All-Time List Of NBA Champions, Finals Participants, and Finals MVPs

So everyone, I know that some of you may be geniuses in today’s realm of ball, but some of you may not know as much about the NBA’s history.

For instance, you all know that Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships and and two Three-Peats, but did you remember or realize that the Houston Rockets were the team that owned the two seasons in between? And that Hakeem the Dream is a two-time Finals MVP?

Check out the all-time list of NBA champions, Finals participants, and NBA Finals MVPs below. It’ll teach you some things you need to know.

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Thursday Links: Cavs Tanked in 02-03 to Get LeBron (You Think!?) and the Great Mark Titus Video

Presenting your Thursday afternoon links, with a bonus video!

This is Mark Titus, aka Club Trillion, who is a walk-on for the Ohio State basketball team. As you will see in the video, not only does he have impeccably cheesy taste in music, but he can make shots too!

And now your links.

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Del Negro Says Reports of His Firing are Inaccurate

Just recently ESPN reported that Chicago Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro was going to be fired soon, and that the only reason he hasn’t is because the mangement hasn’t been able to find his replacement.

Del Negro spoke today about the report that the decison to fire him was already made, saying it was “totally inaccurate.”

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Report: Vinny Del Negro to be Fired as Chicago Bulls Head Coach

According to ESPN.com, the Chicago Bulls will fire head coach Vinny Del Negro.

Many reports say that the only reason Del Negro’s job has been safe for so long is due to the fact that the Chicago Bulls’ organization was having trouble finding a replacement for Del Negro.

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Link Dump – Chicago Bulls Epic Collapse Edition

• Ricky at TUP is now questioning why he even roots for Chicago sports teams in the first place — (Tremendous Upside Potential)
• As you know, the Kings completed a 35-point comeback against the Bulls. What you may not have realized is that Tyreke Evans also practiced his “big balls dance” afterwards. — (Detroit 4 Lyfe)
• New sheriff in town: Tyreke Evans — (Josh Q. Public)
• New book: “How to Shit the Bed” by Vinny Del Negro — (Not Qualified to Comment)

Opening Week Preview for 2009-10 NBA Season

Kobe Bryant jumps in the air, giving a sweet vision back in time to Jordan’s celebration after knocking down the buzzer-beater that put a dagger in the heart of Karl Malone and Jazz fans alike. Watching was a sea of blue and white disappointed fans.

Yes, the Lakers were 2009 NBA Champions as they finished off the Orlando Magic in 5 games. What an incredible season.

A season that included LeBron finally being able to crown himself the best in the 08-09 season with a much deserved MVP award. A season where Dwight Howard showed us REALLY how to play defense, as he stole the 08-09 season’s Defensive Player of the Year. A season where Dwyane Wade put on a show nearly every night in Miami.

Yes, the season was great even for Knicks, Jazz, Hornets and all NBA fans alike…because regardless of how your teams performed, the individual performances were spectacular.

But that season is over.

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Bulls-Celtics: Game 7 Preview for Greatest 1st Round NBA Playoff Series Ever

The Bulls and Celtics are engaged in one of the most competitive, entertaining, and dramatic series in the history of the NBA Playoffs.

Some people are calling it the greatest playoff series ever; others say that a first round series can never, no matter how amazing, reach such lofty status.

I say I don’t give a scalabrine. I’m having a ton of fun watching the series and I can’t wait for Game 7.

Before we discuss the series more and look ahead to the game itself, here are all of the particulars so you can properly plan your sports watching weekend:

Bulls-Celtics Game 7 Preview: Tickets and Schedule Info

• Bulls-Celtics Game 7 Location: TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, MA
• Bulls-Celtics Game 7 Date: Saturday, May 2
• Bulls-Celtics Game 7 Time: 8:00 ET
• Bulls-Celtics Game 7 TV Schedule: TNT
• Bulls-Celtics Game 7 Announcers: Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins
• Bulls-Celtics Point Spread: TBA
• Bulls-Celtics Game 7 Tickets: Click here to get Celtics-Bulls Game 7 Tickets at RazorGator
• Bulls-Celtics Game 7 Tickets: Click here to get Celtics-Bulls Game 7 Tickets at TicketsNow
• Bulls-Celtics Game 7 Tickets: Click here to get Celtics-Bulls Game 7 Tickets at Stubhub

