SportsNation Blog Archives
Philadelphia 76ers
The Celtics and 76ers will match up in a Game 7 after Philadelphia pulled off an 82-75 win at home. Allen Iverson's presence energized a crowd that Kevin Garnett had earlier criticized as lackadaisical and fair-weather, but that likely won't be a factor when the series returns to Boston. What might be a factor is the possible absence of Avery Bradley, whom the Celtics could lose for the remainder of the playoffs because of a shoulder injury. We'll find out what all of this means Saturday night.
Which team wins?
The Celtics missed several opportunities to put this series away, as their horrible shooting percentage doomed them in Game 6.
Contenders without Bradley?
Avery Bradley has been the Celtics' secret hero on more than one occasion this season. His absence could be huge.
Could Iverson come back?
Allen Iverson's most recent stint playing basketball in Turkey ended when he underwent calf surgery. Could he still play in the NBA?
The NBA playoffs so far have been characterized by significant injuries to big-time players. Dwight Howard was out before the postseason began, Derrick Rose went down in the waning minutes of Game 1, and several other players (Baron Davis, Amare Stoudemire, etc.) have fallen victim to on- and off-court maladies. Consequently, we're seeing a lot of series that definitely will not go the distance -- there are six 3-1 series in play right now, along with two that have already been decided. The Nuggets in particular have had fits dealing with the new-look Kobe Bryant -- he's been more of a distributor late in games than he has in the past, where the game plan was simply "give it to Kobe."
Kobe's role?
Kobe Bryant's role in the fourth quarter is usually that of a force of nature, but these playoffs have seen him rely more on his teammates.
Thunder or Spurs?
The Spurs and Thunder have already taken care of their two opponents, but it's still a long way to go before either team makes it to the finals.
Comeback chance?
The Bulls and Magic find themselves in the same 3-1 hole as the Nuggets and Hawks, although Denver and Atlanta didn't lose their franchise players early on.
It was supposed to be the Bulls' year -- or at least the best chance the Bulls have had of winning a championship since the Jordan years. Derrick Rose's torn ACL has likely put an end to Chicago's title hopes, unless the team discovers a sudden reserve of strength available only when their superstar is off the court. Some fans are questioning the decision to keep Rose on the court with the game very nearly won in the fourth quarter, but coach Tom Thibodeau isn't apologizing for playing his star.
Avoidable injury?
Rose injured himself with 1:22 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Bulls up by 12 points.
Bulls' chances?
The Bulls are still quite a good team, and oddly enough had a winning record without Rose, although it's never a good thing to lose your star in the first game of the playoffs.
Rose or Howard?
Neither the Magic nor Bulls will have their star players available for the playoffs, a situation that puts both of their title hopes in jeopardy.
Olympic future?
Derrick Rose was to be a key factor in Team USA's Olympic plans, but he'll likely miss the London Games this summer.
We can understand if you don't want to take the time to grade your tech-support help on the other end of the telephone, but when we're talking about the dollars and emotion you've invested in sports, we think it's worth the effort. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2011 MLB survey
2010 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 3)
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 6)
3. Colorado Rockies (Overall: No. 13)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 14)
5. Atlanta Braves (Overall: No. 15)
Take part in the 2011 NFL survey
2010 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. New Orleans Saints (Overall: No. 1)
2. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 4)
3. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 9)
4. Arizona Cardinals (Overall: No. 19)
5. Baltimore Ravens (Overall: No. 20)
Take part in the 2011 NBA survey
2010 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 2)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 7)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 10)
4. Dallas Mavericks (Overall: No. 24)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (Overall: No. 25)
Take part in the 2011 NHL survey
2010 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 5)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 8)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 11)
4. San Jose Sharks (Overall: No. 12)
5. Chicago Blackhawks (Overall: No. 16)
It's just like the census, only this one is fun and doesn't come in the mail. And nobody from FOX News or MSNBC will yell at you about it. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2010 MLB survey
2009 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 1)
2. Milwaukee Brewers (Overall: No. 7)
3. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 16)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 23)
5. Philadelphia Phillies (Overall: No. 24)
Take part in the 2010 NFL survey
2009 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (Overall: No. 3)
2. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 13)
3. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 14)
4. Tennessee Titans (Overall: No. 15)
5. New England Patriots (Overall: No. 19)
Take part in the 2010 NBA survey
2009 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 5)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 9)
3. New Orleans Hornets (Overall: No. 12)
4. Houston Rockets (Overall: No. 17)
5. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 18)
Take part in the 2010 NHL survey
2009 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Carolina Hurricanes (Overall: No. 2)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 4)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 6)
4. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 8)
5. St. Louis Blues (Overall: No. 10)
Ray Allen has never been one for controversy -- the last time we can recall him doing something out of the ordinary was when he starred in He Got Game. That's why it's such a surprise that one of the league's most businesslike players is taking on an unusual target: the fans.
