New vs. Old, NBA tips off

By Dan Rodgers

Tonight the NBA season goes underway as the Miami Heat take on the Boston Celtics. This is an obvious case of new vs. old. The Celtics started the "big 3" trend by adding Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to go along with Paul Pierce. They won a championship.

The Heat are now following suit by bringing LeBron James and Chris Bosh (on my fantasy team) to D-Wade County.

I think that the Heat lack depth. That's kind of an obvious statement, but in this case it goes to the extreme. Miami is weak at center because Bosh wants to play forward. They have Joel Anthony and Big Z. Kansas savior Mario Chalmers looks to be the starting point guard, but if the Heat choose to run a big lineup, Wade can start at the point.

Boston signed Jermaine and Shaq O'Neal (not related). That should allow KG to dominate at forward and give both big men a much needed rest throughout the game. Rajon Rondo (on my fantasy team) is coming into his own and should be a force at the point this season.

I like Boston to take this one from Miami due to their depth and team chemistry. D-Wade missed nearly the entire preseason and the Heat lack what the Celtics have. While the Heat will bully the bad teams just because they're better, it will be tough against top conference opponents. They could get off to a slow start. We'll see.

My Prediction: Celtics (+3) 91 Heat 90

Rodgers That

Cavs win without LeBron, Durant for MVP

By Dan Rodgers

The Cleveland LeBron's were without, well, LeBron for the past two games due to a tweaked ankle in his 40-point performance four days ago against Detroit. These were the first two games James has missed all season, Cleveland went 1-1.

James isn't too accustomed to missing games as the seven-year pro has only missed 20 games in his entire career. However, this was a special occasion because the Cavaliers are also without, and will be without for the rest of the season Shaq O'Neal. O'Neal has been out since late Feb. and recently had surgery on his thumb. He was expected to miss the entire season, but doctors are now optimistic about an earlier return.

Oh, and about King James, don't worry because he is to return to the lineup for their next game at the Philadelphia 76ers.

On a side note: LBJ is averaging 30.0 points, 8.5 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game. So you're probably thinking he is the clear favorite for MVP right? Well, duh. However, don't be surprised to see Kevin Durant's name mentioned during the discussion. The "Durantuala" is averaging 29.6 points, 2.8 assists, and 7.6 rebounds per game for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

While you might be thinking..."LBJ's stats are better in every category!" Take into consideration that Durant is on a Thunder team that has already won 15 games more than they did last season and is 14 games over .500. Not to mention they are sitting pretty to make the playoffs, currently holding the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Durant definitely has my vote.

Rodgers That

Cleveland Cavaliers (8-3) at Washington Wizards (2-6)

By Leatherworld

Hey everyone,

This is my first post, and it’s going to be an important one. Tonight the Cavs and Wizards face off at the Phone Booth on ESPN.

The Wiz have been off to a slow start, and most of this blame lies with their inability to stay healthy. It should be interesting to see how Antawn Jamison responds after being on the sideline for the last 5 weeks with a shoulder injury. Agent Zero seems to be fully healed from the knee injury that kept him out all last season, and the decision to trade away their first round draft pick to receive Randy Foye and Mike Miller has looked like a good one.

The Cavs have been on a hot streak since losing their first two. LeBron James has been playing well and Shaq looks like he can still be a force inside. The addition of Shaq and Anthony Parker really give the Cavs other offensive threats to complement LeBron. Unfortunately for the Cavs, they’ll be without Anderson Varejao and Shaq tonight, so the younger guys are going to have to step up.

If the Wizards want to get back in the win column, they’ve got to get Jamison involved in the offense, and they’ll have to play the strength of the guards. Defensively, they must contain LeBron and force him to make jumpers.

LINE: Cavs -4

Pick: Cavaliers: 90 Wizards: 93

Flashin' the Leather