Inside Plays

DALLAS MAVERICKS (-3.5) @ WASHINGTON WIZARDS
The Mavericks have won 12-in-a-row, including their last two at home by almost 20 points apiece. Dallas hasn’t played since Friday and should be geared-up for the back-to-back two-game east coast trip against the Wizards and Nets. Dirk Nowitzki and Avery Johnson both have discussed their devastating disappointment over last season’s finals collapse during the past week and seem to have their squad playing at a level not normally displayed this early in the season. As for Wizards, they were blown-out by almost 20 by the Bulls in Chicago Saturday and only have one win this season against a team with a winning record (Cleveland). Washington has been a sieve on defense, led by Antwan Jamison who will be matched against Dirk most of the night, and will struggle to contain one of the deepest benches in the NBA…Mavs by 8-14 pts.

ORLANDO MAGIC (+5.5) @ SACRAMENTO KINGS
The Eastern Conference leading Magic had their 6-game winning streak snapped by the Clippers on Sunday, but are still 3-1 so far on their current West coast trip. The Magic have been led by the Man-child that is Dwight Howard (17 pts 13 reb 2 blks) and a backcourt filled will speedsters (Nelson, Arroyo, & Dooling) who are playing with remarkable consistency each night.

DALLAS MAVERICKS (-3.0) @ NEW JERSEY NETS
I know the Mavericks looked awful last night, but I’m betting they don’t two nights in row. Dallas actually started hitting some shots in the 4th quarter and I expect them to come out firing tonight. Hopefully, they’ve loosened up from the cold weather shock and can capitalize on a Nets squad that only has three players…no really…three players! Mavs by 6-12 points

SIDE NOTE: I wouldn’t call this a Hoops Special, but Louisville and Arizona are playing in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on ESPN tonight. Since I know I’ll be watching it…I know I’ll have to bet it. I’m not sold on either squad but Arizona is 5-1 coming off a 12 point win against Illinois, while Louisville has only played 3 games this year (losing one at Dayton) and are led by 2 freshmen and 2 sophomores. Arizona giving 6 points sounds like the play…but only because I have a problem!!!

GREG GAMBLE’S HOOP TOTALS- NBA 15-9 ATS ; NCAA 6-3 ATS

Greg Gamble’s Hoops Special: 25-14 ATS !!!

PHOENIX SUNS (-3) @ NEW JERSEY NETS
Ok…so Jason Collins and Nenad Krstic are supposed to run up and down with Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion…I don’t think so. And we’re also supposed to believe Jason Kidd and his bionic knees are going to be chasing Steve Nash and Leandro Barbosa…I think not…Suns by 8-12 points

DETROIT PISTONS @ DALLAS MAVERICKS (-6)
The Pistons have home loses to the Trailblazers and Bobcats over the last week and quickly have become an old squad with no bench and no defense down-low. In addition, the Pistons just found out Lindsey Hunter will be out for awhile, which means Chauncey and his mouthful of chompers is going to be running with Jason Terry and Devin Harris all by his lonesome. Unless Flip Murry comes off the bench to score 25…Mavericks by 10-16 points

MIAMI HEAT @ SACRAMENTO KINGS (-5)
While I don’t like this as much as the other two…I hate betting two games. I’d actually rather go 1-2 then split and still have to pay the man behind the window some juice. Both the Heat and Kings have sucked this year, but the Kings are actually pretty solid at home and have an above average bench. As for the Miami Wades, against the Clippers Tuesday Gary Payton, Antoine Walker, and Jason Williams went 7-29…and I don’t think they’re playing because of their defense. As a team, they shot 3-25 from the 3-point line and have absolutely nobody down-low besides Alonzo and Udonis. D-Wade may keep them close for a half, but look for the Kings to pull away late…Kings by 8-14 points

Here's another photo of one half of the dynamic duo for your viewing pleasure. Dirk is giving his impersonation of Michael Vick! Gotta love it. Go Mavs!!!

GREG GAMBLE’S HOOP TOTALS- NBA 17-9 ATS ; NCAA 8-5 ATS

I love Washington -3 1/2 over Philly tonight. No A.I. Enough said. Holla back.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS (+2) @ HOUSTON ROCKETS
Anytime you seem me making a play on a team I despise, you know you’re good for some free money. Showtime has been the surprise of the Western Conference as Kobe and Lamar actually seem to enjoy being on the court together, while the role players and bench have been better than expected. The Zen Master actually has Kobe believing when he looks for his teammates they’re almost unbeatable, as was seen in their victory over the Spurs on Sunday. As for the Rockets, they’ve been great this season, but all indications are that T-Mac is going to be sitting this one out with back spasms. While Yao Ming may have his way with Kwame and Bynum, I think Luther Head is going to have a long night chasing Mr. Bryant. In addition, the Lakers are sick of hearing how they’ve gotten off to a great start because of all the home games, so expect them to come out with a chip on their shoulder tonight …Lakers by 6-12

GREG GAMBLE’S HOOP TOTALS- NBA 19-11 ATS ; NCAA 8-5 ATS

PHOENIX SUNS (+11.5) @ MIAMI HEAT
With D-Wade & Shaq out, I don’t know how the Heat will score more than 80 points tonight…while I do know the Suns will score at least 120 against Riley’s fat old bench crew. Antonie Walker & Jason Kapono may just have a heart-attack chasing around the Suns and I can’t wait to see Alonzo matched-up against Amare. It’s a lot of points on the road, but I really don’t think it’s going to matter…Suns by 16-22 points

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS (+6.5) @ MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
The Jailblazers have actually won two-in-a-row on the road and are actually playing with some passion & a deep beach of late. As for the Grizz, they’ve lost three-in-a-row and seem to be treading water until Pau Gasol gets back. In addition, Zach Randolph has been a beast on the block and will have any easy night against the wispy Hakim Warrick and Stromile Swift…Portland by 1-7 points

XAVIER MUSKETEERS (-4) @ CINCINNATI BEARCATES
The Musketeers are a deep disciplined team that is facing a Bearcats squad that has 4 out of their 5 leading scorers playing their first year under a new head coach. Xavier lost a tough match at Creighton on Saturday and will be looking to bounce back with their senior laden squad, while Cincy has had an easy schedule to start the season that includes a home loss to sub-.500 Wofford…Xavier by 8-14 points

GREG GAMBLE’S HOOP TOTALS- NBA 20-11 ATS ; NCAA 8-5 ATS

HOUSTON ROCKETS @ GOLDEN ST WARRIORS. (-4.5)
The Warriors are 10-5 at home this season and have averaged over 110 points over their last 5 for the home crowd. Baron Davis has been spending less time casting from behind the arc, as Don Nelson has gotten the dominating point guard to abuse undersized guards in the paint. Not a good sign for the wafer-thin Rafer Alston and a backcourt missing T-Mac for a second straight contest. Yao is not much of trackstar and playing on a surgically repaired foot, so do not be surprised if Van Gundy sits him down once the Warriors are up by 10…Warriors by 8-16 points...2 more winners below!

Before we get to my picks tonight…I wanted to weigh-in on the Allen Iverson fiasco. While all my sources have indicated the Nuggets are the closest to getting a deal done, I cannot fathom how GM Kevin McHale and the T-Wolves have not figured something out for the former Hoya. Give’em the highly touted rookies Randy Foye & Craig Smith, throw-in the Mall of America, shop everyone to other teams for a draft-pick to sweeten the deal, or even make Philly well-aware they’ll take back any bad contract (except Chris Webber who can’t even bend-over anymore to pick up the basketball…let alone rebound it.)

I’ll be the first to admit Bubby Chuck may be the hardest superstar in the league to play with, but Garnett would thrive as a second option and A.I. may actually match his offensive intensity on the defensive end with KG’s infectious passion. Mark my words, any other team involved in the Iverson sweepstakes will be regretting the decision by March, while the T-Wolves would become the most exciting team in the NBA and a miserable match-up for a top seeded team in this year’s playoffs...I guarantee it! BTW, I got three more winners for you tonight…Read on young lads…Read on!!!

College Bowl Spectacular…Don’t forget to get your picks in!!!

Now before I get to my hoops pick tonight, let me tell you have much I love the Colts/Benglas over 55 tonight. After watching his defense play two-hand-touch against the Jags, I’m guessing Peyton realizes he needs to score a TD on every possession to win. The Bengals offense has been on fire of late, and I can’t image how the Colts plan to contain all the weapons Carson has in his huddle. Final Score: Colts 37 Benglas 34

DALLAS MAVERICKS (-3.5) @ SACRAMENTO KINGS
The Mavs won by double digits on both Friday and Saturday Night, and are looking to keep pace with Spurs and Suns for leadership in the west. Josh Howard is emerging as a superstar (21 ppg 6 reb over his last 5 games) alongside Dirk, while Devin Harris and Jason Terry are becoming a nice backcourt duo. As for the Kings, they’ve been up and down all year and have really struggled against teams with some low-post muscle. In their last contest on Dec. 1st, the Mavs beat the Kings by 19 in Dallas. As for the injuries, Jerry “I’ve never seen I shot I don’t like” Stackhouse is back from his annual knee troubles, while Sacramento’s up-incoming star Kevin Martin is questionable with a sprained ankle. Mavs by 7-13 points

GREG GAMBLE’S HOOP TOTALS- NBA 24-15 ATS ; NCAA 8-6 ATS

INDIANAN PACERS (-7) @ PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Even if the trade for Iverson was not made, I still love would have dropped some Jordan’s on this game. The Pacers have come out of the gate slow, but if you look at their roster it’s even harder to understand how these guys are only .500. Larry the Legend’s squad has been playing with sense of urgency of late and O’Neal, Harrington, & the rebounding machine that is Jeff Foster should have no trouble with the 76ers frontcourt…Even if the underachieving Joe Smith shows up from Mile High in time…Pacers by 10-16 points

3-0 Last Night Homeboys to move to 28-15 in the NBA

WASHINGTON WIZARDS (+3.5) @ SACRAMENTO KINGS
Anytime the Kings and their slow ass D are giving points to any team with a scoring point guard and a frontcourt player with a pulse…I’m investing on the team without a Bibby. Watching the Kings of late, they are by-far the slowest team in the NBA, thanks to a frontcourt that looks older by the minute and a backcourt that struggles to put pressure on the ball (and may be without leading scorer Kevin Martin tonight). Even if Martin plays, the ankle sprain should limit him from playing the little bit of D he does and I’m betting there’s a 50/50 chance Ronny Artest is escorted out of the arena by the 3rd quarter due to a . As for the Wizards, after a slow start they’ve have won 6 out of 8 (including 3 out of 4 on the road) and have a three-headed scoring monster (Arenas, Butler, & Jamison) that leads the league with an average of almost 70 points a night. Coach Eddie Jordan realized his boys are better when they run, and they have, averaging over 115 ppg over their last 8. With the Kings D, I’m guessing it’s going to be more like 125 points tonight…Wizards by 5-11 points.

Standings and all picks for the Bowl Spectacular should be up by the end of the week…Holla!

GREG GAMBLE’S HOOP TOTALS- NBA 28-15 ATS ; NCAA 9-8 ATS

Happy Holiday Homeboys! The Bowl Spectacular will be updated by tomorrow with standings and the spreads for all games…so enjoy the rest of the bowl season. As for my unbelievable NBA picks, I’ve got a post X-Mas theory today that is hotter than a sleepover with the women of 90210. Playing on the road the day after Christmas for teams that are bottom feeders or plagued by injury is never a good combination. Check out my 4 winners for tonight and maybe we can add a little more luv to your holiday collection… www.insideplays.com

Who says you can't be over 60 and start in the NBA

Nobody torches the NBA like Double G. After a 3-0 performance last night (Indiana spread dropped to 4 with Jermaine O’Neal out), I’ve covered 9 of my last 10 and started to eye some property in the Hamptons. On a side note, The Answer, aka Bubby Chuck, looks smoother in baby blue and gold than Ali Larter with some whip-cream in Varsity Blues. I can’t wait for his corn-rolled partner to join him as the Nuggets might be the hottest ticket since New Edition got back together. And my Bulls, still struggling on the road should get some good home cooking and will look to run the very slow and very 1999 (Mourning, Payton, Walker, Williams, & Doleac) into the United Center floor. While the spread is a little high for tonight (I’ll probably still take…it’s on TV!), I will mention how I usually love warmer weather teams coming to cold climates…especially the first night on the road. You can’t tell me after chilling in Miami, Gary Payton wants to get out the bus to chase Kirk Hinrich and Chris Duhon. With that said, lets get to my picks because I’m hotter than a tea kettle and ready roll… www.insideplays.com

Starbury scored 41 the other night...but how about tonight?

After my pathetic attempt on the college hardwood, I’m going back to my bread and butter…or in my case, going back to my Crab Cakes dipped in Mickey’s Ice. BTW, thanks to all of you who text and dropped me a message last night about the Purdue loss…I hope you all get stuck in a room between Mike Tyson and Cosmo Kramer. But before I jump into my NBA picks, best of luck this weekend to those of you in the Bowl Spectacular, and hopefully, you’ll see updated standings by Sunday. (I will be consuming large amounts of alcohol so be sure to double-check the results!). Have a splendid New Year’s (even you Huv-Dogg) and make sure to tell everybody at the party that the reason you’ve got so much bling-bling is Greg Gamble! And now for my 4 NBA Winners… www.insideplays.com

Will Nocioni be able to slow down Shawn Marion tonight?

I’m devastated that my Hoops record has dropped below the 20 games over .500 mark, but tonight I will change that…and hopefully finally update the Bowl Spectacular. While I apologize about the delay, it’s my frickin money you’re winning so just be thankful I made it though the Holidays alive. 3 NBA winners fellas, including the Bulls/Suns contest…Let’s roll www.insideplays.com

You think Alonzo wants to rub up with this all-night?

The college bowl spectacular is finally posted so make sure to check it out! As for my 1-2 Hoops evening last night, I’m sickened by the Spurs 4th quarter collapse, but can’t be too upset about the way the young Bulls ran with the Suns. While nobody will probably agree, Pax should look to trade Mr. 40-point Gordon while his stock is skyrocketing…He’s going to command max. $$$s very soon and I can’t see paying him for only playing one end of the floor. As for tonight, I was thinking of just playing the Clippers/Heat contest (which is a Greg Gamble 4-star lock) but realized there are too many hours in the evening and I’m not very skilled at reading or arts and crafts. Lucky for you, I found two additional winners to make the night complete... www.insideplays.com

With all his winnings, will Greggy G be celebrating with some St. Ides?

Welcome to the home of Greg Gamble’s Nightly NBA Winners. If you’ve been riding with me from the beginning and placed a Benjamin on each of my picks, after the book takes the OJ, you’d still be sitting with 17 pictures of the former president. That’s enough paper to buy my girl something shinny for her ears and a case of St. Ides-Special Brew for me…Holiday-Blend of course. While it’s always invigorating to pat yourself on the back, I’m not satisfied and will be looking to be at least 30 games over .500 by Valentine’s Day…my girl needs a necklace to match the earrings and I have always wanted a white tiger! Uno, Dos, Tres winners for you tonight Homeboys, let’s start the weekend off right…www.insideplays.com

I think T-Mac is going to miss Yao big-time tonight!
After a 3-1 Saturday on the college/pro hardwood, it’s going to be hard to watch the National Championship game with the regular-season clash between bitter-rivals the LA Clippers and NO Hornets tonight. While I do think Urban Meyer will utilize the 7 points the Buckeyes are giving him, my only interest will be in the winner of our inaugural Bowl Spectacular. (BTW, the football guru The Cougar disagrees...check out his breakdwon below) If Ohio St covers, we’ll have three gentlemen knotted up with 22 wins so the over/under total will decide the outcome (Kfunk 69, Damian Cougar 58, Gator Mike 45). If Florida covers (which will happen), the Cash Money Brothers will be added to the mix with a total of 59 for tonight’s game. With that, I’ve got 2 NBA winners to help pass the time during the long, boring-azz halftime…Make Money-Money, Make Money-Money$$$. www.insideplays.com

With Bosh back healthy...look for the Raptors to soar!

While the Buckeyes late game heroics enabled me to cover 3 out 4 last night, it’s tough to feel lucky when you know the book doesn’t apologize for their backend covers. My so-called good/overweight friend Damian Cougar has already complained this morning about the one game I lost last night, but he’s just bitter because Crispy Cream has announced they’re closing more stores this year. But enough about the Coug, the NBA looks like San Fran during the gold-rush tonight and I’ve got plenty of Rocker Boxes and Gold Pans for ya to use. I may be crazier than Maurice Clarett on the Goose, but I think I’ve found 5 winners in the NBA and one more in college. Let’s roll fellas, but please remember…this is for news and news matter only!...www.insideplays.com

KG is a man who looks focused baby!

Happy MLK day everybody! While some of you may be on holiday, Greg Gamble is open for business 365 days a year. After picking both pigskin games on Sunday, I’m rolling into the week with some extra coin and more confidence than David Hasselhoff strollin’ the beach for hotties. I’m jumping all over the NBA tonight and look to start the week off hotter than Kobe Tai in sweatpants…Holla at your boy…www.insideplays.com

Side Show Bob, Big Z, & Gooden should dominate the paint 2night!

Just the typical Monday dominance on the Association Hardwood for the Polish Prince last night (3-1 ATS). Unfortunately, we have an abbreviated schedule in the NBA tonight following the MLK Holiday...A day the bookies are actually calling a Holiday because they’re not getting housed too much by the members of www.insideplays.com. Which means you boyz are only getting 2 pro picks (that I’m less than thrilled about), but I will be jumping into the college scene for two additional plays. Tomorrow is the day for some real love from the roundball guru, but it’s not like I’m not making a call to my guy today. Good luck tonight fellas…but you really don’t need luck if you’re sitting behind the kid with all the answers. I luv ya like a fat kid luvs cake!

Only Greggy G can use the Hedgehog to promote one of his Winners!

Going 2-2 last night is completely unacceptable and I plan to make it up to my loyal degenerate investors! Before we roll into the roundball winners, let me give you guys a little heads-up on the pigskin playoff action this weekend. If you like the Bears, bet them now! The spread opened at 2.5 for Tom Waddle’s former team, but as more and more people start to focus on the weather in the Windy City and the dome tendencies of the Saints…the spread will move-up all week. As for the Colts, BET THE HOUSE!!! The ‘Perfect Storm’ is approaching for Peyton Manning to finally capsize Belichick and Brady’s overmatched ship (That’s a little cheesy, but as my boy Damian Cougar says…there’s nothing wrong with a little cheese!) Enough about the gridiron, I know your here for the hardwood gems and I got 6 of them for ya…and half them are going to be on TV! Spread the word boyz…www.insideplays.com

Give Ronny Mexico a break...dude's got glaucoma!

After all the success, its funny waking up feeling like the stock-market crashed when you go 2-2…And of course the SHOCKERS don’t cover! I even got in trouble from my girl for posting those pictures and that little mid-major Beeatch can’t even cover against the Redbirds! At least nobody lost more than some OJ with my picks…by the way, anybody got a book that charges less than 10%?

Enough chit-chat, it’s time for Roundball analysis of the Association…I love this ATS game! Will LeBron really lose 3 in-a-row, can Ronny Artest stand to lose 8 in-a-row, and is it true that Asia Carrera doesn’t give happy endings? Don’t worry…Greggy G’s got the answers. Check us out all weekend for BBall plays and plenty of pigskin info. I live in Chi-Town so let me be your weather man for Sunday's Bears/Saints tilt. www.insideplays.com

Shaq might be back...but in what kind of shape!

After a week of NBA picks that made my Tarot Card consultant ask me to read her palm , (not counting KG getting booted and the T-Wolves losing in OT on Friday) I got greedy on Sunday and put 95% of last weeks winnings on Peyton Manning (the other 5% went to Caviar and Alize baby!). You know it’s your year when Da Bears book a ticket to Miami earlier in the day and the spread for the Colts lines up the way it did yesterday and you win by a point as the Horseshoes take their only lead with a minute left!

But enough about how cool and rich I am, let’s try to make you some money on the hardwood tonight and at least show you a gratuitous photo of the Olsen Twins. My goal was to be 30 games over .500 by Valentines Day so I can buy my girl that pony she’s always wanted…but it looks like we’re already past that and I got some extra time to add a diamond encrusted grill to her Feb 14th gift package. I love the Bears, I love the NBA, and I love staying up late watching Gonzaga and Portland…and not because I want to see if the Zags can utilize the high-post! www.insideplays.com

Dirk looks more focused this year than in the past!

After watching the Spurs mount a 20 point lead, it was rather disappointing to watch their bench casually piss it away with more disregard than the time I pissed on the coffee table (full of bills) that my girl had just prepared to mail. While I can bitch about that game, watching the Wade’less Heat go on a 27-0 run in the first quarter against the Knicks was a more embarrassing play than the time I bet someone that Bam Morris would be a Top-10 running back for years to come…well, at least he was a Top-10 RB when it came to providing half the nation with the Wacky terbacky. So enough whining about my 1-2 performance last night, you guys all know another undefeated evening is right around the corner. I’ve got 5 more for ya…and probably at least one or two gratuitous photos that will make you smile…www.insideplays.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. GAMBLE!!!

Thanks ladies…I needed it after my 2-5 performance last night. But yes, I’m a year older and hopefully for my ATS players, a year wiser. My pics are going to be brief today, but the pictures from my last few parties will be plentiful. I’ve got big plans today…instead of just gambling on sports, my boyz are throwing me a little poker party and I think there is already an over/under on Tequila shots. Sorry again bout last night, but I’m guessing the gambling gods may have some luv for the Birthday boy tonight!...www.insideplays.com

Greggy G's lookin to Bounce Back!

It was hard to stay focused on Texas Hold’em last night with TNT blaring in the background as I swear I heard Sir Charles Barkley say…Greg Gamble needs to regroup worse than 98 degrees. Without a doubt, I’ve officially hit my first rough spot of the hardwood season. I even collected some nice Benjamins earlier this week and if I’m not careful I going to be giving them right back! But a veteran of this game doesn’t sulk like my Indian friend Kris playing cards… he puts the women and children to bed and goes looking for dinner. I live my life like Ice Cube’s father in the award-winning movie FRIDAY: “You win some, and lose some, but live…you live to fight another day!” Game on Boyz…and while I usually take the weekend light, expect plenty of pics and picks because daddy don’t want to see the book next week.

Greggy G's still #1 to me!

WASHINGTON WIZARDS (-5.5) @ BOSTON CELTICS
I will be betting against the Celts the rest of the year. I honestly believe the injuries to Pierce and Wally are more severe since Oden & Durant are in the upcoming draft. As for the Wiz, they love to blow teams out and this will be no exception…Wizards by 9-15 points
...I've got 5 more winners below...Let's roll!!!

Baron should have an easy time directing traffic tonight

Before I jump into my plays today, I’ve been asked by many of my loyal readers to move all gratuitous photos off the opening/newsletter intro of the site. While I think in today’s day an age showing a little leg or nice thong pic should be acceptable almost anywhere, I will oblige and keep all the most entertaining pieces of art above my picks. Now that we’ve covered the human resources department of our show, let’s make some cash so we can have some prawns, caviar, and Hennessey for lunch tomorrow. After a 2-1 evening last night, I was tempted to make a few more plays today…but didn’t see too much jumping off opening lines this morning. While I’ve got 3 picks for you, the first one seems like a gift from the Asian massage parlor that you didn’t see coming. I’m dropping three times as much on my first pick, and while that’s not really a lock…I’ll tell you it was tomorrow if it wins!

Just like my Homegirl...I need to be Perfect tonight!

Ouch…I was hoping for Shrimp and Hennessey for lunch, but instead I’ll be sippin’ on some Boone’s Farm and warmin-up some Chx Picante Ramen. But as most prominent gamblers know, you must not dwell…only double up! I love the NBA tonight, especially with Kobe good and angry after the suspension and playing the CBA Celts, and I’ve also even found a few college gems after analyzing over 50 upcoming games last night. I’ll keep it short since most of you are not too thrilled with me today…but tomorrow I hoping to get more luv than Adam Orvi at his Bar Mitzvah.

The Suns have someone from France, Brasil, & Canada, but you know what they're missing...

SAN ANTONIO SPURS @ PHOENIX SUNS (-6)
Because the Spurs were my only NBA loss last night, I’m sure most of you think I’m holding a grudge worse than a porn star that got some shiznit in her hair. But after thoroughly analyzing the Spurs last night, I came to a pretty obviously conclusion…they’re slower than the first girl I got lucky with! Popovich’s line-up uses a lot of Robert Horry, Brent Barry, Michael “He looks like the black-version of my great uncle” Finley & Fabio Oberto, while the great Timmy-D seems more methodical then ever and Manu “I’ve got a bigger nose than Greg Gamble” Ginobili looks a little dazed after taking the dirty forearm from Kobe. Parker is the exception in the group, but his speed is really only used on the pick-n-roll as it’s tough to have a 1 on 2, 3, or 4 break in the NBA. You know D’Antoni and Nash were licking their chops watching the contest last night, and I have no idea how the Spurs are going to slowdown Marion & Stoudemire on the break and Barbosa from anywhere on the floor. Phoenix wants to get this into a track meet early with the Spurs coming off a tough battle in Utah, so while 6 points may seem like a lot…I wouldn’t be surprised if the Suns win by 16! This is a statement game for PHX and they’ve caught the Spurs at the right time…Nash & Co. by 10-16 points

Want some more picks and pics…I know, you just want the pics…enjoy!

Greggy G hits the Century mark...Hell ya!
Who needs an Angel on your shoulder when you've got Greg Gamble in your pocket...Alright take the damn Angel

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (-4.5) @ BOSTON CELTICS
One of these days the Celtics are going to screw me…but not tonight! The Clippers have won 6 out 7 and are finally utilizing all their talent. Sam “I Am an odd lookin’-fellow” has been crafty veteran of late that would make Ron Jeremy proud, and it looks like Elton has finally recovered from his USA Bball experience this summer. And as I’ve mentioned before, it’ll never be written…but the Celts are looking for more balls (ping-pong) than an insecure freshman hottie on fraternity row…The Clipp by 8-14 points

I did a lot of research for ya fellaz

...this one should be easy!

You will never believe where the lady and her parents are making me go today...Let's just say I've got a lot of explaining to do about those young panties on the website. I'll be back after the lovely morning (without a bloody) and have some late Sunday action...SUNDAY FUNDAY.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS (PICK) @ MIAMI HEAT
I know the Spurs beat my ass worse the Nolan Ryan stomped Robin Ventura, but I don't see a Western Conference team like the Spurs losing two in-a-row in Florida. Tony Parker should have a field day against the AARP point guards of the HEAT and Mr. Duncan has a nice height advantage on Udonis to keep this one under control for Pops. I'm guessing the line is going to be moving up all day, but I got to go...and you know I don't want to!

Just like these ladies, the Spurs aren't that flashy...but much better than anything I saw last night!

"Have fun at Sunday School Mr. Gamble...You need it!"

Sorry for the delay...we had some technical difficulties...

I can tell these girls support Santa Clara from their Tan Lines!

SANTA CLARA BRONCOS (+7.5) @ GONZAGA (ZIG) ZAGS...ESPN2
Won’t it be nice if we’re all part of the end to the Zags 50 game home winning streak? For the first time in years, Gonzaga has not totally dominated (18-8) the regular season and doesn’t have a frontcourt that matches every big-time conf. in the land. To make matters worse, 6-11 Josh Heytvelt, the teams leading shot-blocker/rebounder and 2nd leading scorer was suspended indefinitely after he was stopped by police Friday doing his best Willie Nelson imitation (The evil weed and magic mushrooms were illegality found in the car he and a red-shirt freshmen teammate were in). As for Santa Clara, since losing to Zags in early January they’ve won 7 of 8, are tied for the conf. lead with Gonzaga, and are loaded with some frontcourt behemoths. In addition, legendary coach Dick Davey just announced he’ll be retiring at the end of the season and I just have a feeling they could actually pull this one off tonight. Oh yeah, and it’s a late night ESPN2 special so break out a fresh pack of Newports and a mix-up a fresh batch of Schnapps n’ Cream Soda…this is going to be fun…Santa Clara in a buzzer-beater

While it may be too late to tell you...I also liked West Virginia +9.5 at Georgetown and the Atlanta Hawks +8...sorry again for the delay

The Sun shines in Phoenix...

...but not when Nash and Diaw are out

CHICAGO BULLS (+7) @ PHOENIX SUNS
Andres Nocioni is out for the Bullies, but Nash is out and Diaw looks doubtful. Without those two the Suns highflying offense doesn't have a floor general...Bulls by 1-6 points

CHICAGO BULLS/PHOENIX SUNS (UNDER 207)
The Suns get lots of easy shots because of Nash n' Diaw...but not tonight. In addition, the Bulls don't want P.J. Brown, Sweetney, Malik Allen to run with Shawn and Amare...total points 196-202

Just like we told ya...
...the Zags Magic Bus doesn't help at home!

In our endeavor to server you better we had some technical problems yesterday, but are back in action today and ready to make some money. I was able to post my beautiful Santa Clara play late yesterday as the Zig-Zags lost their first home game in over 50 contests. However, I did send out some personal picks to my fellow degenerates thru email yesterday, but as I’m sure you understand…I cannot add those totals to the sight. I know I’m shadier than the little white swimmers that helped out Anna Nicole, but I hope you all enjoy the picks and the pics…HOLLA!

You know why I luv Dirk, he works hard...
...and he plays Frickin Hard!

We’ve got the last of our NBA action before the All-Star break, but lucky for me…my guy takes over/unders on the 3-point contest. Anyway, I should have listened to The Cougar last night…the fat-azz told me to take Duke over BC, but I brushed him off quicker than a call-girl after you finish your “mini” Peter North impersonation. We’ve got two NBA battles on TNT tonight, some Pac-10 luv, and a Sun Belt Special that you’d only find on the leader of useless roundball knowledge…inside “M*tha F*ckin” plays! My girl’s watching Grey’s tonight, while I’m hitting the Clybar to enjoy the rivalry that is North Texas versus the Denver Pioneers. By the way, looks like tomorrow we’ve only got some Ivy League action, so I’m hoping my insider Gator Mike knows who had a big nuclear-physics test this week.

