Event: Oklahoma City Thunder v.s. Miami Heat Game 3, 2012 NBA Finals 9:00 ET American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL
Day of the Game: South Beach Place of Eatery: Andiamo Pizza
The Lowdown: There isn't anything much better. Spend a day at the beach and chilling in beautiful Miami Beach and then head downtown for game three of the NBA Finals where the series is tied 1-1.
American Airlines Arena
Marquee Players: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Chris Bosh, James Harden
Miami did everything I said they had to do in game 2 to win, they got more from their bench, they out rebounded the Thunder and they neutralized their fast break. They also got a lot of production from their big three while the Thunder's big three wasn't quite on top of their game. But I see the tide changing once again in game three. After Miami jumps out to a nice lead in game three, Oklahoma City rekindles their game one magic to take control. The Heat do not find an answer for Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant does his usual thing and James Harden has an exceptional shooting game. In a game that Miami controls throughout much of the game, Oklahoma City comes on late to put added pressure on the Heat, who have already lost their previous two game three's.
Where you know her: How would you not know her? Kate Upton has exploded onto the scene ever since appearing in last year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and grabbing the cover on this year's. Upton is one of the hottest models out there right now.
This is the last season we will see of the traditional two conference, eight playoff teams per each conference format. Now, there will be four conferences with the top four teams from each conference advancing a four team playoff within their own conference. From there, the four conference champions will either be reseeded or play in a more traditional conference finals. So which teams will comprise these new divisions?
I. Boston, Buffalo, Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Tampa Bay, Florida II. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York, New York, Carolina, Washington, New Jersey III. Detroit, Chicago, Columbus, Minnesota, Dallas, Nashville, St. Louis, Winnipeg IV. Los Angeles, Vancouver, Anaheim, Calgary, Colorado, Edmonton, San Jose, Phoenix
The big question is whether this new seeding will make the playoffs better or worse. Well, just determine that for your self and see what matchups you would've like better from this year's playoffs.
Tyler Seguin
I. 1 Boston 2 Florida 3 Ottawa 4 Buffalo
Boston v.s. Buffalo- Boston in Six Florida v.s. Ottawa- Ottawa in Seven
Boston v.s. Ottawa- Boston in Six
II. 1 New York 2 Pittsburgh 3 Philadelphia 4 New Jersey
New York v.s. New Jersey- New Jersey in Six Pittsburgh v.s. Philadelphia- Philadelphia in Six
Philadelphia v.s. New Jersey- New Jersey in Five
III.
Patrick Kane
1 St. Louis 2 Nashville 3 Detroit 4 Chicago
St. Louis v.s. Chicago- St. Louis in Six Nashville v.s. Detroit- Nashville in Five
St. Louis v.s. Nashville- Nashville in Seven
IV. 1 Vancouver 2 Phoenix 3 San Jose 4 Los Angeles
Vancouver v.s. Los Angeles- Los Angeles in Five Phoenix v.s. San Jose- Phoenix in Six
Phoenix v.s. Los Angeles- Los Angeles in Five
Final Four 1 Nashville Predators 2 Boston Bruins 3 New Jersey
Anze Kopitar
4 Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles in Six Boston in Seven
Stanley Cup Finals Boston v.s. Los Angeles Los Angeles in Six
A Bruins/Kings Stanley Cup Finals wouldn't have drawn any complaints, right? One thing that is still yet to be decided is whether the final four should be reseeded or should just go back to a traditional eastern and western conference finals. The NHL would love say a Rangers/Canadiens Stanley Cup Final or something similar to that, but it would not want an all western conference final featuring say San Jose and St. Louis. I for one do not mind the reseeding, but it will certainly come down to what is better for the ratings and revenue.
Anyway, let's look at the matchups we could be in store for next season by predicting the outcomes from the new divisional format.
