Last week we weighed in on the NBA Finals and US vs Slovenia.  I was really hoping for a better performance out of Kobe, but the Lakers still came away with the win.  The United States were robbed of a winning strike due to some unknown call.  However, that will all be forgotten due to yesterday’s heroics.  This week we take a look at another soccer game as well as the 4th game of the Crosstown Classic.

Friday 6/25 – Group G: Game Portugal vs. Brazil – 9 am

• StevieY19 (31-17) Brazil over Portugal: Portugal can pass Brazil to win the group and avoid the likely match-up with Spain in the first round of the knockout stage, but Brazil is just too good. Even without Kaka, Brazil have more setup men than Portugal and in Luis Fabiano they have a world class finisher. Brazil wins and delays its match-up with Spain until the final.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (16-12) Brazil over Portugal: I’ve been saying a South American country will win this cup. Brazil is a favorite and has too much firepower to fall flat against their Portuguese counterparts/rivals.
• Player to be Named Later (12-10) Brazil over Portugal: Going into the World Cup, Brazil was ranked #1 by FIFA and Portugal was ranked #3.  You don’t see a matchup like this very often in the group stage.  Both these teams will be looking to avoid Spain, who have some work to do of their own.  I predicted Brazil to win the whole Cup, so I am not going to pick against them here.
• South Side Sheik (25-23) Portugal over Brazil: I’d actually prefer to give this a draw, but I’ll choose Portugal. They’ve been pretty good defensively and both teams will be playing hard since whomever loses or finishes second will likely have to face Spain in the next round. Since Kaka will be sitting this game out with his red card from the Ivory Coast match and Luis Fabiano won’t get away with any double handball goals this time around, I give the edge to Portugal.
• Stormin Norman (24-24) Brazil over Portugal: I’m not sure how good Portugal is, but doesn’t Brazil have some of the greatest players in the world, including the greatly-named Kaka?  If I’ve heard of a player on your team, I’m going to pick you.  Brazil wins -3 to -5.  They need to do something about the low scoring.

Friday 6/25 – Chicago Cubs (Zambrano) vs. Chicago White Sox (Peavy) – 3:05 pm

• StevieY19 (31-17) Sox over Cubs: The Sox are on some kind of tear as of late and the Cubs, well they have been on another kind of tear for most of the season. You throw the records out, as they say, in these games and I’m sure the Cubs would like to.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (16-12) Sox over Cubs: Peavy is heating up and finally living up to the hype. I could see him blanking the offensively challenged Cubs. Plus, the Sox have garnered a lot of momentum from their hot bats this past month.
• Player to be Named Later (12-10) Cubs over Sox:  The Sox have been rolling and they are playing at home.  I don’t really have a good reason to pick the Cubs.  Oh well, baseball predictions are funny like that.
• South Side Sheik (25-23) Sox over Cubs: The Sox have some major momentum right now, and they’ve been feasting on the National League. I do worry about Peavy’s shoulder since he was close to the disabled list and then labored through a complete game shutout. Who knows how he’ll bounce back?! I do know that Vizquel is crafty and Konerko and Quentin are starting to hit with men on base and that is dangerous for opponents.
• Stormin Norman (24-24) Cubs over Sox: Peavy is good, and the Sox are hot, but something tells me the Cubs will pull this one off.  Zambrano usually pitches well leading up to the break and melts down in August.  This is such a homer pick it almost hurts me to make it.

Lolla Song of the Week – “Night by Night” by Chromeo.  Two hip guys from Montreal.  One of them is the brother of a fairly well known DJ named A-Trak, who is Kanye West’s personel touring DJ.  Have at it.

Well, since the USA-England match ended in a draw (luckily, which is essentially a win for the US) I’m not going to count it in the Sportsbook standings.  It would just look sloppy.  Everybody except for Stormnin Norman picked the Celtics to win Game 4 of the NBA Finals.  There’s a reason why he is in last.  For your online sports betting this week, we take a look at the next USA match and game 7 of the NBA finals.  Good stuff.

Thursday 6/17 Game 7 NBA Finals Boston Celtics @ LA Lakers – 8 PM

• StevieY19 (30-17) Lakers over Celtics: Shocker, this one went seven games. I’ll take Kobe to win the title. Let me know what happens.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (16-11) Celtics over Lakers: The staples center will be rowdy but the Celts should still manage to play lights out defense. I picked the Lake Show to win it all in May, but as I have mentioned many times, the mean green has won me a lot of money this playoffs. Ray ray has been cold; he’s due for a performance more like game 2 then games 3 and 4.
• South Side Sheik (25-22) Celtics over Lakers: Every Celtic player has his knees drained for that added boost, Big Baby’s drool overpowers Pau Gasol’s perma-sheen of sweat, and still the game will be close to the end. No blowouts for this last game. Chalk this up to my Eastern Conference bias.
• Player to be Named Later (11-10) Lakers over Celtics:  I picked them to win at the beginning of the series and I’m sticking to my guns.  With Perkins out for the Celtics, expect Pau to have a good game.  He won’t take the spotlight away from Kobe though, who will lead them to victory and get MVP honors.
• Stormin Norman (23-24) Lakers over Celtics: the Lakers are a different team at home, as was apparent in Game 6.  Pau and Ron-Ron play like the all-stars they are (or should be) and Kobe is just Kobe.  The Celtics miracle run has been impressive, but barring some sort of mammoth defensive effort by every single player on the team, this game, series, and championship belongs to the Lakers.

Friday 6/18 World Cup Group C Slovenia vs USA – 9 AM

• StevieY19 (30-17) USA over Slovenia: Damn, should have picked draw in the first match! Slovenia will be pressing for the win in this match, rather than try and get it vs England, to send them into the second round. Pressing and moving forward is not their style and a more possession-minded US starting 11 will cause problems for Slovenia. Big game for Michael Bradley.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (16-11) USA over Slovenia: Check for Altidore to have a huge game. Dude showed a lot of heart as well as skill and speed against England. He’ll be man of the match and help guide the US out of the group.
• South Side Sheik (25-22) USA over Slovenia: Algeria had their best striker sent off and all Slovenia could muster was a 1-0 win. The US is better all around and will be able to take full advantage of their depth in the midfield and up front to wear down the Slovenian side.
• Player to be Named Later (11-10) USA over Slovenia: USA was lucky to get 1 point in the draw against England as they were outplayed most of the game.  However, the US is a better team and they will be playing for the win in this game.  Look for US’s biggest stars, Donovan and Dempsey, to lead the US to victory.
• Stormin Norman (23-24) USA over Slovenia: This is the big win we need.  Coming off the impressive (i.e. lucky) tie with England, a win would give them 4 points and all but ensure they move on to the second round.  Howard’s rib may be broken, but it’s nothing a few painkiller shots can’t fix.

