STONE COLD LEAD PIPE DOCKS - WEEK 12

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here is one small play I will be doing today on Turkey Day, just to keep things interesting. I will have my regular Sunday picks up later. I really wanted to bet on the Giants today, but I swore if they didn't cover for me last week, that I wouldn't bet on them again. Knowing my luck, this will be the week they cover. Hope you guys have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Vik's Thanksgiving Bonus Pick:

2 Team 7pt Teaser:

Lions +18 Lions/Packers over 41

I know everyone is on the Packers today, but I like this teaser. Staff, CJ, KSmith and co. really showed me some heart last week in that come from behind victory. And I know it was vs the Browns, but still, that was awesome. With Staff and CJ suiting up today, I see them at least keeping this game respectable. This Lions squad doesn't seem like your old Lions anymore, and I see them at least playing hard today. I also see both teams putting up a lot of points, because both D's are really banged up. GB will take care of their share, but will the Lions? I never thought I would say this, but let's go Lions!

Here are the rest of our picks...

Vik's Pix:
(Last Week 1-5 + Thanksgiving Pick)
(Overall 22-19-1)

Dolphins -3
I know the Bills play people tough, but they have some bad matchups in this game. They also have a lot of key injuries to their squad. The Fins have a top 12 run Defense, and on top of that the Bills OLine is banged up badly, which will affect their running game. On the flip side, the Bills have one of the worst rush defenses, and to add insult to injury, they are missing their best DT, in Stroud. This is not good vs an awesome run Offense, in the Fins. I know the loss of Ronnie Brown was huge, but the Fins have two other good running backs in Ricky Williams and Hilliard. I also got to give it to up to Henne, the kid is winning important ball games. They are still in the playoff hunt, so I see them winning this game by at least a TD.

Texans +3
I don't know, but year in and year out, game in and game out, I love the Texans and always pick them. I feel bad for this squad, because I thought they deserved to win the past few weeks, but both CBreezy's let them down. The Texans have played the Colts tough in the past, so hopefully they can do it in this one. I know the Colts have a nice pass D, but they are without their best corner Hayden. Bears fans, remember he picked off Sexy Rexy in the SB? This game will be a shootout, so it will be fun to watch. Like the Ravens, now with their season on the line, they need to win this game. Let's go MATT BALDO SCHAUB!!! For the Texans, and for my fantasy teams!

Ravens -2
I really doubt Big Ben is going to play this game, so I'm putting this bet in early. He really looked lost in overtime last week, and I don't think the Steelers risk his health by playing him today. Without Big Ben, this is a totally different Steelers squad on offense. And if Dixon starts, the Steelers might try to rely on Mendenhall, who is normally solid, but is a bad matchup this week vs the Ravens run defense. On top of that, the Steelers are already missing their QB of the defense, in Troy P. Their defense has not been the same when he has been in there. For the Ravens, this is a must win. They have lost some really tough games, and if they want to make the playoffs, they will need to win this game, plain and simple.

Redskins +9
I want to take the Eagles in this one because this solid Skins D is banged up, but I'm going against all my normal matchup thoughts in this one and am just taking the pts. I will always take 10 pts in a tough divisional matchup. After I figured the Skins were dead this year, they have showed me a lot of heart. I hate Zorn, and I know Haynesworth and Hall might be out, but I still can't pick against the Skins in this one. I'm liking the pts. because I saw the Eagles barely beat my bad Bears team. I'm thinking this is a grind it out kind of division game that ends in a FG.

Jags -3
This looks like a battle of two squads headed in different directions. The Jags look like they have turned their season around, while the Niners are sputtering out of control. I thought after the Niners beat the Bears, they could string together some wins, but that hasn't been the case. Just shows how sad the Bears are too. Sad... Anyways, without Takeo Spikes being in, I see MJD having a nice day. The kid is a sick football player, and look for him to carry this Jags squad on his back today. The Niners have a lot of injuries in their secondary, so I see the Jags taking their shots down the field. Their OLines and DLines are also playing better, big things for me, so I will take them to cover in this one.


Suman's Pix:
(Last Week 1-4)
(Overall 31-26)

Packers -11

This is a direct result of the rule that bad teams don't know how to maintain success. The Lions are a bad team still. It doesn't help that rookie stud Matt Stafford is out for this one. But teams like the Lions generally don't put together 2 straight good weeks, especially on a short week. They played in the NFL's game of the year thus far, and played courageously while rallying from a 21 point deficit. But I think they get stomped this week by a Packers team that is rolling on offense. While Green Bay did lose 2 important cogs on defense for the year, I think their offense will be too much for the Lions on Turkey Day.

Bengals -14

The Browns looked pretty good on offense last week. Actually real good. Besides their last drive of the game, they pretty much did what they want when they wanted to against the Lions. But lets be honest, the Lions D is pathetic to begin with and was suffering from an injury-depleted secondary. I'm using the same theory as the Packers/Lions game in that I don't think the Browns can pull the covers over our eyes for 2 weeks in a row. This is a bad team as well. Plus you add the fact that the Bengals lost a game they shouldn't have....and I think the Bengals dominate this one.

Redskins +9

I don't really have any viable reasons for picking this game other than I don't see any other lines I like, and when in doubt I choose divisional games. I think this may be too many points to give in a rivalry game like this, between two average teams. Its true the Skins running game is injury-altered, but I think Rock Cartwright is a good runner. The defense played well last week against Dallas even without Albert Haynesworth. The Eagles played decently against the Bears. But they didn't play so amazing that you were blown away. It was nice to see Mike Vick bust that one long run, but is this wildcat really working?

Colts -3

This has more to do with how deflating that loss was against the Titans than anything else. That was a must win for the Texans, and they choked. I think they stumble outta the blocks in this one. Peyton is 14-1 against the Texans in his career, and at this point the Texans don't seem like big money players. I'll take Peyton in this one. How impressive was that win in Baltimore that week. I really think we are watching the greatest quarterback of all-time right now in his prime. It's amazing, and I'll definitely watch this game on Sunday.

Bears +10.5

See the write-up for the Skins/Eagles game. There is no reason to pick this game. But I think the Bears will keep this division game close. Jay Cutler could not have played any worse last week. The Bears definitely could have won that game against the Eagles with some average throws from Cutler, but he was throwing some horrid passes. The defense is semi-struggling without their big dawg, but its still making plays. Brett Favre has been magic in the dome, but for some reason I feel the Bears keeping this one close.

Ip's Pix:
(Last Week 2-2-1)
(Overall 23-23-2)

Chargers (-14) - the Bolts are rolling baby! Vik hates on the Chargers and my guy Rivers but this team always makes a run at the end of the season. look for LT and Co. to roll on the Chiefs, who do play hard but will not knwo what hit them this Sunday. Bolts by 17.

Ravens (-2) - This is the defining moment for both the Ravens and Steelers. The Steelers have become quite pass happy and are having trouble keeping Big Ben's jersey clean. This game is going to be a classic grind it out slug fest but I believe the Ravens will prevail. I also think Big Ben will not finish the game. Ravens by 7.

Saints (-1.5) - Pats and Saints is gonna be fun to watch. To offenses that can light it up and WILL light it up. I just don't see anyone slowing down the Saints. They have such harmony in the way they play right now that it they can win whatever style of game it is. Plus the Superdome is just impossible for road teams. Look for the Saint to win by 10.