While I am probably leaning towards rooting for the Bulls, most of all I just want to see a good, competitive game. That is what this series deserves for a Game 7. Thus far, only one game has not be ultra-competitive. Look at the rundown of games:

• Game 1: Chicago wins 105-103 (OT)
• Game 2: Boston wins 118-115
• Game 3: Boston wins 107-86
• Game 4: Chicago wins 121-118 (2OT)
• Game 5: Boston wins 106-104 (OT)
• Game 6: Chicago wins 128-127 (3 OT)

To channel my inner Dick Vitale, I mean are you serious? Four games have been decided in overtime. It’s simply been unreal.

And what has really made it fun is that a host of players who had not yet reached star level prior to the series are stepping up and playing like stars. We know about Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, two wily old vets who continue to come through in big moments, but each of the guys below has raised his national profile at least a notch with his performance in this series:

• Celtics PG Rajon Rondo – We got to know him last year during the Celtics’ title run, but he has been even better thus far in the playoffs. No longer is he the scared kid with the deer-in-the-headlights look. He is now a leader and legitimately among the top PGs in the league.
• Bulls PG Derrick Rose – The Rookie of the Year has been a quick ascendent into the fraternity of upper echelon point guards. He still plays a little out of control sometimes. but he has eyeblink quickness and amazing composure for such a young player.
• Bulls SG John Salmons – I realize this guy had some productive years in Sacramento, but I never expected his performance last night. Barkley and Kenny Smith described him as “Jordanesque”. Not sure I’d go that far, but his profile got bumped up last night.
• Celtics PF Glenn Davis – The jumpshot is better and he is much more assertive. He is beginning to look more and more like a young Karl Malone as he matures and comes into his own. If the Celtics somehow find a way to keep winning, and the Garnett loss does not lead to a premature playoff exit, KG’s void could end up being a blessing disguise as it has offered the chance for Big Baby to step up and mature as a player.
• Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro – It’s amazing how a team as young as the Bulls can be so poised against a veteran team when their coach always has a look on his face like he doesn’t know what’s going on or what he should do next. But Del Negro has to get some credit, doesn’t he? I’ll defer to Bulls fans on this one…
• Celtics White Guy Brian Scalabrine – The unsung hero of this series for chubby, out of shape, white guys everywhere (like the guy typing right now). It’s not every day during the NBA playoffs that you get to watch someone bop around out there and think to yourself, “Hey, the only difference between that guy and me is 6 or 7 inches. I could have been out there!” This kind of thinking obviously marginalizes Scalabrine’s skills and contributions, but allows those of us blessed with lead feet and belly paunch to live vicariously through our hero. Go get ‘em in Game 7 Scalabrine! You’re not just playing for the Celtics; you’re playing for every unathletic white guy with a good jumpshot who never got a chance past high school.

And there are others. Kendrick Perkins has been a solid presence for the Celtics down low, Joakim Noah came up with the play of the night last night, and Brad Miller continues to prove that he is one of the NBA’s more underrated and underappreciated players. I remember Miller took people by surprise when he got to Purdue with his all-around skills, and he just keeps on producing now a decade into his NBA career.

It’s just – and I don’t think this can be overstated – been a great, fantastic, wonderful series.

My biggest fear as a fan is that with all of the buildup that will go into Game 7, which will undoubtedly be disproportionate for a first round series, it will not be able to live up to the hype. The Celtics went to Game 7 with the young and feisty Hawks last season, and then blew their doors off at home in Game 7. Could the same thing happen Saturday night?

Of course it could, but I don’t think it will.

The one blowout in this series was the Celtics’ victory over the Bulls in Game 3 – which was played in Chicago. The Bulls won Game 1 in Boston, they lost by three in Game 2, and they lost by two in overtime in Game 5.

Clearly the Bulls are not intimidated playing Boston in the Garden.

Plus, as physically and mentally exhausted as these two teams have to be, I can’t imagine one or the other playing so much better as to force a blowout. I think we will see a knock down, drag out, terrifically intense four quarters of basketball that no one will be surprised see extend into extra frames.

