(NBA) 02/17/10

As we do every morning it is once again time to check out the North Carolina basketball players in the National Basketball Association in my daily post called “Heels in the League” (NBA). This post is going to check out the games from yesterday, Wednesday, February 17, 2010, where in all there were eleven games. Of those seven had a touch of Carolina Blue with two of them being head to head match ups with teams that have ex UNC players on both benches. Off the field last night Antawn Jamison has gone from the Wizs to the Cavs, meaning that both the players that began in the nation’s capital are now gone from there. For a run down of all the games from last night make sure to check out the Real GM‘s recap. But for now sit back and relax as we go through this edition of “Heels in the League” (NBA) for the games from 02/17/10…

The first game of the night is a West/East clash as the San Antonio Spurs (WC 2nd Southwest) head to the Railroad City to take on the Indiana Pacers (EC 5th Central), with the Pacers being a 4 points underdog. This game was played at the Conseco Fieldhouse in front of a crowd of 14,947. This is the second match up (of two) between these two teams, with San Antonio winning the first contest. In this game we should have seen rookie power forward Tyler Hansbrough, but he is still sidelined by the inner ear infection and does not even dress in this one. As far as the game went it was once again a close one with the San Antonio winning it by three points, defeating Indiana by the final score of 90 to 87. With the loss the Pacers are now 18 and 35 on the year (.340 winning percentage), 12 and 15 at home (.444 winning percentage) and second to last in the East, 8.5 games behind the last playoff team. The people in Bristol believe that Indiana has no chance of making the playoff and a 7.7% of getting the top pick in the draft.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Indy Cornrows (SB Nation) by Tom Lewis

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The next game of the night is the one that has the Detroit Pistons (EC 4th Central) heading south to the sunshine state to take on the Orlando Magic (EC 1st Southeast), in a game that was played with an attendance of 17,461 at the Amway Arena, with the Magic being a 12 points favorite. This is the fourth (of four) game between these two squads, with Orlando having won two of the first three. For the home squad we have veteran guard Vince Carter (48 Games: 30.6 MinsPG ~ 16.5 PPG ~ 2.9 APG ~ 4.4 RPG), who starts for the Magic and gets 30 minutes in all. In that time the shooting guard scored 20 points (8 for 12 ~ 3 for 5 ~ 1 for 1) to go with four assists and a rebound while having a +11 pts differential in the game. In the end it was Orlando winning this one, defeating Detroit by 25 points, with the final score being 116 to 91. With the W the Magic are now 37 and 18 overall (.673 winning percentage), and 21 and 5 at home (.807 winning percentage) and being second in the East, 6.5 games behind the conference leader and 1.5 ahead of the third squad. ESPN believes that the Magic have a 100% chance of making the playoffs and a 15.8% possibility of winning it all.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Orlando Magic Daily (TrueHoop Network) by Philip Rossman-Reich
Orlando Pinstriped Post (SB Nation) by Ben Q Rock
Howard the Dunk (FanSided) by Andrew Melnick
Need4Sheed by Natalie Sitto

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The third game is also the first head to head match up, as well as a West/East clash, with the Minnesota Timberwolves (WC 5th Northwest) head to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Wizards (EC 5th Southeast), with the home squad being a 4 points favorite. This game is played at the Verizon Center in front of a crowd that numbered 13,143. This is the second (of two) match ups between these two franchises, with Minnesota winning the first one. For the visiting squad it’s rooke Wayne Ellington (53 Games: 18.0 MinsPG ~ 6.3 PPG ~ 0.9 APG ~ 2.2 RPG), who got 14 minutes coming off the bench. In that time frame the shooting guard scored just two points (0 for 1 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 2 for 2) to go with two rebounds, an assist and a TO while having a pts differential of -2. On the other side it is the last time that Antawn Jamison dresses up as a Wizards, but does not play in the game (DNP – Coach’s Decision). In this one it was Washington winning it, taking down Minnesota by nine points, with the final tally being 108 to 99. With the W the Wizs are now 18 and 33 for the year (.353 winning percentage), 10 and 16 at home (.384 winning percentage) and 13th in the East, 8.5 games behind the playoff race. With the loss the TWolves are 13 and 42 for the season (.236 winning percentage), 4 and 24 on the road (.142 winning percentage) and dead last in the West, 18.5 games behind the eighth place team.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Bullets Forever (SB Nation) by Mike Prada

Box Score — Play-By-Play

As we keep going it’s a East/West battle with the Houston Rockets (WC 3rd Southwest) going at it with the Milwaukee Bucks (EC 3rd Central), in a game played at the Bradley Center in front of 11,685 fans, with the home squad being a 5 points favorite. This is the second game (of two) between these two teams with Houston winning the first one. For the home squad we have veteran Jerry Stackhouse (13 Games: 20.0 MinsPG ~ 6.5 PPG ~ 2.1 APG ~ 2.4 RPG), who gets 15 minutes in this one. The shooting guard only scores two points in the game (0 for 5 ~ 0 for 2 ~ 2 for 2) to go along with one assist while having a -15 pts differential. As far as the game went it was an upset as Houston wins this one, defeating Milwaukee by 28 points, with the final score being 127 to 99. With the loss the Bucks are now 24 and 28 overall (., and 16 and 9 at home (.640 winning percentage) as the ninth team of the East, 2.0 games behind the last playoff spot. ESPN gives Milwaukee a 67.7% chance of making the playoffs.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Bucksketball (TrueHoop Network) by Jeremy
Brew Hoop (SB Nation) by Alex Boeder

Box Score — Play-By-Play

As we continue our look on yesterday’s games it’s the Dallas Mavericks (WC 1st Southwest) playing host to the Phoenix Suns (WC 2nd Pacific), a game played at the American Airlines Center in front of a crowd of 19,974, with the home squad being a five point favorite in this one. These two franchises have met twice already with Dallas winning both of them. In this one, for the Mavs, we have center Brendan Haywood (51 Games: 32.6 MinsPG ~ 9.7 PPG ~ 10.2 RPG ~ 2.1 BPG), who starts and gets 34 minutes in all. In that time the big man in the middle scores 10 points (5 for 7 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 2) to go with nine boards (5 offensive), five blocks, two assists and a pair of TOs while having a +5 pts differential. As far as the game went it was Dallas winning once again, taking down Phoenix by ten, with the final score being 107 to 97. With the win the Mavs are now 33 and 21 on the season (., while being 16 and 9 at home (.640 winning percentage) as they hold the fourth spot in the West, 8.5 games behind the conference leader and just 1.0 games ahead of the fifth squad.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

The Two Man Game (TrueHoop Network) by Rob Mahoney
Mavs Moneyball (SB Nation) by zdgmans