Colts (-3.5) - the Colts have been good to me all year and I will show faith in them even though this seems like a trap game. manning will find a way and will cover the spread. Colts by 6.

Redskins (+9) - NFC East games are tough battles, and I just think 9 points is too much to be giving the Redskins. I think the Eagles will win but it will be by a much slimmer margin. Take the Skins here.

Gluck everyone. Stop in with your thoughts or comments...

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REPLAY/Gatorade Airing 11/29

This is a pretty cool idea. If you guys have any other good rivalries you can think of for them to replay, definitely sent the ideas in. I know you Chicago and Ohio guys will know of some good ones...

The Gatorade Company and FOX Sports Net (FSN) have announced a national broadcast and digital partnership to build on the success of REPLAY, the popular original program created by Gatorade that restages classic games from great sports rivalries. Seasons Two and Three of REPLAY will also air nationally on FSN with extended programming in the featured rivalries’ regional networks.

On Sunday, November 29, at 9:00 p.m. (check local listings), FSN affiliates nationwide will premiere a one hour special on REPLAY Season One: the Easton Area Red Rovers vs. the Phillipsburg Stateliners. The game was the 104th meeting between two of the nation’s biggest high school football rivals and settled their 1993 game that ended in a 7-7 tie.

If you’d like images, they can be found at http://www.stylewiz.com/mnr/gatorade/replay-launch-01.html

What’s cool about this is that if you know of other rivalries you want Gatorade to bring together, we’re going to accept submissions after the show airs.

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DERRICK ROSE DUNKS ON GREG ODEN

Guess who is back!!



DROSE finally getting his explosion back...
GO DROSE!!! GO BULLS!!!

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NBA POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 4

And we're back with our fourth installment of our NBA power rankings. For the 2009-10 season, we here at Docksquad Sports will be doing a weekly power rankings in collaboration with our friends over at Cavalier Attitude.

We'll give you our take on all 30 teams in the NBA, and we will rank them every week as decided by our very own NBA committee.

The committee consists of myself (Vik Chokshi), Suman Vellanki (also from DSS), as well as Amar Panchmatia and Rahul Phanindra from Cavalier Attitude. Teams will be ranked for their performance through last Sunday, and the previous week's ranking will be listed after these initial rankings.

Tip-Off:

1. (9) Orlando Magic (11-3)

• The Magic are playing good, consistent basketball right now, which is pretty much what all of us expected before the season began. Loosing Jameer with a knee injury does hurt them, but White Chocolate is filling in nicely in the meantime. Also, getting Shard back is a huge boost for this Magic squad. (VC)

2. (3) Lakers (10-3)

• Gasolina back in the game. Sorry players. The champs are rolllllllllin'. (RP)

3. (2) Phoenix (11-3)

• The NBA's top rated offensive team is shooting the 3-ball at an amazing 44% thus far. They have an inexplicable loss to the Hornets to go along with losses to the top 2 teams in this week's poll. A nice start for Amar'e but how is he only averaging 7.6 rebounds per game? Questions remain about how this team will fare against the elite. (SV)

4. (1) Atlanta Hawks (11-3)

• Didn't really do much to deserve getting hammered in the power rankings (although fourth is still pretty freaking good), but they were Orlando's you-know-what last season. The Magic's sudden resurgence just shows that the Hawks still have to beat D-Howard's crew before sitting pretty atop the entire league for more than a week. (AP)

5. (3) Dallas Mavs (10-3)

• I don't think a lot of us expected the Mavs to be this good, at least I didn't. But Dirk is flat out BOC(ballin' on cats) right now, JKidd and the JET are doing their thing, and the team seems to be playing a lot better on the defensive side of the ball this year. BTW, who is this Beaubois kid? Got to give the kid some props, as he is playing solid basketball right now. (VC)

6. (7) Cleveland (10-4)

• Bound to rip off a 10-11 game streak at some point. Did Shaq really juke the Wiz because of Gilbert? (RP)

7. (4) Boston (10-4)

• A tough team to figure out this season as they have looked incredible yet also vulnerable (losses to Atlanta, Phoenix, Orlando and nearly the Knicks in the last 12 days). Will be interesting to see if there is any lingering affect to Rajon Rondo being benched for nearly the entire 4th quarter against the Hawks. With Rasheed struggling thus far the C's desperately need Big Baby back as they rank 29th in the league in rebounding. (SV)

8. (6) Denver Nuggets (9-4)

• The Nuggets were riding high after spanking the Lakers in the face two Fridays ago, but they fell in this week's rankings after an embarrassing loss to L.A.'s other team, the Clippers. The Clips have some talent, but if you're a team looking to make the jump like Denver, you can't lose to these guys despite 37 points from Carmelo Anthony. (AP)

9. (11) Milwaukee Bucks (8-3)

• The Bucks seem to be proving all the haters wrong so far, including myself. They continue to win even despite two of their best players in Bogut and Redd being injured. Don't look now, but Coach Skiles is working his magic with another young team, AGAIN. Skiles is a legitimate COY canidate right now. (VC)

10.(8) Portland (10-5)

• Unexciting wins against three garbage (Pistons,Bulls and Warriors) teams. Why are they even ranked this high? (RP)

11. (10) Miami (8-5)

• Terrible week for the Heat ended on a bright note with a 1 point victory against the Hornets. Injuries hurt, especially D-Wade's finger, and they just looked lifeless until a strong 2nd half against the Raptors. They lost the game, but regained some confidence and beat the Hornets the next game. Michael Beasley logging some quality minutes, but is still marred by inconsistency. (SV)

12. (12) Houston Rockets (8-6)

• Talk about a stranglehold -- the Rox are 12 in our rankings for a third consecutive week. This team is just so hard to gauge, as last-second losses like the one to Atlanta and "good" losses like the one to Phoenix last week make it hard for this team to make the leap. Now T-Mac once back in, but if the Rockets are wise, they'll keep him as far away from this inspiring group as possible. (AP)

13. (20) Utah Jazz (7-6)

• The Jazz finally look like they are getting back on track, after a couple of nice wins last week. Getting DWill back healthy,and playing at home definitely helped. They also won at San Antonio for the first time in ten years. Now comes the hard part, let's see if they can stay injury free. (VC)

14. (15) Oklahoma City (7-7)

• Does KD still have a wack PER and/or +/-? Westbrook is more fun to watch. (RP)

15. (16) Chicago (6-6)

• A 1-2 start on the Circus Trip low lighted by blowout losses to the Lakers and Nuggets. Derrick Rose doesn't look like the ROY he was last year, but is still rounding into shape after his ankle injury. Joakim Noah is quietly putting together a potentially All-Star type of season. (SV)

16. (18) San Antonio Spurs (6-6)

• Such a colossal disappointment. Everyone pegged them as an elite team going into this season, but they have so many question marks now. Dallas has blown by them as the class of the division, and the Mavericks' overtime win last Wednesday put the hurt on San Antonio. This is also a team that never ever lost to Utah and has now lost to the Jazz twice this season. (AP)

17. (13) Indiana Pacers (5-6)

• They drop 4 spots from last week. This is a young team, and it is showing in streaks. They started off the year terribly, but then went on a nice run, all to have it come crumbling down with a recent losing streak. They do have some talent on this squad, led by Granger, so I look for this team to make some noise. The only problem is, I don't see that happening until next year. Until then, get ready for some growing pains. (VC)