That is what we have gotten in five out of the six games, and it will be a perfect, fitting end if we get it in Game 7.

The homecourt advantage makes Boston the obvious choice to win this game, and that’s who I’d go with if forced to make a prediction. But I can’t wait to watch this game with no rooting interest other than the joy and appreciation of a basketball fan. Whichever team emerges from this first round gem will have truly earned it, but may not have anything left in the tank for the Eastern Conference semifinals.

That may be the price for winning the greatest first round series in NBA Playoff history, but all that matters right now is Game 7. Bulls-Celtics. The NBA is right: it is fantastic.

What do you think?

Is the Bulls-Celtics series the greatest series in NBA Playoffs history?

• No
• No - but it's the greatest first round series ever
• Yes

View Results

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Who will win Game 7 between the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics?

• Boston Celtrics (43%, 40 Votes)
• Chicago Bulls (57%, 52 Votes)

Total Voters: 92

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4/23/09 Game 3 NBA Playoff Betting Odds and Predictions: Celtics-Bulls, Spurs-Mavericks, Lakers-Jazz

Many people are starting to shift their focus to boxing betting and the huge Ricky Hatton-Manny Pacquiao fight next Saturday but for now, we have some NBA playoffs in front of us.

Three games are on the card for tonight as the home court advantage switches. The series shift to Utah, Dallas and Chicago, and there’s plenty at stake. Here’s a look at the three games tonight:

Boston Celtics @ Chicago Bulls

Celtics vs Bulls odds: Bulls -3

The Boston Celtics are beaten down and bruised, but they are still the defending champions. Already missing Kevin Garnett, the Celtics lost another key cog as forward Leon Powe tore his ACL in Game 2 and will now miss the rest of the season.

The Celtics could very easily be up 2-0 in this series but could also be down 0-2. The real concern is that Chicago was unfazed by playing on the road but now have their home court advantage, which could lead to a couple of blowouts. The Bulls won 12 of their last 17 home games.

Paul Pierce will need to assert himself in Game Three but if the Celtics can’t find a way to slow down the Bulls offense, they might not advance.

Pick: Bulls -3

San Antonio Spurs @ Dallas Mavericks

Spurs vs Mavericks odds: Mavericks -4.5

The San Antonio Spurs will be looking to steal back home court advantage on Thursday night but winning in Dallas isn’t an easy feat. The Mavs won 32 of 41 home games this season.

With Tim Duncan battling knee problems and the Spurs battling depth problems, the difference in this series has to be Tony Parker.

Game 2 was a layup drill for Parker as he scored 38 points. Parker had 24 points in Game 1 but was just 9-for-22 from the field. When Parker is on, it creates opportunities for everyone else on the Spurs.

Look for the Mavericks to make some adjustments on Parker and slow him down. The Mavericks have been far more capable of dictating the style of play at home than on the road.

Pick: Mavericks -4.5

Los Angeles Lakers @ Utah Jazz

Lakers vs Jazz odds: Lakers -1.5

The Jazz have come to a fork in the road and they better take it. The Jazz, who have lacked the team chemistry that helped them put up a fight against the Lakers last year, must win on Thursday night or their series with the Lakers will be over.

The Lakers have used the Jazz as their personal piñata in Games One and Two, and it has been far from just the Kobe Bryant show.

The Lakers have averaged 116 points per game while Bryant has averaged just 25 points per game. In Game 1, the Lakers had three scorers with 20 points or more and all but one starter scored. Meanwhile, in Game 2, the Lakers had seven scorers in double figures.

The Jazz will put up a valiant effort tonight but hoops betting fans know that might not be enough.

Pick: Lakers -1.5

Derrick Rose Adds Name to All-Time List of NBA Rookie of the Year Award Winners

What a year (plus a few weeks) it’s been for Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose.

First, the phenom from Chicago led Memphis to within a Mario Chalmers 3-pointer of the NCAA Title. Then, Rose was the #1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. He followed that up by proving the Bulls’ choice of he over Michael Beasley correct with a consistent and outstanding rookie season in which he led the turbulent Bulls to the playoffs. Once in the playoffs, Rose had his NBA coming out part in the Bulls’ Game 1 upset over defending champion Boston in which he tied the NBA record for most points by a rookie in a playoff debut.

