espn.com Ali Contest
What do the Mavericks and Spurs have in common with Enron? Well, all three call Texas home ... and all three went from priceless to worthless in a hurry. As the NBA begins its conference finals, Page 2's Bill Simmons examines whose stock continues to rise and whose value dropped quicker than a leaping Todd MacCulloch.
SIMMONS: STOCK WATCH | SIX PACK

POLL RESULTS



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The NBA wants to quiet any rumors that the lottery is fixed, so the league is allowing a few reporters to keep their eyes on the ping-pong balls this weekend. Page 2's Dan Shanoff is more concerned with ways to fix the lottery, and he's got a few ideas on other systems that might be more fair ... and more entertaining.

Casting Call The Soft List
While George Lucas is busy counting box-office receipts, Page 2's readers offer the "Star Wars" creator something to Chewie on. After compiling reader suggestions for casting "Attack of the Clones," now you can vote for the best sports personalities to play five major roles.
Page 2's list of Who's Soft and Who's Not confirmed one thing we've known for awhile: Our readers aren't soft at all. Your choices for "marshmallow men" included Jay Leno, Keanu Reeves, Kevin Costner, David Schwimmer, Pedro Martinez ... and (gasp!) Tony Soprano.

SPORTOON
Who would have guessed the Kings would give the Mavericks the ultimate wedgie? Or that the Habs have a new open-door policy? Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe did, because he's been monitoring playoff trends in the NBA and NHL.


You've already taken a look at Page 2's list of the 10 biggest cheaters in baseball history. Now check out our readers' choices for the biggest cheater, and vote in the poll to crown baseball's all-time biggest cheater.

10]  Ty Cobb
"How many extra stolen bases did he get because fielders were afraid of the sharpened spikes?"
9]  Joe Niekro
"Really ... who has ever been seen filing his nails during a game?"
8]  John McGraw
" He hid balls in the outfield, spiked opposing players, watered down the base paths, grew the infield grass to deaden bunts."
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NBA FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday Kings 2 Lakers 194
Sunday Nets Celtics 184½
NHL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday Red Wings ½ Avalanche 5
Sunday Hurricanes ½ Maple Leafs
Complete Line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2? Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.

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KOBE SETS SAIL
At age 23, Kobe Bryant has had things pretty easy, but Page 2's Ralph Wiley says the road ahead will be filled with trials and tribulations.

THE HOT LIST
Page 2's Dan Shanoff checks in with his weekly look at what's hot an what's not in the sports world.

CRITICAL MASS
When faced with hardship in our lives, we often use sports to help us find normalcy again. Page 2's Eric Neel remembers one such time.

THE SPORTS GUY
In Part 2 of his visit to TNT's "Inside the NBA," Bill Simmons goes into the screening room with Charles Barkley.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


No wonder Michael Wilbon says "Boston Public" is one of his favorite shows. The "Pardon the Interruption" host bears a striking resemblance to actor Chi McBride, the principal on "BP" -- and 52 of our readers have noticed. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


European PGA: Deutsche Bank-SAP Open
6 a.m. ET, Golf Channel
Final round at Heidelberg, Germany.
 
Avalanche at Red Wings
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Colorado needs to even series before heading home.
 
Lakers at Kings
9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Practically a must-win for Sacramento in Game 2.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Thurs., May 16: 7 Voyages of Kobe
• Wed., May 15: The "Soft" List
• Tues., May 14: The Bald Piper
• Mon., May 13: Pure Dynamite

Other featured content:
• Comment on Mystery Photo
• 10 Burning Questions for Ludacris
• The Power Poll
• Bizarre & Bogus
• Anna or Not Anna? The Penthouse Quiz
• Top 10 Ken Griffey Jr. complaints
Weekend Edition, May 17-19, 2002
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