Buster's Second Round Recap

The second round of the NBA playoffs have officially ended. Some people are very happy with the results, others (us Thunder fans) are not! Two out of the four series ended in upsets, although many people predicted them to happen. Take a look at how the second round went.

Eastern Conference:
#1 Miami vs. #5 Chicago (Heat in 5)
Miami handled this series just as everyone thought. I personally thought the series would go to seven. After Chicago stumped Miami in the first game I thought maybe the world was wrong. Miami came out agressive and focused for the next four games. Miami has now won four straight games twice in two years. They won four in a row last year after losing to the Thunder in game 1 of the Finals, and four games in a row this year after losing game 1 to the Bulls. They may have the best player in the world on their team (and every NBA official) but this will be their last series to win this season. The Heat averaged 97.4 points per game in this series.

#2 New York vs. #3 Indiana (Pacers in 6)
I love it when I am right! Indiana took a quick 3-1 lead in this series that looked as if they weren't gonna lose another game. Carmelo Anthony and JR Smith were no match for George Hill and David West as they won this series in game six. I again predicted this series to go to game 7, but I am completely happy with the outcome of this series. The Pacers are a team that could have beaten Miami at this time last year, but lost due to their inexperience and the lack of a solid big man. This team now has both, and with David West joining the roster they are ready to take on the defending champions. The Pacers averaged a low 89.5 points per game in this series.

I went a solid 2-0 in the East! Now lets take a look at how I did in the West...

Western Conference:
#1 Oklahoma City vs. #5 Memphis (Grizzles in 5)
This is one of those ones where I was right, but I am very sad that I predicted it right. I did pick them to beat the Thunder in game 7, but Memphis only needed five to send us on vacation. I am okay with losing to the Grizzlies. They will be in the Finals, and have the best chance of bringing a title home to the West. With the loss of Russell Westbrook and the poor play of all of our big men (not just Kendrick Perkins) we stood no chance against Mike Conley and the big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. They were way to physical for us inside and on the defensive side of the ball. Say what you want, but the Thunder got straight up out played and out hustled. The Grizzlies averaged 93.6 points per game in this series.

#2 San Antonio vs. #6 Golden State (Spurs in 6)
This was the only series that I did not pick correctly. Golden State gave the Spurs all they wanted and more. No doubt in my mind that if David Lee is healthy and playing that the Warriors win this series or at least send it to game 7. San Antonio slipped through this series do to their excellent shooting and experience. The big question is, can they keep this going now that they are tired? I'm not completely sure they can, but I am terrified to doubt them. When you have the best power forward of all time and the most points scored in the playoffs by a point guard on your team it is hard to pick against them. The Spurs averaged the most points in the second round with 102 per game!

I went 1-1 in the West, leaving my total at three out of four. CMan beat me again this round, but I will see if I can get him in the Conference Finals!

Buster's NBA Playoff Second Round Matchups and Predictions

The first round went pretty much as expected with the exception of two games. But who really thought that Golden State would come back on Denver, and that Blake Griffin and the Clippers would be out coached and not physical enough. The first round is all about craziness. Now that things are a little more serious, lets see how I can do on the second round predictions. Lets start with the East and save the conference everyone really cares about for last.

Eastern Conference:

#1 Miami vs. #5 Chicago
Being rested up and 100% is one of the most important parts of being successful in the playoffs. Miami is well rested after the sweep of the Bucks. Chicago however, will be winded considering they just closed out a seven game series against Brooklyn yesterday. This series may be more about the return of Derrick Rose, rather than how this series actually plays out. Even with the return of D Rose, the Bulls cannot hang with the Heat for seven games. Rose will not be in game shape, nor is he likely to be feeling 100% if he does get a few minutes here and there in this series. Chicago will give Miami all they want, but in the long run they are no match for the defense and explosive offense of Miami. Miami wins this series 4-2.

