Based on advanced data & analytics – here is our favorite picks of the day. After every pick, there is a Confidence ranking out of 10. The higher the number the more confident we are in the pick.
Dejounte Murray o20.5 pts (-130)
Confidence Ranking: 8/10
Been in the recent news after appearing on “All the Smoke” with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson – the biggest takeaway is he does in fact have that “dawg” in him. With the line set at 20.5 he has covered the line four times out of the last five games with big scoring outputs of 29, 30, 28 and 27. Earlier this year Vs the hawks he scored 19 points.
Below is Dejounte’s points over the last few games
Mikal has shown bright spots without Devin Booker and Chris Paul playing. He’s been asked to live up to his contract and although the Suns aren’t winning, Bridges has stepped up.
His last five games he has seen his reb/asst tick up. This is the recommended play over taking his lone stat of rebounds or assists, as it could swing either way (One game posted 9 assists & another posted 9 rebounds). Together, he should clear this line as he done 80% of the time over the last week and a half.
Below is Mikal’s R/A graph over the last 4 weeks
Other Plays to Watch
A. Sengun (HOU) vs MIN o18.5 points
Wendell Carter Jr (ORL) vs WSH o15.5 points
Kyle Kuzma (WSH) vs ORL o2.5 3s
Al Horford (BOS) vs TOR o5.5 rebounds
Data Driven by Edghouse. Go to Edghouse.com and sign up using code Kev20 to get 20% off
Based on advanced data & analytics – here is our favorite picks of the day. After every pick, there is a Confidence ranking out of 10. The higher the number the more confident we are in the pick.
James Harden o6.5 Rebs (-104)
Confidence Ranking: 8/10
I actually love everything Harden today, but this Clippers team is in need of Front-court help. Harden last three games vs LAC, he’s accumulated 38 rebounds. In his last five games, he reached 6 rebounds every game. In a matchup that is negative for Embiid, this should be enough signs pointed at another big performance for the Beard.
Also of note, Clippers ranks 8th vs rebounds/assists — the Beard is currently averaging 20.8 R/A – his line tonight is 16.5, this has a 100% hit rate over the last five games and a 100% hit rate vs the Clippers.
The last few Guards vs Clippers have surpass their lines including – Jamal Murray (12 R/A) & Luka (11 rebs).
Dame Lillard o38.5 P/A (points & assists) (-120)
Confidence Ranking: 9/10
Dame Lillard vs Nuggets via SBNation
Dame has been playing fantastic over the last 2 weeks, including a 50 pts against the Cavs. He shows good value vs a Nuggets team who struggles vs ball dominate guards. In the past we’ve seen Aaron Gordon be a primary defender but with the addition of J. Grant there should be no worry.
Denver ranks 29th and that’s all you need for one of the best guards in basketball. Over his last five games he’s averaging 44 P/A. He’s more than capable of getting this spot with points alone. Last four games vs Nuggets he averages 32.5 ppg. If he continues this hot steak (avg 38 ppg) you can feel real comfortable that he can generate 2 assists. (By the way he’s had over 5 assists in those games)
Data Driven by Edghouse. Go to Edghouse.com and sign up using code Kev20 to get 20% off
Based on advanced data & analytics – here is our favorite picks of the day. After every pick, there is a Confidence ranking out of 10. The higher the number the more confident we are in the pick.
Steph Curry o26.5 pts (-108) vs Spurs
Confidence Ranking: 8/10
The value is there and the atmosphere should be bonkers playing in front of a record crowd. This spot is impeccable and Curry on the season has a hit rate of 63% at this line. Everything points to a special night and Curry to do his best to entertain this Spurs crowd.
The L6 games vs the Spurs, Steph is avg. 28 ppg hitting the line 67%
The last few PGs vs Spurs have surpass their lines including – Ja Morant (38 pts), Malcolm Brogdon (23 pts) , Jaden Ivey (20 pts) & Jalen Brunson (38 pts)
It’ll be very unique, it’ll be cool to be a part of hopefully a record-setting night. I’ve never been to the Alamodome. – Steph Curry
Nikola Vucevic o12.5 Rebs (-130) vs Thunder
Confidence Ranking: 7.5/10
Vucevic has been balling as of late. His line has a hit rate of 80% over the last nine games, including 18 rebounds vs the 76ers. OKC will be playing off a back to back and gives up the most Total Rebounds per game (55.5).
