It’s hard not to watch the Wizards’ playoff run.

They’re young.  They’re exciting.  They’re from Washington.

This is Baltimore.  Just down Interstate-95, about 35-minutes south, is Washington.  Baltimore isn’t Washington–and the Wizards aren’t the hometown team.

For a decade, the Civic Center–Baltimore Areana/First Mariner Arena–housed the red-white-and-blue uniforms that represented the city’s NBA franchise.  And then, after the 1973 season, they whisked away to the greener pastures of the Washington DC suburbs of Landover.

And, like that, the Bullets were no longer property of Baltimore.

Though the franchise made an effort to travel to Charm City for several home-games each year, it was never quite right; almost like having dinner with an ex-girlfriend who says she’s confused and needs space, but you know she’s been sleeping with some other guy for quite some time.

On a personal level, a kid like me never knew any better.  Born in 1983,  I knew nothing other than vivid memories of Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, told to me by my basketball-crazed father.

Sure, as a kid we watched the Bullets on Home-Team-Sports (big-time throwback), and we went to any games that the team played in Baltimore–even though it was routinely against bottom-feeders like the Barkley-less-Sixers, the Laettner-led Timberwolves, or the JV team that used to be the New Jersey Nets.

Rex Chapman bombing threes over Hersey Hawkins, or Pervis Ellison going body-to-body with Dwayne Schintzius, wasn’t exactly a premier brand of basketball–but it was all Baltimore had.

As a kid, it was perfectly acceptable to run around the Bear Creek and West Inverness playgrounds with a handmade Tom Gugliotta jersey while bellowing out “Guuuuuuuugs.”

Ah, but ignorance is bliss.  As time went on, it became more and more apparent that the Bullets couldn’t really care less about Baltimore.

Even though mainstays like Wes Unseld and Phil Chenier claimed love for Baltimore and its fans who created a college-type of atmosphere, the organization decided that in 1997, it was the end of the yearly trips to Baltimore–officially closing the door on memory lane.

By 1998, the re-branded Wizards took to the court at the newly constructed MCI Center in the heart of one of the worst crime-laden neighborhoods in our Nation’s Capital.  And, even though Baltimore has been the backdrop of drug-infested war-stories like HBO’s The Wire, try and convince a Dundalkian, Overlean, or Parkvillian to venture into DC.

You’d have a better chance of convincing a Fallston girl to leave a Fed Hill bar and go to a keg-party in a Dundalk basement.

And that’s just it.  It’s not that Baltimore and its fans lost interest in the Bullets-turned-Wizards.  It’s that the franchise lost interest in its roots.

The official statements that the organization made and would continue to make if anyone still asked the question, would be that they aren’t going to keep piling into a dilapidated arena when they have a newer facility less-than-an-hour away.

But there’s more to the story than that; perhaps most importantly, it’s not the arena that the Bullets-Wizards franchise shunned, it’s the fans.

The fans of Baltimore who had memories of Gus Johnson and Elvin Hayes.  The fans who clamored to get tickets to watch a couple of games per year from obstructed view seats.  The fans who still think that the Wizards are part of Baltimore.

And that’s what it’s become.  A fallacy of what once was.

These days, as a kids who never really knew the Bullets like my dad did, I watch the Wizards and appreciate their youthful enthusiasm and the growing chemistry of budding superstars like Bradley Beal and John Wall.

But I look at them as I look at Oklahoma City’s franchise; or Indiana’s, or Brooklyn’s.

This is Baltimore.  And while it’s certainly understandable to like the Wizards and enjoy their run in the playoffs, it’s important to remember, they’re Washington’s team–not Baltimore’s.

Baltimore is watching–albeit from a distance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the full schedule for the Washington Wizards/Indiana Pacers NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinal series, courtesy of Monumental Network:

GAME 1: Monday – May 5 – Wizards @ Pacers – Bankers Life Fieldhouse – 7pm – TNT

GAME 2: Wednesday – May 7 – Wizards @ Pacers – Bankers Life Fieldhouse – 7pm – TNT

GAME 3: Friday – May 9 – Pacers @ Wizards – Verizon Center – 8pm – ESPN

GAME 4: Sunday – May 11 – Pacers @ Wizards – Verizon Center – 8pm – TNT

GAME 5*: Tuesday – May 13 – Wizards @ Pacers – Bankers Life Fieldhouse – Time TBD – TNT

GAME 6*: Thursday – May 15 – Pacers @ Wizards – Verizon Center – Time TBD – ESPN

GAME 7*: Sunday – May 18th – Wizards @ Pacers – Bankers Life Fieldhouse – Time TBD – TV TBD

*if necessary

Courtesy of Bovada, (www.Bovada.lv, Twitter: @BovadaLV).

