And once again it’s time to check out what the former North Carolina basketball players are doing at the next level by doing today’s “Heels in the Pro’s” (NBA). If you are interested in someone who might become a Tar Heel check out my small blog on isportsweb about Troy Williams. As far as yesterday went in the National Basketball Association there was a total of ten games in all, of which four had a touch of carolina blue in them. So, without any more interruptions let’s get going with this edition of “Heels in the Pro’s” (NBA) for 02/06/12…

The first game of the night has the Toronto Raptors {EC ~ Atlantic} (8-18 ~ 5-12 on the road) going to the capital to take on the Washington Wizards {EC ~ Southeast} (5-20 ~ 4-10 at home) in the third of four games between the teams, with the first two games being split. The game, played in front 14,687, was at the Verizon Center. For the team from up north it’s former Tar Heel Ed Davis, who comes off the bench for 16 minutes. In that time the power forward went scoreless (0 for 1 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0), getting three rebounds, two steals and a turnover while having a +2 points differential in the game. As far as the game went it was Washington winning the game in OT, beating Toronto by the final of 111 to 108. With the loss the Raptors stay in last place of the division, 10.5 games behind the leader and are four games back of the last playoff spot in the East.

The second game of the night that has a touch of carolina blue is a inter conference match up between Phoenix Suns {WC ~ Pacific} (10-14 ~ 5-8 on the road) and the Atlanta Hawks {EC ~ Southeast} (16-9 ~ 8-4 at home) in the first of two games between the franchises. The game was played at the Philips Arena in front of 11,823. For the home team there are two former UNC players on the roster, the first one is Marvin Williams, who starts and plays for 32 minutes. In that time the seventh year pro scored eight points (3 for 8 ~ 0 for 3 ~ 2 for 2), to go with five rebounds, two assists, a turnover and a pts differential of +4. While Jerry Stackhouse came off the bench for just four minutes, going scoreless (0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0) and doing nothing much else but having a +7 pts differential. In the end, the game went to Phoenix, defeating Atlanta by 9, with the final score being 99 to 90. With the loss the Hawks slide to 2.5 back of the division leader while being in fifth place for the post season, just one game back of the fourth squad.

The next game is a inter divisional match up as the San Antonio Spurs {WC ~ Southwest} (17-9 ~ 4-8 on the road) takes on the Memphis Grizzlies {WC ~ Southwest} (12-13 ~ 7-4 at home) in the third game of four between them, with the first two going to the Spurs. The game was played in front of 13,527 fans at the FedExForum. In this for the visiting team it’s Danny Green, who comes off the bench and plays for 30 minutes in all. The former Heel guard scores two points (0 for 8 ~ 0 for 3 ~ 2 for 2) to go with four rebounds, four assists, one block and a pair of turnovers while having a 0 for points differential. As far as the game was concerned it was San Antonio winning this one, defeating Memphis 89 to 84. With the W the Spurs keeps first place by 2.5 games while being in second place for the post season, 3 games back of the top spot.

In the last game we have the Houston Rockets {WC ~ Southwest} (14-11 ~ 4-8 on the road) going to the mile high city to take on the Denver Nuggets {WC ~ Northwest} (15-10 ~ 7-5 at home) for the first of four match ups between the squads. The game was played at the Pepsi Center in front of an attendance of 14,501. For the home squad it’s former Tar Heel floor general Ty Lawson, who starts and plays a team high 39 minutes. In that time the third year point guard scores 13 points (5 for 14 ~ 1 for 5 ~ 2 for 3) to go with a game high seven assists, one rebounds, one steal and three TOs while having a -2 pts differential. In the end it was Houston taking this one, beating Denver by the final of 99 to 90. With the loss the Nuggets are now in second place in the division 4.5 behind the leader, while in fourth place for the playoff race, also 4.5 games back of the top spot.