And today, with the Bulls entrenched in a 1-1 series against Boston that is heading back to the Windy City for Game 3, Derrick Rose was named 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year, adding his name to a prestigious list of players who have excelled in their first NBA seasons.

Look at the list below. Is there any Rookie of the Year list in any professional sport that is such an accurate predictor of future stardom? There are very few names on the list that did not ultimately become tremendous NBA players and/or Hall of Famers.

***Ticket Offers from StubHub for MSF Readers***

Chicago Bulls Playoff Tickets

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For the season, Derrick Rose averaged 16.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. he also shot 47.5% from the field and 78.8% from the line while playing in 81 games and averaging 37.0 minutes per game. Good stats for any point guard, but other-worldly for a rookie point guard.

And Rose, according to ESPN.com, is only the 4th player since 1990 to win the Rookie of the Year award and lead his team to the playoffs. The others are Tim Duncan, Chris Webber, and David Robinson.

Congratulations to Derrick Rose. This has been an outstanding rookie class in 2008-09, but Rose was clearly head and shoulders above everyone else.

Here is all-time list of past NBA Rookie of the Year Award Winners:

FANtastic Start to 2009 NBA Playoffs: Bulls Beat Spread, and Celtics, in Game 1

Complete NBA Playoffs First Round spreads and schedule below. Scroll down.

The inevitable ascent to super-duper-stardom of Chicago Bulls PG Derrick Rose took one more step this afternoon in Game 1 of the Celtics-Bulls first round series. To say that Rose was super, scintillating, and sensational would be an observation that even Dick Vitale might not be able to overstate.

Despite the absence of Kevin Garnett, the Celtics were still the heavy favorite with the game being played in The Garden. Thanks to Derrick Rose, some timely 4th quarter shooting by Ben Gordon, and great play by Tyrus Thomas in overtime, the Bulls not only beat the spread, they beat the Celtics 105-103 to take a 1-0 series lead.

I don’t know if Rose, a rookie, has been that good all year, as this was my first time watching the Bulls play, but now I know what all the fuss has been about all year. Derrick Rose was fantastic last year for Memphis and has obviously not skipped a beat as a professional. With he, Chris Paul, and Deron Williams there are certainly some outstanding young point guards to carry the NBA torch forward. And Rajon Rondo of the Celtics is right there with them.

Goodness, if this afternoon’s game was a precursor to what the rest of the 2009 NBA Playoffs will be like, we are all in store for an couple of exciting months and some tricky point spread picking. Even without KG I would have taken the Celts and the points (if I bet on sports, which readers of this site know that I don’t…seriously) If the Celtics cannot beat the spread against the Bulls at home in Game 1, or even beat them outright, what upset could come next?

Below you will find the first schedules and point spread info for each of the 8 first round series in the 2009 NBA Playoffs. (I also included the official spread reader from BetUs below the tables, just in case I’m not quick enough updating the tables.) This post will always have the most up-to-date spread information, so feel free to bookmark this page and come back to find out the latest point spread information. And here are some helpful links for easy access to the BetUs sportsbook, complete betting info, and NBA playoff tickets if you plan on attending games live:

• BetUs Sportsbook
• NBA Playoffs Spreads and Money Lines
  
• NBA Playoff Tickets from StubHub

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NBA Playoffs Point Spreads from BetUs

2009 NBA Playoffs Betting Preview: Matchups and Odds

The post breaks down the opening odds and lines for the first round matchups of the 2009 NBA Playoffs. Follow the link to view the complete NBA playoffs first round TV schedule.

Eastern Conference Playoffs Series Odds

No. 8 Detroit Pistons @ No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers

The Detroit Pistons have been sinking ever since their trade of Chauncey Billups and are a paltry 18-31 since January 7. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the best team in the NBA and are extremely dominant at home. The Cavs have the best player in the league and the best home-court advantage, which will make this a very quick series.

Pistons vs Cavaliers odds: Cavaliers -3800

(Editor’s note: For a detailed preview and ticket information, follow the link to the MSF Cavs-Pistons preview and tickets post.)