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The next game is the second head to head match up with the Sacramento Kings (WC 4th Pacific) and the Golden State Warriors (WC 5th Pacific) doing a divisional battle in front of 17,023 fans at the ORACLE Arena, with the home team being a three points favorite in this one. This is the fourth match up (of four) between these two teams, with Sacramento winning two of them and Golden State one, and home court advantage being kept throughout the series. For the visiting squad it’s ex UNC big man Sean May who does not dress in this one (not sure why). While on the other side it’s forward Brandan Wright who is still out with his pre-season shoulder injury. The game was won by Golden State, keeping the home court advantage going, defeating Sacramento by 32, with the final score being 130 to 98. With the W the Warriors are noe 15 and 38 overall (.283 winning percentage), while being 11 and 15 at home (.435 winning percentage) being 14th in the West, 15.5 games out of playoff contention. On the other side, with the loss the Kings are now 18 and 36 for the year (.333 winning percentage), 5 and 23 on the road (.178 winning percentage) in 13th place in the West, 13.0 games back of the eighth place team in the conference.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Cowbell Kingdom (TrueHoop Network) by Zach Harper
Slam Dunk Central by Stephen Rhodes

Box Score — Play-By-Play

And the last game of the night is one that has the Atlanta Hawks (EC 2nd Southeast) going cross country to take on the Los Angeles Clippers (WC 3rd Pacific) at the STAPLES Center in front of a crowd that numbered 15,485, with the visitors being a 5.5 points favorite. This is the second clash (of two) between these two franchises, with Atlanta having won the first game. In this one the Hawks have forward Marvin Williams (51 Games: 29.9 MinsPG ~ 10.3 PPG ~ 5.1 RPG ~ 1.0 APG) starting and playing 34 minutes (most of any Hawks in this game). In that time frame the small forward scores nine points (4 for 8 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 1 for 2) to go with two reboudns and two steals while having a +16 pts differential. This one was won by Atlanta, who beat Los Angeles by the final of 110 to 92. With the victory the Hawks are now 34 and 18 overall (., 13 and 12 on the road (.520 winning percentage) and holding on to the third spot in the East, 8.0 games behind the conference leader and only 0.5 games ahead of the next team. ESPN has Atlanta with a 99.9% of making the post season and a 28.5% of making it to the NBA Finals.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Hoopinion (TrueHoop Network)
Peachtree Hoops (SB Nation) by hawksdawgs

Box Score — Play-By-Play

Antawn Jamison

So, with the NBA trade deadline coming closer and closer, we finally find out the faith of the Washington Wizards’ power forward Antawn Jamison. He will be joining another two Tar Heels, Jawad Williams and Danny Green, in the C-Town. Meaning that Jamison is now part of the “get a ring for the king” crusade that the Cavaliers are trying to do in this season. This all happened, from what I read on ESPN, through a three team deal between Washington, Cleveland and the LA Clippers. What the people in Bristol believe is that Jamison became the top target due to the fact that the Cavs would not have to give up J.J. Hickson in order to bring him to the Quicken Loans Arena to play. From the sounds of it Washington decides not to go after the Cavs’ young power forward so that they can more payroll and luxury tax relief come the end of the season.

As I do with all the Tar Heels let me be the first to congratulate Antawn Jamison on the move and wish him all the best in a run for the NBA Championship title.

It is once again time to check out the games that will be played tonight, Wednesday, February 17, 2010, where in all there are eleven games on the schedule, seven of them with a touch of Carolina Blue, two being head to head match ups. One a side note: if you want to see what happened yesterday with the ex Tar Heels check out my daily post “Heels in the League” (NBA) for 02/16/10. (The odds were taken from the Bodog web site and this post is not meant for gambling, just to give more information about the Tar Heels playing in the NBA). But for now enjoy this post “Before the Game” (NBA) for 02/17/10…

San Antonio (30-21) at Indiana (18-34) (Pacers are a 4 points underdog and the O/U is 203.5). Tip Off: 7:00 p.m. EST ~ TV Coverage: FSSW/FSIN

Detroit (19-33) at Orlando (36-18) (Magic are a 12 points favorite and the O/U is 190). Tip Off: 7:00 p.m. EST ~ TV Coverage: FSD/FSFL

Minnesota (13-41) at Washington (17-33) (Wizards are a 4 points favorite and the O/U is 203). Tip Off: 7:00 p.m. EST ~ TV Coverage: FSNO/CSW

Houston (27-25) at Milwaukee (24-27) (The Bucks are a 5 points favorite and the O/U is 194). Tip Off: 8:00 p.m. EST ~ TV Coverage: FSH/FSWI

Phoenix (32-22) at Dallas (32-21) (The Mavericks are a 5 points favorite and the O/U is 218). Tip Off: 9:00 p.m. EST ~ TV Coverage: ESPN/KTXA

Sacramento (18-35) at Golden State (14-38) (The Warriors are a 3 points favorite and the O/U is 221.5). Tip Off: 10:30 p.m. EST ~ TV Coverage: CSCA/CSBA

Atlanta (33-18) at Los Angeles (21-32) (The Hawks are 5.5 points favorite and the O/U is 196). Tip Off: 10:30 p.m. EST ~ TV Coverage: SS/FSPT

One of my favorite blogs, Truth About It, told me a day or so ago that the likely destination for power forward Antawn Jamison might be the Boston Celtics, but that has not taken shape as of right now. Another place that the Wizards’ forward could have ended up is the Cleveland Cavaliers, but when the Forest City switched their sight to Amare Stoudemire the Tar Heel was put as a distant back up plan. Now it seems that another team, the Miami Heat, has made advances to get Jamison to come to the sunshine state. But this too does not look too promising as the Wizards need a lot to send Jamison packing, especially after their first major trade didn’t yield much. And while I am definitely not an expert, nor do I have inside information, I have a feeling that Jamison will be riding out the season in the nation’s capital.

Of course if any more information comes up about Jamison (or any other Tar Heel) I will make sure to post it here on The Fifth Corner.

Haywood and Jamison

Well, while no ex Tar Heel made the All Star game this year it does not mean that there is no news about them this weekend. From the nation’s capital comes word that seven footer Brendan Haywood is heading to the lone star state to join the Dallas Mavericks, a move that the Bullets Forever blog (of SB Nation) does not think is a good idea, calling it an all-around epic fail. But before you think the excitement is over, the other Wizards’ blog I follow closely, Truth About It (TrueHoop Network), told me on twitter that there is a good possibility that Antawn Jamison could be headed out of town as well. Possible destination? Boston! So while 108,000+ people watch the All Star game at the new Dallas Stadium, one ex Tar Heel is packing his bag and the other might just be right behind doing the same thing.

From ESPN’s TrueHoop Henry Abbott believes that the center could be the big catch of the trades. And while this is going to sound like a homer comment I think he is right, and the Haywood’s numbers I believe prove me right. With the season still in the balance for a lot of teams we will soon learn if this move will make the Mavericks a contender or a pretender in the West.

As I do with all the Tar Heels let me wish all the best to both Brendan Haywood and Antawn Jamison, wherever they may end up.

