From the “things that are not breaking news” department, Dwight Howard still wants out of Orlando. We’ve got news on his potential landing spots, plus all the latest news from everywhere in the NBA. Be sure to also check out Jan Hubbard’s column on the USA Olympic basketball squad, Chris Sheridan’s report on the two Olympic qualifying games today, and as always, keep an eye on our team-by-team index of offseason moves. Here’s what’s going on around the NBA: Ken Berger of CBS
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra asked the question, “Was there any doubt that it’d be us and Boston?” Did he watch the Celtics play? Certainly, they cast some doubt into our minds about a Celtics-Heat series after failing to close out the 76ers in Game 6 before finally edging out the pesky eighth seed. Nevertheless, the stage is set for another battle between Miami and Boston on Monday night for the third consecutive season in the playoffs, this time in the Eastern
Wednesday was my 16th wedding anniversary. It also was the 30th anniversary of one of the most anticipated playoff games in NBA history – Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. The rivals met in the conference finals in three consecutive years from 1980-82. In 1981, the Sixers opened a 3-1 lead before the Celtics won the next three games by a combined five points. The following year, the Sixers again opened a 3-1
As the Philadelphia 76ers ponder how to avoid elimination at home in Game 6 against the Boston Celtics, they will have to begrudgingly acknowledge the fact that Brandon Bass – the Celtics fifth-best option – simply cannot be ignored. Bass went off for a career playoff-high 27 points in Game 5, including 18 third-quarter points that outscored the entire 76ers team by 2 points. The question is, if the 76ers are unable to play help defense because of Bass’ ability to hit
Did you guys hear? Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is sick and may be questionable for tonight’s contest in Denver! Okay, so no one actually believes Bryant will miss the game in any capacity, including his coach. “If I were a betting guy, which I’m not, I would probably bet that he would play,” Mike Brown said. It’s still big news though, and worth keeping an eye on because he really is “sick as a dog.” Bryant’s Lakers, along with two other teams hoping to eliminate
The New York Knicks lived to play another day with their win over the Miami Heat on Sunday. But when they play again Wednesday, Jeremy Lin almost certainly will not be playing. “I’m not counting on him to play,” Knicks coach Mike Woodson said in a conference call Monday. “That’s how it’s been here in the last month and a half and that’s how I’m preparing.” Lin has been out since late March with a knee injury. His presence would give a
The correct answer to last week’s edition of The Bernucca List required a photo finish. Reader Henry posted his answer at 11:03 a.m., followed by Brendan Hoover just a minute later. Both had some phrasing of the correct answer of “Coach of the Year winners who have only coached one franchise.” Henry is the official winner, although Brendan rates a mention. Good job, gentlemen. Now see how you do with this week’s list below. Know the answer? Post it in
Is it safe to say that NBA teams always enjoy home court advantage? It may actually be an understatement when it comes to home court in this postseason. All but two games in the playoffs so far have been won by the home team, and the lone two teams that won on the road basically needed to pull off miracles to get their victories. Of course, there’s the simple fact that the home teams are also generally the better teams, which is why