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.

Unfortunately due to family matters I been a bit absent from posting, but that should have been settled and now I can come back and give you my daily post about the former Carolina players now in the NBA which I call “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) for 01/03/12. In all there were six games on tap last night in the National Basketball Association, of those games half had a former UNC player on their roster. With the new year ranking third in the AP and fourth in the ESPN/USA Todays polls it is nice to see that the present team is following in the shoes of players before them. So, without further ado, let’s get this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) for January 3, 2012…

In the first game of the night it’s the Charlotte Bobcats (EC ~ Southeast) going north to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (EC ~ Central) in what is the first of three games between the franchises. The game was played in front of 14,173 at the Quicken Loans Arena. For the home team it’s long time pro Antawn Jamison, who starts at the power forward slot and tets a total of 26 minutes. In that time the 16 year veteran scores 19 points (7 for 16 ~ 2 for 5 ~ 3 for 5) to go with six rebounds, two steals, two blocks and an assist while having a +11 points differential. As far as the game went it was Cleveland (3-2, 2-1 at home) beating Charlotte (1-4, 0-2 on the road) by the final of 115 to 101. According to Jeff Sack, at Pro Hoops Central, Irving and Thompson were key in this win. With the W the Cavs second in the conference, half a game behind division leader Chicago.

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The second game of the night with a touch of carolina blue is the one that has the Atlanta Hawks (EC ~ Southeast) going to the windy city to take on the Chicago Bulls (EC ~ Central) in what is the first of four game between the clubs. The game was played at the United Center in front of an attendance that numbered 22,166. For the visiting team we have Marvin Williams, who starts at the small forward spot, where he gets 32 minutes in all. In that time frame the seventh year man score 14 points (5 for 10 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 4 for 7) to go with eight boards, two assists, a steal and a TO while having a pts differential of +7. The other former Tar Heel on the team, Jerry Stackhouse, does not play in this one (DNP) due to a coach’s decision. In the end in this one it was Chicago (5-1, 2-0 at home) winning by a duece, taking down Atlanta (4-2, 2-2 on the road) 76 to 74. With the loss the Hawks slide to second place in their division, one game back of division leading Miami.

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Finally, in the last game of the night, we havea divisional match-up between the Portland Trail Blazers (WC ~ Northwest) taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder (WC ~ Northwest) in what is the first of four games. The game, played at Chesapeake Energy Arena, had a crowd that numbered 18,203. For the visiting squad we have seventh year pro Raymond Felton, who starts at point guard and plays 36 minutes in all. In that time the floor general scores a dozen points (4 for 11 ~ 1 for 3 ~ 3 for 4) to go with six boards, steals, two assists, a block and three TOs to go with a +7 pts differential. As far as the game went it was Portland (4-1, 1-1 on the road) winning this one by ten, defeating Oklahoma City (5-2, 3-1 at home) 103 to 93. With the W the Trail Blazers are tied for first place with OKC in the division, half a game ahead of Denver.

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With ten days gone in the season there are no undefeated teams in the league, and four with one loss, while there is still one team without a win, the Washington Wizards, along with two teams with just one win. In all there are four teams 2.5 games (or more) back of their division leaders. In Hollinger’s NBA power rankings only the Denver Nuggets are a team with a touch of carolina blue in the Top Five. Three more join them, Spurs/Mavs/Trail Blazers, in the Top 10.

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 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.

As the second round of the NBA Play-Offs continue there are still a couple of former Tar Heels in the running to win a title. As we will see in this edition of “Heels in the Pros”(NBA) both of them played last night, with very different results. What the Heel Nation that follows the UNC players that are now at the next level can take confort in is that if history is correct one of the two Carolina players will be headed to their conference finals. As far as the other Heel? Well, I will let you read the rest of this post and you can make up your own mind on it. So, without further interruptions, let’s get going with this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) for 05/06/11…

The first game of the night, played last night at 7:00 pm EST (televised on ESPN), was game three (of a best of seven) in the East between #1 seed Chicago Bulls and #5 seed Atlanta Hawks. The game has come back to Atlanta tied up at one, and it would be played at the Philips Arena in front of 19,521 fans. For the home squad we have small forward Marvin Williams, who starts for the Hawks and plays a total of 24 minutes in all. In that time frame the former National Champion scores 10 points (4 for 7 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 2 for 3) to go with one rebound, one assist and a turnover, while having a pts differential of -15. As far as the game went, the top seed in the East has taken back home court advantage in this series by winning the game by the score of 99 to 82. With the loss Atlanta is now down 2 games to 1 and will host the next game on Monday night, starting at 8:00 pm EST (televised on TNT).