Now that I am back from my health problems, which I will not get into, I am once again going to pick up the “Heels in the Pro’s” (NBA) where I check on the former North Carolina players who are now in the National Basketball Association. With the basketball season about a third of the way over there is much to see what is going to happen, which team will make it to the post season and which will not. With yesterday being Super Bowl Sunday there was not much action but let’s get right to it with this edition of “Heels in the Pro’s” for February 5, 2012…

In the only game with a touch of carolina blue it’s the Toronto Raptors {EC ~ Atlantic} (8-17 ~ 5-11 on the road) going to South Beach to take on the Miami Heat {EC ~ Southeast} (18-6 ~ 11-2 at home) in what is the first of three games between the franchises. The game was played at the AmericanAirlines Arena in front of a crowd that numbered 19,802. For the team north of the border it’s second year pro Ed Davis, who comes off the bench for a total of 30 minutes. In that timeframe the power forward scored eight points (4 for 5 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0) to go with eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal while having a pts differential of -9. As far as the game went it was Miami taking this one, defeating Toronto by the score of 95 to 89. With the loss the Raptors are in last place in their division, 9.5 games behind the leader and in 12th place in the conference, 4 games from the last playoff spot

As we all get up and begin to focus on the new year, which will include the last week of the NFL as well as North Carolina taking on Monmouth at the Dean Dome, let’s look back at the last NBA games of 2011 for the former UNC players with the first daily post of 2012 called “Heels in Pros” (NBA) for 12/31/11. In all there were seven games played in the National Basketball Association, a quartet of them has a touch of carolina blue in them. And we can also check what ESPN’s AccuScore did with their prediction of the four games. So, without further ado, let’s get going with this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) for December 31, 2011…

The first game of the night it’s the Denver Nuggets (WC ~ Northwest) going to the long beach state to take on the Los Angeles Lakers (WC ~ Pacific) in what is the first game of four between the franchises. The game was played at the STAPLES Center in front of a crowd that numbered 18,997. For the visiting squad it’s point guard Ty Lawson, who starts for the Nuggets and gets a total of 31 minutes in all. In that time frame the third year floor general scored nine points (3 for 8 ~ 1 for 3 ~ 2 for 4) to go with eight assists, three rebounds, two steals and four TOs while having a -13 pts differential. As far as the game it was Los Angeles (3-2, 3-1 at home) winning a tight one, defeating Denver (2-2, 1-2 on the road) 92 to 89. With the loss Denver is now 2.5 games behind the division leader.

AccuScore called the game correctly, giving the win to the Lakers, with the final being 103.2 to 93.6, while saying that Lawson would get 15.4 pts and 5.6 assists in this one.

Second game on tap was the one between divisional foes, as the Indiana Pacers (EC ~ Central) and the Detroit Pistons (EC ~ Central) in what is the second of three games, with the first one having gone to the Pacers 91 to 79. The game was played at The Palace of Auburn Hills in front of an attendance of 8,824. For the visiting team we have third year pro Tyler Hansbrough, who comes off the pine for a total of 28 minutes. In that time the power forward scored 16 points (5 for 14 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 6 for 7) to go with five rebounds, three steals, a block and a turnover while having a pts differential of -3. As far as the game went it was Detroit (1-3, 1-1 at home) winning this one, defeating Indiana (3-1, 1-1 on the road) 96 to 88. Even with the loss the Pacers are still atop of their division.

AccuScore was incorrect in this one, as they had the Pacers winning the game 95 to 93.5, while Hansbrough scoring 12 pts and 6.6 boards in the match-up.

In the second to last game of the night we have the Atlanta Hawks (EC ~ Southeast) going to the lone star state to take on the Houston Rockets (WC ~ Southwest) in a inter-conference match-up, which will be the only time the two squad will meet up. The game was played in front of 14,390 fans at the Toyota Center. For the visiting team from the east it’s small forward Marvin Williams, who starts and plays 21 minutes in all. In that time frame the seventh year veteran scores nine points (3 for 7 ~ 1 for 2 ~ 2 for 2) to go with four rebounds a block and a -1 pts differential. On the bench it’s 17th year pro Jerry Stackhouse, but the shooting guard does not see any action in this one (DNP). In the end, it was Houston (2-2, 2-0 at home) beating Atlanta (3-1, 1-1 on the road) by 11 points, with the final score being 95 to 84. With the Hawks’ loss they drop to one game behind the division leader.

AccuScore was once again correct in picking this one, as well as being close with Williams’ stats as they had him for 10.7 points and 5 rebounds in the game.