Lolla Song of the Week “Two Weeks” by Grizzly Bear – Brooklyn sounds awesome

The sportsbook standings stay the same after last week’s predictions.  StevieY was the only one who got both games right, as he was the only one who foresaw the Flyers winning Game 4.  This week we check out a new avenue for your online sports betting - the World Cup!  It really is something that you should be excited about even if you don’t know a lot about soccer. 

6/10 Game 4 NBA Finals La Lakers @ Boston Celtics (Lakers lead series 2-1) – 8 PM

• StevieY19 (29-17) Celtics over Lakers: The Stern Rules trump the star factor. Too obvious if Boston wins down 3-1, so this will be the Celtics’ game.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (15-11) Celtics over Lakers: “I didn’t shoot bad, the ball just didn’t go in”- Ray Allen
• South Side Sheik (24-22) Celtics over Lakers: This will be a back and forth series. It’s just too hard for one team to put a streak together in this series. I don’t see the Lakers winning two in a row in Boston, and Ray Allen can’t lay another stink bomb like he did in Game 3.
• Player to be Named Later (10-10) Celtics over Lakers:  The Lakers are the better team.  I know they are, and they are going to win the series.  However, they will not win Game 4.  Fisher won’t play as good as he did in Game 3, and Ray Allen won’t play as poorly as he did.  It’s tough to win 2 in a row on the road, so Boston takes this one.
• Stormin Norman (23-23) Lakers over Celtics:  The Lake show won a huge game on the road despite a great performance from KG.  Ray Allen was 0-13 and I don’t think we will see that again, but even with him shooting well and playing at home, the Lakers are just too good and they won’t have many more bad games like they did in game 2 and 3.

6/12 World Cup Group C Matchup - England vs USA 1:30 PM

• StevieY19 (29-17) USA over England: I think this game is going to be a draw, but that’s no fun. Our defense sucks? So does England’s. They’ve given up a goal in every international match they’ve played since qualifying. The forwards for the US could not be more hot coming into the tournament either. England may have the advantage up top with Rooney, but the US has a decided advantage in goal. 3-2 USA.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (15-11) England over USA: The US is fielding its worst cup team we’ve seen in over a decade. They’re in a fairly easy group and they should still make it out, but beating England? Forget about it. They don’t have the offensive firepower and their defense is weaker than ever with Onyewu at half-strength. Too many holes to beat a cup favorite in the Brits.
• South Side Sheik (24-22) USA over England: I think the Americans will have the edge in conditioning, as most of the Brits have had to slog through a grueling Premiership, Champions League and/or Europa Cup schedule that has led Fabio Capello to rest his players a great deal in the lead up to the World Cup. So long as the Americans can weather the first half and limit the chances for Rooney, they should be able to run at the British defense (sans Rio Ferdinand) and create with some fresh legs up top (Buddle, Findley, Gomez).
• Player to be Named Later (10-10) England over USA: It pains me to pick against our boys, it really does.  Like StevieY, I think that this game will end in a draw.  However, if I am forced to pick a winner I will take England.  This team is full of superstars who have enough talent to win the whole Cup.  Which ever team wins this game they will be in a great position to win the Group.
• Stormin Norman (23-23) USA over England: Soccer?  I’m not even going to pretend to know anything about this.  As usual, I will take the home team.  Landon Donovan is a guy, right?  Is Beckham on England?  Is soccer like foosball but on grass instead of a table?  Hopefully I’ll have read more previews before we have to pick the next soccer match so I can make an informed pick.

Lollapalooza SOTW – An awesome band called The Black Keys – “Tighten Up”  Dig it.

Well everybody picked both games correctly last week except for me because I wanted to be different so I picked the Flyers.  Silly me.  After starting very poorly, his Jesusness Shuttlesworth has been making all the right picks for his online sportsbook.  This week, our online sports betting games include the NBA and NHL Finals, of course. 

Thursday 6/3 Game 1 NBA Finals: Boston Celtics @ Los Angeles Lakers 8
PM

• StevieY19 (27-17) Lakers over Celtics: Boston has been playing pretty well from the five minutes of the playoffs I have watched. The Lakers have Kobe. Wouldn’t mind a few more Phil Jackson quotes as the series goes along either.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (14-10) Lakers over Celtics: Thanks largely to my namesake “His Jesusness” and the lockdown defense we forgot won the C’s a title in ’08, Boston has unexpectedly made it to June. However, LA has expectedly made it to June and they have homecourt advantage (something they’ve valued all playoffs). Oh yeah, and Kobe’s in “one of those moods” so don’t expect to see a complacent Pau or Lamar. The Lake Show won’t let this series get turned upside down by losing game 1 at home.
• South Side Sheik (23-21) Celtics over Lakers: Rasheed Wallace and Tony Allen continue to get it done and the C’s steal Game 1 in L.A. If the Celtics are going to steal a game on the road, which they’ll have to do at least once to win the series, this is the game for the Big Four to step up and do it. Thibodeau might be too busy interviewing for head coaching jobs to draw up a defense, but might I suggest a 2-3 zone?
• Player to be Named Later (9-9) Lakers over Celtics: We got a pretty good match-up here that no one predicted at the beginning of the playoffs.  Well, maybe Bill Simmons or Tommy from Quinzee.  These two played twice in the regular season and each won once by one point.  I’m expecting the Lakers to protect their home turf and take game 1.
• Stormin Norman (22-22) Lakers over Celtics: This is not the same Boston team that beat LA in 2008.  Sure they are playing good defense lately, but they are also 2 years older.  Rondo may have stepped up his game, but Kobe’s killer instinct coupled with the length of the Laker front line will be too much for the creaky old Celts.

Friday 6/4 Game 4 NHL Finals: Chicago Blackhawks @ Philadelphia Flyers (Chicago Leads 2-1)

• StevieY19 (27-17) Flyers over Hawks: First thought was to pick Chicago after Hawks picked up a rare road loss. However, I really want this series to go the distance, so I’m picking with the heart. Kane will wait to get back to Chicago for his return to his normal self and the Flyers will use the power play to even the series.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (14-10) Blackhawks over Flyers: The Hawks outshot the Flyers and controlled the tempo of game 3. They’ve showed time and again that it doesn’t matter whose ice they’re playing on. Well see a lot more from the Kane, Toews, and Byfuglien line in game 4 to give the Hawks a commanding 3-1 lead heading back to the Chi.
• South Side Sheik (23-21) Blackhawks over Flyers: Philly fans have had their fun this past week (U.S. win over Turkey at the Linc, Halladay’s perfect game, and the Game 3) but their time’s up. The Blackhawks will win Game 4, lining up a crazy Game 5 at home for the win. Mayor Daley better start planning a parade route.
• Player to be Named Later (9-9) Blackhawks over Flyers:  Every game has been pretty thrilling thus far.  Expect Game 4 to be just as physical and high scoring again.  Game 3 was exciting and everything, but the Blackhawks are going to rebound. 
• Stormin Norman (22-22) Blackhawks over Flyers: The Hawks won in a shootout in Game 1.  They won in a physical close game in Game 2.  They can win whatever style the Flyers decide to go with.  Will they sweep?  Maybe not, but they will definitely win in 5.

