The mid major schools have another chance to prove they can create NBA talent. This time it is at the home town Oklahoma City Thunder's expense. They drafter the 6 foot 2 inch point guard last night with the 14th pic. Cameron Payne played at Murray State and to most Thunder fans is a name they just now heard for the first time. So who is this man of mystery the Thunder have added to their playoff contender?
Cameron Payne was not a high recruit out of high school and records shows that he didn't have a whole lot of options coming out of the high school ranks. He went to Murray State in Kentucky and say his game evolve. Who was responsible for that? Most people close to the program said... well him. Cameron Payne was labeled as a work out warrior... also more than just that. He loves watching tape.
After being drafted Payne was interviewed by NBA TV and said that he watched a lot of Russell Westbrook tape on his mid range jump shot. This should speaks volumes to many of the people that this guy will put in the work. Confidence is not a problem for Cameron either. Right after walking off the stage he said "there is no ceiling for Cameron Payne", and while I hate the use of third person, I love the message. The kid believes on himself and thinks he can really make a difference for this team.
Payne averaged 20 points and 7 assists in college but claims scoring is not the key of his game, even though he has a vicious floater in the lane with either hand. He says his ability is really being able to distribute and create shots for his team mates. He claims that his shot taking was pure out of need for the team but he claims to feel more comfortable in the open floor passing the ball to his team mates. Well. The Thunder do love to run.
Will Cameron Payne see a lot of minutes in a playoff run and take the Thunder to the next level... maybe not. Well even Probably not. He can however develop into the exact buy the Thunder they have been looking for since Harden left. A star who is okay with sharing the spotlight. A guy who can lead the show for the second team and guy who can create much needed bench offense. Lets hope so. Who knows? Time will tell. For now, lets just all laugh at the fact that he talked about himself in 3rd person.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Wide Receivers are in the plenty, but who do we get?
In Fantasy Football there is no position that is more predictable for me then the wide receiver. Yes you have big names like Antonio Brown, Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, and Dez Bryant. What wide receiver can you pick up late to lock up your wide receiver spot? Well lets take a look at what you need in a wide receiver to find a productive guy in fantasy.
Look at the quarterback, do you trust him? Essentially if you look at the quarterback of their team and you go 'ehhhhhhhh' I would tell you to pass. Quarterbacks make receivers, receivers never make quarterbacks. Jordy Nelson is a great example. He is easily a top 5 fantasy receiver every year but if he was on the New York Jets... we probably wouldn't know his name.
Find someone who didn't just sign a big contract. I am adding this up to 100% mental. After players, especially wide outs, get paid they tend to take a year off because they got their money. Look for a guy who is trying to get more money or sign a new contract. They have something to prove. That is motivation that is just a little bonus that may help you get a couple of plays that you might not get normally *cough cough* Dez Bryant.
Finally, You don't want someone who has a 'great young talent' next to him. What do I mean, if you're looking at drafting a good old veteran but the team just selected a few new wide outs early in the draft, avoid them. They are going to see their production go down greatly. Want an example? Cool. Andre Johnson was a top 7 fantasy wide out 3 years in a row but then last year plummeted to a top 25 wide out. Why? DeAndre Hopkins and Demaris Johnson. A young super talented guy who were taking a lot of the balls from Johnson.
So now I tell you all this but what you're really here for, names.
Vincent Jackson - Tampa Bay
This is my number 1 sleeper in this draft at the wide out position is Vincent Jackson. He is currently going high 60's in most mock drafts and I have seen him fall all the way to 70. Why? He has had a couple of TERRIBLE years after being a big consistent target. He however moved to Tampa Bay where he got a monster contract but hasn't done much. The reason being he hasn't had a real NFL quarterback since he's been there. The closest thing to a a quarterback he has had is Josh Freeman... and he isn't in the league anymore. With Jamis Winston coming in I know his numbers will go way up. Yes, Mike Evans is there too but they don't have a tight end or a number 3 wide out so that means all the passes are going to those 2 guys. Jackson will get his, especially for the value you're going to get him in the late 6th round.
Nelson Agholor - Philadelphia Eagles
The first round draft pick of the Eagles going into the Chip Kelly offense. We can expect him to see the snaps and have production. Why? Because Chip has already said he's going to be getting Jeremy Maclin's snaps. We all saw what Maclin did last year before getting over paid at KC. Agholor is getting projected in the late 70's high 80's. Which at that value you can draft and stash. If he is as productive as Jeremy Maclin last year then you just got a number 1 receiver in the 6th or 7th round. This could be a huge trade value for you down the road or a GREAT flex play.