And finally, in the last game on tap, it’s the Utah Jazz (WC ~ Northwest) going to the lone star state to take on the San Antonio Spurs (WC ~ Southwest) in the first of four game between the teams. The game was played at the AT&T Center in front of 17,769 fans. For the visiting team we have Danny Green coming off the bench for nine minutes of playing time. The third year guard scores four points (2 for 3 ~ 0 for 1 ~ 0 for 0) to go with two boards, two asssits and a +11 points differential. As far as the game went it was San Antonio (3-1, 3-0 at home) defeating Utah (1-3, 0-3 on the road) 104 to 89. With the W the Spurs are now in first place in their division, 1/2 a game ahead of the competition.

AccuScore was right in this one once again giving the win to San Antonio by the final of 105.1 to 96, which was pretty close. One difference is that their score did not cover the spread, while the game’s final did.

Since you can never get enough of basketball, whether it’s by watching the present squad, which is ranked fifth in the AP poll and sixth in the ESPN/USA Today one, who will be in action tomorrow and I will have a preview and recap of the game, or by looking at the former Heels, like I do in my “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) daily posts, I decided to try and do a preview for the games by looking at what the AccuScore (on ESPN) says of the games, which is a computer program that simulates the game over a 10,000 times, which is pretty amazing. So, without any interruptions, here is this edition of “Heels in Pros” (NBA) for December 31, 2011, preview style…

In game one, which has the Denver Nuggets taking on the Los Angeles Lakers, the computer has the home team winning by an average of 103.2 to 93.6, which would be almost double than the five point spread that Vegas has the game at. For floor general Ty Lawson it says that he should have a team high 15.4 points to go with team high 5.6 assists. In all the computer believes that the Lakers have a 81% chances of winning the game and a 49.3% of winning by over 10 points.

If the AccuScore is correct the Nuggets will be 2-2 going into the new year.

The second game is one that has the Indiana Pacers going to the motor city to take on the Detroit Pistons. The computer has the Pacers winning this one by a close margin, 95 to 93.5 with the Vegas spread being -2.5 with the visiting team favorite. For Indy it’s third year pro Tyler Hansbrough, where the forward scores 12 points and has 6.6 rebounds in the game. In all the computer is saying that 52.8% times Indiana will win, while winning big (10 or more points) 26.3%.

If the AccuScore is correct the Pacers will be undefeated at 4-0 going into 2012.

Third game of the night has the Atlanta Hawks going to the lone star state to take on the Houston Rockets in a game that the lines have the home team favorite by 1 point. AccuScore gives us an average final score of 92.9 to 91.7 for the Rockets, while saying that Marvin Williams will score about 10.7 points and have just below 5 boards in this one. The computers have the Rockets winning 57.6% of the times and winning big 14.1%. Interesting enough the comp has the Hawks winning this one big 11.6%, making it feel like the 1 point spread a bit weird.

If the AccuScore is right the Hawks will lose their first game of the season and go into the new year with a 3-1 record.

And finally, last up is the Utah Jazz going to the lone star state to take on San Antonio in a game where the spread is in double digits at 14.5 points. The compute has the score not covering, with the Spurs winning 105.1 to 96. Nothing is said about the former Carolina player on San Antonio’s roster, Danny Green, but it shows that the home squad is going to win 78.8% of the times, winning it big 12.2%.

If the AccuScore is correct the Spurs will head into the new year with a 3-1 record.

After a big Friday night on the hardwoods, where in all there were eleven games in the National Basketball Association, it’s time to once again recap what the former North Carolina players did with the daily post called “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) for 12/30/11. Of the games on the schedule four had a touch of carolina blue in them, with a pair of them being a head to head match up with former UNC players on both sides. As the new year comes around and we get ready for the NFL playoffs, the thick of the NCAA BB, it’s great to also keep an eye on how the ex Carolina players are doing in the NBA. So, without further ado, this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) for December 30, 2011…