#2 New York vs. #3 Indiana
This series is the one to watch for this second round if you ask me. I strongly believe the winner of this series will beat Miami. Indiana was an outstanding team last year who barely lost to the Heat in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. They are eager to make it past this round of the tournament, and I think they will do so. As my buddy CMan mentioned Carmelo Anthony is having shoulder problems, and with JR Smith you never know what you are gonna get. One night he comes off the bench and shoots 50% for 19 points and the next he is shooting 21%. This is a series that very well could be finished in just five games. But having the scoring champion and the sixth man of the year will buy the Knicks two, maybe three games. The Pacers win this series 4-3

Western Conference:
#1 Oklahoma City vs. #5 Memphis
I have been dreading writing about this series ever since I found out we would be playing the Grizzlies. It is gonna come down to who I think will win this series, and who I want to win this series. Everything in me wants me to pick the Thunder to win this series, but Memphis is just too quick and physical on the inside. Without the offensive explosiveness of Russell Westbrook I think the Thunder will struggle to score against Tony Allen and the defensive player of the year Marc Gasol. Can the Thunder win this series? Absolutely, and I will be pulling for them as hard as I possibly can. Reggie Jackson will need to continue his play, while Nick Collison gets more minutes off the bench. Kevin Martin is going to have to step up like he did in game 6 against Houston, and Kendrick Perkins is going to have to shut down Zach Randolph on the defensive side of the ball. This series could go either way, but I think the Grizzlies win 4-3.(I hope I am wrong!)

#2 San Antonio vs. #6 Golden State
This is really going to be a fun series to watch! The slow and fundamental play of the Spurs, against the fast pace offense of the Warriors. I think that Golden State will win this series if they play their best possible basketball (I know, I know, I picked two upsets in the West). The question will be if they can play their best possible basketball and shut down Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. Golden State averaged more points than anyone in the playoffs last round with 107.2 points per game. I really do not think that the Spurs can slow them down, or put up the amount of points that Golden State will. Again I am picking a seven game series, Golden State wins 4-3.

There it is, my second round predictions! Make sure you give us a follow on the top right side of the blog so you never miss any of the action! Keep checking in throughout the second round to see how we did on our predictions!

CMan's NBA Playoff Second Round Matchups and Predictions

The second round in the East looks like I thought it would. The West is another story. This could get interesting as several key players remain out and others return. There is even a rumor that Derrick Rose might suit up in Chicago..we will see.

Now my predictions for the second round.

Eastern Conference:

#1 Miami vs #5 Chicago

The Bulls gutted out a 7 game win over the Nets in Brooklyn, the Heat burned past a Bucks team that should have started summer vacation two weeks ago. The Heat are rested and ready to play, the Bulls are tired but battle tested. I think Chicago will test Miami but I don't think they have enough left in the tank to out last them in 7 games, even with Derrick Rose in uniform. The Bulls are resilient, especially in the post season, but the Heat are too strong and in the end, should close out Chicago 4-2.

#2 New York vs #3 Indiana

This should be an entertaining series. The Pacers toyed with the Hawks and finished the series when they decided too. The Knicks have home court in this series but they struggled at times with a very old Celtics team. Carmelo is having shoulder problems and you never know which JR Smith will show up. If the Pacers can steal one of the first two games in New York then they should have enough to turn the series in their favor and win it in 6. if they don't it should be a 7 game series. Either way, I like Indiana to win, 4-2.

Western Conference:

#1 Oklahoma City vs #5Memphis

This is why you play for home court advantage. The Thunder lost 2 of 3 to the Grizzlies in the regular season. Two of those games were in OKC. Memphis is a scary team and they play angry. The Thunder are a finesse team, playing without their most dynamic player, Russell Westbrook. Both teams played last night and have little time to prepare for each other. I don't know who has the prep advantage at this point, but I do know it's going to take a team effort to win by the Thunder. Reggie Jackson has played well in the absence of Westbrook but the rest of the starters are still feeling their way. The reserves are the ace in the hole for OKC, they are still pretty much intact and, if Derek Fisher continues to play like he did last night, the Thunder have a fighting chance. It will be a long and hard series but if OKC can play 4 games at the level they did against Houston in game six, they should come out on top. They are the better team. Thunder win, ugly, 4-3.