 

Odds to win 2014 NBA Championship     

Miami Heat                                2/1

San Antonio Spurs                    3/1

Oklahoma City Thunder              4/1

Indiana Pacers                          6/1

Los Angeles Clippers                9/1

Houston Rockets                      20/1

Brooklyn Nets                           25/1

Golden State Warriors               28/1

Chicago Bulls                            40/1

Portland Trailblazers                  40/1

Dallas Mavericks                       66/1

Memphis Grizzlies                     66/1

Toronto Raptors                        66/1

Washington Wizards                  150/1

Atlanta Hawks                           250/1

Charlotte Bobcats                     250/1

 

Odds to win 2014 NBA Eastern Conference         

Miami Heat                                2/3

Indiana Pacers                          2/1

Brooklyn Nets                           9/1

Chicago Bulls                            12/1

Toronto Raptors                        20/1

Washington Wizards                  50/1

Charlotte Bobcats                     75/1

Atlanta Hawks                           100/1

 

Odds to win 2014 NBA Western Conference        

San Antonio Spurs                    3/2

Oklahoma City Thunder              2/1

Los Angeles Clippers               9/2

Houston Rockets                      9/1

Golden State Warriors               14/1

Portland Trailblazers                  18/1

Dallas Mavericks                       33/1

Memphis Grizzlies                     33/1

 

2014 NBA Championship Exact Matchup

Miami Heat vs San Antonio Spurs                      3/1

Miami Heat vs Oklahoma City Thunder                4/1

Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Clippers                  8/1

Miami Heat vs Houston Rockets                         14/1

Miami Heat vs Golden State Warriors                 22/1

Miami Heat vs Portland Trailblazers                    28/1

Miami Heat vs Dallas Mavericks                         50/1

Miami Heat vs Memphis Grizzlies                       50/1

Indiana Pacers vs San Antonio Spurs                 13/2

Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder           8/1

Indiana Pacers vs Los Angeles Clippers             14/1

Indiana Pacers vs Houston Rockets                   28/1

Indiana Pacers vs Golden State Warriors            40/1

Indiana Pacers vs Portland Trailblazers               50/1

Indiana Pacers vs Dallas Mavericks                    100/1

Indiana Pacers vs Memphis Grizzlies                  100/1

Brooklyn Nets vs San Antonio Spurs                  20/1

Brooklyn Nets vs Oklahoma City Thunder           25/1

Brooklyn Nets vs Los Angeles Clippers              50/1

Brooklyn Nets vs Houston Rockets                    75/1

Brooklyn Nets vs Golden State Warriors             100/1

Brooklyn Nets vs Portland Trailblazers                150/1

Brooklyn Nets vs Dallas Mavericks                     300/1

Brooklyn Nets vs Memphis Grizzlies                   300/1

Chicago Bulls vs San Antonio Spurs                  30/1

Chicago Bulls vs Oklahoma City Thunder            33/1

Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles Clippers              66/1

Chicago Bulls vs Houston Rockets                    100/1

Chicago Bulls vs Golden State Warriors             175/1

Chicago Bulls vs Portland Trailblazers                200/1

Chicago Bulls vs Dallas Mavericks                     400/1

Chicago Bulls vs Memphis Grizzlies                   400/1

Toronto Raptors vs San Antonio Spurs               50/1

Toronto Raptors vs Oklahoma City Thunder        60/1

Toronto Raptors vs Los Angeles Clippers           100/1

Toronto Raptors vs Houston Rockets                 200/1

Toronto Raptors vs Golden State Warriors          300/1

Toronto Raptors vs Portland Trailblazers             350/1

Toronto Raptors vs Dallas Mavericks                 700/1

Toronto Raptors vs Memphis Grizzlies                700/1

Washington Wizards vs San Antonio Spurs        125/1

Washington Wizards vs Oklahoma City Thunder  150/1

Washington Wizards vs Los Angeles Clippers     275/1

Washington Wizards vs Houston Rockets           500/1

Washington Wizards vs Golden State Warriors    700/1

Washington Wizards vs Portland Trailblazers      900/1

Washington Wizards vs Dallas Mavericks           1500/1

Washington Wizards vs Memphis Grizzlies          1500/1

Charlotte Bobcats vs San Antonio Spurs            175/1

Charlotte Bobcats vs Oklahoma City Thunder     225/1

Charlotte Bobcats vs Los Angeles Clippers        400/1

Charlotte Bobcats vs Houston Rockets              750/1

Charlotte Bobcats vs Golden State Warriors       1000/1

Charlotte Bobcats vs Portland Trailblazers          1250/1

Charlotte Bobcats vs Dallas Mavericks               2000/1

Charlotte Bobcats vs Memphis Grizzlies             2000/1

Atlanta Hawks vs San Antonio Spurs                  250/1

Atlanta Hawks vs Oklahoma City Thunder           300/1

Atlanta Hawks vs Los Angeles Clippers              500/1

Atlanta Hawks vs Houston Rockets                    1000/1

Atlanta Hawks vs Golden State Warriors             1500/1

Atlanta Hawks vs Portland Trailblazers                1750/1

Atlanta Hawks vs Dallas Mavericks                    2000/1

Atlanta Hawks vs Memphis Grizzlies                   2000/1

 