Hoopinion (TrueHoop Network)
Peachtree Hoops (SB Nation)
Hawks Highlight (Bloguin)

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

The late game of the night is from the Western Conference, where the Dallas Mavericks are hosting the Los Angeles Lakers in the third game (of a best of seven series). The game, televised on ESPN with a starting time of 9:30 pm EST, was played in front of 21,156 fans at the American Airlines Center. For the home squad from the lone star state we have Brendan Haywood, who comes off the bench for 14 minutes of playing time. In that time the former Heel didn’t score any points (0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0), but had seven rebounds (4 offensive) and a turnover, while composing a -2 pts differential on the night. In the end it was Dallas coming back with an enormous 4th quarter performance, to win this one by the final of 98 to 92. With the victory the Mavs are up 3-0 in the series, and no team has ever come back from a deficit like this in the NBA.

The Two Man Game (TrueHoop Network)
Mavs Moneyball (SB Nation)
The Smoking Cuban (FanSided)
Slam Dunk Central

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

I am sure that the National Basketball Association didn’t do this for my pleasure, but it’s nice to have both of the teams with a touch of Carolina Blue playing on the same night, giving me time to keep up with the former Heels now at the next level, which I call “Heels in the Pros” (NBA). in this post we look at the games from 05/02. In all there are two former UNC players still in the playoffs, and both are the underdogs in the series. But, without giving any more away, let’s get going with this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) for May 2, 2011…

The first game of the night, from the Eastern Conference, it’s the Atlanta Hawks headed to the windy city to take on the Chicago Bulls in the first of the seven game series. The game was played at the United Center in front of a crowd of 22,890. For the visiting team it’s small forward Marvin Williams, who starts but plays just 22 minutes in all. In that time frame the former national champion and one & done for head coach Roy Williams scores 5 points (2 for 6 ~ 0 for 2 ~ 1 for 1) to go with two rebounds, a block and a turnover, while having a pts differential of -4. As far as the game was concerned it was Atlanta upsetting Chicago, taking the game by the score of 103 to 95. Game 2 of this series will be played tonight at 8:00 pm EST.

NBA
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Peachtree Hoops (SB Nation)
Soaring Down South (FanSided)
Hawks Highlight (Bloguin)
Slam Dunk Central

The other game with someone donning the Carolina Blue is in the Western Conference, where the Dallas Mavericks headed to Cali to take on the Los Angeles Lakers in their game one of the series. The game was played in front of 18,997 at the Staples Center. For the visiting squad from the lone star state it’s big man Brendan Haywood, who comes off the bench to play 13 minutes. In that time frame the center scores two points (1 for 1 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0) to go with one block and a +6 pts differential. As far as the game went it was another upset, this one much closer, as Dallas took this one from LA by 2, with the score being 96-94. Game 2 of this series is tonight, starting at 10:30 pm EST.

NBA
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Mavs MoneyBall (SB Nation)
The Smoking Cuban (FanSided)
Slam Dunk Central

Working ever so hard to make this a daily post that is also on time (which it isn’t right now), here is the next chapter of the Tar Heels now in the National Basketball Association, in what is called by me “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) for April 19, 2011. In all there were three games on this night, two of them had Carolina Blue in them. So, without any more interruptions and delays, let’s get this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) for 04/19/11…

The first game of the night is the second one between the Atlanta Hawks and the Orlando Magic, played at the Amway Center in front of 19,160. For the visiting team it’s Marvin Williams, who comes off the bench for the Hawks and plays a total of 19 minutes in all. For the fifth year small forward it’s a four point game (1 for 6 ~ 0 for 3 ~ 2 for 2) to go with three rebounds, an assist and a TO, while having a -7 pts differential. Just like the Heel, Atlanta was not on its best game in this one, losing to Orlando by six points, 88 to 82. With the loss the series is now tied at one a piece and the next game will be in Atlanta on Friday April 22nd.

NBA
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Peachtree Hoops(SB Nation)
Soaring Down South (FanSided)
Hawks Highlight (Bloguin)

The other game with a touch of Carolina Blue is in the West Conference where the Dallas Mavericks are hosting the Portland Trail Blazers for the second game of their seven game series. The match was played in front of 20,620 fans at the American Airlines Center. For the home team it’s ten year vet Brendan Haywood, who comes off the bench for the Mavs and plays a total of 20 minutes in this one. In that time frame the center scores just two points (1 for 1 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 4) to go with five rebounds (4 offensive), one assist and a TO. Haywood had a +9 pts differential in the game. As far as the game is concerned it was Dallas winning it by a dozen, with the final score being 101 to 89. With the W the Mavericks take a 2-0 lead in the series, with the third game being Thursday April 21 in Portland.