KG is just too good...
...for the T-Wolves to be so average!

The NBA is back boyz…and my banker is happier than Brett Farve winning a $100 shopping spree at CVS Pharmacy. Besides investing on the professionals action tonight, I also really want to play the Spartans as the Badgers will travel to the house that Izzo, Steve Smith, Shawn Respert, & Mo Pete built (screw Mateen and his large azz-chompers!), but I don’t know if I have the balls to bet against a guy named Alando. I have a feeling that Wisconsin may be looking ahead to their tilt with the Buckeyes on Sunday, but it’s soo hard to put my church money on a team led by the short skinny white Drew “Derek Ravio” Neitzel. Oh well, maybe by the end of my pointless banter today I’ll have changed my mind…but who cares, there’s NBA action tonight and it’s M*tha F*ckin frat-tastic!

Can Vince rise above the trade rumors...

...and come up with a win tonight?

Ouch…Last night was more painful then getting that little Q-Tip in college when they check for the opposite of happy endings! They only guy that won me some dinero was Derek Ravio and Michigan State…or maybe that was Drew Neitzel dropping bombs. But just like my Homeboy Mr. Bobbit in “John Wayne Bobbitt Un-Cut”…I’m a fighter and I will strap it on again tonight. Enough chit-chat, I stayed up late with a couple glasses of scotch and a little lip candy…care of the Bear, and researched like I was charge of finding the girls for the SI Swimsuit Addition. Its Wednesday fellaz, the day Greggy G puts the women and children to bed and goes looking for frickin’ dinner…and dinner tomorrow is going to be King Crab Legs in a Butter-Truffle sauce after playing the 8 games I’ve got tonight!

Looks like Wade won't be soarin' for awhile!

He may always get up...but sometimes he needs a wheelchair!

So much for having King Crab legs in a Lemon Truffle sauce for lunch. It looks like I’ll be snacking on some Buddig Corn Beef on a tortilla washed down with some H20 spiked with a lemon wedge and Hawkeye Vodka…and not my lemon wedge…I’m stealing that shiznit from our office fridge. But whether you luv me or hate, I’m coming back for more punishment like Rocky Balboa…minus the roids. With that said, instead of justifying my gambling existence, I’ve got a quick Bulls thought for ya. I am praying that the injury to D-Wade entices Paxson, Skiles, & Co. to make a big splash before the deadline. The Bullies have so many young assets and draft picks this year, no matter who they give up for Gasol they’ll still have an unbelievable young core. The East is more wide-open than Brittany’s felted-mound and I just can’t take another minute of P.J. Brown, Malik Allen, & Michael Sweetney getting their shot tossed like Andy Dick at the penitentiary. On that note, Greggy G’s starring a new streak and I hope your riding with me when it hits! Tonight looks easy…thanks to you Mr. Wade!

I would have been as happy as you Avery if you...

just kept Austin "Vince Vaughn" Croshere out of the game!

ARE YOU FRICKIN’ KIDDING ME! With the Mavs up 32 points a few minutes into the 4th quarter, I actually put a W (win) in my notepad, slammed the last of my Templeton Rye Whiskey, and got my warm Houston Oilers Zubaz out of the dryer. Next thing I know, Dallas has got some 4-foot dude named Jose Juan “why are you in the frickin’ game” Barea and James Posey is making it rain from downtown like Pac-Man Jones in Vegas. Speaking of making it rain (which sounds like fun), I’ve got a Bachelor party this weekend and I was hoping to do just that at the local entertainment club…unfortunately, after the Mavs made me consider pulling a Corey Dillon from this profession, I’m going to have to Make it Rain with 8 M*tha F*ckin Dollars! But no need to panic loyal compadres (all 9 of ya), I’m not retiring because I need money like Scottie Pippen and will be playing this game until my frickin’ wheels fall off…or until I have to sell my hub-caps! Check back all weekend, I’ll have some picks & pics and for ya and plenty of drunk banter.

Kobe looked like it was 2002 last night...

...thank god, cause he was my only win anoche!

I am completely done with the NCAA...at least for today. It's strickly NBA Action for me tonight and hopefully that win streak I keep talking about!

Only Greggy G can compare his ATS Season...
...to the boat of former Bull Brian Williams

My record is sinking faster than Bison Dele hanging on his boat with a bunch of relatives. I’m sick of watching my boys get down in the 1st quarter or let their crappy bench blow it late…I need my coaches to ensure a fast start, a furious finish, a mentality to cheat-like hell, and most importantly, know what the damn line is! I’ve decided not to bore you with my banter until I finally find that win streak or I head on another road trip. Game-on Gambling Gods, I’ve got 4 playing tonight...and I need all 4 to cover!

As the season progresses and playoffs near, the NBA on Friday night becomes more predictable than Rex Grossman throwing into the flat. The young up-incoming teams fighting for an improved playoff position play with reckless abandon, the veteran playoff squads start to rest their starters and give the night off to the crusty old-timers, and the bottom feeders only seem to play well on Friday if they’re in a city without a great nightlife. It’s the finally 25 games of the regular season and the book knows we’ll be collecting more than that kid in December whose mom is Jewish and Dad loves Jesus. Let’s make this a profitable weekend fellaz…you know I need it. Happy Birthday Big Trev…Much Luv from Greggy G and boyz!

Greggy G...winner of 6 of his last 7 in the NBA homeboys!

GOLDEN ST. WARRIORS @ WASHINGTON WIZARDS (-8.5)
Nobody is playing worse than the Warriors right now. They started their road-trip early last week desperately holding on to slim playoff hopes…and then proceeded to get blown-out by an average of 20 pts per contest by the Bucks, Bulls, and the frickin’ KNICKS! In addition, half the roster is questionable on the injury report and new Savior Don Nelson just proclaimed to the cameras that they basically suck and he’s failed…not a good combo on the road. As for MJs old-team, after a solid 1st half of the season, injuries to two of the three amigos left Gilbert the Great all by his lonesome and Wiz slowly started to fall in the standings...But WAIT! Caron Bulter & Antawn Jamison are now back, and even though they’ve only started one game, what better way to get your feet wet than against the Warriors. They also know they need to solidify their playoff position, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they ran off a nice little win streak. This has blow-out written all over-it like a fratboy after a house party…Wizards by 16-22 points

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES @ BOSTON CELTICS (+1)
While it took me more than half the year to figure out, I’ve never seen a team with more talent play so lifeless and uninspired in all my degenerate life. Just like the Warriors, desperately holding out hope that they could make the playoffs, the T-Wolves proceeded to get absolutely throttled by the Mavs & Jazz at home. I know those two are good, but it’s looking so bad that KG isn’t even bouncing around and screaming. As for the Celtics, I know everybody thinks they should lose games on purpose to get Durant or Oden, but try telling that to some hungry youngsters who were a laughing stock during the losing streak and a veteran who wants to prove everybody wrong. Paul Pierce and his new crew have won 3 in-a-row, including an awesome overtime win last night at New Jersey (Al Jefferson had 32 pts, 18 pts, & 2 blks…maybe the best low-post threat in the East after Shaq) and are coming home to some crazy fans who are desperate to witness a blow-out on Sunday afternoon…Celts by 12-18 points

A solid 4-2 weekend on the hardwood has boosted the moral throughout the Insideplays.com’s offices and hallways…and actually given me an opportunity to take my girl to a restaurant that isn’t BYOB. Not much action tonight, but enough to give you a reason to buy a 40 oz., a Totino’s Party Pizza, and the NBA package to catch the classic rivalry that is the Bobcats vs the Jazz. Holla at your boy!

Is there a better way to start the week, besides maybe a couple brownies with some flavorful herbs, than an undefeated evening on the hardwood? While some splendid defense by VCU in the final minutes gave me a backend cover, the Jazz made things easy by blowing-out the Bobcats by the 3rd quarter and enabling me to actual turn off the tube, sip on some brandy, and finish my girl’s scarf I’ve been crocheting for the last year and a half. As for tonight, there are slimmer pickings than at the gentelmen’s club at BYU so I’m playing it light again. Greggy G’s covered 6 of his last 8…have you? HOLLA

My real boss has actually asked me to do some important work today (like checking injury reports and who’s not playing because their stuck in the poky isn’t important), so instead of my mindless banter….all I can offer is three lay-ups on the NBA hardwood tonight. Even though NCAA conference tourney time here, you know I’ll be tied-up like Kobe Tai watching the 76ers battle the Supersonics tonight…Game-on little BEEATCHES!

March Madness is upon us fellaz…which means I’ll either be dining all of April at Smith & Wollensky’s or bringing coupons to the Weiner Circle. Speaking of a Weiner Circle, how about those rumors involving the former LSU women’s basketball coach and some of her current and former players. All I know is her name is Pokey…and I think she was poking around with some things she shouldn’t have been. But enough about the fundamentally sound female roundballers, it’s Friday Night in the NBA and I’m beaming with more confidence than Tom Brady’s sperm. Check us out all weekend, and make sure to tell your Grandma to sign-up for our daily newsletter…it’s hotter than a M*tha F*ckin Tea Kettle!

Everybody have a nice weekend? You know I did hittin’ 6 of my 8 picks on Saturday & Sunday and enjoying the Big 10 Tourney thanks to my Homeboy Floss’s kick-azz tickets. While everybody will be hardly working this week as they incorrectly fill out their brackets, Greggy G will be working overtime like the former LSU women’s ball coach to breakdown the NIT and the Association. Only a couple of games in action tonight, and hopefully, I’ll actually get some action of my own if I can put together a nice meal for my lady. Game-on BEEATCHES! While most people hate Monday’s, to me it’s just the start of another potential week that could land me on Robin Leech’s Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous by next Monday!

Unlike the Mavericks, I kept my win streak alive last night and was able to finalize my final four selections. It’s your lucky day fellaz, because I’m going to give you the 411 on how things will shake out in the tourney. After analyzing the brackets, I’ve got West Virginia as the eventual winner of the N.I…M*tha F*ckin T. Unfortunately, I’ve only got three players to join my bracket-buster NIT tourney: a Madison stripper named ONYX, some dude named Ronnie Woo Woo, and my ole’ lady (don’t tell Onyx or Ronnie that my girl’s picks are really just mine!) Of course, my Homeboy Gator Mike was not invited to play since he took my money in the Football Bowl Spectacular and my accountant recommended I treat him like the 7-11 employee who tries to play the lottery…Ineligible BEEATCH! While I’ll give you my 5-star NCAA tournament picks tomorrow (Niagra is a lock for the play-in game tonight…I mean sh*t, the actually beat the Red Foxes of Marist this year!), let’s head back to the Association hardwood were I’m hotter than a jello wrestling contest between Tom Brady’s two swimmer holders…I got to say it was a good day! Ice Cube ‘92

You guys all know Greggy G never shuts-up when he’s hot, and is short-winded like Paul Pierce on the break and crabbier then Todd Hundley after a poor evening…and once in awhile, he complains about how the Jazz lost a 17 point lead in the 4th M*tha F*ckin quarter! Nothing different about today, just plenty of picks…and more importantly pics! I know I told you I’d have my NCAA bracket beaters today, but after last night I need to win some pool money and will have to give out my Cinderella’s early tomorrow. (Of course I’m not going to win, but at least my dumb-azz thinks so until Thursday afternoon) But don’t fret young Homeboyz, West Virginia looked smoother than Christina Aguleria’s booty last night, and as I told ya, they’re a lock to win the 66th best team of the year award…and what a coincidence, I’m a Bear fan and our starting QB Rex Grossman won the 66th best QB award!

I know my azz is gettin old because I’ve taken every Friday off for the NCAAs since college, and I’ve noticed I’ve started to phase out earlier and earlier in the day…yesterday I passed out before halftime of the night games. It actually took me until this morning to realize I went 2-1 in the NBA and that my bracket took a hit with LBST getting rolled...but at least I picked an exciting underdog…over 200 frickin’ points in that game! Anyway have a sweet weekend and remember to tip your bartenders…and performers…Dollar. Dollar, Bill Y’all!

BOSTON CELTICS @ SAN ANTONIO SPURS (-13)
Boston gave a nice effort in Dallas last night before folding late, but has started to revert to some old habits...such as youngsters makin' turnovers and veteran’s castin' bad shots. Also, I guarantee Pierce isn’t excited to be playing a back to back against Bruce Bowen, while the Spurs are coming off an azz-kicking from the Bucks and Pops has them believing everyday is a statement game from here on out.. Go Xavier, Go Spurs, and Go Greggy G!...Spurs by 16-22 points

Air Force lit-up the scoreboard like it was the last joint on a Rasheed and D-Stoudamire road-trip in Blazerland, and helped Greggy G’s week start out in the green. With that, I’m taking my collegiate victory and running over to the professional level tonight as we’ve got playoff positioning and ping-pong ball discrepancies all over the ATS board. Less than a month left in the regular season and you know Vegas is more nervous than Michael Vick at an airport security check-point…so let’s take advantage my friends. As for the NIT & NCAA tourneys, not much excitement there as we already know West Virginia and Kansas will be the two teams ending the season on a winning note. Game-On…Holla at your Boy!

We all know the Vegas books adjust their lines once Greggy G posts his winners, but did you know we’ve sparked some interest from the NBA players themselves? While the majority of our daily banter discusses the positive contributions athletes make in sports, once in awhile we sarcastically take a light jab at the ballers and it turns out their responding better than a Pat Riley coached squad. Case in point (luv that phrase), while yours truly was 2-1 last night, the one loss came at the hands of the Bobcats as I jokingly lambasted their new scoring option Walter “Fabio” Herrmann. As I sipped on my well-vodka and cream soda concoction watching the NBA package, good ole’ Fabio was raining 3s in OT and screaming “Greggy Who!” on his way to a 19 pt 10 reb performance

If you don’t believe me, then you’re telling me the Argentinean Goldilocks was motivated by the great Bernie Bickerstaffenheimer…Please. But enough about how Insideplays is changing the landscape of professional sports, let’s get to tonight’s NBA action and add onto our 3-1 start to the week. Maybe I was a lil’ over-confident last night after the Suns covered, because I proceeded to roll-up on my girl and asked if she wanted some Thug-Kama-Sutra. While she did said “Hell Yeah”, she followed that up with…“What’s your dorky, white, unibrow-azz going to do while I’m getting some?” Oh well, at least I’ve still got my Homeboyz!

While I was unable to perform any Thug Karma-Sutra last night, as mentioned before by my lady, because I’m a dorky white-dude with bum-ankles and a fading sharpie-tat that reads: “Strickly 4 my Polacks”, I did perform some fine research for tonight’s NBA action. As for the big tourney games tonight, I’m not investing…but can tell you who will be advancing:

MEMPHIS over TEX A&M
…the Tigers are soo balanced
BUCKEYES over the VOLUNTEERS-
…Xavier prepped Ohio St. like Ob1-Canobe prepped Luke
KANSAS over S. ILLINOIS
…too much size for the Salukis and cause I’ve got KU winning it all
UCLA over PITTSBURG
…I’ve been less and less impressed with Pitt of late.

But enough about the collegiate game, it’s Thursday Night in the NBA and Commissioner Stern decided to give us a little more action than normal…Let’s Roll Homeboyz and wish my luck at beating Joey V's azz in Golden Tee tonight!

Just call me the Doctor baby…the Doctor of Roundball. After callin' all 4 NCAA winners last night and hittin’ 2 out of 3 NBA plays, my girl is getting the treatment tonight…we goin’ Sizzler, we goin’ Sizzler! I even told you Amare would drop 30 & 20 last night against the Kings, and ended up with 33 points 21 bounds. And even better, my Bullies won and I still covered on the Nuggets. As for the NCAA, my brackets are lookin’ sharper than the St. Pauli's Girl at Hockey Game and I’ve got the upset of the weekend for ya…The M*tha F*ckin Ducks! I know they first have to beat the Running Rebels tonight and don’t have the size to match-up with the Gators on Sunday, but I saw all 16 of their guards draining 3s in my sleep last night…well, in-between the midnight shakes. But enough about how cool I am…without further ado, I give you my winners for tonight…Chalk baby, Chalk!

GEORGETOWN over VANDERBILT
Jeff Green is more underrated than Cyclone Troy Davis in Canada

NORTH CAROLINA over USC
My boy Tim Floyd just doesn’t have the depth to match UNC

FLORIDA over BUTLER
I’m hoping for a Bulldog upset so my Ducks have an easier time on Sunday, but I’m also hoping David Silver and Ian Ziering stop by for my open house this weekend

M*tha F*ckin DUCKS over UNLV
If you don’t know, now you know!

Enough college 4-play, it’s time for Friday Night in the NBA…an evening when groupies will be face-down and azz-up & Greggy G will be face-down and a few dollars up! Emmm…I like it like that, she’s workin’ that back…slow-motion for me, slow-motion for me…Have a good weekend Homeboys

While my brackets finally blew-up yesterday, I still came out with some xtra paper for Sunday Funday with an undefeated night in the NBA...thank you Vince Carter for savin' mine and Jason "I can't Shoot!" Kidd's azz. Anyway, I still think the Ducks can pull it off this afternoon, while the Tar Heels should be able to utilize their depth against the Hoyas...but enough about the collegiate hardwood, my bloody and overpriced bagel was paid for by the NBA last night!

The Pistons have the complete package to get'er done!

DETROIT PISTONS (-4) @ MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Dude...the Bucks started Brian Skinner and former Hawkeye Jared "M*tha F*ckin'" Reiner in their frontcourt the other night. With Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva out for the year and Chauncey back for a final push for homecourt throughout the Eastern Conf., I think Michael Redd needs to drop at least 45 do cover on Sunday Funday!...Pistons by 7-13 points

Not to bad last night (2-1). Toronto was a disappointment but it's all good, we'll go 2-0 today. Let me just take a moment to comment on last night's results. If your Golden State how do you consider yourself a real playoff contender when you get absolutely rolled by the Spurs at home by 37? Are you kidding me? This is a perfect example of how important it is for your team to have character, leadership, drive and chemistry to be a real contender. Getting to the playoffs is not motivation enough to play hard every night? If your tired you lose by 15-20....not 37! Ok, I'm off the soap box.....let's move on with the picks.

Oh yeah kids. 2-0 last night. 4-1 for the week. We got a nice little stroll going on. Let's keep it going. Guess who gave me a call this morning? Craig G. He has spent the last few days wadding in the kiddie pool and shooting dice with Mickey at Universal Studios. Tonight he's meeting up with Goofy for some late night Texas Hold'em after the wife and the in-laws go to sleep!

One more thing before I get to the picks. How the hell do the Lakers lose to the Grizzlies at home last night? When your second leading scorer has a total of three points; that's how. Yeah, Odom had 11 assists and 16 boards but this game comes down to points. Step your game up Odom. Now that I got that off my chest. Let's get to the picks.

This special western hemisphere edition goes out to my boy GG who spent the night taking stacks from Goofy playing Texas hold'em. As for me, no it wasn't a good night. 1-2. 5-3 for the week is still not bad though. One note for all you fools....Baseball season starts sunday night, so we will have new games to gamble on! Yeah, we make baseball picks too! Anyway, lets get to tonight's games.

I’m back BEEATCHES…thanks again to Money Mike for actually doing something for the first time in 6 months for the website…Solid picks Homeboy! As for my vacation, let’s just say that I wasn’t in Vegas and Goofy, Mickey, and the Epcot Center popcorn vender couldn’t help me with any luv at 4:20 poolside. Anyway, while most of my Big Dance picks bowed out in the Elite 8, I completely dominated the NIT bracket as West Virginia made me look like a genius. As for the NBA, my record is slowly crawlin’ back to dominance and I’ve got 3 more gems for ya tonight. They’ll be short and sweet, since I’m trying not to get fired from my real (boring) job after using up more vacation days that I don’t have! Have a good weekend Homeboys!

It feels better than a backrub in ChinaTown to be back picking NBA winners (Not like I wasn't reading the USA Today at Space Mountain on vacation). 2-0 on the professional hardwood, including a Rocket push (thanks to my guy...no OJ), and we've got a kick-azz Saturday if you like Roundball. Before I get to the Bulls/Cavs matchup today, where the winner takes a 3 game move in the standings, I have a feeling G-Town has the defense and toughness to rattle the young Buckeyes. As for the Gators and Bruins, this is a rematch of last year...except not everybody's back for John Wooden's old team. G-Town vs Florida should be fun boyz, I'm off to drink and watch sports all day, but don't forget to see my NBA pick and pic of the day!

WASHINGTON WIZARDS (-3.5) @ MILWAUKEE BUCKS
The Wizards are getting ready for the playoffs, while the Bucks are getting ready for anywhere but Milwaukee this summer...Wizards by 8-14 points

I played in a little hold’em tourney during the National Championship game last night and came out of the gates just like the Gators. Even better, anytime somebody started to make a little move…I’d just Lee Humphrey their azz and let them know they had no shot to win. With the professionals taking the night off to regroup from my late season dominance, as a full-blown degenerate it was nice to know I could still invest in the one remaining college game and play some poker to pass the time on an NBA holiday. But tonight, no such luck for Mr. Stern and the books in Vegas as everybody knows you cannot stop Greggy G…you can only hope to contain him. I just make money-money, make money-monEEYY!

Can you say EIGHT STRAIGHT M*THA F*CKIN WINS FOR GREGGY G! I’m hotter than Connie Chung in '89 and even my Dry Cleaner greased my palm with some extra cash as I pick-ed up my silk shirts yesterday…Oh yeah, he’s a subscriber to the madness. While I’m sure some of you are waiting for the momentum to shift south, I asked my entrepreneur Homeboy Danny “I only go baseline” Sachs about life at the top of the food chain and he said: “Your NBA picks are like my air-tight water-bottles…they don’t drip money into my pocket, they just MAKE IT RAIN!” Now that’s what I needed to hear. I mean look at West Virginia’s former coach John Beilein, he used the NIT Championship and the support of Insideplays.com to make some major paper at Michigan. So with that, I’m gettin’ greedy today and making 5 plays on the NBA hardwood…for those of you not interested in bball, that also means I’ve got 5 beautiful ladies for ya as well. C-YA in the Hamptons Homeboys!

With my record 3-0 after the early games last night, I slammed my Brandy & Cream Soda cocktail, turned off my bedtime video “Dancing with Beavers” (Instead of Two Socks, the character’s name is Two Happy Socks…pretty frickin’ funny!), and checked the halftime score of the Nuggets to see they were up by 20. What a way to end the night I thought…I picked myself off the sofa in my Golden St. Warrior Zubaz, and went to bed expecting a 4-1, or 5-0 evening, and even dreamed of buying my girl that lil’ pony she's always wanted. So to say the least, as I sipped my bloody and downed a happy mushroom this morning, I was not too thrilled to check out the box scores and see I went 3-2 last night. While that may be a nice night for the average degenerate gambler, we all know that’s not what’s expected from Greggy G. But no worries my friends…we’re only a day away from the madness that is Friday Night in the NBA and I’ve even got a lil Thursday Night TNT special for ya. So enough banter, let’s pick up another victory tonight and roll into Friday with more money than a groupie on All-Star weekend.

This evening's NBA picks resemble the Hog-Hunting contests I used to have with my Homboys in college…and tonight, it looks like I’ve got reservations next to the Ice Cream machine at Olde Country Buffet. No time for chit-chat today because I’ve got a few meetings on the docket this afternoon…no, not the ones where I tell people why I drink Arbor Mist before YMCA ball-games or how I’m addicted to the same thing Tom Brady has been doin’ lately. Injuries and lottery ping-pong conspiracies all over the ATS board today, and from what I hear from my inside sources, Vegas is more nervous than my ass was after they clipped my hair for my last job interview. Check-in all weekend because I’ve got nothing but the professional hardwood and debauchery on the mind!

I got to run Homeboys...trying to sell the crib and I actually got some people comin' to check out the mansion. But don't worry, I didn't forget about you guys...check it out!

NEW YORK KNICKS (-1) @ MILWAUKEE BUCKS
I never bet on Knicks, but just about everybody is on the training table in Milwaukee with ping-pong ball'itis. Isiah and the Knicks aren't making the playoffs, but you know Zeke wants to win so the Bulls don't get a better pick...Knicks by 4-10 points

SEATTLE SUPERSONICS @ UTAH JAZZ (-9)
Sloan's going to make sure their playing at a playoff level now, especially with the Rockets looking a lil banged up for the playoffs. As for the Sonics, the actually played alright last night...can't see that on back-to-back when it doesn't matter...Jazz by 13-19 points

Did anybody see former Bull Eddy Curry drop 43 and 13 on Saturday? While I’ll agree it was pretty filthy, nothing annoys me more then reading in all the Chicago papers and hearing at the local pubs (well…in-between the bar brawls that the cops are starting) that Pax, Skiles, & Co. are regretting the Curry move. LISTEN YOU BASTARDS…IT WASN’T GOING TO WORK IN CHICAGO! Besides the fact that the Chi-town native needed to leave his hometown to make life easier, please don’t tell me you think he’s the type of player that will be playing ballz-out for even 2/3 of the that huge contract. Just like my boy Chris Wilcox in Seattle, no matter how awesome he looks for 20 or 30 games a year, he still has to be valued by the other 50 games he blows-off. The Bulls have a roster full of dedicated gym rats (well…except for the Michael “I’d eat the frickin’ rats!” Sweetney) and are building something that’s going to be special for a long-time…even though I still think they should grab Gasol or Garnett this summer!

But enough Bulls banter, the last weeks of the NBA season are a Vegas nightmare and Greggy G has the troops rallied for an attack that would’ve made my Warcraft coach proud. Not to mention, my NBA Homeboy Larry, who besides dating really hot chicks that don’t even care to remember my name, has a great end of the year over/under theory. He’s covered something like 80% since he installed it just over a week ago…and it’s easier than trying to score a hottie when you’ve got Larry’s money! Here it is…On any games between two teams not in the playoff race, bet the over as nobody is playing defense and ends up looking like an NBDL all-star games with all the youngsters. Secondly, on any games between teams jockeying for playoff position, bet the under as teams actually play some defense and try to get into the playoff mode. When you win a ton of money on theory, Larry said it was cool if you just give Greggy G all the credit. Let’s roll this week fellaz…there’s a suburb in Chicago I’ve got my eye on to purchase!

While hitting 50% last night (2-1 myselft, 0-1 on the new Larry theory) still cost me some OJ, I wish I had invested all of my Spud Webb rookie cards and mint-condition Garbage Pal Kids on the Magic last night. The game in Milwaukee represented the reason I usually head into baseball season with plenty of xtra cash to blow on the Southsiders. We had the Magic desperately hanging-on to the final playoff spot in East, while the Bucks had more action going on at the training table and with their travel agents than on the hardwood. Tonight, I’m sticking to my ATS theory, as well as, bouncing back with Larry’s Ova/Unda Special. I’ve witnessed the Chicago Legend purchase a few white tigers over the weekend from his theory, so a 0-1 record at Insideplays just means I’m just doubling up on one of his picks anoche. Speaking of tonight, looks like I’m stumblin’ to bed with some hard working kidneys…we have the Bulls/Knicks battle kicking-off the evening, followed by my White Sox trying to start their west coast trip 2-0. What a day to be a Chicagoan. Take it light Homeboys and please don’t forget to take your Milk Thistle every morning…it’s your liver’s best friend!

While I woke-up to my girl hollerin’ at me to start her car and scrape the snow off, I could’ve been irate since it’s frickin’ April or even because the Sox blew a late lead in the 9th…but after last night’s hardwood investments, she could’ve shaved my eye-brows and I’d still be a happy man. Yours truly was a hook away from pulling a 5-0 evening, (3-1 on my own, 1-0 with Larry the Legend’s Ova/Unda Special) and I found out I was the 3rd guard taken in the YMCA supplemental Draft for this Spring (My game has been compared to a combination of Ben Gordon’s without the jumpshot and Brevin Knight's without the court vision). No time to waste though, we’ve only got a few nights left of the late-season NBA gifts and the lines seem to be shifting by the minute. Oh yeah, and my Homeboy Larry did some late-night research (ova/unda on the # of substances in his body when I got his email at 11:45 last night?), and he’s hotter than a M*tha F*ckin Tea-Kettle. Don’t be fooled by his 1-1 record with Insideplays.com, just like my azz trying to get lucky after too much Whiskey…I’m a little slow to jump-on when I’m supposed to. His theory has been hittin’ something like 75% over the last two weeks. Game-on BEEATCHES and make sure to tell your loved-ones not to worry about fixing dinner tonight…cause WE GOIN’ SIZZLER, WE GOIN’ SIZZLER!

Stop the Presses Homboys…Greggy G went 4-0! As the humble man I am, I must first give thanks to Jameer Nelson on his flawless layup with .1 left on the clock (…in my opinion, possibly the biggest shot of his career) and to the Indiana Pacers who miraculously covered 6 points in the finally 30 nano-seconds…because of their innate inability to dominate early, I never played the potential 1-point ATS lose in the Rocket game. And of course, I cannot continue without givin’ Larry the ATS Legend his mad-props for handing us the Philly/Boston OVA, and convincing me later in the day that the Heat/Wiz contest was not unwatchable if it could become profitable. What a genius...I ended up making some homemade shroom flavored popcorn, cracked a 3 month old PBR, and thoroughly enjoyed watching both teams play like azz and come nowhere close to the ATS total.

Watch-out Vegas, insideplays.com has put the women & children to bed and is lookin’ for frickin’ crab-legs & caviar! Only two tilts on the NBA docket tonight, and while I’ll still do a little handicapping cause I’m a degenerate, the real Good Friday is only a day away…the last Friday of the NBA regular season! A day when in the same game a team may have 3 NBDL stars of tomorrow loggin’ 30 minutes apiece, while their opponent has 2 all-stars with playoff desperation never leaving the floor. Enjoy the day Homeboys…cause you know my azz will! We goin’ Sizzler and Daddy’s gettin’ a new pair o’ kicks…and this time they won’t say Starbury on the side!