Victor Cruz - New York Giants
Victor Cruz. You forgot he was in the NFL didn't you? With the busting on the scene that Odell Beckham Jr. has done this past year its almost like Victor Cruz isn't an elite receiver anymore... Cruz is projected as late as the 10th round. For a guy who has blazing speed and, outside of last season's injury, has been the definition of consistency. I think he could even be better than previous years because of the New York Giant's new offense. They are more pass heavy than ever and with Beckham Jr. on the opposite side drawing a lot of eyes after last year. I think Cruz could be the steal of the entire draft.
Tyler Lockett - Seattle Seahawks
Tyler Lockett. We all know him. The Kansas State product who showed the ability to make the big play almost every game. OU can tell you a few stories. His big play ability is so attractive to me that I can't think that in the depleted wide receiver position at Seattle he will see reps and have the potential to be a rookie standout. You can maybe even get Tyler Lockett with your last pick in the draft which generally are players that won't ever see your line up. Draft Lockett and stash him for a few weeks. Who knows? In week 6 he could be a proven commodity. He is a gamble, but a gamble with a low cost.
AJ Green - Cincinnati Bengals
This one will take people by surprise. But think about it. With you first round or second round pick you need a sure thing. AJ Green is not a sure thing. Ankle and foot issues hindered him last year and his quarterback may have hindered him more. I love AJ Green I however hate the Bengals starting quarterback, Andy Dalton. I wouldn't bet on him being able to get Green the ball as much as he needs too. Therefore not worth my first 2 picks.
Sammy Watkins - Buffalo Bills
Great receiver. Great upside long term. Read the paragraph above though. No one can throw him the ball. He's rated way too high for me. Not worth that high of a pick, for me at least.
Brandin Cooks - New Orleans Saints
The Saints are moving to a more running offense taking the pressure off of Drew Brees which means less pass attempts. Therefore less balls for Cooks. Cooks is already a possession receiver where his gains are small, with the volume of those catches dropping picking him in the top 5 rounds doesn't seem worth it to me. If you are in a PPR league than this might be an option but at the value he will be drafted in standard scoring I would pass on him unless he drops to a later round.
Look at the quarterback, do you trust him? Essentially if you look at the quarterback of their team and you go 'ehhhhhhhh' I would tell you to pass. Quarterbacks make receivers, receivers never make quarterbacks. Jordy Nelson is a great example. He is easily a top 5 fantasy receiver every year but if he was on the New York Jets... we probably wouldn't know his name.
Find someone who didn't just sign a big contract. I am adding this up to 100% mental. After players, especially wide outs, get paid they tend to take a year off because they got their money. Look for a guy who is trying to get more money or sign a new contract. They have something to prove. That is motivation that is just a little bonus that may help you get a couple of plays that you might not get normally *cough cough* Dez Bryant.
Finally, You don't want someone who has a 'great young talent' next to him. What do I mean, if you're looking at drafting a good old veteran but the team just selected a few new wide outs early in the draft, avoid them. They are going to see their production go down greatly. Want an example? Cool. Andre Johnson was a top 7 fantasy wide out 3 years in a row but then last year plummeted to a top 25 wide out. Why? DeAndre Hopkins and Demaris Johnson. A young super talented guy who were taking a lot of the balls from Johnson.
So now I tell you all this but what you're really here for, names.
Vincent Jackson - Tampa Bay
This is my number 1 sleeper in this draft at the wide out position is Vincent Jackson. He is currently going high 60's in most mock drafts and I have seen him fall all the way to 70. Why? He has had a couple of TERRIBLE years after being a big consistent target. He however moved to Tampa Bay where he got a monster contract but hasn't done much. The reason being he hasn't had a real NFL quarterback since he's been there. The closest thing to a a quarterback he has had is Josh Freeman... and he isn't in the league anymore. With Jamis Winston coming in I know his numbers will go way up. Yes, Mike Evans is there too but they don't have a tight end or a number 3 wide out so that means all the passes are going to those 2 guys. Jackson will get his, especially for the value you're going to get him in the late 6th round.
Nelson Agholor - Philadelphia Eagles
The first round draft pick of the Eagles going into the Chip Kelly offense. We can expect him to see the snaps and have production. Why? Because Chip has already said he's going to be getting Jeremy Maclin's snaps. We all saw what Maclin did last year before getting over paid at KC. Agholor is getting projected in the late 70's high 80's. Which at that value you can draft and stash. If he is as productive as Jeremy Maclin last year then you just got a number 1 receiver in the 6th or 7th round. This could be a huge trade value for you down the road or a GREAT flex play.