(NBA) 02/09/10

Being way late on this recap (mostly due to some things I am working on in real life) here is “Heels in the League” (NBA) for the games from Tuesday, February 9, 2010. In all the schedule had eleven games, eight of them had a touch of Carolina Blue with one of them being a head to head match up. For a run down of all the games from this date you can check out Real GM‘s recap. Meanwhile, sit back, relax and enjoy this edition of “Heels in the League” that talks about the games from 02/09/10…

First game of the night we have the Cleveland Cavaliers (EC 1st Central) playing host to the New Jersey Nets (EC 5th Atlantic) in a game played at the Quicken Loans Arena in front of a sold out crowd of 20,562. For the home squad we have a pair of Tar Heels in Jawad Williams and Danny Green. While Green does not play in this one (DNP – Coach’s Decision), Williams has a heck of a game coming off the bench for 28 minutes. In that time frame the ex national champion for Roy Williams scores 17 points (6 for 12 ~ 3 for 5 ~ 2 for 3) to go with three rebounds, two assists and a steal. The forward also had a +15 pts differential in this one. In the end it was Cleveland winning this one, beating New Jersey by seven, with the final being 104 to 97. With the W the Cavs are now 42 and 11 for the season (. and 23 and 3 at home (.884 winning percentage).

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

CAVS: the blog (TrueHoop Network) by John Krolik
Fear the Sword (SB Nation) by WavwOcean
King James Gospel (FanSided) by Cody Norman
Slam Dunk Central by Jeff Sack

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The second game of the night is a divisional battle as the Indiana Pacers (EC 5th Central) hosting the Chicago Bulls (EC 2nd Central) at Conseco Fieldhouse in front of a crowd that numbered 12,945. Once again for the home squad it would be rookie power forward Tyler Hansbrough, but he is still out with his inner ear infection, and from what he said last night there is no time table for him coming back right now. As far as the game went it was Chicago winning it by eight points, defeating Indiana by the final tally of 109 to 101. With the loss the Pacers drop to 18 and 34 overall (.346 winning percentage) and 12 and 14 at home (.461 winning percentage).

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Eight Points, Nine Seconds (TrueHoop Network) by Tim Donahue
Indy Cornrows (SB Nation) by Tom Lewis
Always Miller Time (FanSided) by Josh Dhani

Box Score — Play-By-Play

Moving on we have a East/West match with the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves (WC 5th Northwest) and the Philadelphia 76′ers (EC 3rd Atlantic). The game was played at the Wochovia Center with an attendance that numbered 11,038. For the visiting team it’s rookie Wayne Ellington, who comes off the bench for 23 minutes. The guard scored 16 points (7 for 10 ~ 2 for 2 ~ 0 for 0) to go along with one rebound, one assist and three TOs. On the night Ellington had a -12 pts differential. With the loss the TWolves are now 13 and 39 overall (.250 winning percentage) and 4 and 22 on the road (.153 winning percentage).

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Howlin’ T-Wolf (TrueHoop Network) by JSteinmeyer
Dunking with Wolves (FanSided) by Derrick Willis

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The fourth game of this recap is also the head to head match up as the Washington Wizards (EC 5th Southeast) head south to take on the Charlotte Bobcats (EC 3rd Southeast) in a divisional battle. The game was played in front of 12,376 fans at the Time Warner Cable Arena. For the team from the nation’s capital we have the duo of Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood, who both start for the Wizards. For the forward it’s a 38 minute game as he scores 16 points (6 for 18 ~ 1 for 4 ~ 3 for 4) to go with six rebounds (3 offensive), one assist, one steal and a turnover. Jamison had a pts differential of +3. For the big man in the middle its 30 minutes that gives him a double double as he scores 12 points (3 for 5 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 6 for to go along with a team high 11 rebounds and two blocks while having a -1 pts differential. On the other side, for the Bobcats, it’s Raymond Felton, who starts and gets 31 minutes in this one. The point guard scores 11 points (4 for 9 ~ 0 for 2 ~ 3 for 3) to go with a a team high five assists, three rebounds, a block and a TO. The speedster has a -6 pts differential in this one. In what was a tight game it would be Charlotte winning this one by a duece thanks to a fadeaway by their Heel PG, defeating Washington by the final score of 94 to 92. With the win the Bobcats are now 25 and 25 on the season (.500 winning percentage) and 19 and 6 (.760 winning percentage). The loss puts the Wizards at 17 and 33 overall (.340 winning percentage) and 8 and 17 on the road (.320 winning percentage).

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Truth About It (TrueHoop Network) by TruthAboutIt
Queen City Hoops (TrueHoop Network) by Brett
Rufus on Fire (SB Nation) by David Arnott
Bullets Forever (SB Nation) by Mike Prada

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The next game of the night was a West/East battle that had the Sacramento Kings (WC 4th Pacific) going cross country to play against the New York Knicks (EC 4th Atlantic) in the mecca of basketball, Madison Square Garden. The game was played in front of 19,531 fans, televised by MSG. This is the second of two match ups between these teams with the Kings winning the first one. For the team from the West Coast has power forward Sean May, which in this one does not play (DNP – Coach’s Decision). In this one it’s Sacramento winning it, but needed to go to overtime in doing so, beating New York by the final of 118 to 114. With the victory the Kings are now 17 and 34 overall (.333 winning percentage) and 4 and 22 on the road (.153 winning percentage).

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Cowbell Kingdom (TrueHoop Network) by Zach Harper
Sactown Royalty (SB Nation) by Ziller
A Royal Pain (FanSided) by Eze

Box Score — Play-By-Play

Moving on we have a divisional battle as the Milwaukee Bucks (EC 3rd Central) play host to the Detroit Pistons (EC 4th Central). The game was played in front of an attendance of 12,017 at the Bradley Center, televised by FSN-WI. The game is the third of four between the two squads having split the first two match ups. For the home squad we have veteran guard Jerry Stackhouse, who comes off the bench for the Bucks and plays 16 minutes. In that time the guard didn’t have a very good scoring night, just getting four points (2 for 6 ~ 0 for 1 ~ 0 for 0) to go with an assist, a block and a TO. Stackhouse had a pts differential of -11 in this one. In the end this game was won by Detroit, who defeated Milwaukee by a dozen, with the final score being 93 to 81. With the loss the Bucks are now 23 and 27 for the year (.471 winning percentage) and 16 and 8 at home (.667 winning percentage).