I was so close to taking a night-off from the window, but just like Warren Moon…something about the sun going down excites me! I definitely should have trusted my gut as I ended the night losing some dinero on the Lakers and gettin’ hauled out of lil’ pub by a Mexican bouncer yelling: VAMANOS SH*T-HEAD! In my opinion, racial profiling led to my dismissal from Manuel’s Casa de Partido as I was the only cracker in the establishment, but the owner begs to differ…(supposedly) he says I threw my Tecate at his 12’ TV and was yelling: “Harold Rider sucks Pelotas Grandes!” For those of you not in the know, Kobe Bryant will now be represented by the Isaiah J.R. Rider and Harold “Baby-Jordan” Miner until he proves he’s more than just a talent show. And please spare the text messages Laker fans because I don’t want to hear how he already has some jewelry…just like my girl showing off her Elizabeth Hurley sized ring and acting like she bought it, real ballers know Shaq was the one that bought Kobe’s bling! Obviously, I’m angry because I made a stupid decision to bet on a team I hate, which always ends up being the frickin’ double-whammy…and that’s only fun if Kobe Tai is involved. But enough complaining because nothing gets better than today…I mean we have the last Friday Night in the NBA, one my best Homeboys is in from out-of-town, the Cougar just told me it’s his 30th Birthday, and the warden (my beautiful lady) gave me a hall-pass for the evening! Let’s make some cash tonight so you guys can buy that Ab-Roller and I can buy Manuel a new TV. Take it light boyz…CAUSE IT’S HARD OUT HERE FOR A GIMP!

Yes, I’m 40 games over .500...what did ya expect you lil BEEATCHES!?

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS @ MILWAUKEE BUCKS (+3.5)
Like I told you last night…Gadzuric, Boykins, Bell, Patterson, and Mo Williams are playing for their livelihood, and standings wise they don't have to worry about tankin’ anymore. As for the Cats O’ Bob, their in the Oden/Durant mode…Wallace and Carroll sat out last night with ping-pong ball’it is…Bucks by 8-14 points (BTW, can’t understand why Vegas is givin’ the Bucks pts tonight)

CHICAGO BULLS (-7.5) @ WASHINGTON WIZARDS
The Bulls have looked dominate at times over the last month, finally have everybody healthy, and need to win out to ensure the 2nd seed. As for the Wiz, without Agent 0 and Caron Butler they remind of the Washington Bullets when Horace’s brother Harvey Grant was manning the block…Bulls by 10-16 points

SAN ANTONIO SPURS (+1) @ DALLAS MAVERICKS
In my humble, but correct opinion…the Spurs are best team in the NBA. Duncan, Parker, & Ginobili, have been playing at another level after the last couple weeks and definitely will want to make a statement today in the house that Cuban built…Spurs by 4-10 points

BOSTON CELTICS @ ORLANDO MAGIC (-12)
Orlando and Dwight Howard were awesome last night and can potentially clinch a playoff spot with a win. As for the Celtics…TANK!...Magic by 14-20 points

While I dominated the card game last night, one of my Homeboys asked why I waste me time doing this shitzit. You know what I told him...because I'm a frickin' REBEL BABY!

Sunday started out perfectly with a bloody, followed by some shrimp nachos and a Bulls performance that has Chi-Town buzzin', before my Funday sunshine was killed by a ref. Just hangin' with my lady and ready to enjoy a 2-1 Sunday...when referee Joey “I think I’m a star” Crawford suddenly decided to kick Timmy D out because he was laughing on the bench. Are you frickin' kidding me! With all the tanking theories and mysterious injuries we’ve seen the last month, NBA fans were finally being treated to a nationally televised Mavs/Spurs battle that had both teams playing like it was the Western Conf Finals. Next think you know, the baldy veteran ref decided he wanted to show everybody across the land that he controls the game and turned Sunday into a complete embarrassment. This is not the first time Crawford has acted more macho than a porn-star with a 19 year-old virgin, and do not be surprised if Mr. Stern suspends his sorry-azz for part of the playoffs. But before we get to the playoffs, we still have 3 days left in the regular season to help our early retirement plans fellaz. Have a great week and congrats to my Homeboy Jon in Minneapolis…he passed his last test and is now an official Architect. All that means...is that I finally have someone to help me finish my house in the Hamptons!

After last night’s perfect performance, I actually received a visit from a lil’ foreign woman with three nipples who offered me a 50/50 partnership in a Tarot Card & Palm reading establishment in my hood. While I was interested, it was more in regards to what dirty and naughty activity goes on after the drapes are pulled, the incense and ditch-weed is burning, and you notice the palm reader is wearing (not-wearing) a Britney Spears special down-below. Of course, I passed on the opportunity because it would’ve affected the millions of diehard Greg Gamble readers, but you can understand why the multi-nippled prognosticator was so persistent. I predicted a Nets win at The Garden by 8-14 points, and they won by 9. I envisioned a last second Celtic upset at the AARP Heat venue, and they won by a bucket. I forecasted the Grizzlies beating the Spurs and that my man Pau Gasol would pull-off a 30 and 10 night in possibly his last home-game in Memphis, and the Grizz proceeded to roll and the Spaniard ended with 25 and 15. And finally, I told ya Joey "Napoleon-Complex" Crawford would be suspended. Yes, I know I’m cooler than Burt Reynolds in Striptease, but as a professional I must wipe the slate clean and do it again tonight. Let’s roll boys…only two days left in Greggy G’s Tank’ology Madness!

We’ve finally made it to the last day of the NBA regular season, a day when nobody gives a ratz-azz except gambling junkies, the fan clubs for Pape Sow & Bracey Wright, and the few cities (ala Chi-Town) where playoff seeding is still at stake. While I’ll admit I enjoy watching end of the bench basketball and receive a text message update from the “In Randy Livingston We Trust” club every time he dishes out an assist, besides investing on probably every game on the docket tonight I’ll be with my Homeboys at the bar hopin’ the Bulls can hold-on to the 2nd seed. Unfortunately, the Nets are at home and have plenty on the line as well, so expect a 70% defensive-effort from Vinsanity tonight and at least a 110% breakdown-effort from Greggy G on the game.

And to the Greg Gamble enthusiasts who are worried that the end of the season means they’ll be missing out on my Pulitzer Prize winning material…we’ve got plenty of playoff basketball to wager-on and to match-up with hot swimwear, as well as, at least 2500 opportunities on the diamond to prove I’m the gamblin’ version of Peter Gammons! You should see how my theory on matching lingerie and pinstripes can lead to ATS magic. But enough about how I get around the bases faster than Tommy Brady during the off-season, I’m sitting at 40 games over .500 for the regular season and need a few more wins to keep my lovely lady blinged-up like Kobe’s after he returns from a trip to Utah. What fun it should be tonight, no defense, no Joey Crawford, and plenty of cocktails for the Homeboys and Greggy G!

First and Foremost, Congratulations to Southside Southpaw Mark "I luv the Cards" Buehrle on his no-hitter...I luv the way he deals. As a lifelong Sox fan, I can’t remember being more unenthused entering a season after finished 3rd in the division and proceeded to do nothing substantial in the off-season. In my humble 'somewhat tipsy' opinion, nothing is worse than being a middle-of-the-pack baseball team in Chicago. Since our sunny weather window is so small, it doesn’t make any sense to follow the long-azz season with only a small opportunity to observe DePaul girls walking around in short-shorts that read: “Ass Hat” unless you are in playoff contention or extremely horrible…cause BAD baseball is twice as good as average baseball (just ask the Cubs). But last night, while drinking $2 Tecate (Happy!) with my Homeboys and watching the Bulls crap down their leg like Najah Davenport in a closet, little seemed to matter as Buehrle reminded us how magical it feels to the white-trash faithful when the Cell is buzzing. Even if it’s only temporary, thanks Mark…I needed it!

Back to the Hardwood fellas…after finishing the regular season exactly 40 games over .500 last night (146-106 ATS), I lounged on my expensive Unicorn-skin sofa and rehashed what my degenerate basketball life had come to. Basically, I know way too much about tall angry black-men, hairy..but cool fist-pumping foreigners, and the defensively challenged Caucasians of the NBA. Before passing out, I realized I needed to utilize this useless information and share my knowledge with others. So without further ado, before giving you my playoff predictions, I offer my first installment of the Greggy G’s NBA “If you don’t know, now you know” Awards. I just started these last night, so don’t give me too much shiznit yet…they’ll get better once a get a new batch of mushrooms delivered.

The DOMINIQUE WILKINS AWARD-
-The player actually worth an NBA ticket-
JOSH SMITH

I luv anybody that can look down into the rim!

Being forced to watch Hawk basketball is no-longer similar to pulling a rolled-up rubber out of your curlies now that Josh Smith’s crazed glare is in Hot-lanta. While watching the lefty fly-in on the break is more exciting than Teenage Mutant Ninja Dildoes with Spanish subtitles, nothing compares to the face of fear shown by opposing forwards at the top of the key when he makes his first jab-step. You know about today’s NBA, most guys would rather give up an easy bucket then be a side note for a new poster. While highflyers and smooth dunkers are scattered all over the NBA like professional athletes at the strip-club, just like Nique, Smith separates himself because of his ferocious power and unexpecting throw-downs off a miss. In addition, just like a chick that has one-boob bigger than the other, the uniqueness of being a lefty just adds a few percentage points of excitement. Not to mention the swingman averaged almost 3 blocks and 13 ugly jumpers per game, the excitement Smith brings to the arena is so unique because you never know if he’s going to scream at his coach, laugh with the cheerleaders, or just dunk on your head!

Sorry about the drunken ramblings yesterday, but my White Sox buzz was rollin’ Wednesday Night and the grammar/spell check must have been ignored! I guess that happens when you try to write a masterpiece after drinking Tecate at the bar and then capping the night mixing cherry-flavored Whiskey, Propel, and some leftover Chardonnay to get the creative juices flowing…and I probably shouldn’t have slippin’ that Kodiak in!

As for last night, I have to admit a had the sweats last night as I watched the ESPN ticker scroll across and didn’t find anything I wagered on. I promised myself I would not go to the baseball window until the NBA playoffs were over, and while it was only 1 night, I feel like I just got out of rehab and passed my first bar without stopping. But enough about my therapy, we have the playoffs starting Saturday and Part 2 of my “If you don’t know, now you know” NBA Regular Season Awards. As for my breakdown of the playoffs, give me a little time…my boss almost fired me this morning and I'm heading to Minneapolis for a weekend of debauchery with my Homeboys. What I do have for you is three more awards (my favorite black, white, & foreign ballers) and three more beautiful pics (my favorite white, black, & foreign hotties). Have a Stephen Jackson type of weekend fellas and make sure to check back tomorrow for my ATS Playoff Picks!

The Playoffs are here, my azz is already drunk in Minneapolis with my Homeboys, and we have 4 games on the docket today. I have feeling I should have taken a little more Milk Thistle this morning (Life-savin' Liver Pills for those not in the know!), but I'm sure if I drink a diet Coke to every 6 cocktails I'll be OK. While I only have one pick and pic for you today, I promise you won't be disappointed...C-YA

Hopefully Sunday Funday was enjoyable…even without my playoff picks. I apologize, but I spent the day drivin’ home from Minneapolis after a Saturday with some ole’ college buddies. And of course, we acted as though we were still running the show at 22 and even told some of the dancers (my favorite was Tigger) that we were minor leaguers for the Devil Rays…just like ole’ times baby. As for my investments this weekend, besides squeaking out the Bulls victory where I told you Luol would dominate, I played quite a few unders as game 1’s always produce shooting percentages closer to 35 than 45%. I’ll continue to track these trends, but game 2’s are never a solid ova/unda play as many teams desperately change their strategy.

And how about my M*tha F*ckin Warriors, after wasting 6 hours in the car on a beautiful day, I opened a nice bottle of wine, made some lemon-butter for my artichokes, and tried not to dribble on my GST Zubaz as I watched in amazement! The match-up between Don Nelson and his former buddies is going to be a classic and if Baron “I’ll knock you over with my azz!” Davis can continue to exploit the undersized guards or slow-footed forward match-ups there could be real problems for Avery. Not to mention, Stephen “I want to party with you” Jackson’s stellar defense on the German Diggler and Matt “Mohawk” Barnes’s underrated role in staying out of the way and coming-up with more loose balls then Andy Dick. Should be a great week of action fellaz and should be a great week to call in sick at least twice…no barkin’ from the dog, no smog, and ole girl’s cookin’ breakfast with plenty of hog!

*GREGGY G'S REGULAR SEASON: 146-106 ATS

The hardwood guru was only 8 seconds and a Kelenna Azubuike free throw away from a second straight 3-0 evening. What can I say…6 out of 8 in the playoffs with my two losses coming by one OVA/UNDA point last night and by the deadly hook (a half point for you non-gamblers) on the Pistons Monday. Actually, it’s kind of ironic because my Polish Cyclone Thunderstick also has a little hook itself. But enough about my lil’ Homeboy Jumanji, I actually need to sent out some props to the Cubbies. Once again the power of Insideplays is motivating athletes like a pack of hotties waiting on the concourse for Pablo Ozuna. Yesterday, I compared the Nuggets defense to Cliff Floyd’s swing and he proceeded to go 4 for 5 at the dish. Coincidence you say, I think not…my webmaster has informed me Cliffy’s a daily subscriber! But enough about the Northsiders trying to crawl out of the basement of the Central Division, we have 3 more NBA picks and some other pics that’ll surely make you say: “ I LUV GREG GAMBLE MORE THAN A HOT MODEL LUVS THE PATRIOTS QB!!!”

Seeing that the Lakers tend to be bashed alot on Insideplays by my boy GG b/c they seem to never cover the damn line, I found it only appropriate to give some love to the Lake Show after last night's performance. Down 2-0 and back in Hollywood for game 3, I eagerly anticipated how the young Lakers would respond. As I sat in the Rockit bar and grill last night watching lame ass brokers, traders, lawyers and the such try to pick up some of Chicago's finest dime pieces, I watched in disgust as the Lakers pretty much were steam rolled in the first quarter by the Suns. At the same time, I'm listening to my buddy B Bolan from C-Town talk about how much he hates Kobe and Lebron is the best player on the planet. Write on queue as if Kobe over heard the ludicrious statement that was just made, Kobe sets the tone with a couple of makes and some lock down defense to get the troops in line. 25 shots later, Kobe has 45 points, and Kwame "I just made Jordan proud" Brown puts up 19 and 6 boards to help lead the Lakers to their first win of the series.

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

Another profitable evening for Mr. Gamble, another Ronny Mexico faux-pas, and pictures of His Airness partying with white-girls in Cabo…it’s like somebody is doing my work for me! I’m not even going to mention my 2-1 performance last night cause we need to lambaste the water-bottled, middle-fingered, non-rubber wearing overrated QB that just didn’t have enough on his diamond-incrusted plate. If you haven’t heard, police conducting a drug raid on a property owned by Mr. Mexico ended up finding more than 60 abused dogs and other materials associated with dog and cock-fighting. Now I’ll admit I did a little cock-fighting back in the day, but that was solely a college experimental thing. As for the animal abuse, I don’t even like the shedding, crapping, stinky pets, but anybody involved in this type of behavior should be dealt with by the Mafia group that was after Maurice Clarett. But enough depressing sports news, let’s check out MJ getting’ his groove on…Luv how he’s still holding the cigar: http://deadspin.com/sports/nba/take-a-number-to-grind-with-mj-254447.php . I can’t make this stuff up fellaz…it’s like everybody wants to make it into Greggy G’s column. But enough gossip, I know the majority of my loyal readers are here for my NBA picks…well, actually most of you are hear for the pictures, but I’ll take what I can get. Have a great weekend my friends, check back when you’re bored, and Happy M*tha F*ckin Birthday to my Homeboy Toddy T. I’d tell him to get lucky tonight, but unlike most of us, that’s just part of his daily routine!

*Greggy G's NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

SAN ANTONIO SPURS (-2) @ DENVER NUGGETS
Listen...I got home at lil' before the sun came up, I still have to get my car, my bro's in-town, and I have to bring Sexy Back at a wedding tonight...so trust me when I say I luv the Spurs to win by more than a bucket tonight...San Antonio 6-12 points

*Greggy G's NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

SAN ANTONIO SPURS (-2) @ DENVER NUGGETS
Listen...I got home at lil' before the sun came up, I still have to get my car, my bro's in-town, and I have to bring Sexy Back at a wedding tonight...so trust me when I say I luv the Spurs to win by more than a bucket tonight...San Antonio 6-12 points

*Greggy G's Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

CHICAGO BULLS (+4) @ MIAMI HEAT
Coach LA Looks and the Heat have to be demoralized after blowing game 3, and the Bulls can see blood in the water like it's a Bison Dele boating trip. The Heat can't run with Paxson, Skiles, & Co. and don't be surprised if you see them looking for opportunities to take some cheap shots on the youngsters...Bulls by 6-12 points

DALLAS MAVERICKS (-3.5) @ GOLDEN ST. WARRIORS
I'll be wearing my GST Zubaz rootin' for Nellie and his 22 swingmen...but my wallet will be full of Mav dollars! You have to think Dirk and Avery get the boyz to bounce back tonight...Mavs by 6-12 points

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

The Bulls, Warriors, and my girl’s new Insideplays lingerie made yesterday an extra special Sunday Funday. With the 'Cool' Luol Deng getting his long-azz arms on every single loose ball and Baron Davis using a fullback’s mentality and a powerful-azz to dominate the Mavs, I had plenty of dreams of a Chi-town/Oakland Finals match-up. With that said, I’m currently on assignment and will be working on a feature article for the Bulls/Pistons match-up and will have to make this write-up shorter than Rex Grossman standing next to an offensive lineman. Hopefully everyone had a kick-azz weekend and special thanks to my brother who spilled a glass of red wine on my brand new suit 15 minutes into the wedding Saturday….that’s my dogg! Take it light boyz and don’t forget to check the new DVD Fortune Nookie #22…it blows FN #21 out of the water!

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

It’s amazing the different emotions you’ll find between fans and players. As I marked yet another “W” in my lil’ yellow notepad after the Jazz held on to the 6 points they were gettin’, I responded to the victory with my normal celebration routine of 4 beer bongs, 4 Skoal Bandits (Kiwi-Mango Flavor) and 44 push-ups. To the contrary, I was shocked to observe Boozer react as if he didn’t realize they had just covered on the road. I don’t know what type of pressure Jerry Sloan is putting on these guys, but do you think Pete Rose tipped over the post-game buffet if the Reds were getting +1.5 runs and lost 3-2 to the Padres…I think not! I guess Carlos is a lil’ bit more of a perfectionist than yours truly, but maybe that’s why I was kicked off my Church League team back in the late 90s. Supposedly, the Lord our Savior wasn’t too happy I held the ball at the top of the key for the final 3 minutes of the 1997 Religious Roundball Championship as we got close to the OVA/UNA total…Are you kidding me, no way I was going to give my Garbage Kid money to those nuns!

But enough about how I’m a WICKED-STALLER FROM BEHIND THE ARC, my Warriors are on the brink of one of the coolest upset stories in Playoff history, the Chicago-Media is panicking because the Bears 1st round pick likes to rap about demoralizing women, and I’ve almost completed my flawless breakdown of the Bulls/Pistons series. Just like my friend Ice Cube would say…I GOT TO SAY IT WAS A GOOD DAY! Let’s roll Homeboys!

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

Trying to fall asleep last night was impossible, and not because of anything a put in my weathered and broken body. Just like the day before my first date with the senior Pom-Pom’s Captain (hell ya...I did!), I tossed and turned thinking about what the new day could bring. Back in High School it was daydreaming of her spirit fingers touching anything that wasn’t hers, while last night it was Baron’s beard, Stephen’s crazed-stare, Nellie’s mafia attire, and the Warrior faithful partyin’ like their at that Johnny Utah surfer-party in Point Break. I mean Jessica ‘frickin’ Alba was sitting court-side Homeboys! What can I say…the GST Zubaz are already on, my Everclear Jungle-Juice is already mixed, and my mini-nerf hoop has a new globetrotter net…its gameday baby! Oh yeah, and we also have the early contest with Williams & Boozer’s pick n’ roll verses T-Mac & Ming’s isolation show, which has my ATS mind more excited then when I learned I had a second date with Ms. Spirit Fingers! It’s time fellaz…Let’s put the women and midgets to bed and go lookin’ for some Kobe beef and caviar!

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

While I’m not changin' my finals prediction of the Duncan’s vs the LeBron’s, I will daydream of 7-game series between Baron’s beard and Big Ben's fro playing for the NBA trophy. Speaking of the Warriors, how nice was that azz-kickin’ they gave Cuban’s boys. What made it even sweeter was watching it after winning on the Jazz/Rockets UNDA just a few minutes earlier. While I’ve never taken candy from a baby, I have stolen a cigarette from a drunken Ronnie Woo Woo and that wasn’t nearly as easy as my pick last night! Today we’ve got a similar scenario, just less banter from Mr. Gamble since I only rested my head on the pillow for 2 hours last night. Have a great weekend fellaz and check back for all the playoff picks and pics…DA BULLS!!!

Ouch!...my baby Bulls got spanked worse than Debbie in Dallas back in ’85. You’d think I’d be cryin’ in my PBR at the Clybar last night, but instead...I just won mad-dollars at Golden Tee against Homeboys that usually kick-my-azz and laced my pockets with Jazz money as they made T-Mac look silly. Got a run, takin’ the lil’ man to the zoo…Now that’s a SUNDAY FUNDAY!

NEW JERSEY NETS (+6) @ CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Of course I know I picked the Cavs to play SA in the finals, but you have to think NJ has some momentum, while the LeBron’s haven’t had a true test in a month…NJ by 2-8 points

SAN ANTONIO SPURS (+4.5) @ PHOENIX SUNS
Greg Gamble Rule #172: If Timmy D is gettin’ points, make reservations at Sizzler!..Greggy G rule #172

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

I finished off the weekend with some ATS flare going undefeated on the hardwood and winning an OVA/UNDA bet at the Zoo with a cotton-candy vendor on the number of tree frogs in the Reptile House exhibit. Damn, those lil’ bastards are harder to find than a clear video of the R. Kelly escapades. While the Lincoln Park Zoo is free, with all the extra coin I had lying around the house I decided to pull an Oprah and donated to the habitat and improved lifestyle of the Rafer Alston’s, aka the Dwarf mongoose, and slept like a baby knowing Greggy G had made the world a better place. But enough about my philanthropies, the Bulls are desperate for a win in Mo-Town, Mike Piazza’s best friend is back in the Big Apple, and my Warriors will be battling the most underrated low-post technician in the game…no, not Jarron Collins, I’m talkin’ bout Carlos “I Luv Cleveland!” Boozer. While my heart says ride the Warriors train with the same passion Emmanuelle used to on Showtime late-night when I was a youngster, I have a feeling the Jazz are going to be ready for Nellie’s crazed-crew. Let’s keep the magic rollin’ fellaz and don’t forget to wish T-Mac well on his annual early spring break!

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

Insideplays just sent a fruit & knee-brace basket to Al Harrington for blowin’ that lay-up as time expired givin’ us the extra special “Win by a Hook!” Not to mention, Mr. Harpring (aka Greggy G’s favorite white-baller) was cooler than MJ in Cabo knocking down two FTs with 7 seconds left. While some of you probably think I’m a bandwagon jumper who should be supremely disappointed by the baby Bulls getting waxed worse than T.T. Boy waxes a newcomer to the business, the only thing I lose sleep over is the dentist, flying squirrels, and picture'less books! Yeah, I thought Hinrich, Gordon, & Deng had turned the corner as a group, but what can I say… they look like a freshman Tri-Delt performing the Cow-Catcher for the first time. Do I think the Bulls have a chance to make this a series…No! Do I think the Bulls now have a better chance to sign someone like Pau Gasol in the off-season…Yes! But enough about the Bulls, they haven’t cost me any Mother’s Day presents since they went to Kid Rock’s hometown, so let’s just worry about the squads that continue to make us contact Real Estate agents in the Hamptons. BTW, I’ve doubled up since the playoffs have started…have you?

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

Don’t look for me to apologize like Curt “I can’t stop opening my mouth” Shilling for my OT victory last night. I was like a ‘Clarett in a Goose store’ last night finishing my last piece of Totino’s pizza topped with baby dolphin and giardiniera as the former Illini guard hit a clutch pull-up to send it to an extra session. Just as I’ve been on the other end of games where OT burned me worse the Ronny Mexico burned a few ladies, I don’t remember the Vegas window ever apologizing for takin’ my airfare money in ‘97 and forcing me to panhandle all the way to New Mexico. Speaking of New Mexico, I marvel at the fact that they’re responsible for 3 of my favorites…Brian Urlacher, Demi Moore (just magical in Striptease), and Billy the Kid. And speaking of Mr. “I talk way to frickin’ fast” Urlacher, how cool is that he gets to put a notch next to his bed for both Paris Hilton and a convict! Sorry to ramble, but as you probably know I’m just a lil’ nervous about the Bulls/Pistons match-up tonight. I know Pax, Skiles, & Co. have showed us nothing to believe this is still a series, but don’t underestimate how confident the Bulls will look playing at home. All they need is win tonight and this is a series again…no matter what the so called hardwood gurus tell ya. Just listen to the true NBA maven and make sure to tell the ladies to: Call me Joey, call me Donny, call me Tony Parker so I can call ya Eva…BEEATCH!

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

Ouch…what a way to ruin a sweet mood in the Windy City Thursday night. Was that really the same squad I saw last week? While I’ve always, and will continue to plead for Pau Gasol, Garnett, or any other big with a low-post game and two good knees, I too drank too much Paxson, Skiles, & Co. Kool-Aid and mistakenly thought an over-achieving group of role players could compete with a team stocked-full of legitimate NBA superstars. Just as a professional handicapper can’t drop dime from the heart, as I fan, my judgment was clouded by the quality characters and disciplined work-ethic of the Bulls youngsters. Unfortunately, just like my azz at the gym, no matter how many Fred Hoiberg pull-ups I hit on a 17-year old who smokes a pack a day, I’m still only going to make 3rd team all-YMCA. What made it worse last night was once again seeing the chickenshiznit expressions on their face! No matter how much they led by (16 at the half; 19 in the 3rd), you knew they were just waiting for Detroit to make their run. And was it just me, or did the Bulls actually get smaller and shrink as the game progressed?

Yeah…I haven’t been this depressed since they canceled “Saved by the Bell-College Years” after just a handful of shows, and it’s more because I let me myself believe…believe in a bunch of 3rd scoring options that are undersized. That’s like my Homeboy justifying losin’ his rich-girlfriend after cheating on her with fat, lop-sided, muskrat looking BIZNICH! I mean Ben Gordon is great shooter and all, but when your 6-foot nuttin’ and you can’t play defense or dribble it’s time to become a permanent spark-plug off the bench. Same think for Captain Kirk, a solid “over-paid” point guard who wastes too much energy guarding 6’6” swingmen and still hasn’t found a niche at the offensive end. I could go on, but I’ll end with a final dart for the coaching staff. While Skiles has garnered my support since he’s been here, why the hell was I watching an offense that actually put Ben Wallace in a position to have to make plays. STOP PASSING HIM THE BALL YOU FOOLS!!! Unfortunately, Big Ben is a 16+ million a year investment for a declining window cleaner and a shrinking defender. While I still luv the young pieces Johnny Pax has put together, until we get a dominate wing and a back-to-the-basket beast…we’re just spinning our frickin’ wheels! Thanks for lettin’ me vent Homeboys, and more importantly, let’s get our azzes back to the winner’s circle….because you know nuttin’ makes me feel better than rolled-up Aces over Kings and holding free money in my hand!

I was out of town all weekend with the relatives...
...at least I'll have some good stories for tomorrow!

UTAH JAZZ @ GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (UNDA +220)
I won't play the UNDA again this series if I lose...tough also not to consider Utah gettin' almost 8 tonight. What Sloan and I do know, is if the Jazz run they'll lose huge tonight...Jazz/Warriors total points 108-114 points

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

Gambling aside (…I can’t believe I just said that), what a miserable start to this past weekend. On my drive to visit family far-far-away Friday, an ole’ lady claimed she saw Bigfoot comin’ out of the forest and proceeded to swerve her ‘96 Saturn into my new hooptie and caused more damage than Shawn Kemp’s third-leg has caused our great nation. While she continues to claim the forest came alive, speculation at the department is that she’s from a rival sports prediction agency…their azz better have some Geico baby! After the officer asked if I thought the Bulls would cover, he told me to calm my azz down or I’d be joinin’ him for his ride home. I’ll admit, I acted a lil’ bit like the Warriors when they don’t get a fouled called and scolded the ole’ BEEATCH worse than Roger Goodell scolds a brotha who enjoys a few too many xtra circular activities, but the only thing coming out of the forest in suburban Chicago are pedophiles and few fellaz from Boys-town!

On the positive side, at least the gamblin’ gods have a heart as I dominated my professional hardwood predictions Sunday and was able to enjoy another entertaining battle between Sloan & Nellie over a box-o-wine and some Newports. As for tonight, while I’m only givin’ you the Suns/Spurs tilt for my ATS play, I’d bet my eye-brow trimmer that LeBron has a bigger night than ‘His-Airness’ at a single’s bar…well, maybe not that nice. 34 year-old Jason Kidd dominated the glass with his 6-4 frame against the Cavs, and you have think the young 6-8 King James will be amped-up to make sure it doesn’t happen again. I’m guessing his box score will look something like this: 34 pts 14 reb 10 ass. Oh yeah, and the Nets still start Mikki Moore and one of the Collins brothers in their frontcourt. Let’s start the week off right fellaz, and congrats to the Bullies for prolonging the inevitable. It may not seem like much of moral victory, but trust me…the youngsters needed it.