Lollapalooza Song of The Week:  Lets go with a band that I have been listening to a lot lately, I hope you like it. - Mumford & Sons “Little Lion Man”

The NBA Conference Finals have become instantly interesting and the Stanly Cup Finals start this weekend as well.  With amazing weather, Chicago Blackhawks Hockey, and street fests just around the corner; Chicago is the place to be right now.  However don’t forget about sports betting online.  Everyone picked at least one game right last week, but Stormin Norman still finds himself at the bottom of the Sportsbook standings.  Everyone enjoy the weather and have a great Memorial Day Weekend.  I’ll see you at North Beach.

5/27 Game 5 Phoenix Suns @ LA Lakers (Series Tied 2-2)

• StevieY19 (25-17) Lakers over Suns: Heard Tim Donaghy guarantee that the Suns would win Game 4, so I’d like to wait for his pick. However, I have a well-oiled system for the NBA and I’m taking Kobe and the Lakers at home in Game 5.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (12-10) Lakers over Suns- Series could still go 7 but the Lake Show won’t disappear at home. And the Suns bench won’t score anywhere near 54 in LA.
• Player to be Named Later (8-8) Lakers over Suns: Who would have thunk that both these Conference Finals would become competitive a week ago?  Well, apparently Tim Donaghy, but other than that.  I’m not going to pick the Lakers to lose at home, the other writers aren’t picking against the Lakers, so you shouldn’t either.
• South Side Sheik (21-21) Lakers over Suns: The Suns haven’t beaten the Lakers in L.A. all season long. In fact, the average margin of victory for the Lakers in those games has been 18 points. I don’t worry about Jared Dudley coming off the bench, but Dragic, Frye, and Barbosa are streakier and seem to get knocked off their game in L.A. The Suns will need all of their contributions, as they did on Tuesday, to upset the Lakers in the Staples Center. It won’t happen this game.
• Stormin Norman (20-22) Lakers over Suns: I love the Suns and they won a huge Game 4, but everyone knows the Lakers are a team that just doesn’t take every game seriously.  That won’t be the case in Game 5 in front of the home crowd at the Staples Center.  Look for Kobe to take over in this one.

5/29 Game 1 Philadelphia Flyers @ Chicago Blackhawks

• StevieY19 (25-17) Blackhawks over Flyers: I can’t even imagine what the atmosphere will be like in the United Center. Will the Blackhawks crumble under the pressure of the finals? Maybe if they were playing a better team, but the Hawks are just better than the Flyers. As much as Hawks fans make fun of Detroit (the city; haven’t had much to say to the hockey team), the similarities to their rise are pretty fun to watch. It’d be fitting they would win their first Cup after a long stretch against Philly, just as the Wings did.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (12-10) Blackhawks over Flyers- Mike Richards picked up his conference championship trophy, Jonathan Toews did not. Richards nor Pronger are comparable to Sid the Kid. The Flyers cinderella run is over. They get too many penalties and Chicago has won 9 of 10 heading into this game. They’ll win another series opener with Antii at his best.
• Player to be Named Later (8-8) Flyers over Blackhawks:  Welcome to Chicago, Stanley.  It’s a very exciting time to be a Blackhawks fan, or even a hockey fan living in Chicago.  The fair weather fans are out in full bloom.  They know how to pronounce Byfuglien but can not explain when you’re offsides.  I expect the Hawks to stumble in Game 1 as they go for their first Cup since the popularization of color TV, but still take the series.
• South Side Sheik (21-21) Blackhawks over Flyers: Dustin Byfuglien meet Chris Pronger. You’re going to get to know each other very well over this series. And while the individual matchups between lines will be entertaining, the Blackhawks hold the advantage in overall depth. I see the Hawks winning this one, but the Flyers will steal a few during this series.
• Stormin Norman (20-22) Blackhawks over Flyers: So the Flyers are on some mission of destiny, or so I hear.  But what about the Hawks?  It’s our time now and the kids will come out firing on all cylinders.  I know home hasn’t been the best place for the Hawks this playoffs, but the intensity of the Cup Finals will bring out the best.  The Flyers score a lot of goals, eh?  Well so do we.

Lolla SOTW:  Bloodbuzz, Ohio by The National – they just released a new album recently called High Violet, check it out.

Well after last week nothing changed at all in the Qualified Picks Sportsbook.  Boston dominated Lebron again and Dallas Braden couldn’t get any run support against the Angels.  This week we actually had a hockey schedule to work with so no pointless MLB match-up.  SteveieY and I can’t wait for the NBA Playoffs to be over, because we have been on a cold streak with our online sports betting as of late.

5/21 San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks (Game 3, Chicago 2-0) 7:00 PM

• StevieY19 (23-17) Hawks over Sharks: I thought this series would really drag out with a lot of scoring, but losing the first two at home is a deflating experience. The Hawks have their hands around the neck and the home crowd won’t let them ease up.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (11-9) Hawks over Sharks: The Hawks are eyeing a sweep. They won’t get it, but with the momentum that comes from two road wins against a number one seed they’ll continue to score first and go up 3-0. Niemi and Keith have been incredible- the Hawks defense is a sign of good things to come.
• Player to be Named Later (7-7) Sharks over Hawks: The Hawks have dominated this series thus far, despite the refs calling a lot more penalties in the Sharks favor.  However, the Hawks have struggled at home.  I expect the Hawks to take one out of two from the Hawks at the UC this weekend.  Plus my buddy has tickets to game 6, so I really want this series to go to 6.
• South Side Sheik (19-21) Hawks over Sharks: The Hawks have gotten under another opponent’s skin. Thornton’s slashing penalty at the face off with a little over two minutes left was just stupid and cost his team any chance to mount that final charge.  The Hawks players can’t (or won’t) explain how they’re rattling their opponents, but whatever they’re doing is working.  Look for the wheels to come off on the Sharks at the United Center.
• Stormin Norman (19-21) Sharks over Hawks: I hate to do this, but with the Hawks up 2-0 and the tough time they’ve had at home during this playoffs, I think they might be in for a letdown.  I’m confident they will win the series, but for now, the Sharks are primed to steal one in Chicago.  Unless Niemi is perfect, which he has been.  But it just seems more likely than not they will drop one here in Chicago before winning the series.