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Busketball (TrueHoop Network) by Jeremy
Brew Hoop (SB Nation) by Alex Boeder
Need4Sheed by Natalie Sitto

Box Score — Play-By-Play

In the second to last game we have another East/West match up as the Atlanta Hawks (EC 2nd Southeast) head to the FedEx Forum to take on the Memphis Grizzles (WC 5th Southwest), in a game that had 10,491 fans in attendance. The game was televised by SportSouth. This is the second game (of two) between the two squads, with the Hawks winning the first one. For the Hawks it’s forward Marvin Williams, who the blog Soaring down South wrote a very detailed piece about, who starts and plays 32 minutes in this one. In that time frame the small forward scores 15 points (6 for 10 ~ 0 for 2 ~ 3 for 3) to go with seven rebounds, one steal, a block and a turnover. Williams had a +20 pts differential. The game, which was close going into the fourth, was won going away by Atlanta, as they defeated Memphis by 14, with the final score being 108 to 94. With the win the Hawks are now 33 and 17 on the year (.660 winning percentage) and 12 and 12 on the road (.500 winning percentage.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Hoopinion (TrueHoop Network)
Peachtree Hoops (SB Nation) by hawksdawgs
Soaring down South (FanSided) by KWillis

Box Score — Play-By-Play

And we close this very late post with the game between top of the class in their divisions as the Dallas Mavericks (WC 1st Southwest) and the Denver Nuggets (WC 1st Northwest) battle it out. A game that was televised by ALT and played at the Pepsi Center in front of a crowd that numbered 17,485. This is the second time (out of three) that these two teams have faced one another with the Mavs winning the first one. For the home team it’s Heel point guard Ty Lawson, who gets 21 points off the bench. The speedster scored 13 points (6 for 8 ~ 0 for 1 ~ 1 for 2) to go with seven assists, five rebounds (2 offensive) and a TO. Lawson had a +17 pts differential in the game. This was not much of a game as Denver won it by 36 points, defeating Dallas by the final score of 127 to 91. With the W the Nuggets are now 36 and 17 on the year (.673 winning percentage) and 23 and 4 at home (.851 winning percentage).

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Roundball Mining Company (TrueHoop Network) by Jeremy
Denver Stiffs (SB Nation) by Andrew Feinstein

Box Score — Play-By-Play

(NBA) 02/05/10

Once again late in doing my recap from yesterday’s game here is my daily post “Heels in the League” (NBA) from the games from Friday, February 5, 2010. In all the National Basketball Association had ten games, with eight of them had a touch of Carolina Blue and just one was a head to head match up. For those of you that are following what is going on with rookie power forward Tyler Hansbrough here is an article from the Indy Star about how is illness isn’t getting any better as of right now. But now on to the games from 02/05/10…

The first game of the night is actually about Hansbrough’s squad as the Indiana Pacers (EC 4th Central) played host to the Detroit Pistons (EC 5th Central) in a divisional match up of sub .500 teams. The game was played at Conseco Fieldhouse in front of a crowd of 14,832 (max capacity: 18,345). As I said before, for the home team we have power forward Tyler Hansbrough, who as we also know is not playing and will probably be out past the All Star game. As far as the game is concerned it was Indiana winning this one by 24 points, defeating Indiana by the final of 107 to 83. With the win the Pacers are now 18 and 32 (.360 winning percentage) and 12 and 13 at home (.480 winning percentage). Indiana is holding the 12th spot in the East, six games behind the last playoff spot. ESPN believes that Indiana has a 0.5% of making the playoff while having a 5.8% of getting the top draft pick this year.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Eight Points, Nine Seconds (TrueHoop Network) by Tim Donahue
Indy Cornrows (SB Nation) by goodlucksaturday
Always Miller Time (FanSided) by Josh Dhani
Need4Sheed by Natalie Sitto

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The next game of the night is the only head to head match up, as well as being another divisional battle, as the Washington Wizards (EC 5th Southeast) head to the sunshine state to take on the Orlando Magic (EC 1st Southeast). The game was played at the Amway Arena in front of a sold out crowd of 17.461 (max capacity: 17,461). For the team from the nation’s capital we have Antawn Jamison (40 Games: 38.9 MinsPG ~ 20 PPG ~ 8.9 RPG ~ 1.3 APG) and Brendan Haywood (48 Games: 33.0 MinsPG ~ 9.7 PPG ~ 10.3 RPG ~ 2.1 BPG) who both started for the Wizards and had sub par performances. Jamison playing for 39 minutes scores just nine points (4 for 12 ~ 1 for 5 ~ 0 for 0) to go with nine rebounds and a TO while having a -2 pts differential. Haywood, who got 31 minutes on the floor in this one, scored five points (2 for 4 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 1 for 2) to go with a team high 10 rebounds, two blocks and five turnovers. The big man in the middle had a pts differential of +2 in this one. On the other side, for the Magic, it’s shooting guard Vince Carter (43 Games: 30.4 MinsPG ~ 15.7 PPG ~ 2.9 APG ~ 4.3 RPG), who starts and plays for 33 minutes in the game. The guard scores a team high 21 points (5 for 17 ~ 1 for 3 ~ 10 for 10) to go with two rebounds while having a +1 pts differential. In the end, it was a truly tight game, it is Washington winning this one by the slightest of margins, defeating Orlando by the final of 92 to 91. With the W the Wizards are now 17 and 32 overall (.347 winning percentage) and 8 and 16 on the road (.333 winning percentage). They are in the 13th spot in the East, 6.5 games behind the last playoff birth in the conference. The world leader in sports believes that Washington has a 0.3% of making the playoffs, while having a 7.7% of getting the top pick in the upcoming draft. With the loss the Magic are 33 and 17 overall (.660 winning percentage) and 19 and 5 at home (.791 winning percentage). They are tied for second place in the East, 6.5 games behind the conference leader. The people in Bristol see Orlando with a 100% chance of being in the post season, while having a 60.4% of winning the division and a 3.5% of being the top ranked team in the East.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Orlando Magic Daily (TrueHoop Network) by Philip Rossman-Reich
Orlando Pinstriped Post (SB Nation) by Ben Q Rock
Bullets Forever (SB Nation) by Mike Prada
Howard the Dunk (FanSided) by Andrew Melnick

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The third game of the night could be declared a match up of teams on the opposite side of the spectrum that are in the same division as the Boston Celtics (EC 1st Atlantic) playing host to the New Jersey Nets (EC 5th Atlantic). The game is played at the TD Garden in front of 18,264 fans (max capacity: 18,854). For the home team it’s ex UNC big man Rasheed Wallace (45 Games: 23.8 MinsPG ~ 10.2 PPG ~ 4.3 RPG ~ 0.8 BPG), who gets 23 minutes coming off the bench. The center scores just seven points in this one (3 for 7 ~ 0 for 2 ~ 1 for 2) to go with five assists, three boards, and has a -3 pts differential. The game was won by Boston, who took this one by nine points, beating New Jersey by the final of 96 to 87. With the win the Celtics are now 32 and 16 overall (.667 winning percentage) and 15 and 8 at home (.652 winning percentage). They are second in the East, 6.5 games behind the conference leader.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Celtics Hub (TrueHoop Network) by Zach Lowe
CelticsBlog (SB Nation) by Jimmy Toscano
Hardwood Houdini (FanSided) by greenbanner18
Slam Dunk Central by Jeff Sack

