Raptors, Knicks have shot at playoffs.

I can't believe what might actually happen in the NBA. The Eastern conference is ugly, leaving the door open for many unexpected teams to grab the final spots for the postseason. For a team a year ago that was the laughing stock of the league now has a chance to enter the postseason. Madison Square Garden can have a good reason to cause a raucous beyond the usual all-out brawls and showering of trash thrown on the court from vengeful hecklers. If Isiah Thomas can pull this feat off he will save his job, which looked to be in jeopardy for a while.

Okay to get an idea of how bad the East is the Knicks are 31-40, still able to hang around. In the West that wouldn't cut it. The season would be over already. The Celtics and 76ers have shown no consistency, unable to go on any decent winning streak. As far as other unlikely competition the Raptors have emerged at the top of the Atlantic division. They're coming off a huge win (or at least I think so) against the Heat Wednesday night, 96-83. Chris Bosh has become a leader on the team. He finished the game with 13 points and 18 rebounds. Guard Anthony Parker added 20 points.

How about the Raptors, they're 39-32! Sure that's not a great record, but considering the contenders they've played and actually beaten the Cavs, Rockets, and the Heat. It should be enough to help the franchise make their first playoff appearance. Toronto has an overlooked, talented group featuring sweet-shooting guards, T.J. Ford, Anthony Parker, and Juan Dixon. These guys are making the difference, each deadly shooters from beyond the arc.

They deserve to make the playoffs because they're come a long way since their expansion year. Toronto faces Washington on the road Friday. With a second consecutive win they put further distance between them and other Eastern challengers in the race. In the Knicks, on the other hand will have to hope and pray for a miracle!

A true team leader. AP Photo/ Sue Ogrocki

The Hornets quest for playoff emergence rests in Chris Paul's hands

With the season winding down the playoff picture is taking shape. The battle in the East for the final spots are ugly, the door has been open for so long with no team being able to capitalize. In the West it's a close race between the Warriors, Hornets, T-wolves, and Kings. Each team is within 2 games of each other. The Hornets (32-38) and Golden State (33-39) are tied for the final seed. Lead by their smooth-passing star point guard, Chris Paul, New Orleans/Oklahoma City could be celebrating their first playoff birth.

Coming off a big win over the Rockets the other night, things look to be in the Hornets' favor. Both Paul and Tyson Chandler are having stellar performances. The second-year star guard is averaging 17 ppg with 9 assists. Sunday against Houston Paul scored 28 (10-15 FG) with 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. For a guard he shoots 45% on field goals for the season, which is good for any player in the league. Tyson Chandler has put together remarkable rebounding games in the last week or two. Victories against Boston and Memphis he pulled down 11 rebounds in each game while adding at least 14 points. In a loss at Los Angeles the 7'1 Center had a huge game with 22 points and 22 rebounds (9 offensive).

The big drawback for the Hornets is not having Peja Stojakovic in the lineup. He may return from his near season-long injury to give them a scoring lift. That's why I think Chris Paul will set up to the challenge as it's his time to shine. He can help give the franchise make their debut in the postseason. New Orleans has to withstand the remaining teams in the hunt and get more of a lead going into the last 2 weeks. The speedy, intelligent point guard has got it in him to produce another triple-double and get his team over the hump. Look for those assists totals to rise too with confidence brimming in New Orleans/Oklahoma City

The fight for the Final Four

The tension has risen this weekend as 8 teams compete for the 4 coveted spots in the tournament. Ohio State and UCLA are in with big wins yesterday. Many feel Florida is a shoe-in for the Final Four. Their impressive star trio of Noah, Hortford, and Lewis are tough to shut down. That's why many college hoops fans believe they're favorite to make good on a run for a repeat at the title. I'm sure the bets were riding on them today. It's coming down the wire at this moment as Florida is up 79-74 over Oregon with 33 seconds left. Looks like the Gators are on their way to the Final Four to face UCLA.