Earlier this year in November, he posted his 6th straight double-double vs OKC, grabbing 13 rebounds. As a Bull, he has a total of 43 Rebs in three games. With limited players on the roster capable of helping securing boards, look for Big Vuc to get this number again.
On Fanduel: Vucevic 12 rebs/Win +132
CJ Mccollum o3.5 3s (-136) vs Pistons
Confidence Ranking: 7/10
CJ comes into this matchup pretty hot without his all-star counterparts, Zion and Brandon Ingram over the last few weeks. This matchup isn’t too great with the Pistons ranking top 10 vs guards on the perimeter. However, CJ has hit this line six out of seven games, including franchise setting 11 3s vs the 76ers.
As a Blazer, CJ went over 3.5 threes 75% in four games. With the offense running through the veteran guard and with his current volume at 11 threes (over last seven games), look for him to continue his hot streak.
Last couple of 3pt specialist to play DET.
Simons (POR): 4/10
Thompson (GSW): 3/10
Lavine (CHI): 4/10
Data Driven by Edghouse. Go to Edghouse.com and sign up using code Kev20 to get 20% off
Miami Heat had a forgettable and quite frankly disappointing offseason. Momentum was not continued from a season that ended being one game away from the NBA Finals. The Heat only managed to resign Dedmon, Haslem, Oladipo (in a great deal) and give Herro a 4 year $130 extension while losing PJ Tucker and Markieff Morris. A summer where so many big names were available such as; Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Durant, John Wall, Collin Sexton, Malik Monk and so many more names the Heat struck empty on them all.
Some may look at the situation as if big changes were not needed to the roster seeing that they were only one game away from NBA Finals that even included some injuries for the Miami Heat. In a summer when almost every team in the eastern conference managed to improve their roster, the Heat only managed to lose PJ tucker and Markieff Morris while not replacing either set the team back quite a bit. Heat even had some questionable priorities when resigning Dwayne Dedmon during a time that much more productive players in his position signed for similar or even cheaper contracts. It’s understood by real basketball fans the importance of having Udonis Haslem apart of this team, however, Miami Heat going all out to recruit in earlier in free agency instead of putting that time and effort into bringing in new faces was something that made many people feel like Miami Heat felt like they are closer to being champions than they actually are. Not to overlook the good thing(s), Miami Heat was able to bring Oladipo back on two year deal worth $18 million.
After not getting any new additions during free agency the Heat made a decision that they might go on to regret sooner than later. Miami offered Tyler Herro an 4 year $130 extension to the reigning 6th man of the year. Does Tyler Herro deserve this contract? Absolutely! Miami just should not have been the team to give it to him if they have championship aspirations. Miami is in tough spot at this point, paying all three of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Lowry leaves them paying a combined $96 million next season and that is on top of having Duncan Robinson’s contract that has him earning nearly $17 million. If the truth is not being sugar coated, Miami Heat cannot afford to pay Duncan Robinson, Lowry and Herro that much and expect to be the last team standing. Do not get it wrong, those are three very good players and can contribute to a championship team but the amount of liabilities you have with those three on the court at the same time is too big of a burden for the Heat to overcome, and if you are not playing one of those players at the end or at all then you essentially wasted your money. Lowry still has flashes of being the allstar point guard that helped the Raptors secure their first franchise championship, however, his durability is unpredictable and quite frankly his consistency while on the court has not been up to par. Again, Kyle Lowry is a great player but as a point guard it does not seem like he elevates Bam’s game enough. A big factor is because he is not a huge threat in a pick & roll set as the ball handler and the P&R is where Bam thrives. In no way are Duncan, Kyle and Herro the players solely to blame for the Heat not being championship caliber.