5/22 Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics (Game 3 Boston 2-0)

• StevieY19 (23-17) Celtics over Magic: The Celtics are keeping with the Eastern Conference tradition and playing a little defense to win in the NBA Playoffs. What a great idea. Plus there’s that thing about losing the first two at home for Orlando.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (11-9) Magic over Celtics: The Celtics will win the series, but I have a feeling the Magic will take the first one in Boston. As well as Boston is playing, Dwight Howard will have at least one game where he shows up and contributes. And considering how they lost in game 2 I think Vince is going to come out with a huge scoring effort.
• Player to be Named Later (7-7) Celtics over Magic:  I can’t pick against them right now.  A different player steps up each game.  I was really expecting more of a fight from the Magic in game 2.  Looks like the Celtics and the Lakers may sweep.
• South Side Sheik (19-21) Celtics over Magic: Boston’s crowd was psyched and into the last game against Cleveland from the opening tip. Look for them to keep the Celtics up and avoid any letdown. These guys are healthy, playing stifling defense, and firing on all cylinders.
• Stormin Norman (19-21) Celtics over Magic: For as dominant as the Magic looked the first two rounds, this Boston team is a completely different animal.  The big three look ten years younger all of a sudden, the team defense looks like they think its 2008, and Rajon Rondo is filthy.  The question isn’t can Dwight Howard be stopped, the question seems to be can Dwight Howard even get started?

Lolla SOTW – Aussie Band called The Temper Trap “Sweet Disposition”

Everyone went 1-1 with their selections last week, except for Stormin Norman who picked both games right.  However, he still finds himself at the bottom of the sportsbook list.  This week, there aren’t a lot of good match-ups.  The NHL was waiting to see if Sid The Kid won before making a schedule that was convenient for him.  Fortunately, he lost and now the NHL doesn’t know what to do.  The Chicago baseball teams play very boring opponents this weekend (Royals and Pirates) but the Cubs and Sox will still probably lose.  So we select another game in the Cavs vs. Celtics series, and we also weigh in on Dallas Braden’s next outing after his Perfect Game performance.  Hopefully at least one of us can help you with your online sports betting.

Thursday 5/13 Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics (Game 6 Boston Leads 3-2) 7:00 PM

• StevieY19 (22-16) Cavs over Celtics- The way the MVP and his merry band of old big dudes are playing, it’s tough to stick to my biggest star wins policy, but it’s the NBA and they leave me no real choice in the matter, just like the outcome of this series. Pick it up Cavs!
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (9-9) Celtics over Cavs- I hate Paul Pierce, but for whatever reason, I bet on the Celtics winning in Cleveland twice this series… and they won both times. So I feel a little indebted to Rajon and Ray Ray. Now game 6 is in Boston and its hard to imagine that Lebron will go down quietly, but as Tony Kornheiser so eloquently put- the NBA Gods don’t care about THIS season, they care about this OFFseason. And we all know an early playoff exit will make the Lebron sweepstakes all the more exciting. Celts win in a nail biter.
• Player to be Named Later (6-6) Cavs over Celtics – I believe Lebron will respond positively to the scrutiny he has received this week.  Also, the Celtics played out of their mind last game.  It may not have mattered if Lebron had a 28, 10, and 8 night, they probably still would have lost.  Lebron will play better, and I think the Celtics will play worse as well.
• South Side Sheik (18-20) Celtics over Cavs – This is a homer pick for me, if the Cavs lose in Boston then there is no way Lebron is coming back. D Gallinari or D Rose, Lebron? Take your pick.
• Stormin Norman (18-20) Cavs over Celtics: How does LeBron not push this to a Game 7? On the other hand, how could he let his team go down 3-2? His uninspiring play is a result of either lack of focus or that elbow injury. I’m guessing its the first, so he’ll come out motivated. If its the elbow though, who knows. How about that Rondo kid?

Friday 5/14 Oakland A’s (D. Braden) @ LA Angels (J. Saunders) 9:05 PM

• StevieY19 (22-16) Angels over A’s- It’s fun when someone that hates A-Rod and isn’t on the Red Sox gets to stick it to him a little (not like that). So it was nice to see what’s his name throw that perfect game.  I’ll take Flip…er….John….er…Mr. Saunders in this one. The Angels are still decent, right?
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (9-9) Angels over A’s- So the kid pitched a perfect game. Props to him and his grandmother. He just comes off as too cocky to me with all his pride and extracurricular commentary. And considering I could care less about baseball right now, I’m going to pick the 1-5 lefty (Saunders) just for fun.
• Player to be Named Later (6-6) Angels over A’s – I did a quick Google search to try to find stats for pitchers on their next outing immediately following throwing a perfect game.  I didn’t really find anything.  How do those guys at ESPN do it?  I’ll just go by recent memory.  Wasn’t Buerhle awful for like a month after he threw his perfect game last year?  Something like that?  Good enough for me.
• South Side Sheik (18-20) Athletics over Angels – Braden’s got moxie, I like it.
• Stormin Norman (18-20) Angels over A’s: Did you ever notice that “The Los Angeles Angels” literally means “The The Angels Angels”?  Anyways I’m taking the Angels because there has to be a letdown for Braden after that perfect game. Also, the Angels may be playing badly now, but Saunders is solid and their AL West window isn’t quite closed yet.

Lollapalooza SOTW – Spoon “The Underdog”

So you got some good information if you listened to the majority on last week’s Qualified Picks, as we went 8-4 collectively.  I chose both games incorrectly last week, so if you didn’t listen to me while filling out your sportsbook you did just fine.  This week we take a look at a NBA and NHL playoff game.  Hopefully I can bounce back because I know you faithful readers have trust in me for your sports betting online.

Friday 5/7 Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics - Game 3 Series tied 1-1 @ 6 PM

• StevieY19 (21-15) Cavs over Celtics: I’ll stick with my general policy of always picking the biggest star to win in the NBA. Score one for James, assisted by Stern.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (8-8) Celtics over Cavs: I don’t know about Rondo being enough to win the series. But at home, with momentum, and Lebron James’ bitching about his elbow, things are looking up in Btown for Game 3. Lebron will score lots of points in this one, but so too will the Celtics’ defense.
• Player to be Named Later (5-5) Cavs over Celtics:  I know the Celtics are at home and Lebron has an ailing elbow, but  it’s not going to matter.  Rondo may be sick, but everyone else is just old.  No way the Cavs lose two in a row.
• South Side Sheik (17-19) Celtics over Cavs: As much as Lebron is a matchup nightmare, Rajon Rondo will continue to exploit the Cavs. While Lebron matched up with Derrick Rose in first round, the Bulls didn’t have Paul Pierce and Ray Allen to take advantage of the switch. Celtics win this home game and raise the Lebron Leaving Threat Level to Orange.
• Stormin Norman (16-20) Cavs over Celtics: The series is currently tied 1-1 and LeBron isn’t going to let it get away from the Cavs.  While the Cavs are not nearly as good on the road as at home, LeBron is going to come out strong and make a statement in Game 3.  Also, the Celtics are old.  Real old.  And I hate them for losing me money in Vegas last weekend.

