is a shame Rondo didn’t want to accept the invite as he would have been a huge addition to the backcourt.

Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers- Bynum declining the invite makes sense as he has struggled with injuries over the years and doesn’t want to jeopardize his NBA career.

Tags: basketball, NBA, Olympics, sports betting
Posted in NBA, Online Sportsbooks, Sports

Super Bowl Odds Released by Bodog Online Sportsbook

February 4th, 2010

If anyone is itching to get in on the action for this Sundays matchup between the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts, there are some good options for the best online sportsbooks. Bodog, one of the premier online sportsbooks has the line at -5 Colts. If you think the Saints can hang within the 5 points, get in on the action at Bodog.

Tags: Football, NFL, sports betting
Posted in Gambling, NFL Football, Online Sportsbooks, Sports

Brett Favre out, Donovan McNabb in?

January 27th, 2010

Sunday’s NFC Championship game between the New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings was sloppy to say the least with fumble after fumble after fumble, but despite all the turnovers and sloppy play, these two teams battled all the way into overtime where the Saints came out on a top and will advance to the Super Bowl against the Indianapolis Colts in Miami next month. Now the Brett Favre saga will begin once again with the questions on whether he will hang them up or strap them on for one more season. Personally, I believe Favre should come back for one more season with the Minnesota Vikings because he still has it and the Vikings could get to the Super Bowl with one more go around, but reports seem to have Favre once again leaning towards retirement, especially after getting pretty roughed against the Saints where he was noticeably hurt and limped off the field at one point.

Well, as of right now we can consider Brett Favre retired. So with that being said who will come in and fill some his enormous shoes and be able to repeat his performance next season.

So far there has only been one name at come up and that is the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.

This season was a somewhat successful one for Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles as they played very well in the regular season, but fell short in their last two games against the Dallas Cowboys. Since those losses to the Cowboys there has been a lot of speculation what will happen at the quarterback position as the Eagles have three quarterbacks that could easily be starters somewhere else in the NFL next season.

Michael Vick will pretty much control his own fate as he has the option to stay in Philly or try and become a starter like he was for the Atlanta Falcons. A few teams have already been mentioned in the hunt for Vick like the Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills and the Carolina Panthers. Even though Vick seems to have suitors, he did say he would love to come back to the Eagles next season even if it is as the backup once again.

Then there is youngster Kevin Kolb who played well in his limited time this season and showed he could very well be a starter in this league. With these three quarterbacks the Eagles would be wise to trade one of them and the Philly faithful seem to be leaning towards getting rid of McNabb and the Minnesota Vikings would be a good fit for the veteran quarterback.

Tags: Football, NFL, sports betting
Posted in NFL Football, Online Sportsbooks, Sports

Is Devin Harris Going to the Los Angeles Lakers?

January 22nd, 2010

No matter what happens in the NBA season, no matter how good an NBA team may appear, teams are always shopping and looking to upgrade their squads in any which way they can.

This season the Los Angeles Lakers are coming off their first NBA title in seven years as Kobe Bryant and company were finally able to get back on top with an impressive run in the Western Conference playoffs and the domination of Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals.

Coming into this season the Lakers wanted to keep their championship team relatively still intact, but they had to sign both Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza to do just that. Even though Odom hinted to his intentions to play for the Miami Heat for a second time, Lamar was able to strike up a deal with the defending champs and remain with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Defensive specialist Trevor Ariza on the other hand, who really turned into a prime time player last season with the Los Angeles, didn’t resign with the Lakers as he was one of the most desirable free agents in the offseason. With Ariza signing a free agent contract with the Houston Rockets in the offseason, the Lakers took a huge blow to their defense, but were fortunate enough to sign Ron Artest instead and haven’t looked back since.

With Artest leading the defense, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol controlling the offense and Andrew Bynum patrolling the paint, the Los Angeles Lakers have the best record in the NBA at 32-9 and are arguably the best team in the league once again.

Despite being arguably the best team in the NBA right now, the Lakers seem to be seeking a trade to get rid of some of their baggage and save some money for the upcoming free agent market in the summer.

The first trade rumor that has been floating around involving the Los Angeles Lakers was the Toronto Raptors sending superstar Chris Bosh to Los Angeles in exchange for youngster Andrew Bynum. This deal still may go down, but no indication this is a done deal has emerged as of yet.

Another trade rumor that has just surfaced involving the defending NBA champion Lakers is a trade with the New Jersey Nets bringing point guard Devin Harris to Los Angeles. It is uncertain who the Lakers would give up in return, but the Nets are definitely going to clear house before the NBA trade deadline and apparently the Lakers are interested in the young point guard.

Tags: basketball, NBA, sports betting
Posted in NBA, Online Sportsbooks, Sports