Bam Adebayo is one of the more skilled players in the league, this is a 6’9 center/forward that occasionally brings the ball down for the Miami Heat and has the skillset to play either roles in a pick and roll set. Bam has increased his scoring average every year since coming into the league, however, his mentality on offense is not where the Heat needs it to be. Bam needs to consistently look to be an offensive force for the Miami Heat because an aggressive Bam is when the Heat are most dangerous. The Heat need a way to get Bam in the PF position more. He’s exerting too much energy on these bigger players defensively and does not have enough to be a consistent reliable offensive player on these bigger players. But in order to do this, Bam has to find a consistent jumper to maintain spacing for Jimmy Butler and teammates. In a perfect world Miami Heat would acquire Myles Turner, Richaun Holmes, Drummond, or Jakob Poeltl to start along center of Bam. However, If the Miami Heat are not willing to trade for a big then NBA free agents have some big time names available that could be essential role players for many teams. However, one thing Miami Heat does better than any team in the league is scouting and developing players they decide to roll the dice. With that being said, 6’11 rookie Nikola Jovic and 7’0 2nd year player Omer Yurtseven are two extremely talented bigs that have both shown the mobility, skill and mindset to find spot on the Miami Heat. In recent years the Heat’s achilles heel was their lack of size alongside occasional scoring problems.
Dejounte Murray, Collin Sexton, Monte Morris, John Wall, are a few guard names that were available this summer that Miami did not land but could really have benefited from acquiring. Between Lowry, Herro and Robinson the Miami Heat can truly afford to only keep one or two of their contracts if they want to add the missing pieces to win that championship they have been so close to in recent years. Miami Heat seem to pride themselves on being a loyal franchise and bringing back returning faces to figure it out together and get over the hump. However, I do not believe that is a reasonable option here. Miami Heat’s championship window is still open and if they truly want to bring a championship to South Beach, it is time for them for some big roster moves & for Bam to take the next step.
Below is a realistic list 50 players the Miami Heat should target via trade or consider bringing in from FA to address their size, scoring and/or star power issues.
Myles Turner
Fred Vanfleet
Buddy Hield
Jae Crowder
Draymond Green
Naz Reid
Jakob Poeltl
Gary Trent Jr.
Jaxson Hayes
Devonte Graham
Terrence Ross
Cam Reddish
Derrick Rose
Richaun Holmes
Harrison Barnes
Davion Mitchell
PJ Washington
Terry Rozier
Moses Brown
Marcus Morris Sr.
Issac Okoro
Caris Lavert
Kevin Love
Derrick Jones Jr
Andre Drummond
Matisse Thybulle
Kemba Walker
Rondo
Lou Will
Carmelo Anthony
Gordon Hayward.
Wayne Ellington
Jeremy Lamb
Josh Jackson
Rodney Hood
Eric Paschall
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Jabari Parker
Sekou Doumbouya
Nikola Vucevic
Jordan Clarkson
Malik Beasley
Tim Hardaway JR
Clint Capela
D. Cousins
D. Howard
Enes Freedom
Tristian Thompshon
Cauley-Stein
Cody Zeller
* Miami Heat should keep an eye out for Jamal Murray, Kyrie Irving, Zach Lavine or Siakam becoming available
While it may come off as a bold prediction, but if any player can make a bold prediction come true then Dame is the guy. Blazers did not have the best offseason but certainly added some pieces that will fit in well with Dame; Jerami Grant, Drew Eubanks, Josh Hart, Gary Payton ll, Justise Winslow and rookie wildcard Shaedon Sharpe are amongst those names along with familiar faces like Jusef Nurkic, Nassir Little and Anfernee Simons who is on the rise to the level of an all-star level player. This blazers team has 3&D players that will create great floor spacing for Dame to work but are also the same players that can slash to the basket to finish strong at the rim. If the Blazers are serious about improving and being a contender I expect them to make a trade or hit free agency pool to add more key pieces. I expect Dame Lillard to have some rust to knock off and when he does knock that rust off, the league will be in trouble. Dame will be returning with a vengeance and will lead the Blazers to the playoffs while locking in his first MVP.
Luka & Embiid are two others that should be heavy favorites for MVP. Embiid who many feel who should have won MVP last year could right that wrong this year by securing MVP. However, Luka is the player I feel the league wants to win the most while Giannis name will always be in the mix and KD’s play will force the league to consider him as an MVP candidate.
DPOY: Bam Adebayo
Someone who should already have an DPOY award under their belt, Adebayo who is one of the very few players who can sit down and legitimately guard 1-5 . Bam has the defensive consistency, athleticism, versatility and IQ needed for a player who has a DPOY award on their career checklist. With the Heat losing Markieff Morris and PJ Tucker, Bam will have to take on an even bigger role on the defensive end which essentially will lead to him finally conquering DPOY award.