18. (14) Sacramento (5-7)

• Ew, 0-3 last week. Who put them this high? (RP)

19. (17) Toronto (6-8)

• Same old story with the Raps....an exciting offense and a porous defense. At this point I have to ask...is Chris Bosh elite enough to carry a team or will he bail ship to join forces with a superstar who can? (SV)

20. (26) New Orleans Hornets (6-9)

• Possible Ewing Theory situation here? Chris Paul goes down, and the Hornets suddenly start beating teams they have no business beating. Dropped juggernauts Phoenix and Atlanta last week and came within a point of upending Miami. (AP)

21. (19) Detroit Pistons (5-9)

• After starting out a respectable 5-5, the Pistons seem to have hit a wall, losing their last four games. I know they played some tough teams, and are short handed, so that may be the cause for their recent skid. I still think they have too many of the same players,and no bigs, but GWS(guess we'll see). (VC)

22. (22) Philadelphia (5-8)

• Most jacked team in the league. Brand finally starting to do something after Speights went down. (RP)

23. (21) Los Angeles Clippers (5-9)

• Did you catch the Clippers/Nuggets game on ESPN last Friday? That team that dominated the Nuggets was the same one that lost back-to-back to the Hornets and Grizzlies right before that win. When Blake Griffin comes back he will team up with DeAndre Jordan and Chris Kaman to form one of the better front courts in basketball. It's also time Kaman gets some All-Star pub (averaging 21 a game!) (SV)

24. (24) Charlotte Bobcats (4-9)

• I have no idea where this wayward squad is headed. The only reason they're not ranked lower (and 24th is low enough) is because they drilled a Pacers team on Sunday night to snap a seven-game losing streak. (AP)

25. (25) Washington Wizards (3-9)

• I think we all thought the Wizards would bounce back this year with the return of Agent 0. There's just one problem with that thought though, who kidnapped GILBERT ARENAS? The Hibachi has been put out, as Arenas is struggling with his shooting. Can him and the Whiz turn it around? Jamison did just get back, so let's see if Hibachi can heat up, and Butler and Jamison can do their thing. (VC)

26. (23) Golden State (4-8)

• Salvaged an 0-2 week with a win against the Blazers. No clue where Nellie and this team are headed. (RP)

27. (27) Memphis (4-9)

• The Grizz don't deserve comments this week. I mean I'm all for racist jokes when its done in jest, but come on man. (SV)

28. (29) New York Knicks (3-10)

• The Knicks move up a spot from 29th to 28th by proving on the court that they're better than the Nets. But not by much, frighteningly. Pretty ironic that the NBA schedules Knicks/Nets on the same weekend the NFL has Browns/Lions. (AP)

29. (28) Minnesota TWolves (1-12)

• Unfortunately there isn't much I can say about this squad right now, as they are getting waxed in pretty much every game. Hopefully this young team can get healthy again and just stick with it, so that they can at least be respectable when they get on the court. (VC)

30. (30) New Jersey (0-13)

• "I'm slippin', I'm fallin, I can't get up." Sorry about pulling a New Jersey and mailing this rankings column in. I'm half-dead. Again, like the Nets. (RP)

Please hit us up with your comments or thoughts...

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KOBE BRYANT BEHIND THE BACKBOARD SHOT

Two words for you...

KOBE FOO

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STONE COLD LEAD PIPE DOCKS - WEEK 11

Entourage Combo!!!

What's up playaz. Good luck this week on all your wagers. If you need any wager lines, check out all the NFL lines, College Football lines, and College Basketball Lines at Doc Sports.

Vik's Pix:
(Last Week 3-3)
(Overall 21-14-1)

Chargers -4
This is a game featuring two teams heading in opposite directions. I'm glad I got this bet in earlier in the week, because it looks like KO isn't going to be playing in this game. Which is exactly why I put this bet in early. Chris Simms arm just isn't big enough to burn this Chargers D. The Chargers secondary will lock up the Bronco's wideouts, and Rivera will blitz Simms all day. Rivers showed me something a few weeks ago, and I will stick with him in this one. And let's be real, who are you going to take, Rivers or Simms? I see the Chargers actually running more often in this game, since the Broncos run D is weaker then their pass D. Chargers win this game by a TD and take control of the division.

Steelers -10
We all know how the Steelers react usually after they lose a game right? They ALWAYS WAX! So I bet they were foaming at the mouth this week to play this Chiefs team, who will be without their best offensive weapon in DBowe. The Chiefs O Line is already bad, but imagine them now vs this Steelers D. They will blitz all day, and Cass will be on his back all game long. And who's going to burn this Steelers D for the Chiefs? Jamal Charles? Chris Chambers? CHILD PLEASE! PITTS #1 Run D! Also look for the Steelers to pound the ball on the ground vs the Chiefs. They have the 27th ranked Rush D. Pitts by a lot!

Giants -6
The Giants have burned me a few times this year, so if they don't cover this spread, I WILL NEVER BET ON THEM AGAIN!!! I see them coming out strong this week, after their bye week. The Falcons are struggling, and I see that trend continuing this week without one of their best offensive players in Turner the Burner. To add to that, Roddy White is hobbled this week too. Also, their D has really been letting them down, and I see that continuing this week. For the Giants, I know they have pretty much every single player back this week, except for Pierce, and that is huge. Injuries have killed them, so let's see if they can turn it around this week. The bye week gave Eli a week to rest his foot, and he says he is feeling a lot better this week, so I think that will be a huge difference maker vs this suspect Falcons pass D. They are ranked 28th vs the pass. The Falcons also have a weak run D, so look for the Giants to pound them on the ground with Jacobs in this one.

Cards -9
The Rams played good D last weekend, but now are dealing with injuries to 5 outta their 6 top defensive linemen. Kurt Warner is coming home to play on the turf that made him famous. I see this Cards O lighting up this injured Rams D. It will be Fitz, Boldin, and Breaston all day. The Rams are 25th vs the pass. The Cards are also getting LB Hayes back this week, which is huge because he was the key to their run D. The reason the Rams were able to almost pull off the upset last week was because SJax was able to carry them on his back. I don't see him being able to do that this week, and the Rams being able to rule the T.O.P. I see the Cards scoring early and often, and them winning by two touchdowns.

TB +11
I don't know why I'm doing this, but I think the Bucs give the Saints a good game in this one. I think the Saints missing Reggie Bush does hurt their offensive gameplan. He has been quietly playing well, and been helping the Saints offensive scheme. I also see Colston not having a huge day, because he is going up against Bucs' tight CB Talib. The Saints D is also really banged up, which is one of the main reasons I'm taking the pts. in this one. For TB, this Josh Freeman kid is really playing well. And with the Saints missing their two starting corners, I see him having a decent game. I also see the Bucs being able to run the ball because ever since the Saints lost Ellis, they have been getting torched on the ground. I think the Bucs keep this game close.

Suman's Pix:
(Last Week 1-4)
(Overall 30-22)

Steelers -10

Gotta love this matchup and line for the Steelers. Historically, coming off a loss the Steelers are an extremely tough team to beat. Coming off a sound defeat to their division rival Bengals, the Steelers should be pissed off. Even if Troy Polamalu doesn't play, the Steelers defense should take out their frustrations on an anemic Chiefs offense that won't have its top playmaker in D-Bowe. Jamaal Charles plays well when he is the focus of the Chiefs offense, but I can't see him doing that against the Steelers D this week. One of my rules throughout the years has been to never pick against the Chiefs at Arrowhead because its such a tough place to play. But I see Big Ben getting on track, the Steelers pounding the rock with Mendenhall, and coming away with a big win in this one.