Friday 5/7 Chicago Blackhawks @ Vancouver Canucks – Game 4 Chicago Leads Series 2-1 @ 9 PM

• StevieY19 (21-15) Canucks over Blackhawks: Without looking back to make sure, I feel like there are a lot of similarities between this series and the one they played last year in the playoffs. Canucks out to leads in the first couple of games, winning one and the Hawks coming back in the other. The problem is this year the Hawks were the team that lost home ice advantage in the first two games. There will be more protection for Luongo from the officials and the Sedins will be too much at home.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (8-8) Blackhawks over Canucks: I haven’t picked against them yet. Sure, they look flustered, and sure, Matt Barnaby among others have reneged their pick for a Hawks Stanley Cup, but the Blackhawks are too deep to lose many more games in this series. Their defense will not give up 4+ goals to Vancouver again.
• Player to be Named Later (5-5) Canucks over Blackhawks:  This is a nice little rivalry brewing here.  There needs to be a big fight to really liven things up.  Really, I just don’t expect the Canucks to lose two games in a row at home.  They are an electric team and they will score at least 3 to ensure the victory.
• South Side Sheik (17-19) Blackhawks over Canucks: No limo rides or partying with Canadian co-eds this trip, just business. If the Blackhawks continue to pretend Luongo’s crease is the Eisenhower, good things will happen. Hopefully the later start time will also assist them since they apparently don’t begin playing well until about 8:45 PM CST anyway.
• Stormin Norman (16-20) Blackhawks over Canucks: Is Niemi the playoff goalie the Hawks need him to be?  These next two games will prove whether he is or not.  they have to win at least one and there’s no reason to think they can’t win both.  They are clearly the better team on paper and it seems they are starting to figure Luongo out.  They had him beat during the regular season, and they should dominate him the rest of this series.

So I will be adding a new feature to the Qualified Picks section, and that is the Lollapalooza Song of the Week.  I am a big fan of music so I asked Stormin Norman if I could add this piece to the post.  He knows nothing about music, so he didn’t really care.  I think he just felt sorry for me since I do these Qualified Picks for him.  Lollapalooza will be in Grant Park from August 6-8 this summer.  If you have never checked it out, you really should.  It’s something every Chicagoan should experience at least once.  This week we will start with the band I am looking forward to seeing the most, The Strokes:

Well, just because the Bulls season came to an end doesn’t mean we can’t have fun with the NBA Playoffs.  Online sports betting is a great way to stay interested even after your team falls.  By far the most surprising thing that happened last week with the Qualified Picks is that His Jesusness Shuttlesworth predicted both games right!  Also, South Side Sheik went 0-2 last week.  I promise those performances will not be repeated, sportsbook it.

Thursday 4/29 Dallas Mavericks @ San Antonio Spurs (Game 6, Spurs Lead
3-2) – 7:00

• Player to be Named Later (5-3) Mavericks over Spurs:  Kind of going with my gut here more than anything else.  And by gut, I mean who doesn’t want to see this series go to 7 games?  Spurs at home won’t be an easy task, but I’ll take Dirk and Co. to get a close win.
• Javier Sandooski (14-10) Spurs over Mavs: Duncan and co are getting old, but Nowitzki and the Mavs aren’t much younger.  The Spurs know how to close out this series at home and not leave anything to chance.
• StevieY19 (19-15) Spurs over Mavericks: The Western Conference makes me laugh.You have to play a little defense to win in the playoffs and the Spurs are playing it well at the right time. At home they close out the series.
• South Side Sheik (16-18) Spurs over Mavs: Home court advantage and Mavs dug themselves too deep a hole to get out of. When you’re depending on two Wizards to provide a spark for your team in two consecutive games, your backs are against the wall. I don’t see Haywood and Butler repeating their performance from Tuesday night.
• Stormin Norman (15-19) Mavericks over Spurs: I was picking the Mavs to make the Western Conference Finals before the playoffs started, and I’m not backing off it yet.  The Spurs were a very tough draw but the Mavs have a lot of talent and should be able to pull this one off on the road.  All they need is a little bit of Dirkness.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (6-8) Spurs over Mavericks: Convincing win for Mavs in Game 5, but the Spurs have proven to be too much at home. The three-headed backcourt of Manu, Parker, and Hill set the tempo in each of the first 4 games, and I see them controlling it here. Oh, and I picked the Spurs to win in 6 in my bracket.

Friday 4/30 Atlanta Hawks @ Milwaukee Bucks (Game 6, Bucks Lead Series 3-2) – 6:00

• Player to be Named Later (5-3) Bucks over Hawks:  I am mostly making this pick because Brandon Jennings is awesome and he looks just like John Starks’ character in NBA Jam.  Short, skinny as can be, and sports a fade.  I love it.  Also, did you see the dunk by the Bucks mascot?  That was awesome.  Really though, the Bucks have been great at home in the playoffs thus far.  They win.
• Javier Sandooski (14-10) Hawks over Bucks: This is the BUCKS!!!  I do not “fear the deer” and they aren’t very good.  The Hawks have much more talent, better players and the sixth man of the year, Jamal Crawford (WTF?)!!!
• StevieY19 (19-15) Hawks over Bucks: This is the first I am learning that these two teams are in the playoffs. Actually, I knew they were in but thought they were both playing the Magic somehow. If Stern had his way, they’d both lose… so look out for that. I really thought the Hawks were much better than the Bucks, but I am in fact fearing the deer with Skiles’ boys up 3-2. The Hawks are really better though, right? They’ll win.
• South Side Sheik (16-18) Bucks over Hawks: The NBA would love for one of these series to go 7 games so that plays in the Hawks favor. But Bogut will dress for this game and line up for the jump ball. With the crowd going berzerk – Section 8 (his group of fans in the lower bowl) lighting off flares and sacrificing a red-tailed Hawk with their bare hands – Bogut goes up with his one good arm, wins the tip, and the crowd remains on their feet for the rest of the game, carrying the Bucks to victory and making the country “Fear the Deer” going into Round 2. Meanwhile, Bogut makes #6 the new #4 in Wisconsin.
• Stormin Norman (15-19) Hawks over Bucks: Hawks.  Period.  The Bucks are feisty and play hard, as all Skiles teams do, but the Hawks are better at every position.  Every single one.  I like them to win this game and the series.  Josh Smith is too good and the 6th man of the year Jamal Crawford will give JJ all the help he needs.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (6-8) Hawks over Bucks: The Hawks are down 3-2 going to the Bradley Center, and that court has been awfully good to the Bucks. However, I just don’t see Joe Johnson collapsing in the 4th or fouling out at a crucial time again. He’ll put up huge numbers and Josh Smith will not get held to under 10 points in 3 games this series. He is due as well. Woodson lives to coach at least one more Game 7.

Last week everybody picked the Sox to beat the Indians on Saturday, and everybody was wrong.  We shall be taking a week off from predicting baseball games.  Javier Sandooski has decided to grace us with his presence once again and take another shot at this sportsbook thing.  Behind the scenes here I am pretty sure that some writers have no idea what is going on in the Hawks series so keep that in mind when doing your online sports betting.

