Fail Sports Moments of 2012

With the great times, come the very bad or no so good times in sports. Here's are your not-so great moments of 2012:

1. "Fail Mary" - Week 3 Monday Night Game between the Packers vs Seahawks.
2. Saints Bounty-Gate
3. The "Infield Fly Rule" helping out the Red Birds in the NL Wild Card Game with Cardinals vs Braves.
4. Makayla Maroney's fall on the Vault at the Olympics. Followed by the death stare seen around the world.
5.  Mark Sanchez's Butt Fumble.
6. Dwightmare
7. Washington Nationals benching their Ace Pitcher before the playoffs.
8. Miami Marlins building a new stadium and dismantling their team in the same season.
9. Chad Johnson
10. Bobby Petrino
11. NHL Lockout
12. UGA stopped short of winning the SEC Title and playing for the National Title.

Best Sports Moments of 2012

With 2012 has come and gone, yes we're still here, the world hasn't ended. Here are some of my favorite moments of 2012.

1. Usain Bolt taking over the Olympics again.
2. Four Fastest Females in the World, the lovely ladies of the 4x100m (Tianna Madison, Allyson Felix, Carmelita Jeter, and Bianca Knight).
3. Gabby's "Golden All-Round" Summer.
4. Dream Team wins gold again.
5. Tebow's game-winning TD pass against the Steelers in AFC Wild Card Game.
6. Lebron James gets a ring, finally.
7. Linsanity takes over the NBA.
8. Kentucky men's basketball reign kings of college basketball again.
9. Marquez vs. Pacquiao IV: "The Knockout Seen Around The World".
10. Baylor women's basketball going perfect: 40-0.
11. Alex Smith to Vernon Davis game-winning touchdown against the Saints in the NFC Divisional Game....known now as the "Catch III".
12. Blake Griffin's Dunks of 2012.

Who wins: Week 2

Well this will be the day that I pick my winners for week 2, with the exception of this week's Thursday Night game.

Week 2 Winners:

• K.C. vs BUF - BUF
• N.O. vs CAR - CAR
• CLE vs CIN - CIN
• MIN vs IND - MIN
• HOU vs JAC - HOU
• OAK vs MIA - OAK
• ARI vs N.E. - NE
• T.B. vs NYG - NYG
• BAL vs PHI - PHI
• DAL vs SEA - DAL
• WAS vs STL - WAS
• NYJ vs PIT - PIT
• TEN vs S.D. - S.D.
• DET vs S.F. - S.F.
• DEN vs ATL - ATL

*Bold denotes Road Team.

Top 3 for Week 2

Week 2 can be the week that determine how well of a start do teams get off. 16 teams are 1-0, a 75% chance at making the playoffs. 16 teams are 0-1, a 25% chance at making the playoffs. Since 1990, 12 of the 16 teams that start off 1-0 will go to the playoffs while 4 of the 16 teams that start 0-1 will recover and make the playoffs.

1. Bears at Packers: Well the Bears are 1-0 and Packers are 0-1. This is a huge Thursday Night game at Lambeau and this could very well be a huge division win or lost for these teams. The Bears are trying to take a 2-game lead (2 1/2 because of winning one of the two regular season meetings) and for the Packers, being in 4th place in the NFC North wasn't in their plans this season.
2. Lions at 49ers: For the 49ers, last week's game at Lambeau could be the game that puts the NFL on notice: THIS TEAM IS FOR REAL. Dominating defensive performance against the Packers could set this team up for home-field in January. As for the Lions, a very dismal game against the Rams, are looking to show the world that they are not the Detroit Lions of old. Being that this is a Sunday Night Game, what other way to get the world to know your name by beating the 49ers at home after they came off of a dominating win at Lambeau. 
3. Saints at Panthers: For two teams that we're thought to be 1-2 in the NFC South, one of these teams could be last by the end of day on Sunday. With Falcons looking pretty dominate and the Bucs seem to have found their old-school defense, the Saints and Panthers could be in for a uphill battle if they lose. Cam Newton is looking to shake off his performance in Tampa with a performance similar to what newcomer RGIII did to this Saints D last week.

Tuesday Morning Quarterback Week 1

Yea I know I'm a day late and today isn't Tuesday, but I'll be doing this every week on Tuesday. As we kicked off another season of NFL football, there we're some surprises as well as some disappointments for some teams.

Week 1

Cowboys 24 @ Giants 17
Colts 21 @ Bears 41
Falcons 40 @ Chiefs 24
Eagles 17 @ Browns 16
Redskins 40 @ Saints 32
Rams 23 @ Lions 27
Patriots 34 @ Titans 13
Jaguars 23 @ Vikings 26 OT
Bills 28 @ Jets 48
Dolphins 10 @ Texans 30
Seahawks 16 @ Cardinals 20
49ers 30 @ Packers 22
Panthers 10 @ Bucs 16
Steelers 19 @ Broncos 31
Bengals 13 @ Ravens 44
Chargers 22 @ Raiders 14

Top 3 Games To Look Out For In Week 1

Each week of the 2012 NFL Season, I'll come up with 3 games that I feel are important going into that current week.

1. 49ers at Packers
2. Steelers at Broncos
3. Bengals at Ravens

2012 Super Bowl Predictions

The two teams who will be in New Orleans on February 3rd, 2013 is:

AFC Champions: Baltimore Ravens

• For this team, I believe that this could be the final swan song for what will go down as one of the greatest defensive cores in NFL history. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed held this defense together for years and this could be the last season for one, if not both players.
• So close last season was this team from going to and playing in the Super Bowl. This season they should dominate as usual. 
• Joey Flacco must become the leader for this team if they have any chance at getting to the Super Bowl. After watching Eli Manning take more control for the Giants last season, Flacco must be able to take the next step and have himself a career season.
• If the Ravens can get Terrell Suggs back at least 70-80%, this team could be back in the Super Bowl just like that.

NFC Champions: San Francisco 49ers

• With a team that's return every starter from last year's lights-out Defense, this team reloaded on offensive this year and could be one of the deepest teams in the NFL this season.
• Can the young WR's and Randy Moss make this 49ers offensive a little more explosive then it was last year? If they can, this team is a lock to the Super Bowl.
• Alex Smith must and I mean MUST continue to improve as he might be asked to win more games for the 49ers this season. I believe he had a good postseason last year and would need to pull off another performance like he did against the Saints in the playoffs to get this team into the Super Bowl.
• Well playing in one of the weakest divisions in the NFL be an advantage or disadvantage to this 49ers team. Competition in the season could be the fuel that sets this team off and go on a tear, if motivated throughout the season.

