Can we now stop pretending that Anthony Davis is the second coming of Wilt Chamberlain? Can we now stop with the hyperbolic declarations that Davis is going to own the NBA in two years or that Davis is going to make the New Orleans Pelicans a perennial title contender? Can we now stop calling Davis a top-five player? Top-five players elevate teams by themselves. Top-five players assure their teams of 50 wins and playoff berths, regardless of circumstances. Top-five players don’t say, “We
Bernucca: Paul George Isn’t The Same Player Anymore. He’s Way Better
Do you remember what Paul George was like before his gruesome injury? Do you remember the 2013 playoffs, when he showed everyone how much better he was than supposed MVP candidate Carmelo Anthony? Do you remember how he accepted and met the challenge of defending LeBron James in those Pacers-Heat playoff wars? And how much respect James had for him? Well, Paul George isn’t that player anymore. He’s better. [Read more…]
Five Things To Watch: Indiana Pacers
The 2014-2015 season did not go as planned whatsoever for the Indiana Pacers. As a matter of fact, their season practically ended before it even got started. After reaching the Eastern Conference finals the previous two years, the Pacers had huge expectations heading into the new season. But all it took it was one defining moment in a meaningless game to send the Pacers on a downward spiral. Aug. 1, 2014 is a day that will forever be etched in the minds
Fantasy Spin: Huge Game For Pacers Makes Them DFS Worthy
By far the most significant of tonight’s three NBA games is a must-win for Indiana, at home against the Wizards. Boston has clinched a postseason spot but the Pacers are still in a battle with Brooklyn to determine the eighth team in the East. [Read more…]
Fantasy Spin: Focus On Five Games in 6:00 Action
There are six NBA games on Sunday, but the 1:00 Eastern start (Dallas at Cleveland) is included at DraftKings only in a few All-Day offerings for early risers. Late contests are available at 8:00, covering just two games; the majority of big-money guaranteed pools close at 6:00, with ten teams getting our attention. [Read more…]
Bernucca: Knicks, Pistons Aren’t Tanking, But Sure Look Like It
We all know what the Philadelphia 76ers are doing. Call it whatever you want – tanking, rebuilding, deconstructing, hoarding – the 76ers are openly, unabashedly and intentionally sinking to the bottom of the NBA, because GM Sam Hinkie has convinced ownership that is the fastest way to get back to the top. Hinkie has constructed a roster that is inherently non-competitive. The Sixers have the fewest first-round picks and the most undrafted free agents of any team. Their highest-paid player makes $6.6
Bernucca: Are Sacramento Kings Overlooked? Or Playing Over Their Heads?
There was a lot of attention on the Pacific Division this past weekend. People were wondering when the Golden State Warriors would finally lose and when the Los Angeles Lakers would finally win. Both happened Sunday, with the Warriors – playing without Klay Thompson and David Lee – finally falling at Phoenix and the Lakers – getting production from someone other than Kobe Bryant – knocking off the Charlotte Hornets. But if you ask me, the attention was misplaced. With consecutive playoff
Fantasy Spin: Win $100,000 Cash Tonight
The NBA $400K CROSSOVER at DraftKings has a first prize of $100,000, more than enough to warrant the $27 entry fee. Last night “pianoclub” scored 321.25 points to win the $100K guaranteed pool, taking home $10,000, while 1,999 other entries (out of 8125) shared $90,000 in consolation prizes. [Read more…]