Sports-related News:
Super Bowl LII Picks and Predictions
Written by Joshua Miller
Sunday, February 4th, 2018
Super Bowl 52. Eagles vs. Patriots. A defiant underdog aims to take down a commanding dynasty. Here are the Neon Ballerz’s picks and predictions for the game of the year:
The Picks:
Super Bowl LII Picks and Predictions
Written by Joshua Miller
Sunday, February 4th, 2018
Super Bowl 52. Eagles vs. Patriots. A defiant underdog aims to take down a commanding dynasty. Here are the Neon Ballerz’s picks and predictions for the game of the year:
The Picks:
The Predictions:
Bailey: The Eagles have been "dogs" all postseason long and Philly has embraced the role, playing phenomenal football even without our lord and savior Carson Wentz. St. Nick, Dougie P, and the Eagles D will bring Alshon Jeffery's guarantee to fruition, prove the haters wrong, and give passionate fans a chance to climb more greased-up poles. We all we got, we all we need. #FlyEaglesFly
Jackson: The game is close the whole time, and the Eagles have a 20-17 lead with 3 minutes to go. Brady gets the ball, works his magic, and gains the lead with a minute-twenty left. Now its 24-20. Nick Foles gets the ball back, throws three consecutive 20+ yard completions, and as time expires throws a hail mary which is caught in the end zone. Game over.
Joshua: Tom Brady was the right choice for this year’s MVP award. No, not because he was the league’s best or most valuable player this season. No, not because Carson Wentz, who led the MVP race for much of the season, is suddenly a “system QB” after Nick Foles’ stellar performance in the NFC championship game. Tom Brady is the bonafide NFL MVP because the past 8 players to claim the prestigious award who made it to the Super Bowl all lost there. The Eagles’ ferocious front seven will pummel “Pretty boy” Tom Brady and make his life miserable for the entirety of the game (unlike a team from Atlanta whose pass rush crumbled during the 4th quarter).
Down 24-17, the Patriots have the ball for one last drive with under a minute remaining. After a couple intermediate throws, New England advances to their own 45 yard line and 5 seconds are left on the clock. While launching a final prayer, Brady gets hit and throws a pick-six as time expires. Joel Embiid runs onto the field, bringing celebratory Shirley Temples to all of the Eagles players.
Justin: Brian Hoyer will play at some point in this game. Therefore the Eagles will win.
Mike: Eagles 24-21 why? NICK FOLES, #trust the process #SKOL #FOLES #GOGREENBABY.
References:
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-52-tv-ratings-tom-brady-patriots-nick-foles-eagles-blake-bortles-jaguars/1jazm82n395wi142wubcnlo6oa
Bailey: The Eagles have been "dogs" all postseason long and Philly has embraced the role, playing phenomenal football even without our lord and savior Carson Wentz. St. Nick, Dougie P, and the Eagles D will bring Alshon Jeffery's guarantee to fruition, prove the haters wrong, and give passionate fans a chance to climb more greased-up poles. We all we got, we all we need. #FlyEaglesFly
Jackson: The game is close the whole time, and the Eagles have a 20-17 lead with 3 minutes to go. Brady gets the ball, works his magic, and gains the lead with a minute-twenty left. Now its 24-20. Nick Foles gets the ball back, throws three consecutive 20+ yard completions, and as time expires throws a hail mary which is caught in the end zone. Game over.
Joshua: Tom Brady was the right choice for this year’s MVP award. No, not because he was the league’s best or most valuable player this season. No, not because Carson Wentz, who led the MVP race for much of the season, is suddenly a “system QB” after Nick Foles’ stellar performance in the NFC championship game. Tom Brady is the bonafide NFL MVP because the past 8 players to claim the prestigious award who made it to the Super Bowl all lost there. The Eagles’ ferocious front seven will pummel “Pretty boy” Tom Brady and make his life miserable for the entirety of the game (unlike a team from Atlanta whose pass rush crumbled during the 4th quarter).
Down 24-17, the Patriots have the ball for one last drive with under a minute remaining. After a couple intermediate throws, New England advances to their own 45 yard line and 5 seconds are left on the clock. While launching a final prayer, Brady gets hit and throws a pick-six as time expires. Joel Embiid runs onto the field, bringing celebratory Shirley Temples to all of the Eagles players.
Justin: Brian Hoyer will play at some point in this game. Therefore the Eagles will win.
Mike: Eagles 24-21 why? NICK FOLES, #trust the process #SKOL #FOLES #GOGREENBABY.
References:
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-52-tv-ratings-tom-brady-patriots-nick-foles-eagles-blake-bortles-jaguars/1jazm82n395wi142wubcnlo6oa
2017 NBA Playoff Expert Predictions
Written by Joshua Miller
Saturday, April 15th, 2017
As the 71st NBA season transitions to the playoffs, intrigue and wonder is in the air. This season, fans were mesmerized by the performances of players such as Russell Westbrook, who astonishingly averaged a triple-double for the season. What has yet to be determined, however, is whether success in this year’s playoffs correlates with the flash and pomp displayed during the regular season. For instance, the defending champion Cavaliers stumbled to the finish line, yet are the favorites in the Eastern Conference to return to the NBA Finals. Regardless of the outcome, this year’s playoffs will be entertaining, as teams have scores to settle, expectations to fulfill, and dynasties to construct.
Expert Picks (Joshua Miller, Justin Korman, & Mike Hopp):
First Round
Eastern Conference
#1 Seeded Celtics vs. #8 Seeded Bulls
Joshua’s Pick: Celtics (4-2)
Jimmy Butler powers the Bulls to victory in a couple of games, but stopping Isaiah Thomas is a tall task.
Justin’s Pick: Celtics (4-1)
The Celtics bested Lebron James and the Cavs for the one seed in the Eastern Conference. Beating Chicago shouldn’t be an issue, especially with Isaiah Thomas on the floor.
Mike’s Pick: Celtics (4-1)
The Celtics defense is too much for the Bulls, even with Jimmy Buckets catching fire in the series.
#2 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #7 Seeded Pacers
Joshua’s Pick: Cavaliers (4-1)
An epic duel between star players ensues in this series between Kevin Love and Myles Turner (no, not LeBron James and Paul George), as the Cavs send the Pacers packing after 5 hotly contested games.
Justin’s Pick: Cavaliers (4-2)
The Cavaliers still can’t find a consistent rhythm, and that will give Paul George and the Pacers a fighting chance. However, even an out-of-rhythm Cleveland team is still dangerous, and they put this series to bed in six.
Mike’s Pick: Cavs (4-2)
Turner shows he can be a building block for Indiana while George and Lebron shut each other down. Love and Irving carry a sloppy Cavs team in six.
#3 Seeded Raptors vs. #6 Seeded Bucks
Joshua’s Pick: Raptors (4-1)
Canada > Greece. The Raptors defeat the Greek Freak and his Bucks in one of the least intriguing series of the first round.
Justin’s Pick: Raptors (4-2)
This series is not even remotely relevant in the grand scheme of the NBA playoffs. However, who doesn’t love to try to pronounce ‘Antetokounmpo.’