Other top DPOY contenders to watch out for are Anthony Davis and Ben Simmons. However, you are guaranteed to hear Giannis & Gobert’s name in the mix every year.
Most Improved Player: PJ Washington
Truthfully, I don’t believe PJ Washington will win it but I think he will be the player most deserving. The NBA has weirdly been giving the MIP to players like Ja Morant who had all-star like numbers the season before, however I think PJ Washington will be the “should have won” player. With the unfortunate loss of Miles Brides who was coming off a breakout season, Hornets will be looking to replace the production of Bridges and the player to do that will be PJ Washington. Washington career thus far could have been perceived as underwhelming, however that is not a result of lack of talent and PJ will have the perfect opportunity to prove that this year.
Two other players that I have just as likely to win MIP for the year are Anfernee Simons & Keldon Johnson. With the departure of Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum, Simons and Keldon Johnson have shown more than ready to fulfill those allstar level roles. These two players rank amongst the highest in my list of young studs waiting to blossom at any point.
Rookie of the Year: Jaden Ivey
While their are a ton of players in this rookie class that could be the one to take home the ROY award, the name that sicks out is Jaden Ivey. Jaden Ivey finished his impressive NBA debt with 19 Points, 3 Rebounds, 4 Assists and 3 Steals. Ivey’s outstanding scoring ability could be a huge factor in his ROY chances after Detroit parted ways with Jerami Grant this offseason. Pistons could arguably be the team with the most young talent, therefore it could be become a usage rate problem for Ivey compared to other ROY contenders which could lessen his chances to win ROY. However, the vast amount of young talent could also work in Ivey’s favor helping him secure ROY on an improved Pistons roster. I would not be surprised if another stud rookie took home ROY, but nor should fans be surprised for Ivey to secure that award.
Keegan Murray, Benedict Mathurin, Banchero, and Jabari Smith are the other rookie names I expect to hear in the conversation at the end of the year during the tight race for ROY.
Shaedon Sharpe will be a standout rookie that will really solidify his spot in the league but still will not be considered for ROY.
Coach of The Year: Ty Lue
Ty Lue has consistently been one of the best coaches throughout the league in his first 6 season as head coach with a record of 209–140. No matter what roster Ty Lue has been presented with, he has overachieved. Coach of the Year has much to do with the success of your team and on paper no team has a better roster than the LA Clippers. If Paul George & Kawhi, John Wall can stay healthy, it is difficult to imagine Ty Lue will not coach his team to a top three seed.
However, if Miami Heat can figure out a way to be a top 3 seed with their constructed roster then we may see Erik Spolestra secure his long overdue COY award but it may also be an unexpected new face to win this award. Joe Mazzulla, Interim head coach of the Boston Celtics was thrown in the water after the unfortunate situation with Ime Udoka which resulted in him being suspended for the year. The Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led Boston Celtics have an opportunity to be a special team after bringing everyone back while having additions of Malcolm Brogdon, Blake Griffin and Derrick White.
6MOY: Christian Wood
With the uncertainty if reigning 6MOTY, Tyler Herro will remain coming off the bench after expressing his urge to start then I expect Christian Wood to take home this award. Christian Wood is easily a starter on almost any team in the league, however, his new team Dallas Mavericks decided to bring Wood off the bench which seems questionable initially but also makes sense. Wood ended his Dallas Mavericks debut with a stat line of 25 points & 8 rebounds off the bench in 23 minutes of play. While being the 6th man, Wood will likely be getting starter minutes and ending most if not every game on the floor. Wood playing alongside an MVP Caliber player such as Luka Donic will be a dangerous combination league wide and will assistance Wood in securing 6MOTY
Two other heavy favorites to win this award: Malcolm Brogdon, and Jordan Poole who seems like the fan/media favorite at this point.