NBA SERIES PRICES

Atlanta Hawks (Series Prices)                 +425     (17/4)

Indiana Pacers (Series Prices)                -650     (2/13)

 

Charlotte Bobcats (Series Price)             +1000   (10/1)

Miami Heat (Series Price)                       -2500   (1/25)

 

Brooklyn Nets (Series Prices)                 -160     (5/8)

Toronto Raptors (Series Prices)             +140     (7/5)

 

Washington Wizards (Series Prices)       +170     (17/10)

Chicago Bulls (Series Prices)                 -200     (1/2)

 

Dallas Mavericks (Series Prices)            +550     (11/2)

San Antonio Spurs (Series Prices)          -900     (1/9)

 

Memphis Grizzlies (Series Prices)           +300     (3/1)

Oklahoma City Thunder (Series Prices)   -420     (5/21)

 

Golden State Warriors (Series Prices)     +300     (3/1)

Los Angeles Clippers (Series Prices)      -400     (1/4)

 

Portland Trail Blazers (Series Prices)      +180     (9/5)

Houston Rockets (Series Prices)            – 220     (5/11)

 

 

Atlanta Hawks vs. Indiana Pacers

Atlanta Hawks (Series Prices)                 +425     (17/4)

Indiana Pacers (Series Prices)                -650     (2/13)

 

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Exact Series Result           

Indiana Pacers win 4-0               4/1

Indiana Pacers win 4-1               3/2

Indiana Pacers win 4-2               4/1

Indiana Pacers win 4-3               19/4

Atlanta Hawks win 4-0                66/1

Atlanta Hawks win 4-1                33/1

Atlanta Hawks win 4-2                12/1

Atlanta Hawks win 4-3                16/1

 

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Total Games in Series       

4                      7/2

5                      3/2

6                      3/1

7                      7/2

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Average First Round Points Per Game – Paul George        

Over/Under                               22

 

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Paul George  

Over/Under                               7

 

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Average First Round Points Per Game – David West          

Over/Under                               15

 

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – David West    

Over/Under                               7

 

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Average First Round Points Per Game – Lance Stephenson          

Over/Under                               14

 

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Lance Stephenson    

Over/Under                               7

 

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Average First Round Points Per Game – George Hill         

Over/Under                               10½

 

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Average First Round Points Per Game – Paul Millsap        

Over/Under                               17

 

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Paul Millsap  

Over/Under                               8

 

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Average First Round Points Per Game – Jeff Teague         

Over/Under                               15½

 

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Average First Round Assists Per Game – Jeff Teague        

Over/Under                               6

 

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Average First Round Points Per Game – Kyle Korver         

Over/Under                               11

 

Charlotte Bobcats vs. Miami Heat

Charlotte Bobcats (Series Price)             +1000   (10/1)

Miami Heat (Series Price)                       -2500   (1/25)

 

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats – Total Games in Series

4                      3/2

5                      3/2

6                      5/1

7                      7/1

 

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats – Average First Round Points Per Game – LeBron James

Over/Under                               28

 

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – LeBron James           

Over/Under                               7½

 

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats – Average First Round Assists Per Game – LeBron James   

Over/Under                               7

 

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats – Average First Round Points Per Game – Dwyane Wade     

Over/Under                               19

 

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats – Average First Round Points Per Game – Chris Bosh          

Over/Under                               16

 

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Chris Bosh    

Over/Under                               6½

 

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats – Average First Round Points Per Game – Mario Chalmers  

Over/Under                               10

 

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats – Average First Round Points Per Game – Al Jefferson        

Over/Under                               23

 

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Al Jefferson   

Over/Under                               10½

 

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats – Average First Round Points Per Game – Kemba Walker     

Over/Under                               17½

 

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Bobcats – Average First Round Assists Per Game – Kemba Walker   

Over/Under                               6

 

Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors

Brooklyn Nets (Series Prices)                 -160     (5/8)

Toronto Raptors (Series Prices)             +140     (7/5)

 