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

While pushin’ the Spurs/Suns total was more annoying than listening to Stuart Scott talk anything sports-related, what an awesome finish by PHX last night. Timmy D’s boys seemed in more control than Doug Christie’s wife for 46 minutes, only to let Nash and his high-flyers pull their usual late game heroics on the road. As for Horry’s hockey-check on the Canadian with UNDA 20 seconds left, that was the first time I actually realized his overrated-azz was on the court. I know I predicted we’d see the Spurs in the finals, but that’s not because I enjoy watchin’ the exciting play of Bowen, Horry, Barry, & Oberto…they’re like watchin’ an adult film with crabby veterans that are just in it for the paycheck. As for the Cavs performance, what can I say…I told ya!

On to tonight’s tit-alizing match-ups! While I’d luv to tell ya the Bulls will win a close-one in Mo-Town and the Warriors will dominate in Salt Lake, I’d also like to tell the ladies I’m carryin’ luggage that doesn’t fit underneath the carry-on bin…but I guess the man up-stairs figured I’d find a women with my charm and gamblin’ prowess. No matter what, I’m going to make sure to have some fun tonight. The Warden gave me a hall-pass for the evening, my Warrior Zubaz are Snuggle fresh, and my Homeboy’s bar has $2 drafts and Golden Tee! As for my picks and pics, hopefully they add a happy-ending to the evening that would make Asia Carrera proud!

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

DA BULLS BABY!!! Unfortunelty, I haven't hit the pillow yet and I smell like an ashtray. I'll be back in a couple of hours with my picks...but continue reading and you'll get some of my other pics!

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

I’ll admit, I jumped off the Bulls playoff bandwagon so-fast you would’ve thought the cops were chasing us and Nate Newton was on-board. Does that mean I’m not leaping back on like Ron Jeremy in a double-feature...HELL NO! Not to mention, my Homeboy THE COUGAR is taking me to the United Center for game 6, and rumor has it three of the Luv-a-Bulls want Greggy G’s autograph since they’re Insideplays subscribers. As for my Warriors, it’s tough to hate on Boozer, AK-47, Harpring, and D-Williams, but I would’ve loved to see a few more weeks of Baron’s kick-azz beard, Matt Barnes’s tatts, and Stephen Jackson being…well, Stephen Jackson. Sorry to be a lil’ late today, but the liver, kidneys, and lungs aren’t workin’ so-well. Luckily, we’ve got an easy game on the ATS docket tonight thanks to the lame-azz NBA head-honchos who encourage players to take cheap-shots and reward them for being dirtier than Britany Spears in Cabo. Take it light fellas…it’s only Wednesday!

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

Yes, the gamblin’ gods got me by a hook last night, but I refuse to get pissy like Rex Grossman when he hears people say he’s short, slow, and has small-hands. I’ve already won my fair share of .5 ATS victories this post-season and actually enjoyed watchin’ the Suns compete short-handed against the big-bullies from San Antone. (BTW, I’m a degenerate…and all degenerates live a life of denial & justification.) Despite the financial dagger it caused my retirement fund, I slept like a baby last night knowing tomorrow would bring a great day…I mean Da Cougar got me a playoff ticket! I take back all the White Castle and Velveeta jokes and I’ll make sure to give you my Kobe Tai - “All Thai’d Up” DVD once you get married. My only real concern as I hit the pillow was should I wear the white mink coat with the Greg Gamble, Ltd. logo or my Dave Corzine throwback. Its game day Homeboys…and I think this NBA maven knows what’s gonna happen!

4 THINGS PAX, SKILES, & CO. NEED FOR A GAME 7

4. They get their hands on more loose balls than a NBA Groupie
The Pistons bench is extremely short when you consider their grind-it-out style of play and the total minutes/age of many of their starters. As a result, you do see the Pistons take a few possessions each quarter to regroup and pick their spots when to be overly aggressive, which can leave them vulnerable to hustle and energy plays for loose balls and long-rebounds. While I’ve always undervalued Chris Duhon, he proved it once again in game 6 that he’s more disruptive and annoying than anybody we have in the backcourt…and if he’s hittin’ his shots (…which I’m always cursing until they go in), we will win tonight!

3. They Rebound like a Pop-Star after the 1st marriage
The reason I initially thought the Bulls could win in 6 was their ability to out-rebound the lifeless-legs of Detroit’s frontcourt. Sheed’s legs seem weathered & crabby, Webber’s are just about gone, and Maxiel’s are short, leaving them with only Mr. McDyess to use his surgically-repaired hops. Unfortunately, it took the Bulls two games before they realized that a combination of the Afroed-Wonder’s muscle, T-Time’s freakishness, and Deng’s subtle aggression & long-azz arms could dominate the glass and chase down virtually every long-rebound.

2. They Take Quick Shots like Greggy G on a Hallpass
Detroit is a wonderful defensive team…when they are set! In the first three games, especially late, the Bulls would pass the ball around the perimeter without a purpose and either end-up taking a contested shot with the clock running down or make a silly turnover forcing a perfect pass. Over the last two, their undersized shooters have taken the first open look available and not waited for Detroit’s length to get into position. In addition, besides the fact that the Bulls can beat the Pistons to open spots in transition and even steal a few lay-ups, since the Pistons aren’t set for their individual box-outs, the quick, long forwards for Skiles seem to have a better than 50/50 chase of getting every offensive rebound.

1. The Backcourt stays out of Foul Trouble
The Bulls win and die with the jump-shot of these 3 (in order of importance):
1) Ben Gordon 2) Kirk Hinrich 3) Luol Deng

Unfortunately, two out of these three are extremely prone to a whinny expresssion 6 minutes into the game, followed by a stiny spot next to Michael “Bag-o’ Doughnuts” Sweetney on the bench. (BTW, I put Deng 3rd because he’s pretty consistent with his mid-range game and really can do some other things to help contribute to a win…Compared to Flash Gordon, who can take over a game lookin’ like he’s playing Double Dribble and knows how to guarantee a swish, but really can’t do much else. As for Kirk, I think his jump-shot holds additional value since his performance is usually based-on his success early, and the fact that teams will leave him open more often than the other two.)

Along these lines, Flip and the Pistons veterans know this and will be taking both Capt. Kirk and the undersized 2-guard (…that can’t place defense or dribble very well) into the post at every opportunity. To tell you the truth, I’d rather see them sacrifice a few lay-ups to stay on the court tonight…It’s not like Big Ben and T-Time aren’t going to be there to help.

So…does that mean I think they will win tonight? I suggest you read what my webmaster tells you below and “Continue Reading” Homeboys!

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS

As Da Cougar and I drowned our sorrows in Greek Town after leavin’ the United Center late in the 4th, (I just wish Michael Sweetney had told me in the nacho line that his teammates were leaving in the 3rd), we struggled to enjoy the ambiance of bad cologne and greasy lamb…and even failed to put together a heated debate on our ball clubs with Cub/Sox weekend upon us. In addition, yours truly is in the mist of his first ATS loosing streak for the playoffs, and I just received the official damage report on my new/scratched/dented hooptie. With that said, this weekend should be more beautiful than Ali Larter with some whip-cream...I mean the beer gardens will be a madhouse of drunk dudes threatenin’ to fight over the better utility infielder, the DePaul girls will be in Cubbie short-shorts pretending to be joggin for their health, and with Tank Johnson back on the street…you never know what might happen

Listen, I know you guys are either depressed about the Bulls or pissed that my pick dropped your dinner selection from Charlie Trotter’s to Charlie’s Fried Chx & Fish, but what more could I really do. I frickin’ gave Skiles and his undersized youngsters the four keys to victory yesterday and they decided to Rex Grossman-it instead. It’s just like the former Washington Bullet Headmaster Wes Unseld used to tell me back in the day: “Greggy G, I can tell’em what to do…but I can’t stop them from being a fool!” As for tonight’s tilts, YOU KNOW HOW WE DO IT…all a losin’ streak means to an ATS baller is it’s time to double-up! Let’s roll fellaz and make sure to have a weekend that would make Ahmad Rashad and Michael Jordan proud!

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS
*Greggy G’s MLB Regular Season: 1-0 ATS

Thankfully, my Sox pulled out a laugher Sunday to keep the Insane Cubbie Posse from peeing all over the streets of Chicago in their typical celebratory manner, but props none the less to the Northsiders for the Crosstown series victory. As for the roundball playoffs, while my finals prediction of SA vs CLE is still a possibility, more importantly, I’m definitely due for a 2nd ATS postseason run to keep your pockets fatter than Matty-tat Barnes’s agent once the Warrior hits the market. Gotta run Homeboys…I have dates with the Insurance Company, a Rental Car Outfit, an Auto Body Shop, and with the Ronny Mexico Foundation for Injured Animals today. Of course first, I’ll be leavin’ you with a Monday pick & pic that should start the week off with more promise than an invite to an after-party thrown by a Cincinnati Bengal. Let’s roll fellaz…

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS
*Greggy G’s MLB Regular Season: 1-0 ATS

I desperately tried to convince my beautiful lady I needed some Thug-Kama-Sutra to change my ATS Playoff luck last night, but she simply responded:“Your a white-degenerate-dork…not a thug you putz!” While it’s tough to argue with her, I was hoping for some sympathy similar to the luv Clinton Portis gave Ronny “Dogg-Pound” Mexico about his extra curricular canine activities. Hell ya Clinton, why don’t people just mind their own damn business…it’s not like he’s skinning cats or drowning hamsters!

As for the NBA action, I would comment on what I’ve seen the last couple nights, but until I get back on the winning streak that’s like taken the opinion of Rex Grossman on how much he likes roller coasters…like his short-azz can get on the ShockWave! But don’t fear young gamblers, just like the great Dennis Green told me back in 1999 after the Army/Navy ATS debatable:“Are you goin’ to complain Greggy G, or are you going to ‘Crown the Azz’ of the bookmakers next time?!”That’s the pep-talk I needed Denny, now I just needed to find a beautiful pick to make the day complete…oh boy, I found it fellaz!

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS
*Greggy G’s MLB Regular Season: 2-0 ATS

While yours truly has burned more friendships than the late-great Lisa 'Left-Eye' Lopes with a few matches at Andre Rison's, today's a special day because two of my best Homeboys (who remain loyal no matter how many times I screw them OVA) are another year closer to joinin’ Pac, Fred Lane, & John Denver. Besides a shout-out to Bob Dylan & Tommy Chong on their BDAYs, I’m sending out some extra special luv (Rae Carruth style) to Joe John ‘Tech-Support’ III and Iowa's very-own Iceman...Mr. KILMA. When I sparked-up a Newport Light and drowned my Cheerios with a lil' Colt 45 this morning...I did it thinkin’ of you two!

Next order of business, before I get to braggin’ about my 2-0 start on the diamond, my dominance on the YMCA hardwood,, and the NBA action on the docket tonight, I’d like to bitch about Enterprise…you know, the “We’ll pick you up in a 'Fire-Engine' Red Neon with less than a half-tank of gas” rental car company. DO THEY KNOW WHO I FRICKIN’ AM!? My entire reputation is based on convincing people I'm richer than Rachel Ray, and they're treating me like I’m Chef-Boy-R-Deadbeat. I can’t wait to take a piss in the glove box before I return that alignment-challenged piece o' shiznit! But enough about my Neon, an ATS winning streak was started yesterday and I have an NBA DRAFT article due in a couple hourscomparing super-models to the Top-10 bball prospects. And yes, of course I’ll post it for you guys…who doesn’t want to know how one of the Olsen twins compares to 7-footer Spencer Hawes’s inside-out ability. Watch-out Bill Simmons and JK Rowling…Greggy G has a pen and paper handy! Take it light this Thursday fellaz and make sure to always remember this is for news and news matters only!

SAN ANTONIO SPURS @ UTAH JAZZ (OVA 191)
I've bet the OVA and lost the first two...so I'm guessing the gambling gods have my back in this one. Oh yeah, and if the Jazz don't realize they need to slow things down...I'll take the loss, but Johnny Amechi and I are going to beat Sloan's azz!...Spurs/Jazz 180-186 total points

Greggy G's NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS
Greggy G's MLB Regular Season: 8-0 (Hell yeah!)

SAN ANTONIO SPURS @ UTAH JAZZ (UNDA 191)
Yes, you are correct...I'm 0-3 so far on the UNDA in this series. And yes, I'm takin' it again! Spurs/Jazz 180-186 total points

I’ll be the first to admit, I overindulged in the Bulls Kool-Aid after they swept the defending champs in the opening round. Even knowing D-Wade was hobbled, Shaq was taking the year off, and the rest of the AARP Heat were on a farewell tour, I was truly impressed with the Bulls confident approach late in each game and loved the smart aggressive style they finally captured for more than a few spurts. Just like the majority of the Bulls faithful, I also desperately wanted to see this group succeed simply because it was refreshing to see a classy and passionate group of young NBA professionals. While I was well-aware of the individual on-court flaws each of them possessed and didn’t forget how skeptical I was all season regarding their playoff potential, I was starting to believe the postseason hype and wanted back on the bandwagon. Maybe Paxson, Skiles, & Co. were right that an undersized backcourt could survive on the road and that mortgaging the future on Pau Gasol was not the answer. Or maybe, as I realized watching Gordon getting abused by oversized guards and the Pistons 4th frontcourt reserve (Jason Maxiel) having more low post moves than our entire roster, I should have stuck with my pre and mid-season gut.

While I’ve always clamored for Pau Gasol and believe he’d look three times as good alongside Ben Wallace as Hakim Warrick, if Johnny Pax is able to get him this summer for a cheaper price than before…I understand why he is the GM and not me. Gasol is a legit 7-footer, a better athlete than people think, and skill wise, can be compared to a poor man’s Tim Duncan. For most teams, to acquire a player of Gasol’s ability would decimate their roster of all potential young stars. But for the Bulls, it’s actually just a matter of finding the right combination of youngsters to give-up. As for the size in the backcourt, while Thabo Selfolosha is an intriguing talent, he’s definitely a couple years away and comes without a lifetime guarantee for success. Luckily, free agency is usually a little kinder on the wallet when you’re comparing off-guards to the big-boys on the block, not to mention, the Bulls also have the ability to trade their draft picks (and the Knicks pick…Thanks Isiah!) to fill the void.

With that said, I believe Pax witnessed the same things I saw and knows the roster needs more than just some minor tweaking. Unfortunately, in the NBA, roster moves are never as easy as they seem and salaries can often determine a player’s worth more than their actual ability. Case in point, the Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich debate we’ve heard throughout the year on sports radio and at the local watering hole. No matter how convincing a Ben Gordon should stay over Kirk Hinrich argument is, nobody is going to trade for Capt. Kirk after he just signed for more than 10 million a year last summer. As for Flash, he’s still in his rookie contract and will pull a lot more weight if the Bulls try to bring Gasol…or even Garnett into the mix. As for the off-guard spot, whether they trade, sign-n-trade, or take the FA route, they will probably have to sacrifice one of their own FAs. And while I hate to say it, and absolutely love his game, I have a feeling that sacrificial lamb may be Andres Nocioni.

NBA GMs are finally looking harder at character and glue guys as they head into the future and are willing to pay star money for players that are maybe a notch below that moniker (see Kirk Hinrich contract). While I’m sure Pax, Skiles, & Co. admire what Noce brings to the court and the locker-room, if Luol and Tyrus are kept out of a potential frontcourt trade, the minutes won’t justify the money that they’d have to match to keep him. Of course, I’ll be disappointed if I don’t see Ben on fire in the 4th next year or have to enjoy my popcorn without the passionate-Argentinean annoying an opponent a head-taller and foot-faster, but as I will explain below…it may not be as bad as you think.

Ben Gordon G 6’3” 200 lbs. age: 24
2006-07: 21.4 ppg 46 fg% 41 3pt%

REGULAR SEASON GRADE: B
POST SEASON GRADE: C

In his 3rd full season, Ben continued to prove he’s one of the best young shooters in the game. When open on the perimeter or given enough room to square-up, he continues to be almost automatic, while also surprising opponents with his ability to get to the rim and finish amidst the big-boys. As far as his ball-handling and playmaking ability, the former Connecticut Huskie will probably never be able to slide over to the point and can actually be liability late in games if teams pressure or trap the dribble. As for the defensive end, while I’ll admit his effort and overall awareness was more impressive than I expected this season, his size and inability to guard the 2-spot was a huge weakness for the Bulls. This was most apparent against the Pistons when they simply isolated Billups or Hamilton, depending on which one Ben was guarding.

WHY HE WON’T BE BACK:
It’s tough to justify an undersized guard that has a poor handle and can’t defend anybody on the wing. Ideally, I feel Ben’s future in the NBA is dependant on the size and ability of the guard playing alongside him. While Hinrich has the ability to play the point and can guard some athletic 2-guards, I believe his game suffers as the season progresses with the heavy nightly assignment, especially when we’re talking about foul trouble. I honestly believe Ben’s most efficient spot in the NBA may be as a 6th man providing instant offense off the bench. While I’d love to keep him for this role, his value may never be higher than it is today and Pax needs to take full advantage. In addition, the combination of Ben hitting the open market soon and the Bulls having so many other youngsters to pay in the near future, a trade this off-season may prevent them from losing him for nothing next year.

Andres Nocioni 6’7” 225 lbs. age: 27
2006-07: 14.1 ppg 5.7 rpg 47 fg% 38 3pt%

REGULAR SEASON GRADE: B-
POST SEASON GRADE: D+

Nobody represents the style and attitude Paxson and Skiles are trying to create on and off the court than Noce. Also completing his 3rd NBA season, he’s continued to expand his game and can be the difference in 3-5 wins per season just on his hustle plays. An above average shooter from long and mid-range, Nocioni still attacks the rim like it’s a gold medal match and has the basketball IQ to make-up for some of his YMCA-style game. Defensively, while quicker wing-players caused him more problems than in year’s past, he still can be trusted on a daily basis to play exceptional team defense and will find the floor twice as much as his opponent. Unfortunately, a foot injury caused him to miss more than 20 games at the backend of the season and prevented him from being the playoff superstar he was for the Bulls the last two years.

WHY HE WONT BE BACK:
Johnny Pax has already paid two non-offensive superstars (Hinrich & Wallace), superstar money! I can’t see how he can afford to do that again, because I honestly believe some team is going to offer him in the range of 6-9 million/year this off-season. Besides the monetary issues, do you trust a 27 year-old power forward in a small forward’s body who plays year-round, and is starting to show some signs of wear and tear? Similar to Gordon, I also think his game is the most effective when he’s coming off the bench…but not coming off the bench for 8.5 million. A prototypical ‘tweener’ in the NBA, I’ll be extremely happy for him when he signs a huge deal this off-season…especially if it’s not going to cost me another dollar with the United Center beer vendors.

*Greggy G’s NBA Regular Season: 146-106 ATS
*Greggy G’s NBA Playoff Special: 22-19 ATS

Publishing Note: A Bulls article I wrote is posted on the previous entry and discusses two of Paxson’s favorite youngsters leavin’ town this off-season...enjoy!

Back to business…I honestly need to lose a baseball bet before any new-readers come to the site because I have a feeling it’s as believable as that hamster/Richard Gere story. IT’S NOT MY FAULT THE ROYALS PLAY EVERDAY!!! But enough AA Royals chatter, a huge game on the hardwood tonight and I have feeling we’re going to see a score lower than Paris and Lindsey’s Driver’s ED scores. But before I give my daily winners and daily picks, I have a few important thoughts for ya:

1. Kobe Bryant is as likely to be traded as my girl is of convincing me to rid myself of my Kobe Tai collection.

2. Why do rich-rappers brag about getting’ panties from strippers in their songs? Do they realize dorky white-dudes that MAKE IT RAIN with $6 dollars can do that too?

3. How funny is it that they make 80 year-old baseball managers dress-up in full uniform…You think the Wicked Films producer wears a strap-on and rubs Ramen seasoning on his balls directing a scene. (What do you mean you guys don’t use a Picante Chx packet during 4-play?)

4. Combining Pop-Rocks and Everclear in your mouth will cause permanent gum damage and will make you piss your pants.

5. Watching the post-game press conferences for Ozzie and Lou is 169 times more fun than watching Chicago baseball (BTW…169 equals the recorded # of beef-stick purchases by Tank Johnson for his 60-day stint in the clink!)

6. Who knew Marcus Vick, aka Ronny Tijuana, was the good one in the family?

Have a good one fellaz and always remember what the great poetry writer 50-cent once told me… “Losers lose and Winners win!” You know which one of those I roll with!

Hell yeah Homeboys…Nuttin’ makes me sleep better than a lil’ Whiskey n’ Theraflu and a 3-0 ATS evening. And listen to this, my lawyer (aka Andrew Uncle Ben’s) is takin’ me to a skybox at Comiskey to watch the Yankees take 3 out 4 from the Bad News White Sox. I know that means I’m missing Game 1 of the NBA Finals, but besides the fact that it’ll be a complete blow-out (Greggy G Alert: ATS foreshadowing), tryin’ to tell a Polack to pass up free tix, booze, & food is like tryin’ to tell Mark Chmura to pass-up the opportunity to hang in a hot-tub with High School Cheerleaders. BTW, my lawyer, he’s not the insideplays.com lawyer; he’s actually my personal lawyer…What can I say, Nate Newton told me it was oregano!

Anywho, before I breakdown the diamond, is it just me or for the first time in these playoffs does King James seem a lil’ overconfident. I know he needs to show a swagger, especially in front of his cast of average ballers, but I’m gettin’ a completely different vibe from His Majesty. Listen, I’m not hatin’…If I was in his shoes at 22 I’d probably be acting like a combination of Terrell Owens, Verne Troyer, & the Girls Gone Wild guru. Oh yeah, and if I had his shoe size…I’d probably never ever get dressed! Have a good one fellaz and always remember what R. Kelly has taught us…no, not make it rain with someone you picked-up from Rock n Roll McDonalds, but be a Go-Getter…I know I’m gonna Go-Get me some money today!

While the baseball gods brought me back to reality like they have for Ozzie since ‘05, it’s actually refreshing to look at my MLB record and know I’m on a losing streak. BTW, I split my other two baseball plays last night, with the one winner being the White Sux UNDA. No lie, if I just took the Southsider UNDA everyday, I could probably stop selling Diet Rockstar at the corner of Lincoln and Damen. To close out the baseball chatter, the vivacious and festively-plump Johnathan Hood at ESPN radio 1000 had an amazing stat this morning: Mr. Guillen has sported a different line-up 50 out of the 60 games they’ve played this year. Injuries included, that’s more ridiculous than the fact that Byung-Hyun Kim is still in the league...awesome find J-Hood!

But enough diamond notes, we have the NBA Finals tonight and I can’t understand why the line is so low. The smooth-dome of Jalen Rose had an unbelievable stat about Tony Parker yesterday. Before I get to that, my girl has two freebies that I can’t get pissed about…Brad Pitt & J-Rose. In my warped mind, nobody is cooler than the former Wolverine. He’s had an offensive game of 40 year-old at the playground since he came into the league, and plays defense like my azz at the YMCA…you know, everyone has to guard out of position because I can’t stay in front of anybody faster than Rex Grossman. Anywho…Check out this stat he gave yesterday: During the regular season, nobody had more points in the paint than Tony Parker…not Dwight Howard, not Shaq, and not Dave Corzine...Tony “The datin’ maven” Parker! So let’s ride him, make some cash tonight, and make sure to live by the motto of the Shop Boyz: PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR, PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR! That’s easy for me…I’ve already OD’d on my Mojito Theraflu and will easily catch that rebate buzz during softball!

We’ve now crossed the 20 games OVA .500 mark and the All-Star break is still a few weeks away! What can I say, I feel like Dylan from 90210…no matter how much of an azz he was, it didn’t change the fact that he was hung like Rueben Patterson and layin’-pipe to Kelly Kapowski, Vanessa Marcil, & the Noxema chick whenever he wanted! The funny thing is that my greedy ‘Roger Clemans’ azz feels like I should have gone 3-0 instead of 2-0 with a push last night. Oh well, at least I didn’t have to deal with what the diehard Cub fans had to yesterday. The only thing more ironic than SamME Sosa jacking # 600 against the Northsiders was when Mark Chmura boycotted the Packers' trip to the White House because of his public criticism of Bill Clinton’s morality. Speaking of ironic, did you hear what music they played as they celebrated Sosa’s accomplishment in Texas…the theme from the M*tha F*ckin NATURAL! You can’t make that shiznit up. While I’m not a Cub Hater and actually hope they make the playoffs, Cubdom drama & drunk garbage throwin’ is frickin’ hilarious to me. I know we’ve got white-trash farther/son combos smokin’ crack & attackin’ coaches and our only ‘somewhat’ hot chicks have Marlboro Reds rolled-up in their sleeves, but angry azz-clowns from Wrigleyville that still talk about Bartman, the Goat, & Ronnie Woo Woo is priceless.

Anyway, just like Thursday in the NBA, not too much action on the Diamond tonight. I’m trying my hardest to keep the investments light, but that’s like telling Vin Baker to ignore a 2 for 1 drink special or to convince MJ not to get a suite at the hotel hosting the “Blondes are Not Stupid” convention. Speaking of the NBA, I’m finalizing my NBA Draft breakdown and I promise it will not disappoint. Besides my in-depth analysis of each prospect’s hardwood skills and where they fit best, I’ve also matched each of them with a supermodel that best represents their unique ability. I know…I’m a frickin’ loser! Time to roll Fellaz…be good and always remember to tip your dancers!

It feels like X-Mas Homeboys! The Inaugural Greg Gamble 2007 NBA/Hot Model Draft. I’m not gonna tell you what will happen…I’m gonna tell you what should happen! In my humble, but correct opinion, the stupidest thing I always hear (besides what was said by Tim Hardaway) is: WE TOOK THE BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE! Attention NBA GMs, this is not the NFL draft…you have one round to improve your team and prevent your superstar from requesting a trade! (FYI, the 2nd round doesn’t mean “Naja Devenport squatting in a closet” because of the short-term contracts.) There are only 5 guys on the court at a time (the Knicks should get six), so maybe, just maybe the so-called NBA architects might want to actually grab someone they need! As for my mock draft, it’s pretty straight forward. I wish I had the luxury of proposing some trades in this draft, but there was high-roller game of Golden Tee going on last night and I tried to win my lady that white tiger she's always wanted. If you don’t like I how I roll, go ahead and read the mock drafts from the gurus who get lied to by every GM so they can lay a smoke-screen that would make Nate Newton proud!

ATS PICKS - MLB: 116-91 - NFL: 14-12 - College Picks: 16-19

While most the world saves their birthday checks and bonuses for September and the Pigskin Kick-off to address their gamblin fix, as you know, Greggy G’s living is made on the profession hardwood. After rolling thru the NBA season with 171-127 ATS record, I traded in my condo for a mansion and crashed my Camry for a sports car! While I’ve been messing around with a lil’ baseball and football to pass the time, my female scouts have been hitting the bars after NBA preseason games and getttin’ a feel for who’s determined to rebound from last year, who’s looking for a breakout season in a contract year, and who’s more interested in smokey treats and life on the NBA road than wins n loses. I few games tipped-off last night, but as with tradition, I pass on opening day as a sacrifice to the Roundball Gamblin’ Gods. As for tonight, GAME ON lil’ BEEATCHES!

Quickly to the gridiron, a few lines that jumped-off the sports page as I sipped my Bloody this morning:

1. Virginia Tech +3 at Georgia Teach
The Yellow Jackets superstar RB Tashard Choice is out, as well as, back-up Sr. Rashaun Grant, while their QB has barely completed 50% of his passes and has more INTs than Tuddies. More importantly, we saw last Thursday how the Hokies dominated a Heisman Trophy candidate QB until the final 3 minutes, how you think GTech’s so-called signal-caller is gonna look without a running game? Also, I’m guessing the line drops all week so jump on it early Homeboys…and might as well tease it too!

2. CHARGERS (teased to -1.5) at the ViQueens
Just like last week’s tease of Indy, being able to knock down the line so basically a dominate squad just needs to win against a shitty team is as close to a guarantee as it gets…and gives you 6 points on your other bets. The Chargers are rollin’ after a slow start and it helps that their still not in control of the division (no letdown yet), while the Vikes have rumblings about a coaching change and have only looked good against the team formerly known as the Ronny Mexico’s and the team formerly know as the Bears. I’m not going crazy with the teasers like I did with Indy, but at least a handful of plays will be getting 6 points thanx to the Lightning Bolts

3. IOWA SUCKEYES at NORTHWESTERN -1
Against the other two spread offenses in the Big 10 (Indiana & Purdue), Ferentz’s squad has been outscored 69-26. How bad are the Hawkeyes this year you ask, let’s just say the Cyclones have one win this year and it came at Kinnick Stadium! While the Wildcats are no juggernaut, star RB Tyrell Sutton is back and the unique home-field in Evanston should give them a little extra help. Iowa has been abysmal at passing the football this year, and just I can’t see how they keep pace with the Northwestern offense.

With that, let’s hit-up the NBA boys…

ATS - MLB: 116-91 - NFL: 14-15 - College: 20-20 - NBA: 2-2

The sweetest part about the end of baseball season is how College Football takes ova the weekday nights and combines with the NBA to give an investor more options than the Hanson brothers at a Jr High dance circa '97. Tonight, we have one of the fiercest rivalries in college football since Miami (FL) and Florida International were stomping on each other like it was a street-fight…no, not Ohio St/Mich...I’m talking bout the Western Michigan/Central Michigan tilt on ESPN2. Throw-in a full docket of NBA action and some leftover happy brownies, and I’m bettin' there’s a 50% chance I’m late to work tomorrow. As for the Monday Night contest, the Ravens look like they should be playing in an old-timers game and the Steelers look to have a swagger that’s eerily similar to 2005-06…minus the Jerome Bettis over-the-top Farewell Tour. With that, here are Four Picks & Four Pics…enjoy the day BEEATCHES!

