Bandwagons

Well then!  The Heat have been toppled a few times in the past two weeks.  Last night the Warriors topped them on a great last second feed from Jarret Jack to Draymond Green.  Green earlier in the game talked junk with Lebron.  All in all it was an entertaining battle.  The Warriors are on a roll, winning five in a row on the road, with a 15 and 7 overall record.  Bandwagon time. 

Golden State is a good team with depth in the wing position.  Thompson and Curry are elite players.  Coach Mark Jackson will have them playing a bit more defense than we are used to from the Warriors.  Inspired ball!  They should make the playoffs. 

Boston finally beat Dallas in two overtimes.  If Jeff Green can play at a high level consistently the Celtics perhaps regain some of last year’s form.  Avery Bradley is sorely missed on the defensive end and Paul Pierce seems to be fading into his twilight years.  Jason Terry seems to be finding his stride.

Brooklyn is fading without Brook Lopez.    

Miami hasn’t turned it on in the East.  Yet!  The Knicks seem to have passed Boston for the main contender to the Heat in the East.  Melo is in beast mode and looks like an MVP.  Even JR Smith is playing smart ball passing up the usual junk shots he would take in previous years.  Jason Kidd has been solid and has prolonged his career with his smarts and astonishing three point shooting.  It always helps to add something to your game. 

Out West the Clippers continue to roll.  Their bench is simply astonishing.  Eric Bledsoe is an athletic freak.  I don’t remember noticing his athleticism at Kentucky.  Lamar Odom is losing the weight and might be a factor later in the year. 

Lakerland is swirling.  With disgust.  How are they losing these games to mediocre teams?  Lack of effort and atrocious defense are the main issues.  Kobe is already steaming.  Thing is they are already going to be way off the leaders by the new year when everyone is back.  Los Angeles is looking at the number 5 seed as being their ceiling this year.  Onto next year boys. 

Kevin Love is voicing his displeasure with Minnesota management.  Why now?  I have no clue, Rubio is back this week, and then things might start rolling.  Love feels punked and I get it if what he says happened is correct but Kevin needs to handle himself with some class.  Rise above or Minny fans will turn on you. 

The Raptors are now 4-19.  I was hoping for a 10-13 start and a shot at the playoffs.  Barnagni thankfully is hurt.  Just amnesty him already.  The Bargs injury gives Ed Davis a chance to showcase his talents.  So far he has looked pretty good.  Terrence Ross looks like a super dunker, wow, two nice ones last night versus the Brooklyn.  Ross needs to mature and redevelop confidence in his shot.  Valanciunas looks like a legitimate center.  Time to develop the kids.  Hopefully the Raptors start to trade the older players on the roster.  Colangelo is an ass, blaming the Raps problems on focus and not talent, trying to save his job.  Raptorland is burning, this would have been the perfect year with no NHL to capture Toronto’s and Canada’s attention.  But no the chiefs are still in place.  Time to tear it up MLSE. 

Pigskin Dreaming

CFB

Can’t wait for the BCS championship game, it will be exciting to see two storied programs face of in Miami.  Alabama has the experience and depth of talent.  Will the luck continue to carry Notre Dame?  The Irish defense should be able to contain Lacy and Yeldon.  The concern is the young secondary.  Yet Bama doesn’t seem to have great playmakers at receiver.  The game will come down to McCarron against Golston.  Who will make more plays? 

The Heisman went to the freshman wunderkid Johnny Football.  I would have loved to see Teo win it but at least he was a finalist after a special season.  What interests me more is where does Manzell’s career go from here?  Is it headed to Tebow territory?  Does the success go to his head and does he flame out? 

TEAM GAGAN

The squad went on a five game win streak to sneak into the #4 spot in the playoffs.  Exciting times.  We will lose this week but it looks like the margin of defeat will not leave us out of contention.  Gotta love the two week matchups.  A surprising run given the injuries: Gronk and MJD.  This upcoming week will be tough given the health issues surrounding RG3 and Bradshaw.  Keep hope alive! 

Week Fourteen

Important.  Big time games yesterday.  Mostly in the NFC East.

NFC East:  Things were looking very shaky yesterday for the Giants at around 4pm.  Dallas came back on Cincy and won on a late field goal.  It is incredible that the Boys are 7-6.  Solid win for the team in the wake of an emotional weekend with the loss of Jerry Brown, they played hard and didn’t blow the game.  I can’t believe this team is still in it.  Washington came back late and won versus the Raven’s.  RG3’s injury was gruesome.  Did you see that leg whip and then get crushed by the defender?  Somehow Kirk Cousins came in and got the job done, throwing for a last minute touchdown and getting the two point conversion to send the game into overtime.  RG3 is lucky to have only suffered a grade one knee sprain.  These two early game victories left the Giants with a must win situation against New Orleans at home.  The men in blue got it done late in blowing out the Saints.  David Wilson was a pleasant surprise on the ground and in the return game.  Bradshaw is oft injured and hobbling.  Could Wilson be both the long term and short term solution?  Manning was productive yet threw some lazy/troublesome picks.  The Giants maintained their one game lead in the division.   I think the Giants will win the division by default after a very inconsistent lackluster season. 