In another great match-up set for this afternoon is North Carolina vs. Georgetown. This may be a battle of the bulls with explosive, young talent on both teams. Hansbrough and Hibbert will be the ones to watch as they duke it out in the paint. This will be most grueling game of the season for UNC. Considering the up-tempo play and similar style it will shape up to be back-and-forth, high energy game. Drawing fouls early in the low post will be a big advantage for the Tarheels if they can get Hansbrough the ball often. Most of my picks to advance to the Elite 8 were off and even though I predicted Georgetown would make the Final Four I got to favor my Tarheels (not expecting this match-up in the East Regionals Finals).

I was surprised Kansas was eliminated, they hanged tough until under 2 minutes only to be out played by the Bruins intensity. This has been a great month of college hoops with the amazing upsets outstanding player performances. A 40-point scoring showcase could very well be in the works before the NCAA tournament ends. The question is who dethrone the Champions....or can they triumph in back-to-back seasons? We'll all find out in a few weeks.

Critics already canceling Lebron and others out as MVP

All the talk swirling around the NBA concerning the MVP award is about Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki. Yeah, they've had a good year, but nothing spectacular. Both the Suns and Mavericks will have their way in the first round. The two superstars are doing a little bit of everything to keep their teams as the top-seeds in the West. Nash averages 19 ppg with 11.5 assists whereas Nowitzki is the team scoring leader for the Mavs with 25 ppg. Much of the incredible talent on both teams is overlooked however, deterring from the real reasons why the Western contenders are so strong.

I have a problem with those who are think it's predetermined Lebron James won't win MVP. Just because the Cavaliers don't have the best record in the East doesn't mean jack squat regarding an individual player award. He's damn near single-handedly kept Cleveland near Detroit the whole season in second place and in position to garner a top seed for the playoffs. I have to ask the naysayers, where would the Cavs be without King James? Another name which comes to mind is Kobe Byrant and Tracy McGrady. They have spectucular years too. To be fair here while McGrady has Yao and cast of other stars Kobe has relatively no star duo or trio in Los Angeles to compliment him (with the exception of Lamar Odom).

These NBA leaders deserve the consideration for the MVP. Out of everyone James is of course the youngest player and that will rule against him despite several remarkable performances. His contribution to Cleveland is unmeasurable because he can do so many intangibles on the court. I don't want to see Nash win the award again because he has so many scorers around to bale him out in clutch moments. He can drain big shots, no doubt about that though he's not a dominator on the court nor can solely resurrect his team by trailing by a wide margin (normally doesn't have to, yes I know). Guys like Lebron and Kobe shouldn't be overlooked too soon they may surprise everyone in the postseason.

Celtics in hot pursuit of Durant

Texas standout, Kevin Durant has generated an tremendous amount of attention this year. His team may be out of the NCAA tournament, but this doesn't mean recruits have let up on pursuing him. This week the Boston Celtics got themselves into trouble by repeatedly contacting the Durant family, hoping to lure in the phenomenal freshman with a tempting contract offer. For their effort Boston was fined $30,000. Here the NBA goes again...when will they learn that petty slaps on the wrists do nothing?

Every time an incident like this occurs they take the easy way out of handling it. Commissioner Stern isn't firm enough with his policies. I think taking it a step further by dropping endorsement deals and sponsors for teams is necessary. They need to lose commercial appeal and create an image which is directed more towards encouraging college education rather than a pro career coupled with extravagant salaries. College athletes are well aware of the perks extended when signing with a pro team.

I don't think Kevin Durant will benefit by leaving college after 1 year to play in the NBA. He's not going to have enough experience despite his enormous talent. Plus, obtaining a degree will most likely give him a second career option. Having this other option to fall back on is smart. Sure it would be great for him to get an endorsement from Nike yet it won't make a better basketball player. The Celtics might as well stop pressuring him to make a decision and let him alone. I believe any NBA team which bugs the crap out of young, raw college talent should be admonished and lose top draft picks.

Boozer's return to Cleveland won't be welcomed.

Finally after walking away from Cavalier fans almost 3 years ago Carlos Boozer will return to Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. Forget about any supportive signs from fans in the crowd. He'll be lucky to maintain his concentration due to the echo of boos throughout the game. The Jazz have their best record in years in part to Boozer and from a string of young rising stars. They're going to be in for a fight Saturday night and since it's St. Patrick's Day the Cleveland crowd will be rowdy more than usual (especially after downing beer after beer).