ATS - MLB: 116-91 - NFL: 14-15 - College: 20-20 - NBA: 4-3

With an “ahhh-push-it” in college football and a 2-1 evening in roundball, I didn’t make enough to head to eBay for all 30 NBA teams in classic Zubaz apparel…but did make enough if I needed tip-money for the year and my name was “No-Tippin’” Scottie Pippen. Back to the drawing-board tonight (or as I call it…the yellow-pad of sin), with another double-dose of sporting events, as well as, another double-dose of Theraflu and Citron for my sick-azz. As for the Bullies, more than any other team, they all need to be focused and confident to be successful. With the contract shiznit and Kobe rumors this preseason, the Bulls are not on the same page and look less confident then David Silver hangin’ with the upperclassmen at Beverly Hills High early-on…not to mention, their backscourt is still only taller the Bears opening-day starting QB. Everyone expects the Bulls to snap out of this, but I'm guessing it’s gonna take longer than people think. Anywho, let’s go make some paper Homeboys…time to scout out tonight’s action like a Grad Student at Keg party!

ATS - NBA: 6-4 - NFL: 14-15 - College: 20-21 - MLB: 116-91

Even as I start to regain my '06-07 NBA dominance (4 of 6 ats) and look forward to over 1,000 games where I get to match my pick with a specific swimsuit, I’m surprisingly depressed because of the Bulls early season struggles…I mean if I don’t chuckle at Eddy Curry’s “O-lay” defense or laugh at Zydrunas Ilgauskas’s mistimed cross-over, something is Rae Carruth wrong. While you’ve heard me rant how the Kobe rumors and contract negotiations hurt an already fragile team prepare for the season, what amazes me is how quickly the entire city seems to have changed their tone. Similar to the majority of the Bulls faithful, I was more willing to give-up my “Kobe Tai’s – All Tai’d Up” DVD than part with some of Paxson, Skiles, & Co’s hard-working youngsters. But after only 4 games, the mood has changed faster than Dog the Bounty Hunter’s career and the city is desperate for a change…me included. I’ve come to the realization the Bulls may be close to their ceiling as constructed, while the rest of the East has improved dramatically and have a better handle on Chicago’s “hardworking, undersized, star-less roster without a post-game” style. While it’s not irrational to like Captain Kirk and Luol more than a guy who doesn’t understand “No means No” in Colorado, it is wrong to think Hinrich & Deng are bringin' us title without some help. I know…I’ve changed my mind after a few games, but Britany’s changed her mind about marriage, hair, & taking car of her kitty and she still gets MTV gigs. I wish I was wrong fellaz, but I think the Bullies maxed out their ability last year and will struggle to find a smooth rhythm anytime some...especially with the trade rumors and unsigned contracts bouncing in their head more than silicon twins on choppy water. Now that's funny shiznit.

ATS – NBA: 8-8 - NFL: 17-16 - College: 22-23 - MLB: 116-91

While I would've made a ‘lil more money taking both teams straight-up instead of teasin’ last night, no point in crying over spilled money and no point in gettin’ greedy with the NBA season just warming-up. With that, I’m jumping right into the NBA action faster than former Bull Jason Caffey jumped into bed with anybody that knew he sat at the end of an NBA bench (8 children with 7 women…Yahtzee Homeboy!). Let’s Roll

SEATTLE SONICS (0-7) @ ORLANDO MAGIC (5-2) (-9.5)
While games like this can find the home-team sleep-walking to victory without a cover, tonight’s match-up has a lil’ more drama with Rashard “Max” Lewis knowing everybody in Seattle will be watching his new-look in black & blue. Especially with the savior Kevin “I can’t play defense yet” Durant trying to replace Lewis & Jesus Shuttlesworth, you know the new Magicman will do everything he can to make sure the Sonics look terrible and that his teammates understand the underlining importance of this game...

ATS: NBA: 10-9 - NFL: 17-16 - College: 22-23 - MLB: 116-91

While I’d luv to give you details of my 2-1 performance and how I was a Wilson "MFin" Chandler tip-in away from perfection, the soap-opera that is the Knickerbockers is juicier than the backside of J. Lo in “U-Turn” and simply too bizarre to ignore. With the sexual harassment suits against Zeke & MSG in the headlines this summer, as well as, Starbury’s admission that he slept with a company intern outside a strip-club, it’s amazing things continue to spin out of control for the most embarrassing franchise in professional sports (BTW, I have to give Starbury some props…I couldn't get laid with a new pair of Sketchers and he’s knockin’ the dust wearing a $15 pair of shoes!). And I’m convinced Isiah must have pictures of GM Jim Dolan sleeping with a one-legged ostrich for the owner to keep him around after some of the worst basketball decisions since the Atlanta Hawks traded Spud Webb, let alone, after Zeke told a judge and NY it’s ok for a black man to call a black woman a “Bitch”. Fast forward to Monday, and rumors circled that Coach Thomas informed Stephon on their flight to PHX that he was going to be removed from the starting line-up. Following this, reports included punches being thrown on the plane and Starbury saying things along the lines of “He better start me! I have so much dirt on him, he’d be screwed.” Ladies & Gentelmen, I give you the new blockbuster from Spike Lee: “Bad-Contracts and Scumballs on a Plane”

Whether or not any or all of this happened, Stephon skipped the game Tuesday and flew back to the Big Apple. As my Homeboy Larry the Ova/Unda Legend text’d me yesterday: “I bet he had to wait for Southwest Airlines since he’s only making $7.49 per shoe!” As I’ve said before, the NBA is frat-tastic! Seriously, over 80% of Zeke’s moves have failed to the point that he’s either completely benched his acquisitions or bought them out of a contract that he convinced Dolan to sign! On second thought, I’m guessing it’s a picture of a male ostrich and Dolan’s wearing a Nets jersey. Anyway, back to more important matters like continuing to improve the collection of shoes my girl won’t wear and my assortment of top-shelf Malt Liquor. It’s NBA ATS Homeboys, and the Hardwood Maven is licking his chops like a groupie not on the pill staring at Jason Caffey not wearing a hat!

ATS - NBA: 11-11 NFL: 17-16 College: 22-23 MLB: 116-91

And the headlines read: “Starbury and Zeke Forgive and Forget…because Stephon has enough dirt on Isiah to make him look shadier than Al Pacino in the Devil’s Advocate!” (BTW, the Asian chick in the elevator scene is my ex…she just doesn’t know it.) Seriously, is it me or can you just see the sin coming out of Isiah’s crooked-azz eyebrows? As for Stephon, only with the Knickerbockers would he hold all the cards in this fiasco. And the biggest joke, I’m actually hearing the so-called experts talk about where Stephon could be potentially be traded…are you frickin’ kidding me! I don’t care what scenario they throw-out or how his contract can help a team land a superstar in 2009 when Kobe or RIP are available, nobody is touching this 21-million dollar a year public relations nightmare. I even heard a guy a thought was pretty bright in Greg Anthony tell me last night that Stephon is a good guy with a big heart…What! Even if he sent flowers to the intern he banged in his truck outside the strip-club or was singing & smiling outside the courthouse after his deposition of the sexual harassment trail because he was nervous…I’m gonna go with NOBODY IN THEIR RIGHT-MIND HAS A ROSTER SPOT FOR STARBURY! And what about his crazy interview he did with NBC over the summer that was so hard to follow and I almost got seasick? The only time I heard more idiotic comments was when R. Kelly proclaimed:

“I’m the Ali of today. I’m the Marvin Gaye of today. I’m the Bob Marley of today. I’m the Martin Luther King, or all the other greats that have come before us. And a lot of people are starting to realize that now.” R. Kelly

Yeah, if "Sir Piss alot" can comparing himself to a modern-day MLK…I’m the A.C. Slater, Shawn Kemp, & Joey Buttafuoco of 2007! As for Mr. Marbury, I know his charity work has been well-documented and agree with him that money makes you do stupid things, but telling the world during an interview that, "I believe in trilogy. My third eye. That's my spirit." that’s not stupid because of money my friends! But in all honesty, if I was a GM and was forced to sleep with Courtney Love if I didn’t take-on Stephon or Isiah, I’d be an investor in $15 dollar shoes and get a Starbury Tatt on my neck before I’d even allow Zeke into my Port-o-Potty. With that, we have some college football and NBA to analyze to make-up for a 1-2 night on the hardwood…How in the flying reverse cowgirl do my Warriors blow a 22-point lead and the Knicks comeback from 73-57 with 8 minutes to go and lose by 3! Oh well, it’s not like the losses mean I’m taking a Shaun Alexander…I don’t quit, I don’t take breaks, and I don’t wear underwear with dress-pants…I just tuck and roll the collared-shirt my friends!

ATS - NBA:13-12 - NFL:18-16 - College:24-25 - MLB:116-91

Watchin' the Bears for 3-hours has turned into a frickin' chore. Rex played just good enough for our coaches and GM to probably think maybe they should pay him next year (let him go), while the remaining skill-positions are far from explosive and the O-Line looks to have aged overnight. As for my weekend, I only had one big-play at the window yesterday because of too much poker on Fri & Sat (one-point cover (Rams -3 over the 49ers), I'll admit I;m starting to get that NBA tingle. For tonight, will I'd luv to play the Monday Nighter, I don’t have the balls to invest in one of the young QBs and have decided to play the NBA to feed my fix...I mean hobby

ATS - NBA: 15-12 NFL: 18-16 College: 24-25 MLB: 116-91

While some would call the weather dreadful today, after a 2-0 performance on the professional hardwood and teams like the Deng’less Bulls & Dingleberry-coached Knicks on the docket facing teams that have won 8 in-a-row combined, let’s just say the weather reminds me of the misty, heavenly-atmosphere of Amsterdam. I know it sounds like we're pickin’ on the wounded by investing against Skiles & Isiah, but just ask my buddy Dave how much fun it is knockin’ the dust off a single-mom on crutches. Let’s make it happen Homeboys and roll into Thanksgiving with some diamond incrusted-bling to use as a cranberry-sauce holder…man, do I love this ATS game!

With Captain Kirk and Noce guarding these two tonight, what you think the ova/unda is on when they'll both in foul trouble...5 minutes!?

CHICAGO BULLS (2-7) @ DENVER NUGGETS (7-3) (-8)
Nobody is hotter than the Nuggets right now…well, maybe that chick always wearing the tight-FLST gear, but with 6 Ws in-a-row by an average of 17 ppg, I’ll just say that George Karl’s corn-rolled heroes are not that for behind that Seminole-azz...(continue reading beeatches!)

ATS - NBA: 19-16 NFL: 19-18 College: 24-26 MLB: 116-91

What is it with cocky NFL coaches…do they really think if they don’t kick-it to a superstar the whole league with look at them like their pussywillows. Seriously, there’s no other explanation for Shanahan kicking to Devin Hester than having a god-complex. And how about Todd Sauerbrun’s lame-azz attempt to tackle Hester both times? I’m not saying he was tanking, but let’s just say if it turns out he pulled a Tim Donaghy…I wouldn’t be surprised. Yeah, the same guy who game to Bears’s camp as a rookie and cut his sleeves to show-off his tat, and earlier this week, talked trash about how they were going to kick to the most dangerous-man since Rae Carruth cause they weren’t gonna act like chicken-shits…and then proceeded to lay-down like a white-girl in the presence of His Airness on both returns. And finally, how embarrassing can things get for the Bulls? While local-scribes and national-experts have been telling you things will get better, yours truly has been telling you they’ll suck all-year. Watching them lose to a team with a basketball IQ that would make Tyrus Thomas look like John Stockton has to make Paxson, Skiles, & Co. look in the mirror for blame. It was almost comical watching Eddy Curry & Zach Randolph get position underneath the basket every possession and pivot as if their were playing against my old-Church league team (BTW, I was 2nd-team all defense my rookie season). What a Monday! Not touching the football game tonight, but I do have a few NBA gems to keep you satisfied like T.T. Boy on a film-set!

ATS - NBA: 20-17 NFL: 19-18 College FB: 24-26 MLB: 116-91

Bogut's always had the passion, and now he's addin' the skill!

Who would have thought we’d be a week from December and saying that a tilt with the Atlanta Hawks was a must win scenario? Let’s just say I’m a lil nervous with the 6-7 Joe Johnson & 6-8 Josh Childress playing shooting guard against our hometown midgets in the backcourt. As for that Monday Night Football debacle, I guess you get what you deserve when your field already looks worse than Britney’s carpet and you proceed to abuse it more than K-Fed by scheduling College & High School games all year. With that, off to my picks and pics for the hardwood. Besides the normal professional plays, I’m poppin’ my Cherry on the college action…and don’t worry, it’s not the Marist Red Foxes!

College BBall: 1-0 ATS - NBA: 20-19 ATS

But I don't want to run with Amare and the Matrix!

ATS - NBA: 21-21 College BB: 3-1 NFL: 20-18 MLB: 116-91

Say hello to my favoirte RB Homeboys!

What can I say, 3-1 on the ATS luv train with my only loss coming at the hands of the Buffalo Bulls and their superstar G/F Greg Gamble (6 ppg, 3 reb, 2 ass) who may not have lit-up the scoreboard, but lit-up the hearts the Bulls female faithful. Not to mention, we affirmed the golden rule that you never ever bet against Greggy M*tha F*ckin’ G! And nuttin’ like teasin’ the Cowboys with a bunch plays on Sundays…that’s like rollin’ into the champagne room after one of your Homeboys graciously paid for the bubbly. I know the Cowboys covered anyway, but while some of you were nervous, I was just chillin’ with a Gin Martini (with a splash of Vodka of course). Speaking of the game last night, I had to mute the entire 2nd half because Bryant Gumbel is the worst NFL announcer I’ve ever heard! I’d rather listen to Ronnie Woo Woo & Rosie O’Donnell commentate from my living room than that stiff.

The Knicks only have one guy I'd pay to see!

As for tonight’s full docket of NBA action, I know I’m only .500, but I’m just getting warmed-up like Kobe Tai in the 1st scene of Face Invaders and my 171-127 record last year is what you’ll get if you have the stamina to make it to the final scene (what brilliant camera work!). Before I get to my picks, I do have one bit of information that’ll make you smile. As reported in the Rocky Mountain News, Nuggets problem-child J.R. Smith’s nickname he’s been dubbed by his Homeboys is “Youngrich”…when asked why he responded: “Because I’m young and rich!” I got a better one for ya J.R, how about “Overpaidpunk”…Have a great weekend fellaz, enjoy my picks today, and make sure to check in tomorrow for Teasin' T-Bone's Football Extravaganza!

ATS - College BB: 3-1 NFL: 21-18 NBA: 22-23 MLB: 116-91

Who would've thought this guy would beat West Virginia...gotta give you some props Wanny!

Sorry for no Sunday Pigskin Post, I was traveling yesterday spreading the word of the Gamble and my partner (soon to be ex) somehow forgot to let my diehard fans know the Lightning Bolts were a lock yesterday. At least I put in the Cowboys/Chargers teaser earlier in the week, but I know that’s no excuse for a big-time site like insideplays. I’ll recap the entire weekend tomorrow as I’m heading to the doctor for my life-insurance physical in about 20 min…and yes, I know I’m screwed! As for tonight’s ATS analysis, of course I had time last night to find a gem for ya. Take it light Homeboys!

ATS - College BB: 3-1 NBA: 23-23 NFL: 21-18 MLB: 116-91

INJURY UPDATE
multiple sources report KING JAMES OUT TONIGHT!

If Bron-Bron is out tonight I won't even bother watchin and just chill outside with some friends!

*Injury update...KING JAMES OUT!
NEW JERSEY NETS (+3.5) @ CLEVELAND CAVS
If Bron-Bron's out tonight, the Nets roll into Cleveland like Dylan McKay at the Peach Pit...Spud Webb smooth baby! The Nets need wins, and with NY on the schedule tomorrow. you know Kidd, Vince, & RJ will do whatever it takes to grab the next two. Check back for updates on LeBron, and it might be wise to play it early as the line will be moving all-day!...Nets by 7-10 points

ATS - College BB: 5-3 NFL: 21-19 NBA: 25-26 MLB: 116-91

Rex & Greggy G have had better days

MILWAUKEE BUCKS (+1) @ SEATTLE SONICS
The Bucks have too many solid ballers and are too desperate for wins to lose to the Super Bad Sonics…Bucks by 8-12 points

UTAH JAZZ (PICK) @ SAN ANTONIO SPURS
If Tony Longoria & Ginobili can carry the Spurs to another victory with Duncan…I’ll never play against them again. Sloan will probably have AK-47 bother Manu will the rest of the Jazz just need to look out for Parker. And without Timmy’s underrated D, you have to think Boozer will have a field day…Jazz by 4-8 points

HOUSTON ROCKETS (-4) @ NEW JERSEY NETS
Rockets weakspot is at PF, but NJ can’t capitalize if their starting Malik Allen. The Rockets have two stars to pair with Bonzi, Battier, & Scola…will RJ & Vinsanity have a poo-poo platter and a point guard that can’t shoot. Seriously, whose gonna stop Ming…Jason Collins & Jamaal Magloire?…Rockets by 8-12 points

Take these following pictures as my apology...Sorry I suck sometimes

ATS - College BB: 5-3 NFL: 21-19 NBA: 26-28 MLB: 116-91

Jefferson & Telfair have started to make some of us believers!

While needing a remarkable Sat/Sun to prevent a meeting with a business partner resembling “Grandma” from Rounders, I know you’ll have to trust me when I say I finally hit some big-time wins this weekend. As for Insideplays.com, I figured it was time for a lil Teasin’ T-Bone to ease our degenerate groupies from crashing the site with hate-mail. I know it comes with the territory and I know even the greatest prognosticators have found a losing streak, but this week…that’s not gonna happen Homeboys...Time to rally!

ATS - College BB: 6-4 NFL: 21-19 NBA: 27-30 MLB: 116-91

Nobody can say he doesn't play with passion...all the best TJ!

I have sooo many sports hits to give you, but until I give you a positive evening…I’m just pickin’ games & sexy lingerie! I know we have ISU’s very-own Jamaal Tinsley’s unexpected mishap with his entourage, Kansas Jayhawk Brandon Rush’s arrest for impersonating Cade McNown’s driving habits, and the Cubbies signing the coolest name since Ace Law IV & God Shamgod in Japanese OF star Kosuke Fukudome, but I just can’t waste time spouting sarcasm Homeboys…I need to study the ATS docket like Bobby Petrino studies “How to update your resume in 10 minutes or less”…Game on!

The Raptors will be thinking about their teammate tonight

DALLAS MAVERICKS (-5) @ TORONTO RAPTORS
Talk about a lousy back-2-back…Toronto just played in the A-T-L where the arena rocks like a Color Me Badd reunion and they just witnessed their prized-PG carried of on a stretcher…

ATS - College BB: 7-5 NFL: 21-20 NBA: 28-32 MLB: 116-91

Friday Night Homeboys….which means Greggy G is cuddling-up with the lady and a cocktail that makes the lips burn, and flipping through the NBA package like I’m Sage Rosenfels flipping through NFL secondaries. Take it light and don’t forget to check out Teasin’ T-Bone tomorrow and "The Daily Rant" after my picks.

Brad Miller has to do more than this to slow Sammy D!

SACTOWN KINGS @ PHILLY 76ERS (-4.5)
With a new GM looking over the Sixers like a fat 50 year-old looks over the roster at the Bunny Ranch, the youngsters have been playing inspired and unselfish ball in route to a 4-game win streak. As for the Kings, they haven’t won on the road all year and don’t have the bodies (Bibby, Martin, & Abdul Rahim out) to compete with a young squad like Philly. Especially looking at the match-ups tonight, I can’t see how Cheeks doesn’t push this to a double-digit victory. Iggy’s the complete package on the wing (18 ppg, 6 rpg, 5 apg) and can handle the aggressive/poor-shooting display from Ron-Ron…Andre Miller’s strength of heading to the whole will have an easier time than MJ at a Blonde Bombshell Convention against Beno Udrih…Sammy D will look twice as athletic against the veteran frontcourt of Mikki Moore & Brad Miller…all they while, Korver & Green will be spotting-up while Reggie Evans grabs Sactown sacs. Throw-in the best young guard the average fan doesn’t know about (21-year old Louis Williams: 11 ppg 4 apg 45 3pt% in only 21 mpg) and I’m guessing all be rolling this investment into a West Coast contest later tonight…Sixers by 8-12 points

...want some more picks and pics...

ATS - College BB: 7-5 NFL: 21-20 NBA: 28-35 MLB: 116-91

It's hard not to root for Mr. Orton!

While it was nice to win $55 in the office-pool pick’em, I don’t think it offsets the multiple car payments and retirement money lost during my NBA catastrophe last week. The only thing that made me smile regarding the professional hardwood this weekend was former baller Keon Clark announcement to a judge that: "I never played a game sober, unfortunately." While I hope he cures his demons, that fact that he admitted drinking at halftime of games is crazier than my azz switching cocktails at halftime in hopes of changing the outcome of a bad investment!

You pull out tonight Kyle...I'll buy you a drink!

Before I get to my NBA pick (that has to win because of the law of averages), I have to admit I’m actually excited to watch the Bear game tonight. The last few weeks I’ve actually found myself angry that there’s still 7 minutes left in the 3rd quarter because their sooo frickin bad and boring…but this week, we have the Kyle Orton Experience! I have no idea if he’s gonna be any good, or how his facial hair will look under his helmet, but at least it’ll make things more exciting.

ATS - College BB: 7-5 NFL: 21-20 NBA: 29-35 MLB: 116-91

What do you know…Greggy G won on the hardwood last night! Next thing you know, T-Mac will actually win a playoff series, Ben Gordon will learn to play defense, Lance Briggs will actually give more than the money under his couch for child-support, and a MLB player will say: “Yes, I used HGH and it helped me sign a 50-million dollar contract. If I could go back in time, I would have started using it earlier.”

As for the Bears, while the hope that Kyle Orton is the next Tony Romo may hold as much weight as Harold Minor being the next Jordan, damn does Da Bear O-Line suck! So before I determine Kyle is the next coming of Jonathan Quinn or Henry Burris, I’m giving the grizzly looking dude another couple weeks…it was his 1st start in three years and I think he had six snaps that were at his shoelaces. As for tonight, there’s a Kobe coming to town and I don’t think it’s the one from the movie “Kobe Loves Beef”!

How is the aging & undersized Wallace gonna stop this?

LOS ANGELES LAKERS (+2) @ CHICAGO BULLS
You think Kobe knows Bulls fans have been chanting his name every time the club gets down by double-digits...I’d say yes. Do you think Phil Jackson doesn’t have a Kobe’esque ego every time he comes back to Chicago…yes again. Throw-in an underrated 7-footer in Andrew Bynum (11 ppg, 10 rpg, 2 bpg, 60 fg%) that will make Big Ben look twice his age and the improving play of Lamar Odom at the 4-spot, and I can’t see how the Lakers don’t easily handle things at the United Center. Not to mention, Luol Deng missed practice Monday with a bad back, Captain Kirk & Gordon have no chance at slowing Mr. Bryant, and Benny the Bull looks more interested in sitting on blonde chicks laps than riling up the crowd. As for all the Chi-Town faithful that claim the Bulls have been playing better, they’ve beaten ONE team with a winning record (Detroit) this season. As for the Lakers, they’ve won 5 of 6 and have a bench that will more than match the point-production from Noce, Duhon, & Noah...Lakers by 5-9 points

...want some more picks...

ATS - College BB: 7-6 NFL: 21-20 NBA: 30-36 MLB: 116-91

I'm not joking when I say Paxson has said multiple times that trading Tyson for a bag of peanuts and signing Big Ben for a bag of gold was a good decision...if that's the case, why they hell is Aaron FRICKIN Gray playing with the game on the line!

Thank the gambling gods that Ben Gordon turned down 10-Million a year this summer. With Captain Kirk already making that, the Bulls would have the worst 20-million dollar backcourt in the NBA. As much as I like Hinrich and know Gordon is a good guy, I can’t take any more horrific turnovers or the inability to get to the FT line with the game on the line. If Paxson, Skiles, & Co. is so fond of the hardworking midgets, why not maximize their ability with a low-post threat. Instead, we have Aaron “Frickin’” Gray playing in front of the 15-million dollar Isiah Thomas-type of signee and are forced to watch Tyrus Thomas play hard 50% of the time. Even when Luol Deng scores 26 like he did last night, it’s a quiet 26 and nobody on the opposition is in foul-trouble. With that said…

CHICAGO BULLS (+5) @ WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Without Agent Zero, the Bulls actually match-up pretty well with the Wiz. Throw-in an injury to his back-up (Antonio Daniels-questionable) and not having to face the hometown boo-birds, and I actually expect the Bulls to come out on fire tonight. They’re desperate enough not to let the back-to-back voodoo bug prevent an ATS cover, while Washington is due for let-up and doesn’t have a low-post threat to take advantage of the Bullies small line-up…Bulls by 2-6 points

ATS - College BB: 7-8 NFL: 22-20 NBA: 32-38 MLB: 116-91

Tony's distracted!

Tony's not distracted!

You know what the Holiday means for Greggy G…driving all weekend to see the relatives and making calls every 5 minutes from the coat closet. With holiday roundball tourneys, NFL for three straight days, the bowl season in full-regalia, and a flask shaped like a X-Mas ornament, it’s tough to complain too much about a 5-day vacation. With that, let’s briefly hit-up some NFL banter in the case I’m unable to find a wireless internet port in Iowa. The Cowboys have left the door open for Green Bay to think they can snag home-field at Lambeau this postseason…which means Chicago is going to get absolutely destroyed on Sunday. The Vikings loss was more devastating for the Bears-moral than if they had lost by 20, and you have to think GB is pissed about handing the Bears a victory in Week 5. And how about Romo trying to redeem himself after a horrible performance because his thumb was hurting and smelled like Simpson. What better way to bounce back than against the 4th-string QB in Carolina. I know some of you think teasers are a sucker bet, but Packers -3 and Dallas -5 seems too good to be true! Have a great Holiday Homeboys, and make sure to check-in all weekend as Teasin’ T-Bone, Money Mike, and yours truly will keep the picks & pics rollin’!

While Nazr didn't play much in DET, he has experience playing with the best!

NEW YORK KNICKS @ CHARLOTTE BOBCATS (-5.5)
For all the talk that Dumars fleeced MJ by ridding himself of Nazr Mohammed’s contract for two cheap frontcourt rotation guys (Herrmann & Brezec), the Cats ‘O Bob desperately needed some strength in the middle to help-out Okafor since Walter & Primoz were more finesse than force. In only his 2nd game, Nazr showed why the Pistons gave him a long-term deal two years ago and contributed 17 pts, 8 reb, & 3 blks in beating the Jazz 98-92 at home. Especially with Felton, J-Rich, & Wallace providing most of the offense, Mohammed & Okafor can concentrate on offensive rebounding and protecting the basket at the other end. As for Knicks, with Starbury out tonight, they don’t really have a true point guard to keep-up with Felton, while Jamal Crawford should struggle with Richardson’s strength and defensive ability. The only chance for the Knicks to pull this one out is if both Curry & Randolph have huge games, and I can’t see that happening with the defensive abilities of the new Twin Towers in Charlotte. And finally, for all the flak ‘His Airness’ received for practicing with team, while the media laughs at MJ in a practice jersey, I guarantee the young Cats ‘O Bob have dialed-it-up a notch since they saw his tongue waggin…Bobcats by 10-14 points

Cause of YOU...my job is ova there!

Before I get to my picks, last month a wrote an article (for a website that pays me millions & millions of dollars) about what was behind the Bulls early season struggles. As of today, it is now an article on why Scottie Skiles no longer is running with the Bulls…

-Bulls Blog - November 2007 - by Greggy G-

Did the Kobe rumors cause insecurities in the Bulls locker-room that cannot be salvaged? Has Skiles’s coaching tactics really worn-out it’s welcome? Is it true that Bill Belichick devised a plan for NBA coaches on how to control the Bulls motion offense? Could Deng & Gordon’s decision to turn down 100 million dollars have added unimaginable pressure? And is Benny the Bull back on the evil weed? These are the questions raised by hardwood scribes across the land and in our backyard regarding the early season debacle. You know what I think…I think we should take a look at all of them:

Krabby Kobe Rumors
While trade rumors in the NBA are more prolific than Pamela with a mid-major Rockstar, the difference with the Kobe rumors was the entire roster was in the tabloids. In addition, instead of the rumors happening 25-games in when players are already dialed-in and in their routine, the Bulls were dealing with the drama during off-season work-outs and preseason practice. And more than most teams, Paxson, Skiles, & Co.’s overachieving gym-rats thrive on summer practice and probably struggled with the unforeseen coverage in ESPN chat-rooms. While the “Kobe…Kobe!” cat-call fanatics will tell you Paxson had to listen and was trying to bring a championship, I’ll tell you that he fell for the bait because Lakerland was never gonna trade Mr. Bryant. The Lakers asked for more than teams could afford, and if a team actually was willing to pull the trigger, Kobe would have baulked cause he’d have no one to play with. I don’t blame Paxson for trying, but I blame him for running everybody’s name through the mud when it probably was never going to happen.

Skiles’s Style Won’t Last
I’ll be honest. I’ve been a diehard Skiles supporter even more than I was for Saved By the Bell – The College Years. The problem…Zach Morris changed his haircut and Scott Skiles’s changed his humor to sarcasm. In Skiles’s defense, JV High School coaches can ride their players twice as hard as NBA coaches, and for all the talk that he runs his players ragged and is a perfectionist, I think he’s learned from past experiences and become much more of a player’s coach. And for all the talk that coach with his style is in one ear and out the other by year 3 or 4, I think the players believe in his system and understand that his sets can maximize their ability. The one problem I do see, is in his casual daggers thrown through the media. Myself personally, I love his truthful jabs, but question his back-tracking and explanations the next day. If he’s going to “call-out” Noah for taking a leadership role with the media or tell the beat writers T-Time is not what you call an end-to-end thoroughbred…stick to it. If he’s going to casually throw a player under the bus, I just wish he didn’t back-up the bus and apologize. For Coach Skiles to be successful, he needs to trust his gut and not worry that Jason Kidd problems from the past will haunt him in the future. Players take notice of his comments, and they also take notice when he tries too hard to make them fell better the next day.