Box Score — Play-By-Play

Moving on we now have the Milwaukee Bucks going to the mecca of basketball to play against the New York Knicks, in a game that is played in front of 19,247 (max capacity: 19,763) at Madison Square Garden. For the visiting team it’s veteran Jerry Stackhouse (9 Games: 18.6 MinsPG ~ 6.6 PPG ~ 2.3 RPG ~ 2.1 APG), who comes off the pine to play for 21 minutes. In that time the guard scored five points (2 for 7 ~ 1 for 3 ~ 0 for 0) to go with three rebounds and two assists while having a pts differential of -3. In a pretty high scoring affair it was Milwaukee to win by seven, as they beat New York by the final score of 114 to 107. With the win the Bucks are now 22 and 26 overall (.458 winning percentage) and 7 and 19 on the road (.269 winning percentage). They are now in ninth place, just one game back of the last playoff spot in the East conference. ESPN give Milwaukee a 73.5% of making the playoff.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Bucksketball (TrueHoop Network) by Jeremy
Brew Hoop (SB Nation) by Frank Madden

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The fifth game of this recap has the Atlanta Hawks (EC 2nd Southeast) hosting the Chicago Bulls (EC 2nd Central) in a game played at the Philips Arena in front of a crowd that numbered 18,729 (max capacity: 19,445). For the home squad it’s small forward Marvin Williams (48 Games: 29.6 MinsPG ~ 10.2 PPG ~ 5.1 RPG ~ 1.0 APG), who starts for the Hawks and gets a total of 27 minutes. The one and done for coach Roy Williams scored 11 points (5 for 8 ~ 1 for 2 ~ 0 for 1) to go with eight rebounds, a steal and a block. Williams had a +1 pts differential in the game. The game was won by Atlanta by 10 points, defeating Chicago by the final of 91 to 81. With the victory the Hawks are 32 and 17 overall (.653 winning percentage) and 21 and 5 at home (.807 winning percentage). They are in fourth place in the East, 7 games behind the first place team, but only 0.5 games behind the third place squad. In Bristol they are giving Atlanta a 100% chance of making the playoff, while only a 38.2% of winning their division.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Hoopinion (TrueHoop Network)
Peachtree Hoops (SB Nation) by hawksdawgs

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The next game is the one between the Minnesota Timberwolves (WC 5th Northwest) and the Dallas Mavericks (WC 1st Southwest). It is played at the American Airlines Center with an attendance of 20,034 (max capacity: 21,041). For the visiting team we have rookie Wayne Ellington (46 Games: 18.0 MinsPG ~ 6.1 PPG ~ 0.9 APG ~ 2.3 RPG), who plays for 18 minutes in this one. The shooting guard scores eight points having a perfect night (2 for 2 ~ 2 for 2 ~ 2 for 2) to go along with four rebounds, an assist and three TO while having a +15 pts differential. As far as the game went it was Minnesota winning this one, beating Dallas by nine, with the final tally being 117 to 108. With the win the TWolves are now 12 and 38 overall (.240 winning percentage) while being 4 and 21 on the road (.160 winning percentage). They are last in the West, 16.5 games behind the last playoff spot. ESPN says that Minnesota has no chance of making the playoffs and a 18.3% possibility to get the top pick in the draft.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Howlin’ T-Wolf (TrueHoop Network) by Howlintwolf
Canis Hoopus (SB Nation) by Stop-n-Pop
Dunking with the Wolves (FanSided) by Derrick Willis

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The second to last game of the night has the Sacramento Kings (WC 4th Pacific) playing host to the Phoenix Suns (WC 2nd Pacific) in a divisional match up. The game is played at the ARCO Arena in front of a crowd of 14,922 (max capacity: 17,317). For the home squad we have ex UNC big man Sean May (14 Games: 10.1 MinsPG ~ 3.2 PPG ~ 2.3 RPG ~ 0.1 BPG), who comes off the pine to play eleven minutes in all. In that time frame the ex national champion scored seven points (2 for 4 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 3 for 5) to with three boards (2 offensive) and having a pts differential of +6. As far as the game went it was Phoenix winning this one by a dozen, defeating Sacramento by the final score of 114 to 102. With the loss the Kings are now 16 and 33 overall (. and 13 and 12 at home (.520 winning percentage). They are 13th in the West, 12 games behind the eighth place team. In Bristol they give no chance to Sacramento in making the playoffs, while having a 8.9% chance of getting the top pick in the NBA Draft.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Sactown Royalty (SB Nation) by Ziller

Box Score — Play-By-Play

And we finish this with the game between the Denver Nuggets (WC 1st Northwest) going to California to take on the Los Angeles Lakers (WC 1st Pacific) in a game between leaders of their division and of the conference. The game is played at the STAPLES Center in front of a sold out crowd that numbered 18,997 (max capacity: 18,997). For the team from the Mile High City it’s rookie Ty Lawson (46 Games: 22.2 MinsPG ~ 9.2 PPG ~ 3.3 APG ~ 0.8 SPG), who gets 19 minutes. For the ex national champion from last season it’s a 13 points performance (5 for 6 ~ 1 for 1 ~ 2 for 2) to go with three assists, one rebounds, a steal and a TO. The point guard has a +8 pts differential. In the end, in a high scoring affair, this game goes to Denver, who defeats Los Angeles by a baker’s dozen, with the final score being 126 to 113. With the victory the Nuggets are now 34 and 16 overall (.680 winning percentage) and 12 and 12 on the road (.500 winning percentage). They are second in the West, 3.5 games back of the top ranked squad and 3 games ahead of the third ranked squad. The World Leader in Sports thinks that Denver has a 99.1% chance of getting to the playoffs, while 15.4% of overtaking the LA Lakers as the top team in the conference.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Denver Stiffs (SB Nation) by Nate Timmons

Box Score — Play-By-Play

(NBA) 02/03/10

And we are once again back to my daily recap of the North Carolina players now in the National Basketball Association. In this edition of “Heels in the League” (NBA) I am going to check out the games from last night, Wednesday, February 3, 2010, where the league had 11 games, seven with a touch of Carolina Blue and amazingly enough none of them being head to head match ups. So, sit back and enjoy this edition of “Heels in the League” (NBA) as we go through the games from 02/03/10…

(For a look at all the games from yesterday you can check out Real GM‘s recap for 02/03/10)