Mike’s Pick: Raptors (4-3)
Toronto struggles early in the series but is eventually able to contain the the GREEK FREAK and Derozan goes off to give the raptors the series.
#4 Seeded Wizards vs. #5 Seeded Hawks
Joshua’s Pick: Wizards (4-2)
John Wall and Bradley Beal take their stardom to new heights, averaging over 30 points per game in this series.
Justin’s Pick: Wizards (4-1)
Who knew Atlanta still had a basketball team without Al Horford? Regardless, this series is all about John Wall, who propels Washington to a first round victory.
Mike’s Pick: Wizards (4-2)
Otto Porter becomes a dangerous scorer as he, Wall and Beal combine to average 69 ppg in the series, their scoring carries Washington.
Western Conference
#1 Seeded Warriors vs. #8 Seeded Trail Blazers
Joshua’s Pick: Warriors (4-0)
Damian Lillard recently boldly declared that the Trail Blazers would beat the Warriors in 6 games. Not even close.
Justin’s Pick: Warriors (4-0)
Damian Lillard believes his team will win in six. Damian Lillard is not on the same team as Steph Curry and Kevin Durant. Damian Lillard is not a very smart man.
Mike’s Pick: Warriors (4-0)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA like this is going to be anything but getting to watch Steph destroy Dame (who is a dum dum)
#2 Seeded Spurs vs. #7 Seeded Grizzlies
Joshua’s Pick: Spurs (4-0)
In a battle of methodical, slow-paced teams, the Spurs plow over the Grizzlies, as Marc Gasol returns home screaming Spanish expletives.
Justin’s Pick: Spurs (4-0)
The Spurs continue their signature brand of basketball, which resembles less of a sport and more of a Mozart concerto. Gregg Popovich (almost) smiles.
Mike’s Pick: Spurs (4-1)
Does anything get you going more than Gregg Popovich? Didn’t think so, Spurs drop one, but the Klaw goes off.
#3 Seeded Rockets vs. #6 Seeded Thunder
Joshua’s Pick: Rockets (4-3)
Imagine if the Thunder retained James Harden and Kevin Durant. They would not only have three MVP candidates on their roster, but most likely multiple championships, as well. Aw shucks.
Justin’s Pick: Thunder (4-3)
James Harden says the MVP race should be about winning games, one category that he and the Rockets best Russell Westbrook in. However, when the playoffs start the records reset. And Russell Westbrook is an angry man.
Mike’s Pick: Rockets (4-3)
Can you smell what the (loser in the MVP race) is cooking? I can, as the rockets win, but Russ still averages a triple double for the series and makes this one, the most interesting of the first round.
#4 Seeded Clippers vs. #5 Seeded Jazz
Joshua’s Pick: Jazz (4-2)
Utah’s dynamic playmakers will prove too jazzy for the Clippers, who will choke in the playoffs once again. Rudy Gobert fries the Clippers in the same way that he makes his french fries.
Justin’s Pick: Jazz (4-2)
The Jazz have brought pride back to Utah that hasn’t been felt since Mormonism was in its heyday. Poor Clippers.
Mike’s Pick: Jazz (4-2)
The French Rejection and White Lebron ball out (as per usual) and the Clippers are still terrible in the postseason (as per usual)
Conference Semifinals
Eastern Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Celtics vs. #4 Wizards; Wizards (4-2)
After a successful regular season, the Wizards ball out in the playoffs, shocking the Celtics after six close games. Countering Isaiah Thomas’ scoring outbursts in the fourth quarter, John Wall goes ham with a dazzling array of poster dunks, crossovers, and alley-oops.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Celtics vs. #4 Wizards; Celtics (4-2)
Dueling point guards collide in this second round matchup, with Isaiah Thomas getting the best of John Wall in this electrifying series.
Mike’s Pick: #1 Celtics vs. #4 Wizards; Celtics (4-2)
In the highest scoring totals by point guards in the playoffs to this point, both Wall and Thomas have incredible games (as the other can’t play defense), but when it matters Isaiah is much in the clutch, and helps the Celtics win this one.
Joshua’s Pick: #2 Cavaliers vs. #3 Raptors; Cavaliers (4-3)
In an entertaining sequel to last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavaliers prevail over the Raptors to avoid major disappointment in the second round. LeBron James engenders jubilation in the city of Cleveland with a buzzer-beating jumper for the win in Game 7.
Justin’s Pick: #2 Cavaliers vs. #3 Raptors; Cavaliers (4-1)
The Cavaliers can’t stay cold forever, and this is where their season turns over a new leaf. The Raptors unfortunately happen to be on the wrong end of it, and the Cavs follow up a Game 1 loss with four straight victories. On to Boston.
Mike’s Pick: #2 Cavaliers vs. #3 Raptors; Raptors (4-3)
In the game of his life Derozan drops 65 on the Cavs in game seven, as the Raptors get revenge for last year. As the rapper Kyle said “I’m just like Derozan, if I shoot it it goes in”, that becomes very true in game seven.
Western Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Warriors vs. #5 Jazz; Warriors (4-1)
The Warriors’ smooth play provides sweet music for the viewers’ ears, as they triumph over the Jazz in all but one of the games.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Warriors vs. #5 Jazz; Warriors (4-1)
The Warriors shouldn’t have much troubling in reaching yet another Western Conference finals appearance.
Mike’s Pick: #1 Warriors vs. #5 Jazz; Warriors (4-2)
The French Rejection plays well against the cupcake Zaza but the Warriors shooting is too hot to handle.
Joshua’s Pick: #2 Spurs vs. #3 Rockets; Rockets (4-2)
James Harden advocates for his own MVP candidacy with a performance featuring defense to stun the Spurs. Despite the loss to the Rockets, Kawhi Leonard wins MVP in a landslide a couple of months later.
Justin’s Pick: #2 Spurs vs. #6 Thunder; Spurs (4-2)
Russell Westbrook meets the one coach capable of game planning an entire defense focused around stopping him, and the one team that can execute it. Gregg Popovich flashes a grin.
Mike’s Pick: #2 Spurs vs. #3 Rockets; Spurs (4-3)
Harden plays like himself through four, but Popp figures out how to beat him (with that beautiful mind of his) and the spurs storm back for down 3-1.
Conference Finals
Eastern Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #2 Cavaliers vs. #4 Wizards; Cavaliers (4-3)
In another close call, the Cavaliers best the Wizards in seven games. Kyrie “Uncle Drew” Irving forces John Wall to the injury report with a diagnosis of “shame” after he nastily crosses up Wall.
Justin’s Pick: #2 Cavaliers vs. #1 Celtics; Cavaliers (4-1)
Cleveland, finally playing up to their potential, shows Boston who the true #1 is in a largely uncompetitive five game series. If you come for the King, you best not miss.
Mike’s Pick: #3 Raptors vs. #1 Celtics; Celtics (4-2)
If last round belonged to Derozan, this one is all Bradley as he scores often, but actually plays defense @Harden, and propels them to the finals.