Winner: Baltimore Ravens

2012 NFL Playoffs Predictions

AFC Division Winners Ravens Patriots Broncos Texans  Wild Card Contenders Steelers Jets Bengals Bills Raiders Chargers AFC Wild Card 6. Jets vs 3. Broncos 5. Steelers vs 4. Texans AFC Divisional Game 5. Steelers vs 1. Ravens 3. Broncos vs 2. Patriots AFC Championship Game 2. Patriots vs. 1. Ravens

NFC Division Winners 49ers Bears Eagles Panthers Wild Card Contenders Packers Saints Lions Cowboys Giants Falcons NFC Wild Card 6. Saints vs. 3. Eagles 5. Packers vs. 4. Panthers NFC Divisional Game 5. Packers vs. 1. 49ers 3. Eagles vs 2. Bears NFC Championship Game 3. Eagles vs. 1. 49ers

2012 AFC South Preview

AFC South

Reviews are in order of final standings for 2011

1. Texans (10-6): - Finally, for this franchise that it wins the division and go to the playoffs for the first time ever. Winning a home playoff game and coming within a injured QB away from possibly beating the the Ravens on the road. For the Texans, once Manning went down it Indy, it was almost as if the division was handed over to this team. Injuries, as always for the Texans, showed up often and untimely one with the foot injury to QB Matt Schaub toward the end of the season. Many thought that had he been healthy for the playoffs that the Texans could have gone to the Super Bowl. The question for this team in 2012: Can the Texans stars stay healthy when they approach money time (Playoffs)? Could this team be the best team in the AFC this year?
2. Titans (9-7): - Some wonder, had RB Chris Johnson not held out of camp last season that this team, not the Texans would of won the division hands down. The Titans picked up Matt Hasslebeck who served to be a good fill in for the development of the QB they drafted: Jake Locker. Some questions facing this team will be: Will Locker begin his era this season? Can the Locker and Johnson lead this team to the playoffs?
3. Jaguars (5-11): - Well this team had some very untimely issues from the start of the season. Cutting former QB David Garrard right before the start of the season, which turned the keys over to newcomer rookie Blaine Gabbert. Many would say that he was NOT ready for this job and had to learn on the fly and learn it the hard way. The Jags offense was bad....well no, horrible. However, that that could change in 2012. Out is Head Coach Jack Del Rio, and in is new Head Coach Mike Marlurkey, an offensive guru who could help this struggling offense be more efficient. Drafting WR Justin Blackmon could help too. Question remains: Can Gabbert, Blackmon and Jones-Drew develop into the new explosive offensive threat in the division?
4. Colts (2-14): - The only thing Colts fans will remember from this is that Peyton Manning never saw the field in 2011. Their record shows that very point. It also was the final run in the Manning era in Indy. Good thing the for the Colts that QB Andrew Luck stayed one more year in college and because of that decision, is now the franchise starting QB of the Colts. Will the Luck era start off on the right note this season?

2012 AFC South Champion: Houston Texans

HOU: (10-6)
JAC: (8-8)
TEN: (6-10)
IND: (5-11)

2012 NFC North Preview

NFC North

Review are in order of final standings in 2011

1. Packers (15-1): - The Packers did everything almost perfect, winning at will and dominating all opponents they've faced. Well all except one. Lately, when it comes to playoff football, Lambeau Field and Giants: The Packers don't fare so well. Eli's Giants nipped the Packers again in the playoffs and the Packers great season came to an end just like that. Well the question on this team is can the Packers continue their dominate ways as they did last season?
2. Lions (10-6): - Well for Detroit, this is the first time since 1999 they had a winning record and they could play in the playoffs like its 1999. Well yea, the Lions have come a long way from the 0-16 season that plagued them a few seasons ago. Now with a young, talented and dominating core of players, the next step is to win the division and have a home playoff game for the first time in 20 years. Can the Lions repeat their winning season again and contend for the NFC North title in 2012?
3. Bears (8-8): - Well if the NFL had a 10-game schedule, the Bears would have made the playoffs last season. However, they would not do much after that, considering that they lost QB Jay Cutler and RB Matt Forte in the final stretch of the season. 7-3 was the Bears record when Cutler went down and a week later Forte got hurt and the Bears season went with them. The Bears would of have a team that could of made such a playoff run as did the Giants did last year, had they stayed healthy with their star players. The Bears in the off-season gave Cutler a some brand new toys the play with in that offense, including a toy he once had in Denver: WR Brandon Marshall, who should be a huge upgrade for him. Question for the Bears would be: Will this be the year that Cutler finally take the Bears back to the Super Bowl for the first time in 6 years?
4. Vikings (3-13): - The Vikings could look at 2011 with the first 3 games of the season. After having double digit leads in those games going into or in the 4th quarter, the Vikings lost all 3 games and thus lost their 2011 season. Injuries and ineffectiveness helped paved the way for QB Christian Ponder to take over the helm of this team. Well then as the season of hell continue, it got even worse at the end of the season: RB Adrian Peterson blows out his knee the second to the last game of the season. Vikings are at the process of rebuilding, but this rebuild project have been put on hold over the last few years until this season. They must spend this season seeing if the young players they've drafted over the last few years can mesh and produce wins....not give them away. So the main questions for the Vikings is: Will AP be the same RB he was before the knee injury? Will Ponder be able to take the next step to lead this Vikings team to a championship someday? 