Buccaneers +11

I love what I'm seeing with the freshman, Josh Freeman, so far. I was at the Dolphins game last week, and got to see him first hand. I even deleted my Browns franchise on Madden, and started one with him because I have a sports crush on him. He isn't the fastest guy on the field, but he's mobile enough. He has a killer arm. And I think most of all he's a "gamer." He just has "it." Even though the defense ended up failing them, he brought the Bucs back last week when they looked dead. I think this is too many points to be giving to a divisional foe at home, even when that foe is the Saints. The Saints secondary is banged up. They kind of faltered last week, and struggled with the Rams. I think the Bucs keep this game close, in Tampa.

Giants -6.5

With the Giants in their worst slump in 2 years, this game is a must win. They are coming off a bye week, and I'm sure they'll come out fired up in front of the home folks. The Falcons have been playing really bad, especially Matt Ryan. I don't think this is the week he busts out of it. The Giants secondary should be as healthy as its been all year. Plus the Falcons have a notoriously small defensive line (pause) so I think the Giants will try to pound Brandon Jacobs (pause) early and often to finally get him going. Then look for Ahmad Bradshaw to break 1 or 2 runs. Eli hasn't been playing great either. At least one of these QB's has to break out this week right? I'll take Eli at home.

Vikings -10.5

The Vikings are playing as well as anybody in the NFL. The Seahawks are coming off lackluster game against the Cardinals in which Kurt Warner balled, and Beanie Wells ran all over them. I think A-Pete can do the same thing this week. Gotta love the way Brett Favre is playing in the dome too. If the Seahawks struggled with the Cardinals pass rush what is going to happen when the hillbilly Jared Allen is let loose? I think the Vikings romp in this one.

Jaguars -9

Maurice Jones-Drew deserves some serious MVP consideration if this run that the Jaguars are on continues. He is almost willing this team to victory each week alone, as the Jags are now 5-4 after a dismal start. The David Garrard to Mike Sims-Walker connection is back on track. And the Jags defense is even playing respectably. Meanwhile, the Bills are in turmoil after firing their head coach this week. You know I love to pick teams who are lost. Whoever the new coach is is starting Ryan Fitzpatrick over Trent Edwards too...somewhere T.O. is crying right now.

IP's Pix: - Sorry no writeups this week...

(Last week 3-2)
(Overall 21-21-1)

Cowboys -10
Cincy -9
SF +6
Chargers -4
Colts -1

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TOTALLY BULLS 80'S FT. NOAH, ROSE, THOMAS, GRAY, AND HINRICH

Check out this hilarious video...



You're killing me Stacey King!!! HAHAH

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NBA POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 3

And we're back for our third installment of power rankings. For the 2009-10 season, we here at Docksquad Sports will be doing a weekly power rankings in collaboration with our friends over at Cavalier Attitude.

We'll give you our take on all 30 teams in the NBA, and we will rank them every week as decided by our very own NBA committee.

The committee consists of myself (Vik Chokshi), Suman Vellanki (also from DSS), as well as Amar Panchmatia and Rahul Phanindra from Cavalier Attitude. Teams will be ranked for their performance through last Sunday, and the previous week's ranking will be listed after these initial rankings.

Tip-Off:

1. (6) Atlanta Hawks (9-2)

• No Ordinary Joe and Co. keep it movin' on this five-game winning streak with wins at Boston and a second win this season against AP's Blazers. Y'all slept on my boy, JC, but he's a virtual lock for 6th Man of the Year at 18 ppg. Sorry. (RP)
  

2. (1) Phoenix Suns (9-2)

• Got back on track against Toronto after getting shelled by the Lakers. Steve Nash may be early leader for the MVP, and the Suns brass look like geniuses with the Channing Frye signing. Steve Kerr has already proved that he is willing to roll the dice on a trade so it will be interesting to see if he does it again this year, after last year's Shaq debacle, if the Suns are in still playing this well later in the season. (SV)

3. (7) Dallas Mavericks (8-3)

• Man, can these guys score points in bunches. Remember when they came back from 14 or something down in the fourth to beat Utah a few weeks ago? Well, they did it again against Houston last week, turning a double-digit deficit right before halftime into blowout win. (AP)

4. (2) Boston Celtics (8-3)

• Not a good week for the Celts, with back to back losses to the Hawks and the Pacers. But even after that, they are still first in their division. I think they know they are that good, and are just coasting right now. Big Baby will definitely give them a boost later in the season when he gets back. (VC)

5. (3) Los Angeles Lakers (7-3)

• Ugly last couple of games, but we'll give the champs the benefit of the doubt, since Denver is really good, Kobe is hurt and Pau is MIA. They also deserve a small bit of credit for dispatching last week's #1, Phoenix Suns. What happened to the Machine though? Must have made a deal with the Devil to poke Maria. (RP)
  

6. (8) Denver Nuggets (7-3)

• The Nugs struggled at their end of their early season road trip losing 3 out of the last 4. However, they bounced back nicely by thrashing the Lakers. Melo is averaging nearly 30 ppg, and Ty Lawson may be the fastest man on earth. (SV)

7. (10) Cleveland Cavaliers (7-3)

• Remember how the national media was jacking it to the Cavs' 0-2 start not too long ago? Well, since then the Cavaliers are 7-1, with their one loss being by a point to Chicago. Cleveland is 4-0 since inserting J.J. Hickson into the starting lineup, where he's averaging 13.3 points per game. (AP)

8. (11) Portland Trail Blazers (8-4)

• The Blazers went 4-0 last week, and even though they played some of the weaker teams in the L, they took care of business like they should. That to me is pretty impressive for a young basketball team. They have a tougher week this week, so let's see how they do. (VC)

9. (5) Orlando Magic (8-3)

• Up and down of late with ugly losses against OKC and Cleveland. Let's see what happens with Rashard the Roider back in the game. Only time will tell. (RP)
  

10. (4) Miami Heat (7-2)

• The Heat get docked this week for losing their showdown with the Cavs. They followed up that loss with an unconvincing win against the lowly Nets. Michael Beasley is stepping his game up, and is now getting his shot attempts as Wade's clear cut #2. DWade is right there with Nash as early season MVP leader. (SV)

11. (13) Milwaukee Bucks (5-3)

• Two words for you kids: Young. Money. How does Brandon Jennings go for 55 -- one short of LeBron's career-high 56 -- in like his seventh game ever in the NBA? And this cat just turned 20. Seriously? Hey Knicks, forgot about free agency, how do y'all feel about passing up on Young Money for whoever the hell y'all picked? (AP)

12. (12) Houston Rockets (6-4)

• I've got to give this team some credit because I thought they would end the year as one of the worst teams in the game. But they are picking up where they left off last year after TMac and Yao went down, playing everyone tough, and like a team. The Rockets got a huge win on Sunday vs the Lakers too. Ariza and Brooks are fun to watch too. Can they keep this up? (VC)

13. (23) Indiana Pacers (4-3)