Western Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Warriors vs. #3 Rockets; Warriors (4-2)
To further boost his MVP case, James Harden volunteers to defend Steph Curry. After six games, the sheer level of embarrassment suffered makes Harden shave his beard.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Warriors vs. #3 Spurs; Spurs (4-3)
Stephen A. Smith claimed in September that the entire regular season was a meaningless sideshow in preparation for an inevitable Warriors-Cavaliers finals matchup. Stephen A. Smith has never been correct about anything. Defense wins (Western Conference) championships, and Gregg Popovich has a hearty chuckle.
Mike’s Pick: #1 Warriors vs. #2 Spurs; Warriors (4-3)
While Popp will get you going (obviously), Durant v Claw is REALLY gonna get you going, but in the end, no one will care about those two, they will care about Steph and Klay who devour Tony Parker and win the series.
Finals
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Warriors vs. #2 Cavaliers; Cavaliers (4-3)
By himself, LeBron James has as many championship rings as those of Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green combined. ‘Nuff said.
Justin’s Pick: #2 Cavaliers vs. #2 Spurs; Cavaliers (4-3)
In the battle of the two-seeds, the team with the King (and Kevin Love) comes out on top. Cleveland needs title production from somewhere, and it certainly isn’t coming from the Factory of Sadness. Gregg Popovich shrugs, and heads back to his underground bunker where he will hibernate for the next 4 months and maintain his “hipster woodsman” facial hair.
Mike’s Pick: #1 Celtics vs. #1 Warriors; Warriors (4-2)
Put Steph on a guy who physically incapable of playing defense, that’s going to go great for the Celtics.
References:
https://www.si.com/nba/2017/04/13/playoff-bracket-2017-matchups-schedule-first-round
http://www.sportslogos.net/logos/view/2985/_NBA_Playoffs/2004/Champion_Logo
Written by Joshua Miller
Saturday, April 15th, 2017
As the 71st NBA season transitions to the playoffs, intrigue and wonder is in the air. This season, fans were mesmerized by the performances of players such as Russell Westbrook, who astonishingly averaged a triple-double for the season. What has yet to be determined, however, is whether success in this year’s playoffs correlates with the flash and pomp displayed during the regular season. For instance, the defending champion Cavaliers stumbled to the finish line, yet are the favorites in the Eastern Conference to return to the NBA Finals. Regardless of the outcome, this year’s playoffs will be entertaining, as teams have scores to settle, expectations to fulfill, and dynasties to construct.
Expert Picks (Joshua Miller, Justin Korman, & Mike Hopp):
First Round
Eastern Conference
#1 Seeded Celtics vs. #8 Seeded Bulls
Joshua’s Pick: Celtics (4-2)
Jimmy Butler powers the Bulls to victory in a couple of games, but stopping Isaiah Thomas is a tall task.
Justin’s Pick: Celtics (4-1)
The Celtics bested Lebron James and the Cavs for the one seed in the Eastern Conference. Beating Chicago shouldn’t be an issue, especially with Isaiah Thomas on the floor.
Mike’s Pick: Celtics (4-1)
The Celtics defense is too much for the Bulls, even with Jimmy Buckets catching fire in the series.
#2 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #7 Seeded Pacers
Joshua’s Pick: Cavaliers (4-1)
An epic duel between star players ensues in this series between Kevin Love and Myles Turner (no, not LeBron James and Paul George), as the Cavs send the Pacers packing after 5 hotly contested games.
Justin’s Pick: Cavaliers (4-2)
The Cavaliers still can’t find a consistent rhythm, and that will give Paul George and the Pacers a fighting chance. However, even an out-of-rhythm Cleveland team is still dangerous, and they put this series to bed in six.
Mike’s Pick: Cavs (4-2)
Turner shows he can be a building block for Indiana while George and Lebron shut each other down. Love and Irving carry a sloppy Cavs team in six.
#3 Seeded Raptors vs. #6 Seeded Bucks
Joshua’s Pick: Raptors (4-1)
Canada > Greece. The Raptors defeat the Greek Freak and his Bucks in one of the least intriguing series of the first round.
Justin’s Pick: Raptors (4-2)
This series is not even remotely relevant in the grand scheme of the NBA playoffs. However, who doesn’t love to try to pronounce ‘Antetokounmpo.’
Mike’s Pick: Raptors (4-3)
Toronto struggles early in the series but is eventually able to contain the the GREEK FREAK and Derozan goes off to give the raptors the series.
#4 Seeded Wizards vs. #5 Seeded Hawks
Joshua’s Pick: Wizards (4-2)
John Wall and Bradley Beal take their stardom to new heights, averaging over 30 points per game in this series.
Justin’s Pick: Wizards (4-1)
Who knew Atlanta still had a basketball team without Al Horford? Regardless, this series is all about John Wall, who propels Washington to a first round victory.
Mike’s Pick: Wizards (4-2)
Otto Porter becomes a dangerous scorer as he, Wall and Beal combine to average 69 ppg in the series, their scoring carries Washington.
Western Conference
#1 Seeded Warriors vs. #8 Seeded Trail Blazers
Joshua’s Pick: Warriors (4-0)
Damian Lillard recently boldly declared that the Trail Blazers would beat the Warriors in 6 games. Not even close.
Justin’s Pick: Warriors (4-0)
Damian Lillard believes his team will win in six. Damian Lillard is not on the same team as Steph Curry and Kevin Durant. Damian Lillard is not a very smart man.
Mike’s Pick: Warriors (4-0)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA like this is going to be anything but getting to watch Steph destroy Dame (who is a dum dum)
#2 Seeded Spurs vs. #7 Seeded Grizzlies
Joshua’s Pick: Spurs (4-0)
In a battle of methodical, slow-paced teams, the Spurs plow over the Grizzlies, as Marc Gasol returns home screaming Spanish expletives.
Justin’s Pick: Spurs (4-0)
The Spurs continue their signature brand of basketball, which resembles less of a sport and more of a Mozart concerto. Gregg Popovich (almost) smiles.
Mike’s Pick: Spurs (4-1)
Does anything get you going more than Gregg Popovich? Didn’t think so, Spurs drop one, but the Klaw goes off.
#3 Seeded Rockets vs. #6 Seeded Thunder
Joshua’s Pick: Rockets (4-3)
Imagine if the Thunder retained James Harden and Kevin Durant. They would not only have three MVP candidates on their roster, but most likely multiple championships, as well. Aw shucks.
Justin’s Pick: Thunder (4-3)
James Harden says the MVP race should be about winning games, one category that he and the Rockets best Russell Westbrook in. However, when the playoffs start the records reset. And Russell Westbrook is an angry man.
Mike’s Pick: Rockets (4-3)
Can you smell what the (loser in the MVP race) is cooking? I can, as the rockets win, but Russ still averages a triple double for the series and makes this one, the most interesting of the first round.
#4 Seeded Clippers vs. #5 Seeded Jazz
Joshua’s Pick: Jazz (4-2)
Utah’s dynamic playmakers will prove too jazzy for the Clippers, who will choke in the playoffs once again. Rudy Gobert fries the Clippers in the same way that he makes his french fries.
Justin’s Pick: Jazz (4-2)
The Jazz have brought pride back to Utah that hasn’t been felt since Mormonism was in its heyday. Poor Clippers.