First game of the night is a head to head divisional battle as the Cleveland Cavaliers (EC ~ Central) take on the Indiana Pacers (EC ~ Central) in the first of four games between the two teams. The game was played at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in front of a crowd of 13,004. For the visiting team it’s long time vet Antawn Jamison, who started at the power forward slot and got 36 minutes in all. The 14th year man scored 12 points (4 for 14 ~ 0 for 5 ~ 4 for 6) to go with five rebounds, three blocks and a pair of turnovers while having a points differential of -3. For the home squad we have third year pro Tyler Hansbrough coming off the pine for a total of 25 minutes in all. In that time the power forward has a double double scoring 11 points (4 for 14 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 3 for 5) to go with a dozen boards, a TO and a -6 points differential. In the end, in a pretty close game, it was Indiana (3-0, 2-0 at home) winning this one, defeating Cleveland (1-2, 1-1 on the road) by the final of 98 to 91. With the W the Pacers are atop of their division, while the loss puts Cavs 2 games behind them.

The second game of the night has the New Jersey Nets (EC ~ Atlantic) going down south to take on the Atlanta Hawks (EC ~ Southeast) in the second of four match-ups between the two teams. The game was played at the Philips Arena in front of 16,300 fans. For the home squad we have Marvin Williams starting at the small forward spot and playing a total of 25 minutes in all. For the seventh year man it’s a 11 points night (4 for 9 ~ 1 for 3 ~ 2 for 2) to go with six rebounds, two assists, one steal and a +1 points differential. The other former Tar Heel for the Hawks, 17th year vet Jerry Stackhouse, did not play in this on (DNP). In the end it was was Atlanta (3-0, 2-0 at home) winning this one by seven, taking New Jersey (1-3, 1-2 on the road) by the final tally of 105 to 98. As I wrote in an article the Nets have not started off good this season, this game just confirms that statement. But with a division where no one has more than one win even with a 1-3 record the Nets are just 0.5 from the division leader.

The third game of the night, the first interconference match-up, has the Miami Heat (EC ~ Southeast) going up north to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (WC ~ Northwest) for what is the only game between the two franchises. The game was played in front of 19,356 fans at the Target Center. For the home squad we have third year pro Wayne Ellington, who comes off the bench and plays for 31 minutes. In that time fram the guard scores 11 points (5 for 13 ~ 1 for 6 ~ 0 for 0) to go with five rebounds, three steals, an assist and a TO while having a +9 pts differential. In the end it was a close game that Miami (4-0, 3-0 on the road) took from Minnesota (0-3, 0-2 at home) 103 to 101, with Ellington missing a three pointer with time running out. With the loss the T’Wolves are now 3.5 games behind the division leader.

The last game of the night, another East vs West match-up, has the Toronto Raptors (EC ~ Atlantic) going to the lone star state to take on the Dallas Mavericks (WC ~ Southwest) in what is the only game the two will play against each other in the regular season. The game was played at the American Airlines Center in front of a crowd that numbered 20,307. For the team from Canada it was second year big man Ed Davis, who comes off the pine for 19 minutes of playing time. In that time frame the power forward scored four points (1 for 3 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 2 for 2) to go with six boards, three steals and a -16 points differential. On the other side, for the home squad, we have Brendan Haywood, who starts for the Mavs in the middle and plays 19 minutes. The 11th year veteran scores four points (1 for 2 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 2 for 4) to go with nine boards (five offensive), a TO and a points differential of -8. While, off the bench, it’s shooting guard Vince Carter, who plays 19 minutes as well. In that time the 14th year guard scores 10 points (3 for 7 ~ 1 for 4 ~ 3 for 3) to go with two boards, two assists, a steal and a block while having a pts differential of +18. In the end it’s Dallas (1-3, 1-2 at home) getting their first win of the season by defeating Toronto (1-2, 1-1 on the road) 99 to 86. With the W the Mavs are 1.5 game behind the division leader, while the loss drops the Raptors to being even for the lead in their division. For more about this game check out Pro Hoops Central where Jeff Sack blogs about the game.