No. 7 Chicago Bulls @ No. 2 Boston Celtics

What should have a been a walk-in-the-park for the Celtics now becomes a bit of a tricky first round matchup now that Kevin Garnett has been ruled out of the series.

The Celtics still have Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and a wealth of experience. The Bulls are young and raw, including their first-time head coach Vinny Del Negro. Even without Garnett, look for the Celtics to make quick work of the Bulls.

Bulls vs Celtics odds: Celtics -600

No. 6 Philadelphia 76ers @ No. 3 Orlando Magic

The Magic do and will miss their All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson but the loss won’t be noticed in this matchup.

The Magic are one of the league’s best perimeter teams while the Sixers are the league’s worst. That figures to be the downfall for Philadelphia, who will have a tough time consistently generating enough offense to keep up.

Magic vs 76ers odds: Magic -1200

No. 5 Miami Heat @ No. 4 Atlanta Hawks

The four-five matchup in the East will be interesting because of the contrast of styles. The Heat are a one-man show with Dwyane Wade while the Hawks are built on balance and depth.

The Hawks have six players who average double-figure scoring and, with home-court advantage in tow, hoops betting fans should expect the Hawks should get past the Heat in a seven-game series.

Heat vs Hawks odds: Hawks -145

Western Conference Playoff Series Odds

No 8. Utah Jazz @ No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers disposed of the Utah Jazz in six games during the 2007-08 Western Conference Semi-Finals and it’s hard to envision the result being different this time around.

The Lakers won the series without the services of Andrew Bynum and, with him around, the Jazz will now have one more problem to deal with.

The Jazz won just seven of their final 21 games while the Lakers lost just seven of their last 30.

Lakers vs Jazz odds: Lakers -2000

No. 7 New Orleans Hornets @ No. 2 Denver Nuggets

On paper, the New Orleans Hornets seem to match up very well against the Denver Nuggets. The problem is that the two squads are at different ends of the momentum spectrum, which should be the difference. The Hornets have lost four of their last five, six of their last eight and are 8-10 in their last 18 games. Meanwhile, the Nuggets won 14 of their last 17 games and are playing their best basketball heading into the playoffs.

Both teams like to get out and run, which benefits the Nuggets, who haven’t passed the first round in recent seasons because they have faced defensive-minded half-court teams. Hoops betting fans should look for the Nuggets to advance after a long series.

Hornets vs Nuggets odds: Nuggets -210

No. 6 Dallas Mavericks @ No. 3 San Antonio Spurs

Neither the Dallas Mavericks or San Antonio Spurs are the Championship threats they were just a few years back as both teams have aged quickly.

Tim Duncan is past his prime and he’ll be without one of his sidekicks, Manu Ginobili, for the series. For the Mavericks, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Jerry Stackhouse and Dirk Nowitzki are all past their primes too, which hardly makes them a threat.

The Spurs should get by on the strength of their home-court advantage.

Mavericks vs Spurs odds: Spurs -155

No. 5 Houston Rockets @ No. 4 Portland Trail Blazers

The Houston Rockets haven’t been out of the first round of the playoffs in the Yao Ming-Tracy McGrady era but they’ll finally have a good opportunity.

The Rockets lost their home court advantage at the last minute but they are facing a team without much playoff experience. Without McGrady, the Rockets have been cohesive and successful, and hoops betting fans won’t be surprised if they get over the hump.

Rockets vs Trail Blazers odds: Trail Blazers -125

NBA Playoff Picture Begins to Clear For Cavs, Bulls, Pistons, and (ugh) Pacers

The 2009 NBA Playoff picture is now cleared up.  View the NBA Playoff TV Schedule and Matchups.  The Playoffs start this weekend. Follow the link for great deals on Cleveland Cavaliers Playoff Tickets from StubHub

We have not done a whole lot of regular season NBA coverage here at MSF, but that is about to change now that the NBA Playoffs are almost here and Cavs playoff tickets are about to become the hottest commodity in the Midwest.

I certainly do not consider myself a die-hard NBA fan by any means, but I love the playoffs. And while I am not officially a Cavs fan (I grew up a Bulls fan, but that love faded when MJ retired), they are the team I watch and root for over any others. Obviously, this year’s NBA playoffs are shaping up to be pretty exciting for fans of the Cavs and LeBron.