Allen is of the opinion that fans have too much influence in voting for the All-Star game. Specifically, Allen takes issue with the likely inclusion of Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady, both of whom are in position to start the game despite having sub-par seasons. Is Allen suggesting that, just maybe, the fans don't know what they're talking about? Perhaps. More likely, there's an element of favoritism involved -- it's difficult to seperate logic from emotion when it comes to evaluating players. Does Allen have a point?
“No the format doesn't need to be changed. Why? Because All-Star weekend is about just that. ALL STARS. If a player is having a great season in the NBA, sometimes he'll get voted to an All-Star game, HOWEVER, the real reward of recognition comes at the end of the season, with the All NBA voting. Being on the All NBA 1st, 2nd, or 3rd teams, or the All NBA Defensive 1st, 2nd, or 3rd teams is where you get recognized career wise moreso than All-Star appearances, but this obviously isn't just about performance, but also about MONEY.
” -- vgametime
“I agree guys like Iverson and McGrady aren't wothy to be All-Stars based on their play this season, but it's the fans' game. They should be able to vote for whoever they wanna see. Period.
” -- steinhardt711
Alex Trebek would be proud. Philadelphia has its "Answer" back. Now we just need to figure out what the question is.
How much will Allen Iverson help ticket sales? Well, 20,664 people showed up at the Wachovia Center on Monday to watch the 76ers and the Nuggets, almost 8,000 more than typically show up there (then again, maybe they came for Arron Afflalo). Can Iverson lead the 76ers out of the doldrums on the court and to the playoffs? He took only 11 shots in Monday's loss, but SportsNation is relatively split as to which A.I. -- Iverson or Andre Iguodala -- will take more shots over the rest of the season.
Even at 5-16, the 76ers are just 3.5 games out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference (or as we like to think of it, the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl) of hoops.
Peter (Montreal)
How do you foresee the Iverson situation playing out? What happens when Lou Williams comes back? Will Iverson really come off the bench?
Chad Ford
I think AI was humbled by the whole thing with Memphis and the resulting backlash. He's still a very good basketball player and I think you'll see him play well. The question is ... will he help them win? I'm skeptical. I love Andre Iguodala and think Thaddeus Young has a lot of promise ... but Elton Brand's a bad fit there and they really miss Andre Miller. Maybe they can get him back from Portland. So in short, AI will be fine. Not so sure about the Sixers. Full transcript
Shady (Philly)
over under 18.5 ppg for Iverson as a Sixer and will they make the playoffs
Chris Sheridan
That first number seems fairly safe assuming Lou Williams returns in January and they play him and AI together in the backcourt. I think Allen will need to be in the 20s until Lou returns to get this team back on track. Remember, they're carrying a nine-game losing streak into a tough game tonight. As for the playoffs? Only the Nets are out of it in the East -- and I can only say that with 95 percent certainty. Full transcript
Lakers fans are understandably excited about the new season, and the defending champs are a popular choice to repeat among bloggers in the ESPN.com community.
"I've never been more excited for the opening of any season, any sport," blogs kurtnaphansen. "The combination of being on the heels of the Lakers winning the NBA championship, of all the trash talk from Cavs, Celtics, Magic, Spurs and even Blazers fans, and of a very new interesting development with the addition of Sheed to Boston, Shaq to Cleveland and Artest to LA."
Below are fan blogs and predictions about the season, which tipped off this week. Click through to respond. If you don't already have an ESPN profile, create one now and start blogging.
More fan blogs
Bulls preview | Cavaliers preview | Celtics-Cavaliers | Cuban best owner in sports | Eastern Conference predictions | Jordan among untouchables | Jordan memories | Letter to LeBron | Magic preview | NBA questions | No worries in Lakerland | Remember the Bulls? | Teams to watch | Traveling rule | Western Conference predictions | Wizards' issuesFan pictures
At the end of the "SportsNation" TV show on Monday, Colin Cowherd told co-host Michelle Beadle the debut took so much energy he didn't know if he could do it again.
Guess who's back?
Check out the big stories of the day, cast your votes and watch on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. ET!.
If you had $900 million to spend, would you buy the Cubs?
The family of TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts reportedly has a deal to buy the team and Wrigley from the Tribune Co. for $900 million.
Where will LeBron James play after 2009-10?
LeBron told Trevor Ariza he'd be in Cleveland after next season. Or he didn't. NBA free agency is a game of intrigue and rumors.
Awesome or weird?
What do you think of Ron Artest reportedly going to find Kobe Bryant in the shower to tell him he could help the Lakers?
Should the 76ers try to sign Allen Iverson?
A.I. averaged more than 30 points a game in four of his 10 full seasons in Philadelphia. His average has dropped, but he can still score.
Would you partake in the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona?
Thousands of people risk goring and trampling each year in Spain. Are you interested in a road trip?
And our final question ....
Mark Teixeira and Kevin Youkilis carry a built-in rivalry to the lineup card that will be filled out by Joe Maddon, manager of the third AL East team of note.
What is "SportsNation" TV and how do you make your voice heard on the broadcast? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opinions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.
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