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets – Exact Series Result         

Toronto win 4-0                         14/1

Toronto win 4-1                         11/2

Toronto win 4-2                         9/2

Toronto win 4-3                         9/2

Brooklyn Nets win 4-0                12/1

Brooklyn Nets win 4-1                11/2

Brooklyn Nets win 4-2                4/1

Brooklyn Nets win 4-3                4/1

 

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets – Total Games in Series    

4                      6/1

5                      5/2

6                      2/1

7                      2/1

 

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets – Average First Round Points Per Game – DeMar DeRozan

Over/Under                               24

 

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets – Average First Round Points Per Game – Kyle Lowry       

Over/Under                               19

 

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets – Average First Round Assists Per Game – Kyle Lowry      

Over/Under                               7½

 

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets – Average First Round Points Per Game – Jonas Valanciunas       

Over/Under                               12½

 

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Jonas Valanciunas  

Over/Under                               9

 

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets – Average First Round Points Per Game – Terrence Ross

Over/Under                               12

 

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets – Average First Round Points Per Game – Joe Johnson     

Over/Under                               16½

 

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets – Average First Round Points Per Game – Deron Williams 

Over/Under                               17

 

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets – Average First Round Assists Per Game – Deron Williams

Over/Under                               6

 

Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets – Average First Round Points Per Game – Paul Pierce       

Over/Under                               14½

 

Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls

Washington Wizards (Series Prices)       +170     (17/10)

Chicago Bulls (Series Prices)                 -200     (1/2)

 

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards – Total Games in Series          

4                      6/1

5                      5/2

6                      2/1

7                      2/1

 

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards – Average First Round Points Per Game – Jimmy Butler         

Over/Under                               14

 

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards – Average First Round Points Per Game – Joakim Noah          

Over/Under                               13½

 

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Joakim Noah    

Over/Under                               11½

 

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Joakim Noah    

Over/Under                               6.5

 

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards – Average First Round Points Per Game – Taj Gibson 

Over/Under                               13

 

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards – Average First Round Points Per Game – Carlos Boozer        

Over/Under                               12½

 

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Carlos Boozer  

Over/Under                               8

 

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards – Average First Round Points Per Game – Mike Dunleavy       

Over/Under                               12

 

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards – Average First Round Points Per Game – John Wall  

Over/Under                               20½

 

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards – Average First Round Assists Per Game – John Wall

Over/Under                               8

 

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards – Average First Round Points Per Game – Bradley Beal          

Over/Under                               16½

 

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards – Average First Round Points Per Game – Marcin Gortat         

Over/Under                               13

 

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Marcin Gortat

Over/Under                               9

 

Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs

Dallas Mavericks (Series Prices)            +550     (11/2)

San Antonio Spurs (Series Prices)          -900     (1/9)

 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Exact Series Result

San Antonio Spurs win 4-0                     11/4

San Antonio Spurs win 4-1                     3/2

San Antonio Spurs win 4-2                     7/2

San Antonio Spurs win 4-3                     6/1

Dallas Mavericks win 4-0                        100/1

Dallas Mavericks win 4-1                        50/1

Dallas Mavericks win 4-2                        12/1

Dallas Mavericks win 4-3                        16/1

 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Total Games in Series        

4                      5/2

5                      3/2

6                      7/2

7                      9/2

 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Average First Round Points Per Game – Tony Parker         

Over/Under                               17½

 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Average First Round Points Per Game – Tim Duncan         

Over/Under                               16

 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Tim Duncan    

Over/Under                               10

 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Average First Round Points Per Game – Kawhi Leonard     

Over/Under                               13½

 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Kawhi Leonard           

Over/Under                               6½

 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Average First Round Points Per Game – Manu Ginobili      

Over/Under                               12½

 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Average First Round Points Per Game – Dirk Nowitzki        

Over/Under                               22

 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Dirk Nowitzki  

Over/Under                               6½

 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Average First Round Points Per Game – Monta Ellis           

Over/Under                               18½

 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Average First Round Assists Per Game – Monta Ellis         

Over/Under                               5

 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Average First Round Points Per Game – Vince Carter         

Over/Under                               12

 

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks – Average First Round Points Per Game – Jose Calderon      

Over/Under                               11

 

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Memphis Grizzlies (Series Prices)                       +300     (3/1)

Oklahoma City Thunder (Series Prices)               -420     (5/21)

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Exact Series Result  

Oklahoma City Thunder win 4-0              9/2

Oklahoma City Thunder win 4-1              2/1

Oklahoma City Thunder win 4-2              13/4

Oklahoma City Thunder win 4-3              4/1

Memphis Grizzlies win 4-0                      66/1

Memphis Grizzlies win 4-1                      33/1

Memphis Grizzlies win 4-2                      7/1

Memphis Grizzlies win 4-3                      12/1

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Total Games in Series          

4                      4/1

5                      9/5

6                      5/2

7                      11/4

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Average First Round Points Per Game – Kevin Durant          