2012 NFC North Champion: Chicago Bears

CHI: (11-5)
GB: (10-6)
DET: (9-7)
MIN: (8-8)

2012 AFC North Preview

AFC North

Reviews are in order of Final Standings for 2011

1. Ravens (12-4): - For this Ravens team, last season's exit from the AFC Championship Game had to be very painful and costly. A dropped TD and a missed FG from going to the Super Bowl and now many feel as if this is their final year of "their window" for a Championship. Defensive future HOF's Ray Lewis and Ed Reed return for another season, but you have to think that their end of the road is coming soon. They lost another key defensive piece in Terrell Suggs, who tore his Achilles during the off-season and had a beak shot at returning this season. However, Quarterback Joe Flacco is ready to take the lead of this Ravens team that's looking to prepare for life after Lewis/Reed. But before all of that happens, this team is looking to make the best of their last chance. So the question for 2012: Will this Ravens team be in New Orleans on Feb. 3rd playing against the NFC Champs? 
2. Steelers (12-4): - The last 8 months has to put a bad taste in the Steelers mouths. Losing to a Broncos team that that should of beaten and not being able to play again until now, very frustrating for this team. With a new offense and a maturing WR corp could be good thing for Big Ben and this Steelers offense, who'll play a game without WR Hines Ward for the first time this entire century. Going into this season, the question is: Can the Big Ben adjust to the new offense ran by new Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley? Can the Steelers stay healthy for the long haul this season?
3. Bengals (9-7): - For a Bengals team that was "suppose" to be in rebuild mode, well that went project went by fast......very fast by NFL standards. This team made the playoffs, when most had them not even winning more then 6 games. That could be very dangerous for the other teams in this division once this team gets some experience under their belt. Out went Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson, in comes Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. Now with the extra year of "rebuilding" out the way, this team could be a serious threat in a year or so. But until then the question going into 2012: Can this Bengals team have the same or better record then last year and can they return to the playoffs in 2012?
4. Browns (4-12): - Well the Browns are just.....well the Browns. There season was bad, but they may have some hope the future. Drafting Trent Richardson from Alabama and Brandon Weeden from Oklahoma St. could be the two pieces this franchise needs to hopefully turn around this organization. Can Richardson have a great rookie season and get his team some more wins?

2012 AFC North Champion: Baltimore Ravens

BAL: (12-4)

PIT: (11-5)

CIN: (10-6)

CLE: (3-13)

2012 NFC East Preview

NFC East

Reviews are in order of final standings for 2011

1. Giants (10-6): - After its week 15 loss at home to the Redskins, this team looked dead in the water. Giving up the lead in the tightly contested NFC East to the Cowboys and having to play a winner-takes all game in Week 17 in Dallas for the division. Mirroring the entrance into the 2007 playoffs (one exception is that this time they played the first game at home vs Falcons) this looked at lot like that season for this Giants team. And it ended like it too, a win against the Patriots in the Super Bowl. I guess one of the things going into this season is the fact that Eli Manning could be going into the prime years of his career. Consistency with both Eli and the Giants have been their issue over the years and now that question comes into the mind this season. Can the Giants dominate a division and successfully defend their championship again, this time knowing what's going to be excepted from this season?
2. Cowboys (9-7): - Another season, Another late collapse. This team seems to bet it hedges on the fact that they know when the end of the year comes, except some big loss at the end that could either: cost this team the division or a playoff spot. However, Tony Romo seem to have a good season but there could be "trust issues" developing between Head Coach Jason Garrett and Romo. If there's one thing you must have over the time is that you must have trust with your QB. In a few late season games last year, showed this issue in the light. This season the main question will be is this Cowboys Era (Romo Era) coming to an end after this season? Will this be the last stand for a Super Bowl or will a huge rebuilding project follow the 2012 season?
3. Eagles (8-8): - The expectations of this team was through the roof and it might of been too much for this team. Coined "The Dream Team" by former back-up QB Vince Young, the title stuck with this team along with the expectations. Well those expectations got even higher, when Michael Vick said that this team is on the cusp of a dynasty. All of that along with the very sudden and tragic death of Andy Reid son will be a huge challenge for this Eagles team. So the question remains: Can this Eagles team finally, in their team history, be the team that wins the Super Bowl in 2012?
4. Redskins (5-11): - Well the first quarter of the 2011 season went well for the 'Skins, winning 3 of the first 4 games. Until reality sat in, and this team lost 6 straight games to pretty much put them in the "wait until next year" list. However, their season may not have been as good as their draft pick in the NFL draft. Getting Baylor sensation Robert Griffith III, there is hope now for the Redskins future. Question for this season: Can RGIII have half the season that Cam Newton had last season? If so, could the Redskins be one of those teams who finished last place in their division to a team that goes to the playoffs?

2012 NFC East Champion: Philadelphia Eagles

PHI: (11-5)

DAL: (10-6)

NYG: (9-7)

WAS: (6-10)

2012 NFC West Preview

NFC West

Reviews are in order of final standings for 2011

1. 49ers (13-3): - Two fumbles keep this team away from going to the Super Bowl in January. A painful way to end what was a great season for this prestige franchise that could be back on the rise after a decade of painful futility. QB Alex Smith may have saved his career with a career season and will be looked upon to make his mark among the great 49ers QB's of the past. However, this team's glaring need of a WR was checked over the off-season with additions of Mario Manningham and Randy Moss. This should make Smith's life a lot easier and make this 49ers offense more dangerous. Can this 49ers team win the Super Bowl this year??
2. Cardinals (8-8): - The 2008 season seem like a 4 decades ago for this team that made to the Super Bowl. Year one of Kolb is complete with the only problem being: He didn't finish the season. With John Skelton as starter, the Cards finished strong last season, winning 5 of 6 games to end the season at .500. One of the questions will remain for this Cards team: Kolb or Skelton? With the 49ers reloading, Rams rebounding, and Seahawks improving, this leaves the Cards with a huge question moving forward. Can the Cards keep winning with Skelton at the helm or will Kolb make a strong move for the starting QB spot in 2012?
3. Seahawks (7-9): - The Seahawks could of had a worse record then this, but because of two huge road wins, which indeed keep this team afloat for the 2011 season. Going into this season, the Seahawks have a problem....their QB situation. Signing Matt Flynn and drafting Russell Wilson, put incumbent Tarvaris Jackson in a familiar position: Having to fight for his starting QB spot again. Something Jackson has done throughout his career. Another thing could be the signing of WR Terrell Owens and how effective he could be during this season. Two key questions lurk for this team: Who will be the lead signal caller in 2012? Will T.O. be effective enough to help a Seahawks receiver core that, all combined ,would still not equal the hall of fame numbers that T.O. has accumulated over his career?
4. Rams (2-14): - After choosing Bradford over R.G.III in the draft, could adding some help for Bradford be enough to help this team gain some wins in 2012. Maybe the addition of new coach Jeff Fisher could be enough to do the trick as well. This team last season had really nobody to count on and was just a bad team overall. However, with a few WR's added to the team and a few draft picks (thanks to the Redskins) may be enough to turn this team around in the next 2-3 seasons. Can the Rams make it to the playoffs in 2012 after finishing last in the division in 2011??