As we approach the end of the first week of pro basketball, we can also enjoy that No.5 AP/No. 6 ESPN/USA Today North Carolina is 12-2 after destroying Elon 100 to 62, while their former players are doing well in the NBA. All of this means that it’s time to once again look at the daily post “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) for 12/29/11 in a day where the National Basketball had six games in all, of which half had a touch of carolina blue, one being a head to head match up between squads that have former UNC players on them. So, without further ado, let’s get going with this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) for December 29, 2011…

The first game of the night is one between teams from the lone star state as the San Antonio Spurs (WC ~ Southwest) headed to the Toyota Center to take on the Houston Rockets (WC ~ Southwest). The divisional game, played in front of 18,267, is the first of four games between the squads from Texas. For the visiting squad it’s former Tar Heel Danny Green, who comes off the bench and plays 12 minutes, which is the most this season for the third year man. In that time frame the former UNC guard scored six points (3 for 7 ~ 0 for 2 ~ 0 for 0) to go with four rebounds and a steal while having a -6 pts differential. As far as the game went it was Houston (1-1, 1-0 at home) beating San Antonio (2-1, 0-1 on the road) by 20 points, with the final being 105 to 85.

The second game of the night is once again a Western Conference match up between the Dallas Mavericks (WC ~ Southwest) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (WC ~ Northwest). The game, first of four, was played in front of a crowd of 18,203 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. For the visiting team there are two former Heels on the squad, with Brendan Haywood getting the nod at the center spot. The eleventh year veteran gets 23 minutes of playing time, where he scores eight points (4 for 7 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 1) along with five rebounds, a steal, a block and a turnover while having a pts differential of +16. The other Tar Heel, shooting guard Vince Carter, comes off the bench in this one for the Mavs and plays a total of 16 minutes in all. In that time frame the 14th year pro scores eight points (3 for 8 ~ 2 for 3 ~ 0 for 2) to go with three rebounds, a steal and a TO while having a +3 points differential. As far as the game went it was Oklahoma (4-0, 2-0 at home) winning this one at the buzzer, defeating Dallas (0-3, 0-1 on the road) 104 to 102. Not a bad way to go for the Thunder who had their two stars argueing the night before.

In the final game of the night with a touch of carolina blue we have the Denver Nuggets (WC ~ Northwest) taking on the Portland Trail Blazers (WC ~ Northwest) in what was a duel of former UNC floor generals and division foes. The game, first of three, was played at the Rose Garden in front of an attendance of 20,531. For the visiting team it’s third year pro Ty Lawson, who plays 40 minutes, most on his team. For the speedster it’s a 25 points game, once again a team and game high, (10 for 16 ~ 2 for 3 ~ 3 for 4) to go with eight steals, four boards, three assists and a pair of turnovers while having a -10 pts differential. On the other side, Raymond Felton, who played 34 minutes in all. For the seventh year veteran it’s a team high 23 points performance (10 for 16 ~ 1 for 3 ~ 2 for 2) to go along with six assists, five boards and a whooping four TOs while getting a points differential of +7. In the end it was Portland (3-0, 3-0 at home) beating Denver (2-1, 1-1 on the road) 111 to 102.

Clipped from: scores.espn.go.com (share this clip)

Clipped from: scores.espn.go.com (share this clip)

One interesting tidbit, with the season less than one week old there are already six teams two or more games from the top, while eight are still winless. On the other hand only four teams are still undefeated, two of them in the same division. In a shorten season this seems to be a year with lots of interesting twists and turns, with more than sixty games to go for each team you have to believe there will be plenty more drama for all the teams, including where will Dwight Howard ends up.

Another day and another good line up for the National Basketball Association, which last night had ten games on their schedule. That means that for “The Fifth Corner” blog it’s time once again to check on the former North Carolina players that are now at the next level in the dail post “Heels in the Pro’s” (NBA) 12/28/11. Of the games played half of them had a touch of carolina blue in it,one was a head to head match up between teams with ex Heels on their rosters, while another has two ex UNC players on it. Meaning that in all, seven out of the twelve UNC players in the NBA were in action last night. So, without further ado, let’s check out the games for this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) for December 28, 2011…

The first game of the night has the head to head match up in it as the Indiana Pacers (EC ~ Central) headed north of the border to take on the Toronto Raptors (EC ~ Atlantic) in what was the second game of the season for both teams and the first (of three) games between the two teams. The game took place at the Air Canada Centre in front of an attendance that numbered 19,800. For the visiting team it’s Tyler Hansbrough, who comes off the bench for 26 minutes. For the third year power forward it’s a eight point game (2 for 7 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 4 for 4) to go with eight rebounds, one steal and a turnover while having a -4 pts differential. On the other said it’s Ed Davis, who comes off the pine for the home squad. For the second year man, who sees 20 minutes of playing time, it’s a 2 point game (1 for 2 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0) to go with three boards, an assist and a TO while having a pts differential of -7. In the end it was Indian (2-0, 1-0 on the road) winning this one, taking down Toronto (1-1, 0-1 at home) by the final of 90 to 85.