Mike’s Pick: Jazz (4-2)
The French Rejection and White Lebron ball out (as per usual) and the Clippers are still terrible in the postseason (as per usual)
Conference Semifinals
Eastern Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Celtics vs. #4 Wizards; Wizards (4-2)
After a successful regular season, the Wizards ball out in the playoffs, shocking the Celtics after six close games. Countering Isaiah Thomas’ scoring outbursts in the fourth quarter, John Wall goes ham with a dazzling array of poster dunks, crossovers, and alley-oops.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Celtics vs. #4 Wizards; Celtics (4-2)
Dueling point guards collide in this second round matchup, with Isaiah Thomas getting the best of John Wall in this electrifying series.
Mike’s Pick: #1 Celtics vs. #4 Wizards; Celtics (4-2)
In the highest scoring totals by point guards in the playoffs to this point, both Wall and Thomas have incredible games (as the other can’t play defense), but when it matters Isaiah is much in the clutch, and helps the Celtics win this one.
Joshua’s Pick: #2 Cavaliers vs. #3 Raptors; Cavaliers (4-3)
In an entertaining sequel to last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavaliers prevail over the Raptors to avoid major disappointment in the second round. LeBron James engenders jubilation in the city of Cleveland with a buzzer-beating jumper for the win in Game 7.
Justin’s Pick: #2 Cavaliers vs. #3 Raptors; Cavaliers (4-1)
The Cavaliers can’t stay cold forever, and this is where their season turns over a new leaf. The Raptors unfortunately happen to be on the wrong end of it, and the Cavs follow up a Game 1 loss with four straight victories. On to Boston.
Mike’s Pick: #2 Cavaliers vs. #3 Raptors; Raptors (4-3)
In the game of his life Derozan drops 65 on the Cavs in game seven, as the Raptors get revenge for last year. As the rapper Kyle said “I’m just like Derozan, if I shoot it it goes in”, that becomes very true in game seven.
Western Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Warriors vs. #5 Jazz; Warriors (4-1)
The Warriors’ smooth play provides sweet music for the viewers’ ears, as they triumph over the Jazz in all but one of the games.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Warriors vs. #5 Jazz; Warriors (4-1)
The Warriors shouldn’t have much troubling in reaching yet another Western Conference finals appearance.
Mike’s Pick: #1 Warriors vs. #5 Jazz; Warriors (4-2)
The French Rejection plays well against the cupcake Zaza but the Warriors shooting is too hot to handle.
Joshua’s Pick: #2 Spurs vs. #3 Rockets; Rockets (4-2)
James Harden advocates for his own MVP candidacy with a performance featuring defense to stun the Spurs. Despite the loss to the Rockets, Kawhi Leonard wins MVP in a landslide a couple of months later.
Justin’s Pick: #2 Spurs vs. #6 Thunder; Spurs (4-2)
Russell Westbrook meets the one coach capable of game planning an entire defense focused around stopping him, and the one team that can execute it. Gregg Popovich flashes a grin.
Mike’s Pick: #2 Spurs vs. #3 Rockets; Spurs (4-3)
Harden plays like himself through four, but Popp figures out how to beat him (with that beautiful mind of his) and the spurs storm back for down 3-1.
Conference Finals
Eastern Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #2 Cavaliers vs. #4 Wizards; Cavaliers (4-3)
In another close call, the Cavaliers best the Wizards in seven games. Kyrie “Uncle Drew” Irving forces John Wall to the injury report with a diagnosis of “shame” after he nastily crosses up Wall.
Justin’s Pick: #2 Cavaliers vs. #1 Celtics; Cavaliers (4-1)
Cleveland, finally playing up to their potential, shows Boston who the true #1 is in a largely uncompetitive five game series. If you come for the King, you best not miss.
Mike’s Pick: #3 Raptors vs. #1 Celtics; Celtics (4-2)
If last round belonged to Derozan, this one is all Bradley as he scores often, but actually plays defense @Harden, and propels them to the finals.
Western Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Warriors vs. #3 Rockets; Warriors (4-2)
To further boost his MVP case, James Harden volunteers to defend Steph Curry. After six games, the sheer level of embarrassment suffered makes Harden shave his beard.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Warriors vs. #3 Spurs; Spurs (4-3)
Stephen A. Smith claimed in September that the entire regular season was a meaningless sideshow in preparation for an inevitable Warriors-Cavaliers finals matchup. Stephen A. Smith has never been correct about anything. Defense wins (Western Conference) championships, and Gregg Popovich has a hearty chuckle.
Mike’s Pick: #1 Warriors vs. #2 Spurs; Warriors (4-3)
While Popp will get you going (obviously), Durant v Claw is REALLY gonna get you going, but in the end, no one will care about those two, they will care about Steph and Klay who devour Tony Parker and win the series.
Finals
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Warriors vs. #2 Cavaliers; Cavaliers (4-3)
By himself, LeBron James has as many championship rings as those of Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green combined. ‘Nuff said.
Justin’s Pick: #2 Cavaliers vs. #2 Spurs; Cavaliers (4-3)
In the battle of the two-seeds, the team with the King (and Kevin Love) comes out on top. Cleveland needs title production from somewhere, and it certainly isn’t coming from the Factory of Sadness. Gregg Popovich shrugs, and heads back to his underground bunker where he will hibernate for the next 4 months and maintain his “hipster woodsman” facial hair.
Mike’s Pick: #1 Celtics vs. #1 Warriors; Warriors (4-2)
Put Steph on a guy who physically incapable of playing defense, that’s going to go great for the Celtics.
References:
https://www.si.com/nba/2017/04/13/playoff-bracket-2017-matchups-schedule-first-round
http://www.sportslogos.net/logos/view/2985/_NBA_Playoffs/2004/Champion_Logo
Neon Ballerz Super Bowl 51 Picks
Written by Joshua Miller
Sunday, February 5th, 2017
Super Bowl 51 features a duel between the NFL's cream of the crop, the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. A trip to the Super Bowl is nothing new for the Tom Brady-led New England Patriots, having already played in the title game 7 times in the 21st century. In contrast, the Atlanta Falcons will be making just their second appearance in the Super Bowl. Despite their inexperience, the Falcons are a team to be reckoned with, boasting one of the league's best offenses and recently crowned NFL MVP Matt Ryan. While most people believe that the Patriots will triumph in tonight's game, the consensus in the Neon Ballerz organization seems to be a Falcons win. Shown below are various Neon Ballerz players' picks for Super Bowl 51.
Player: Jackson Harper
Game Prediction: Falcons 38 Patriots 31
Player: Mike Hopp
Game Prediction: Falcons 28 Patriots 24
Why do the falcons win? I got a math equation: Matty Ice + Julio = Tom Brady can suck it
Player: Justin Korman
Game Prediction: Falcons 31 Patriots 28
Two missed field goals by Stephen Gostkowski (including a game tying try from 51 yards as time expired) doom the Patriots, as the Falcons ride the momentum of four Matty Ice TD passes (two to Julio Jones) to a thrilling Super Bowl victory.