Lebron James said that his ex-Cavs' teammate will be in for a terrible night. I have a feeling he's right because I can't imagine anyone in the building going easy on Carlos. The Jazz are 43-22 in first place ahead of Denver. The Cavs (40-25) trail the Pistons by 1.5 games in the Central and are coming off their sixth straight win against the Grizzlies. Recently, Hughes, Gooden, and Ilgauskas have upped their scoring performances to enable this poised run for Cleveland. Plus Sasha Pavlovic's efforts off the bench have added another scoring threat. The shooting guard dropped 25 points on the Kings on Tuesday.

It would be great to see the Cavs go on a 15-game win streak and gain ground over Detroit while finishing the seasons as one of the top seeds in the East. Nothing has kept Lebron down either. Aches and strains aren't enough to stop him from playing. He's only sit out a couple games so far. If he ignites Cleveland faithful, busting out for 50-plus points then Booz-clues will indeed have a wretched night...one he'll never forget I'm sure. Any type of distraction for this homecoming will be to the Cavs' favor. The trick is to get the bald-headed turncoat frustrated and irritated early. The starting lineup or just Lebron can then put on a one hell of a show.

NCAA tournament picks today

The NCAA action resumes today with some top seeded teams taking the court. None of the underdogs have it easy yet big upsets in the first round are always possible. Here is a listing for all the games, NCAA tournament scoreboard. I think UNC has the most favorable opponent in East Kentucky because the depth off the bench and all-around quality talent for North Carolina. Of course the Tarheels are my favorite team and I'd like to see them at least make it to the Final Four.

Duke also plays tonight against VCU, which definitely looks to be an easy contest for the Blue Devils, who are a #6 facing a #11. The lineup is too strong with McRoberts and Scheyer as the two top scorers for VCU to handle. I don't think they disrupt the Duke game strategy. Besides Coach K wouldn't allow such a travesty to happen, he'd never heard the end of it either.

Texas Tech squares off in a fairly equal match-up with Boston College. If anyone heard Bobby Knight's comments yesterday in a press conference then you know how anxious and fired up he is due to the uncertainty of his team's performance. I think this game will be close up until 5 minutes to go and then one player will take over. BC has 3 scoring threats and change the course of the game. The central figure here is Jared Dudley. He's expected to deliver with clutch plays and ignite a rally. I pick Boston College over the Long Horns by a 3-6 point margin.

In other contests, Michigan State takes on Marquette whereas Gonzaga tangles with Indiana. Last season MSU was a surprise team in the tournament, pulling off a few upsets and doing damage in the Sweet Sixteen. Though they may have a bigger lineup than Marquette I'm going to cancel them out for the contest. I figure their pressure defense late will make up for their inability to drain enough three-pointers. Forcing enough turnovers will definitely give them a chance and keep them within striking distance. I'll go with Gonzaga in the other match-up. Their strength from the inside and outside scoring, with Heytvelt averaging 16 ppg along with 7 rpg I feel will be too overpowering for Indiana. The Zags finished with a 23-10 record and 11-3 in the Western conference.

Since I'm an ACC fan Maryland was my favorite over Davidson (the game is nearing a close). D J Strawberry and Mike Jones have the shooting touch plus this squad has dependable scorers off the bench as well to give them a lift. The last two games of really any significance are Belmont vs. no. 2 Georgetown and no. 6 Louisville vs. no. 11 Stanford. I don't know much about these teams because I don't stay in tune with their conferences, but it's a no-brainer Georgetown will be victorious. They've got too many weapons both offensively and defensively. As far as the second game, it's a toss-up. Both teams are tough to beat, but due to a better rank I pick Louisville. Today's games are a beginning showcase for the tourney as March Madness action will be sizzling in the coming weeks.

Davis and Warriors stick it to Mavs

Baron Davis' return to the Warriors lineup since his injury has already had a dramatic effect on the team's morale and energy level. His presence at the point, running the show proved so as Golden State crumpled a 17-game win streak by overtaking the Mavericks 117-100 last night. With the win the Warriors claim a 30-36 record. 4 players in the starting lineup scored 16 points a piece and Mickael Pietrus had 20 off the bench. Setting the tone was Davis, who dished out 7 assists with 9 points which is below his average. He helped his team pull away in the 4th quarter where they took full control.

