Author Archives: THEDUCK

The Rivalry is Reignited

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

3:00 PM ET, April 20, 2013

Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Eastern Conference 1^st Round

Game 1 – Series tied 0-0

Coverage: ABC

From all the Eastern Conference first round matchups, this is by far the most heated and physical series of them all. These two teams met up last season in the first round with the Celtics sweeping the Knicks in 4 games, something All-Star Carmelo Anthony says he has relived a thousand times over in his head. The Knicks opened their season series with a loss to the Celtics but came back strong winning the following three games. The Knicks ended the regular season winning 15 of 17, defeating many top ranked playoff contenders during this stretch.

This first game will come down to how well the Celtics can rotate their defense and protect the paint, while at the same time covering the three point line. The Knicks will try to slow down the post-game and contain Paul Pierce and KG, who seem to come alive when they play in Madison Square Garden. Boston will need their bench to step up their game when they are on the floor, while controlling the clock will be key to their success. As for the Knicks, they know they can score, they know they can shoot; now they need to make sure they can defend and hold off one of the most experienced teams in the League.

YOUR INSIDE SCOOP…

The Knicks have outplayed the Celtic s in their last three regular season meetings, but the Celtics own the Knicks in postseason play. They know how to push this team harder than the rest when it is needed and they are very unpredictable. You have to shut them all down if you want to win. The Knicks are -5 in this game and against a team like the Celtics, I would say it is insane, take Boston. However, this year, the Celtics have been destroyed by injuries and are just a shell of their old selves. So it is with a heavy heart, that I side with the Public and advise them on New York in this opening game.

Young Guns Looking to Overpower the Veterans

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

8:00 PM ET, April 13, 2013

FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN

Coverage: NBATV

This is more than likely going to be a preview of the first round in the Western Conference playoffs, as the 4^th seeded Clippers take on the 5^th seeded Grizzlies in what can only be described as a battle in the paint. This game is also the last of the regular season for both teams; the Clippers look to win the series 3-1. Memphis lost their first two games in LA but won last week at home and has all the intentions of doing it again here.

The Clippers will look to get the ball down low as they usually do, but that is where this game will get interesting. The Grizzles have one of the best interior defenses in the West, making moving the ball and outside penetration difficult. In my opinion, the Clippers will have to rely much more on their shooting game than their “lob city” game as they are known. The Grizzlies are an older team that needs rest, but they also need to stay limber and gather excitement heading into the playoffs. A win in their last regular season meeting would really help them get into the feeling for round one.

YOUR INSIDE SCOOP…

I know that the Clippers younger, faster and better in transition… but they lack a lot of experience and they don’t have that outside shooter that can get red hot and burn other teams. They are -2.5 in this game and the public is all over them and I can see why. I also know that the Grizzlies are very talented on the inside as well as more experienced, they have a way of turning it on at the right time and I think that they will really cause the Clippers some issues in the post. I like the Grizzlies to tie the series up and use this win as fire for their first round battle.

Tigers Looking Shaky

Detroit Tigers vs. Oakland Athletics

4:05 PM ET, April 13, 2013

O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

The Tigers have the betting public very upset as they have not come out of the gates as strong as people had expected. They have shown some great play through a few innings… but it never seems to last. They have overthrown first base three times so far. Also, little unforced errors have come back to cost them the game. Oakland on the other hand, is picking up right where they left off last season - winning. They have shown great patience at the plate and seem to be working their pitching line up very well, getting fresh closers to come in ready to go.

The Tigers signed out Justin Verlander, the best pitcher in baseball as well as the wealthiest, thanks to a new $250 million, 7 year contract. Verlander has not had the start they expected. He has 2 games under his 2013 belt with a 2.19 ERA, only 11 strikeouts in over 9 innings to go along with a win and a loss. They will need him in this game to come alive and really burry batters at the plate.

Brett Anderson comes to the mount for the Athletics. He is a 5 year veteran with the team. Anderson has shown some really good improvements and had a great season last year. In his first two games he has gone 1-1 with the loss coming at the hands of the teams closer, who allowed two runs in the ninth. Anderson rests behind a 1.38 ERA and 16 strikeouts. The Athletics are 1^st overall in the AL West and are led by Coco Crisp, who has gotten hot with 4 home runs, 6 RBI’s and 11 runs scored so far.

YOUR INSIDE SCOOP…

The line is set and the public could not be happier; Detroit is favored -170. Keep in mind that the line opened at -130 and has been torched all the way up, but the wise guys know why. Playing Oakland in California is a different game and they are red hot looking to prove themselves. Wait till game day and take the Dog at the best price you can find; this will be Verlander’s second loss of the year.

Another Possible Bump in the Road for the Heat

Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs

7:00 PM ET, March 31, 2013

AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX

Coverage: NBATV

The Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich is known for resting his guys at this stage of the season, he knows the importance of healthy bodies on the floor for the postseason. I can guarantee that this is not a game he will want them to rest. They lost to the Heat in their only meeting of the season and they want a little revenge. There is also the fact that they need to make sure they can beat the Heat in case that they meet up in the Finals. (If you ask me, it is likely to happen).