Player: Joshua Miller
Game Prediction: Falcons 30 Patriots 27
Matt Ryan demonstrates why he is the NFL MVP, throwing for two touchdowns and scrambling for another. In the meantime, Tom Brady's pregame warm-ups consist of deflating footballs in his secret underground lair.
Player: Oliver Rose
Game Prediction: Falcons 27 Patriots 7
References:
http://www.winonadailynews.com/sports/football/face-off-patriots-vs-falcons-by-the-numbers/article_d6e5bfc5-83d2-5f14-bc05-f5786ffd9a50.html
Written by Joshua Miller
Sunday, February 5th, 2017
Super Bowl 51 features a duel between the NFL's cream of the crop, the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. A trip to the Super Bowl is nothing new for the Tom Brady-led New England Patriots, having already played in the title game 7 times in the 21st century. In contrast, the Atlanta Falcons will be making just their second appearance in the Super Bowl. Despite their inexperience, the Falcons are a team to be reckoned with, boasting one of the league's best offenses and recently crowned NFL MVP Matt Ryan. While most people believe that the Patriots will triumph in tonight's game, the consensus in the Neon Ballerz organization seems to be a Falcons win. Shown below are various Neon Ballerz players' picks for Super Bowl 51.
Player: Jackson Harper
Game Prediction: Falcons 38 Patriots 31
Player: Mike Hopp
Game Prediction: Falcons 28 Patriots 24
Why do the falcons win? I got a math equation: Matty Ice + Julio = Tom Brady can suck it
Player: Justin Korman
Game Prediction: Falcons 31 Patriots 28
Two missed field goals by Stephen Gostkowski (including a game tying try from 51 yards as time expired) doom the Patriots, as the Falcons ride the momentum of four Matty Ice TD passes (two to Julio Jones) to a thrilling Super Bowl victory.
Player: Joshua Miller
Game Prediction: Falcons 30 Patriots 27
Matt Ryan demonstrates why he is the NFL MVP, throwing for two touchdowns and scrambling for another. In the meantime, Tom Brady's pregame warm-ups consist of deflating footballs in his secret underground lair.
Player: Oliver Rose
Game Prediction: Falcons 27 Patriots 7
References:
http://www.winonadailynews.com/sports/football/face-off-patriots-vs-falcons-by-the-numbers/article_d6e5bfc5-83d2-5f14-bc05-f5786ffd9a50.html
NBA Playoff Forecast
Written by Joshua Miller
Sunday, April 17th, 2016
Written by Joshua Miller
Sunday, April 17th, 2016
After an exciting ending to the NBA regular season, in which Kobe Bryant went bonkers in his final game for 60 points, the Golden State Warriors clinched the best regular-season record in NBA history, and the Boston Celtics came back from a 26 point deficit, the NBA playoffs are already under way. Who will win the championship this year? Will Golden State top off a legendary season with a dominating playoff run? Will the Spurs, Thunder, or Cavaliers — three very capable and frightening teams spoil the Warriors’ party? Or perhaps this is the year of an underdog — maybe a lower seed will surprise early and pave a successful path culminating in a championship. Find out which of the possibilities are most likely to occur by reading the following predictions made by three NBA experts from the Neon Ballerz as of April 15th, 2016. Below are the predictions of Mike Hopp, Justin Korman, and Joshua Miller.
First Round
Eastern Conference
#1 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #8 Seeded Pistons
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Seeded Cavaliers advance 4-0
The Big Three of the Cavaliers will struggle to develop chemistry and Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson will shine, but the star power and sheer talent of the supporting cast will overwhelm Detroit.
Justin’s Pick: Cavs (4-0)
The real GOAT proves too much for the lowly Pistons. Kevin Love cannot be stopped.
Mike’s Pick: Cavs (4-1)
Double double animal Drummond can’t stop all that North Cuban magic. Lebron also breaks his shin Kevin ware style
#2 Seeded Raptors vs. #7 Seeded Pacers
Joshua’s Pick: #2 Seeded Raptors advance 4-2
All six games will come down to the wire and Pacers star Paul George will take over, but the Raptors two-faced monstrous attack of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan will be too much for the young Pacers to handle.
Justin’s Pick: Raptors (4-3)
PG-13 gets this series to seven, but the Raptors turn this series R-rated.
Mike’s Pick: Raptors (4-2)
#WETHENORTH (JK) but Lowry is a baller
#3 Seeded Heat vs. #6 Seeded Hornets
Joshua’s Pick: #3 Seeded Heat advance 4-3
The upstarts from Charlotte will have to endure some intense heat in this series. In spite of this, Kemba Walker, jack-of-all-trades Marvin Williams, and Nicolas Batum will put up a fight until the end and almost manage to turn the Heat cold. After the series, Heat fans rejoice and prepare a #WeTheSouth chant to combat the #WeTheNorth chant of their next opponent, the Raptors.
Justin’s Pick: Miami (4-2)
Pitbull sums it up best: "Miami."
Mike’s Pick: Hornets in 7
Simply as i can put it LINSANITY GOES LINSANE ONE MORE TIME
#4 Seeded Hawks vs. #5 Seeded Celtics
Joshua’s Pick: #5 Seeded Celtics advance 4-2
Boston’s lockdown defense will effectively shut down three-point cheeser Kyle Korver and force the Hawks into panic, and ultimately, defeat.
Justin’s Pick: Celtics (4-2)
13-year old coach Brad Stevens is staying up waaay past his bedtime.
Mike’s Pick: Celtics (4-3)
If you can beat the warriors u sure as hell can beat the horford lead Hawks. But still squwaaaaaa
Western Conference
#1 Seeded Warriors vs. #8 Seeded Rockets
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Seeded Warriors advance 4-0
What happens when the laziest defender in the NBA meets a star-studded duo of three-point assassins? Only one thing: SPLASH. Houston, you’ve got a problem, prepare to open the floodgates.
Justin’s Pick: Warriors (4-2)
James Harden's All-Pro defense keeps the Rockets in this. Just kidding.
Mike’s Pick: Warriors 4-0
The baby faced assassin meets the worst defender in the NBA besides okafor. This rocket blows up before it lifts off.
#2 Seeded Spurs vs. #7 Seeded Grizzlies
Joshua’s Pick: #2 Seeded Spurs advance 4-0
Unfortunately, Lance “Will Make ‘Em Dance” Stephenson will not be dancing too happily after this series. The Spurs will dissect the Grizzlies at ease and send the Grizzlies’ makeshift rotation of nomadic players back to the D-League.
Justin’s Pick: Spurs (4-2)
The Spurs starting lineup, with a combined age of 1,200 years old, turns back the clock.
Mike’s Pick: Spurs (N/A Series Score)
Even though all of the spurs should be in a retirement home, all of the grizzlies are in the ER and the spurs win a battle of the old vs. wounded
#3 Seeded Thunder vs. #6 Seeded Mavericks
Joshua’s Pick: #3 Seeded Thunder advance 4-1
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will unleash their anger on the poor Mavericks and win the series. Dirk Nowitzki will put the young Thunder frontcourt to school with a plethora of post fadeaways, but the Thunder will take the first round by storm.