2012 NFC West Champion: San Francisco 49ers

SF: (11-5)

SEA: (7-9)

ARI: (6-10)

STL: (5-11)

2012 AFC East Preview

AFC East

Reviews are in order of final standards for 2011

1. Patriots (13-3): - The Pats made it back to the Super Bowl for the first time in 4 seasons. However, some would say that they we're extremely lucky in their path to that game: Having to play Tebow and Broncos instead of the Steelers and having the Ravens drop a go-ahead TD and miss a FG to tie the AFC title game. But one thing that the Pats wasn't expecting was for history to repeat itself: Eli Manning and Giants beating the Pats against in a very close Super Bowl. This season could be one similar to last season, based on the Pats strength of schedule. Could the Pats continue their winning ways for another or say 2-3 more seasons?
2. Jets (8-8): - What could describe the Jets season in 2011: Disappointment, Chaos, Distractions, etc.... The Jets had everything in the world go against this team, which had high hopes for a Super Bowl trip. Now I'll add a new word in for the 2012 season: Controversy. Adding Tim Tebow to a team that already had a QB in Mark Sanchez could make this season very controversial and could most people crazy by the end of the season with all of the media coverage that this team will get. Can the Jets make one last run at a Super Bowl title or is this the beginning of the end?
3. Dolphins (6-10): - A lot changes has gone on in South Beach this off-season. New coaches, QB, and hopefully new results for a team that's been out of sync over the last few years. Drafting Ryan Tannehill as the QB of the future drew major criticism. However, New Head Coach Joe Philbin looks to turn this team and hopes of making the postseason soon. WR Chad Johnson, yes Johnson, has returned to his home state to help out this team and his career after the stint with the Pats last season found him to be "quiet" throughout the season. Can the Dolphins continue on improving as they did to end the season last year?
4. Bills (6-10): - If the NFL only played 8 games in season, the Bills would of been the AFC's #1 seed. However, there is a second half to a season and this is where the Bills "fell off" and badly. After winning 5 of their first 8 games, the Bills lost 7 of 8 to end the season. Hopefully for the fans of Buffalo that this was a lesson for a young team to learn: How to win games in the NFL, when they count the most.....in November and December. Can QB Ryan Fitzpatrick have the season that he had the first 8 games of last season or the last 8 games of the season? I mean this will be the Bills key to challenging the Pats in this division and other AFC Wild Card contenders. Their defense has improved a lot with the signing of Mario Williams. The question is, can this young team make the moves this season to challenge the Pats and overtake the Jets in the process?

2012 AFC East Champion: New England Patriots

NE: (12-4)

NYJ: (10-6)

BUF: (10-6)

MIA: (5-11)                                              

The Golden One

The Olympics can show the fortitude of top-shape athletes from all around the world with skill, determination, and dreams as big as the planet itself. The stories of these hardworking athletes that captivates the nation as we watch every four years to find that special person who represents their country well and compete for what some may think as the ultimate prize, the Olympic Gold. But it's only a few moments that will forever live in our minds and in the history books: The Dream Team in 1992, Kerry Shrug's will to overcome an sprained ankle in the 1996 Summer Games to win Gold for Team USA, Vince Carter's dunk over Frederick Weiss in 2000, and the start of Micheal Phelps dominating run from the 2004, 2008, and 2012 games. What we just witnessed in week one of the 2012 Summer Games could be nothing short of remarkable, with one Gabrielle Douglas performance in the All-Around.

The road for which Gabrielle, well Gabby, Douglas is one was very long road to travel in a very short amount of time. Her story begins as a native of Virginia Beach, VA and her dreams and goals to make an Olympic team saw some very tough hurdles to climb. After moving away from her family, a decision as tough as any young teenager should make, to Des Monies, IA to train for what could be her shot at Olympic Gold.

Douglas struggled a lot with her consistency and in her senior national debut, finished 7th in the all-around, while struggling with the balance beam, an event that's her favorite. Gabby Douglas could also be deemed as lucky, she made her debut in 2011 and was able to complete in the World Championships as she made the eligible by one day (Her Birthday is December 31st, 1995). She did very well on the uneven bars, to help the US bring home gold in those championships. This performance will help pave the way for her new nickname as she is known as the "The Flying Squirrel".

Douglas was invited to compete 2012 American Cup, only as an alternate and did well enough to catch the eyes of the other Olympic hopefuls. She had some struggles in Pacific Rim Championships, but was able to finish strong on the bars which would lead to the Olympic Trails. This is where Douglas exploded onto the scene with securing the only automatic spot on the USA team for the 2012 Summer Games. (Note: the USA reduced the number of spots from 7 to 5 gymnast). She finally defeated friend and teammate, 2011 all-around World Champion Jordyn Wieber, as the two would become the leaders of what will soon be known as the Fabulous 5.

With her dreams finally within reach, this is now a new experience for a young lady who just a few years ago had to make what was at the time, the most difficult and toughest decision of her life. Now that she's in London at the Olympics, it was time for the world to be introduced to one Gabrielle Douglas. She did not disappoint, as she was beyond fabulous in her events, winning the team gold and become the new darling of the All-Around. A few cry from the 7th place finish she did in last year's senior nationals. Just like that, from nowhere to the Queen of gymnastics and new American hero for young girls who someday expire to be like Gabby Douglas. I must say, what a ride.....what a ride. Thanks Gabby for your hard work, being strong and dedicated.

First Week Complete for 2012 Summer Olympics

As the first week of the 2012 Summer games complete, we've seen some historical, heroic and heart-filled events so far. From the domination of the Men and Women USA basketball team, the battle of aqua-supremacy in swimming, the unstoppable force of the USA women's soccer team, and the capativating heart-filled performance of the Fabulous 5 ladies of the USA gymnastics team.

After hanging 86 points and yes I mean 86 point win against the Nigerian Basketball team, the Men's USA basketball team, whom we're being compared to the likes of the 1992 Dream Team, may have some bargaining points with this dominating win. With the likes of Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony just to name a few, this team is on a mission of arguably being the best USA Olympic team ever assembled. With the elimination round upcoming for this team, the only concern that they have to worry about it the play of bigger, taller teams
that they could possibly face.

As for the Women's basketball team, it's business as usual for these ladies as they continue their dominance in Olypmic play. Seeking their 5th straight (7th in all) Gold medal in Olympic play, the women basketball team lead by Tamika Catchings, Sue Bird and Seimone Augustus just to name a few. As pool play ends, the women preparing for what could be a rematch of 2008 gold medal final with Team Australia. These ladies are the overwhelming favorites to win, but we'll have to see how they can fare up in the elimination rounds that start later on this week.