First game of the night is an East vs West battle as the Atlanta Hawks (EC 2nd Southeast) host the Los Angeles Clippers (WC 3rd Pacific) at Philips Arena in front of a crowd of 13,303 (max capacity: 19,445). For the home squad we have the “one and done” Marvin Williams (47 Games: 29.7 MinsPG ~ 10.2 PPG ~ 5.1 RPG ~ 1.0 APG), who starts for the Hawks and plays for 26 minutes. In that time frame the small forward registers a double double, as he scores 10 points (4 for 7 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 2 for 2) to go with 10 rebounds and an assist. Williams also has a -6 pts differential in the game. Thanks to a great fourth quarter it was Atlanta who wins this game, defeating Los Angeles by the final score of 103 to 97. With the win the Hawks are now 31 and 17 (.646 winning percentage), in fourth place in the East, seven games behind the conference leader, but just 1.5 back of second place and 0.5 of third place. ESPN says that the Hawks have a 99.9% chance of making the playoffs, but just a 1.8% to getting the top spot in the East.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The second game of the night is played at the Mecca of Basketball between the Washington Wizards (EC 5th Southeast) and the New York Knicks (EC 3rd Atlantic). The game was viewed by 19,225 fans (max capacity: 19,763). For the team from the nation’s capital we have the tandem of Antawn JamisonBrendan Haywood (39 Games: 38.9 MinsPG ~ 20.9 PPG ~ 8.8 RPG ~ 1.3 APG) and (47 Games: 33.0 MinsPG ~ 9.8 PPG ~ 10.3 RPG ~ 2.1 BPG), who both started in this game and had sub par performances. For the forward its 41 minutes, where he scored 11 points (4 for 10 ~ 0 for 1 ~ 3 for 4) to go with six rebounds, three steals, two assists, one block and a TO. Jamison also had a -15 pts differential. For the big man in the middle it was just 24 minutes in this one. In that time frame he scored 12 points (6 for 8 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0) with eight rebounds (3 offensive), four blocks and one turnover while having a pts differential -21. Along with the two Heels the rest of the team didn’t have a great game as New York won this game by 22 points, beating Washington by the final of 107 to 85. With the loss the Wizards are now 16 and 32 (.333 winning percentage), falling to second to last in the East, 7.5 games behind the last playoff spot. ESPN’s odds maker believe that Washington has a 0.1% of making it to the post season, but has a 9.4% of getting the top player in the 2010 NBA Draft.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Bullets Forever (SB Nation) by Mike Prada

Box Score — Play-By-Play

Moving we have another game between two teams from the east coast as the Miami Heat head up north to take on the Boston Celtics. The game was played at the TD Garden in front of a virtually sold out crowd of 18,624 (max capacity: 18,854). For the home team we have ex UNC big man Rasheed Wallace (44 Games: 23.8 MinsPG ~ 10.2 PPG ~ 4.3 RPG ~ 0.8 BPG), who gets 21 minutes off the bench in this one. For the ex pupil of Dean Smith it’s a seven points (3 for 10 ~ 1 for 4 ~ 0 for 0) performance, to go along with two rebounds, an assist and a pair of turnovers. Wallace had a +6 pts differential in this game. In the end it’s Boston winning this game by five points, defeating Miami by the final score of 107 to 102. With the W the Celtics are now 31 and 16 (.660 winning percentage), third in the East, 6.5 games back of the conference leader, 1.0 game behind second place. ESPN gives Boston a 99.9% chance of making the playoffs, with a 94.3% chance of winning their division.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Celtics Hub (TrueHoop Network) by Zach Lowe
CelticsBlog (SB Nation) by Jimmy Toscano
Hardwood Houdini (FanSided) by greenbanner18
Slam Dunk Central by Jeff Sack
RedsArmy.com by BigMck

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The next game of this recap is the one that has the Golden State Warriors (WC 5th Pacific) going to the lone star state to take on the Dallas Mavericks (WC 1st Southwest). The game was played at the American Airlines Center in front of a crowd that numbered 19,679 (max capacity: 21,041). For the visiting team we should have seen Brandan Wright, but as we have known all season long he is out due to a shoulder injury and will not be coming back for a while. As far as the game was concerned it was Dallas winning this pretty high scoring affair, as they defeated Golden State 110 to 101. With the loss the Warriors slide to 13 and 35 (.271 winning percentage), second to last in the West, 14.5 games back of the last playoff spot and 24 games behind the conference leader. ESPN gives no chance of this team making the playoffs, while believing that right now they have a 12.3% of having the top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Golden State of Mind (SB Nation) IQofaWarrior

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The fifth game is the one between the San Antonio Spurs (WC 2nd Southwest) and the Sacramento Kings (WC 4th Pacific), a game played at the ARCO Arena, with 12,934 fans (max capacity: 17,317). For the home squad it’s ex UNC big man Sean May (12 Games: 10.7 MinsPG ~ 3.2 PPG ~ 2.4 RPG ~ 0.1 BPG), who didn’t get much playing time in this one. The ex national champ from 2005 just played two minutes, scoring no points (0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 0 for 0) and had nothing else while his pts differential was -2 in the match up. The game was a tight one that was won by San Antonio, defeating Sacramento by a duece, with the final score being 115 to 113. With the loss the Kings are now 16 and 32 (.333 winning percentage), 13th in the West, 11.5 games out of the playoff race. The World Leader in Sports gives no chance for the Kings going to the post season and has them with a 6.8% chance of getting the top player in the draft.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Cowbell Kingdom (TrueHoop Network) by Zach Harper
Sactown Royalty (SB Nation) by Ziller

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The second to last game of this recap has the Denver Nuggets (WC 1st Northwest) hosting the Phoenix Suns (WC 2nd Pacific). A game that was played at the Pepsi Center in front of an attendance that numbered 19,155 (max capacity: N/A). For the team from the Mile High City we have rookie point guard Ty Lawson (45 Games: 22.3 MinsPG ~ 9.1 PPG ~ 3.4 APG ~ 0.8 SPG), who plays for 20 minutes in this one. In that time he has a perfect night shooting, scoring nine points (3 for 3 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 3 for 3) to go with one steal and a TO, while having a -10 pts differential. The game was won by Phoenix, who defeated Denver by a dozen, with the final score being 109 to 97. With the loss the Nuggets are now 33 and 16 (.673 winning percentage), second in the West, 4.5 games behind the conference leader. ESPN gives Denver a 97.1% of making the playoffs, while just a 33.7% of winning their division.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Denver Stiffs (SB Nation) by Andrew Feinstein
Nugg Love (FanSide) by madness
Slam Dunk Central by Stephen Rhodes

Box Score — Play-By-Play

And we close this big recap with the game from the STAPLES Center as the Charlotte Bobcats (EC 3rd Southeast) traveled cross country to take on the reigning NBA champs, the Los Angeles Lakers (WC 1st Pacific). This East/West game was played in front of a sell out crowd of 18,997 (max capacity: 18,997). For the team from back east we have point guard Raymond Felton (48 Games: 32.7 MinsPG ~ 12.2 PPG ~ 5.1 APG ~ 1.8 SPG), who starts for the Bobcats and gets 32 minutes in all. In that time frame the ex national champ had 11 points (5 for 13 ~ 1 for 3 ~ 0 for 0) to go with three rebounds, two steals, an assist and a pair of TOs. In this game the guard had a pts differential of +5. In another tight game it was Los Angeles winning this one by a bucket, beating Charlotte by the final tally of 99 to 97. With the loss the Bobcats are now 24 and 24 overall (.500 winning percentage) and 6 and 19 (.240 winning percentage) on the road. They hold the sixth spot in the East, 7 games back of the 4th spot for home court advantage and just 0.5 game of the last playoff spots. In Bristol they believe that Charlotte has a 92.5% chance of making the playoffs this year.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Queen City Hoops (TrueHoop Network) by Brett
Rufus on Fire (SB Nation) by David Arnott
Slam Dunk Central by Stephen Rhodes

Box Score — Play-By-Play

(NBA) 02/01/10

It’s a new day, new morning actually, early morning to be precise, and that means it is time to get into what the North Carolina players did in the National Basketball Association by doing my daily post “Heels in the League” (NBA). In this edition we check out the games from yesterday, Monday, February 1, 2010. In all the Association had seven games on their slate, four of them had a touch of Carolina Blue, with half of them being head to head match ups. So, without further ado, let’s get going with the games from 02/01/10…

If you are looking for a breakdown of all the games check out Real GM‘s recap for February 1st.