Friday 4/23 – Denver Nuggets @ Utah Jazz 9:30 PM

• Player to be Named Later (4-2) Nuggests over Jazz: I am not a big NBA guy but I love this series.  The Jazz playing without AK47 and Okur, and Boozer being a little banged up.  The Nuggets trying to win without their head coach against a team that is very tough to beat at home.  Will that other white guy step up for the Jazz?  Will Melo have his head in it the whole game?  TNT Knows Drama! (Note: Game actually on ESPN2, but I don’t care)
• StevieY19 (17-15) Jazz over Nuggets: I really have no idea. Utah is always tough at home. Why is that? They don’t strike me as an intimidating crowd, but the state of Utah has always seemed to me like a foreign country. Maybe opponents are as weirded out as about it as I am. Anyway, I think Utah will win one of the home games in this series, so I really hope it’s this one.
• Javier Sandooski (12-10) Jazz over Nuggets: Deron Williams is the greatest basketball player that ever lived…. named Deron.  Anyways, he has really stepped up his game to the point that I think he will not let his team lose their first home playoff game this year.  Not only is he creating for the rest of his team (11 and 14 assists in first 2 games), but he has stepped up his scoring in the absence of AK47 and Okur (averaging nearly 30 ppg in the first two games).
• South Side Sheik (16-16) Nuggets over Jazz – I think the Nuggets go to Salt Lake City and snatch back home court advantage from the Jazz. As impressive as Deron Williams has been, Carmelo sounded like the Nuggets had a plan to deliver a beatdown on Friday.
•  Stormin Norman (14-18) Nuggets over Jazz: Don’t get me wrong, I love Deron Williams and the Jazz.  They won a big one the other day and they are a very good team.  The problem is that the Nuggets can score more than the Jazz.  Straight up.  Defense is irrelevant in this series and the Nuggets are a better scoring team than the Jazz.  Doesn’t matter that it’s in Utah.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (4-8) Utah over Denver- After game 1, I was bracing for a Nuggets sweep. I hadn’t realized Carmelo had 4/20 obligations and thus needed to foul out early after a poor effort in game 2. With Deron appearing too much to handle for Billups, they will not need Okur to win at home. This series could be 3-1 in a hurry unless Melo asserts himself on both ends for 48 minutes and/or George Karl returns to right the path.

Saturday 4/24 – Nashville Predators @ Chicago Blackhawks TBD

• Player to be Named Later (4-2) Blackhawks over Predators. People are starting to worry about the Hawks here in Chicago, and with good reason.  Already down 2-1 and playing on the road, the Hawks are entering panic mode.  Regardless of what happens tonight, The Blackhawks will win game 5 at home.
• StevieY19 (17-15) Blackhawks over Predators: As we write these the series sits at 2-1 Nashville, so no matter what happens in Game 4 the game Saturday will be huge. The Hawks certainly won’t want to be in a spot where they have to win two straight to finish the series. I think Chicago puts it together for this game and runs over Nashville.
• Javier Sandooski (12-10) Blackhawks over Predators: People in Chicago are panicking over the Hawks being down 2-1.  This series is nowhere close to being over – even Stormin Norman thinks the NHL has changed the rules to be a 5 game series – IT’S SEVEN!!!  Maybe Soupy comes back Thursday, which would be awesome, but even if not, the Hawks bring this series back to Chicago even at 2-2.
• South Side Sheik (16-16) Predators over Blackhawks – Playoff beards are key here. Too many of the Blackhawk players can’t grow them. Not saying that this will be the game to finish off the Hawks but I don’t see them winning it.
•  Stormin Norman (14-18) Blackhawks over Predators: Not only do I not think the Hawks will go down 3-1, but I feel pretty confident they will not lose the series in 5.  It will more likely be 2-2 and there’s no way Kane and Toews let any more of these slip away.  They will finally step up their games and the Predators are going to be on the losing end.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (4-8) Blackhawks over Predators- 2 in a row this weekend for the Hawks. They’ll take a commanding 3-2 lead to re-establish and warrant their hype. A distraction they will have to then again deal with in round 2.

Well, last week I was the only one who predicted the Cubs to win and the Blackhawks to lose, so maybe keep a closer eye on my picks this week to help your sportsbook account.  Or you can just go against His Jesusness Shuttlesworth’s picks for your online sports betting, either way you win.  This week we opine on one of the more interesting first round matchups in the NBA playoffs.  Also we predict a Sox game because why not?  Someone has to pay attention to them

4/17 –  Chicago White Sox (J. Peavy) @ Cleveland Indians (J. Westbrook) 3:10 PM

• Player to be Named Later (3-1) White Sox over Indians: Neither one of these teams nor pitchers are playing very well right now.  The fact of the matter is that the Indians cannot score runs.  Shin-Soo Choo leads their team in every meaningful category and they have scored less than 4 runs a game thus far.  I’ll go with the Sox.
• StevieY19 (17-13) White Sox over Indians: I haven’t seen much of the White Sox other than Juan Pierre’s miracle throw. I do know that Cleveland’s bullpen is terrible. Sox need to work some counts early and get to the pen ASAP. Peavy will keep them close enough to win.
• South Side Sheik (15-15) White Sox over Indians: On what’s supposed to be a cool day at the Jake, Jake Westbrook will leave too many sinker balls up and the Sox DH (whoever that might be on the day) will make him pay. I think this game will also be the game that Jake Peavy acts like Stella and finally gets his groove back. So to review, our Jake’s better than their Jake at the Jake.
• Stormin Norman (14-16) White Sox over Indians: Jake Westbrook is a very good pitcher, and I know Peavy had some issues in his last start, but can you really pick against Peavy?  The guy is lights out (for the most part).  If the Sox offense can awaken a bit, this game will be the Sox for the taking.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (3-7) Sox over Indians: Peavy is one of the best pitchers in baseball (and yes, I’ve always been biased about that). But he looks great, and Cleveland’s pitching hasn’t.

4/17 - Miami Heat @ Boston Celtics 7:00 PM

• Player to be Named Later (3-1) Celtics over Heat:  I guess I’ll go with Boston here.  It  seems like Boston has been coasting through the end of the season, resting their old legs as needed.  I know the Heat have gone on a tear to end the year, but it was a fairly easy schedule.  The last two teams they played that ended the season with a better record, they lost to.  Celtics win.
• StevieY19 (17-13) Heat over Celtics: Crap, the NBA? I really have no idea here. Who will be less apathetic? Who has the biggest star? D Wade it is.
• South Side Sheik (15-15) Celtics over Heat: Celtics are at home and they were 3-0 against the Heat in the regular season. Now while that would generally lead me to say the line “It’s tough to beat a team 4 straight times in the NBA,” I think a few days off will benefit the Celtics more and they should come out firing in Game 1.  Now Game 2? That’s another story.
• Stormin Norman (14-16) Heat over Celtics: The Heat are 9-1 in their last 10 games and have Dwyane Wade.  The Celtics are old and well…unmotivated.  Can they turn it on for the playoffs?  Perhaps.  I  am definitely not putting my money on a bunch of upper-30 somethings to beat D-Wade in his prime.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (3-7) Celtics over Heat: KG and company like playing 7 games in the first round, but that doesn’t mean they won’t come out ready. Their old, but they also know it might be their last chance together. They won’t botch game 1 at home.