In swimming, the battle for aqua-supremacy, Micheal Phelps could be one of the best Olympic athletes to ever complete in the Olympics. As he dawns on, what could be his last Olympic run, he's already captured the medal record of 18 medals held previously by Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina. Phelps could end up with 22 medals when he's events are complete. 18 of which are gold medals. Phelps as confirmed that this is his final run, as he'll retire from Olympic completion after these games.

USA women's soccer team looks to redeem themselves from the last year's World Cup Final disappointment with a complete dominance of this year's Olympic Game. Winning every match so far in these games, Team USA seems to be a collision course for a rematch of the World Cup Final with Japan. These women have a bitter taste in their mouths and would love to seek revenge against the World Cup Champs. If that is the case and if its like the last time those two took the field, we're in a for a great gold medal game.



Finally, the hearts of this nation was captured by 5 beautiful young ladies of USA gymnastics team. Gabrielle Douglas, Jordyn Wieber, Allyson Raisman, Kyla Ross, and McKayla Maroney will forever be known as the Fabulous 5 (or Fab 5 in short). With Gabby Douglas coming from virtually nowhere over the last 18 months, to winning gold in the All-Around, she became the first African-American to do so. Aly Raisman tied for 3rd in the all-around, but lost the tie-breaker to Russian gymnast Aliya Mustafina. These ladies dominated in the team final, as Jordyn Wieber overcame her disappointing mistake in the qualifiers to deliver key performances to help seal the win for team USA.

2012 NFC South Preview

NFC South

Reviews are in order of final standings for 2011

1. Saints (13-3): Normally a 13-win season would get you home-field advantage and a 1st-round bye. But last season wasn't normally planned and this Saints team had to travel on the road in order to get back to the Super Bowl. The Saints clearly was the conference's second best team, but was beaten by the actual second-best team, the San Francisco 49ers. This season, with the suspensions of coach Payton and other players, this could be a hard season for one Drew Brees to carry them out of.
2. Falcons (10-6): After being the #1 team in the NFC in 2010, the Falcons fell to Wild-Card status in 2011. This team is a Super Bowl hopeful, but is their Quarterback the same? Matt Ryan hasn't had great success in the postseason and that has to change if the Falcons are looking to go to Super Bowl. The question is, can he make the next step or has he reach the ceiling? The 2012 season is depending on it.
3. Panthers (6-10): One name for sum up their 2011 Season: Cam Newton. Newton by far too the Panthers and the NFL by storm. But can he at least give 60% of what he did last season? If he can, then this team will be something to mess with in the NFC South this year.
4. Bucs (4-12): Talk about a team that went to the doorstep of contending status, to what the heck happened? Yea the Bucs are that team. With a new coaching staff, this team could be in a small rebuild year, but don't worry Bucs fans. This is the NFC South, if history is correct, you'll win the division next season.

2012 NFC South Champion: Carolina Panthers

 

CAR: (9-7)

NO: (9-7)

ATL: (8-8)

TB: (6-10)

2012 AFC West Preview

AFC West

Reviews are in order of final standings for 2011

1. Broncos (8-8): - Last year was Tebow-mania, this year its Peyton's Place. This year's Broncos made the playoffs and won a thrilling OT game against the Steelers. This year, the expectations of this team could mirror those of 2009 Minnesota Vikings, reason I use this example is because they brought in a future Hall of Fame QB to help with their dismal QB play. This season could be a good one for the Broncos, but all of this depends on the health of one Peyton Manning.
2. Raiders (8-8): - After the death of the man whom the Raiders are famously connected with, Owner Al Davis, this will be the first time ever for this franchise to go into a season without Mr. Davis. This team made huge strides in 2011, but fell short at the end to win the division for their fallen owner. This season should be the same, in the fact that the Raiders are an up and coming team who could be hanging around for the playoffs in December.
3. Chargers (8-8): - Is the window of this once championship-hopeful team closed? Could this be the final stand of the main crew for the Chargers, who's been chasing a Super Bowl title for the last 5 seasons? The pressure could be very high for this Chargers organization this season. This was suppose to be a team under the Norv Turner/Philip Rivers era that should of had a championship already, but playoff disappointments and lately regular season collapses may have cost this once powerful team and trust them into soon-to-be rebuilding mode if this season doesn't go well this year.
4. Chiefs (7-9): - With a change in coaching last season, the Chiefs finished the season strongly, despite coming one game short of winning this division and going to the playoffs. Injuries hurt this team as year and this year having an healthy Cassell and Charles back should allow this team to contend for a wild card spot at the least.

2012 AFC West Champion: Denver Broncos

1. DEN (11-5)
2. OAK (9-7)
3. KC (8-8)
4. SD (7-9)

2012 NFL Division Preview Coming Soon....

Happy Summer people.......I'll be giving my summer preview's of each division coming in Late July. So stay tuned, keep cool and have fun over this very hot summer!!!!

Post Game - NBA Finals - Heat vs Thunder

Miami Heat vs Oklahoma City Thunder

1. Will the lack of experience help or hurt the young Thunder team? - Before this series started I said one of two things could happen: Either the Thunder can go into this not knowing any better or they could start making big mistakes that would cost them a few games. Well I guess I have to take the latter on this one. This may have been the one thing on a checklist that the Thunder could not check-off: Experience. Some will not use this excuse, but I don't think its no longer an excuse, its a reason....well THE reason the Thunder lost in the NBA Finals.
2. Will last year's collapse against Dallas be enough for help the Heat win their 2nd Championship? - Well during their post-game celebration, everyone who played on this team all mentioned how embarrassed, disappointed and hurt they all were last season after the Mavs beat them for the championship. Last year's NBA Final helped the Heat in the sense that they learned from their miscues from that Finals and implied them to this year's Finals, thus being able to win it when it counts.
3. Which Big 3 will control this series: Wade, James and Bosh or Westbrook, Durant, and Harden? - Clearly the Big 3 of the Heat played the Big 3 of the Thunder as a whole throughout this series. For the Thunder, everyone didn't show up at the same time when counted the most. Someone needed to put a missing person report on James Harden simply because he did not show up for the majority of this series. Consistency was huge for the Heat big 3, thus this is why they are champions.
4. Which team will benefit the most from the 2-3-2 format in this series? - Well this is the 3rd time that the home team has swept the middle 3 games in this format. Of course, each team who's done this has won the championship. The Heat has done it twice 2006 & 2012 and the Pistons in 2004.

