Welcome...Let's Get This Started...

Hello Everyone!! Welcome to my first blog and thanks for taking the time to read what's on my mind when it comes to basketball. This blog is meant to educate those who are not fluent in the language of basketball but to also share my opinions with those who love the game just as much as I do.

Hmm...let's see, there's so much to talk about. First off, let's start with the NBA...

Today in the NBA the All-Star Reserves were announced.

East
G Dwayne Wade, MIA*
G Allen Iverson, DET*
F Dwight Howard, ORL*
F LeBron James, CLE*
C Kevin Garnett, BOS*
F Paul Pierce, BOS
C Chris Bosh, TOR
G Joe Johnson, ATL
F Danny Granger, IND
G Devin Harris, NJ
F Rashard Lewis, ORL
G Jameer Nelson, ORL
West
G Chris Paul, NO*
G Kobe Bryant, LAL*
F Tim Duncan, SA*
F Amare Stoudemire, PHO*
C Yao Ming, HOU*
F Dirk Nowitzki, DAL
F Pau Gasol, LAL
G Chauncey Billups, DEN
G Tony Parker, SA
G Brandon Roy, POR
C Shaquille O'Neal, PHO
F David West, NO
*starters

Obviously it's impossible to challenge the starters as the fans voted but as the reserves were chosen by the coaches , we can analyze if the picks for the reserves are legit and deserving to be in this year's All-Star game. Initially, I agreed with the picks for reserves until I noticed that one name was missing, "Carmelo Anthony, starting SF for the Denver Nuggets." Now I love David West but in no way did he put up better numbers than Melo. I don't know, maybe the coaches picked West because Melo has been out with a broken hand and has missed the last 10 games for the Nuggets. But if my memory serves me right, I believe Melo was cleared by doctors to return to the court tomorrow against the Charlotte Bobcats. This is the only mistake the coaches made this year...but I suppose there seems to be at least one pick that we all scratch our heads at.


Now onto tonight's key matchups between Cleveland vs Orlando & San Antonio vs Phoenix. The first is a battle between two Eastern Conference powerhouses. Cleveland is currently holding onto 1st in the East but Boston and Orlando are right on their heels. This one is going to be key come April, in determining who win home court advantage in the playoffs. I expect things to go down to the wire with Orlando pulling away in the end. Yes, Cleveland has the LeBron James and a solid bench that never seems to falter but Orlando has 3 players going to the All-Star game in Nelson, Lewis, and Dwight Howard aka Superman. I'm expecting another 20pt, 20 reb game from Superman and a big win for the Magic.

The second game is always a fun one. It will be a battle between the consistent Spurs and the flashy Suns. On Christmas day, it took a 3-pointer at the end of regulation by Roger Mason for the San Antonio Spurs to win in Phoenix so expect for things to come down to the wire again. The battle within the battle will come between Tim Duncan (Mr. Fundamental as Shaq likes to call him) and the Big Cactus, #32, Shaq Daddy. This is going to be fun to watch. Tim is yet again starting in the All-Star game this year and Shaq just came off of the announcement that he will also be appearing, bringing the total to 15 All-Star appearances, 2nd to only Wilt! For Phoenix to win, they will need to show that they can defend and Amare is going to have to snap out of this funk he's been having recently. I'm expecting Shaq and Tim to play well but the key will be who else steps up for these two teams. This is a must-see game people!!! Pop the popcorn, grab a drink, and get ready to hold on as this one will definitely be raising your blood pressure if you're a Phoenix or San Antonio fan. I'm picking Phoenix to pull this out, they're in need of a statement game...for their sake.

Now onto...what...oh Candace Parker. Congrats to Candace & Sheldon on their recent marriage and pregnancy. Hopefully Candace will bounce back & be able to lace em up by the playoffs for the Sparks...cross your fingers everyone. Oh and watch out for CP3 jr in 2027...that baby is going to be RI-DI-CU-LOUS!!!

Well that's it for my first installment of heather's Sports World...check back in the next few days to my response to tonight's games and a sneak-peek into College Basketball.

Heather

P.S.
GO BISON!! & GO HOYAS!!! I'm always rooting for you guys! HU...U KNOW!!