Over/Under                               32½

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Kevin Durant    

Over/Under                               7

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Average First Round Points Per Game – Russell Westbrook 

Over/Under                               21½

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Average First Round Assists Per Game – Kevin Durant         

Over/Under                               5.5

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Average First Round Assists Per Game – Russell Westbrook

Over/Under                               7

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Average First Round Points Per Game – Serge Ibaka

Over/Under                               15

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Serge Ibaka      

Over/Under                               8½

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Average First Round Points Per Game – Zach Randolph      

Over/Under                               18½

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Zach Randolph 

Over/Under                               10

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Average First Round Points Per Game – Mike Conley           

Over/Under                               16½

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Average First Round Assists Per Game – Mike Conley          

Over/Under                               6

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Average First Round Points Per Game – Marc Gasol

Over/Under                               15

 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Marc Gasol       

Over/Under                               8

 

Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Golden State Warriors (Series Prices)                 +300     (3/1)

Los Angeles Clippers (Series Prices)                  -400     (1/4)

 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors – Exact Series Result

Los Angeles Clippers win 4-0                 11/2

Los Angeles Clippers win 4-1                 2/1

Los Angeles Clippers win 4-2                 4/1

Los Angeles Clippers win 4-3                 7/2

Golden State Warriors win 4-0                40/1

Golden State Warriors win 4-1                20/1

Golden State Warriors win 4-2                6/1

Golden State Warriors win 4-3                12/1

 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors – Total Games in Series        

4                      4/1

5                      2/1

6                      5/2

7                      5/2

 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors – Average First Round Points Per Game – Blake Griffin         

Over/Under                               24½

 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Blake Griffin   

Over/Under                               9½

 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors – Average First Round Points Per Game – Chris Paul

Over/Under                               18½

 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors – Average First Round Assists Per Game – Chris Paul           

Over/Under                               10½

 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors – Average First Round Points Per Game – J.J. Redick           

Over/Under                               15½

 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors – Average First Round Points Per Game – DeAndre Jordan   

Over/Under                               11

 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – DeAndre Jordan           

Over/Under                               13½

 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors – Average First Round Points Per Game – Stephen Curry      

Over/Under                               25

 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors – Average First Round Assists Per Game – Stephen Curry     

Over/Under                               8

 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors – Average First Round Points Per Game – David Lee 

Over/Under                               18½

 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – David Lee       

Over/Under                               9½

 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors – Average First Round Points Per Game – Klay Thompson    

Over/Under                               18

 

Portland Trailblazers vs. Houston Rockets

Portland Trail Blazers (Series Prices)                  +180     (9/5)

Houston Rockets (Series Prices)                        – 220     (5/11)

 

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Exact Series Result

Houston Rockets win 4-0                       13/2

Houston Rockets win 4-1                       4/1

Houston Rockets win 4-2                       3/1

Houston Rockets win 4-3                       5/1

Portland Trailblazers win 4-0                   20/1

Portland Trailblazers win 4-1                   10/1

Portland Trailblazers win 4-2                   6/1

Portland Trailblazers win 4-3                   5/1

 

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Total Games in Series   

4                      4/1

5                      3/1

6                      2/1

7                      2/1

 

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Average First Round Points Per Game – James Harden  

Over/Under                               26½

 

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Average First Round Assists Per Game – James Harden

Over/Under                               6

 

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Average First Round Points Per Game – Dwight Howard

Over/Under                               18½

 

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – Dwight Howard      

Over/Under                               12½

 

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Average First Round Points Per Game – Chandler Parsons        

Over/Under                               16½

 

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Average First Round Points Per Game – LaMarcus Aldridge      

Over/Under                               23½

 

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Average First Round Rebounds Per Game – LaMarcus Aldridge 

Over/Under                               10½

 

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Average First Round Points Per Game – Damian Lillard 

Over/Under                               20½

 

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Average First Round Points Per Game – Wesley Matthews         

Over/Under                               16½

 

Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers – Average First Round Points Per Game – Nicolas Batum 

Over/Under                               14

GARY NEAL, BOBCATS SET FOR NBA PLAYOFFS
Former Towson guard to make fourth straight playoff appearance

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Former Towson men’s basketball standout Gary Neal will be participating in the NBA playoffs for the fourth straight season in 2014.

After competing in the playoffs for the last three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, this year Neal will get a taste of the Eastern Conference playoffs with the Charlotte Bobcats.