Some great college basketball games last week.  Butler proved me wrong by narrowly beating Michigan State, and then Duke took care of West Virginia.  South Side Sheik was the only writer to go 2-0 last week, so you may want to focus in on his picks to improve your sportsbook account.  StevieY went 0-2 last week but still holds the best record overall.  Baseball season is finally here so yet another reason to do some sports betting online.

Saturday 4/09 – Chicago Cubs (C. Silva) @ Cincinnati Reds (H. Bailey) 6:10 pm

• StevieY19 (16-12) Cubs over Reds: The Cincinnati Reds, right? Yeah… Cubs win.
• South Side Sheik (15-13) Reds over Cubs: The Chicago Cubs, right? Yeah…Reds win.
• Stormin Norman (14-14) Reds over Cubs: You would think that this was a difficult pick for me due to my north side loyalties.  You would be wrong.  Carlos Silva is a fat slob and the likelihood that he will last more than a couple innings is slim to none.  The Reds might suck, but if the Cubs pitching can’t hold up, they have no chance.
• Player to be Named Later (1-1) Cubs over Reds: Looks like SN is already giving up on his team.  I’m just excited that baseball season has arrived.  The Cubs went 10-5 against the Reds last year.  Look for them to continue to roll vs. the Reds and win a high scoring game.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (2-6) Cubs over Reds: Silva is coming off a strong spring (3.8 era) and a recent 5 inning shutout performance. He’s ready to go, and a perpetually weak Reds lineup won’t phase him.

Sunday 4/10 – Detroit Red Wings @ Chicago Blackhawks 2:00 pm

• StevieY19 (16-12)Blackhawks over Red Wings: This game is a total crapshoot. Not being sure what the playoff seeding will look like, I’ll go with the Hawks, since it’s at the United Center. If the Hawks have to get a certain result to avoid the Red Wings in the first round though, you can bet on that result happening.
• South Side Sheik (15-13)Blackhawks over Red Wings. The Wings have two cupcake games against Columbus leading up to the season finale. But look for the Hawks to finish the season strong in April for the second year in a row.
• Stormin Norman (14-14)Blackhawks over Red Wings: I’m really not too sure what the deal is these days, but I’m confident the Hawks won’t want Detroit gaining any momentum entering the playoffs.  Hawks will win and put Detroit in its place.
• Player to be Named Later (1-1) Red Wings over Hawks:  Both these teams have already clinched a playoff slot, but will still have something to play for in the last game of the year.  Hawks may have a chance to get the #1 seed and the Red Wings are gunning for the #5 seed.  Detroit has been absolutely rolling since the All-Star break, so I’ll go with them in this potential playoff match-up.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (2-6)Hawks over Red Wings: The Blackhawks have a chance to supplant the Sharks (only 2 points down) for the one seed in the West. Seeding matters more in hockey than in any other sport, and Toews and company fully understand this. They believe they’re better than the Red Wings, and with the aforementioned motivation of seeding, they’ll win at home.

Greetings interwebs.  I’ll be taking over the Qualified Picks for who knows how long in order to get your sports betting online fix in.  Stormin Norman has been obviously slacking lately so he asked me to help out.  Plus he promised to pay me in bagels and lox so I could not refuse.  This week we focus on the exciting Final Four match-ups.  I’m not sure if we are going to be much help for your sportsbook account because the writers don’t seem to agree on either game.

Saturday  4/3 at 5:07pm – Butler @ Michigan State (CBB)

• StevieY19 (16-10) Michigan State over Butler- I’m not sure this is Tom Izzo’s most impressive tournament run, but you can bet he will have his guys ready for this one. Playing a team with much less tournament experience under the hot lights of its “home” court will help in my opinion. The Spartans have been pretty fortunate so far, but have also taken advantage of the breaks and they’ll do so again.

• South Side Sheik (13-13) Butler over Michigan State – I don’t think the “home-court” will be a decided advantage for Butler, since Michigan State isn’t that much further away and has a much larger alumni base. But Butler’s defense has been pretty impressive throughout the tournament and they’ll be able to slow this game down and stay with the Spartans until the end. And that’s when their little used reserve 5’7″ shooting guard will get fouled at the end of the game and make two underhanded free throws to give them the lead.
• Stormin Norman (13-13) Butler over MSU: My Big Ten loyalties are conflicting with my Horizon League loyalties (that’s right, I’m a UIC alum), but Butler is just too good right now.  Could they choke? Sure.  But they are essentially playing at home against a Kalin Lucas-less Michigan State.  Oh, and that Gordon Hayward guy isn’t bad either.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (1-5) Butler over MSU- Gordon Hayward and Sheldon Mack are the two best players in this game (only olympians on either roster). Not only are they at home, but Hayward is ready to prove that he’s worthy of such a rising draft prospect and Mack will make the case for why he’s the most versatile guard left in the tournament against a kalin lucas-less backcourt.
• Javier Sandooski (11-9) MSU over Butler: You all know I always argue that Big Ten is underrated in the tournament.  Well this year proves my theory yet again.  MSU has the experience and I think that will get them into the National Championship game.
• Player to be Named Later (0-0) Michigan State over Butler.  I don’t care if MSU had a cake walk to the Final Four, or that they lost their best player in Kalin Lucas, or the fact the Butler is essentially playing at home.  The Spartans just seem to get it done.  I have been picking against this MSU team all tournament, I will not let them make a fool out of me on my first Qualified Picks selection!  This Michigan State team plays great defense and dominates the boards.  Izzo will use the Spartans depth to wear out Butler and end their great tournament run.