The Heat team is coming off a big time loss to the Bulls… but it’s not the loss that is a big deal. It is the way they lost. They frustrated LeBron to no end and showed other teams how to get under his skin and bother him. It got to the point where he was so frustrated that he got a flagrant foul call for ramming into a set pick to his right side. The Spurs are the same kind of team as the Bulls, they like to grind games out and make teams beat themselves up. The only difference is the Spurs experience and their bench, two of the best in the NBA by far.

Your Inside Scoop:

This game is a pick and at this point playing the total is dangerous, because it all depends on how hard they have to play each other. The public thinks that the Heat will get back on track and follow that loss with a win to show the world it was just one game. I on the other hand, have seen how hard is to beat the Spurs twice in a season back to back. They don’t forget those things and they will look to capitalize on every mistake from Miami. The wise guys are waiting for the line to move to take advantage of any plus money they can get on the Spurs.

Sweet Sixteen Set To Begin

(#3) Marquette Golden Eagles vs. (#2) Miami Florida Hurricanes

7:15 PM ET, March 28, 2013

Verizon Center, Washington, DC

Coverage: CBS

Every basketball fan, regardless of the condition of their bracket, looks forward to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Marquette barely made it past Butler just a few days ago, winning by a last second shot that beat the buzzer. Miami took care of business against Illinois who gave them a decent scare late in the game, making it past one of the remaining Cinderella teams.

Marquette will do whatever is necessary to dictate the tempo of this game. They do not want to get into a running game with Miami because they don’t have the size to keep up under the rim. Marquette will struggle under the rim but they really have to put forth their best effort if they want to pull the upset. Miami has been in the back of everyone’s mind for a while now but I still don’t think they get the respect they deserve. They should have been a #1 seed heading into this tournament. They need to keep the intensity high as well as their ball movement, making the defense really over work to get something done.

Your Inside Scoop:

Miami opened -5 in this game with a lot of the public actually preferring the dog side in this one, they must think that they exposed themselves against Illinois so that will allow Marquette the info needed to beat them. This just is not the case, this Miami team still has a lot to prove and I see them making it to the finals. Take the -5 or buy the hook if it’s gone up; they win this game 76 to 83.

Big East Leaders Looking to End Season With a Bang

Louisville Cardinals vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
7:30 PM ET, November 29, 2012
High Point Solutions Stadium, PISCATAWAY, NJ
Coverage: ESPN/Watch ESPN

As the season is coming to an end and teams set out for what will be their last regular season game of the year, two teams, coming off weekend losses, will battle this Thursday to be sole leader in the Big East Conference.

The Louisville Cardinals once a Top 25 ranked team, seems to have fallen short with just a few games left to play. They suffered their first loss two weeks ago at Syracuse. Then, playing at home last weekend, they lost in triple overtime to Connecticut by a field goal. These losses dropped them in the standings and tying them with Rutgers at 9-2

Rutgers, on the other hand, got their first lost early in the year against Kent State. They have won out until meeting Pittsburgh last week, where they were handed their second loss of the year.

The Cardinals’ QB Teddy Bridgewater is only a sophomore, and has a few years left in him to perfect his art in Louisville. Still, he has thrown this year for a total of 3189 yards with 23 touchdowns and 6 picks. Their offensive leader, running back Senorise Perry, is a junior but I think he will be entering this upcoming NFL Draft. So, don’t expect him back next year.

The Scarlet Knights’ QB Gary Nova really stepped up in his first year as a starter, throwing for 2282 total yards and has 20 touchdowns with 13 interceptions. His favorite target, wideout

Brandon Coleman, a junior, had a career high 37 catches for 563 yards and 9 touchdowns

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are coming off a difficult Conference rival loss to the Panthers on the road, but beat both schools who just beat Louisville. They will have the advantage here, playing at home in front of their fans on the last game for the seniors on the team. It will be a very emotional time.

I expect Rutgers to come out balling in this game in front of their home crowd. I see them winning this game and taking the lead in the Conference, final score Rutgers 27 – Louisville 17.

Dr. Pepper ACC Championship Game

Florida State Seminoles (13) vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
8:00 PM ET, December 1, 2012
Bank of America, CHARLOTTE, NC
Coverage: ESPN/Watch ESPN

Both of these power houses, Florida State and Georgia Tech, are looking to put last week’s losses behind them and end the season as the ACC Conference Champion. The Seminoles are coming off a hard to swallow loss at the hands of their state rival, Florida. The Yellow Jackets experienced the same feeling coming off their loss to state rival, Georgia. The Seminoles have the clear advantage in this game with the better defense and the overall record in ACC play this season at 7-1.

The Florida State Seminoles dropped from 10^th overall to #13 in the polls. A loss in this game would not only put a huge disappointment on the entire season, but could drop them out of rankings all together, making their upcoming recruiting that much more difficult.

For QB EJ Manuel, this will be his last regular season game in college football as well as a Seminole. He is a senior and will be entering the NFL Draft this coming year. He has thrown for 2967 yards and 22 scores to go along with 9 interceptions. He will have to rally his team and hope the defense makes a firm stand against the offense of the Yellow Jackets.