Victor Cruz - New York Giants
Victor Cruz. You forgot he was in the NFL didn't you? With the busting on the scene that Odell Beckham Jr. has done this past year its almost like Victor Cruz isn't an elite receiver anymore... Cruz is projected as late as the 10th round. For a guy who has blazing speed and, outside of last season's injury, has been the definition of consistency. I think he could even be better than previous years because of the New York Giant's new offense. They are more pass heavy than ever and with Beckham Jr. on the opposite side drawing a lot of eyes after last year. I think Cruz could be the steal of the entire draft.
Tyler Lockett - Seattle Seahawks
Tyler Lockett. We all know him. The Kansas State product who showed the ability to make the big play almost every game. OU can tell you a few stories. His big play ability is so attractive to me that I can't think that in the depleted wide receiver position at Seattle he will see reps and have the potential to be a rookie standout. You can maybe even get Tyler Lockett with your last pick in the draft which generally are players that won't ever see your line up. Draft Lockett and stash him for a few weeks. Who knows? In week 6 he could be a proven commodity. He is a gamble, but a gamble with a low cost.
Who do you avoid?
This one will take people by surprise. But think about it. With you first round or second round pick you need a sure thing. AJ Green is not a sure thing. Ankle and foot issues hindered him last year and his quarterback may have hindered him more. I love AJ Green I however hate the Bengals starting quarterback, Andy Dalton. I wouldn't bet on him being able to get Green the ball as much as he needs too. Therefore not worth my first 2 picks.
Sammy Watkins - Buffalo Bills
Great receiver. Great upside long term. Read the paragraph above though. No one can throw him the ball. He's rated way too high for me. Not worth that high of a pick, for me at least.
Brandin Cooks - New Orleans Saints
The Saints are moving to a more running offense taking the pressure off of Drew Brees which means less pass attempts. Therefore less balls for Cooks. Cooks is already a possession receiver where his gains are small, with the volume of those catches dropping picking him in the top 5 rounds doesn't seem worth it to me. If you are in a PPR league than this might be an option but at the value he will be drafted in standard scoring I would pass on him unless he drops to a later round.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Monty Williams. Mo Cheeks. James Borrego.
What do all 3 of these guys have in common? Well... Alot.
Really though what does Sam Presti think he is doing? He is hiring an assistant coaching staff that most NBA teams would kill for. Presti seems to be just throwing this crack team together with out even trying. I know people were questioning the hire of Billy Donovan but with this roster and this coaching staff. Lets dive in to who these guys are.
What do all 3 of these guys have in common? Well... Alot.
They all have head coaching experience.
They are all seen as up and coming coach.
They all have areas of the floor they are known for being incredible in.
Oh. And they all are apparently coming to OKC to join Billy Donovan.
JUSTICE LEAGUE ASSEMBLE!
Really though what does Sam Presti think he is doing? He is hiring an assistant coaching staff that most NBA teams would kill for. Presti seems to be just throwing this crack team together with out even trying. I know people were questioning the hire of Billy Donovan but with this roster and this coaching staff. Lets dive in to who these guys are.
James Borrego
He was an assistant at the San Antonio Spurs for 7 years (2000-2007). Well duh. If you are going to work for the Oklahoma City you essentially have to have worn the black and silver at some point. James is no different. He then moved to New Orleans and then to the Magic. Along the way Borrego has been praised for his incredible ability to develop talent. Most recently Nikola Vucevic. He was almost an all star this season and Orlando said it was entirely because of Borrego. Hello Steven Adams and Enes Kanter.
Maurice Cheeks
Mo was here once upon a time. Former NBA point guard is held responsible for the growth of the Thunder point guard. People think an addition of Mo Cheeks to the team would really do wonders for Westbrook's game again. He is known as a calming force and Brook's talked to him as if he was the voice of reason after he left for the Pistons. He was blamed for the Piston's failure but what was later nailed to the GM. Mo Cheeks had been handed a pretty bad hand in Detroit. The Thunder could help him catch some traction back in NBA circles.
Monty Williams
Monty. Monty. Monty Williams. Played for the Spurs. Took an injury plagued team to the playoffs last season and was let go. Which was a huge surprise to everyone. He is a hot name for many people but not for any teams that are currently looking... I mean that is just Denver. Monty might have to take a year or two from being a head coach. The Thunder might help him get that, especially if he can help take them to a championship.