Justin’s Pick: Thunder (4-1)
Not even Dirk Nowitzki's 99 rated fadeaway 3-point shooting can save the Mavs now.
Mike’s Pick: Thunder (4-0)
Duh, Westbrook will have as many triple doubles as games.
#4 Seeded Clippers vs. #5 Seeded Trail Blazers
Joshua’s Pick: #4 Seeded Clippers advance 4-3
The return of Blake Griffin, coupled with home-court advantage, will allow the Clippers to prevail in 7 games. Most importantly though, as Justin states, the Trail Blazers are still mourning the loss of Tim Frazier, and his absence will drive Portland to a tragic defeat.
Justin’s Pick: Clippers (4-2)
The Blazers, without recently released NBA MVP Tim Frazier, don't deserve to win this series.
Mike’s Pick: Blazers (4-3)
Suck it Doc
Conference Semi-Finals
Eastern Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #5 Seeded Celtics; Cavaliers advance 4-2
The Cavaliers thwart the Celtics for the second year in a row in the playoffs as Cleveland’s offensive talent trumps Boston’s stifling defense.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #5 Seeded Celtics; Cavaliers (4-3)
The best C-team in the East is crowned.
Mike’s Pick: #1 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #5 Seeded Celtics; Cavaliers advance; Series Score N/A
Joshua’s Pick: #2 Seeded Raptors vs. #3 Seeded Heat; Raptors advance 4-3
Consecutive early playoff exits the past two years and mounting pressure from the fan base to succeed does not intimidate Toronto as Raptor-killer Joe Johnson and the Miami Heat choke in Game 7 amid a rowdy, bustling crowd at the Air Canada Centre.
Justin’s Pick: #2 Seeded Raptors vs. #3 Seeded Heat; Heat (4-2)
Hassan Whiteside once again drastically improves his 2K rating.
Mike’s Pick: #2 Seeded Raptors vs. #6 Seeded Hornets; Raptors advance; Series Score N/A
Western Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Seeded Warriors vs. #4 Seeded Clippers; Warriors advance 4-1
Draymond Green K.O.s Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (who participates in intense regular boxing matches with his equipment manager) in the form of stellar defense. Meanwhile, Lob City turns into Splash City to the anticipation of Kobe Bryant, who maniacally cackles while celebrating the Lakers’ continued dominance and repression of the Clippers in regards to the city of Los Angeles and its fan base.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Seeded Warriors vs. #4 Seeded Clippers; Warriors advance 4-1
Poor Clippers.
Mike’s Pick: Warriors vs. Trail Blazers; Warriors advance 4-0
Curry and Co blaze a trail right through portland and curry goes for 23.4 ppg
Joshua’s Pick: #2 Seeded Spurs vs. #3 Seeded Thunder; Spurs advance 4-3
“Salty” Supersonics fans, staying true to their sense of loathing of their former team, cheer on the ageless wonder Tim Duncan, the Serbian Bigfoot Boban Marjanovic, and Boris “Fluffy French Toast” Diaw, and the rest of the selfless Spurs. In this series, which has developed into a rivalry over the past few years, the slogan “sharing is caring” will top “starpower” en route to a San Antonio victory in a Game 7 thriller.
Justin’s Pick: #2 Seeded Spurs vs. #3 Seeded Thunder; Spurs advance 4-2
Assuming Tim Duncan is still living at this point.
Mike’s Pick: Spurs vs. Thunder (Spurs 4-3)
The ageless wonders known as the spurs win a balls to the wall series, and everyone gets their wish, warriors spurs. Ultimately, timmy duncan resurrects to drop 19.7 a game and 8.9 boards while holding durant and co to under 74 a game. Thrilling, hard fought, gritty series and ultimately, Pop comes out on top
Conference Finals
Eastern Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #2 Seeded Raptors; Cavaliers advance 4-2
Despite spirited and determined play by the Raptors in each of the games, momentum barely manages to sway towards the Cavaliers’ side in the majority of the games. After the game, LeBron James promises the winning of an NBA title to the city of Cleveland and then subsequently attends a sleepover at best friend Johnny Manziel’s trashed apartment.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #3 Seeded Heat; Cavaliers advance 4-0
Lebron take his talents BACK to South Beach...temporarily.
Mike’s Pick: Cavs vs. Raptors; Raptors (4-3)
The cavs r tired shouldering the team without shinless lebron. Lowry hits a deep buzzerbeater and sadly, Canada once again beats america and will face the western champ in the finals.
Western Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Seeded Warriors vs. #2 Seeded Spurs; Warriors advance 4-3
Offensive stagnation plagues the Spurs and prevents them from exercising a dominant attack against the Warriors. Steph Curry averages more than 35 PPG in the series and hits two game-winners in San Antonio, much to the dismay of Ted Cruz and other Spurs fans. After the culmination of the series, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Gregg Popovich all ride off into the sunset, thus forming a new “Big 3” for next year: Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Boban “Has No Vertical, But Dunks Effortlessly” Marjanovic.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Seeded Warriors vs. #2 Seeded Spurs; Spurs advance 4-2
Sit down, young bloods.
Mike’s Pick: Warriors vs. Spurs; Warriors (4-2)
This will be a brawl, but the youth proves too strong and too healthy for the tired and old spurs. Kawaii puts up a fight but you never get a break and literally half the spurs line up fought in ww2.
Finals
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Seeded Warriors vs. #1 Seeded Cavaliers; Warriors win 4-3
The Cavaliers’ ineffective play in the regular season carries over to the Finals as LeBron James is forced to essentially carry the team on the back. Over the course of the series, LeBron James sets historic marks by averaging a triple-double. However, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love each average less than 15 PPG in the series. In contrast to the Cavaliers, the Warriors run a balanced attack as Stephen Curry maintains his command of the NBA. In the deciding Game 7 at Oracle, the LeBron James kid is chosen to recite the national anthem for some reason. In between verses, loud utterances of “LEBRAAAWN JAYMES” are audible. Instead of motivating the Cavaliers, this distracts them and leads to a Warriors victory. Chef Curry cooks up some gourmet San Franciscan Curry.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #2 Seeded Spurs; Cavaliers win 4-2
The Browns aren't the first pro sports team to bring a championship back to Cleveland. Shocker.
Mike’s Pick: Warriors vs. Raptors; Warriors (4-2)
This series is lopsided and not what people expected after a crazy playoff year. Raptors just are overpowered and the warriors win another title. (Shocker)
References:
http://coed.com/2016/04/15/nba-playoff-bracket-schedule-date-game-times-postseason-seeds-matchups/
First Round
Eastern Conference
#1 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #8 Seeded Pistons
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Seeded Cavaliers advance 4-0
The Big Three of the Cavaliers will struggle to develop chemistry and Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson will shine, but the star power and sheer talent of the supporting cast will overwhelm Detroit.
Justin’s Pick: Cavs (4-0)
The real GOAT proves too much for the lowly Pistons. Kevin Love cannot be stopped.