The seventh-seeded Bobcats will face the two-time defending NBA Champion and second-seeded Miami Heat in the first round. The opening game of the series is set for Sunday, April 20 at 3:30 p.m. and will air on ABC.

Neal is averaging 10.5 points per game this season while spending time with both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Bobcats. The fourth-year pro scored in double figures in six of the final eight games of the regular season.

Honorable Mention: Boxing-Antonio Tarver vs. Lateef Kayode (Saturday 9pm from Carson, CA live on Showtime), Gabriel Rosado vs. Joel Julio (Friday 9pm from Bethlehem, PA live on NBC Sports Network); WNBA: Minnesota Lynx @ Washington Mystics (Wednesday 7pm from Verizon Center live on Comcast SportsNet); Pro Lacrosse: MLL Chesapeake Bayhawks @ Denver Outlaws (Saturday 9pm from Denver live on ESPN3.com)

10. Zac Brown Band (Thursday 5:30pm Merriweather Post Pavilion); Capital Jazz Fest feat. Indie.Arie, Bill Cosby (Friday-Sunday Merriweather Post Pavilion); Radiohead (Sunday 7:30pm Verizon Center); Miranda Lambert/Jerrod Niemann (Sunday 4pm Jiffy Lube Live);  City and Colour (Wednesday 7pm Rams Head Live); Smile Empty Soul (Saturday 5pm Recher Theatre); Crossfade (Monday 7pm Baltimore Soundstage); Dandy Warhols (Tuesday 7pm 9:30 Club); The Used (Wednesday 7:30pm Fillmore Silver Spring); Victor Wooten (Thursday 8pm Howard Theatre); Dr. John (Friday 7:30pm Birchmere); Rhett Miller (Monday 8pm Jammin Java)

I’d watch ZBB do just about anything, but this was as good as anything I’ve seen them do…

My favorite tune from Thom Yorke and the boys?

For more traditional country folk, I sorta dig this Jerrod Niemann tune…

I wish I didn’t have to admit to digging this tune…

9. Great Grapes Wine & Food Festival (Saturday & Sunday 12pm Oregon Ridge); Guy Torry (Thursday-Saturday Baltimore Comedy Factory); Corey Holcomb (Thursday-Sunday DC Improv); “Man on a Ledge” available on Blu-Ray/DVD (Tuesday); Glenn Clark’s first ever “Hogfest” (Saturday)

That’s right. For the first time in my (still?) young life, I will be roasting a pig Saturday. It’s all thanks in part to ABC Rental Store in Rosedale. A talented young man I listen to on the radio is always talking to me about them. I think his show is called “The Reality Check.” I PRAY my results make me as happy as George W. Bush…

Also, I will be hosting a qualifier for the Olympic KanJam team Saturday (more on Twitter @OlympicKanJam). I expect the day to look much like this…

If you have watched any of these amazing NBA playoff games, it is apparent that to win you have to have not only stars, but superstars.  To win the NBA championships, your superstars must produce when it matters most.  This year’s playoffs are the epitome of this statement.  Between the play of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony, the NBA has a quartet of stars that are performing at the highest level not seen since the retirement of Michael Jordan or during the league’s heyday in the 1980s.  Each night they seem more determined to one up each other. 

 

Take Anthony’s performance in game two on Thursday night in LA; then how about James’ buzzer beater on Friday to led Cleveland over Orlando.  On Saturday Bryant, not to be outshined, responded with 41 points in 41 minutes as the Lakers won game three on the road in Denver.   Lastly, Howard, who has become the NBA’s most dominating inside player, led the Magic to a game three victory.  The Magic wouldn’t be up 2-1 in this series if Howard had not stepped up and destroyed the Celtics in games six and seven of the Eastern Conference semi-finals.  

 

These players are bringing back memories for me of Julius Erving, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson who all played like this on a regular basis in the early 80s.  Those were great springs and summers, and so is this one.

 

The best part of this new generation of stars is that their Olympic experience last summer made them hungry not for personal glory, but for team success.  That experience taught them sacrifice and gave them all a taste of winning.  Now Howard, James and Anthony are hungry for what Bryant has–NBA rings.  Bryant is obviously motivated by winning without Shaquille O’Neal.  Another championship would cement his legacy. 

 

All except Bryant are young and we can look forward to many great years ahead.  I can see these four teams battling repeatedly over the next few years, if all the superstars stay in place and stay healthy. 

 

Who tops who next?  Stay tuned and fine out.  These series seem destined for seven game battles and we are watching the next great chapter in NBA history.

 

 

 

“Where Amazing Happens” is the NBA’s marketing slogan; the series between Bulls and Celtics has more than lived up to this moniker.