#2 San Antonio vs #6 Golden State

The Spurs come in well rested, the Warriors come in with a ton of confidence. This is the old Spurs against the New kids on the block. No one gave them a shot against the Nuggets and few will give them a chance against the Spurs. If the Warriors shooters get hot this could be a long series. If they can steal a game early in San Antonio they will have a chance, however, these are still the Spurs and they still have Duncan, Ginobli and Parker and as long as "Pop" is drawing up plays, I can't bet against them. Spurs win, 4-2.

There you have it good people. Good luck to all the teams! Check back after round two and we will get you prepped for the Conference finals.

For Buster.

CMan's NBA Playoff First Round Matchups and Predictions

It's Playoff time again in the NBA! Welcome to the longest and most drawn out playoff format in professional sports. But, it's why they play the regular season.

I am going to do a quick breakdown of the first round match ups with predictions. Buster and I will be going head to head throughout the playoffs. May the best (or luckiest) man win.

To keep you interested, I am going to start in the East. This should force you to read all match ups until I get to the one everybody is waiting for, The Oklahoma City Thunder.

Here we go;

THE EASTERN CONFERENCE:

#1 Miami (66-16)  vs #8 Milwaukee (34-44)

 To begin with, any team that can't play .500 basketball during the regular season shouldn't qualify for the playoffs. But, we don't make the rules and they do need 8 teams to be fair. On the other hand, if the Heat were given a bye in this round, the results would be the same. The Bucks are a scrappy team but the Heat will want to take advantage of extra rest by sending the Bucks fishing early. Miami wins in a sweep, 4-0.

#2 New York (54-28) vs #7 Boston (41-40)

The Celtics have an emotional edge in this first round match up. The Boston marathon bombings are fresh in the minds of every American and the loss of Rajon Rondo for the season spurred Boston to pretty decent play in his absence. However, the emotion of recent events will probably only last until the tip-off of game 3 in The Garden, and maybe not even then if the Celtics limp in 0-2. Carmelo Anthony proved in the last half of the season that he can do what he wants if he puts his mind to it. The supporting staff led by Tyson Chandler will have winning on their mind and nothing else. I think emotion will give Boston at least 1 win in the series, maybe 2. The Garden remains one of the toughest home court advantages in the East and the Celtics still have Pierce and Garnett. But, it won't be enough to win the series. Knicks win 4-2.

#3 Indiana (49-32) vs  #6 Atlanta (44-38)

The Pacers are the best bet to unseat the Heat in the East this year. The Pacers won 2 of 3 from Miami this season and played them well. But,  they have to get past the Hawks first. The Atlanta Hawks, much like their NFL counterpart the Falcons, seem to play well in the regular season but falter in the playoffs. The Pacers pose a real threat. They are a complete team with out a real stand out superstar. They play solid team defense and score enough to win more often than lose. They are a tough match up for anyone. The Pacers have their eyes on a trip to Miami in the conference finals and they will see this series as warm up. I'll give the Hawks a game at home but I see the Pacers winning easy in the series. Pacers win 4-1.

#4 Brooklyn (49-33) vs #5 Chicago (45-37)

This series is a tough one to call. The Nets have been up and down this year and the Bulls have been dealt some bad breaks. The Bull's have proven that they can win in the playoffs with out Rose and win big. They went in to the playoffs last year as the team no one wanted to play, they come in this year the same way. I'm not sold on the Nets yet and won't be till they win a series. The Bulls have history and tradition, the Net's have a new name and address. I'm going to call this a back and forth series coming down to a 7th and deciding game. If the Bulls can get it to a game 7,  I say they take the series. Chicago, in a tough series, 4-3.