Teams have Figured out the Bulls Style
True! It doesn’t take a rocket-scientist to figure out the Bulls don’t have a post threat and nobody can take the ball to the hole whenever they want. Teams know the Bulls are attacking and looking to kick-it out. Flip Saunders knows Ben Gordon needs space to launch, and most importantly, teams know Kirk Hinrich will dribble around for no reason. I love the Bulls motion-offense, but I’d also love to see them do something I don’t expect. The Bulls are predictable and that needs to change. Maybe a trade is the answer, or maybe it’s time for one of our overachievers to become a star.

Contract Distractions
Anybody who doesn’t think Deng & Gordon’s decision to pass on guaranteed money hasn’t added pressure to their game is more foolish than those who think Devin Hester can be more than a special teams star. The truth of the matter in this issue, if Deng & Gordon are worth more than they turned down…we can become an Eastern Conference Champ. If they can’t, then maybe Paxson should have made the blockbuster trade. It would be a great day in Chicago if the Bulls were forced to pay those guys the money they want…because that means they were better than I thought.

Of course I skipped the Benny the Bull issue, but if that’s the problem, then the marketing group needs to contact Jack Haley. The Bulls problems are legit and anybody who sugar-coats it is satisfied with being a good, and not great in the East. Ben Gordon’s not getting taller, Kirk Hinrich is never going to average more than 8 assists per contest, Luol Deng is not a go-to guy when you need someone to get to the line with the game on the line, and no matter what Paxson says, Ben Wallace is a bust for the money they’re paying him. What I don’t know is if they have something deep-down that will make me eat my words. And trust me…I’d love to eat that sandwich and I’ll buy Paxson, Skiles, & Co. one too.

...on finally, onto my picks!

ATS - College BB: 9-8 NFL: 22-20 NBA: 35-39 MLB: 116-91

Trust me Johnny Pax...Gasol's the move you have to make!

The rumors that Reinsdorf was the lead in the Scottie Scowls firing does make sense since I can’t see Pax firing his buddy on X-Mas Eve, but what a smart (gutless) decision to do it ova the Holiday. In a city where Sports Radio banter and newspapers cluttering the L fuel the anger and controversy of the fans, the Bulls are able to skate into the New Year without much hassle from the media. By the time the radio personalities return and the regular commuters are back on their mundane schedules, the majority of talk will have moved on from what an embarrassing situation for an underperforming organization to what the next move should be. As for me, I will continue to play the trumpet for Pau Gasol’s address in the Windy City, say a prayer that Ben Gordon will finally be moved before his value drops any further, and hope the Bulls don’t hire a coach until after the season. With that, on to my picks and pics, and make sure to look for my 2008 Predictions on everything from the top adult performer to how many games my White Sox will lose coming Friday!

You really think Randolph & Curry are gonna be able to keep-up with Howard after eating half the table at X-Mas?

NEW YORK KNICKS @ ORLANDO MAGIC (-10.5)
The NBA after the X-Mas Holiday has players returning from family gatherings either dreading a return, or looking to fulfill promises from the dinner-table on how their better than people think. In the Magic’s case, after a ridiculous start they’ve only won 2 of their last 9 and desperately need to find their early season chemistry. With Stan “the Hedgehog” Van Gundy’s leadership, three stars in the frontcourt (The Manchild, Hedu “I’m better than people think” Turkoglu, & Rashard “I have to prove I’m worth it” Lewis), and a deep backcourt needing to prove every night who deserves minutes, I expect Orlando to come out tonight with passion and discipline to prove their back-on-track (Turkoglu - questionable/ankle). As for the Knicks, do you really think they were looking forward to the nightmarish atmosphere on the hardwood while sipping cocktails and the finest foods yesterday? Not to mention...

ATS - College BB: 9-8 NFL: 22-20 NBA: 37-40 MLB: 116-91

With a nice 2-1 evening, the once-slumping guru has now covered 5 of 7 and realized it’s time to put the mail-order Russian & midgets to bed and go lookin’ for frickin’ caviar! Just like the Energizer Bunny and a business-man alone in a hotel-room watching a double-feature…I keep going, and going, and going. Even when I was in the midst of my ATS-nightmare, I simply put on the blinders and took the Roger Clemens approach…you know, no matter what you did in the past, if you keep telling yourself your not that bad you may actually start to believe it!

If only Aaron Gray was in the picture...then I'd have all three of Paxson's dominate post players!

As for another embarrassment on the hardwood for the Bulls, I’m amazed Johnny Pax didn’t see this coming from miles away. In a league that sees team’s on-the-rise adjust their styles and add weapons each season, the Bulls continue to ignore their low-post deficiencies, and believe their undersized backcourt is better than advertised. Paxson has plenty of young assets that teams would jump at and needs to use them to revamp the roster…which I will dissect tomorrow and show you how easy things would be if GM Greggy G was running things at the United Center. Take it light Homeboys...wait, I almost forgot, while it's not on my picks...I luv teasing the Longhorns (+3.5) in the Bowl game with Suns (-4) at the Clippers!

U think Shuttlesworth wants to put-on a show for his old fans?

BOSTON CELTICS (-9.5) @ SEATTLE SONICS
With the Celtics coming-off a road-game last night and facing the lowly Sonics, this is what you’d typically call “Your girl rents Charlie’s Angels and asks you which girl looks the best in a bathing-suit”…aka a Trap-Game (Btw, from my experiences, never tell I white-girl you think it’s Lucy Lui…cause every time an Asian chick walks into a restaurant or bar you’re gonna get an evil eye). But tonight, this is not the case. First-off, this game is on TNT and you know the Big Three wants to impress Charles Barkley and Kenny “The Jet” Smith. Secondly, Jesus Shuttlesworth will be hyped lookin’ to have a huge night, especially after taking some bitter-swipes at his old organization the last few days. Thirdly, who the hell is Mr. Durant gonna guard…Paulie or Ray-Ray? And finally...

GREGGY G'S NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

New Year's Resolution for Ced - To stop Suckin'

Muhsin Muhammad – to give back all the money he stole from the Bears…unfortunately, on the way to Halas Hall he’ll probably drop it!

Kenny Williams – to stop acting cockier than David Spade after he started droppin' his swimmers in Heather Locklear

Daryle Ward – TO PUT THE FORK DOWN!

Lance Briggs & Brian Urlacher – to carry Saran Wrap in their wallets

Kirk Hinrich – to stop hacking a player across the arm and then acting like my azz with a bottle of lotion and my pants around my ankles when my girl walks in… “What I do?”

Lovie Smith – to stop saying were a running team when we rank 31st in total rushing yards and dead last in yards per carry (3.1)

Johnny Pax – to stop overpaying overachievers that are short and one-dimensional or trying to convince me that Ben Wallace is not more worthless than a paper-thin happy-sock!

Josh Fields – to never play OF again

Andres Nocioni – to stop running into large black men and acting more suprised than T.T. Boy being asked to wear a condom when the ref calls a foul

Ronnie Woo Woo – to move to Alaska

With that, onto my picks and pics...

While I do like a few football plays, especially Philly -7.5, there is one team coached buy one guy that always gets my luv...

ATS - College BB: 9-9 NFL: 22-20 NBA: 41-42 MLB: 116-91

Off the bench Ben's J has looked twice as nice!

CHICAGO BULLS (PICK) @ CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Since I told you the newly coached Bulls would cover 8 of their next 10, they’ve covered two straight and actually look like the enjoy playing on the hardwood again. Since Jim Boylan took the reigns from Scottie Scowls and moved Ben Gordon back to his 6th man role, he’s averaged 32 ppg and been much more aggressive taking the ball to the hole. In addition, Boylan’s tightened-up the rotation (7-deep) and actually has Big Ben playing with his Piston-day Passion. As for the Cats ‘O Bob, after starting the season 6-4, they’ve only won 4 of their last 18 and have actually resorted to inserting the 33 year-old Jeff McInnis into the starting line-up…Bulls by 4-8 points

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ATS - College BB: 9-9 NFL: 22-20 NBA: 44-42 MLB: 116-91

Joakim Noah brought the energy to help the Bulls cover their 3rd straight, and help Greggy G to a 3-1 ATS night!

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS @ CHICAGO BULLS (-3)
To start, yours truly is heading to tonight’s TNT contest at the United Center and expects to see the Chicago Faithful in a frenzy. I know the Bullies played in Charlotte last night, but their bodies are running on emotions as they try to regain the position in the standings and with the fan-base. As for the Blazers, they also played last night and will have a tougher task after facing a horrific T-Wolves squad that seems to make teams play worse the following day. In addition, the weather in Chicago is ridiculous, and while the Bulls are desperate for wins and will ignore the elements, Portland’s won 14 of 15 and may be looking forward to heading home rather than running with the Bulls.…Bulls by 6-10 points

ATS – Yesterday: 1-2…I’m starting to think the Rockets should trade McGrady…cause Ming w/ some big-time shooters could be deadly
Overall – CBB: 11-10 NBA: 46-48 NFL: 22-20

U really think Reggie Evans & Jason Smith will stop him 2night?

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS @ TORONTO RAPTORS (-8)
After initially finding some new found energy with a new president/GM in town, the realization that the games are more of an evaluation than playoff push has changed the atmosphere in Philly. One day they’ll read how Ed Stefanski would like to see more playing time for Rodney Carney, the next he’s talking about Sammy D’s long-term future, all the while Andre Miller is supposed to lead the team despite having his suitcases packed for a new address. With this type of drama, teams like the 76ers need a coach to keep them focused, and unfortunately, Mo Cheeks is dealing with his own day-by-day employment status. BTW, did I even mention their playing a back-to-back off a home loss to Redd’less Bucks. As for the up-n-down Raps, after regaining some of their early season success as they headed into the New Year (Dec. 31 victory at (23-11) New Orleans), the Raps have lost two straight at home to the Pistons & King James. Toronto should be riled-up to get back on track, and have a wonderful match-up with Chris Bosh and the porous 76er PFs (Reggie Evans & Jason Smith)…Raps in blow-out

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ATS Yesterday – 3-0…Just like Mrs. Clinton, maybe cryin' to the gamblin' gods was the trick
ATS Overall – CBB: 11-10 NBA: 49-48 NFL: 22-20

Billups may be Mr. Big Shot, but Longoria is Mr. Unstoppable!

DETROIT PISTONS @ SAN ANTONIO SPURS (-3.5)
Talk about a rough stretch for the Pistons, they blow a lead late at home against the Celts Saturday, and then travel to Texas for a back-to-back against the Mavs & Spurs. If you watched last night’s battle in Dallas, the Motown Boys never seemed to find a rhythm and still appear to have a hanger from KG and Co. Not a good sign with a Spurs team that finally has their Big Three all playing together and coming off a OT loss at GST Tuesday. As for the key match-ups tonight...

ATS – Yesterday: 1-1…Damn you Rasheed!
Overall – CBB: 11-10 NBA: 50-49 NFL: 22-20

Everyone in Lakerland is performing with a lil swagger!

MILWAUKEE BUCKS @ THE LAKE SHOW (-12)
Nobody in the league is sharing the ball better or is as confident as the Lakers over the last few weeks. They’ve won their last 4 games by an average of 23 points, including a 29-point road thrashing of the Hornets, and are running the Zen Master’s offense to perfection. For the first time in his career, Kobe seems to be getting a halfie by passing the rock and has enjoyed watching his teammates knockdown every open-shot. Jackson has a legitimate 9-man rotation in place and everybody seems on the same page. With their confidence sky-high, I expect the Lakers to continue to destroy teams and make a push to the top of the Western Conference standings. As for the Bucks, I'm actually happy they've won 2-straight and Michael Redd is returning tonight...cause it may drop the spread a few points. The Bucks play some of the worst defense in the league, not to mention those two-victories came at the hands of the league’s bottom-feeders (Memphis & Miami). Especially in-front of the home-crowd and...

our friend Lisa, look for the Lakers to try to embarrass the Bucks and keep this around 20 points all-night…Lakers by 17-23 points

I have plenty more picks and pics Homeoboy...better 'Continue Reading' below

ATS – Friday: 3-1…I’m Hotter than a Tea-Kettle
Overall – CBB: 12-10 NBA: 52-50 NFL: 22-20

Because Hibbert now commands a double-team the Hoyas guards are gettin' wide-open looks!

G-TOWN HOYAS (-2) @ PITTSBURGH PANTHERS
Nobody in the country combines offensive discipline with ridiculous athletes like John Thompson III. While shooting 52% from the floor and 42% from behind the arc, the Hoyas spread the floor like Gene Hackman’s Hoosiers squad and force teams to play at their tempo. Throw-in the dominate play of late for 7-2 Roy Hibbert (last two games: 19 ppg, 10 rpg, 56 fg%), possibly the most underrated do-everything swingman DaJuan Summers, and a backcourt loaded with upperclassman that rarely take a contested shot and the Hoyas are a legit Final Four candidate. As for Pitt, an already short-bench was throw into the mix with the loss of SR. G-F Mike Cook and team leader G Jr. Levance Fields. While the homecourt may keep it close for a half, look for the disciplined offense of the Hoyas to find some easy buckets and wear-out the undermanned Panthers…Hoyas by 7-13 points

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ATS – Yesterday: 1-2…How does Camby go for 20 pts, 23 reb, & 6 blks and they lose!
Overall – CBB: 13-11 NBA: 52-51 NFL: 22-20

If he can do this, Chris Kaman is in some trouble tonight!

PHOENIX SUNS (-8) @ LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
The last time the Suns played in LA, they beat the Clippers by 20 and turned Chris Kaveman into a non-factor with their up-tempo style. While Grant Hill is out for PHX, Boris Diaw was ridiculously efficient as his replacement against the Bucks (10-15 Fgs, 11 reb, & 4 ass) and may be playing with a little chip on his shoulder after two years of hearing overweight & overpaid skepticism from the critics. In addition, Nash returned from the flu with one of his best performances of the season (35 pts, 7 ass, 5-7 3-pt) and Stoudemire was a machine around the bucket as he continues to look stronger with each passing game (31 pts, 8 reb, 2 blks, 12-16 Fgs). As for the Clips, they lost a last-second heart-breaker to the Mavericks Saturday and only have Timmy “No-D” Thomas and the track-star challenged Kaman to run with the Matrix and Amare. Not to mention once Barbosa is in for Stevie, Sam I Am & Brevin Knight are gonna wish they were still in the training room once he starts flying down the sideline. For all the up-n-down talk about the Suns this season, they’re tied for the best record in the West with the Lakers, who they face on Thursday, so expect the Suns to be running on all cylinders tonight as the prep for a 1st place showdown on TNT…Suns by 12-16 points

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I wish muscle equaled talent Homeboy!

CHICAGO BULLS PLAYER REVIEW

KIRK HINRICH – Nice work Kirk...you've forced white-guys to hate on you as much as the black-guys always have

LUOL DENG – I now realize that Paxson meant Deng was “untouchable” because if you touch him, he crumbles like Garrett Wolfe after an arm tackle

ANDRES NOCIONI – If Noce knocked over three kindergarteners on the playground, do you think he’d wave his arms in disbelief afterward?

BEN GORDON – If you don’t count his inability to dribble, play defense, or pass…I think it was a great decision for Pax to offer the undersized guard 10M a year

JOE SMITH – I don’t care that he’s played well, the dude makes me feel so old every time they tell me he’s in his 13th season

BEN WALLACE - I hear Isiah tells his owner: “See, other GMs make catastrophic decisions!”

TYRUS THOMAS – Is it wrong to hope a player gets hurt?

JOAHKIM NOAH – Hey, I have another idea…let’s suspend the only guy that seems to give a f*ck!

AARON GRAY – You know it’s bad when the water-cooler talk revolves around: “We just need to get Aaron Gray more minutes.”

THABO SEFOLOSHA – My favorite look is when he sports the middle-school mustache with the corn-rolls that look like they were done by Fantastic Sam

CHRIS DUHON - Chris...Please call Eric Snow or Jacque Vaughn ASAP! Just cause your open...doesn't mean you have to shoot!

VIKTOR KHRYAPA – What a steal! We get both Tyrus Thomas & Khryapa for LaMarcus Aldridge (18 ppg, 8 rpg, 50 fg%)…U snake GM Johnny Pax, u snake!

ADRIAN GRIFFIN – I swear he plays at my YMCA…u know, old-guy, pump-fake, hit u in the balls with his azz, and then misses the ugly fade-away

ATS – Yesterday: 1-1-1…Talk about kissing your mother-in-law!
Overall – CBB: 14-11 NBA: 52-52 NFL: 22-20

Wade will do whatever it takes to stop the losing-skid!

CHICAGO BULLS @ MIAMI HEAT (-3.5)
After all the drama regarding the players’ decision to suspend Joakim Noah, I never thought we’d see Capt. Kirk & some vets laughing on the bench during a blow-out loss to a Magic squad that had lost 5 of 6. With Noce (questionable-hip) leaving in the 2nd half, a starting backcourt of Chris “I’ve shot 23% since taking over the starting PG spot” Duhon & Thabo “I’m shooting 29% for the season” Sefolosha, and the hated-Noah providin' the only enthusiasm on a lifeless team, the reality is it's not much different from the atmosphere from Isiah’s crew in Gotham. Not to mention, the Bulls have a interim-coach that has already lost the squad, nobody is playing with a sense of urgency or passion, and they all know Pax is on the phone dangling each and every one of them. As for the Heat, while they’ve been horrific and have lost 10-straight, you know D-Wade hasn’t lost the fire and should be desperate for a victory tonight. Especially...'Continue Reading' below

ATS – Yesterday: 1-2…I’ll admit that I never saw 41 points coming from Linas Kleiza, but at least ISU beat Mizzu this week!
Overall – CBB: 15-12 NBA: 54-56 NFL: 22-20

I can't believe I won't see my boy close-up tonight!

GOLDEN ST WARRIORS (-1) @ CHICAGO BULLS
I had to trade in my GST tix because of a work-party tonight, but I don’t think Baron & S-Jax will be too devastated in my absence to let this one slip away (BTW, I have 5th row floor seats behind the Pistons bench Saturdary!). Unlike the East, Nellie and his gang of swingmen cannot afford to lose two in-a-row too often and stay in a playoff race with the surprising Blazers, Hornets, & Lakers making 45 wins a probable destination for postseason. While the Bulls made the Heat look silly, watching Jason “bad-knee” Williams & Dorell “I should be in the NBDL” Wright pair with an expansion-roster bench was the reason Skiles’s former team rolled this week. Tonight, I expect the Bulls to be extra tight in-front of a home-crowd that’s been quick to treat them like the Dog-Lovers have treated Ronny Mexico once things go south. Especially...

ATS – FRIDAY: 3-1…Maybe this is a sign of things to come!
Overall – CBB: 15-13 NBA: 57-56 NFL: 22-20

W/out anybody to guard him, Capt Carlos will have a huge night

UTAH JAZZ (-3) @ LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
While the Jazz have been unbelievable at home (17-3), they’ve been just the opposite on the road (6-15). The biggest reason for their struggles has been coming-out of halftime flat, especially at the defensive end. While the Vegas experts may tell you the trend will continue, Jerry Sloan is too good a coach to let this continue and knows this team needs every victory to position themselves for the playoffs. Sloan has vowed to treat the remaining road games with a playoff type of intensity, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they look like a completely different team over the next few weeks away from Salt Lake City. The Jazz just beat the Clippers at home by 18 Friday, and I can’t see how they reverse the outcome by 15 points by playing in-front the 2nd-tier Hollywood stars. Especially...

ATS – MONDAY: 4-0…That was for you Dr. King!
ATS Overall – NBA: 61-56 CBB: 15-13 NFL: 22-20

Since returnin', Martin is droppin' 26 ppg on 63-fg% & 50-3pt%

NEW JERSEY NETS @ SACRAMENTO KINGS (-6)
As seen during their abysmal performances during a 5-game losing streak (home losses to the Knicks, Blazers, & Celtics and road losses to the Clippers & Suns by an average of 16 ppg) the Nets are playing without passion or confidence. Jason “I can’t shoot” Kidd is seemly minutes away from another personal hostage ploy to leave town, while Vinsanity & RJ know one of them will be gone by the trading deadline. As for the surprising Kings, with all the injuries early on, Reggie Theus’s confident style brought out some amazing performances from his supposed role players (Beno Udrih 14 ppg 5 apg 41-3pt%, John Salmons 16 ppg, 5 rpg, 51-Fg%, & Francisco Garcia 14 ppg 4 rpg 38-3pt%), while veteran 7-footers Brad Miller & Mikki Moore have paired and created unbelievable spacing for a team full of long-range shooters. While the return of...

ATS TUESDAY: 2-0…There’s a reason I went 171-127 last year
ATS since FRIDAY - 9-1 ATS...Tell me ya Luv me!
ATS Overall – NBA: 62-56 CBB: 16-13 NFL: 22-20

She told me there's room on the Bandwagon Homeboys!

SACRAMENTO KINGS (-2) @ LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
*The line opened at -1.5 and already moved to -2 by 8:30 am
If you like this like me, you better play it early cause I have a feeling it’ll start moving once this is posted! Never in my life have a seen Mike Bibby & Kevin Martin enthused on defense or Ron-Ron actually in-control of his emotions. Since the trio returned from injury, they look determined to prove that their usually selfish-styles can mesh with the team-first approach Reggie Theus created in their absence. Last night, they combined for 61 points & 14 assists, while the bench accepted their new role and continued to shoot lights-out (the bench from 3pt: 7-9). And tonight...

ATS WED: 2-1-1…I hate “pushes” more than A.C. Green hated groupies!
ATS since FRI - 11-2...They call me Greg Gamble for a reason
ATS Overall – NBA: 63-57 CBB: 17-13 NFL: 22-20

R U telling me the two white PGs on Miami are gonna stop him?

SAN ANTONIO SPURS (-9.5) @ MIAMI HEAT
The defending champs have struggled with consistency, even with everybody back from the infirmary, and actually have a losing record on the road. While the postseason is their obviously specialty, Pops knows the West is much deeper this year and home-court is more important than ever. After dropping 4 of their last 7, Timmy D and the boys finally seemed to regain their killer-instinct in the 2nd half of last night’s game with the Lakers, and turned a 9-pt deficit into and an 11-point victory. Even though a back-to-back on the road is never an ATS favorite, I expect the Spurs to ride their momentum into Miami and come-out on fire tonight. Especially with Manu’s inability to join-in on the fun last night (3-16 Fgs), I look for the Argentinean to blow-up against the injury-riddled Heat. As for the Heat, at yesterday’s practice for coach LA Looks the team barely could barely muster a 2-on-2 game as D-Wade (soreness everywhere) Ricky Davis (back spasms), Udonis Haslem (chest contusion), and Daequan Cook (flu), were added to a list that already included Zo, Shaq, & Smush “I hate Female Valet Attendants” Parker. Now you may call me crazy...

ATS THUR: 0-3…The Gamblin’ Gods thought I was getting’ cocky
ATS since FRI - 11-5…A better record than Spurs last 16 games
ATS Overall – NBA: 63-58 CBB: 17-15 NFL: 22-20

Trust me...Amare will dominate the Cavs frountcourt tonight!

PHOENIX SUNS (-2) @ CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
The greatest show on hardwood should be stoked for a Friday Night tilt with King James. Coming off an embarrassing loss at Minnesota (the Suns have lost back-to-back games only twice this year) I expect PHX to come-out with some extra fire and push the tempo even harder against a plodding Cavs squad. Especially with the lousy defense at PG by Daniel Gibson & Damon “I’m a fool” Jones, look for Nash to look magical and Barbosa to fly down court for some easy buckets. While the Cavs have started to look like the NBA Finals squad from last year...

ATS FRI: 2-1…Another week of winners on the way!
ATS Overall – NBA: 64-59 CBB: 18-15 NFL: 22-20
Teasin’ T-Bone's Weekend – 4-1 ATS…Much Luv Homeboy!

Ashton Korver looks even better in a Jazz Uni!

SAN ANTONIO SPURS @ UTAH JAZZ (-2)
After watching these two the last few weeks, the opening line doesn’t make any sense unless Vegas just thinks the Defending Champs are overdue. While the Jazz have won 4-straight and seem even more lethal with Kyle Korver in the rotation knocking down 3s (last 5 games: 12-26 behind the arc & 13 ppg), the Spurs have been a .500 team over their last 10 and were destroyed at home on Saturday by the Hornets. Even though the Jazz played last night (8-point win at Houston), they’ll be pumped for this showdown and you know the Salt Lake Crazies will be riled-up as well. David West absolutely destroyed the Timmy D and boys down-low Saturday (32 point an 15-19 Fgs), and I expect more of the same from Captain Carlos, especially with Mehmet Okur probing the perimeter and creating more space in the middle. In addition...

ATS MON: 2-1…a frickin’ ½ point away from perfection!
ATS Overall – NBA: 66-59 CBB: 18-16 NFL: 22-20
TEASIN’ T-BONE’S WEEKEND – 4-1 ATS…Much Luv Homeboy!

Since leavin' Boston, Al's raised his game to ridiculous levels!

MINNESOTA T-WOLVES (+5) @ CHICAGO BULLS
I’ve officially become a Bulls fan that wishes nuttin’ but embarrassment for the 2008 undersized, underachievers. Hopefully another few losses will change things at the United Center and Paxson will finally admit they’re heading in the wrong direction. Tonight, I’ll be racing home faster than when the lady’s working late and the “Greggy G Camping Equipment”-Box is out of storage (aka Adult Video stash) to watch Al Jefferson absolutely destroy Big Ben on the block. Jefferson has averaged 27 pts &14 rpg over his last six as the young T-Wolves have won 3 of 4 (@ GST, PHX, & NJ) and have been playing with more confidence than ever before. Throw-in Ryan Gomes energetic play at PF (18 ppg & 6 rpg over his last 5), the surprising consistency from the speedy Sabby Telfair (14 ppg, 6 apg, 1 tpg, & 52-fg% over his last 5), and Rashad McCants season-long consistency from behind the arc (15 pgg on 43-3pt%), and I’m guessing the Bulls may resort to veteran Adrian Griffin’s mid-range YMCA-style to turn the tide once the T-Wolves make their 2nd quarter run. While Ben Gordon may return from his wrist injury...

ATS TUE: 1-3…The Sports Ticker was not fun last night!
ATS Overall – NBA: 67-62 CBB: 18-16 NFL: 22-20
TEASIN’ T-BONE’S WEEKEND – 4-1 ATS…Much Luv Homeboy!

You have to luv the Jazz at home!

NEW YORK KNICKS @ UTAH JAZZ (-13)
Isiah’s band of overpriced garbage hasn’t been blown-out from start to finish on this West Coast trip yet…which means their due to mail one in. Especially after playing last night in front of the hotties of Hollywood (lost by 11 to the Lakeshow), you think Eddy “Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger” Curry and Zach “Baby-Fat” Randolph are excited about heading to Utah? With Sloan’s screen-happy disciplined offense, not to mention the cold-azz weather, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing the Jazz run lay-up drills while the Knicks watch Jamal Crawford and Nate Robinson cast from downtown. More importantly, with addition of Ashton Korver and a healthy AK-47, Sloan is still analyzing how to divvy up the minutes so expect the bench to play with even more fire than normal and extend the double digit lead throughout the 4th quarter. And finally…

ATS THU: 1-4…At halftime, all my plays were covering...
…and by the final horn I was drinking heavily!
ATS Overall – NBA: 67-64 CBB: 21-19 NFL: 22-20
TEASIN’ T-BONE’S WEEKEND – 4-1 ATS…Much Luv Homeboy!

With Okur outside lettin' Boozer work & AK47's defense on Butler (if he plays), nuttin' but smiles from Utah in DC

UTAH JAZZ (-3.5) @ WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Without Caron Butler, the Wiz are 5-16 over the last two seasons…and most of those included Agent Zero’s casting-azz on the floor. While he’s questionable tonight with a bad hip-flexor, even if he plays we probably won’t see the reckless abandonment that has made him an All-Star this season. As for Utah, they continue to move-up the West Coast standings and are in the midst of 6-game winning streak that has seen them win by an average of 12 pts per contest. Especially with....

ATL is on the rise!

PHILLY 76ERS @ ATLANTA HAWKS (-5)
As for why the Hawks will win tonight...

ATS HOOPS FRI: 2-2…Oh yeah, and I lost the Super Bowl
ATS HOOPS Overall – NBA: 68-66 CBB: 22-19

The Sixers always struggle to stop Antawn's crafty moves!

WASHINGTON WIZ (-2) @ PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
After a solid January for the Wiz (9-6), a hip-injury to Caron Butler and some tough match-ups (Raptors, Jazz, & Lakers) have the DC boys in the midst of 3-game losing streak. While Butler returned to action Sunday against the Lakers, Bryant was virtually unstoppable and the Wizards spent the majority of the 2nd-half with their 2nd-team on the floor. Following the game, the players and coaches commented on their passiveness and vowed to show the aggression and fire they showed after the New Year that placed them just below the top-tier teams in the East. Especially with the 76ers experimenting with the youngsters at PF, I expect Jamison to use his clever inside-out play to keep Philly’s inexperienced frontcourt off-balance and in foul-trouble most of the night. While Iggy & Andre Miller...

Today proved coach LA Looks still has it & Kerr's desperate

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (+5.5) @ PHOENIX SUNS
* line will be movin' all day...jump in early if u like
Trade distractions for the PHX means CP3 will be even more unstoppable tonight...tough match-ups across the board for the Suns...Hornets by 4-8 points

Speaking of distractions...

The Luv-a-Bulls head-honchita needs to call Phoenix...it's a copy-cat league and they need to copy baby!

Check back later...I f*ckin' have to shovel for the 3rd time

ATS HOOPS WED: 1-0…I told u PXH can’t stop CP3
ATS HOOPS Overall – NBA: 70-68 CBB: 22-19

Nobody thought another guard would come close to passing the NBA hype of OJ Mayo, but Eric Gordon proved them all wrong!