 Saturday  4/3 at 7:47pm — West Virginia @ Duke (CBB)

• StevieY19 (16-10) West Virginia over Duke- The Blue Devils have been impressive down the stretch in every game that has been close this tourney. They have hit big threes and rarely missed free throws. That’s neat, but big threes don’t happen all the time and it ends here.  No sketchy charge call or weak technical will save them from a physical West Virginia squad.
• South Side Sheik (13-13) Duke over West Virginia – As much as I’ve disliked Duke over the years, this team is a little different. I think some of the shine had washed off the program in recent years with early exits from the tournament. That and Coach K taking time off to coach Team USA, made this team have less of an annoying Duke vibe than previous teams. I say they continue to scrap and claw out a victory against Huggy Bear and his Mountaineers.
• Stormin Norman (13-13) West Virginia over Duke: I picked them to win the whole thing and I’m sticking with it.  Will the Mountaineers Truck Bryant play on Saturday?  It doesn’t matter.  Either way Huggins has a far more athletic team that is superior at rebounding and grinding it out. They can run too.  I love this team, and if they win I win money, so there’s that.  Also, f#$% Duke, amirite?
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (1-5) West Virginia over Duke- West Virginia was the Big East champion and now they’ll be the National Champion. They’ve won 10 straight games, 7 of those in the postseason. The game will be close, and because Duke doesn’t have the same kind of finishers, WV will live to play on Monday.
• Javier Sandooski (11-9) Duke over West Virginia:  WVU seems to buckle at the worst time, as shown in their conference tournament.  Duke will cruise to victory and take down MSU in the finals.
• Player to be Named Later (0-0) Duke over West Virginia.  Coack K and Huggins seem to be at the complete opposite ends of the “how to run a successful basketball program” spectrum, don’t they?  The hilarious Joe Mazzulla played out of his mind last week for the Mountaineers.  I don’t think he has a repeat performance in him.  Coach K will focus on the poor ball handling of West Virginia and the Dukies will find themselves back in the National Championship.

Only one person who partook in online betting would have had any success last week.  Congratulations to StevieY for guessing (yeah guessing) that the Wings would beat the Hawks.  I wouldn’t exactly hire him to run my sportsbook, but he is definitely the cream of the crop this week.  We also welcome back Javier Sandooski this week, who managed to sit out last week’s bloodbath.  March Madness has begun, so expect many more college basketball picks the next few weeks.

Friday 3/12 at 1:25pm – Illinois @ Wisconsin (CBB)

• StevieY19 (15-9) Wisconsin over Illinois – Can Illinois play its way into the field of 64? Should I say 65? I don’t think so. If you’re from a major conference you have a bye into the field of 64, right? I’m reverting to the old lingo until they expand to include all 300+ teams in the future.  Anyway, Wisconsin outlasts the Illini in a close one.
• South Side Sheik (12-12) Wisconsin over Illinois – I’ve been a homer throughout these picks and it’s gotten me nowhere. For the last two to three weeks Illinois has faced “must wins” to get off the bubble and into the tourney. This is another one of those “must wins” and I don’t think the result will be much different. I see Bo Ryan having his guys ready to play and not content with their current seed in the bracket whatever that may be.
• Stormin Norman (11-13) Illinois over Wisconsin – I have been a homer my whole life and it’s gotten me nowhere.  Unfortunately I don’t have the common sense of the Sheik.  I think McCamey will show why he was named to the All-Big Ten First Team.  Also, its tough to win 2 in a row, and I don’t know if the Badgers have what it takes.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (1-3) Wisconsin over Illinois: The Illini have lost 5 of 6. Wisconsin is overrated, but the Illini need McCamey at his best AND Davis/Tisdale shooting flawlessly to beat any legitimate opponent. The odds just aren’t in their favor.
• Javier Sandooski (10-8) Wisconsin over Illinois: As Corey Bradford said of the Illinois team, this team is painful to watch.  This game will be no exception.  They will go down quietly without a fight and it will be another March where I have no rooting interests except for gambling purposes.

Sunday 3/14 at 2:30pm — Celtics @ Cavs (NBA)

• StevieY19 (15-9) Cavs over Celtics – This is a big game for the Celtics too, I feel. I really have no idea if there are big games before the playoffs, but the Celtics could use a win over a non-terrible team for the first time since the middle of last month.  Too bad, Cavs win.
• South Side Sheik (12-12) Cavs over Celtics – Lebron will be back and the Cavs guards will abuse Rondo and Allen throughout to make up for the possible absence of Antawn Jamison. If Jamison is back, which is probable, then it’s just another weapon for the likely Eastern Conference Champs.
• Stormin Norman (11-13) Cavs over Celtics – LeBron’s return will be the difference.  All the other arguments about Antawn’s injury and how KG and Pierce get up for big games will be irrelevant.  The only team I could see myself picking to beat the Cavs at home right now is the Lakers, and the Celtics ain’t the Lakers.
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (1-3) Lakers over Magic- Celtics over Cavs: This clearly isn’t the smart pick- its instead a gut feeling. I don’t think Paul Pierce will return to form either. I’d say 3 days in Boston and a home win against a lowly Indiana team may allow the Celtics to regroup. Ray always plays well against Cleveland and the Sheed/KG tandem could dominate either an irrelevant Antawn or a young JJ Hicks.
• Javier Sandooski (10-8) Cavs over Celtics: LeBron is back.  Isn’t that enough?  If not, just know that it’s now March and he will kick it into overdrive as he prepares for the playoffs.  He’s been amazing all season, but watch – the show starts now.

So Bruce Pearl screwed me over again.  Big surprise.  At least everyone thought he would choke so I’m not the only one who took a hit.  At least I didn’t actually bet the ‘Cats on my sportsbook.  The new addition to our online betting team at NQTC, His Jesusness Shuttlesworth, didn’t exactly kill it either, starting out with a robust 1-1.  Go Blackhawks!

Sun 3/7 at 11:30 am Red Wings @ Blackhawks (NBC)

• StevieY19 (14-8) Red Wings over Blackhawks- Red Wings are finally healthy. Time for things to return to normal.
• South Side Sheik (12-10) Blackhawks over Red Wings – Despite the shoddy performance in their first game back from the Olympic “break”, the Hawks and their Olympians will triumph at home to thunderous applause. Who knows, if Toews scores maybe the Hawks fans will burst into a rendition of “O Canada” after hearing it so often over the last two weeks.
• Stormin Norman (11-11) Blackhawks over Red Wings: The Blackhawks have looked shaky at best lately, but they will still triumph over the old, crappy Red Wings.  Although a lot of Hawks may be tired from the olympics, they are still the team to beat in the West.  By the way, what’s the deal with our goaltenders these days?
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (1-1) Blackhawks over Red Wings- A must-win for the Red Wings (they’re currently sitting outside the playoffs). Babcock knows how to shut down Kane i.e. the Olympic gold medal game, but the Blackhawks are no longer intimidated.

Sun 3/7 at 1:30 pm Lakers @ Magic (ABC)

• StevieY19 (14-8) Lakers over Magic- My general rule is to pick the Lakers every time, unless they’re playing Cleveland. I think this translates to: in the NBA always pick the team with the biggest star.
• South Side Sheik (12-10) Lakers over Magic – Kobe is getting healthy again from his sprained ankle, and Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol are starting to play with nasty streaks. I’m still not convinced that the Magic are legit.
• Stormin Norman (11-11) Lakers over Magic: Amirite?  Amirite?  (Am I right? for those who don’t know).  I mean come on, the Lakers are a far superior team and even a banged up Kobe can dominate them.  There are no good teams in the East, bottom line (except maybe The LeBrons).
• His Jesusness Shuttlesworth (1-1) Lakers over Magic- The Lakers are a vastly superior team. Kobe or no
  Kobe.