Mike’s Pick: Cavs (4-1)
Double double animal Drummond can’t stop all that North Cuban magic. Lebron also breaks his shin Kevin ware style
#2 Seeded Raptors vs. #7 Seeded Pacers
Joshua’s Pick: #2 Seeded Raptors advance 4-2
All six games will come down to the wire and Pacers star Paul George will take over, but the Raptors two-faced monstrous attack of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan will be too much for the young Pacers to handle.
Justin’s Pick: Raptors (4-3)
PG-13 gets this series to seven, but the Raptors turn this series R-rated.
Mike’s Pick: Raptors (4-2)
#WETHENORTH (JK) but Lowry is a baller
#3 Seeded Heat vs. #6 Seeded Hornets
Joshua’s Pick: #3 Seeded Heat advance 4-3
The upstarts from Charlotte will have to endure some intense heat in this series. In spite of this, Kemba Walker, jack-of-all-trades Marvin Williams, and Nicolas Batum will put up a fight until the end and almost manage to turn the Heat cold. After the series, Heat fans rejoice and prepare a #WeTheSouth chant to combat the #WeTheNorth chant of their next opponent, the Raptors.
Justin’s Pick: Miami (4-2)
Pitbull sums it up best: "Miami."
Mike’s Pick: Hornets in 7
Simply as i can put it LINSANITY GOES LINSANE ONE MORE TIME
#4 Seeded Hawks vs. #5 Seeded Celtics
Joshua’s Pick: #5 Seeded Celtics advance 4-2
Boston’s lockdown defense will effectively shut down three-point cheeser Kyle Korver and force the Hawks into panic, and ultimately, defeat.
Justin’s Pick: Celtics (4-2)
13-year old coach Brad Stevens is staying up waaay past his bedtime.
Mike’s Pick: Celtics (4-3)
If you can beat the warriors u sure as hell can beat the horford lead Hawks. But still squwaaaaaa
Western Conference
#1 Seeded Warriors vs. #8 Seeded Rockets
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Seeded Warriors advance 4-0
What happens when the laziest defender in the NBA meets a star-studded duo of three-point assassins? Only one thing: SPLASH. Houston, you’ve got a problem, prepare to open the floodgates.
Justin’s Pick: Warriors (4-2)
James Harden's All-Pro defense keeps the Rockets in this. Just kidding.
Mike’s Pick: Warriors 4-0
The baby faced assassin meets the worst defender in the NBA besides okafor. This rocket blows up before it lifts off.
#2 Seeded Spurs vs. #7 Seeded Grizzlies
Joshua’s Pick: #2 Seeded Spurs advance 4-0
Unfortunately, Lance “Will Make ‘Em Dance” Stephenson will not be dancing too happily after this series. The Spurs will dissect the Grizzlies at ease and send the Grizzlies’ makeshift rotation of nomadic players back to the D-League.
Justin’s Pick: Spurs (4-2)
The Spurs starting lineup, with a combined age of 1,200 years old, turns back the clock.
Mike’s Pick: Spurs (N/A Series Score)
Even though all of the spurs should be in a retirement home, all of the grizzlies are in the ER and the spurs win a battle of the old vs. wounded
#3 Seeded Thunder vs. #6 Seeded Mavericks
Joshua’s Pick: #3 Seeded Thunder advance 4-1
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will unleash their anger on the poor Mavericks and win the series. Dirk Nowitzki will put the young Thunder frontcourt to school with a plethora of post fadeaways, but the Thunder will take the first round by storm.
Justin’s Pick: Thunder (4-1)
Not even Dirk Nowitzki's 99 rated fadeaway 3-point shooting can save the Mavs now.
Mike’s Pick: Thunder (4-0)
Duh, Westbrook will have as many triple doubles as games.
#4 Seeded Clippers vs. #5 Seeded Trail Blazers
Joshua’s Pick: #4 Seeded Clippers advance 4-3
The return of Blake Griffin, coupled with home-court advantage, will allow the Clippers to prevail in 7 games. Most importantly though, as Justin states, the Trail Blazers are still mourning the loss of Tim Frazier, and his absence will drive Portland to a tragic defeat.
Justin’s Pick: Clippers (4-2)
The Blazers, without recently released NBA MVP Tim Frazier, don't deserve to win this series.
Mike’s Pick: Blazers (4-3)
Suck it Doc
Conference Semi-Finals
Eastern Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #5 Seeded Celtics; Cavaliers advance 4-2
The Cavaliers thwart the Celtics for the second year in a row in the playoffs as Cleveland’s offensive talent trumps Boston’s stifling defense.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #5 Seeded Celtics; Cavaliers (4-3)
The best C-team in the East is crowned.
Mike’s Pick: #1 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #5 Seeded Celtics; Cavaliers advance; Series Score N/A
Joshua’s Pick: #2 Seeded Raptors vs. #3 Seeded Heat; Raptors advance 4-3
Consecutive early playoff exits the past two years and mounting pressure from the fan base to succeed does not intimidate Toronto as Raptor-killer Joe Johnson and the Miami Heat choke in Game 7 amid a rowdy, bustling crowd at the Air Canada Centre.
Justin’s Pick: #2 Seeded Raptors vs. #3 Seeded Heat; Heat (4-2)
Hassan Whiteside once again drastically improves his 2K rating.
Mike’s Pick: #2 Seeded Raptors vs. #6 Seeded Hornets; Raptors advance; Series Score N/A
Western Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Seeded Warriors vs. #4 Seeded Clippers; Warriors advance 4-1
Draymond Green K.O.s Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (who participates in intense regular boxing matches with his equipment manager) in the form of stellar defense. Meanwhile, Lob City turns into Splash City to the anticipation of Kobe Bryant, who maniacally cackles while celebrating the Lakers’ continued dominance and repression of the Clippers in regards to the city of Los Angeles and its fan base.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Seeded Warriors vs. #4 Seeded Clippers; Warriors advance 4-1
Poor Clippers.
Mike’s Pick: Warriors vs. Trail Blazers; Warriors advance 4-0
Curry and Co blaze a trail right through portland and curry goes for 23.4 ppg
Joshua’s Pick: #2 Seeded Spurs vs. #3 Seeded Thunder; Spurs advance 4-3
“Salty” Supersonics fans, staying true to their sense of loathing of their former team, cheer on the ageless wonder Tim Duncan, the Serbian Bigfoot Boban Marjanovic, and Boris “Fluffy French Toast” Diaw, and the rest of the selfless Spurs. In this series, which has developed into a rivalry over the past few years, the slogan “sharing is caring” will top “starpower” en route to a San Antonio victory in a Game 7 thriller.
Justin’s Pick: #2 Seeded Spurs vs. #3 Seeded Thunder; Spurs advance 4-2
Assuming Tim Duncan is still living at this point.
Mike’s Pick: Spurs vs. Thunder (Spurs 4-3)
The ageless wonders known as the spurs win a balls to the wall series, and everyone gets their wish, warriors spurs. Ultimately, timmy duncan resurrects to drop 19.7 a game and 8.9 boards while holding durant and co to under 74 a game. Thrilling, hard fought, gritty series and ultimately, Pop comes out on top
Conference Finals
Eastern Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #2 Seeded Raptors; Cavaliers advance 4-2
Despite spirited and determined play by the Raptors in each of the games, momentum barely manages to sway towards the Cavaliers’ side in the majority of the games. After the game, LeBron James promises the winning of an NBA title to the city of Cleveland and then subsequently attends a sleepover at best friend Johnny Manziel’s trashed apartment.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #3 Seeded Heat; Cavaliers advance 4-0
Lebron take his talents BACK to South Beach...temporarily.