THE WESTERN CONFERENCE:


#1 Oklahoma City (60-22) vs #8 Houston (45-37)

I'll try not to be a homer here. When you look at this match up from a purely statistical standpoint, it's pretty darn even. Heck,  the Rockets even top the Thunder in several statistical categories. I covered most of Oklahoma City's weaknesses in my previous blog. They seem to have corrected most of them in the last two weeks of the season. This is the first round of the playoffs - statistics are thrown out the window, at least for the first couple of games. The Thunder tasted both sweet success and bitter defeat last year and they want redemption. They are a better team than the Rockets and when they play to their potential, they don't often get beat. They also have recent, valuable playoff experience that the Rockets lack. I'll give the Rockets a home win, just for the Harden factor, but the Thunder win the rest. OKC  wins 4-1.

#2 San Antonio (58-24) vs #7 LA Lakers (45-37)

Once the Spurs realized that the Thunder would likely take the top seed, they promptly secured the #2 seed by losing a couple of their last games. Kobe Bryant predicted that the Lakers would reach the playoffs, and they did, but they will have to go forward with out him. the Lakers did win their last game against the Rockets,  assuring that they wouldn't have to face their nemesis in Oklahoma City. LA has no desire to play the Thunder in a series. They won't fare much better with the Spurs. Popovich doesn't lose many series, especially in the first round. The Lakers can play well without Kobe, but not against quality competition, and not for a 7 game series. Will the Lakers win a game? Maybe. Will they challenge for the series? No. Spurs win, 4-1.

#3 Denver (57-25) vs #6 Golden State (47-35)

This should be a lopsided series in favor of the Nuggets. George Karl knows playoff basketball and Denver plays tough all the time. The loss of Gallinari will be tough to overcome in a 7 game series but Denver should find a way. Golden State is a good team but they don't have the year in year out playoff experience that the Nuggets do. The Warriors will compete but, in the end, the the Nuggets should win the series pretty easily. In fact, Denver in a sweep, 4-0.

#4 LA Clippers (56-26) vs #5 Memphis (56-26)

This series matches two teams that couldn't be any different. The high flying Clippers against the stingy, defensive minded Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are the team that no one wants to play in the West. They are playoff hardened and hungry. The Clippers are coming off a record season for the historically worst team in the West. They do have the best all round point guard in Chris Paul and the ever improving Blake Griffin. The Grizzlies counter with attitude and a simple lack of fear for any opponent. If the Clippers play fast, team ball and Paul controls the environment,  they will win. However, I think this comes down to a game 7 in the City of Angels. Clippers win, in a tough series, 4-3.

There you have it. If you were looking for a stat filled blog with statistical reasons for winners and losers, I apologize but that blog would have been long and boring. Hey, It's the first round. We will get a little deeper in to the numbers in the latter rounds, when they really matter.

I still believe the Oklahoma City Thunder will get through the West and claim their second consecutive Western Conference Championship. I'm not so sure about the Heat. They can't be near as hungry as they were last year. Although, they have proven that they can turn their game on and off at will. The Pacers and Knicks will have something to say about it before the dust settles. If I am wrong, get ready for a rematch of last years NBA finals.

For Buster.

Buster's NBA Playoff First Round Matchups and Predictions

We have made it through all 82 games of the regular season, and it is finally time for the payoff. There is nothing more exciting to watch in the sports world than the NBA Playoffs, unless of course, your team didn’t make it.(Sorry once again Bobcat fans)

Here is a quick breakdown of the first round match ups with predictions. My buddy CGilmartin and I will be going head to head throughout the entire playoffs. The winner of each round will be announced on our Twitter page.


Eastern Conference:

#1 Miami (66-16) vs. #8 Milwaukee (34-44)
Anyone who says that the Eastern Conference is better than the West should just take a look at this matchup to realize that they are wrong. When the eighth seed in your bracket has lost ten more games than they have won, something is seriously wrong. Miami will have no problem winning this series, but will give up one game in Milwaukee. It is bound to happen, its Miami, they always give up one! Miami wins 4-1.