• Believe it or not, they are doing all this without T.J. Ford or the best three-point shooter/rebounder combo man in the NBA, Troy Murphy. I caught some of their game against the Celts over the weekend and remember thinking, "Wow, they are starting four reserves on any other team." Lo and behold they smacked Boston in convincing fashion. (RP)
  

14. (14) Sacramento Kings (5-4)

• Ladies and Gents get to know Jason Thompson (twitter.com/JTthekid). The second year man finished his rookie season strongly, and is following that up by averaging 15 and 10 thus far. Tyreke Evans is making everyone look stupid for doubting him, and the team is playing like it has something to prove every night. (SV)

15. (15) Oklahoma City Thunder (5-5)

• Absolutely no movement from the Thunder as they are so tough to gauge. They played the Kings and Clippers twice last week, splitting both games between each foe. Raging water cooler debate: Is Kevin Durant simply the next T-Mac? (AP)

16. (9) Chicago Bulls (5-4)

• Even though they are at 5-4, I'm really liking what I am seeing from my Bullies. They are playing a lot better on the defensive side of the ball this year, and the effort is there from everyone in every single game. Noah is beasting, and Deng is playing great too. I can't wait until DRose gets healthy, and Salmons heats up. The dreaded circus trip starts this week, hopefully we can play .500 ball on this trip. If they do, watch out for the Bulls. (VC)

17. (17) Toronto Raptors (5-5)

• The Raps continue to dwell in mediocrity. Not quite sure if will be able to play the defense necessary of a playoff caliber team. (RP)
  

18. (19) San Antonio Spurs (4-4)

• The Spurs have yet to win a road game this season, and are looking like the old dogs a lot of people figured they'd be. A bit unlucky as they lost Manu on the night they got back Duncan and Parker. Tim Duncan is only averaging 15.8 ppg thus far. I'd imagine that would be a career low for him, but I'm too lazy to research. (SV)

19. (22) Detroit Pistons (5-5)

• Beat two bottom feeders in Charlotte and Washington before losing to Dallas. They'll have a rough test starting Tuesday night when they visit Staples to play the Lakers, then fly north along the West Coast for a date with the Blazers at the Rose Garden on Wednesday. Then we'll know more about them. (AP)

20. (18) Utah Jazz (4-6)

• This team frustrates me so much because I love DWill(nh), and because they have so much talent, but they can never put it together. Or stay healthy, for that matter. I'm starting to give up hope on the fact that this team can be an elite team in the West by the end of the year. If this keeps up, look for Boozer to get dealt soon. (VC)

21. (20) Los Angeles Clippers (4-7)

• Partially made up for an ugly week by getting one back in OKC. The hope is that they remain competitive until Griffin makes his return. The last few spots out West are pretty wide open. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! (RP)

22. (16) Philadelphia 76ers (4-6)

• It's been a slow tumble down the CA/DSS power poll for the Sixers. Their only wins in the last two weeks have been against the Nets. The Mareese Speights injury (out 6-8 weeks) is huge because that leaves them with an extremely thin front court. Look for them to give a Jrue Holiday a turn at point guard sooner rather than later. (SV)

23. (26) Golden State Warriors (3-6)

• Finally cut the cord with Stephen Jackson. Will it be addition by subtraction, like Ricky Davis was with the Cavs back in LeBron's rookie year? We'll find out since the Dubs pretty much got nothing much back in return for Jax. (AP)

24. (21) Charlotte Bobcats (3-7)

• 0-3 last week, and it doesn't get any easier this week vs the Magic, Sixers, and the upstart Bucks. They seem to have some talented pieces, but it doesn't look like this team will ever put it together. It might be time to blow this thing up, yet again. MJ stop playing golf and hitting up Miami, and do something about your squad! (VC)

25. (24) Washington Wizards (2-7)

• The Wizards suck. Sure, Jamison is out, but a 6-game losing streak is inexcusable for a veteran club. The future is bleak, except for Andray Blatche, he has a nice game. (RP)

26. (25) New Orleans Hornets (3-8)

• The only team I can think of that fired its coach during the season and still made the playoffs are the Sixers last year. If CP3's ankle sprain is severe the season is already over. They may not win a game for weeks. (SV)

27. (27) Memphis Grizzlies (2-8)

• Underrated bit regarding the Grizzlies' decision on Monday to release Allen Iverson: The team can no longer worry about setting the single season record for fewest assists. (AP)

28. (28) Minnesota TimberWolves (1-10)

• 0-4 last week. Without Love and Jefferson, this team just isn't talented enough to compete. At least this lets Flynn get some tick and develop. (VC)

29. (29) New York Knicks (1-9)

• This team is just depressing. With a -9.7 point differential, it is plain to see that they simply do not compete. Sorry about y'all picking Jordan Hill over Young Money. (RP)

30. (30) New Jersey (0-10)

• The poor Nets are 3/3 in being the bottomfeeders of our power poll. They lost in heart-breaking fashion to the Heat on Saturday night, losing on a D-Wade buzzer beater. HUGE showdown with the Knicks on Saturday night...the world will be watching. (SV)

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CHARLES TILLMAN ON WHY YOU SHOULD BE AN ORGAN DONOR

Chicago Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman has tackled a lot in his life. But nothing was more difficult than having to watch his daughter Tiana wait for a lifesaving heart transplant. In September 2008, Tiana received her special gift. Once battling for her life, Tiana now runs around and plays like any other healthy child. Recognizing the dire need for action, Charles has joined forces with Donate Life Illinois to become a strong advocate for the donation community.

Currently, more than 4,700 Illinois residents and 104,000 people nationwide are waiting for lifesaving organ transplants. There is an easy solution to helping save these lives — register to be an organ and tissue donor. Each and every day, Donate Life Illinois works tirelessly to educate the public about the issue and encourage donor registrations.

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SERENA WILLIAMS IN CHICAGO

Serena Williams was in Chicago last week meeting with a scientist from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute in Chicago. Williams is one of several athletes Gatorade is working with to test new products coming out in 2010.

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HITE'S MUSINGS - by RYAN WILLHITE

“In due course, every rebel-without-a-cause finds himself either succumbing to the status quo, or, sadly, losing a war that they can never win.”

-Some Wise Man

I was in 10^th grade in Long Island at my friend Nick’s house when I first felt chills from a rock song. As a quick primer, I was born and raised as a hip-hop head with little to no exposure of the rock world. Of course like many kids of my generation, I learned about different genres of music from endless hours spent watching MTV; however, this music was never taken seriously by me. Guns and Roses were just a band that I thought dressed funny and smoked a lot of cigarettes.

Nick was not only a big rock music fan, he also played guitar. Musically we had nothing in common, he hated rap and I hated rock. It was only through basketball that we built any kind of an alliance, being how he lived four houses down from the local park. After playing for hours after school we would go to his home and either play Sega or watch MTV.

This particular day we were watching MTV when “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana came on the tube. As the video played Nick was going on about Seattle and the “hot new sound” coming from the area (Nick was a budding journalist at the time, I suppose). Mind you, I knew next to nothing about rock music but I was certain of two things at that time: the first was that this band was pure raw emotion. The second was that they were positioning themselves to be rebels without a cause. Nick agreed that they weren’t the most technical of bands, but that their raw emotion is what carried them and that if they could harness that energy they would be great, but he also acknowledged that because of their rebelliousness (and drug use) that they would fade into oblivion unable to ever realize their full potential. (My memory on this exact statement might be a little bit hazy, but I’m sticking to it.)