Second game of the night, a divisional battle, has the Washington Wizards (EC ~ Southeast) going down I-95 to take on the Atlanta Hawks (EC ~ Southeast) in what is the first of three games between the squads. The game was played in front of 17,750 at Philips Arena. For the home squad it’s seventh year veteran Marvin Williams, who starts for the Hawks and plays for 30 minutes. For the small forward it’s a 17 points game (4 for 8 ~ 2 for 3 ~ 7 for 10) to go with eight rebounds, a pair of assists, two steals, a block and a pts differential of +26. The other former Heel, shooting guard Jerry Stackhouse does not get any action in this one, as the coach does not play the 17th year vet. In the end it’s Atlanta (2-0, 1-0 at home) beating Washington (0-2, 0-1 on the road) by the final of 101 to 83. For more about how Marvin Williams is doing check out this article on Fox Sports South.

The next match up on the schedule, again a divisional battle, with a touch of carolina blue has the Cleveland Cavaliers (EC ~ Central) heading to the Motor City to take on the Detroit Pistons (EC ~ Central) in what will be the first of the four games between them. The game was played at The Palace of Auburn Hills in front of a crowd that numbered 22,076. For the visiting squad it’s power forward Antawn Jamison, who starts and plays for 23 minutes in all. In that time frame the 14th year man scored 15 points (6 for 9 ~ 1 for 1 ~ 2 for 3) to go with one board, one steal and two TOs while having a +1 points differential. At the end it was Cleveland (1-1, 1-0 on the road) taking this one, defeating Detroit (0-2, 0-1 at home) by 16, with the final score being 105 to 89. Over at the Pro Hoops Central Jeff Sack says Cavaliers Shoot Down Pistons 105-89 For First Win Of Season.

In the fourth game of the night we have the Los Angeles Clippers (WC ~ Pacific) going to the lone star state to take on San Antonio Spurs (WC ~ Southwest) in what is the first game of three games between the teams. The game was played in front of an attendance of 18,851 at the AT&T Center. For the home squad we have third year veteran Daniel Green, who comes off the bench for about four minutes. In that time the guard scored no points (0 for 1 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0) to go with a pts differential of -1. In the end, in this one, it was San Antonio (2-0, 2-0 at home) winning by 25 points, easily defeating Los Angeles (1-1, 1-1 on the road) by the final tally of 115 to 90. Or as Jeff Sack of Pro Hoops Central said Spurs Control Both Ends Of Floor, Clobber Clippers.

And the last game of the night has the Utah Jazz (EC ~ Northwest) going to the mile high city to take on the Denver Nuggets (EC ~ Northwest) in the first of a three game series for the division foes. The match up was played at the Pepsi Center in front of a crowd 19,155. For the home squad it’s point guard Ty Lawson, who starts for the Nuggets and plays 25 minutes in all. The third year pro scored 15 points (6 for 11 ~ 0 for 3 ~ 3 for 4) to go with two board, a pair of assists, a steal and a TO while having a +19 pts differential. As far as the game was concerned it was Denver (2-0, 1-0 at home) defeating Utah (0-2, 0-2 on the road) by the final of 117 to 100.

After another night, the third of the season, with the National Basketball Association having games it’s once again for “The Fifth Corner” to do its recap for the night in the daily post that is called “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) for 12/27/11. In all there were five match ups on the professional hardwoods of which three had teams with a touch of carolina blue on their roster, one of the with two former players from Chapel Hill, while three of the four former Tar Heels are all national champions. So, without further ado, let’s get it going with this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) for December 27, 2011…