#2 New York (54-28) vs. #7 Boston (41-40)
Wow, so much to say about this one and the city of Boston. Such a tragedy where it is very difficult to find any good out of what happened. The entire city will want to show to the world that they are going to overcome this. There isn't a better chance than to make a run in the playoffs. However, without the leader in assist in the NBA, Rajon Rondo, it will be difficult for this team to find that offensive spark they once had. Carmelo Anthony is showing no signs of slowing down his offensive pace and will run right through Boston. I hate to say it, but New York wins in a sweep 4-0.

#3 Indiana (49-32) vs. #6 Atlanta (44-38)
The Pacers are the team that I predicted to be in the Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the beginning of the season. Despite the adversity and injuries this team had to overcome, I am going to stay with that prediction. Josh Smith and Al Horford will give Indiana all they want on the boards and through scoring, but Paul George and Roy Hibbert won't be having any of that as they defeat Atlanta in six games. Indiana wins 4-2.

#4 Brooklyn (49-33) vs. #5 Chicago (45-37)
This series has the potential to be one of the sloppiest series of the entire first round. Chicago has proven to be a team who can win without D Rose, and will have to continue to do so in order to win. Because there is no sign of his return anytime soon. Keep an eye out for Nate Robinson to continue his hot steak off the bench. He will give Chicago that spark they need to make it through this series. Brooklyn will look for their big man Brook Lopez to lead them with his 19.4 points per game. Joakim Noah is listed as doubtful for the first game of this series, however, this will not be enough for Brooklyn to make it through this one. Chicago wins 4-2.

Western Conference:

#1 Oklahoma City (60-22) vs. #8 Houston (45-37)
Isn't it crazy that here we are one year from last year playing against once our very own, James Harden? If you would have told me at the beginning of the season that we would be playing Houston in the first round against James Harden, I would have said you're crazy! I am not a big believer in "Linsanity" but I do think that Harden and Lin are good enough to steal one from the Thunder in Houston. This should be a very easy series for the Thunder to manage, they win 4-1.

#2 San Antonio (58-24) vs. #7 LA Lakers (45-37)
The Lakers had one of the worst starts to a season in a long time. Bringing in Dwight Howard and Steve Nash should have solved all of their problems from last year right? Well it obviously didn't as this team had to win their final games to qualify for the playoffs. The tragic loss of Kobe Bryant due to his torn Achilles, kill all chances of the Lakers even winning a game this year in the playoffs. I wish for a speedy recovery for Kobe Bean, because he will be needed, next season. San Antonio wins in an easy sweep 4-0.

#3 Denver (57-25) vs. #6 Golden State (47-35)
Golden State is one of my favorite teams to watch in the NBA. The Warriors will give Memphis all they want in this one. Stephen Curry and David Lee will provide real problems for Denver. They combine for one of the best duo's in the league. The Nuggets will be led by Ty Lawson and the defense over Kenneth Faried. Denver will barely escape from this one, and win the series 4-2.

#4 LA Clippers (56-26) vs. #5 Memphis (56-26)
These teams having the same record had pretty much an identical season. Both teams looked like they could win the Conference at times, but also had times of being one of the worst teams. The high flying and explosive Clippers will be a great match up for the outstanding defense of Memphis. Memphis will give the Clips some struggles, but Blake Griffin and Chris Paul will take care of this one in six. The Clippers win 4-2.

There you have it, the very simple predictions of the first round. We will get more into detail as the playoffs continue. But right now this is all you get. I really do believe that the Thunder have what it takes to get back to the Finals again. Miami on the other hand, they will have to turn their game up to make it back. The Pacers WILL beat the Heat and make it to the NBA Finals. Make sure you subscribe to our blog for updates throughout the entire playoffs. You won't want to miss anything!