So yeah, it is safe to say that Kurt Cobain was one of my first experiences of a truly iconoclastic person, willing to burn out in a flame of glory without giving into societal pressure. The next time I felt this centripetal force from someone was the first time I saw Allen Iverson play. He was a freshman at Georgetown in a nationally televised game against the Arkansas Razorbacks, who were the defending NCAA champions. Arkansas was a fast breaking, three-point shooting team that punished the opposition with what then Razorbacks coach Nolan Richardson called “40 Minutes of Hell,” an unrelenting full court pressing, trapping defense that made opponents feel like they were playing against seven men, not five. In fact, I was only watching the game that day to see how Arkansas looked in defending their title. They brought back every player that mattered and were ranked number one coming into the season.

Iverson came out as a lightning quick clean-cut freshman. He rarely passed the ball as he broke down and thru the Arkansas defense seemingly at will. He also took tons of bad shots that bricked and he turned the ball over a lot. Uncharacteristically, Georgetown coach John Thompson let Iverson make bad play after bad play; furthermore, Iverson continued to attack the defense and shoot as he pleased with such reckless abandon that I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing. Of course, a purist would say he should have stopped shooting or that he didn’t get his team involved enough, and that purist would be 100% correct. Instead, what I saw was a guy that was a warrior, a guy that didn’t give in to fear, and a guy that had a heart the size of an elephant. I mean, seriously, how many freshman can play a national game on live television against the defending champs who were known for shutting down point guards, and have absolutely no fear? And not only that, but after the game begins and he misses a few shots or turns the ball over a few times, can still have no conscience, never lose faith and continue to plow ahead. I just spent the last half-hour trying to find a box score for that game and had no luck. I did, however, come up with this quote from Nolan Richardson, “I’ve been to three calf shows, nine horse ropings and seen Elvis once. But I have never seen anything like this in my life.”

That first college game was the introduction the national basketball world got to Iverson. A whirlwind of points, steals, ten all-star games, one final appearance and one MVP season later, we find him still a rebel, still unwillingly to play it safe and (seemingly) willing to walk away from it all and retreat into his private life away from the scrutiny of the public.

As sad as some people may find the ending to the Iverson story, there has to be something said or respected about these bundles of raw energy that come into our consciousness burning like a supernova. It is in this realm that I come to the story of the weekend, if not the NBA season, in Brandon Jennings. Like Iverson, he is a force that seemingly has no physical limits. He is lightning-quick, untamed, and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Brandon almost had a triple double in his first game as an NBA player. He had 32 points and 9 assists in his sixth NBA game. In his seventh he had 55 points.

Yes, you read that correctly, A rookie in his seventh game in the NBA had 55 points. Even Iverson for all his shooting prowess and “ball-hogging” was unable to come up with a 55 point game as a rookie. It is amazing to me how this guy is exploding into the league putting up these video game like numbers. Jennings is perhaps the best rookie guard the NBA has seen since the Answer. After the game Warriors coach Don Nelson said Jennings' play was "probably the best rookie performance I've ever witnessed in 30-some years coaching."

Sound Familiar?

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AIR JORDAN 2010 - PHOTOS AND VIDEO

Check out some of these pictures of the new MJ's coming out on February 13th, 2010...


These shoes celebrate 25 years of the Air Jordan brand. These sneakers were designed by MJ, Tinker Hatfield, and Mark Smith, and will cost $170.

"The celebration of the Air Jordan 2010 and our 25th anniversary are the pinnacle of a year full of milestones for me," Jordan said in a statement Wednesday. "With each shoe, consumers have pushed me to take the next Air Jordan beyond their wildest imagination."

And if you didn't know yet, our man(nh) DWade will debut the shoe. What's tight is that MJ hand picked Wade for the role.

"I was in awe, because I know what it means to not only be a part of Jordan Brand but really represent Michael on the court in the shoe he would wear," Wade told The Associated Press. "Very excited, to say the least."

Also check out this video. Pretty sweet...

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JOAKIM NOAH MAKES RICK MORRISSEY EAT HIS WORDS

I know this is old news, but this is hilarious. Here is the whole story...

 

Noah has been BOC (ballin' on cats) this year so far. Hopefully he can keep it up. GO BULLS!!!

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DWYANE WADE DUNKS ON ANDERSON VAREJAO

Dunk of the year!!!



Sorry, I know this is old news, but I still had to post it. DWADE SON!!!

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STONE COLD LEAD PIPE DOCKS - WEEK 10

Vik's Pix:
(Last Week 3-2 )
(Overall 18-11-1)

Bills +9 (bought hook)
I know the Titans have looked good the past two weeks, but I still don't think they are good enough to give 9 pts to anyone right now. I'm sticking with my theory where if two bad or ok teams play each other, take the pts. The Bills have a great pass D, which will definitely limit VY and his WR's. Not that they are great to begin with, but it will come into play during this game. The Titans also have a weak rush D, and with Trent Edwards making his return today, I see the Bills actually keeping this game on the ground, to let him get back into things. T.O. is playing today too, which should help a little bit. Also, the main reason I'm taking the pts., is the Bills Defense. I think the D and the Bills running game can keep this game close, so I will take the pts...

Saints -13.5(bought hook just in case)
This game for some reason just seems too easy to me, which does scare me a little bit. But I can't deny the facts that the Rams just don't matchup well vs these Saints. And I don't see this Saints team taking the pedal off the metal, especially Brees and Payton. I'm just going to lay out a few things here which have me taking this high spread. The Saints are first in total offense, the Rams are 28th in defense. The Saints lead the league in rushing TD's, and the Rams are one of the worst run defending teams in the game, ranked 27th. This Rams team is weak vs the deep pass, especially with their struggling safeties. I bet Drew Brees is licking his chops. I see the Saints winning by 20pts, at least...

Cowboys -3
I know everyone is saying GB is going to have a bounce back game this week, and Romo is going to struggle at Lambeau, but I'm not buying it. The Cowboys are hot right now, and are playing really good football. Miles Austin's emergence is really helping Tony Romo right now, and I'm seeing another big game from the both of them. Roy Williams is also showing some signs of life, which can't do anything but help this already rolling offense. Also, here is a little random fact, but Tony Romo is 13-0 in the month of November, with 35 td's during that span. The Packers don't rush the QB in general, and they are going to be missing Kampman. I think this will allow Romo to pick his spots, and for Witten to have a huge day as well, since he won't need to stay back and block for Romo as much. On the flip side of the ball, I just don't see how this Packers line that is already terrible, is going to stop this Cowboys DLine. Ware is going to kill Chad Clifton, and I see this Dallas DLine causing havoc all game long. AR will be on the run all day, so I don't see that many big plays coming from this Packers offense. Ratliff is going to kill too. The Cowboys are also solid vs the rush as well. Too many things are one sided in this game for me to not take the Cowboys.

Chargers pk em (+1 or whatever you can get them at. This line is moving a lot)
I know everyone is loving the Eagles in this game, but I'm going with the home team that is hot in this one. They showed me a lot last week vs the Giants. Rivers did as well. I like it that the Eagles have to travel cross country for this game. I also got to give Ron Rivera credit for changing up his Defense in the past few weeks. They have really improved, and I think they can stop this Eagles offense, who really hasn't looked that good in the past 4 weeks. I do see the Chargers going pass heavy in this game, which should pay benefits for them. The Eagles secondary is banged up and always shuffling, so I see Rivers, VJax and Floyd lighting up the scoreboard with a lot of deep passes in this game. I think that will be the difference in this game, and I see the Chargers winning this game straight up.