INDIANA HOOSIERS (-1.5) @ ILLINOIS kinda-FIGHTIN’ ILLINI
While some think the Illini have been riding some bad-luck on the way to a 2-8 record in Big Ten play, is it really bad-luck if your just really-bad? Especially at the guard-spots, Bruce Webber has tried every combination to no avail, and that has caused teams to sit on their only offensive option in Shaun Pruitt on the block. On the Hoosier side, after opening the conference season 6-0 and riding a 13-game win-streak, Eric Gordon (22 ppg, 48-%fg, 41-3pt%) & DJ White (18 ppg, 11 rpg, 2 bpg) lost at home to an oversized UCONN squad and at Wisconsin 3-days later before getting back on track against Northwestern. And speaking of the freshman phenom Eric Gordon, he’s gonna get hazed all-night by the Orange Crush since he spurned them over the summer. While some may think...

Luckily, TEASIN' T-BONE is here to replace me...

As for my Friday write-up, no need to hear why I'm an idiot

...cause Greggy G is on vacation & lookin' 4 a new hobby!

Back to my Friday write-up, at least u know why I liked ATL,

cause things just look good in Spud Webb's ole' colors!

ATS HOOPS Overall – CBB: 24-21 NBA: 71-75
Just like D-Wade, the Gamblin Gods may knock me down…but I’ll always get my Polish-azz back up!

Without Gerald Wallace, it looks like J-Rich is in trouble tonight!

ATLANTA HAWKS (+2) @ CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
No Gerald Wallace tonight means Jason Richardson is guarding all the athletic swingmen for ATL by his lonesome. While the Hawks...

WED ATS: 2-0…WITH TWO FRICKIN’ PUSHES!
ATS HOOPS Overall – CBB: 25-20 NBA: 71-74

You know what's better than one 7-foot Lopez?

A 2nd 7-foot Lopez!

#7 STANFORD CARDINALS (-3.5) @ ARIZONA ST. SUN DEVILS
The (20-3) Cardinals have become more dominate with each passing week as they’ve absolutely destroyed teams with the plethora of behemoths in their frontcourt. Combined with the 7-foot Twin Towers (Brook & Robin Lopez: 27 ppg, 14 rpg, & 4 bpg), the athletic 6-8 duo of Lawerence Hill & Taj Finger (16 ppg & 11 rpg) have quietly been the difference in Stanford creating unbelievable mismatches at SF, especially on the weakside offensive glass. Throw-in a veteran backcourt that passes-up open looks to find the big-men, and their 7-game win streak in the Pac-10 is not a surprise. Tonight, they face an Arizona St. squad that has lost 5 of 6, with their only win coming against the surprisingly-tiny Arizona Wildcats. The Sun Devils only start...

ATS MON – 2-1…At least I’m headin’ in the right direction
ATS HOOPS Overall – CBB: 27-24 NBA: 71-75

This Duo has been all smiles of late!

HOUSTON ROCKETS (+1) @ CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
The difference between the East & West can be seen in the standings of these two teams. While the Rockets have three more wins the Cavs, T-Mac and the Great Wall of Houston are tied for the 8th spot as the LeBrons would have home-court in the 1st round if the playoffs started today. As for their current skills, nobody in West is playing better ball than Houston as they’ve won 12 of their last 13 and seem to be playing with desperation knowing every loss could bounce them from the playoffs. On Cleveland’s side, most of the recent chatter has revolved around King James’s unhappiness with the roster as GM Danny Ferry seems paralyzed from some bad contracts he’s written the last few years. As for the All-Star break, T-Mac had the luxury of staying home and Yao only participated in a handful of minutes, while Mr. James was front and center carrying the East to an unexpected victory. Tonight...

ATS This Week – 4-2…Tryin’ to win back my fans!
ATS HOOPS Overall – CBB: 29-25 NBA: 72-75

Pau Gasol looks really pretty running w/ the Lake Show!

Greg Gamble's NBA Trade Analysis

LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Pau Gasol to the Lakers was the most amazing acquisition since the White Sox received Jon Garland for Matt Karchner or when David Spade traded in his groupie-trash for Heather Locklear. If Bynum was healthy and Kobe’s finger could perform at Brandi Belle’s level, I’m convinced they would have dominated the playoffs…now, 50/50 they win it all. (Whatever you do, don't google for Brandi Belle)

DALLAS MAVERICKS
While I’m as big a fan of J-Kidd as Joumana, the move to Dallas is one of the few places the whinny, crabby, shooting-challenged guy fits. Even though the Mavs gave-up waaaaay too much, it was impossible to put Jason Terry & Devin Harris on the floor together as nobody had the size to guard the 2-spot. Now, Kidd can slide-over on D and Terry can play his usually lousy D on the opponents PG…not great, but a better solution than before. In addition, I think Kidd forces Avery to play faster which will make Josh Howard look sweeter than the scenery in the Wisconsin Dells during prom-week and let Dirk knockdown those transition-jumpers that made him famous under Donnie Nelson. The only problem, losing Diop’s presence in the middle will cause a Duncan/Shaq/Gasol/Bynum match-up against Mr. Dampier all by his lonesome...aka GAME OVA 2nd ROUND

PHOENIX SUNS
While you have to luv the balls of GM Stevie Kerr, I can’t figure-out how this is gonna work. For all the truth behind The Matrix becoming a superstar because of Mr. Nash, nobody in the league was better for Suns run-n-gun style than Marion. With all the long-rebounds and loose-balls created by D’Antoni’s system, Shawn’s ridiculous quickness and leaping ability created tons of 2nd chance opportunities for the Suns. While I understand how Shaq will take some pressure off Amare and can picture him standing just outside the paint ready to destroy the basket from a Nash dish, the fact that he’ll probably only give them 20 solid minutes a night means Boris Diaw & Brian Skinner will be logging heavy frontcourt time come the playoffs.

ATLANTA HAWKS
Mike Bibby to Hot-lanta may look pretty on paper to the so-called roundball wizards, but as a basketball scouting savant myself, I’m not sure this makes the Hawks that much better. The highflying youngsters on ATL need a playmaking PG to utilize their talents, and Mr. Headband is not what you call a Spud Webb type of distributor. While he's is a clutch-shooter and decent ball-handler, his scoring ability is similar to Joe Johnson’s and his defense is actually a step-down from Tyronn Lue & Anthony Johnson’s…both just traded to Sac-Town. Bibby’s game flourished off the skills of high-post passers like Chris Webber & Brad Miller, and now, he’s forced to teach Al Horford how to play the pick-n-roll on the fly.

With that, let’s find some ATS games and bikinis to close-out Hump Day!

While it's impossible not to luv him, I don't think he helps!

LOS ANGELES LAKERS (+3.5) @ PHOENIX SUNS
The Lakers are a machine since the Gasol trade and are playing with a chip on their shoulder that would make MJ proud. As for tonight, with Shaq lacing them up, you know Kobe will do everything in his power to prevent the headlines from praising the Suns new Diesel-look. While the frontcourt of the Lakers has dominated teams of late and added a perfect dimension to the triangle with Pau, the depth in the Lakers backcourt has given the Zen Master tons of options…and tonight, expect them to handle Nash & the Brazilian Bandit better than most squads. But the biggest reason I know I’ll be having Cristal & Caviar tomorrow, you know it’s gonna take some time for them to get used to having a plodding big-man in the game. Not to mention...(better click on "Continue Reading" below for the wonderful-world of BIKINIS & BBALL PICKS)

ATS HOOPS Overall – CBB: 30-25 NBA: 75-81

Just returned from a weekend out of town after seeing way too many old friends for the wrong reason. Glad to be back and ready to bring some happiness back to my ATS world…Game on!

When the King asks for something...He gets it!

CLEVELAND CAVS (-3) @ MILWAUKEE BUCKS
King James looks rejuvenated after Danny Ferry swung a spectacular deal and surrounded his leader with some muscle (Big Ben), spot-up shooting (Wally), and a PG that can actually play some defense (Delonte “MFing” West). While the Bucks have looked solid at home of late, nobody on the squad plays much defense and nobody besides Bogut crashes the boards. Not a good recipe with Bron-Bron slashing from the perimeter and four rebounding machines available to wear-down the Australian (Big Z, Wallace, Joe Smith, and the return of Side-Show Bob). Just as we’ve seen with the Lakers and Mavs since their trades...

ATS HOOPS Overall – CBB: 31-25 NBA: 75-83

Sittin' a game out of the playoffs, these two roll 2night!

DENVER NUGGETS (-7.5) @ SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
The new-look Sonics played solid at GST last night, but rookies Kevin Durant & Jeff Green logged over 40 minutes apiece, while Collison & Ridnour totaled 82 minutes of court time. With a short-bench following their deadline trade, the young Sonics will be forced to duplicate those minutes on a back-to-back against the run-n-gun Nuggets. Speaking of George Karl’s squad...

Last Two Days - 5-1...We goin' Sizzler, we goin' Sizzler!
ATS HOOPS Overall – CBB: 32-26 NBA: 75-81

I’m still sick as shiznit, but had enough TheraFlu and Painkillers to make a few picks & pics. Make sure to check back around 3:00 for some additional ATS Luv as I just purchased a bottle of Dr. McGillicutty's and always perform better under his care.

Nobody on the Pacers can stop His Bosh'ness!

INDIANA PACERS @ TORONTO RAPTORS (-10)
The Raptors have been absolutely crushing people at home winning their last 4 contests by an average of 20 ppg, including a 17-pointer against the Magic. With deadly shooters and TJ Ford anchoring the bench, once Bosh and the boys take control the 2nd squad usually expands on the lead as the visiting team starts thinking about the flight back to the states. Tonight, Sam Mitchell’s crew face a Pacers squad they just beat in Indiana Monday and has lost their last two road contests by double-digits. While the Pacers are still playing with some playoff aspirations, the Raptors are sitting in a dubious-spot currently seeded 4th with King James right behind them. Of all the Eastern Conference teams...

ATS HOOPS Overall – CBB: 32-26 NBA: 75-84

Having lost only 3 times at home, there's a reason they luv him

And anytime I think of D-Will, I have 2 think of his running mate
...and who says he's short, I hear all these girls are ova 6'4"

DALLAS MAVERICKS @ UTAH JAZZ (-6)
Following an emotional OT loss in Hollywood yesterday, the Mavs head to Utah to play their 4th game in 5 nights. Even a veteran like Jenna Jameson would look sloppy on that kind of schedule. Not to mention, in two of the losses Avery’s boys had to battle the likes of Timmy D and the Kobinator. And I won’t say I told you so, but J-Kidd and his 20 Million $$ sneakers look even shakier taking those open jumpers now that these games really matter. The worst part of trade has been how Josh Howard has adjusted. Since the idiotic transaction was made, the phenom has struggled to find a rhythm and is shooting 34% from the field. As for the Jazz, nobody in the league has a bigger discrepancy in performance on the road and at home than the Jazz (Home: 25-3 Road: 13-19), ok maybe one team is close…the MAVS (Home: 25-3 Road: 14-18). Even better ATS confidence can be found in the match-ups tonight. D-Williams has the size and strength to handle Kidd, while Joumana’s past whipping-boy cannot handle the young legs of the former Illini kid. In addition...

ATS MONDAY - 3-0 ...with a push that should've won!
ATS HOOPS Overall – CBB: 34-26 NBA: 76-84

NEWS ALERT...THE BIRDMAN IS BACK BABY!

If you haven't seen lil Monta yet...you need to Homeboys!

GOLDEN ST. WARRIORS (+2) @ ATLANTA HAWKS
While an East Coast road-trip never sounds like a nice ATS investment for the sometimes absent-minded Warriors, with Baron’s boys barely holding onto the final playoff spot in the West they have no-choice but to be focused tonight. Especially with three extremely winnable games to open the trip (ATL, CHAR, MIA), you have to expect Nellie to have his wildly athletic group ready to roll. But the biggest reason I predict a GST victory in HotLanta tonight is the match-ups on the perimeter. While the Warriors and Hawks share the highflying options at the forward spots, Mike Bibby has no business trying to stop the bouncing-backside of Baron Davis and the lighting-quick Monta Ellis is simply unguardable right now (last 5 games: 25 ppg, 6 apg, & 5 rpg). Throw-in the drama that surfaced this weekend that some in the Hawks front-office tried to fire Coach Mike Woodson, not to mention...

Before I get to my Friday Night Picks & Bikinis, I had to get this Chicago Bulls trade off my chest. While I hated it at 1st, I think I know why GM Johnny Pax made the move:

BULLS TRADE MEANS PAX IS CRAZY...OR GETTING BRAND

When the buzz from a new text hit my pocket near the NBA Trade Deadline, I knew GM John Paxson had found somebody to take Big Ben Wallace. What I never expected was to read the name Larry Hughes as the main chip in return. In an era when salaries rule the NBA landscape, the Bulls traded their overpriced fan-hated center for the Cavs overpriced fan-hated guard with virtually identical expensive and long-term contracts. As for the rest of the pieces, while veteran Joe Smith was one of the lone bright-spots in a horrendous season, most would admit PF Drew Gooden is an up-grade because of his youth, rebounding prowess, and an addition year on a reasonable contract. Throw-in 22-year old PF Cedric Simmons by sending Adrian Griffin to Seattle and the Bulls frontcourt continues to get younger and more athletic. Still, at first glance the addition of Hughes was a huge head-scratcher. With Hinrich already providing a similar role as an overpriced underperforming combo guard, Ben Gordon looking for more than 11 million this summer, and Thabo Sefolosha looking impressive as a starting 2-guard over the last month, I couldn’t figure out where he fit and assumed Johnny Pax had somehow lost his marbles overnight.

Initially, with Hinrich making around 10-million a year for the foreseeable future (until 2011-12) and Hughes owed around 13-million for this year and two more, the local scribes and 12-oz curl GMs at the watering-hole assumed Gordon would be the odd man out next year. Whether Pax would work out a sign-n-trade or just let him walk, it seemed inconceivable the Bulls could have three guards making 8-figures apiece (to be fair, Hinrich’s deal decreases each year and he’ll be making 8-million by 2011-12). But after further review and a little faith that my favorite GM still knows what he’s doing, I started to see a different angle from this trade. With the addition of Drew Gooden, maybe the still valuable chip known as The Tyrus Thomas Project could entice a GM to take on Kirk Hinrich’s deal and then Reinsdorf would sign-off a long-term deal for Ben Gordon. Think about it, the Bulls have tried for years to make the Hinrich/Gordon combo work, but Gordon’s inability to defend the 2-spot or handle the playmaking duties has left them in a quandary. Under this theory, a Hughes/Gordon combo makes much more sense as Hughes can handle the point as he did in Cleveland and has the size to guard the scorers on the wing.

The problem with a Hinrich/Hughes combo is that it’s impossible to win in the Association without spot-up shooters. While both can knockdown the occasional jumper, neither strikes fear enough to cause opponents to alter their defense. Not to mention, with the Hughes/Gordon combo, the Bulls can still develop Thabo with plenty of minutes as he can fit alongside either.

As for the frontcourt in my brilliant theory, while the two-headed monster of Deng and Noce is one of the best small forward duos in the league, Noah and Gooden need Paxson to hit a homerun for what he can pull-off for T-Time and Capt. Kirk…and I think I’ve found it. Welcome Home Elton Brand! A sign and trade between the Bulls and Clippers makes sense both financially and strategically for both teams. For the Clippers, Chris Kaman has been unbelievable in the middle this season and is starting to prove he can handle the bulk of low-post opportunities. Unfortunately, the combo of Kaman and the “soon-to-be-free-agent” Brand is their lack of athleticism. With Tyrus Thomas, the lottery bound Clippers get another rising-star with the athleticism to play alongside Mr. Kaman. As for Hinrich, with Cassell trying to win a championship in Boston (or elsewhere) and the unexpected recovery of Shaun Livingston after a devastating knee-injury, the Clippers would get some stability at the guard-spot, with a contract that gets smaller by the year.

The Bulls new line-up would look Flawless!

And now, onto the new look Bulls. A starting line-up of Hughes, Gordon, Deng, Brand, & Noah, with a solid bench of Noce, Gooden, & Sefolosha…I think we’re getting some-where. While Noah is still young, he does all the dirty work in the paint and has the size to look perfect alongside Elton. Throw-in a backcourt that will no longer be criticized for having more value at Great America as the determining factor in how tall you have to be to ride a roller-coaster, and this Bulls fan is starting to smile. Call me crazy, but in the abysmal Eastern Conference, besides the Celts, Cavs, & Pistons, I’d put the 2008-09 Bulls as candidate for homecourt in the 1st round and designed to make some noise for years to come. Of course, I could be completely wrong about all of this, but after becoming a stockholder in Ibuprofen from my trips to the United Center this season…one can only hope.

Want my NBA ATS picks and more bikinis...

ATS HOOPS Overall – CBB: 34-30 NBA: 79-88

Orlando has nobody to stop the Hip-Hop Highlight Homeboy!

ATLANTA HAWKS (+10.5) @ ORLANDO MAGIC
I’m predicting a closer than expected battle tonight as the Hawks currently sit in the 8th spot in the East. ATL rolled into Orlando in mid-December and pulled the upset with a 98-87 victory, and that was without the newly acquired Mike Bibby and injuries to do-everything 6th man Josh Childress (12 ppg, 5 rpg, 58 fg%) and the 6-11, 280 lbs Zaza Pachulia. On that night, Josh Smith utilized his athleticism on the Magic’s perimeter oriented forwards (Rashard “I hate rebounding & defense” Lewis & Hedu Turkoglu) to the tune of 25 pts, 16 reb, 5 ass, 4 blks, & 4 stls. I expect the same type of dominance tonight from Mr. Smith, while Al Horford & Zaza Pachulia should keep D-Howard from completely dominating the glass.

She better not distract my Hawks tonight!
The Magic still haven’t found a solid guard rotation, so expect the Mike Bibby & Joe Johnson combo to easily outscore the undersized shooting-challenged guards for Stan “Ron Jeremy” Van Gundy. And just from reading the Hot-Lanta papers this morning...

Just like the Jazz, Greggy G needs to bounce back 2night!

I've even broke-out the Greggy G Cheer squad for luck!

UTAH JAZZ (-7) @ MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Both squads will be playing a back-to-back, with the Jazz actually having any easier trip from Chi-Town to Milwaukee than the Bucks return from D.C. While the Jazz have been less then stellar on the road this season (14-20), expect some desperation tonight as Jerry Sloan knows if they drop this and head to Boston Friday they could find themselves fighting for their playoff lives. As for the Bucks, with their playoff fortunes at stake the last few weeks they’ve proceeded to drop 6 of 7 and might be the softest team in the Association. While most think Michael Redd is their star, PG Mo Williams (18 ppg, 6 apg, 48-fg%) is the engine that makes them go and he’s missed the last 4 games with an abdominal strain (questionable). Especially with Carlos Boozer coming off an extremely average night in Chicago (10 pts, 9 reb), look for the Jazz to pound the Bucks inside as Charlie V’s pedestrian D will be in-charge of slowing the former Dukie. In addition, with Andrew Bogut as the Milwaukee’s only low-post presence...

After blowing another game this afternoon (Miami-FL), I need the Bulls to get the United Center rocking and get me a win!

Check out all my NBA picks and below...

These 2 seem determined 2 make a run at the final playoff spot

DENVER NUGGETS (+6) @ DETROIT PISTONS
I don't care if the Nuggets scored 168 points against my old church league squad or the Bulls in the 4th quarter...that's frickin' unbelievable. Throw-in their 138-pointer two nights ago and...

With NY in tank mode and NJ sitting 1.5 gms out of the playoffs, we may see these two smile on the road for once

NEW JERSEY NETS (-4.5) @ NEW YORK KNICKS
Considering the horrible atmosphere that’s surrounded Knickerbocker Land all year (and the last couple for that matter), its amazing things are even worse as the sun comes up today. With Isiah acting even stranger with his termination inevitable, rumors of Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh in the Gotham City GM mix, and their best player all season (Zach Randolph) being a healthy DNP last few games, I think the Knicks will struggle to cover five games from here on out. In Minny Saturday Night, NY was embarrassed by 21 and featured a starting line-up that included F/C Randolph Morris (1-7 Fgs, 3 rebs), rookie F Wilson Chandler, journeyman G Fred Jones, not to mention, 34 minutes for new 6th man Mardy Collins. Tonight, they face a Nets squad that amazingly is still only a game and a half out of the final playoff spot, and...

For all the talk about Gilbert's return & Caron's dominance, Jamison's the one that will scare opponents come Playoff time

WASHINGTON WIZARDS (-1) @ PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
While a cross-country trip to the Pacific Northwest is never easy for an Eastern Conference squad, with the return of Caron Butler just 6-games ago the Wiz are still looking to find their early-season rhythm as they head into the playoffs. Since Butler’s return the Wiz have won 5 of 6, including Sunday’s impressive win against Detroit, but still can’t shake Philly & Toronto in the standings as they both sit less than 1.5 games behind them…which is huge, since the lowest seed of the three will probably be playing the Pistons in Round One. As for their West Coast trip, with the homecourt magic at Arco for the Kings, the Lakeshow, and Utah closing out the journey, Coach Jordan knows they need to start out with victories against POR & SEA to keep pace in the postseason race. While the Blazers have been solid at home, their coming off an embarrassing loss at Seattle last night (who was playing with Earl Watson & Chris Wilcox) and lost LaMarcus Aldridge to an ankle sprain in the 3rd quarter (questionable-tonight). As the season has progressed for Portland...

Devin Harris will have a field day vs Flip Murray & Travis Diener

INDIANA PACERS @ NEW JERSEY NETS (-5)
With the Nets somehow only a half game out of the final playoff spot and the Pacers coming-off a home loss last night, I see Vinsanity & RJ with little more fire in their eyes and expect them to roll out to an early lead tonight. Throw-in the worst PG situation in the league for Larry Bird’s squad (Ronald Murray & Travis Diener), especially defensively, and I see the lightning quick Devin Harris running roughshod over a squad that would've been better off signing Travis Best this off-season. As for the frontcourt, the slow-footed bigs on Indiana (Murphy, Foster, & Harrison) won’t look any faster off a back-to-back, and will be facing one of the youngest and most athletic frontcourts in the league (Josh Boone, Sean Williams, & Diop) that now has Nenad Krstic back in the mix (last gm: 22 pts & 6 reb). Just as we saw the Nets roll in Gotham by 15 Monday...

Teasin' T-Bone here, just droppin' a line in the water today in Greggy G's absence. It turns out the only way he thinks he can get any at home is to promise a kid out of the deal....so he is in the hospital right now wondering how he can still support all of his habits with two kids. It's all about time management my friend, and congrats on your 2nd NBA All-star, I truly believe in 20 years there will be more of a calling for the pass only 5-10 white point guard. Anyway, read on so that I can show you how to make winners out of a couple of losers.

How do you blow a 22 point lead and lose by 15? Play D like the Denver Nuggets that's how. I though about picking this game but both squads are so unpredictable I dare not touch it. So wit that that said......I choose the following:

Golden State @ San Antonio+ 8 1/2

No, GS doesn't really have anybody to match up with the big fundamental, but I think Baron and Monte will give Ginobili and Parker hell all night as they fight for the last playoff spot. Spurs win the game but Warriors keep it close.

Yes, the rumors are true…Greggy G now has his starting backcourt with the addition of a 2nd boy. While he flops around more than Manu Ginobili, he looks like a cross between Kirk Hinrich & Warren G. As for the last three days, we basically hung-out and watched Chi-Town baseball get off to an amazing start…but he’s still pining for a Fukudome jersey. And with that, I’m sure you care more about my picks, or more realistically, my gratuitous photos…but before I roll, I quick shout-out to his Mommie…I don’t know how you ladies do…frickin’ amazing!

"Congrats Greggy G...I'll make sure 2 pull this one out for ya!"

HOUSTON ROCKETS (-6) @ PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
With the playoffs approaching, I’m all over teams maneuvering for seeds and attempting to gain momentum for a post-season run. And with the Rockets still holding-out hope for a Southwest Division Title and in the midst of a 2-game losing streak, I expect them to roll a Blazers squad that played last night in Lakerland without Brandon Roy. While the Blazers have been a nice story this season,

While OT made me nervous last night, you know the UNDA's a solid call when the extra frame doesn't affect your ATS play!

While he looked soild with the rock on the move...

He should give her a call on how to stay relaxed while standing still!

As for tonight's NBA picks...

After a 4-point outing last night...I expect wizardry from CP3

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (-10) @ MINNESOTA T-WOLVES
With the Hornets losing last night, CP3 coming off a 4-point outing, and only leading the Western Conference Standings by a game, I expect Byron’s boys to win by 30 tonight. Especially with Minnesota having to travel even farther than NO after losing in Charlotte last night, I expect Paul to look twice as fast early-on against a squad playing two SG’s at the point (Randy Foye & Marko Jaric). While Al Jefferson is an absolute beast and was remarkable last night (40 pts 10 reb), he’s been extremely average on back-to-back games lately (last two back-2-back games: 10 ppg, 6 reb) and should have his hands full with the Chandler/West Combo. Basically...

Brewer's length should disrupt Jason Terry tonight!

UTAH JAZZ (+5) @ DALLAS MAVERICKS
For the 1st time in a long-time, the Jazz have everybody healthy and are looking dominant on the road. Having won 4-straight, including an impressive victory at New Orleans Tuesday, the Jazz are looking to move-up in the standings as they trail three teams by only a game. While the return of 6-7 SG Ronnie Brewer may not excite the masses, his length on defense and ridiculous shooting % might be the most overlooked aspect of Utah’s success (12 ppg, 56 fg%). Throw-in the hottest shooting big-man in the game in Mehmet Okur (last 4 games: 19 ppg, 12 rpg, 46 3pt%), a healthy AK-47, and plenty of scoring options off the bench (Harping, Korver, Millsap, & the emergence of Ronnie Price), and the Jazz are much more than the pick-n-roll duo of D-Will & the Booze. While the return of Diggler and his bionic ankles has been nothing short of a miracle for the Mavs, they only have one impressive victory (@ Phx) since Joumana’s punching-bag came to town and seem to play tight in big-games. Especially with the Jazz...

While I'm takin' Shaq & PHX 2night, I just wanted to remind u...

Insideplays also handicaps Football...

...Baseball...

and someday, maybe even Tennis!

PHOENIX SUNS (-2.5) @ HOUSTON ROCKETS
While the Suns currently hold the 6th seed in the West, they’re only a game behind 2nd seed LA and a ½ game behind tonight’s opponent the Rockets. During their ridiculously impressive performance in San Antonio Wednesday (W 96-79), the Suns played with a bounce in their step that hasn’t been seen since the Shaq trade and a defense intensity that’s never looked better. Obviously, their confidence is sky-high as their rotation is finally getting set, while Black Jesus (aka Amare) looks like the most dominate big-man in the game with The Diesel at his side. As for the Rockets, while they continue to impress with a roster full of overachievers and T-Mac, I can’t see how their AARP Center and undersized PFs in Houston can hang with the most dominate frontcourt in the Association. While T-Mac plans on playing tonight...

It's Sunday Funday folks, time to get your drink on, visit the bathroom, and think of plaid skirts!!!

I was clammering yesterday about warm weather sports, then today I wake up to friggin' snow on the ground outside my Michigan home. It seems fitting that it looks like hell has frozen over, I mean the Sox did manage to beat Zoolander, I mean Verlander yesterday. Tough to win games when the line up can't post a run in nine innings. Moving on to Sunday Funday we've got some more NBA action and another MLB tilt, and if you like Windy City teams you will love the action today.

Noce will bring the passion we need 2night!

CHICAGO BULLS (+3) @ MILWAUKEE BUCKS
For how pathetic, lazy, and uninspired the Bullies have looked of late, the Bucks are worse and actually have players that have decided they aren’t gonna finish out the season. Leading scorer Michael Redd took 7 shots in their last game (a 13 point home-loss to the Nets), Charlie V scored 38 point in Toronto last Wednesday and has missed the last two games with a strained calf, or what I call, I finally played a great game and want people to remember me for that, and PG Mo Williams (17 ppg, 6 apg) hasn’t even been with the team lately as he deals with an abdominal injury. And to top things off, with the Bucks in the midst of a 6-game losing streak, Coach Krystkowiak is demanding the new GM make a decision with the coaching staff…which means, I know I’m frickin’ fired so let’s just get it over with! I know the Bulls are almost as depressing...

While these two haven't been smiling that much, I can't see how they don't crack one w/ the Cats O' Bob in town and...

...some very passionate and creative Dancers to watch!

CHARLOTTE HORNETS @ NEW JERSEY NETS (-3)
With Lawrence Frank still coaching like it’s the Little League World Series (no pun intended), a new floor general in Devin Harris, and RJ & Vinsanity still playing 40 minutes a night, I can’t see how the Nets allow the Bobcats to embarrass them at their place tonight. Last Saturday, playing off a back-to-back after being officially eliminated from the playoffs, the Nets rolled in Milwaukee by 13 and looked like the globetrotters dishing out 34 assists. Of course it came against the worst defensive team in the Association (how the hell do you let the Bulls put-up 151), but it proves the Nets still have the little tickers in their hearts working. Throw-in a plethora of bigs that are competing for jobs and contracts next year (Krstic, Diop, Swift, & Williams) and I expect the Nets to easily handle the undermanned Cats O’ Bob. While Charlotte looked impressive in a victory in Indiana on Saturday, do you really think a starting line-up that includes Matt Carroll, rookie Jared Dudley, and without do-everything Gerald Wallace can get it done again…I’d bet my DVD collection of Straight-off-the-Boat Asians that it ain’t happening. And with injuries throughout the Bobcat roster...

The NBA Regular Season Finale is here Homeboys!

And what do u know, Da Bulls are finally coming together...

And even the Luvabulls seem to be focused!
Ok...maybe those aren't the LuvaBulls, but they should be!