Next Up: The NBA Draft, Olympics, and the Off-season. Congratulations to the 2012 NBA Champions Miami Heat 

Down 3-1, Well The Series May Not Be Over Just Yet.......

When you're down 3-1 in a best-of-seven series in the NBA Finals, history suggests that you're toast!!! 30 times this occurrence has happened and 30 times the team who's up 3-1 went ring-shopping for the summer. However, I am here to tell why some would think that a team down 3-1 will have a chance to still win the series.

2012 NBA Finals (prior to Game 5) is 3-1 Miami Heat over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Most suggest that history will take its place and that the Heat will win game 5, thus the championship. Heat fans all over this nation will pretty much want this series to end tonight, just as the whole Heat organization. I am here to tell you why I have some doubt in the Heat winning tonight and possibly the series.

Since 1985, when the NBA implemented the 2-3-2 format, there have been 14 occurrences of a team being up 3-1 in the Finals including this year's series. Of the 13 times this has happened, seven times has the series ended in 6 games and six times has the series ended in 5 games.

I'll focus on 3 of the 13 series that I've mentioned earlier: 1993 Finals - Bulls/Suns, 1998 Finals - Bulls/Jazz and 2004 Finals - Pistons/Lakers. Of these 3 series, these are the ones in which the team with home-court lost the series while being down 3-1. As Game 5 scenarios with Thunder/Heat series in this year's Finals. I'll compare the 3 series from the past with this year's Finals series.

• 1993 Finals with the Bulls/Suns is a little different from the 2012 Finals. The Bulls, which started out on the road, actually won all three games in Phoenix, but lost 2 of 3 at home to the Suns. 
• 1998 Finals could be the closest comparison that would favor the Thunder in the 2012 Finals. The Jazz had home-court and lost game 2 at home to Bulls, before going to Chicago and getting smoked for games 3 & 4 before winning a close game 5 to force the series back to Utah. Thunder fans may like to hear this news.
• 2004 Finals could be the closest comparison that favors the Heat in the 2012 Finals. The Lakers we're the clear favors to win this title, kind of like the Thunder was mostly favored to win the 2012 Finals. One problem with this: The Lakers got smoked in 5. The Pistons won game one in L.A. and nearly won game two, before coming home and sweeping the middle 3 games to win the championship in 2004. This is would be the dream idea for the Heat to do in game 5 of the 2012 Finals.

Of the two series that went to game 6's, both of those where ended by historically great shots that will forever live as great moments of the NBA. Home records in the postseason of the team with the home-court advantage combined was 25-5. So the chances that the Thunder could come back in this series is pretty good too. Now the thing with history however could negate that probability

Game 5 could resemble one of these past scenarios, but in order to challenge history, one must win every single game. Could the Thunder win 3 straight games? Of course they can. Will history get into the way of the Thunder's chances? Of course it will......if one doesn't study history, you're domed to repeat it. In American sports over the last 100 years, only once has a team come back from 3-1 hole to win a series: 2004 Boston Red Sox, en route to "challenging history" and winning a World Series Championship for the first time in 84 years. It only takes one time to change history. Just ask the Boston Red Sox....

4 Quarters - NBA Finals: Heat vs Thunder

Miami Heat vs Oklahoma City Thunder

1. Will the lack of experience help or hurt the young Thunder team? - Well two things can happen with this question: 1.) the inexperience could be helpful for a young team like this because they don't know any better and thus will go into this as if "hey, we'll just do our thang" or 2.) the inexperience could undo this team to the point in which they start beating themselves and making way too many mistakes that will cost them a game or two in this series. 
2. Will last year's collapse against Dallas be enough for help the Heat win their 2nd Championship? - For the Heat, this could be the breakthrough they we're looking for. Unlike playing a team last season in the Dallas Mavs, who we're experienced enough when it came to playing the Finals. They will play a very inexperienced, young Thunder team that could just collapse under the pressure of the Finals, as did this Heat team did last year.
3. Which Big 3 will control this series: Wade, James and Bosh or Westbrook, Durant, and Harden? - This will be the biggest challenge that either Big 3 as faced thus far. Miami's 3 vs OKC's 3. This just turned into a 3-on-3 tournament. Miami's 3 would have an edge simply because those 3 have been here to this stage before. OKC's 3, is younger, much more confident than in year's past and this could be their time! This could turn into a new rivarly of sorts, considering that both teams will be together for least one more season after this year. I would have to say that Miami's 3 should feel a little confident about this match-up. But don't let it turn into a clutch shot fest, or OKC's 3 may have something to say on that.
4. Which team will benefit the most from the 2-3-2 format in this series? - This is the most confusing, yet compelling part of the post-season. The 2-3-2. The middle 3 games is the pretty much the series. In 27 years, only 2 teams have swept the middle home 3 games (04 Pistons and 06 Heat). Both teams won the championship as well. Some would have a feeling that this Heat club could do the same feat, but history says other wise. History could be the reason why the Thunder could be saved in this series and may have a real shot at winning this because of this format.

X-Factors: Lebron James and Kevin Durant.

Lets face it, this is only match-up of all in this series that truly matters. Scoring Champion vs the MVP. Both guys could really cement their legacy as big time historical players by winning a championship. For James, this is his 3rd shot at getting that championship. Some would say that this is James best shot at becoming a champion, so he'd better not drop the ball this time.

As for Durant, this is his first of possible many times making it to the NBA's big stage. So not too much pressure is on him to win, but then again he may not want that much pressure on his shoulders, so why not win one now and get it out the way. Whom ever can overcome the pressure of this stage and deliver the big time shots and big plays needed for their teams to be victorious, will be the one who walks away from this champions.

Series Prediction: This is very hard for me to choose, but I'll take Thunder in 6.

Post Game - Eastern Conference Finals - Celtics vs Heat

Celtics vs Heat

(Heat Win Series 4-3)

1. Can the Heat finally put to bed the "Big 4" of the Celtics Regime? - Well this was the final "road block" for this Heat team to get to the finals and how fitting was it to beat the "Big 4" of the Boston Celtics. This could very well be the end to what was a great 4-year run for these individuals who may be broken up after this season. 
2. Will Chris Bosh return this series to help out the Heat? - Bosh returned in game 5 and made a impact for that game and the rest of the series. He was rarely used in game 5, but as the Heat stared into the face of elimination, he was used more often as he returns from that abdominal strain. 
3. Can Ray Allen finally recover in this series from the ankle injury that sidelined him at the end of season? -Ray actually looked better then most would of expected. As the series progressed, so did Allen.
4. Under/Over: 60 ppg in this series that James and Wade can average scoring combined? - Under, but the last two game, Lebron James went off as he saved the Heat season.