Sunday Biography: Derek Fisher

Derek Fisher

Derek Fisher was drafted in the 1996 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Fisher was selected just nine picks behind Kobe Bryant who was by far the more popular rookie that season. After winning three consecutive Championships with the Lakers from 2000-2002 Derek left to play for Golden State. After playing in Golden State for two years Fisher went to the Utah Jazz. After playing in Utah for one year Derek went back to the Lakers where he was reunited with Kobe Bryant. Derek Fisher played in Los Angeles until the 2012 season, when he then went to the Oklahoma City Thunder. After helping the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals he was let go as a free agent. Fisher then signed with the Dallas Mavericks where he played the first part of the 2012-2013 season. After the Thunder traded Eric Maynor moments before the 2013 trade deadline to Portland it opened a spot for a third point guard on the team. Sam Presti could think of no one better than veteran point guard Derek Fisher.

Derek Fisher was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on August 9, 1974. His mother, Annette Fisher, worked at a bank, and his father, John Fisher, was a retired military officer who worked as a post office administrator. Derek gives all the credit to his parents, especially his father, for the drive necessary to be successful in both basketball and in life. Fisher was first exposed to basketball at a young age by his older half-brother, Duane Washington. Duane played for his high school team while Derek sat court side watching because he was too young. His older brother made it all the way to the NBA before getting suspended for substance abuse. Derek Fisher made a vow at that moment to never use any type of drug.

Fisher did not disappoint as he followed in his brothers footsteps as a basketball star. Fisher went to Little Rock's Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School, where he was known as the star point guard. He led his high school to a state championship, and was nominated as a McDonald's All-American. Derek was also an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) All-American where he also led his team to a National Championship. Fisher graduated from Parkview High School in 1992. Despite all the success Fisher had at the high school level, no major college offered him a scholarship. Fisher did get a full ride scholarship at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which wasn't too far from his home as a child. Fisher was one of the greatest basketball players to ever suit up for UALR, as he finished second in all time scoring at UALR. Derek Fisher recorded 1,393 points, 372 assists, and 189 steals. During Fisher's senior year he was awarded the Sun Belt Player of the Year award.

Being listed as one of the better point guards in the 1996 NBA draft, Fisher was selected as the 24th overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. He was selected just nine picks after soon to be Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant. Later on that season the Lakers picked up the superstar center, Shaquille O'Neal. This would be the beginning of the team that would go on to win three straight Championships. Kobe Bryant and Shaq were the superstars of the team, but Fisher became known as the guy who would always knock down shots when needed. Fisher left the Lakers in 2004 and signed with the Golden State Warriors as a free agent. His two seasons at Golden State proved to be somewhat of a let down as he was not able to stand out with out a superstar such as Kobe Bryant or Shaquille O'Neal. The team struggled for those two years, although Fisher averaged 13.3 points per game which was the highest of his career. In 2007 Fisher was sent to the Utah Jazz in a trade that sent Keith McLeod, Andre Owens, and Devin Brown to Golden State. During his one season in Utah he played in all 82 games, putting up an average of 10.1 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.01 steals while scoring in double figures 40 times. Also while in Utah Derek was voted in as the President of the National Basketball Players Association. Fisher would return the next year to the Lakers in 2008 where he won his fourth and fifth title.

After the waivers cleared at around 6 P.M. Fisher signed a contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the remaining of the 2011-2012 season. Fisher wore number 37, his age at the time, because his number 2 was taken by Thabo Sefolosha. Derek was a big part of the run to the Finals that the Thunder made, not only by his performance on the court, but mainly by his leadership and experience. After the conclusion of the 2012 season he was let go as a free agent where he signed with the Dallas Mavericks. Fisher played nine games before receiving an injury to his patellar tendon on his right knee. Two days later his request to be released was granted. On February 25, 2013, Fisher re-signed with Oklahoma City for the remainder of the 2012–13 season. After looking back at his career in the NBA Fisher decided to pursue an opportunity to win his sixth NBA Title. Perhaps this is the reason he chose to wear number 6 instead of the number 37 that he wore last year. Fisher did not contact the Dallas Mavericks before signing with the Thunder which greatly upset Dallas officials.

