The NBA is down to its final eight teams, and it was a fun first round to get to this point. Three lower seeded teams won their series, despite all eight losing Game 1. New York and OKC were given scares, while San Antonio and Miami (with 2013 League-MVP LeBron James) rolled to sweeps.

The second round looks to be very competitive, so we’re here to bring you our picks. The aforementioned, well-rested Heat and Spurs are picked to once more roll on to the final four. The Thunder and Knicks are also favored, but their resilient Round 1 opponents have cost them a bit of favor in the next round.

As before, correctly guessing a series winner is worth two points, while guessing how many games a series will last is worth one point.

So check below for the picks, and come back once the Conference Championships are set for the results. Continue reading 2013 NBA Playoffs Expert Picks: Second Round »

The first round is complete, and had plenty of drama. The Warriors pulled off a big upset against the best home team in the NBA. Houston pushed the Thunder before finally falling in six. The Bulls fought off the Nets in a grueling seven-game series. Now, they have the honor of facing a Miami team that’s had a week off to rest up and prepare. Good luck with that.

The Bulls were the only team to defy the predictions of all five of our panelists, who all had the Nets moving on. One person, though, was able to have the clairvoyance to see Golden State’s victory, which certainly helped out their cause. Memphis and Los Angeles were entertaining to watch as expected. Only two panelists picked the Grizzlies, but all five knew it would be close.

So where does this leave everyone after the first round is done? Check below for the results, and check back Monday for the second round selections. Continue reading 2013 NBA Playoffs Expert Picks: First Round Results »

The Celtics season is over, and another off-season of uncertainty now faces the team.

The Knicks led by as many as 26 points early in the fourth quarter, but the Celtics, led by Avery Bradley rattled off a 20-0 run and got the lead all the way down to four before the offense disappeared again and the boys in green fell, 88-80.
Continue reading Celtics Erase Fourth Quarter Deficit, Fall Short in Loss to Knicks »

There was no funeral like the Knicks hoped.

Led by Kevin Garnett’s 16 points and 18 rebounds, five Celtics contributed double figures in a 92-86 win over the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.

Carmelo Anthony once again struggled on offense going against Jeff Green and Brandon Bass. Anthony finished with 22 points on just 8-for-24 shooting. Raymond Felton led the charge for the Knicks and finished with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Continue reading Celtics Refuse to Die, Force Game 6 Against Knicks »

Kenyon Martin guaranteed a Celtics “funeral” in Game 5, indicating he felt the Knicks would close out their first round series in Madison Square Garden Wednesday night. Didn’t happen.

The Celtics beat the Knicks 92-86 to force Game 6 Friday night in Boston.

The Knicks played up the hype even more before the game, looking foolish while wearing all black as if they were attending a funeral:

(Screen grab)

It turns out they could be early for their own funeral. Boston Strong!

“I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.”

Former Celtics center Jason Collins revealed he is gay, in an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated.

With the announcement Collins is now the first active openly gay male athlete from the four major pro sports in America. In other words, this is a pretty big deal.

Recently, there have been reports that at least a few prominent NFL athletes still playing plan to come out soon, but Collins is the first, so he will pave the way for what could be several other pro athletes to come out soon. Continue reading Former Celtics Center Jason Collins is Gay »