The first game of the night is one of the two head to head match up as the Boston Celtics (EC 1st Atlantic) heads south on I-95 to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Wizards (EC 5th Southeast). The game was played at the Verizon Center in front of a sold out crowd of 20,173 (max capacity: 20,173). For the team from Bean Town it’s ex UNC big man Rasheed Wallace (42 Games: 23.9 MinsPG ~ 10.3 PPG ~ 4.4 RPG ~ 0.8 BPG), who comes off the bench for 22 minutes. In that time frame the center scored 14 points (4 for 7 ~ 0 for 1 ~ 6 for 6) to go with five rebounds, two blocks, a steal and one turnover. Wallace also had a +8 pts differential. On the other side it’s the tandem of Antawn Jamison (38 Games: 38.9 MinsPG ~ 21.2 PPG ~ 8.9 RPG ~ 1.3 APG) and Brendan Haywood (45 Games: 33.4 MinsPG ~ 9.7 PPG ~ 10.5 RPG ~ 2.1 BPG), who both start for the Wizards. For the forward it was an off night, as he scored eight points (2 for 17 ~ 0 for 4 ~ 4 for 6) to go with eight rebounds, two steals, two assists and a TO as well as having a -4 pts differential. For the big man in the middle it was a 29 minute performance, where he scores 12 points (4 for 6 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 4 for 4) to go along with five boards and a steal. Haywood had pts differential of -15 in this game. In a pretty low scoring game it was Boston winning by eleven, taking down Washington 99 to 88. With the win the Celtics are now 30 and 16 (.652 winning percentage), tied for third in the East, 6.5 games behind the conference leader. The loss puts the Wizards at a 16 and 31 record (.383 winning percentage), three slots out of the playoffs, 7.5 games back of the eighth team in the East.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Celtics Hub (TrueHoop Network) by Zach Lowe
CelticsBlog (SB Nation) by Jeff Clark
Bullets Forever (SB Nation) by Mike Prada
Hardwood Houdini (FanSided) by bpaul

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The second game of this recap has the Milwaukee Bucks (EC 3rd Central) head south to the sunshine state and the home of Super Bowl LXIV, to take on the Miami Heat (EC 4th Southeast). The game is played at the AmericanAirlines Arena in front of a crowd that numbered 15,858 (max capacity: 20,000). For the team from the north it’s veteran shooting guard Jerry Stackhouse (7 Games: 18.7 MinsPG ~ 7.0 PPG ~ 2.6 RPG ~ 2.3 APG), who comes off the bench to play for 14 minutes. In that time frame he scored seven points (1 for 4 ~ 1 for 1 ~ 4 for 5) to go along with a rebound and an assist while having a +11 pts differential in the game. With the win the Bucks are now 21 and 25 (.457 winning percentage), in ninth position in the East, 2 games back of the last playoff spot.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Bucksketball (TrueHoop Network) by Jeremy
Brew Hoop (SB Nation) by Frank Madden

Box Score — Play-By-Play

Third game is the other head to head match up as the Sacramento Kings head to the Mile High City to take on the Denver Nuggets. In this game was played in front of 15,544 fans at the Pepsi Center. For the team from Cali it’s ex UNC big man Sean May (12 Games: 10.7 MinsPG ~ 3.2 PPG ~ 2.4 RPG ~ 0.1 BPG), who comes off the bench for just two minutes in all. In that time frame the National Champ from `05 has nothing to show for it but one foul. On the other side, for the Nuggets, we have another National Champion, Ty Lawson (44 Games: 22.3 MinPG ~ 9.1 PPG ~ 3.4 APG ~ 0.8 SPG). The point guard gets 27 minutes in all, scoring 15 points (6 for 10 ~ 1 for 1 ~ 2 for 2) to go with three rebounds, two assists, a steal and a TO while having a pts differential of +5. In a game that went into overtime, it was Denver taking this one, defeating Sacramento by three points, with the final tally being 112 to 109. With the win the Nuggets are now 33 and 15 (.688 winning percentage), holding the second spot in the West, 3.5 games behind the conference leader. With the loss the Kings drop to 16 and 31 (.340 winning percentage), 13th in the West and 10 games behind the last playoff spot.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Denver Stiffs (SB Nation) by Andrew Feinstein
SacTown Royalty (SB Nation) by Ziller
Nugg Love (FanSided) by madness

Box Score — Play-By-Play

And we close this out with an East/West clash between the Charlotte Bobcats (EC 3rd Southeast) and the Portland Trail Blazers (WC 3rd Northwest), that was played at the Rose Garden in front of a virtual sold out crowd of 20,106 (max capacity: 20,630). For the visiting team from back east it’s point guard Raymond Felton (47 Games: 32.7 MinsPG ~ 12.3 PPG ~ 5.2 APG ~ 1.7 SPG), who starts for the Bobcats and gets 31 minutes in this one. In that time he scores eight points (3 for 10 ~ 0 for 1 ~ 2 for 2) to go along with four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a pair of turnover. In this game Felton had a -10 pts differential. In what was not much of a game Portland won this game by 21 points, defeating Charlotte by the final score of 98 to 79. With the loss the Bobcats are now 24 and 23 (.511 winning percentage), tied for sixth in the East, 13.5 games behind the conference leader, 7 games behind the fourth place team and just 0.5 games ahead of the last playoff spot.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Queen City Hoops (TrueHoop Network) by Brett
Rufus on Fire (SB Nation) by David Arnott

Box Score — Play-By-Play

(NBA) 01/31/10

Once again it is time to check up on the North Carolina players that are now at the next level. In this “Heels in the League” (NBA) post we check in on the games from yesterday, January 31, 2010. The National Basketball Association had nine games yesterday, all but two of them have a touch of Carolina Blue in them. What is rare in this edition of “Heels in the League” (NBA) is that none of the seven games are head to head match ups. So, sit back and relax as we go through the games from 01/31/10…

For a small recap from all of yesterday’s games you can check out Real GM‘s post.