Despite your opinion on the ability of Fisher to still play the game, he is still going to go down as one of the greats. Although he has his slumps, he brings some valuable minutes and leadership to this Thunder team, but most importantly he brings not only playoff experience, but NBA Finals experience.

Thunder Update 4

The Oklahoma City Thunder are now on a game two game win streak heading into tonights game against the Suns. The Thunder still have the second best record in the NBA with a record of 37-12, behind the San Antonio Spurs who have a record of 39-11. Oklahoma City will play tonight in the Peake at 7:00PM. The Suns will come into the game with a 17-33 record. They are currently on a one game losing streak.

Oklahoma City won a big game against Golden State on Wednesday night. The Thunder have won two out of the three last games against the Warriors. The Thunder won the first meeting 119-109, and then lost the second meeting 104-99. The Thunder have won by a total of 30 points in the past two meetings against the Suns. The Thunder will be fighting the number one seed in the playoffs tonight and for the best record in the NBA. As for the Suns, well they are playing to stay out of last place in the West.

Kevin Durant is still the leading scorer in the NBA. He has the lead and it seems like it is growing every game. On my last Thunder Update, Durant was only is the by .2 points. Durant is now averaging 29.3 points per game, to Anthony's 28.5 points per game. Our other leaders are Serge Ibaka who is in second place in blocks with 2.9 blocks per game, and Russel Westbrook who is in fifth place with 8.2 assist per game. Russel Westbrook has hit the 400 mark in assists, to go along with Kevin Durant's outstanding 1436 points on the season. Serge Ibaka(or should I say Iblaka) has 137 blocks, and 382 rebounds.

Here are the current standings through 49 games:
*2/8/13 Note Worthy: Indiana passes Chicago for first place in the Central Division.
Eastern Conference Standings:

Atlantic:
New York(31-16)
Brooklyn(29-20)
Boston(26-23)
Philadelphia(21-27)
Toronto(17-32)

Central:
Indiana(31-19)
Chicago(29-20)
Milwaukee(25-23)
Detroit(18-32)
Cleveland(15-34)

Southeast:
Miami(32-14)
Atlanta(27-21)
Orlando(14-35)
Washington(13-35)
Charlotte(11-37)

Western Conference Standings:

Southwest:
San Antonio(39-11)
Memphis(30-18)
Houston(27-24)
Dallas(21-28)
New Orleans(16-33)

Northwest:
Oklahoma City(37-12)
Denver(32-18)
Utah(28-22)
Portland(25-24)
Minnesota(18-28)

Pacific:
LA Clippers(35-16)
Golden St.(30-19)
LA Lakers(23-27)
Phoenix(17-33)
Sacramento(17-33)

Thunder Update 1

The Oklahoma City Thunder now have a record of 33-10, which is still the best record in the NBA. Oklahoma City has been lead through the last month on Kevin Durants shoulders alone. KD has averaged 37.5 points per game the last two weeks. Two nights ago the Thunder slipped in a win over the Clippers in LA, but were not strong enough to keep it going the next night against Golden St. in Oakland. Oklahoma City is currently in the middle of their longest road trip in franchise history. Three games into the trip the Thunder are 1-2, with three games remaining before they return to the 405.

Oklahoma City will play their next game against the Sacramento Kings. This will be the fourth game of their six game road trip. The Kings come into the game with a record of 12-11 at home, and an overall record of 16-27. On paper this game should be an easy win for the Thunder. However, this is the third game in four nights for OKC, all being away and late night games, but we could see a bit of a struggle from the Thunder due to fatigue. The game will be held Friday night in Sacramento at 10:00 PM EST.

The 2013 all-star weekend is quickly approaching, and the Thunder have two starters selected to play in the all-star game. Russel Westrook has been selected into the game to come off of the bench, and Kevin Durant has been selected as a starter in the all-star game.