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A few quick dates and links of note, and then we’ll break down the playoff matchups if the season ended today.

• April 15: Last day of NBA regular season
• April 16: Playoff rosters set
• Start Date: NBA Playoffs begin on April 18
• Up-to-date playoff picture at NBA.com
• NBA season calendar
• StubHub: NBA Playoff Tickets
• StubHub: Cleveland Cavaliers Playoff Tickets
• StubHub: Chicago Bulls Playoff Tickets
• StubHub: NBA Playoff Tickets

Once the final playoff seedings and the schedule is announced, we will post an in-depth NBA playoff preview. For now, here are the matchups if the NBA Playoffs started today. Season series in parentheses:

Eastern Conference Projected Playoff Matchups:

– #1 Cleveland Cavaliers v #8 Detroit Pistons (Cavs 3-1)

– #2 Boston Celtics v #7 Chicago Bulls (Celtics 2-1)

– #3 Orlando Magic v #6 Philadelphia 76ers (Magic 3-0)

– #4 Atlanta Hawks v #5 Miami Heat (Hawks 2-1)

Charlotte is currently 2.5 games behind Detroit for the final playoff spot, while the Pacers are 4.0 games back. Neither is eliminated yet, but their odds are obviously very low.

Cleveland, currently 4.0 games up on Boston, is looking solid for the #1 seed and home court advantage in the East, and also is 1/2 game up on the Lakers for home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Only one game currently separates the Celtics and Magic for the 2nd spot, and the Bulls and Pistons are separated by only 1/2 game for the 7th spot; so both of those slots are still very much up for grabs with most teams having four or five games remaining as of today.

Western Conference Projected Playoff Matchups:

– #1 Los Angeles Lakers v #8 Dallas Mavericks (Lakers 3-0)

– #2 Denver Nuggets v #7 Utah Jazz (tied 2-2)

– #3 San Antonio Spurs v #6 New Orleans Hornets (NO 2-1)

– #4 Houston Rockets v #5 Portland Trail Blazers (Rockets 2-1)

The Lakers, with their 10 game lead over the Nuggets, have the Western Conference #1 seed wrapped up. Only 5.5 games total separate #2 from #7 right now. With 2.5 games separating current #2 Denver from current #5 Portland, there is still a lot of jockeying that could take place in the upper half of the Western Conference seeding. With Dallas up 4.0 games on Phoenix, their spot looks pretty solid.

In the end, as we all know, the cream almost always rises to the top in the NBA Playoffs. If anyone but the Lakers emerges from the West, it will be a huge upset. Cleveland, Boston, and Orlando are obviously the heavy favorites in the East, with most people thinking the Cavs are a Finals guarantee because they have the best player in the East (and maybe the entire NBA), while Boston is fighting age and injury and Orlando still lacks deep playoff experience.

We got our Lakers-Celtics Finals last season, which satisfied the appetite of NBA traditionalists. This year, I’m hoping for Cavs-Lakers so we can see the two best players in the world go mano-a-mano for what undoubtedly would be a hotly contested, competitive, and highly entertaining six or seven game series.

We’ll see how the next week shakes out and be back next week with our official NBA Playoffs preview post, and then breakdowns of the individuals series. Until then, what is your Finals prediction? Do you think anyone other than the Cavs and Lakers have a prayer?

The comment section awaits…

Rush’s 29 Points Aren’t Enough: Bulls Defeat Indy, 112-106

NBA betting – Thursday Night Picks – March 26, 2009

Los Angeles Lakers (56-14) @ Detroit Pistons (34-36)

If the Detroit Pistons win on Thursday night, it might be a March Madness betting like upset. The Pistons are a big home underdog and, as the Western Conference’s best team comes to visit, the Pistons have too many problems coming to a head at one time to really put faith in them.

For starters, the Pistons haven’t been very good at home this year to begin, sporting just an 18-18 mark. Secondly, and more importantly, the Pistons should be fairly shorthanded for Thursday night’s contest.

Allen Iverson is out indefinitely, Rasheed Wallace is expected to miss Thursday’s contest, as is Richard Hamilton, who is dealing with a groin injury.

