Boarding School

If this website focused on results in the real world, I'd have pages upon pages to pour over.  The Lakers got spanked by Brandon Roy's metaphorical paddle; the Iverson-less Pistons got another monster win, this time over the Magic; Dwyane Wade may have put frosting on his MVP cookie-cake; hell froze over (Washington won).

Unfortunately, though, as a fantasy page, we can merely focus on a few key big men that may find a way to factor into your fantasy playoff picture.  We'll get to that.  First, I think I owe my readership an apology for my first poor NBA picks effort.  While 1-2 was a shame, things could have been worse.  That being said, I went against a rule that every sports enthusiast should respect, and I got what I deserve.  What rule, you ask?  Well, it's not written anywhere, but it's pretty darn simple -- if watching a particular team makes you feel like you're passing a stone, DON'T BET ON THEM!  And yet, here we are, ruing the day the NBA made every team play every other and we got stuck with a T'Wolves-Wizards tragedy.

Side note: should have nailed Miami.  When they went into the 4th up 10, I got confident.  Now, on to tonight's brief pick-list.  Theme: rebounding!

Crashing the boards:

1. Antonio McDyess - I listed McDyess as a rebound specialist late last week, and I'm committed to that description.  He grabbed 18 tonight against a very strong Magic front line.  He'll have a poor game every so often, as he's not truly involved in the offense, but he should prove to be a valuable commodity when you're trying to lock up rebounds in a playoff battle.

Fender-bending the boards:

1. Joakim Noah - Most participants in a 2OT contest should put up marginal numbers, but what's more intriguing is that Noah and Brad Miller got the minutes, and Tyrus Thomas hit the pine.  Most experts figured Miller would grab Noah's playing time, but the inconsistency from Thomas is throwing things all out of whack in Chi-town.  Get Noah in your sights, and if you need a big man, stuff him on your roster.  If not, lie in wait, and watch.

Nuzzling the boards:

1. Joel Przybilla - Greg Oden is supposedly becoming frustrated by his injuries, which means a two things.  First, if you're in charge of bringing Greg his morning scone, that shit better be good or you're in line for a pummeling.  Second, he's not coming back for a bit longer.  Przybilla generally puts up solid lines against the Lakers, and did so again tonight, but don't be fooled.  He is rarely going to crack double-digits in scoring, will probably average 8 rebounds a night, and might block a few shots against undersized teams that force the ball into the paint.
   

Tomorrow, the great sports pick turnaround.  I'm due for another 2-0 day!