 

Overtimes, buzzer beaters, and incredible individual performances have added up to one of the greatest series in the history of sports.  Seeing players step up has made it so much fun to watch.  Whether it’s Ben Gordon of the Bulls or Paul Pierce or Ray Allen of the Celtics, players are making great plays when it counts most.  It’s been fun to watch, and having Doug Collins and Kevin Harlan call the action for TNT has made it perfect.  Somehow, I wish the series would be best of 11 or 13, because it’s been that good.

 

When played at maximum intensity there are few things as good the NBA.  Too bad the long regular season doesn’t allow us to see quality that often during the season.

 

Speaking of quality performances, where would the Capitals be without the play of rookie goalie Simeon Varlamov?  How good has this kid been?  The phrase “standing on his head” is used way too much by analysts when they talk about NHL goalies.  But in this case, it is more than justified.

 

If the Capitals do finish this ride and win the Stanley Cup, Head Coach Bruce Boudreau benching of Jose Theodore after game one of the playoffs series vs. the Rangers may go down as one of the boldest and best moves in coaching.  He put a rookie in the high pressure situation of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the kid has come through; if you asked Boudreau, he probably would tell you it was a hunch or a gut instinct.  Whatever you call it has been great.

 

Here is the best news of all: we still have a month of playoffs left in both sports.  Enjoy the wild ride; I have a feeling it’s just starting to get good.

I tried watching the Heats vs. Hawks and Hornets vs. Nuggets games on TNT tonight. I just couldn’t get into either game. My wife says I’m an old man and maybe she’s right. Has time passed me by, am I the only one out there who just cannot get into the NBA any more? Even though Baltimore didn’t have a team, I used to love watching the NBA. You had the great team battles Sixers vs. Celtics, and the winner faced the Lakers. You had the great stars: Dr. J, Magic, Bird, Kareem, Moses, The Dream, Sir Charles, Stockton, Malone, Michael, Scotty, etc. I wouldn’t miss a game when they were on TV.

Tonight, the best part of the game was watching the commercials. I really got a kick out of the Gatorade Tiger Woods cartoon commercial and the T-Mobile commercial about “playing the legends video game” featuring Magic, Dr. J, & Sir Charles. The games themselves were not interesting to me. I felt like I was watching a bad moviev and I kept waiting for it to get better. 

I love college basketball. I watch the Terps every chance I get. When I’m not taking care of the kids or clearing something off of my honey-do list, I try catch part of that week’s big game. I remember when you could follow a player through college and into the Pros. You could develop a connection with the players. I lost that connection when players started going directly from high school into the NBA.  That connection continues to slip away with all of the one and done players leaving for the NBA. Please, give me 2 or 3 years to fall in love with you or at least get to know you.

Both games were very physical. The Hawks-Hornets game put me to sleep. The harder I tried to stay awake the more I nodded off. The recliner was just so comfortable. The Hornets-Nuggets game was better. I managed to stay awake for the game. The teams went up and down the court. The fundamentals were lacking to me. For all of the hi-lite dunks, there were too many missed layups. There were lots of missed shots. I love to see a blocked shot like the next fan. But does anyone try to play defense consistently? There would be a nice defensive play or two then the teams would take a few plays off. I can remember coaches yelling out to me, “Play tough defense. Use your body and play you-man-and the ball.” On half of the plays there was no need to box out because no one crashed the boards. The ball handling and passing were Jekyll and Hyde like. I guess the rules have changed and you’re allowed to carry the ball now. There would be some nice passes and then they would throw the ball away.

Chris Paul must be one tough hombre. Denver beat the hell out of him and he kept coming back. The Nuggets pulled away early in the 4th qtr. It’s almost 2:00 am and time for this old man to go to sleep. My days as a regular NBA viewer are over. The product on the court doesn’t excite or interest me. Maybe my NBA memories are distorted, like the memory of an old girlfriend. She really wasn’t as hot or nice as you remember. I would trade this kind of basketball for one more Jazz-Bulls playoff series. Where have you gone Michael Jordan? (Or Insert Name). A former fan turns his lonely eyes to you.

It took the full 82 game regular season schedule to decide the seedings in this season’s NBA Playoffs, but here we are ready to tip-off the first round in just two short days and things are finally settled.

Stay tuned in the next two days as I’ll preview both conferences’ opening round match-ups and identify things to keep our eyes on while watching.