Fantasy Football, the game of Champions
The Fantasy Football talk starts now.
After the NFL Draft the mock draft rankings for fantasy football started to pour in. Rankings falling from 1 to 300 and even in some cases all the way to 500. A lot of information to pick through and trying to decide where the real 'steals' of the draft are. Well I am going to tell you who to look for and where. This is my forewarning, I am going to be basing ALL of my rankings on standard scoring (non PPR).
So where do we start? The most important position in Fantasy Football, running back. Running backs are the best position to have in Fantasy because of one simple reason. The gap between the top 10 running backs and 11-whatever are so large that having a high scoring running back can be lethal on your team, or even 2.
Clearly there are some obvious choices. Jamal Charles, Peterson, Bell, Lynch, Lacy, and Forte should be some of the first names off of the board. However finding someone who can be just as productive in the running back 2 spot will transform your team. Justin Forsett, Alfred Blue, and CJ Anderson seemed to pick up that helped teams jump up last season into title contenders.
When looking for a running back you want to check a few boxes. This is what your looking for.
1. Feature back - takes 85% to 90% of the snaps. Especially goal line snaps. You need your guy to be getting as many chances as possible and don't need another back taking your snaps.
2. Decent back up - you need someone who is capable enough to handle 'garbage time' where he isn't risking injury within the the last few drives running halfback dive. I know you might not believe this but you don't want your guy playing up 40. Yes you might be able to squeeze a few more points out of the blowout but that could cost you the player for a few weeks due to injury.
3. Running offense - What I mean by running offense is that they are going to get around 20 carries a game. Also, know the goal line tendencies of the offensive play caller. Teams like New England tend to throw more in goal line settings than others. Denver is another team that throws in the goal line. Know the team your player suits up for.
4. Value - This is pretty simple. If you can find someone who checks all these boxes in a 5th or 6th round you stand the chance of getting the steal of the draft.
2. Devonta Freeman - Atlanta Falcons
Freeman is entering his second season as the Falcons lead running back. Ever since the decline
of Michael Turner the Falcons haven't been able to command a strong running game. They even brought in Steven Jackson to try and fill that void. Freeman is the next man up to try that spot. This time though it is his job to lose. Entering the season as 'the guy' could really lead to a successful season for Freeman. Freeman's limited touches last year he still managed to average 3.8 yards per carry and the Falcons have been extremely vocal about going back to their running game this season. I fully expect the former Florida State Seminole to have a break out season and with the drafting of Tevin Coleman owners might fear investing in Freeman but with his predicted draft stock in the high 90's he is an incredibly low risk high reward guy. He reminds me a lot of Justin Forsett's situation last year.
Lamar Miller is a guy that everyone knows and isn't sneaking up on anyone. He suffered a lot
of injuries and nagging ailments all season. He however in the end of last year averaged over 5 yards a carry. He split a lot reps with Knowshon Moreno but now with Moreno out of the picture Miller will easily see 20 plus carries a game. Miller could be a great number 2 back if you can get him in the early 4th round or late 3rd. People will avoid Miller due to past injuries but for me, the upside is so great and being able to snag a great running back number 2 is way to valuable to pass on. Especially if he drops.
Who Do You Avoid?
CJ Anderson - Denver Broncos
I think the Denver running game is going to be the biggest guessing game going into next season. Yes, CJ Anderson could easily steal the show and be a very solid number 1 running back. He also could fall into that running back by committee trap with very very good quality backs behind him. Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman both saw action last year and are expected to see the field again. With the load being split maybe 3 ways Anderson could really struggle to get his touches, especially in the red zone where you could expect to see more of the bigger Hillman.
Arian Foster - Houston Texans
I am always hesitant to take Foster. He is going to get his touches. He is in a running offense. Perfect. But he is going to miss at least 4 games every year because of injury. He has only played the whole season twice, he has also missed time 4 times. In 2 of those seasons he missed over half the year. He is just too much risk to be a first round draft pick for me. If he falls to the second... now you have my attention but top 10 is too high for the risk your taking.
Jeremy Hill - Cincinnati Bengals
Jeremy Hill is the number 1 guy in Cinci and could expect to see alot of touches this coming year. He is going to be having a backup who wants his job back in Giovani Bernard. Benard is far more a play maker than Hill but battled injuries last year. With the chance that the Bengals could go back to Benard drafting Hill in the 2nd round is another risk that the payment isn't high enough.