NBA
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Mavs MoneyBall (SB Nation)
The Smoking Cuban (FanSided)

The National Basketball Association began its “second season” yesterday afternoon and I have to say it was pretty good to say the least. Three teams (Indiana ~ Atlanta ~ Dallas) with a former Tar Heel on their roster were in action today and we are going to check how they did in this edition of “Heels in the Pros” (NBA). On a side note: I love for that ESPN radio host to come out and say that he was wrong about what he kept saying about Tyler Hansbrough, but I know that won’t happen, so this was just a one sentence rant! Now, back to the things at hands and “Heels in the Pros” (NBA) of 04/16/11…

The first game of the day was a barn burner between the 8 seed Indiana Pacers and the top seed Chicago Bulls (televised on ESPN). It was played at the United Center in front of 22,986 fans. For the visiting squad it was power forward Tyler Hansbrough, who seemed to have come back to the times where UNC and Duke took to the hardwoods. The second year player started for the Pacers and played 36 minutes (could have been more if not for being hit in the face hard enough he had to be taken to the locker room). In that time frame the 6’9″ forward scored 22 points (10 for 19 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 2 for 3) to go with four rebounds, two assists, a steal and 2 TOs. It was a great job by the former NPOY and National Champion, but it was not enough as the Bulls (or better said Derrick Rose) took over in the last minutes and won by the final of 104 to 99, taking Game 1 of the seven game series. The two squads will face off next on Monday, April 18, 2011, coverage on TNT.

NBA
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

8 Points, 9 Seconds (True Hoop Network)
Indy Cornrows (SB Nation)
Pacers Pulse (Bloguin)
Slam Dunk Central

The next game of the night that has a touch of Carolina Blue is the match up between the 5th seed Atlanta Hawks and the 4th seed Orland Magic, televised by the World Leader in Sports. The game was played at the Amway Center in front of an attendance of 19,108. For the visiting squad we have yet again another National Champ in forward Marvin Williams, who came off the bench for the Hawks and played a total of 16 minutes. The fifth year man score six points in this one (2 for 3 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 2 for 2) to go with one board, two steals and an assist. As far as the game went it was the Hawks taking this one by double digits, surprising the Magic by the score of 103 to 93. The series is 1-0 for Atlanta and the two franchise will go at it once again Tuesday, April 19, 2011, tv coverage by NBA TV.

NBA
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

Peachtree Hoops (SB Nation)
Slam Dunk Central

And finally, the last game of the night with a former Heel in it, it’s the #3 seed Dallas Mavericks hosting the #6 Portland Trail Blazers, game shown on ESPN. The game was played at American Airlines Center in front of a crowd that numbered 20,541. For the home squad it’s big man Brendan Haywood, who came off the bench for 16 minutes of action. In that time the seven footer score just two points (1 for 2 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 2) along with six rebounds (4 offensive), a block and a TO. While the contribution by the ten year vet isn’t as what it used to be his squad still took game one of the series, defeating Portland 89 to 81. The Mavs lead the series 1-0 and will be playing game two of it on Tuesday, April 19, 2001, which will be televised on TNT.

NBA
ESPN
Sporting News
CBS

The Two Man Game (TrueHoop Network)
Mavs MoneyBall (SB Nation)
Slam Dunk Central

With today being the beginning of the NBA Playoffs I figured it is time to get the Heels in the Pros (NBA) have a come back on The Fifth Corner. Below is the complete listing of the National Basketball Association first round (with times and tv coverage) playoff schedule. Then of course, since this a North Carolina blog after all, I will add all that I can about any former Tar Heel in the eight series. A brief run down shows that five series have at least one UNC player playing in them, one has a couple of floor generals along with a head coach and finally another one has an executive that are all from Chapel Hill. Here is the complete run down of the first round and below the list the former Heels in each of them…

Western Conference

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs (8) Memphis Grizzlies

Game 1 – Sun April 17 Memphis at San Antonio 12:00PM TNT
Game 2 – Wed April 20 Memphis at San Antonio 7:30PM NBA TV
Game 3 – Sat April 23 San Antonio at Memphis 6:30PM ESPN
Game 4 – Mon April 25 San Antonio at Memphis TBD TBD
Game 5 * Wed April 27 Memphis at San Antonio TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri April 29 San Antonio at Memphis TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 1 Memphis at San Antonio TBD TBD

For San Antonio we have Danny Green, who was picked up late in the season by the team and you can follow him on twitter under the nic @DGreen_14. Green played at UNC for four years and won a National Title in 2009 under head coach Roy Williams. On a side note I can not believe that NBA.com still has him in a Cleveland jersey.

(2) L.A. Lakers vs (7) New Orleans Hornets

Game 1 – Sun April 17 New Orleans at L.A. Lakers 12:30PM ABC/R
Game 2 – Wed April 20 New Orleans at L.A. Lakers 7:30PM TNT
Game 3 – Fri April 22 L.A. Lakers at New Orleans 8:30PM ESPN
Game 4 – Sun April 24 L.A. Lakers at New Orleans 8:30PM TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 26 New Orleans at L.A. Lakers TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 28 L.A. Lakers at New Orleans TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat April 30 New Orleans at L.A. Lakers TBD TNT

In this one we have the General Manager of the Lakers, Mitch Kupchak, who played under head coach Dean Smith from 1972 to 1976.