Anyways, here’s the playoff schedule to print out and have next to your remote controllers so you don’t miss any of the excitement of the NBA’s second season…

Eastern Conference

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers – #8 Detroit Pistons

Game 1: Saturday April 18, Detroit at Cleveland, 3 p.m., ABC
Game 2: Tuesday April 21, Detroit at Cleveland, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 3: Friday April 24, Cleveland at Detroit, 7 p.m., ESPN
Game 4: Sunday April 26, Cleveland at Detroit, 3:30 p.m., ABC
Game 5: *Wednesday April 29, Detroit at Cleveland, TBD, TBD
Game 6: *Friday May 1, Cleveland at Detroit, TBD, TBD
Game 7: *Sunday May 3, Detroit at Cleveland, TBD, TBD

#2 Boston Celtics – #7 Chicago Bulls

Game 1: Saturday April 18, Chicago at Boston, 12:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 2: Monday April 20, Chicago at Boston, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 3: Thursday April 23, Boston at Chicago, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 4: Sunday April 26, Boston at Chicago, 1 p.m., ABC
Game 5: *Tuesday April 28, Chicago at Boston, TBD, TBD
Game 6: *Thursday April 30, Boston at Chicago, TBD, TBD
Game 7: *Saturday May 2, Chicago at Boston, TBD, TNT

#3 Orlando Magic – #6 Philadelphia 76ers

Game 1: Sunday April 19, Philadelphia at Orlando, 5:30 p.m., TNT
Game 2: Wednesday April 22, Philadelphia at Orlando, 7 p.m., NBA-TV
Game 3: Friday April 24, Orlando at Philadelphia, 8 p.m., ESPN2
Game 4: Sunday April 26, Orlando at Philadelphia, 6:30 p.m., TNT
Game 5: *Tuesday April 28, Philadelphia at Orlando, TBD, TBD
Game 6 *Thursday April 30, Orlando at Philadelphia, TBD, TBD
Game 7 *Saturday May 2, Philadelphia at Orlando, TBD, TNT

#4 Atlanta Hawks – #5 Miami Heat

Game 1: Sunday April 19, Miami at Atlanta, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 2: Wednesday April 22, Miami at Atlanta, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 3: Saturday April 25, Atlanta at Miami, 6:30 p.m., TNT
Game 4: Monday April 27, Atlanta at Miami, TBD, TBD
Game 5: *Wednesday April 29, Miami at Atlanta, TBD, TBD
Game 6: *Friday May 1, Atlanta at Miami, TBD, TBD
Game 7: *Sunday May 3, Miami at Atlanta, TBD, TBD

Western Conference

#1 Los Angeles Lakers – #8 Utah Jazz

Game 1: Sunday April 19, Utah at L.A. Lakers, 3 p.m., ABC
Game 2: Tuesday April 21, Utah at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3: Thursday April 23, L.A. Lakers at Utah, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 4: Saturday April 25, L.A. Lakers at Utah, 9 p.m., ESPN
Game 5: *Monday April 27, Utah at L.A. Lakers, TBD, TBD
Game 6: *Thursday April 30, L.A. Lakers at Utah, TBD, TBD
Game 7: *Saturday May 2, Utah at L.A. Lakers, TBD, TNT

# 2 Denver Nuggets – #7 New Orleans Hornets

Game 1: Sunday April 19, New Orleans at Denver, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 2: Wednesday April 22, New Orleans at Denve, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3: Saturday April 25, Denver at New Orleans, 1 p.m., ESPN
Game 4: Monday April 27, Denver at New Orleans, TBD, TBD
Game 5: * Wednesday April 29, New Orleans at Denver, TBD, TBD
Game 6: * Friday May 1, Denver at New Orleans, TBD, TBD
Game 7: * Sunday May 3, New Orleans at Denver, TBD, TBD

#3 San Antonio Spurs – #6 Dallas Mavericks

Game 1: Saturday April 18, Dallas at San Antonio, 8 p.m., ESPN
Game 2: Monday April 20, Dallas at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3: Thursday April 23, San Antonio at Dallas, 8:30 p.m., NBA-TV
Game 4: Saturday April 25, San Antonio at Dallas, 4 p.m., TNT
Game 5: *Tuesday April 28, Dallas at San Antonio, TBD, TBD
Game 6: *Friday May 1, San Antonio at Dallas, TBD, TBD
Game 7: *Sunday May 3, Dallas at San Antonio, TBD, TBD

#4 Portland Trail Blazers – #5 Houston Rockets

Game 1: Saturday April 18, Houston at Portland, 10:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 2: Tuesday April 21, Houston at Portland, 10 p.m., NBA-TV
Game 3: Friday April 24, Portland at Houston, 9:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 4: Sunday April 26, Portland at Houston, 9 p.m., TNT
Game 5: *Tuesday April 28, Houston at Portland, TBD, TBD
Game 6: *Thursday April 30, Portland at Houston, TBD, TBD
Game 7: *Saturday May 2, Houston at Portland, TBD, TNT

*If Necessary