Ravens -10
I watched the Bears beat these Browns by a ton, despite being the Bears. I'm sure if you are a Bears fan, or watched that game, you will understand that line. It basically just means that the Browns are terrible. I don't see Brady Quinn coming to the rescue of this squad, especially vs this Ravens D who gets Ngata back this week. Look for the Ravens D to limit Quinn and the passing game. On top of that, Jamal Lewis looks slower then ever, so he won't do anything vs this solid Ravens run D. Sorry Browns fans, who will you take in the lottery next year? On the flip side, look for Ray Rice to have a monster game. The Browns are 31st vs the run, which means Ray Rice will run wild on them. I just see this matchup being too lopsided to not lay the pts.

Bonus game:
Pats +3

This game is going to be awesome to watch. Pats Colts always is. The Colts have been escaping with victories the past two weeks, and I think that ends this weekend. With them being banged up in the secondary, I see the Pats passing all over the field and scoring at will in this one. I really think the Pats win this game straight up, but I'm staying away from making this a lock because of one man. Peyton Manning! I think I will just watch this game and enjoy and just maybe put a small amount on the Pats ml, just for kicks. But the safer bet is taking the pts. But I wouldn't bet the house against Peyton. That guy is too rowdy.

Gluck playaz...

Suman's Pix:
(Last Week 4-1)
(Overall 29-18)

Vikings -16.5
I'll keep doing this until it fails several times in a row. Which it hasn't. But whenever one of the elite teams in the NFL play one of the broke teams, I've been laying the points. This is a lot of points, but f it man. Once again, this is Matthew Stafford's first game in a new environment. Last week it was in Seattle, and he threw 5 picks a la docksquad's boy Cutler (jab). This week its his first game in the whatever the Metrodome is called now against a much better defense. I don't think he'll play well, and I think Adrian Peterson might pop off for 200+ after hearing about how Chris Johnson is better than him all week.

Saints -14
See above. Lets just call this the Lock of the Week and move on. I hate talking about the Rams they annoy me.

Raiders -2
I don't know why in the name of the lord I am picking this game. I will not be watching it when I'm at the club. Joe Posnaski, my boy and a great writer for SI and the Kansas City Star said this might be the worst game in the history of the rivalry. There is absolutely nothing to look forward to in this game. Why would they even televise it. This is atrocious. It's destined to be one of those 11-5 weird score games. Anyways, I think since he's at home Jamarcus might play decently against an atrocious Chiefs defense. While the Raiders defense isn't any better, they have at times this year played really well at home like against Philly a few weeks ago. Plus they got D-Mac back this week so I'm hoping he blasts a couple of big runs.

Dolphins -10
The Dolphins have proved that their wildcat is no fluke. And the Buccaneers defense is terrible against the run. Do the math. I look for Chad Henne to get back on track, and for the Dolphins to pound the Bucs into submission (pause). While Josh Freeman played brilliantly for a rookie in his first game and gave me my only incorrect pick of the week last week, I say he doesn't do it again. I like to pick against bad teams that play good games the week before, because usually bad teams don't have the focus to get that win out of their head, and refocus. The Dolphins defense will play well at home, and I think this one will be over fairly quick.

Falcons -1.5
ATL was my preseason pick to go to the Super Bowl from the NFC, and they'll have to win games like this for that prediction to come true. The Panthers have been playing really good ball lately. DeAngelo has come alive. But I'll take Matt Ryan and Mike White is this QB/Coach battle any day. Michael Turner has come alive in recent weeks. Combine this with the Panthers collapse last week in the Superdome, and I feel the Falcons will come out on top. All favorites this week, lets do this.

IP's Pix:
(Last Week 4-1)
(Overall 18-19-1)

Chargers (-1)
Eagles and Chargers. An exciting AFC vs. NFC matchup. The Chargers are on the comeback trail within the division while the Eagles desperately need a win to keep pace with the Cowboys. I just don’t see the Chargers slowing down. They usually make a run in November and continue it along all the way to December. Look for that trend to continue. Bolts by 7

Cowboys (-3)
The boys from the big D are hitting their stride at the right time. Another win and they can put some distance between them and some others in the NFC East. The Packers cannot protect Aaron Rodgers and against a sick pass rush like Dallas’s forget about it. Cowboys by 14.

Redskins (+4.5)
The Skins have had a done year and are in a lot of turmoil, the coach is under fire the organization itself is in for a shake up. This is one of those games though where the Broncos will play to the level of their competition after they got comfortable with their fast start. Look for the Skins to dominate on defense and eek out a 4 point win

Bengals (+7)
My boys Benson and Palmer got this. Enough said.

Falcons (-2.5)
The Falcons have been a victim of a tough tough schedule, their record is not indicative of how good this team is. The panthers can run the ball and that will be a challenge for ATL, but look for Matt Ryan and Burner Turner to move the ball on the Panthers D and win this one by 7

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DERRICK ROSE SWATS BILLUPS

The Bulls played great last night, but got jobbed by the refs with several calls going against them in the fourth quarter. And for the record, that shot by Brad Miller WAS GOOD!!! Don't look at the overhead view, check out the one from the other basket...

Anyways, check out this nasty swat team by Rose, from last night's game...

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NBA POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 2

For the 2009-10 season, we here at Docksquad Sports will be doing a weekly power rankings in collaboration with our friends over at Cavalier Attitude.

We'll give you our take on all 30 teams in the NBA, and we will rank them every Wednesday as decided by our very own NBA committee.

The committee consists of myself (Vik Chokshi), Suman Vellanki (also from DSS), as well as Amar Panchmatia and Rahul Phanindra from Cavalier Attitude. Teams will be ranked for their performance through last Sunday, and the previous week's ranking will be listed after these initial rankings.

TIP-OFF:

1. (10) Phoenix Suns (6-1)

• Are they the best team in the league? Probably not, but they are playing better than anyone right now. Wins at Boston and at Miami in the same week clinches them the top spot, and Steve Nash is back in MVP form. Tougher schedule than the Lakers thus far. (SV)

2. (2) Boston Celtics (7-1)

• Loss to Suns wouldn't have been that alarming had Phoenix not dropped 110 on their "vaunted" defense. Otherwise, they've enjoyed good health so far (knock on wood) and are looking almost exactly like the 07-08 team that roared out to a dominant start and never looked back. (AP)

3. (1) Los Angeles Lakers (6-1)

• Despite injuries to Gasol and Bynum, this squad is 6-1. Three words why... KOBE DOING WORK! Kobe leads the league in scoring right now, but he is having to do too much, too early in the season. Hopefully they get everyone healthy again, so Kobe doesn't wear out by the playoffs. (VC)

4. (6) Miami Heat (5-1)

• The people of Wade County have a reason to be excited about El Heat. A nice early season win against the Nuggets on the resume, with the sole loss coming against Los Suns calientes. Very impressive with the +7.8 differential and seven players with 9+ points per game. (RP)

5. (3) Orlando Magic (5-2)

• Tough week for the Magic, including a blowout loss to the Thunder. But they are dealing with injuries to key players including Vince. Rashard Lewis is coming back next week, and when he does they will be deeper than any team in the league. Pause. (SV)