Mike’s Pick: Cavs vs. Raptors; Raptors (4-3)
The cavs r tired shouldering the team without shinless lebron. Lowry hits a deep buzzerbeater and sadly, Canada once again beats america and will face the western champ in the finals.
Western Conference
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Seeded Warriors vs. #2 Seeded Spurs; Warriors advance 4-3
Offensive stagnation plagues the Spurs and prevents them from exercising a dominant attack against the Warriors. Steph Curry averages more than 35 PPG in the series and hits two game-winners in San Antonio, much to the dismay of Ted Cruz and other Spurs fans. After the culmination of the series, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Gregg Popovich all ride off into the sunset, thus forming a new “Big 3” for next year: Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Boban “Has No Vertical, But Dunks Effortlessly” Marjanovic.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Seeded Warriors vs. #2 Seeded Spurs; Spurs advance 4-2
Sit down, young bloods.
Mike’s Pick: Warriors vs. Spurs; Warriors (4-2)
This will be a brawl, but the youth proves too strong and too healthy for the tired and old spurs. Kawaii puts up a fight but you never get a break and literally half the spurs line up fought in ww2.
Finals
Joshua’s Pick: #1 Seeded Warriors vs. #1 Seeded Cavaliers; Warriors win 4-3
The Cavaliers’ ineffective play in the regular season carries over to the Finals as LeBron James is forced to essentially carry the team on the back. Over the course of the series, LeBron James sets historic marks by averaging a triple-double. However, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love each average less than 15 PPG in the series. In contrast to the Cavaliers, the Warriors run a balanced attack as Stephen Curry maintains his command of the NBA. In the deciding Game 7 at Oracle, the LeBron James kid is chosen to recite the national anthem for some reason. In between verses, loud utterances of “LEBRAAAWN JAYMES” are audible. Instead of motivating the Cavaliers, this distracts them and leads to a Warriors victory. Chef Curry cooks up some gourmet San Franciscan Curry.
Justin’s Pick: #1 Seeded Cavaliers vs. #2 Seeded Spurs; Cavaliers win 4-2
The Browns aren't the first pro sports team to bring a championship back to Cleveland. Shocker.
Mike’s Pick: Warriors vs. Raptors; Warriors (4-2)
This series is lopsided and not what people expected after a crazy playoff year. Raptors just are overpowered and the warriors win another title. (Shocker)
References:
http://coed.com/2016/04/15/nba-playoff-bracket-schedule-date-game-times-postseason-seeds-matchups/
Super Bowl 50 Preview
Written by Joshua Miller
Saturday, February 6th, 2016
The milestone Super Bowl 50 battle pits two incredible clubs against each other. The NFC champion Carolina Panthers (15-1 in the regular season) are led by Cam "Superman" Newton and a stellar defense that racked up an NFL-leading 24 interceptions in the regular season and that was the 6th best defense in terms of both scoring and yardage. Lockdown cornerback Josh Norman (4 interceptions in the regular season) allows Carolina's pass rush to be successful and creates opportunities for turnovers (Safety Kurt Coleman had 7 interceptions in the regular season) by blanketing opposing receivers. Surprisingly, Carolina also finished the year with the most points scored in the NFL with 31.2 PPG in spite of a lack of quality wide receivers besides tight end Greg Olsen and a slightly above average running back in Jonathan Stewart.
On the other side, the AFC champion Denver Broncos (12-4) are not too shabby either. Their season's tale was inscribed into destiny, as a successful and exciting playoff run propelled them to the Super Bowl in what certainly could be legendary quarterback Peyton Manning's last season. Despite all of the success that Manning has experienced throughout his career, this season has been a relative nightmare for him. He started out the year throwing more picks than touchdowns, but after his return from a mid-season injury, Manning has rebounded quite nicely. The Broncos' offense is still potent with threats on the outside, such as Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, along with running back C.J. Anderson grinding up the interior, but Denver's real strength is its defense. Led by linebacker Von Miller (11.0 sacks in the regular season), defensive tackle Malik Jackson, and cornerbacks Chris Harris and Aqib Talib, Denver was the stingiest defense in terms of yardage allowed and the 4th best squad in terms of scoring defense during the regular season.
As of Saturday afternoon, the Carolina Panthers are favored in the Super Bowl by six points. After all, Carolina only lost one game all season (with a score differential of just 7 points) while the Broncos were inconsistent all season and posted an average point differential of 3.7 points per game, which was worse than the New York Jets (who missed the playoffs). So, for Denver to win, first and foremost, the offensive flow must click right away; the offense must not stall with frequency. Peyton Manning must have an above-average game and the running game must somewhat work in order to open up the offense. The Broncos must also prevent an early dominating run from the Panthers because the Panthers won both their conference championship and divisional games using significant early runs. The defense must also hold the Panthers to under 25 points most likely. In order for the Panthers to win, star quarterback Cam Newton must have another decent, if not great game. The entire offense revolves around Newton, so if Newton struggles, the Denver defense will be able to key in on running back Jonathan Stewart, wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. and tight end Greg Olsen. If the Panthers hold Denver under 20 points, a Carolina win will be very likely. In this match-up, a defensive slugfest most likely slightly favors Denver and an average scoring game most likely favors Carolina by a slim margin while an offensive shootout most likely is a toss-up. Whichever team wins, the game should be a thriller and instant classic.
Here are the Super Bowl 50 picks and preferences of some Neon Ballerz players:
Player: Owen Burkett
Game Prediction: Panthers 3 Broncos 2
Game Preference: Panthers
Player: Jackson Harper
Game Prediction: Panthers 38 Broncos 21
Game Preference: Broncos
Player: Mike Hopp
Game Prediction: Panthers 38 Broncos 24
Game Preference: Panthers
Player: Justin Korman
Game Prediction: Broncos 27 Panthers 24
Game Preference: Broncos
Player: Joshua Miller
Game Prediction: Panthers 30 Broncos 23
Game Preference: Broncos
Player: Oliver Rose
Game Prediction: Broncos 21 Panthers 20
Game Preference: Broncos
The above list contains the verdict from Neon Ballerz headquarters. The Panthers are given the nod by 4 players while the Broncos are backed up by 2 players. Whichever way the game ends, expect a fantastic match.
4 2
References:
http://www.nfl.com/stats/team
http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/den/denver-broncos
http://espn.go.com/nfl/standings/_/sort/differential/group/league
http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/super-bowl-50-cam-newton-peyton-manning-panthers-broncos-tale-of-tape-020316
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X-A4Fp7eE4
http://www.nfl.com/stats/team
http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/den/denver-broncos
http://espn.go.com/nfl/standings/_/sort/differential/group/league
http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/super-bowl-50-cam-newton-peyton-manning-panthers-broncos-tale-of-tape-020316
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X-A4Fp7eE4