In the first game of the day we have the Dunver Nuggets (WC 1st Northwest) going to the lone star state to take on the San Antonio Spurs (WC 2nd Southwest). A game that was played at the AT&T Center in front of a crowd of 17,607 (max capacity: 18,797). For the visiting squad from the Mile High City it’s rookie point guard Ty Lawson (42 games: 22.4 MinsPG ~ 9.1 PPG ~ 3.5 APG ~ 0.9 SPG) who had a below average performance, playing just 14 minutes, scoring two points (0 for 3 ~ 0 fof 0 ~ 2 for 4) to go with two rebounds and a turnover. The national champ from last year had a -4 pts differential in this game. In the end it was a pretty one sided game as Denver took down San Antonio by 14 points, with the final score being 103 to 89. With the W the Nuggets are now 32 and 15 (.681 winning percentage), second in the East, 4.5 games behind the conference leader and 2 games in front of the third place squad.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Roundball Mining Company (TrueHoop Network) by Jeremy
Denver Stiffs (SB Nation) by Nate Timmons

Box Score — Play-By-Play

Moving on to the second game, where we find the East/West match up of top teams, as the Boston Celtics play host to the Los Angeles Lakers. The game was played in front of 18,624 (max capacity: 18,854) at the TD Garden. For the home squad we have ex UNC big man Rasheed Wallace (42 games: 23.9 MinsPG ~ 10.2 PPG ~ 4.4 RPG ~ 0.8 BPG), who comes off the bench for 21 minutes. He too as a below average game as he only scores three points (1 for 3 ~ 1 for 3 ~ 0 for 0) to go with four assists, two steals, one rebounds while having a -2 pts differential. In what could be described as a up and down game, in the end it was Los Angeles taking it by the slighest of margins, defeating Boston by one, with the final score being 90 to 89. With the loss the Celtics are now 29 and 16 (.644 winning percentage), sliding down to fourth in the East, 7 games behind the conference leader and 4.5 games ahead of the fifth place squad.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Celtics Hub (TrueHoop Network) by Brian Cobb
CelticsBlog (SB Nation) by Jeff Clark
Hardwood Houdini (FanSided) by greenbanner18
Slam Dunk Central by Jeff Sack
RedsArmy.com by BigMck

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The next game has the other team from LA as the Cleveland Cavaliers (EC 1st Central) play host to the Los Angeles Clippers (WC 3rd Pacific) in another East/West match up. The game is played at the Quicken Loans Arena (or as it’s nicnamed the “Q”) in front of a sold out attendance of 20,562 (max capacity. 20,562). For the home team we have the combo of Jawad Williams (24 games: 11.1 MinsPG ~ 3.8 PPG ~ 1.3 RPG ~ 0.6 SPG) and Danny Green (11 Games: 4.2 MinsPG ~ 2.3 PPG ~ 0.6 RPG ~ 0.2 APG), who both come off the bench for the Cavs to play in this game. Williams played for 20 minutes, scoring 12 points (4 for 8 ~ 2 for 5 ~ 2 for 2) to go with two rebounds, two assists and a TO. The forward had a +6 pts differential. Green just played three minutes, scoring four points (1 for 2 ~ 1 for 2 ~ 1 for 2) to go along with one rebound, one steal and a block. In this one Green had a pts differential of +4. As far as the game went it was all Cleveland in this one, defeating Los Angeles by 25 points, with the final score being 114 to 89. With the victory the Cavaliers are now 38 and 11 (.776 winning percentage), in first place in the East, 5.5 games ahead of the second place.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

CAVS: the blog (TrueHoop Network) by John Krolik
Fear the Sword (SB Nation) by John Bena
King James Gospel (FanSided) by Cody Norman
Slam Dunk Central by Jeff Sack

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The fourth game of this recap has the Orlando Magic (EC 1st Sotheast) heading to the Motor City to take on the Detroit Pistons (EC 5th Central). The game was played at The Palace of Auburn Hills with an attendance of 19,107 (max capacity: 22,076). For the team from the sunshine state it’s veteran guard Vince Carter (41 Games: 30.1 MinsPG ~ 15.6 PPG ~ 2.8 APG ~ 4.2 RPG), who I had a good discussion about with @russbengtson, who starts for the Magic and plays 19 minutes in all. The ex pupil of Dean Smith didn’t have a good game in this one as he only scored two points (1 for 8 ~ 0 for 1 ~ 0 for 0) to go with three rebounds, one assist and a steal, while having a +2 pts differential. In what was a pretty close game in the end it was Orlando beating Detroit by five points, with the final being 91 to 86. With the win the Magic are now 32 and 16 (.667 winning percentage), second in the East, 5.5 games behind the top team in the conference and 1 game ahead of the third place squad.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Orlando Magic Daily (TrueHoop Network) by Philip Rossman-Reich
Orlando Pinstriped Post (SB Nation) by Ben Q Rock
Howard the Dunk (FanSided) by Andrew Melnick
Need4Sheed by Natalie Sitto

Box Score — Play-By-Play

In the next game we have the Indiana Pacers (EC 4th Central) going north of the border to take on the Toronto Raptors (EC 2nd Atlantic) at the Air Canada Centre. A game that was viewed live by 16,715 fans (max capacity: 19,800). For the team from Naptown it should be rookie power forward Tyler Hansbrough, but as we all know the national champion from last year is still out from an ear infection. Here is an online article about Hansbrough and his infection. As far as the game went it was Toronto taking this one, defeating Indiana by the final tally of 117 to 102. With the loss the Pacers are now 16 and 32 (.333 winning percentage), tied for 13th spot in the East, 8.5 games back of the last playoff spot.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Indy Cornrows (SB Nation) by Tom Lewis
Always Miller Time (FanSided) by Josh Dhani
Pacers Pulse (Bloguin) by Pace Miller

Box Score — Play-By-Play

The second to last game of the night has the Minnesota Timberwolves (WC 5th Northwest) playing host to the New York Knicks (EC 3rd Atlantic) in another East vs West match up. The game was played at the Target Center in front of a crowd that numbered 13,711 (max capacity: 20,500). For the home squad we have rookie shooting guard Wayne Ellington (47 Games: 18.0 MinsPG ~ 6.1 PPG ~ 2.2 RPG ~ 0.9 APG), who comes off the bench for 22 minutes. In that time frame the guard scored eight points (3 for 6 ~ 2 for 3 ~ 0 for 0) to go with six board and an assist while having a +22 pts differential in the game. The game was all Minnesota in this one, defeating New York by 21 points, with the final score of 112 to 91. With the victory the TWolves are now 11 and 38 (.224 winning percentage), last in the West, 16 games out of the playoff picture.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Canis Hoopus (SB Nation) by wyn
Dunking with Wolves (FanSided) by Derrick Willis
TWolves Blog (Bloguin) by SG

Box Score — Play-By-Play

And we finish the recap with the game between the Golden State Warriors (WC 5th Southwest) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (WC 4th Northwest). The game was played in front of a crowd of 17,565 (max capacity: 19,599) at the Ford Center. For the visiting team it was Brandan Wright, who does not play, as he hasn’t for the whole season since of his shoulder injury. As far as the game is concerned it was Oklahoma City taking this one, defeating Golden State by eight points, with the final score being 112 to 104. With the loss the Warriors slide to 13 and 33 (.283 winning percentage), second to last in the West, 12.5 games behind the eighth place team, 23 games behind the conference leader.

Main Stream Media:
ESPN ~ NBA.com ~ The Sporting News ~ CBS Sports

Blogs:

Slam Dunk Central by Stephen Rhodes

Box Score — Play-By-Play