Sportsbook odds have the Lakers as an 8.5-point favorite and they are too strong to stumble against the Pistons’ backups.

Miami Heat (38-33) @ Chicago Bulls (34-38)

The first game of the NBA TNT double-header will be going head-to-head with March Madness betting as the Connecticut Huskies and Purdue Boilermakers will be playing at the same time.

The Chicago Bulls have had all sorts of problems with Miami this season, going 0-for-3 in the first three meetings this season.

The problem for the Bulls has been containing Dwyane Wade, who has gone crazy on them in each outing. Wade, who is the NBA’s leading scorer at 29.8 points per game, has averaged 33.3 point per game, 7.0 assists and 3.7 rebounds in the first three matchups.

The Bulls are beaten up heading into this contest but they are expected to have Derrick Rose, who is dealing with a wrist injury, while Tyrus Thomas will be a game-time decision. The Bulls are already missing Luol Deng from their lineup, who is out indefinitely.

Look for the Bulls to somewhat salvage the season series with the Heat and get a win tonight.

Phoenix Suns (40-31) @ Portland Trail Blazers (44-27)

While a few March Madness betting sharps will be solely focusing on college basketball tonight, a number of hoops betting fans will be flipping back and forth as the late game on the TNT twin bill has plenty of playoff implications.

The Phoenix Suns have caught fire of late and have won six straight games to get themselves back into the playoff conversation.

That’s the good news.

The bad news is that five of those six wins came at home and now they have to find a way to win on the road at the Rose Garden.

The Portland Trail Blazers don’t lose at home very often, but they are coming off a tough home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. That was the Blazers’ first game home after a six-game East Coast trip and they were dead tired by the fourth quarter.

Now that they’ve had two days off between games, they should be more than capable of handling a feeble Suns team.

The Suns are without Amare Stoudemire and Leandro Barbosa for tonight’s game while the Blazers’ Brandon Roy is probable tonight while Travis Outlaw is questionable.

Video: Dwyane Wade’s Marvelous Hardcourt Omnipotence Brings Out MVP Talk, Brad Miller’s Pouty Face

As if we needed more reason to believe that Dwyane Wade is one of the biggest badasses in sports — and a legit NBA MVP candidate this year — he gave us one last night.

D-Wade and the Heat were in Chicago (wrong, the game was in Miami — thank you to the commenter who pointed out my brain fart) to battle the Bulls and the game ultimately went to double overtime. As you will see in the video below, Dwyane Wade saved his best moment of the game for last to give the Heat a thrilling victory and improve their record to 34-29. Wade finished with 48 points (5-6 from 3-point range, 15-21 overall), 6 rebounds, and 12 assists — yet another superhuman performance from one of the NBA’s three best players (with LeBron and Kobe).

He is simply incredible.

As you will see in the video below, sent to us by Robert at Black Sports Online, the Heat and Bulls were tied near the end of the second overtime when Wade came up with a steal and then flashed his hardcourt omnipotence for all to see.

(And hilariously, the immortal pouty face of Purdue grad Brad Miller also makes a cameo appearance in the video.)

Video: Dwyane Wade Double-OT Buzzer Beater Lifts Heat Over Bulls

For the season, Dwyane Wade is averaging 29.8 points, 7.7 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.2 steals. He has the Heat at 5th in Eastern Conference standings with a lineup around him that includes old reliable Udonis Haslem, the bodies who used to be Jermaine O’Neal and Shawn Marion, and rookies Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers.

It has seemed like a two-horse race for MVP all season between LeBron and Kobe, but Wade’s ridiculous play since the All-Star break (three 40-point games in his last five, for instance) has firmly planted his name right beside theirs.

Who will be the 2008-09 NBA MVP?

• Kobe
• LeBron
• D-Wade

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When Dwyane Wade is healthy, there is no one more fun to watch in the league. I really hope we get to see he and LeBron go at it come playoff time. And you can bet that the video above will not the last amazing Dwyane Wade highlight of this season — maybe not even this week. He is rolling, and if his teammates come to play in the postseason, the Heat are going to cause teams some major headaches in the playoffs.

Dwyane Wade photo credit: ESPN.com