The first game of the night has the season opener for the Atlanta Hawks, which travels north to the Garden State to take on the New Jersey Nets. The game was played at the Prudential Center in front of a crowd of 18,711. For the visiting team it’s a pair of ex Tar Heels, with the first one being Marvin Williams, starting at small forward and getting 22 minutes in all. The seventh year pro scored 14 points (3 for 9 ~ 2 for 4 ~ 6 for 7) to go with nine rebounds, three assists, a pair of steals and a turnover while having a +14 points differential. For the team coming off the bench it’s old time Jerry Stackhouse, in his 17th year in the pros, who played just six minutes, scoring no points (0 for 1 ~ 0 for 1 ~ 0 for 0) to go with one board, one assist and a point differential of +3. As far as the game went it was all Atlanta in this one, defeating New Jersey by 36 points, with the final tally being 106 to 70, or as Bret Lagree of Hoopinion put it Atlanta Hawks Blow Out New Jersey Nets.

The next game of the night is the one between Minnesota Timberwolves and the Milwaukee Bucks, in a game played in front of 17,352 at the Bradley Center. For the visiting team we have third year man Wayne Ellington, who once again does not see any action at the guard position for his squad. And for the second game in a row the shooting guard watches his team go down, as Milwaukee defeated Minnesota by the final of 98 to 95.

Finally, the last game of the night has the Portland Trail Blazers hosting the Sacramento Kings at the Rose Garden in front of a crowd that numbered 20,350. For the home squad we have seventh year veteran Raymond Felton, who started and played a total of 26 minutes. In that time the point guard scored five points (2 for 8 ~ 1 for 3 ~ 0 for 1) to go with six assists, two steals, a rebound and a pair of TOs while having a +9 pts differential in the game. As far as the game was concerned it was Portland (2-0, 2-0 at home) defeating Sacramento (1-1, 0-1 on the road) by the score of 101 to 79, thanks in great part to Gerald Wallace from what Andrew R. Tonry from the Portland Roundball Society says.

And so, after a long lock out, the National Basketball Association is back, and that means that here on The Fifth Corner “Heels in the Pros” is back as well. Right now there is a dozen former North Carolina players on NBA rosters, but not many began the season yesterday, with only the Dallas Mavericks having a touch of carolina blue on their roster. However for the team from the lone star state it has three ex UNC players on the payroll. But do not worry, with a dozen games on tap tonight there will be plenty of Carolina action upcoming soon on this daily post. So, without further ado, let’s get ready for the first “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) of the season for the games on December 25, 2011…

In the only game for this post we have the world champions Dallas Mavericks take on the team that they beat last season to win it all, the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Center in front of a crowd of 20,421. For the Mavs two former Heels started, with seven footer Brendan Haywood, in his 11th year in the league, being the man in the middle, scoring no points (0 for 2 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0) to go with three rebounds and a couple of turnovers while having a -6 +/- differential in just 14 minutes of playing time, which was the least any starter got. The other starter for the team from the lone star state is 14th year veteran Vince Carter, taking the court at the shooting guard position and getting 21 minutes of action. For the guard it was a so-so game with five points (2 for 6 ~ 1 for 3 ~ 0 for 2) to go with three assists, two boards and a pair of TOs with a points differential of 0. Finally, off the bench, it’s power forward Brandan Wright, who comes in for 11 minutes in all, not scoring (0 for 1 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0) to go with a board and a steal in the game while having a +9 points differential. As far as the game went it was the visiting team taking revenge for last season, as the Miami Heat won the game by 11, defeating the Dallas Mavericks by the final of 105 to 94, behind a double double by LBJ, as Jeff Sack says at Pro Hoops Central.

Clipped from: scores.espn.go.com (share this clip)

With Christmas being less than a week away and ESPN using the “unwrap your games” commercial let me use “here is my gift to you” from The Fifth Corner: Heels in the Pro’s is coming back for the basketball season. And with a dozen former Carolina players (on ten rosters) in the National Basketball Association it should be a nice gift that keeps on giving. With a shorten season and many teams having made moves this should be a pretty interesting NBA season, with one player, Brendan Haywood, being on the world champions Dallas Mavericks and several others players on squads that made the playoffs last season. Below is the list of the former Carolina players that are on rosters as of right now, and that could still change as the season draw closer…

For now, as the bowl games begin, the thick of the basketball season is coming closer, the NFL is coming down to its playoffs, enjoy the fact that you still have a while before the NBA begins!