Most Improved Team: LA Clippers
From top to bottom, LA Clippers undoubtedly have the most stacked roster in the league which is why I have them as most improved team and also my championship favorites. Yeah, Clippers were without the duo Paul George and Kawhi but even if they were healthy I do not think they would have taken home the championship last year. Bringing their whole rotation back from the past two years while adding the late additions of Norman Powell, Robert Covington before last season’s trade deadline already have the Clippers as favorites coming into this year. However, acquiring John Wall who is coming off a year of healthy rest and who is willing to split the minutes with Reggie Jackson if that means results in winning was the icing on the cake for me. Another move that I think the Clippers will eventually be praised for is the pickup of 7’0 Center Moses Brown as a rotational player who has shown glimpses of his high potential. If anybody can handle having a roster this stacked, I believe Ty Lue can and all these are why the Clippers will be the most improved team and championship winners at the year’s end. Including even the years of Lob City, this is the best roster the LA Clippers have ever had and anything less than a winning a championship this season should be viewed as a huge disappointment.
However, it is expected for the Pelicans to make a major jump in improvement from recent past years. After acquiring CJ McCollum and Larry Nance Jr from Portland via trade and the emergence of two-way role player Herb Jones and lead by Brandon Ingram the Pelicans showed they were on the verge of taking that next step. The excitement for these young team grew as Zion Williamson returned for the Pelicans opener and finished with 25 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists in a win over the Brooklyn Nets. If CJ, Zion and Brandon Ingram and double-double machine Jonas Valanciunas can stay healthy while continuing to improve role players like Herb Jones, Devonte Graham, Larry Nance, and Trey Murphy lll then the Pelicans will be a dangerous opponent league-wide
Other teams I have for most improved: Timberwolves, Cavs and Kings
The NBA Draft is Thursday in the Barclays Center where teams will pass on future Hall of Famers like Stephen Curry, who went 7th and just won his 4th ring and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who went 15th to the Bucks. With a class with no pre-set heroes like Lebron James and Magic Johnson who both went 1st overall, who will standout in this years draft and for years to come.
Rashad and Keven have their top 10 picks (with no trades involved) selected, see how they have this year’s draft shaping out.
May 14, 9 PM ET on Showtime the world gets a sequel to one of the best fights from 2021. Three-belt unified world champion Jermell Charlo (34-1-1, 18 KO) and fellow world champion Brian Castaño (17-0-2, 12 KO) will fight in a title unification to determine boxing’s first ever four-belt light middleweight champion. Charlo and Castaño caught the boxing world off-guard with a match that some consider a instant classic and one that no viewer considered a bad fight. The battle of champions resulted in a draw that felt like a cliff-hanger for fans after not being able to crown the unified champion. Not everyone in the boxing world was familiar with Castño and the dangerous opponent he was which resulted to Charlo entering the fight as the heavy favorite. Castaño wasted no time putting the world on notice that he was more than ‘ a worthy opponent’, but instead he was someone who could leave with the titles in a convincing win. Charlo promised to make Castño cry in the ring this time after expressing he felt he did not “empty the clip” on Castaño when he injured him last fight. Brian Castano suffered a minor right biceps tear while sparring, which postponed this sequel once before. Charlo stated that he’s the one who benefitted from the extra two months of training. Castaño has not been phased by Charlo’s comments, instead motivated. Castaño let it be known that he wanted the respect that he is warranted and that he should be given from Charlo. Castaño said, “The first fight was a close fight, but the second fight is going to be even worse for him because I’m knocking him out.”
