Must See Sports - Second Weekend of March 2012

Last week's advantage/disadvantage record: 4-3
Must See Sports 2012 record: 34-25

Thursday, March 8

NBA

Orlando Magic at Chicago Bulls

If you want to see the difference between a “very good” regular season and an “outstanding” regular season, check out tonight’s matchup between the Magic and Bulls. Derrick Rose (23 PPG, 8 APG) showed the clutch ability that made him the 2011 MVP with his buzzer beating game winning shot against the Milwaukee Bucks last night. The Bulls simply find ways to keep winning.


The Orlando Magic win games, but with the uncertainty of Dwight Howard’s (21 PPG, 15 RPG, 2 StlPG, 2 BlkPG) short and long term future with the team, I don’t think the Magic are reaching their full potential. They won’t until there are some final answers to the short term question. I don’t think they’ll beat the Bulls in the United Center, in large part, because of that.

Advantage: Bulls

Derrick Rose --> Money! 1

Sunday, March 11

NBA

Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers

Arguably the best and most historically significant interconference/interleague rivalry in the history of sports takes center stage on Sunday. Both teams need the win. Neither team would have home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs if the regular season ended today.


The Celtics suffered a 32 point beatdown at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers last night, snapping a five game winning streak. Not only are the Celtics’ playoff seeding prospects in question, but their confidence could be too. Boston hasn’t beaten an in-conference opponent with a winning record since upsetting the Bulls on February 12.

While the Celtics’ problems can be boiled down to age-related symptoms: they can’t get to the basket enough and they are getting pounded under the boards, the Lakers troublesome dynamics are far more complex. While the Celtics' long time stars appear to be in decline, Kobe Bryant (29 PPG, 5 APG, 6 RPG) is having his best season in the last five years. However, internal strife, triggered by former Head Coach Phil Jackson’s retirement, the hiring of Mike Brown as his replacement, and trade negotiations involving Pau Gasol (17 PPG, 11 RPG), has had the four-time Pacific Division champions looking up at the cross town Clippers in the standings for most of the season.

That said, the Lakers problems are external, not necessarily execution. At Staples Center, I like L.A. (I love it!)

Advantage: Lakers

Kobe hasn't just gotten older; he's gotten better. 2

NCAA Basketball

2012 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - Selection Sunday

Tune in to CBS at 6pm Eastern time for the big announcements. Bubbles will burst while others will continue to float. The big questions are: who will be the number one seeds and in which regions? Who will be the #1 overall seed.

For what it is worth I think the #1 seeds will go to Kentucky, Syracuse, North Carolina, and Michigan State. Kentucky, Syracuse, and UNC are virtual locks. I know I am reaching a little on MSU and that Kansas probably has the inside track on a #1 seed before Michigan State. It’s a gut feeling. Missouri, Ohio State, and Duke may still have a dog in that hunt, also.

Watching teams celebrate (or not) while watching the tube on Selection Sunday has become an annual tradition. 4

Tuesday, March 13


NCAA Basketball

2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament – First Round

In my mind, the “first round” will always be the round of 64, not a First Four involving four should-be bubble teams and four mid-major tournament champions. Then again, in my mind, the Titans of the NFL should still be the Oilers. Still, after Virginia Commonwealth advanced from this round and reach the Final Four last season, this round has significance and is worth watching.


Wednesday, March 14

NCAA Basketball

2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament – First Round

We can't write the play in games as "extras" anymore. 3

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1) Image from www.chicagonow.com
2) Image from www.vcstar.com
3) Image from http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com
4) Image from http://espn.go.com