The Mavericks struggled on offense, unable to get in any kind of rhythm. Dirk Nowitzki shot 3-for-11 from the field with 13 points. No one got hot for Dallas and simply didn't hit big shots late. They shot 42% on FGs in the game and couldn't shut down the energetic push Golden State executed. With the loss still it won't hurt the Mavs, owning a comfortable 8-game lead over the Spurs in the Southwest division. Their momentum is slightly slowed down, but it looks as if they'll finish at the top in the West.

I know Baron Davis played just 23 minutes Monday night and didn't have a magnificent performance on the offensive end, that doesn't mean he doesn't have a huge impact on his teammates. His role is to get them involved as often as possible, sometimes deliver in the clutch. In actuality he thrives at making his teammates better players when he flies down the lane off the dribble and kicks it to open guys for high-percentage shots. My hat is off to Davis because everyone thinks he can't make a difference or help position Golden State for a final playoff spot. For the critics out there just wait and see what happens within the last 3 weeks of the season...BD will be bringing his A game, no doubt about it.

Veteran duo will enable the Heat to survive

Shaq attack stabilizing vulnerable Heat

Out of sure will Shaq has emerged as a monster scorer again. He exploded on the Timberwolves Friday with 32-point empathic scoring showcase in route to a 105-91 victory . No one will stand in his way for his quest for another title. The Diesel has took control after sidelined teammate Dwayne Wade went down with a major shoulder injury. I still think Miami is a force inside on any given night with veterans, Shaq and Zo roaming the court. When Shaq can hit 13-of-16 from the field like he did against Minnesota then teams are in big trouble.

The Heat have won 5 consecutive games and their last 11 games at home. They have the Wizards in the sights and are scheduled to face them on Sunday. No one ought to count the Heat out because if Shaq decides to get serious he may go on a thunderous offensive tangent and help his team go on a long spirited win streak. With Jason Williams and Eddie Jones very much a factor, doing the intangibles on both ends of the court, the Heat won't collapse. I have a feeling several of the NBA's top centers and forwards will be leaving arenas after games with aches and pains all over their body.

When the 7-foot, 300-pound plus superstar gets on a roll no one can contain him. Pat Riley's return has made a big difference in the team's play too. His motivational coaching and leadership always incites a positive impression on the players, enabling them to turn around their level of play. Shaq averages around 17 ppg, but that number will climb in the coming weeks. For a player who shoots 57% in field goals you know it will. His stellar performances could very well pull the Heat in front of the Wizards for first place in the Central. Shaq and company can move with a 1.5 tomorrow with a win.

ACC tourney predictions

With the ACC tournament underway today I have a few predictions which are tough to call since the championship is any team for the taking. With the ugly incident in this past weekend's game against UNC and Duke the tension is sure to be high. This will only heat up the competition. Already Clemson was nipped in their opening game against Florida State, 67-66. It was senior, Al Thorton's free throws that sealed the win with a couple seconds left. I picked FSU, but didn't expect the game to be so close drawing near the final seconds. It came down to a more experienced lineup.

Since Maryland has 3 three seniors and are hot, winners of eight consecutive games, I think they'll knock off Miami today. Gary Williams in up for coach of the year honors and has got his team playing inspired basketball. They've made a nice turnaround since the beginning of the season. D J Strawberry, Mike Jones, and Bambale Osby will be pivotal to Maryland's offensive strategy. They're all in double figures for scoring average. After pulling off victories against Duke and UNC I feel the high energy they play with with propel them in the tournament. The Terrapins could very well advance to the championship.

Duke will most likely prevail against N.C. State because they usually play better late in games. Unless Scheyer has a horrible game, unable to get open shots and Greg Paulus makes a bunch of turnovers then I don't see otherwise. Plus Josh McRoberts ought to be a big factor in the final outcome as well. Freshman Brandon Costner has big the only real bright spot as of late for the Wolfpack, averaging 16 ppg and 8 rpg. Duke can handle big man, McCauley if they put enough pressure on him. I'll take Wake Forest over Georgia Tech. This game will be determined by which team plays the best defense, keeping the score down. GT is the stronger shooting team. Either team though come make a run late and make a comeback, who knows what will happen?