May 14, 9 PM ET on Showtime the world gets a sequel to one of the best fights from 2021. Three-belt unified world champion Jermell Charlo (34-1-1, 18 KO) and fellow world champion Brian Castaño (17-0-2, 12 KO) will fight in a title unification to determine boxing’s first ever four-belt light middleweight champion. Charlo and Castaño caught the boxing world off-guard with a match that some consider a instant classic and one that no viewer considered a bad fight. The battle of champions resulted in a draw that felt like a cliff-hanger for fans after not being able to crown the unified champion. Not everyone in the boxing world was familiar with Castño and the dangerous opponent he was which resulted to Charlo entering the fight as the heavy favorite. Castaño wasted no time putting the world on notice that he was more than ‘ a worthy opponent’, but instead he was someone who could leave with the titles in a convincing win. Charlo promised to make Castño cry in the ring this time after expressing he felt he did not “empty the clip” on Castaño when he injured him last fight. Brian Castano suffered a minor right biceps tear while sparring, which postponed this sequel once before. Charlo stated that he’s the one who benefitted from the extra two months of training. Castaño has not been phased by Charlo’s comments, instead motivated saying that,
May 14, 9 PM ET on Showtime the world gets a sequel to one of the best fights from 2021. Three-belt unified world champion Jermell Charlo (34-1-1, 18 KO) and fellow world champion Brian Castaño (17-0-2, 12 KO) will fight in a title unification to determine boxing’s first ever four-belt light middleweight champion. Charlo and Castaño caught the boxing world off-guard with a match that some consider a instant classic and one that no viewer considered a bad fight. The battle of champions resulted in a draw that felt like a cliff-hanger for fans after not being able to crown the unified champion. Not everyone in the boxing world was familiar with Castño and the dangerous opponent he was which resulted to Charlo entering the fight as the heavy favorite. Castaño wasted no time putting the world on notice that he was more than ‘ a worthy opponent’, but instead he was someone who could leave with the titles in a convincing win. Charlo promised to make Castño cry in the ring this time after expressing he felt he did not “empty the clip” on Castaño when he injured him last fight. Brian Castano suffered a minor right biceps tear while sparring, which postponed this sequel once before. Charlo stated that he’s the one who benefitted from the extra two months of training. Castaño has not been phased by Charlo’s comments, instead motivated saying that,
Certainly, both fighters will come on their A-game, hoping to be one of only seven men to have held four belts. The winner would be joining the likes of; Terrence Crawford, B-Hopkins, Canelo, Josh Taylor, Oleksandr Usyk and Jermain Taylor, which is pretty impressive company. Both men have shown tremendous confidence and hunger in being able to walk-out with four belts. Certainly, this fight is a must-see and has potential to be fight of the year. Who will walk out a history-setting champion? Will Castaño’s relentless pressure be too much for Charlo? Will the re-focused Jermell Charlo’s lion hearted skills and power essentially be too much for Castaño to overcome? Regardless of the winner, it would be no surprise if this match-up turned into boxing’s next great trilogy.
Typically the crowd is not locked in until the main event starts, however, rising stud Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis takes the ring to face Custio Clayton in a title eliminator match. The winner is set to become the mandatory for newly crowned unified champion Errol Spence. Ennis, 28-0 with 26 KO’s has all eyes him as he enters as the favorite with his opportunity to finally step in the ring with the best one of the two best welterweights, Spence, only if he can get past Clayton first.
The all Association Most Valuable Player Award is an annual NBA award given since the 1955-56 to the best performing player of the regular season.It cannot be denied that the determining factors of who is the MVP and why this person should be MVP often changes. Unfortunately, MVP is usually given to the most outstanding player or the most exciting superstar of the year. While that should be included in the determination, it should not be the stand only reason. MVP determining factors should also include; the player most valuable to his team, impact, consistency, availability, circumstances, along with availability. If you took away that individual’s contributions and production, would the squad be in the same position? For many of these reasons and more is why Damian Lillard should have won his first MVP in the 2020-21 season or at least have came neck-to-neck with the winner.
Damian Lillard led the Portland Trailblazers to a 42-30 season and sixth in the west. This was pretty impressive considering his co-stars CJ McCollum and Jusef Nurkic jointly missed a huge portion of the season, CJ McCollum playing 47 games and Jusef Nurkic playing 37 games. Portland made a move before the deadline of 10 game less shortened season which brought in Norman Powell for the final 27 games of the regular season. Which left Lillard and Blazers 27 crucial games to make Norman Powell feel acclimated and help find his role with the team and making sure CJ McCollum and Nurkic find their rhythms after returning from injuries. Lillard finished the season averaging 28.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game, leading Portland to finish second in offensive efficiency rating with an elite 117.1. When Lillard was not on the floor the Blazers scored 18.4 fewer points per 100 possessions which is historic-like stats. In February, due to injuries the Blazers were missing CJ, Nurkic and Zach Collins which would ideally seem like a recipe for a disaster month for the Blazers but Damian Lillard make sure that was not the case. During this 14+ game stretch Lillard played out of his mind, averaging a 31.6 points, 8.8 assists, and 4.4 rebounds on a 45.7/39.3/91.2 shooting split. Lillard had consecutive games of 30+ points/10+ assists games, making 38.4% of his 12 3PA and 92.8% from the free throw line while obtaining his highest usage rate and assist rate of his career. Imagine when the game was within five points in the last five minutes a player had a true shooting percentage of 82.7%. Damian Lillard did that. Lillard became the 18th player in NBA History to record at least 40+ points and 15+ assists in a game and tied his career-high in assists with 16 in a must-win game against a Pelicans team.