Atlanta is who we all thought they were.  Headed for the December swoon, losing to an awful Carolina team is inexcusable. 

Chicago is fading fast. 

Ditto for Tampa. 

San Francisco and Seattle are playing strong and appear to be the class of the conference at this point. 

Harbaugh going with Kapernick is a bold move.  The Niners should they have home field are in the drivers seat unless Russel Wilson pulls off a miracle.  It would seem the NFC Super Bowl representative will be one of these two or a Packers team that is quietly gaining momentum. 

AFC

Great matchup tonight as the Texans take on the Patriots in New England.  The class of the AFC?  Each team needs to make a statement tonight to solidify their claim to being the conference favorite.  I cannot wait for the overreaction tomorrow from the media.  The loser will be forgotten and the winner ordained.  Ought to be interesting. 

Denver seems to be the other AFC contender in addition to the two above mentioned teams.  Manning is on a roll and looks like himself again.  The defense is solid and Von Miller is a freak. 

Baltimore and Pittsburgh looked unsteady yesterday.  The Ravens axed their offensive coordinator today.  Joe Flacco is not a difference maker or a winner.  Rothlesberger is recovering on the field it seems.  Losing to the Chargers was brutal.  Both teams have playoff experience but they seem to be out of the title race given their rocky seasons. 

The Colts have been the true shocker all year long.  The emotional win for Chuck mentality has been a sight to behold.  If it were not for RG3, Luck would be getting much more attention.  Look at their record.  Unreal compared to last years.  Looks like the Colts will make the playoffs, have a very hyped matchup in Denver versus Manning, and bow out with inexperience.  

Big Boy Pants

Some great games last night and here is what I saw.

Lakers- This team is in trouble.  Up 17 on the Rockets and they lose the game.  Besides my growing admiration for everyone on Houston not named Jeremy Lin, I noticed the footspeed issue with Los Angeles.  Pau and World Peace are not geared to D’antoni’s system.  Sure Jamison and Meeks will put up some numbers off the bench but the roster is not there for 7 seconds or less basketball.  How does the system even utilize Howard and why was he kept on the floor during hack a Dwight time?  The Lakers aren’t even top four in the west.  They can’t keep up with Memphis, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, and the Clips.  Nash should improve things a bit in terms of moving the ball but seems like the year is already over for the Lakes.  Locking them into a four or five seed, and that is about it.  Pau needs to be dealt soon because the guy has been the lightning rod for all of LA’s problems for too long now.  Everyone one has turned on him, even the head narcissist, Kobe.  Will Howard even want to re-sign in LA after this season? 

OKC/Brooklyn- Props to the Nets for making this game interesting at the end and coming back.  They were shorthanded, without Lopez.  This team has surprised me, winning in Boston last week, and Joe Johnson seems to have found his swagger.  OKC is the class of the west again.  Kevin Martin is beginning to answer the Harden questions.  Sure he doesn’t create for others but he knocks down shots.  The Thunders title hopes will rest on the development of Ibaka.  Offensively he showed some nice moves last night.  I do think the Thunder could use another productive big.  Perkins and Collison are not enough. 

Memphis- Zach Randolph was huge with 38-22 versus the Suns. Love his non-aerial dance in the post. Impressive comeback win for the Grizz.  Sure they played down to their competition but they turned it on when needed. 

CHI/IND- Great play by Hibbert at the end, smartly jumping straight up and not being called for a foul.  George seems to be really producing in spurts.  The Pacers are playing better ball.  Chicago keeps on keeping on with defense and great play from Noah.  Here’s hoping good health and a return for Rose.  The game really needs him.  Sorely missed. 

Miami- Triple double for Lebron in a loss to the Wizards.  Losing to the worst team in the league was brutal.  Jordan Crawford is a bit of a vacuum/black hole player.  Time for the Heat to turn it on, hopefully the loss will be a catalyst. 

My Teams

Boston- Rondo showed some heart last week in the Humphries duel.  I loved the little guy sticking up for his teammate.  The entire team now needs to take his lead, toughen up and start winning games Celtic style. 

Toronto- Showed heart in coming back and almost winning in Denver.  Kyle Lowry, who has not been the same since his injury,  displayed a bit of the spark he was hired for.  Loved the lineup of athletes around Bargnani at the end versus the Nugs.  Ross has shown some glimpses as has Davis.  Start developing the youngems Dino’s.  The signing of Pietrus is classic Colangleo.  Bryan won’t leave his comfort zone with players.  The hack needs to stay out of the playing time decisions and the lockeroom. Barg needs to be dealt and Colangelo axed.  