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have really improved their overall run game this season, ranking 3^rd overall with 323.3 yards a game. Their scoring is also up to 36.2 points a game. Unfortunately, QB Tevin Washington really has not had the season he expected, throwing for 1097 yards with 7 scores and 3 picks. Georgia Tech looks to end their season with their first ACC Title win, something they have been close to in the past but have never achieved.

In the end, I still see the Seminoles winning this one for the Senior QB and the Florida State fans around the world. This game ends with Florida State on top 32 to 21.

Panthers Look to Take Down Champions

New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers
8:20 PM ET, September 20, 2012
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Coverage: NFL

Over the last 10 years, the Giants and the Panthers have faced off 6 times during the regular season and playoffs, with the series tied at 3 games apiece. They are usually very high scoring games, so you can expect a shoot-out in this one. Both of these teams lost their season opener but were able to come back and win at home in week 2. There are many things both teams need to address before they can think of standing out over the rest. The books opened this game with the defending Super Bowl Champions favored by 2 and the total set at 52.

The New York Giants are coming off one of the most horrible wins you could imagine. QB Eli Manning threw 3 picks in the first half against Tampa Bay with one returned for a touchdown. The defense could not seem to stop the third down, allowing the Buccaneers to complete 4 of 5. But as usual, the Giants heated up in the fourth quarter and came away with the win. Overall, for the season, Manning is 52 of 83 for 723 yards and 4 touchdowns while Ahmad Bradshaw has carried the ball 22 times for 94 yards and 1 score. The receiving tag team duo of Nicks and Cruz has a combined total of 31 catches for exactly 237 yards apiece and one trip to the end zone each. Unfortunately, until I see more consistency behind Eli, I see the Panthers taking this game from the Giants in a shoot-out. My play here is the dog but the best eye pleaser would have to be over the total. The score has been high in every game they have played. This one is going over.

The Carolina Panthers, who opened their season against the Buccaneers, lost in a bad fashion. They were unable to get anything going on offense while their defense was shredded on every play. They just did not seem ready to play. Against the Saints, it was a different team that showed up, with fire in their eyes and tore up the field. QB Cam Newton was the star. He completed 14 of his 20 passes for 253 yards with 1 passing and 1 rushing touchdown. Now as the Panthers prepare for New York as a 2 point underdog, they will look to accomplish the same thing. Getting out early and never looking back as their defense will be looked upon to really make a stand.

Virginia Tech Plays Week 2 at Home

Austin Peay Governors vs. Virginia Tech Hokies

1:30 PM ET, September 8, 2012
Lane Stadium, BLACKSBURG, VA
Coverage: ESPN3

This is another one of those games that are stacked to one side. It’s almost not even fair that these two programs play each other. I am all for healthy competition, but beat downs just don’t teach you anything. I really wished that the scheduling would make more sense because this is basically giving a team a win and the other a loss. I know they say anything can happen. But really, last week a team lost 84 to 0 (Savannah St. / Oklahoma St.). That is not a game and the odds for this match will be astronomical.

The Austin Peay Governors are not in for a treat when they travel to Virginia to take on the Hokies. This game will be one of the most one sided games of the year. I know they will play hard and they will try their best, but the level of players and play is incomparable. The Governors lost their season opener at the hands of Western Kentucky, giving up 49 points to a team whose win could be the only one of the season.

The Virginia Tech Hokies won’t be looking forward to this game. It could almost be considered a pre-season game. I would say that it is the best time to play all the bench players and get them time on the field, while protecting your starters. This is not a game you need important players getting hurt. I just hope that they don’t run up the score and keep it respectful. I am sure that the Hokies have had scrimmages with themselves that have been more demanding than this game.

Notre Dame Suspends Two More

Whoever thought that Notre Dame Football came before rules and regulations as well as conduct, has another thing coming. Just ask suspended quarterback Tommy Rees. Rees, along with linebacker, Carlo Calabrese, got into a scuffle with a police officer during the offseason and was suspended for the season opener against Navy in Dublin, Ireland. Now we hear of another two players who have just been suspended for the first two games of the regular season… starting running back, Cierre Wood, and defensive end, Justin Utupo. It was unclear exactly what had happened with these two players. Coach Brian Kelly simply said that they had both violated the team’s rules and that is why they were being suspended.

This is a huge blow to the starting core of this football team. They have been under heavy scrutiny over their last few seasons for what some say is poor play. Of course, their difficult game schedule has not helped them in any way. Wood, who was their leading rusher last season, ran for 1102 yards and had nine touchdowns. What will really be missed is his 3^rd down efficiency…he is 90% with 5 yards or less in third down situations. Theo Riddick who played both running back and wideout last year will take Wood’s place for the first two games.

Utupo has seen mostly special teams action over his career with Notre Dame, so that will not be as much of an impact as the loss of Wood. Still, this means 4 starters have been suspended for Notre Dame’s first game. As much as I hate to say this, because I am all for second chances, I love that a power house like Notre Dame is risking so much for core values. That is the type of school I would like my kids to attend. Besides the first game overseas against Navy, both Wood and Utupo will also miss the September 8^th game at home against Purdue.

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