After the NFL Draft the mock draft rankings for fantasy football started to pour in. Rankings falling from 1 to 300 and even in some cases all the way to 500. A lot of information to pick through and trying to decide where the real 'steals' of the draft are. Well I am going to tell you who to look for and where. This is my forewarning, I am going to be basing ALL of my rankings on standard scoring (non PPR).
So where do we start? The most important position in Fantasy Football, running back. Running backs are the best position to have in Fantasy because of one simple reason. The gap between the top 10 running backs and 11-whatever are so large that having a high scoring running back can be lethal on your team, or even 2.
Clearly there are some obvious choices. Jamal Charles, Peterson, Bell, Lynch, Lacy, and Forte should be some of the first names off of the board. However finding someone who can be just as productive in the running back 2 spot will transform your team. Justin Forsett, Alfred Blue, and CJ Anderson seemed to pick up that helped teams jump up last season into title contenders.
When looking for a running back you want to check a few boxes. This is what your looking for.
1. Feature back - takes 85% to 90% of the snaps. Especially goal line snaps. You need your guy to be getting as many chances as possible and don't need another back taking your snaps.
2. Decent back up - you need someone who is capable enough to handle 'garbage time' where he isn't risking injury within the the last few drives running halfback dive. I know you might not believe this but you don't want your guy playing up 40. Yes you might be able to squeeze a few more points out of the blowout but that could cost you the player for a few weeks due to injury.
3. Running offense - What I mean by running offense is that they are going to get around 20 carries a game. Also, know the goal line tendencies of the offensive play caller. Teams like New England tend to throw more in goal line settings than others. Denver is another team that throws in the goal line. Know the team your player suits up for.
4. Value - This is pretty simple. If you can find someone who checks all these boxes in a 5th or 6th round you stand the chance of getting the steal of the draft.
So Who Are My Guys?
1. Joique Bell - Detroit Lions
Why does Joique Bell is currently ranked low 40's in most fantasy rankings. Joique Bell for me checks all of the boxes above. We saw the Detriot Lions begin to use the running back position drastically more towards the end of the season. Theo Riddick saw most of that success because of injury to Bell and Reggie Bush. I think with a new coach town
Why does Joique Bell is currently ranked low 40's in most fantasy rankings. Joique Bell for me checks all of the boxes above. We saw the Detriot Lions begin to use the running back position drastically more towards the end of the season. Theo Riddick saw most of that success because of injury to Bell and Reggie Bush. I think with a new coach town
2. Devonta Freeman - Atlanta Falcons
Freeman is entering his second season as the Falcons lead running back. Ever since the decline
3. Lamar Miller - Miami Dolphins
Lamar Miller is a guy that everyone knows and isn't sneaking up on anyone. He suffered a lot
Who Do You Avoid?
CJ Anderson - Denver Broncos
I think the Denver running game is going to be the biggest guessing game going into next season. Yes, CJ Anderson could easily steal the show and be a very solid number 1 running back. He also could fall into that running back by committee trap with very very good quality backs behind him. Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman both saw action last year and are expected to see the field again. With the load being split maybe 3 ways Anderson could really struggle to get his touches, especially in the red zone where you could expect to see more of the bigger Hillman. Arian Foster - Houston Texans
I am always hesitant to take Foster. He is going to get his touches. He is in a running offense. Perfect. But he is going to miss at least 4 games every year because of injury. He has only played the whole season twice, he has also missed time 4 times. In 2 of those seasons he missed over half the year. He is just too much risk to be a first round draft pick for me. If he falls to the second... now you have my attention but top 10 is too high for the risk your taking.
Jeremy Hill - Cincinnati Bengals
Jeremy Hill is the number 1 guy in Cinci and could expect to see alot of touches this coming year. He is going to be having a backup who wants his job back in Giovani Bernard. Benard is far more a play maker than Hill but battled injuries last year. With the chance that the Bengals could go back to Benard drafting Hill in the 2nd round is another risk that the payment isn't high enough.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Monty Williams? The Pelican man of Mystery.
The Oklahoma City Thunder may be looking in a very familiar direction for an assistant coach this offseason. There have been NBA rumblings of Mo Cheeks making his return, hopefuls that maybe even defensive guru Tom Thibs would journey to OKC, maybe even the new Florida Gator coach would bring someone from his personal staff. None of that however is the news that came out of the Peake last night.