TORONTO RAPTORS @ CHICAGO BULLS (OVA 211)
By the way, as u’ll read later, I’m taking the Bulls tonight too
With the Bulls abysmal season coming to an end at the United Center, I expect their game plan to match Monday’s in Milwaukee as they decided to concentrate on defending the hole as much as Tera Patrick did in the film-classic Nuttin’ Hunnies. The Bulls prevailed 151-135 in that contest, and more suprisingly, actually seemed to have some fun. With Jim Boylan coaching his final NBA game (for this team or any team), I expect him to go out with a bang and let the boys run-wild. And to tell you the truth, even if he tells them something different, as we've seen they won’t listen anyway. As for the Raptors with the playoff seedings set in the East...

LAST WEEK NBA: (2-1)
SEASON MLB: (1-1)

With the NBA playoff season here I want to make my feelings very clear about the East and the West. The Celtics, Pistons, and the West should all be 1 seeds while the remaining 6 teams in the East should respectfully lose game one and go home. I automatically give the edge to the East simply because anyone from the West will have gone through 12 grueling victories, and probably at least a half a dozen losses in the meantime. Check out my locks by clicking below, and in true T-Bone fashion there will be a set of roundballs for each pick………

SEASON MLB: (2-1)
YESTERDAY NBA: (1-1)

While many have been out golfing, I have been scouting the playoffs and building my record base for the hardball fanatics, no matter what I do I still wish I was a kangaroo at times....

Sunday Funday again, man it seems like I just get my body back to normal and along comes another weekend to remind me of my priorities...booze and the sportsbooks. One thing became very apparent in the Mavs game last night, what I was calling Dallas experience quickly turned into Dallas old-man-ness. The Mavs might just be at the end of their leash and be watching the playoffs from their homes, much like last year. But for today, we have more action which is sure to be more lopsided since 3 of the games are coming from the hero vs. goat Eastern Conference. Click below and get the inside scoop.....

Greg Gamble MLB 2008: 2-0 ATS - NBA Playoffs: TBD

Without these two, I can't see how HOU pulls it off 2night

While we knew Ming would be out, the lingering affects of a hamstring injury can catch cheerleaders and PGs off guard!

The back of this sign reads: "We need help at PG & Center"

UTAH JAZZ (+1) @ HOUSTON ROCKETS
Forget all the other BS in this game and look at one match-up: Deron Williams vs Bobby Jackson. The veteran Bobby J is a career 6th-man sparkplug known more for his streaky-shooting than ability to lockdown defensively or run the point, but because of a hamstring injury to Rafer Alston (doubtful), he’s been forced to tangle with one of the best young playmakers in the game. With the inexperience of rookie back-up Aaron Brooks as the only other option for Coach Adelman, expect Bobby J to play big minutes again tonight (Game 1- 33 min. 3-15 Fgs) and to struggle keeping the deceptively strong D-Will (Game 1- 20 pts 10 ass 7-12 fgs) out of the paint. And if you’re not sold on that match-up, how about the fact that in Game One Utah’s two hottest shooters the last few weeks (Brewer & Okur) combined to shoot 2-11 while the Rockets Shane Battier went 4-4 from downtown…and the Jazz still won by double-digits. Tonight...

Greggy G’s 2008 MLB: 3-0 ATS – NBA Playoffs: 1-0 ATS
*4:20 BASEBALL UPDATE ADDITION

Trust me, Mr. Stack will be attacking the cup 2night...

Cause the vet has too many options in his bag 'o tricks!

DALLAS MAVERICKS (+4) @ NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
While nobody in the league has been able to contain CP3, well…besides maybe Devin Harris, I still feel the Mavs have too many passionate scoring veterans to let this thing head to Dallas 0-2. Besides the bionic-kneed German, nobody shot the ball well for Avery in Game One, and I expect guys like Jerry Stackhouse & Josh Howard (combined 6-25 Fgs) to try to get things going at the charity-stripe early in the contest. With Peja forced to guard one of them, look for them to play off Dirk in the high-post and create isolations either on the shallow wing or extended block. In addition, with Chandler & West’s mobility off the pick-n-roll, look for the Mavs to counter with more pairings of Bass & Dirk than Dampier & Dirk, which in-turn should give them another scoring option and more loose-ball opportunities. Since Jason Kidd has not shown the ability to slow Chris Paul in any way, I also expect Avery to counter with more minutes for Jason Terry at the point. If Joumana’s punching-bag is gonna let the Wake Forest Wonder drop 35 pts & 10 assists...

GREGGY G'S 2008 MLB: 3-1 ATS - NBA PLAYOFFS: 1-1 ATS

When your Center is chasing the opponents PG like this...

...It means ur team is just fit to play solid D!

ATLANTA HAWKS @ BOSTON CELTICS (UNDA 189)
I expect even more defensive passion tonight from a Boston squad whose leader is playing his 1st game since winning the Defensive MVP Award, and a Hot-Lanta squad that just received their first tasting of playoff intensity. While these two totaled 185 points in Game One, through three quarters they were on pace for 170 points before both squads loosened things-up with the game-in-hand and some of their starters on the bench. Overall, the Hawks actually played solid defensive, especially on the interior, but were victimized by some ridiculous shooting from behind the arc by Boston (9-16 3pters). Look for the Hawks to step-it-up even more tonight, and while they’ll still lose by double-digits, don’t expect the Celtic wings to find as many open looks from deep. As for Coach Woodson’s youngsters on the offensive end, since they averaged just over 86 ppg against the Three Amigos during the regular season and scored 81 in Game One, I’d be surprised if they break 80 tonight as the Celts bring their game up another notch and look to demoralize the Hawks confidence before leaving town. Also, as with almost every series, watch how the officials let a little more go tonight and turn this contest into a half-court battle…Total points scored 178-183

When your small forward can make plays like this...

...I'm guessin it puts a smile on every Piston face!

PHILLY 76ERS @ DETROIT PISTONS (UNDA 178.5)
After holding the Sixers to 38 first half points and leading by as much as 15 in the 3rd quarter, the veteran Pistons seemed to take their foot off the gas and actually looked as though their reputation would close the game out for them. As result, Andre Miller led his scrappy squad to unexpected victory and left the Pistons embarrassed after crabbing all season about being disrespected. In addition, while the Pistons somewhat up-tempo style gave them a solid lead early, I believe playing a faster tempo enabled the Sixers to make a 2nd half comeback. Tonight, I expect the Flip & Chauncey to make this a half-court slugfest and prevent Andre Miller from running the court and getting his high-flyers some easy buckets. Even when they were rolling during the regular season, Philly has struggled to make shots from the perimeter and has relied on defensive turnovers to open things up. As a result, look for the Pistons to be more patient on O and to do a much better job of getting back and protecting the basket off a miss. While some would consider this an ugly game, I’ll consider it an exciting business adventure…Sixers/Pistons total points 167-172

Want some more picks and picks...

With Etan Thomas out, the Wiz only have....

Mr. Haywood to protect the basket. Maybe he should...

give Manute Bol a call or find the tallest member...

...of the Dance Team to help!

CLEVELAND LEBRONERS (+5) @ WASHINGTON WIZ
Just like the Spurs, the Cavs coasted through the regular season and had the experts convinced the team wouldn’t come close to matching last year’s success. As most playoff contenders attempted to position themselves for a perfect seed, the Cavs spent the end of the regular season mixing & matching their new pieces and making sure everyone was healthy. While I’ve been critical of Coach Mike Brown in the past, I loved how he keep his cool during their late-season struggles and have to say the insertion of Wally Szczerbiak into the starting line-up for the playoffs was ingenious. Wally struggled early in his arrival as he tried too hard to make the King happy and seemed tentative after missing a few shots early. But as true ballhog myself, I know it’s impossible to change yourself into a role-player when you know the net needs a swishin’. After averaging just over 16 minutes a game the last month of the season, the powers that be finally realized Wally’s ability to catch fire and space the floor was magnified with increased minutes. While the pretty-boy struggled with his shot in Game One, he finally found a rhythm in Game Two knocking down 6 of 9 shots and tallying 15 points…and as the playoffs continue, I expect his production to increase. In addition, while Big Ben was a malcontent douche-bag in the Windy City...

NBA PLAYOFFS: (3-1)
SEASON MLB: (2-2)

To Flip or not to Flip, that is the question.

This NBA playoff season has already been a little more interesting than most had predicted, I don’t know that many would have guessed the Pistons down 1-2 and acting very unmotivated and the Spurs on the verge of a sweep. I was actually at game one of the Pistons/Sixers matchup and listened to the random guy next to me say that Flip Saunders was the exact duplicate of one of the air blow up guys that waves his arms profusely that you see outside of a tire store, except the Pistons had to pay 10 million for theirs. I shrugged him off, put as I watched Detroit squander a 13 point halftime lead in addition to watching his halftime talk last night, I’m starting to think this random guy may be the next Einstein. Anyway, there is a ton of playoff action today, so click below and read my free picks. Good luck with your monopoly money today, let’s see how many hotels we can put on boardwalk……

While many are focused on who is going to join Tom Bradys club this weekend, I'm convinced that Gisele is teammate number 1, so I moved onto NBA hoops long ago.

NBA PLAYOFFS: (5-1)

More hoops action on this Sunday Funday, and with a 4-0 playoff record in the last week I am ridin' a wave that doesn't look to be coming down anytime soon. I can't say that I like much on the ATS side during the daylight today, but like a true male animal hunting for the femail prey, I love what the night time action is offering me. And with that, onto my picks to see how experienced teams matchup against the newcomers.

I expect the Pepsi Center to be rocking and...

...A.I. & Melo to live at the FT line 2night!

LOS ANGELES LAKERS @ DENVER NUGGETS (+5)
While Kobe has the killer instinct to keep his boys focused on closing this out, I expect a slight letdown from Lakers tonight with a 3-0 lead. With Carmelo coming off an awful Game 3 (5-22 Fgs), A.I. pissed he was benched for the final 11 minutes in that contest, and Eduardo Najera calling-out Sasha Vujacic for flopping all over the floor, I expect the Nuggets to come flying out of the gate tonight. Look for Carmelo & A.I.’s desperation to take them to the charity stripe much more than their 9 trips Saturday and for Linas Kleiza & J.R. Smith to finally catch fire from downtown (4-18 3pters last two games). Reports even have infighting between Coach Karl and his superstars, but as we’ve seen in the past with these two...

My Homeboy Dirk will bring the passion tonight...

...just like he brings the passion everyday!

DALLAS MAVERICS (+6.5) @ NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
I know the Mavs give me no reason to believe they can head to the Big Easy and roll the most fun team to watch since Team Euphoria of the Lingerie Bowl, but Keanu Reeves gave me no reason to watch any of his moves after Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and the next thing I know I’m changing my schedule around the Matrix and that hot-azz Asian Devil from Devil’s Advocate. While I knew CP3 would absolutely destroy the most overrated PG in the game, what I didn’t know was how fragile and idiotic Josh Howard was…not to mention, how he suddenly can’t score even when matched against Peja. Now I too have seen and smelled the whacky-weed, but why the hell would you announce that to the world in-the-middle of a Playoff Series? While I’m sure this isn’t helping your confidence in my pick, let’s just say I have feeling the desperation oozing out of Dirk will finally rub-off on Kidd, Howard, & Stackhouse tonight. Surprisingly...

GREGGY G'S NBA ATS (LAST THREE DAYS): 5-2 Beeatch!

While I still think this reuniting has as good a chance as any, how the Celts bounce back tonight could be the real crystal ball in the East!

While the Celts will control the tempo 2night with their home-court atmosphere, it's not like the...

...Highflyin' Hot-lanta Homeboy can't do this in the half-court

ATLANTA HAWKS @ BOSTON CELTICS (UNDA 188)
Boston cannot get into a playground track meet with the Hot-lanta Hip-Hopsters. While both teams play with more passion than Halle Berry in Monster’s Ball, the Hawks highfliers usually get hyped watching Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, & Josh Childress hammer-home a fastbreak lob and the Celts get their swerve-on playing halfcourt D. As a result, I expect the veteran boys from Boston to do everything they can to keep this a low-scoring affair, especially since I truly believe the Big 3 are extremely worn-out. Paulie & Shuttlesworth took some major spills in Monday’s contest, while KG has all he can handle with the freak that is Josh Smith. Breaking it down further, Doc Rivers made a major mistake letting the “He Got Game (on offense only)”-star spend the majority of time iso’ed on Joe J. Cause of this shiznit...and unless Doc is Jim Boylan-underqualified, I expect a lot more minutes for the defensive-minded James Posey & Tony Allen tonight.

On the Hawks side, while they’ve talked about controlling the tempo to their liking, the crowd and music in Boston will turn this into a Old-timers game, not to mention, they actually had their most success letting Johnson slowly breakdown the D from the wing. And finally, if this game is refereed like it was in Game 4, expect some teeth to be flying before the whistle is blow as KG, Perkins, J-Smith, & Horford look as if their playing some YMCA Championship-type of interior D…Hawks/Celts total 170-176 total points

Want some more picks & pics Homeboys...

GREGGY G NBA ATS (last 4 days): 5-4...ur stilly Shitty Greg!

I just have a feeling Iggy is gonna break out tonight

Especially with a home-court advantage like this

(BTW, I luv a dance team that has creative moves)

And call me crazy, but I think Andre is gonna light-up Chauncey

Did I mention I like their home-court advantage...

DETROIT PISTONS @ PHILLY 76ERS (+6.5)
*This line will be moving up all day
I know all of Vegas's money will be on the Pistons tonight, but I have a feeling that Sixers are gonna make a game out of this. Especially after Andre Miller struggled in Game 5, I have a feeling the crafty veteran will take control of tonight's game and try to prove he's just as solid a baller as Mr. Big Shot. In addition...

BTW, I was playing some Golden Tee with the Homeboys last night, and they almost laughed me out of the bar on my Sixers call last night…Yes, I’m an idiot and need a new hobby

Before I tell you how the Jazz will get a taste of their own roughhouse medicine...

...and just like Nuggets at home, the Utah Dancers may bow down to T-Mac and the Rockets...

I need to tell you about a squad that's lookin to embarrass...

...a home-crowd that may only watch one good thing 2night!

BOSTON CELTICS (-8.5) @ ATLANTA HAWKS
After watching the Pistons absolutely dominate in Philly last night, I have a feeling we’re going to see the Celts try to send a similar message. If you look back at Game 4 in Hot-Lanta, the Celtics stormed out of the gate to a huge lead, but seemed to let their emotions boil past a controlled intensity and it turned into street-ball pissing match. In Game 5, the Celtics return to form playing like passionate veterans who used their fire to play lockdown D…while still attempting to look into the Hawk souls and play some mind-games. In addition, Doc’s rotation looked more like the regular season and he proved not to be as stubborn changing individual matches-up on the fly. Also in Game 5, Boston realized with better ball rotation and little more patience they could get any shot they wanted…to tune of 54% shooting. On the Hawks side...

NBA PLAYOFFS: (8-2)

It's Sunday Mutha F***in' Funday and this guy can definitely tell that he had a blast on Derby Day yesterday, and even though my horsey picks didn't come through I managed to mix in enough other stuff to make it a profitable day. Today is simple, less talky talk, more walky walk....and walky walk means sweater kittens and landing strips. Good luck today!

QUICK THEORY ON THE CEDRIC BENSON BOAT FIASCO
(...with no legitimate facts at my disposal)

While Benson's never rubbed anybody the right-way, that doesn't mean he's a liar

While I think Cedric's as useful at RB as the Bulls backcourt is at playin' the point, for once, I actually believe an athlete's story (somewhat). Here's my unknowledgable, bad grammered-Synopsis:

Greggy G Theme- Redneck water-cops (step above bike-cops) didn’t like a brotha & his family/entourage in their water

Supposedly, the Naughty Water-Watchers had questioned Ced more times this year than the Southsiders struck-out ova the weekend. While Benson's craft probably wasn't the Love Boat, as everybody knows, any floating object with more than a half-dozen people could be booked for something.

Cedric's story was they boarded his boat (that wasn’t even moving), took him back to their boat, and after administering an alphabet test (which the terrible-tailback says he passed) was told he had to head to shore for a breathalyzer. Obviously I don't know if he was drunk or not, but he says he wasn't, and I tend to believe these cops planned on takin' a trip and were not leaving without sending a message...and I'm not saying they planned on roughing-him-up, but taking him to shore seems like a pretty easy way to send a message.

After that, it’s impossible to know what was said on the Police Boat, and I'm sure Mr. busted-Draft Pick wasn't as calm as he says, but would you be calm if what I describe was close to the situation (not to mention the media-circus it creates for him)? Seriously, if he had been stopped that many times over the past year, would he really be dumb enough to be Tony LaRussa'ed behind the wheel? Of course this is just my speculation and I'm not saying I'm right... I'm merely asking the MFin questions!

For all the barking & mind-games from the Pistons, does firing-up Superman seem like an idea that could backfire?

I also like ORL to cover gettin' a tuddie (+7) because they have a better coach w/ a great look and...

...because I'm frustred the Pistons don't have a cheerleader to post that comes close to a MFin' Sonics Dance maven!

ORLANDO MAGIC (+7) @ DETROIT PISTONS
Want to know why I think the Magic will roll, better click 'Continue Reading' below...

Talk about if I didn’t have bad-luck I wouldn’t have any MFin luck…Pistons get a 3-pointer after the buzzer in the 3rd that counts and an off the ball foul with 10 sec. left and I frickin’ PUSH...that's worse than kissing Courtney Love! Well slap-me and call me the former Mrs. Kidd…can’t the gambling gods show some luv to Greggy G for once.

Ok Homeboys, let's count out how many times we saw exchanges between Hinrich & Skiles like this...anybody, anybody, Bueller, Bueller.

As for the Mike D’Antoni rumors to the Bulls, what a perfect fit for a young group yearning for a new style and message. For all the talk he’s the obvious choice in Toronto, besides a couple PGs and Chris Bosh, the Raps can’t compare athletically to the Bulls frontcourt (Noah, T-Time, & Gooden) or have the plethora of guards with differing styles for D’Antoni to play with. As I’ve been saying to my Homegirls & 3 friends…it’s only a matter of time before he’s working the sideline at the United Center. With that, let's talk Cavs/Celtics...

Who the hell is gonna stop this guy on Boston...

No...Maybe...No...

I'll go with a resounding "Yes" on this...

Onto tonight’s Game 1 match-up between the Bron-Brons & the suddenly mortal Three Ballin’ Amigos. For a squad that’s almost giving double-digit points (-9.5), you’d think they’d actually have somebody to guard the most dominate & strongest wing player ever. Seriously, Shuttlesworth & Paulie don’t even have a chance of containing him, and while KG might actually be the best option, the Celts undermanned frontcourt would struggle to stop Big Z & Joe Smith if Garnett’s on the wing. The only legitimate option for the overwhelmed & underperforming Doc Rivers is having James “I’ll kick u in the Nuts” Posey, which means the Celts are going small or Allen/Pierce is on the bench…and that’s what an ATS Cavalier Fan would like to see.

Speaking of what a CLE fan likes to see, are my eyes bad or is that a Cavalier tattoo...that has to be a sign!

BTW, did I mention my reason 4 keepin' the Sonics in SEA?

CLEVELAND BRON-BRONS (+9.5) @ BOSTON CELTICS
One of the biggest advantages for the Celts this year has been Rando’s remarkable ability to pressure the point and disrupt the opponent’s ability to initiate the offense. Against the Cavs...

I expect some suprised DET faces in ORL tonight
(BTW, isn't it time for one of those "I'm in a porno, but don't have my heart or ass into it"-type of efforts from the Pistons?)

And without a friendly face on the sideline to comfort them...

...Mr. Howard might be the one they get caught watchin'

BTW #2, I can't remember if I told you about the worst part of the Sonics leaving town?

DETROIT PISTONS @ ORLANDO MAGIC (-3.5)
After the debacle in Detroit, I have a feeling the Magic are using the controversial 3-pointer to add fuel to their already ‘Jarah Mariano’-hot fire and pumped to get their home-crowd ignited for this must win Game 3.

Now that's one hot MFin fire!
For the season, the Magic were ridiculous from behind the arc at home (40%) and usually did a better job of controlling the tempo to their liking. While the Pistons appear in lockdown mode having won 5-straight since sleepwalking through their 1st few playoff games, I still believe their overdue for a “I’m in this porno, but I’m not happy about it”-type of effort. Especially with the postseason starting to take its toll fatigue-wise, I have a feeling the young legs of the Magic will look even bouncier in-front of their home-crowd and they’ll fly out the gate for a nice 1st quarter lead. Not to mention...

And now it's time for...Deep ATS Thoughts, by Greg Gamble

Two things need to happen for Utah to make this a series...they must control the tempo, and AK-47 has to play like his Once a Year I Get Out Of Sleepin' with my Neighbor/Groupie-Hall Pass might get revoked. Lakers/Utah barley break 200 in Salt Lake...UNDA 216

BTW...why isn't Pittsnogle playin Post-D on Pau Gasol? If I was GM, that's my gift to Jerry Sloan that would help him raise the trophy ova his head

Rule #21 - If you were wingman the previous evening, you are entilted to Green Short-Shorts and your Homeboy is responsible 4 talkin' to Brown Shirt...without bitchin' about it

No awkward Walker dance shuffles in the 2008 playoffs...
The NBA is truly Fantastic

Uniform Review - While I approve of the NBA dancer attire...

...no reason swimwear & sand couldn't be added 10 rows-back...and no reason for Reinsdorf to let $$$ seperate him from hiring a great coach with fresh ideas that our talented youngsters are screaming for.

A miss the slow, dopey, white cats of my younger years. Poor Brian Butch, if it was pre-1996, he's a hot name in draft circles right now

And sometimes a confident look in the eyes...

...can make-up for a size difference on the playin' field.
Am I right, Mr. Dickau?

And now, onto the nutz n boltz of my ATS Pick of The Day...

While the NBA Playoffs haven't had the same flare as last year with Baron Davis out of the mix...

...maybe a Cavs Cheerleader can change that stigma 2night! *FYI, 50/50 chance that's not a Cavs Dancer

BTW, before I get to my analysis of how it's virtually inpossible to keep Bron-Bron down for a 4th straight night...

...just wanted to let you know I have a flawless baseball pick following my hoops breakdown!

BOSTON CELTICS @ CLEVELAND CAVS (-2)
Heading into Game 4, is it possible King James could have a 4th straight miserable shooting performance…my dirty money says ‘Hell No’! Even more amazing is how the Cavs blew-out the Three Amigos with James barely shooting over 30% from the field. With his supporting cast looking more comfortable back at home...

(Don't worry, this Celtic won't help the Three Amigos 2night!)
I expect their confidence to grow, and more importantly, open things-up just enough to give Bron-Bron a lil more room to maneuver. While Celtic supporters will tell you Paulie and Shuttlesworth also haven’t had a breakout game yet, I believe Pierce is destined to be grabbing his shorts more than grabbin’ the rock in this series as James has tired him out at both ends, while Allen has morphed into nuttin’ more than a spot-up shooter…aka, a slightly better version of Wally Szczerbiak. In addition, with Doc Rivers continuing to look frustrated, overwhelmed, and stomping around like a disappointed older brother, I never thought I’d say this, but Mike Brown is the best coach in this series. Throw-in the “Z-Factor”...

Before we get 2 the crazy coaching change coming for Shaq...

...or we discuss my favorite athlete...

...or determine if Dwight has some fight in him after gettin' beat-down in Game 4...

...or mention why the Sonics should stay in SEA...

...or discuss why every MLB team should have Cheerleaders...

...we need to decide if this tube-top is a good luck charm for New Orleans...come on, tell me that doesn't buzz with Hornet luv!

SAN ANTONIO SPURS @ NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (-4)
After blowing-out SA in the 1st two, I believe NO was lil shocked they were so easily dominated in the 2nd half of Game 3 and let that monta trickle into Game 4. With things moving back to the Hive, I expect the Hornets intensity to be off the charts and for Byron Scott to ensure Chandler's flying high for alley-oops and David West is running the veteran Spurs PFs into the ground. In Game 4, Tyson didn't attempt a shot and only managed 4 bounds in 25 min., while David West played into the hands of the Spurs by slowing things down on the block.

Byron Scott needs a flashy lockerroom speech to get his youngsters rollin'
Tonight, I expect Chris Paul to...

As I sipped my coffee this morning, I was amazed at some of the BS rollin' thru the paper about the Bulls coaching carousel

Quickly on the Chicago Bulls, over the last 10 years can you name me a big-time star or coach that they’ve signed? Besides overpaying the artist formerly known as Big Ben, Reinsdorf has been used more than a mail-order bride as players & coaches have used the Bulls to up their price-tag. Even funnier is Reinsdorf’s claim that he’d rather not talk with agents when hiring a coach…you’re a frickin’ lawyer Jerry, who in their right mind wouldn’t want their astute professionals handling their multi-million dollar business decisions.

Was 2 million more a year all that kept Mike from Chi-town?
As for D’antoni as a coach, let’s just say I expect the Knicks to be a playoff team next year and for the Suns to miss out in the West. D'antoni's fresh approach would've thrived within a Bulls squad suddenly-full of malcontents, but I honestly believe he was more uneasy about Paxson medaling than Reinsdorf’s “My word is stronger than Oak”-negotiations. In Gotham, new president Donnie Walsh has no loyalty to Thomas’s bag-o-shiznit and is known league-wide as a hands-off basketball-suit. While listening to the Chicago media debate who to blame is more annoying than Stuart Scott’s wondering eye or a short-armed reach-around, I did laugh hearing D’antoni basically respond at the Knicks press-conference with a “Yeah, I kind of f*cked them ova”-nonchalant attitude on the Bulls. And trust me, for all the solid things Paxson has done to help re-shape the Bulls, as constructed their only taking the next step w/ a dynamic coach at the helm…and I don’t think Johnny Pax has any idea who that is.

Greggy G's #1 coaching recommendation for the Bulls

Greggy G's back-up coaching recommendation

As for the LA/Utah contest, just as our friend knows, it's easier 2 cover small things than it is cover larger ones.
While LA might cover 4 or 5, I just think 9 is way too high

And as we've seen before, during the playoffs Kobe's body takes a beating, and with a bad back 2night, he's gonna need more help than normal

Also, while everybody talks about the Lakers w/out Bynum, the loss of Ariza has left their bench w/out much athleticism

UTAH JAZZ (+9) @ LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Unless Kobe is pulling a little wounded-star drama ala His Airness, the MVP’s back injury looks bad and I can’t see how he’s close to 100% for tonight’s game. The only think that scares me about the 3rd greatest Kobe of all time (2nd – Kobe Beef, 1st – Kobe Tai) is the potential for his whinny act to be magnified and the refs to put him on the charity-stripe with every wince. With that said, the Jazz are brimming with confidence, especially Deron Williams, which means Jerry Sloan will make sure his wily ballers attack the rim early-on and try to control the tempo so the Lakers can’t find easy jumpers in transition. In addition, Utah should be more adjusted to the LakeShow Playoff atmosphere, and considering they’ve just tied-up the series, you have to think all the pressure is on LA.

Utah won't be distracted by the LakeShow Girls tonight!
Early in the series, the Jazz didn’t exploit the defensive deficiencies of the Laker sharpshooters Vujacic & Farmer, but now, D-Williams (Games 3-4: 24 ppg, 13 apg) is abusing them like a non-English speaking newbie to the adult-film world. Sloan has also slowed the Lakers fastbreak, which was freeing Vujacic & Farmer for open looks and gave Kobe fewer bodies to sort through, by having his guards drop-back into the LA’s outlet areas and taking better shots at the offensive end. On the Laker side...

While Kobe was crowned MVP and is averaging 8 more ppg in the Playoffs, our lil' playmaker has an assist-to-tournover ratio (7.5) that blows Mr. Bryant out of the water (2.0).

BTW, just like my favorite golfer, Kobe did an unbelievable job of stretching out his back prior 2 last night's game.

As long as we r talkin' bout my fav individual sports, just like the NBA has a pre-game dress code, don't u think all tennis players should follow Anna's pre-match dress ensemble?

As for the best in-action uni, I luv the simplicity of Volleyball

With all that said, the NBA is still my fav...where else do you have an atmosphere that just screams "I LOVE THIS GAME"

Speaking of the NBA, let's breakdown how David West has made SA's frontcourt look uncomfortable and out of sync!

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (+7) @ SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Just as we saw in last night’s contests, while home-court continues to dominate the win/loss column, Vegas has overcompensated more than Pamela’s plastic surgeon for this and given a 2nd round playoff team tied 2-2 almost double-digit points. Watching Byron Scott’s youngsters destroy the Spurs in the 2nd half of Game 4 after trailing at intermission (57-32), I believe the Hornets 2nd trip to SA will have a different vibe. Since neither team has been able to stop CP3 or Tony Longoria, the biggest match-up in this series is veteran Timmy D versus David West. While Mr. Fundamental has become an even bigger part of Pop’s offense with his high/low post passing, if David West plays like he believes he’s the best frontcourt player in this series the Hornets will win tonight. On Tuesday, West dropped 38 pts, 14 reb, 5 blks, & 5 assists and used his combination of strength, quickness, and a better than advertised 12-18 foot jumper to make Oberto, Thomas, & Duncan play like their age. For all the amazing points in the paint by Longoria, he’s been extremely one-dimensional and doesn’t have the natural playmaking ability or athletic frontcourt to capitalize on overplays by the defense like Chris Paul. And for all the experts who call the Longoria/Paul match a wash, that’s like saying there’s no difference between the Olsen Twins...please everybody knows Mary-Kate is a MFin lefty! While CP3 is averaging 5 more ppg...

Hey Homeboys...before I roll out of town, here's the skinny

AND NOW IT'S TIME FOR - "DEEP THOUGHTS...w/ GREG GAMBLE"

I never thought I'd say this, but Ron-Ron is a steal right now...especially w/ him maturing faster than Aurora Snow back in 2002...it's a no-brainer if he op's out

"Greg Gamble...Never heard of him?"

If that's how she rolls shoppin at Kohl's...It's now my fav store

FYI...Mr. Ming is kinda tall

"Hey Allen?" "Yes Carmelo" "At least we have nice hair"

Speakin' of hair, it's pretty nice when ur offense is 'ol school and the cheerleaders roll w/ the same vibe/strong>