(3) Dallas Mavericks vs (6) Portland Trail Blazers

Game 1 – Sat April 16 Portland at Dallas 8:30PM ESPN
Game 2 – Tue April 19 Portland at Dallas 8:30PM TNT
Game 3 – Thu April 21 Dallas at Portland 7:30PM TNT
Game 4 – Sat April 23 Dallas at Portland 2:00PM TNT
Game 5 * Mon April 25 Portland at Dallas TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 28 Dallas at Portland TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat April 30 Portland at Dallas TBD TNT

For the third seed Dallas we have seven footer Brendan Haywood, who played in Chapel Hill from 1997 to 2001 where he recorded the first ever triple double in school’s history. You can check out Haywood’s pro career here.

(4) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (5) Denver Nuggets

Game 1 – Sun April 17 Denver at Oklahoma City 8:30PM TNT
Game 2 – Wed April 20 Denver at Oklahoma City 7:00PM TNT
Game 3 – Sat April 23 Oklahoma City at Denver 8:00PM ESPN/R
Game 4 – Mon April 25 Oklahoma City at Denver 8:30PM TNT
Game 5 * Wed April 27 Denver at Oklahoma City TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri April 29 Oklahoma City at Denver TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 1 Denver at Oklahoma City TBD TBD

This one is where have a boatload of former Heels. Two on the court and the head coach. First, George Karl, the coach of the Nuggets, who has been with the team since 2005. Then we have two point guards that are both National Champions, Raymond Felton for the 2005 squad and Ty Lawson for the `09 team. Felton is on his third NBA squad, second this season, having played for the Bobcats and Knicks before coming to Denver. Lawson has always been with the Nuggets and you can follow him on twitter.

Eastern Conference

(1) Chicago Bulls vs (8) Indiana Pacers

Game 1 – Sat April 16 Indiana at Chicago 12:00PM ESPN/ESPN3D
Game 2 – Mon April 18 Indiana at Chicago 8:30PM TNT
Game 3 – Thu April 21 Chicago at Indiana 7:00PM NBA TV
Game 4 – Sat April 23 Chicago at Indiana 2:30PM TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 26 Indiana at Chicago TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 28 Chicago at Indiana TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat April 30 Indiana at Chicago TBD TNT

In this one we have another National Champ from Chapel Hill, Tyler Hansbrough, who is getting better by the game with his stats and can be followed on twitter under @THANS50

(2) Miami Heat vs (7) Philadelphia 76ers

Game 1 – Sat April 16 Philadelphia at Miami 3:30PM ABC/R
Game 2 – Mon April 18 Philadelphia at Miami 7:00PM TNT
Game 3 – Thu April 21 Miami at Philadelphia 8:00PM TNT
Game 4 – Sun April 24 Miami at Philadelphia 1:00PM ABC
Game 5 * Wed April 27 Philadelphia at Miami TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri April 29 Miami at Philadelphia TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 1 Philadelphia at Miami TBD TBD

None from North Carolina in this one, but if you want to root against someone, Philly has a Duke player to zeron in Miami (just a thought).

(3) Boston Celtics vs (6) New York Knicks

Game 1 – Sun April 17 New York at Boston 7:00PM TNT
Game 2 – Tue April 19 New York at Boston 7:00PM TNT
Game 3 – Fri April 22 Boston at New York 7:00PM ESPN
Game 4 – Sun April 24 Boston at New York 3:30PM ABC/R
Game 5 * Tue April 26 New York at Boston TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri April 29 Boston at New York TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 1 New York at Boston TBD TBD

No one from Chapel Hill in this one either and not easy who to go with, as the Knicks have a former player from that school 8.5 miles away from UNC and Boston have someone from UK. (Wishing in a double elimination here, but it’s not possible).

(4) Orlando Magic vs (5) Atlanta Hawks

Game 1 – Sat April 16 Atlanta at Orlando 7:00PM ESPN
Game 2 – Tue April 19 Atlanta at Orlando 7:30PM NBA TV
Game 3 – Fri April 22 Orlando at Atlanta 8:00PM ESPN2/ESPN3D
Game 4 – Sun April 24 Orlando at Atlanta 7:00PM TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 26 Atlanta at Orlando TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 28 Orlando at Atlanta TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat April 30 Atlanta at Orlando TBD TNT

Finally, a breath of fresh air as we once again have a Tar Heel in this series. For the Hawks it’s Marvin Williams, a fifth year veteran while being a one and done at UNC after winning a national title.