Rumors surfaced that OKC was currently in negotiations with former Pelicans coach Monty Williams to become the lead assistant. Williams coming off a successful year where without their second best player (Jrue Holiday) was lead all the way to the playoffs, only to make a quick exit to the Western Conference Champion Golden State Warriors.
Monty Williams is a graduate from Notre Dame and played 10 seasons in the NBA (94-2003) and was an assistant at Portland before becoming the head man for the Pelicans. In a shocking move the Pelicans went away from Monty Williams for a name that has not been released yet. Williams has shown the ability to develop players at a shocking level. Anthony Davis is the obvious example but also the ability to get growth from Jrue Holiday and even former "team cancer" Tyreke Evans.
Williams has been labeled as a players coach and it is widely known that Anthony Davis had become very fond of the former Irish Small Forward. Williams also adds a great deal to an NBA defense, with his teams finishing in the top 15 in all of his seasons as the head guy.
It should be known that more than likely this is not a long time employment choice for Williams but more of a buffering period until another team bites on giving Monty another chance. This could however be the best news for OKC's new man Billy Donovan.
Adding an experienced successful head coach on the bench could contribute a lot of success and knowledge at the NBA level that Donovan lacks. This is the best coaching hire the Thunder possibly could of made for the head assistant job.
We all kind of knew this past season Williams wasn't really a Pelican. He was secretly wanting to wear that Thunder Blue.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Pelican Watch, Episode 4: The Tie Continues, will this ever end?
OH MY GOODNESS WILL SOMEONE JUST WIN THIS RACE.
I am not going to have any dang fingernails by the end of this race.
The Oklahoma City Thunder caught what feels like their 32nd lucky break of the year (still doesn't make up for the injuries) with Russell Westbrook getting his technical removed from last nights game. OKC also got lucky with Portland deciding to rest Aldridge tonight giving what looked like a hard must win game a breath of fresh air.
I just get the feeling that this is almost destiny for the OKC Thunder making the playoffs. The Pelicans have other plans though it looks like. They laugh in the face of destiny. New Orleans took a good first half from the Timberwolves in stride and showed that they are just a far better team. They closed the 2nd half in style and proved why they feel they are a playoff team.
So, it comes down to Wednesday night.
The Thunder should have an easy win versus the Timberwolves that might honestly just not show up with the way their season has gone. With a Thunder win they would still need a Pelicans loss.
The Pelicans have a showdown with the San Antonio Spurs. It is still to be determined if the Spurs are going to playing their starters in this game, if the Grizzlies lose tonight to the Warriors they more than likely would rest them (Grizzlies loss locks the Spurs in the 2nd seed). Essentially giving the win to the Pelicans.
If New Orleans wins. OKC is out. So. For the remainder of the night. Go Grizz. Wednesday?
GO SPURS GO!
Pelican Watch, Episode 3: Suns let us down, Rockets saved the day
When we last left the Pelicans had just suffered a loss at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies. We all pained our faces in that hated purple and gold for a few hours hoping that maybe the Suns could give us the advantage we were looking for in the standings. We received no such look though and the Suns didn't show up to play in NOLA.
After a Thunder win over the Kings, the two team were dead even again. Pelican's still have that tie breaker thanks to a 35 foot prayer by Anthony Davis that was answered. That led us to tonight. Pacers were lined up against the Thunder, Indiana in a heated playoff race of their own.
The Thunder couldn't pull it out even though the Westbrook tied the franchise high in points with 54. After the Oklahoma City game ended the Pelicans were leading the Rockets by nine in the 3rd. Things looked down yet again but the Thunder, much like they have all year, caught another break. Houston shut down the Pelican's in the 4th quarter and again left the teams in a dead even race for 8th.
New Orleans are up against the Timberwolves who are seeing their loss number pile up as they are hoping for another good draft position going into next year. Should be an easy win for NOLA.
The Thunder have Portland. Unfortunately for the Thunder Russell Westbrook got his 16th technical of the season and will be sitting out of the game. The NBA could take a look at the tape and remove the technical from Westbrook to allow him to play against the Trailblazers but it seems unlikely. Our hopes are in the hands of the Timberwolves... Yikes.
This could be the end of the road for the Oklahoma City Thunder. A win for those liquor ingested birds from NOLA and another loss for the crippled Thunder finally eliminates them from playoff contention mathematically. We need Andrew Wiggins to show up huge.
Pelican watch takes off tomorrow night... for maybe the last time.
LetsGoWolves
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