Next up: A next to great series with the Thunder for the right to be 2012 NBA Finals champions

Post Game - Western Conference Finals - Thunder vs Spurs

Thunder vs Spurs

(Thunder Win Series 4-2)

1. Could this be the best Spurs team under the Popovich-Duncan Era? - On Paper, this was his best team. However, in results it wasn't. The Spurs lost in the Western Conference Finals for a second straight time and some would think that this could of been the Spurs last chance at winning another championship for years to come. Well for Popovich-Duncan era at least. Remember, father time is undefeated....ALL-TIME.
2. Will the Thunder take the step of being the new alpha team of the Western Conference? - With the Thunder advancing to their first NBA Finals (in Oklahoma City), this could be the first of at least a 2-4 year run of dominance in the Western Conference and possibly the NBA.
3. Durant/Westbrook vs Duncan/Parker - Well watching games 1&2, the edge went to the Duncan/Parker, but from that point on, Westbrook/Durant certainly took over and with ease. Durant took this game to new level, especially in game 4 when he was as clutch as a player could ever be in the 4th Quarter on this game. Westbrook made some huge plays too, but game 5 in the 4th Quarter, Russy made a huge shot to help out in this series too.
4. With this being 2012, can the Spurs win a championship in a even-numbered year? - Welp the answer to this is NO. History withstood a strong Spurs team who just a few weeks ago looked primed to win the NBA Finals comfortably. Now they struggle with the decision of what to do for their future of this promising team.

Next up: NBA Finals, where legends are made. Durant, Westbrook, and Harden, this could be their time to write their names into the history book.

2012 NBA Finals Match-up will be.....

With both of the Conference Finals being tied up at 2-2 (as of Monday June 4th) I would love to see which storyline would be the most appealing to fans?? I'll give a brief overview of the possible storylines leading up to the NBA Finals, which will begin on Tuesday, June 12th.

• Heat vs Thunder: This maybe the most sexy match-up of the Final Four teams.
• Heat vs Spurs: This match-up could be the battle of team basketball vs Superstar power.
• Celtics vs Thunder: The main storyline to this could be one person who most wouldn't expect it to be, Kendrick Perkins faces his old team.
• Celtics vs Spurs: This could be the final big match-up between two future Hall of Famers: Tim Duncan vs Kevin Garnett.

Depending on how the rest of this week pans out, either of these match-ups should be good for the true NBA to watch for the 2012 NBA Finals.

4 Quarters - Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics vs Heat

5. Celtcs vs. 2. Heat

1. Can the Heat finally put to bed the "Big 4" of the Celtics Regime? - Think of this for a "perfect" storybook ended to the Miami Heat season: Winning a Championship having gone through the over-hyped Knicks, the bright future of a team who could challenge them in the future in the Pacers and ending the 4-year run of the Celtics "Big 4". Sounds good huh? Yea, this could be a signature series for this team. I am sure there's nothing more that this Heat team wants to do but to be the team that ended the Big 4's going away championship title. This will be a VERY tough task to accomplish.
2. Will Chris Bosh return this series to help out the Heat? - If a close-to-"healthy" Bosh can return in this series, this could pretty tilt the series advantage completely over the Miami Heat. But without Bosh, this could be a tough series to win for the Heat, considering the play of Kevin Garnett during these playoffs.
3. Can Ray Allen finally recover in this series from the ankle injury that sidelined him at the end of season? - If a close-to-"healthy" Allen can play then this could be the advantage the Celtics need to win this series. If Allen can stay on defense and knock down his shots on that ankle, then this could pose problems for the Heat guards. But if his ankle isn't up to par, this could be the straw that breaks the Celtics back, for good.
4. Under/Over: 60 ppg in this series that James and Wade can average scoring combined? - This is important because who else will score the Heats points if these two can't average 60 points a game. This was important in the last 3 games vs. the Pacers and it will be important in this series. Remember it is 2 against 4 in this series.

The "X" Factors - Rondo vs Chalmers. Since Avery Bradley is out for the reminder of the playoffs, this is the other non-Wade vs Allen X-factor I can think of. Mario Chalmers has to show up these round of the playoffs in order for the Heat to complete dominate this series. Without Bosh, the Heat would love to have someone step up to be the 3rd scorer, so why not Chalmers? I mean Rondo for the most part will hold up his own in this match-up, but to make it harder for Rondo would be the fact that Chalmers is consistant in his scoring.

Series Prediction - Heat in 7

4 Quarters - Western Conference Finals: Thunder vs Spurs

2. Thunder vs 1. Spurs

1. Could this be the best Spurs team under the Popovich-Duncan Era? - Well this is the deepest and youngest team under Popovich. As far as the best, this may rival the '99 team largely because that team won during a shorten season, just as this team would if they we're to win it all. I guess the only way to answer this question is the ask it again, after this series and after the NBA Finals. Stay Tuned.
2. Will the Thunder take the step of being the new alpha team of the Western Conference? - This could be the year that the Thunder could put themselves as the "team to beat" for the next few years in the Western Conference if they can get past the Spurs, who use to be that team that everyone had to beat in the West.
3. Durant/Westbrook vs Duncan/Parker - These match-ups can and most certainly will help decide this series. The Spurs are not Parker's team to command, but the old veteran Duncan is still playing at an high level during these playoffs so be careful not to count him out as of yet. As for Durant, he is the scoring leader of this team and most be able to get at least 25 points in each game for the Thunder to have success int this series, but Westbrook could be the overall key for this team advancing or going home. He must play at an high-level in order for this team to be champions.
4. With this being 2012, can the Spurs win a championship in a even-numbered year? - Tricky question, considering that the Spurs won in 99, 03, 05, and 07. This is 2012, so certainly this would be against their norm for winning. But then again, when you're hot, you're hot.