The tourney will resume tommorrow as UVA, VT, UNC, and BC will take the court. There is only one match-up I'll make a prediction for Friday. The Tarheels are my favorite to beat FSU. It doesn't matter that they're the top seed. Their depth and talent overpowers the Seminoles. Tyler Hansbrough will be playing with a mask after fracturing his nose against Duke, which may effect his vision and shooting. The freshmen should pick the slack on scoring. The winner for the tournament. however, still in up in the air.

Lebron in new Cavs uni. Photo by Mark Duncan

Behind guard duo's performance, Cavs hammer Raptors

A quest for postseason fertility continues for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The lineup was clicking, doing all the right things as they stomped the Raptors 120-97 Saturday night. They led all the way, determined to get even for a loss earlier in the season to Toronto. Without rookie, Daniel Gibson who's expected to be out two weeks with a toe injury, the guard tandem of Lebron James and Larry Hughes delivered in the clutch. Finally Hughes had a breakout game as his scoring been inconsistent this year. Lebron put together 36-point performance while Hughes ended with 27 points on 11-for-17 shooting from the field.

Despite this offensive turnover for Cleveland most of the time it doesn't seem like the run any set plays and force Lebron to create off the dribble while his teammates watch from a self-isolated position. Also, I don't know why Coach Mike Brown gives Donyell Marshall more minutes off the bench than Drew Gooden. The starting forward only played 17 minutes against Toronto...why? This is understandable if he asks to come out of the game or is partially injured.

I think the inside game on the low post has got to become a bigger part of the Cavs' offense. The organization signs Gooden to new fat contract in the off-season yet hasn't worked to include him much in the overall offensive strategy. Ilgauskas continues to be almost non-existent in the paint. Cleveland is in dire need of his production. In order to get more points inside Donyell Marshall can't rely on the three so often. He might as well take advantage of mismatches and position himself near the glass for tip-ins.

Everyone knows that Lebron is the go-to-guy on the team. That will never change because of his ability to change the course of any game. With guys like Shannon Brown creating a spark off the bench as he did yesterday, scoring 14 points in 13 minutes it makes the night easier for Lebron James. To be 34-25 in March with really only one big-name superstar on the team...that's pretty darn good considering the constant efforts of role players like Anderson Varejao. They're only 4 games behind the Pistons for second place in the Central.

ACC action: closing in on tournament time

Tonight the fiery action rekindles in the ACC with two good games on TV. Virginia Tech takes on UVA at John Paul Jones Arena. Both teams are pursuing a season finish with the top record in the league. More importantly, the ACC tournament seeds are at stake. With a big win at home the Cavaliers, having the upper advantage could gain momentum heading into the tournament. They are a couple sensational guards in the match-up tonight. UVA's Sean Singletary and J.R. Reynolds are streaky shooters, who've been hot as of late. The tandem average 36 ppg together.

The Hokies have an energetic group lead by seniors, Zabian Dowdell and Jamon Gordon. They may not be great passers, but that aspect of their game is overshadowed by clutch shooting late in games. Gordon shoots 45% from the field whereas Dowdell hits around 48% on the season, plus is good behind the arch (41%). Also, UVA can't forget about lanky forward, Deron Washington who can do almost anything except hit long jumpers. The ACC rivals will be in for a scrappy, all-out-gut-buster when they square at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Followed afterwards will be Georgia Tech vs. UNC. I have no idea what kind of game this will be because the Tarheels' scoring has dropped lately due to high pressure on their inside players. Hansbrough will need to make an early statement by getting position in the low post and scoring quick. Everyone knows the standout sophomore has took a "mugging" in previous weeks. He's hounded and double-teamed in the paint all the time. Any big scoring threat should be to counter balance an offensive transition.

Judging from Saturday's game against Maryland, Brandan Wright must be more consistent at the line and Carolina can ill-afford to allow big leads to slip away. Georgia Tech has a talented crop of good outside shooters that will make them pay. Half-court traps and presses on the backcourt may be the solution for UNC. It's worked for them on many occassions. The action is sure to be intense and enthralling in the ACC tonight.