It can be said that Nikola Jokic was the more consistent player throughout the season but before we say that, can we talk about the circumstances? Damian Lillard’s availability has always been great and that did not change with Lillard missing only 5 games for the season. However, this came during time of Jokic having his best month and Lillard dealing with a list of nagging injuries hindering his play before missing his handful of games. When you look back at the season of LeBron, Steph, Giannis, Jokic and Embiid you have to take into account the availability of and the seasons their co-stars were having. Even consider the complete roster of these teams. Understanding that a player like Lillard who plays PG in a season with highest usage rate of the season is going to have a harder time to score because of opponents ability to trap, double or triple team Damian Lillard. Which is opposed to bigs like Embiid, Jokic and even Giannis who frequently catch the ball in positions for them to score quickly and avoid double teams.
All in all, Damian Lillard’s may just not fit the leagues narrative for MVP winner. They have already had their undersized mid-major MVP winner with Steph Curry, the quiet assassin with Derrick Rose, and the undersized loyal hooper leading his team to an overachieving season with Allen Iverson. Despite of who you think the MVP winner was, we have to question whether or not these voters are taking the time to watch the games and do their homework instead of the player the media is pushing for MVP. Lillard finished seventh in MVP tallying this season, garnering 38 total voting points. 4 point behind Luka and only 18 points ahead of Julius Randle. Regardless of what metric the MVP voters go by, Damian Lillard should have undoubtedly been a top 3 finisher in the MVP race and arguably is the MVP of the 2020-21 season.
As Wrestlemania season is among us and we prepare to watch Wrestlemania 38, I notice that this Wrestlemania card is missing a lot of names. It’s unclear whether or not we are in store for a memorable or forgettable Wrestlemania, which makes it both exciting and nerve-wrecking. I’m here to share what my Wrestlemania Card would look like with the current WWE roster.
Universal Championship
Roman Reigns (c) vs. Seth Rollins vs Brock Lesnar – Seth Wins
WWE Championship
Bobby Lashley vs Drew – Hurt Business comes out to help Lashley but Viking Raiders come out to help Drew, Drew ends up winning.
ICChampionship
Edge vs AJ – Edge Wins
US Championship ( LADDER)
Damian Priest vs Sheamus vs Ricochet vs Cedric Alexander vs Roode vs Ali ( Roode Wins)
SMACKDOWN WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
Ronda vs Becky Lynch vs Charlotte
RAW Women’s Championship
Bayley vs Belair(C) – Bayley Returns to do the match that never happened
Singles Match
Randy vs Riddle
Smackdown Tag Team Championship
Nakamura/Balor vs Usos vs Woods/Kofi- MSK challenges Winner on Raw after Mania
Miz promo about not having a match and that is when we get our stone cold moment
Raw Tag Team Championship
Kevin/Sami vs Street Profits vs Alpha Academy vs Viking Raiders
Singles Match
Rey vs Dominik – If Rey Wins, Dominik must go to NXT. In a plot twist, Theory ends up helping Dominik win. Dominik Becomes Heel & Partners w/ Austin Theory or Just make Rey win.
Put Corbin in the Seth Rollins Role with the mystery opponent which leads to
Corbin vs Cody Rhodes – Cody Rhodes wins at the top of the stage he is attacked by….. Elias!! The revamp of Elias begins.
Introduction to the shared Women’s Midcard Belt (8 Women’s Ladder or Battle Royale)
Sasha vs Natalya vs Liv Morgan vs Xia Li vs Asuka vs Rhea vs Shotzi vs Alexa Bliss- Rhea Wins (Help of Sonya/Shayna, making them all champions)
Pre-Card Singles Match
Andre the Giant Battle Royale (Pre-Card)
Whoever in it but Rick Boogs, Veer and Omos are last three people, put on a good battle before Omos wins…
Austin Theory vs Bad Bunny
Alexa vs Nikki ASH, Winner is last entry in Midcard title match
Women’s Tag Team Championship
Sonya/Shayna (Faction w/ Rhea) vs Tamina/Naomi vs (Zelina/Carmella)- Sonya/Shayna Wins
Wildcard Sports & Pop Culture 