The "X" Factors - Manu Ginobili vs James Harden. Battle of the left-handed Sixth Men. These two players are pretty much alike in a lot of ways. These two are the 6th man of their teams and this will be the spark that comes off the bench to aid the starters of each team. The question is which one will be the difference-maker in changing this series around for their team. Harden must provide the level of play he did to help win him Sixth-Man of the Year this year in order to keep up with that deep Spurs bench.

Series Prediction: Very tough, but Thunder in 6

: 

Post Game - East Semis - Sixers vs Celtics

Sixers vs Celtics

(Celtics Win Series 4-3)

1. Can the Celtics finish strong in this series as they did in the last series against the Hawks? - Well the Sixers CAME TO PLAY. This young team push the older Celtics to the limit! On paper, this Sixers team should of been swept by the Celtics. The Celtics dodged a bullet this round.
2. Can the Sixers use their young legs to out-run the old C's Vets? - Well if you can't out-shoot a team, the best way to slow them down is to slow down the game. That's what's the Sixers did and for 7 games, this may have been the ugliest offense we've seen in a playoffs in sometime.
3. Under/Over 4 games: That the Sixers shoot over 45% from the perimeter? - Definitely was under.....Well I said I would take 3 games. Well it's Under 3 as well, 2 games in which the Sixers shot over 45% from outside: Game 3, which they we're blown off the floor and game 4, for which that helped them comeback and win that game. 
4. Iggy vs The Truth: Which of the team leaders will shine the most in this series? - Andre Iguodala came to play and this took a lot of Paul Pierce to guard him. But Iggy's defense against Pierce was phenomenal. Pierce had a tough series, unlike the 1st round against the Hawks, from the suffocating defense of Iggy. 

Next Up: Showdown with the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals

Post Game - East Semis - Pacers vs Heat

Pacers vs Heat

(Heat Win Series 4-2)

1. Team Superstars vs Team Role-Players: Who wins? - At the end of the day, the Heat had something (well two things) that the Pacers just didn't have: Superstars. For a Pacers team, who have a bright and competitive future, will have to find that "go-to guy" in order to make that next step to compete with the Miami's and Chicago's of the Eastern Conference.
2. Under/Over: 30 PPG that Lebron will average in this series? - Well I guess I should of said "even", because James averaged 30 PPG..
3. Are the Pacers the Dark Horse team in the East? - This season, NO. Next season and beyond: YES. 
4. West vs Bosh: This point isn't applicable because of the Bosh injury in Game 1.

Next Up: A trip back to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Post Game - West Semis - Lakers vs Thunder

Lakers vs Thunder

(Thunder Wins Series 4-1)

1. Could this be the last run for one Kobe Bryant? - Big Changes for the Lakers could be in-store for the 2012-13 season. Lets face it, the Lakers as present constituted can't win a championship. Kobe could play a role in who comes and goes from the Lakers, including himself. Even though, the Lakers wouldn't entertain that idea yet right? Right? Well this will make an interesting off-season for the Lake Show. To be continued...
2. Can KD and Westbrook be stopped this time? - Westbrook was the MAN of this series. KD did win game 4 with his game-winning shot, but Westbrook was too much for the Lakers point guards to handle. It's going to be interesting to see if Westbrook can keep up this level of play, cause if he can along with KD's clutch shooting, this team is prime to win the Golden trophy.
3. Battle of the big men: Gasol and Bynum vs. Perkins and Ibaka - Well for the Lakers bigs, the question was could they dominate this series. Answer: NO. This could be some of the reason as to why the Lakers couldn't beat the Thunder. The Lakers bigs are clearly better than the Thunders bigs, but they never played up to their potential.
4. Could the winner of this series be the Representative of the Western Conference in the NBA Finals? -  Well before the series started, I thought that this could be the West's best two teams. Yea I stand corrected, very much so. The winner of this series could be the representative to face and slow down the NBA's best team playing right now: San Antonio Spurs. I still believe that the Thunder could still win, but this will be a tough test for both teams.

Next Up: Showdown at the Alamo against the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals

Post Game - West Semis - Clippers vs Spurs

Clippers vs Spurs

(Spurs Win Series 4-0)

1. Will the 8 days off before this series help or hurt the Spurs? - Well the Spurs is the deepest team in the NBA, so anytime they can get rest, will OVERLY help them out. This clearly helped the Spurs and now they get another 6 days off before the West Finals.
2. How dangerous is this Clippers team now that they advanced into the Western Semis? - Their lack of experience showed in this series and that did this team in big time. The upside is huge, but they have some work to do to before they can become elite.
3. Paul vs Parker Part II - This match up was nothing like the 2008 West Semis, but both players held their own. Unlike in 2008, Paul didn't have the support as he did with the Hornets. Parker has more weapons did he did in that 2008 contest and this was the big advantage he had in this match-up.
4. Old Veterans of the Spurs vs the Younger Players from Lob City (Clippers)? - Well the vets won this match-up, as expected. This sweep should teach the younger Clippers squad and prepare them for future playoff runs, as this Clippers teams, if the core is held together, can be very dangerous in the future.

Next Up: Spurs head to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2008.

4 Quarters - West Semis: Lakers vs Thunder

3. Lakers vs 2. Thunder

1. Could this be the last run for one Kobe Bryant? - Lets face it Laker-Nation, this could be the last few years of Mr. Kobe Bean Bryant as we know him. Being close to 35 isn't much to glee about and with the talent declining with age, one would have to say that this could be the last run for this soon-to-be-Hall of Famer. This series could be the "Changing of the Guard". The almighty Lakers against the up and coming power of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
2. Can KD and Westbrook be stopped this time? - This all depends on if they don't stop themselves (more so Westbrook not handicapping Durant). Lets face it, no one on this current Laker squad can stop neither Durant or Westbrook straight up. This could be a very difficult series for the Lakers if they can't at least contain these two.
3. Battle of the big men: Gasol and Bynum vs. Perkins and Ibaka - Well this could be the series right here. If the Lakers bigs don't play will or dominate the paint, this could be very well be a sweep. Remember, Thunder bigs don't have to dominate this match to win the series, so it's not too much pressure on them. However, defensively is where the Thunder bigs MUST dominate in order to win this series.
4. Could the winner of this series be the Representative of the Western Conference in the NBA Finals? -  Well both teams will not have home-court, so if everything hold serve (no upsets in the Clippers/Spurs match-up) then this could be the ticket for the finals. But we can't make this determination right now, as Chris Bermen would say: "That's why they play the game".

Confidence Picks: Lakers (16) vs Thunder (8)

Series Prediction: Thunder in 6