Last Night

Fourteen games one night.  Incredible.
Hibbert, big man triple double, and George, 37 points, were huge for the Pacers.
The Heat escaped versus the Bucks thanks to Lebron.
Okc ensnared Chris Paul and beat the Clippers.  A classic push back game.  The Thunder aren't going anywhere.
The hapless Wizards lost to the Hawks in OT.  Brutal split second disallowed put back from Martell Webster.  Josh Smith had a monster night for the Hawks.
San Antonio was solid in dispatching the unimpressive Celtics.  Rondo's MVP'ish play and double figure assist streak continued with 22pts and 15ast.
Lakerland is smarting after a double digit loss to the Kings.
Toronto fumbled away another one to Charlotte.  The anti-closer Raptors are infuriating me.
Kevin Love shoved everyone returning to the court weeks before expected and put up 27pts and 12reb in a loss at home to Denver.  It is great to see the best power forward back on the court.
Courtsurfing last night was a true delight as multiple games went to overtime and several players had big big big time games.  The NBA pulsed last night.  Wowza, if only the ball was that good each night!

Full NBA Slate Tonight

Beyond hoping to catch up and overtake in fantasy, tonight should be interesting.  There is an astounding 14 games tonight.  Let's break em down.

Tor/Cha= The Bobcats have a mind boggling 5 wins.  Are Kemba and the Cats a mirage?  Toronto has been brutal this year, leading games early, and finding ways to lose.  Lowry is back.  Will this have an effect and when should Bargnani, Casey or Colangelo be shown the door?

Det/Orl= Yawn

Phi/Cle= Kyrie is hurt, a big blow to the franchise. Can Waiters step up?  The Sixers are winning behind the coaching savy  of Collins and all-star play from Holliday.

Ind/No= Are the Pacers really this bad?  Has Hibbert decided to check in?  Davis has been brilliant but seems a bit injury prone.

Sa/Bos=  Great matchup.  The Spurs keep trucking.  Can the Celts put it together in a showcase game?

Wash/Atl=  How bad can the Wiz be?  Josh Smith needs to turn it on.

Mil/Mian=  Wow, the Bucks are 6-3.  Small chuckers delight!  Miami matches well.

Lac/Okc=  Game of the night.  Seems Clips are up and coming and the Thunder have lost their luster.

Chi/Hou=  Middling teams.

Den/Min=  The Nugs haven't met expectations thus far.  The Wolves have hung in without their stars.

Ny/Dal=  The Knicks are still winning.  When will they return to earth?

Por/Pho=  The Blazers might contend for a the 8th seed in the west.  Phoenix is Nashless.

Lal/Sac=  Game two for D'antoni and the Lakers are piling on the wins after an atrocious start.  When do the Kings blow it up?  Again?

Bro/Gs=  Curry!  Swollen ankles!  Hope the Nets start losing games.

Foooball

Yesterday was supposed to be a quiet day in college football.  That all changed at about 11:30pm.  WOWZA!  Don't think many saw this coming.  Both numbers 1 and 2 lost.  Baylor downed Kansas State and Stanford topped Oregon.  Who needs RG3 or Luck?  Their replacements led impressive upsets of the top teams.  The Stanford D help up against a bumbling all flash Ducks offense.  The Bears steamrolled Colin Klein putting up 52 on the vaunted QB and defense.
So the BCS will change at the top.  My Golden Domer's will claim the top spot.  Notre Dame needs to win against USC, who looked horrendous in losing to UCLA, to advance to Miami for the championship game.  What a year for the Irish.  That is it.  I will no longer jinx the run.
The unfortunate part of yesterdays losses is the SEC teams now move up.  Alabama and Georgia move to 2 and 3 in all likelihood.  The winner of Alabama/Georgia reserves the other place in Miami.  Got it?  Hmm.  Not really.  I can't believe the SEC is back in it.  The BCS seems to disqualify whoever lost last.
Imagine if everyone has 1 loss come selection time for the Championship.  The Sec one loss team will make it versus Oregon or Kansas State.  Let's hope it that never happens!
At least Brian Kelly doesn't have to go one Oprah to espouse the merits of Notre Dame.  Destiny is in their hands!

The NFL became the injured quarterback league last week.  The Steelers looked strong, then Rothlesberger goes down with a rib that might puncture a aorta.  Yikes.  Cutler, Smith, and Vick are all on the sidelines.
Atlanta took the loss last week and appears headed for a carbon copy season.  Regular season success and failure in the playoffs.
New England is fixless in Foxborough.  Closing and the secondary are still issues.  Will Talib have an impact at CB?
Will the Giants recover next week after a bye?
Houston and Chicago both appear to be favorites at this point in the AFC and NFC.
I am interested to see how Denver looks on defense.
What team or teams will make a late season run into playoff or title contention?  Tampa?  Indy?  Dallas?
Finding out should be a pleasure and the push to January starts today.

FYI, Team Gagan is making a playoff push in fantasy football.  Won two in a row to move to 5-5.  Looks like I will need to win out (next 3) to make it.  Very happy Bradshaw and Nicks are on the bye this week.  Luck or RG3 is an issue.  Going with RG3 after a bye, healthy and refocused?  Team Gagan appears to be heavily favored today.  Lets keep it rolling team!