6. (8) Atlanta Hawks (5-2)

• Instead of fizzing out after last year's breakthrough season, the Hawks are taking the next step in their transformation as a legitimate threat. Atlanta went into Portland and dropped a legitimate Blazers club in their own building, which is never an easy task on a West Coast swing. Jamal Crawford has fit the team like a glove as the Sixth Man, and that depth is a big reason why the ATL is looking better than last year's 47-win crew. (AP)

7. (5) Dallas Mavericks (4-2)

• Is this Mavs defense for real? I've watched them play, and this team looks a lot better defensively then it has in years past. Dirk is boc (balling on cats) like he always does, but if they want to advance in the playoffs, they will need to get tougher and play defense. The real question will be if they can keep this D up all year long. (VC)

8. (4) Denver Nuggets (5-2)

• My main man 'Melo and company must have hit the club too hard in South Beach on Thursday Night. That's the only explanation for getting swept in the back-to-back over the weekend. No worries, they will be back. (RP)

9. (17) Chicago Bulls (4-2)

• Losing Tyrus Thomas hurts, but it also opens the door for Taj Gibson and James Johnson. Derrick Rose is recovering from his ankle sprain, but you couldn't tell anything was wrong while he was twerking Mo Williams on national TV. Joakim Noah is playing admirably against the league's top big men. (SV)

10. (7) Cleveland Cavaliers (4-3)

• To be fair, the Cavs were just a game better at this point last year, starting 5-2 after a 1-2 start. But this feels a little different, doesn't it? You're not used to seeing them lose at home, and although the Celtics loss was kind of excusable, the Chicago loss was not. They're far from the heavyweights that we expected, but it's only November. (AP)

11. (13) Portland Trail Blazers (4-3)

• This team has a ton of talent, but if they want to contend come playoff time, they need to get a lot tougher. They also need more consistency from their core guys, most notably Greg Oden. Also, I still don't think this Andre Miller experiment is going to work out in the long run, but let's see how it goes. (VC)

12. (16) Houston Rockets (4-2)

• So why did everybody doubt these guys before the season started? Isn't it the same team that gave the Lakers all they could handle (insert Ariza for Artest)? It will be interesting to see the expansion of Ariza's game, given the upgrade in number of shots he will see. (RP)

13. (15) Milwaukee Bucks (3-2)

• With Blake Griffin out for at least the first 6 weeks, Brandon Jennings has vaulted into the top spot of the rookie standings. Andrew Bogut is turning heads with his strong inside play, and the Bucks are doing this without Michael Redd. (SV)

14. (27) Sacramento Kings (3-4)

• Count me as one of those who doubted how much of an impact Tyreke Evans would make as a rookie. But after an 0-3 start, Evans has elevated what could arguably be labeled the NBA's least talented roster to three wins in their last four games, including a barnburner at Utah where he put up 32 points and seven assists while getting to the stripe 19 times. If you're going to say that Evans will at least keep Sacto in the hunt for the 8th and final playoff spot out West -- at least longer than anyone thinks -- then I'm not going to be one to argue anymore. (AP)

15. (14) Oklahoma City Thunder (3-3)

• I love watching this team come together and grow up before our eyes. They battled the Lakers to the death, and have been in every game so far. Durant and co. will only get better with time. Watch out in the future. (VC)
  

16. (11) Philadelphia 76ers (3-3)

• Tough to get a grasp on this team. They are still getting nice production out of five starters, but the defense is horrendous, giving up 105+ a game. (RP)

17. (19) Toronto Raptors (3-4)

• Chris Bosh is playing all-star type ball right now, but the Raptors are still struggling to blend together. Losing to the Spurs without Parker and Duncan doesn't look good. Andrea Bargnani is coming alive as a second option, but it seems they are struggling to figure out whether Calderon or Turkoglu should be the main distributor. (SV)

18. (18) Utah Jazz (3-4)

• Spanking the Spurs at Salt Lake looks like an awesome victory to draw from early on in the season -- until you figure in losing at home to Sacramento and blowing a double-digit fourth quarter lead at Dallas. Carlos Boozer seems like he's more about padding his stats in a contract year than helping Jerry Sloan's crew get W's. (AP)

19. (9) San Antonio Spurs (2-3)

• I don't know if the Spurs are cruising and not trying right now, or if they are really just old and slow now. I guess we will find out a little later in the season if they are legit or just pretenders. One thing is for sure, something just doesn't look right with them. GWS. (VC)

20. (23) Los Angeles Clippers (3-4)

• Cold start, followed up by a sweep of three cellar-dwellers last week. As long as they stay afloat, the Clips have an outside shot at the playoffs when Griffin returns. (RP)

21. (20) Charlotte Bobcats (3-3)

• Gerald Wallace hasn't stepped up to be The Man this year as he is only averaging 14.3 ppg. However, the Bobcats are getting points from everywhere as 6 Bobcats are averaging double figures. Big win against Atlanta last week is another building block. (SV)

22. (21) Detroit Pistons (3-4)

• Still appear to have Orlando's number. If only the Cavs could figure out a way to get Dwight Howard out of the game so quickly...but I digress. Ben Wallace also looks rejuvenated right at home as he claims back his position as chairman of the boards (9.6 per game through seven games). (AP)

23. (29) Indiana Pacers (2-3)

• I really see this team turning the corner next year. They got a good young core, and Granger is a stud(nh). They also look like they found a nice young big man in Roy Hibbert. Next year is their year. (VC)

24. (12) Washington Wizards (2-5)

• I have no idea why Wizards management still thinks their core is enough to truly contend. Sure they are short-handed, but I don't really see Jamison and Miller helping that much. They sure could have used a W, after holding an 18-point first half lead at Club Q. (RP)

25. (22) New Orleans Hornets (3-5)

• Chris Paul is getting his averaging more than 26 ppg and 9.8 assists. But there isn't much help. Peja has fallen off the Earth, and other than David West the Hornets aren't getting contributions from many. (SV)

26. (28) Golden State Warriors (2-4)

• Add Stephen Jackson to the list of players who have had beef with Don Nelson at some point during Nellie's career. Sources say that Jackson could be traded within the next week, if not sooner, as the Dubs have pushed down on the accelerator in getting Jax out of town. Still a maddeningly inconsistent bunch with absolutely no regard for defense. (AP)

27. (24) Memphis Grizzlies (1-6)

• Allen Iverson said he went to Memphis to “compete for a championship.” Really? (AP)

28. (26) Minnesota Timberwolves (1-6)

• Not a lot to like from Minnesota thus far. They are getting absolutely crushed with that -13.4 point differential. I expect more than 15 and 6 from the Wolves' all-star caliber big man, Al Jefferson. (RP)

29. (25) New York Knicks (1-7)

• The Knicks are lacking that elite point guard play that makes the D'Antoni offense go. Rookie Toney Douglas played well this week, but the Knicks haven't been able to close a game out yet. One more loss and they tie the record for worst start in franchise history. (SV)

30. (30) New Jersey Nets (0-7)

• One thing that the Nets can say they have that the Knicks don't is young talent. Oh, and a high draft pick next spring that they don't owe anyone, like the Knicks do to Utah. Other than that, the Nets continue to be the other black eye for hoops in the New York metro area as the only team yet to win a game. (AP)

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