Sidney Crosby
I. 1 Buffalo Sabres 109 PTS 2 Boston Bruins 100 PTS 3 Ottawa Senators 97 PTS 4 Toronto Maple Leafs 88 PTS
5 Tampa Bay Lightning 86 PTS
6 Florida Panthers 81 PTS
7 Montreal Canadiens 77 PTS
II. 1 Pittsburgh Penguins 112 PTS 2 Washington Capitals 110 PTS 3 New York Rangers 105 PTS 4 Philadelphia Flyers 101 PTS
5 Carolina Hurricanes 95 PTS
6 New York Islanders 85 PTS
7 New Jersey Devils 79 PTS
III. 1 Chicago Blackhawks 106 PTS 2 St. Louis Blues 100 PTS 3 Detroit Red Wings 96 PTS 4 Winnipeg Jets 94 PTS
IV. 1 Los Angeles Kings 108 PTS 2 Vancouver Canucks 104 PTS 3 Edmonton Oilers 95 PTS 4 Phoenix Coyotes 93 PTS
5 Colorado Avalanche 90 PTS
6 San Jose Sharks 90 PTS
7 Anaheim Ducks 81 PTS
8 Calgary Flames 74 PTS
Conference Semi-Finals 1) Buffalo over 4) Toronto 4-2 2) Boston over 3) Ottawa 4-2 1) Pittsburgh over 4) Philadelphia 4-2 3) New York over 2) Washington 4-1 1) Chicago over 4) Winnipeg 4-3 3) Detroit over 2) St. Louis 4-3 1) Los Angeles over 4) Phoenix 4-2 2) Vancouver over 3) Edmonton 4-0
Conference Finals 2) Boston over 1) Buffalo 4-3 3) New York over 1) Pittsburgh 4-2 1) Chicago over 3) Detroit 4-1
2) Vancouver over 1) Los Angeles 4-3
Henrik Lundqvist
Final Four Option A Boston Bruins v.s. New York Rangers Vancouver Canucks v.s. Chicago Blackhawks
New York over Boston 4-2 Vancouver over Chicago 4-2
Stanley Cup Finals New York Rangers over Vancouver Canucks 4-2 Option B Boston Bruins v.s. Chicago Blackhawks Vancouver Canucks v.s. New York Rangers
Chicago over Boston 4-1 New York over Vancouver 4-2
Stanley Cup Finals New York Rangers over Chicago Blackhawks 4-2
Though the Miami Heat lost game one of the best of seven NBA Finals, it was not all bad news for them. Miami dictated and controlled most of the game even though they faded in the 4th quarter. But tonight, expect another terrific performance from LeBron James and expect Dwyane Wade to silence all the naysayers with a traditional D-Wade electrifying performance on a grand stage. The Heat will get just enough from their bench to equal what
Oklahoma City's bench has to offer. Miami lucks out with a subpar
shooting performance from Russell Westbrook as the Heat even
the series heading back to Miami. Miami 98-94
The Heat looked great early on but the Thunder came on late in the game. Now what is that? A few things that popped out to me in this game was the clear lack of depth of the Heat. They rotate six guys at the most and they usually don't get a whole lot out of any other players besides the big three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Shane Battier is consistent, but he will rarely give you the point production he gave you last night. Mario Chalmers is inconsistent and Udonis Haslem is a reliable veteran, but he isn't going to impact this series. So with the Heat's lack of depth, that means they will need even more from their big three. Besides LeBron, neither of the other two have been great this playoffs. Bosh has been injured, so he has a legitimate excuse. Wade however either is not healthy or he is no longer a superstar caliber player.
Or maybe it is because the Thunder are the deeper and more athletic team! Yes, I think that is it. The Thunder get production from eight guys on most nights. You know what you are going to get from Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, but did anyone expect Nick Collison to grab ten rebounds? Or how about Thabo Sefelosha doing a great job at containing LeBron James? To think that the Thunder only got 8 points from James Harden is a sign of some hard times to come for the Heat.
Oklahoma City limited the Heat in transition and they controlled the boards. Miami is a transition team; they are not great in the half court. If Oklahoma City can keep this up and if Kevin Durant remains dominant, this series will be over in five games like I predicted.
It was reported that on Monday night after the Los Angeles Kings disposed the New Jersey Devils to claim their first Stanley Cup, the Devils players were out on the scene living it up at AV Nightclub in downtown Los Angeles. It is very similar to when a few Patriots, namely Matt Light and Rob Gronkowski were partying immediately after their Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants. Unlike Light and Gronkowski's antics, the Devils seemed a little bit more low key although there were reports of some hard core partying on behalf of the Devils.
My opinion on the Devils: they worked hard and had a great run, but maybe wait a tad bit longer to let the Stanley Cup loss sink in, I don't know, that is just me. As for Rob Gronkowski and Matt Light, that was despicable. Gronkowski, I thought you had an injured ankle? Those actions are truly crossing the line and something that tarnishes the game. If players like Gronkowski party like this only hours after a crushing defeat, it begs the question whether they care in the first place.
Day of the Game: Walking around the areas of Bricktown, take a boat ride though Bricktown
Place of Eatery: Bricktown Burgers
The Lowdown: The hype is undeniable and the city hasn't seen anything like it, so it has to be a unique experience. Whatever it takes to see Kevin Durant and LeBron James battle is worth the price of admission.
Bricktown, Oklahoma City
Marquee Players: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Chris Bosh
And to thin we might not have ever had a season. The Heat and Thunder meet in the Finals for the first time and it will be a battle between the two most entertaining and explosive teams in the NBA. Now, everyone wants to look at the marquee matchup of Kevin Durant and LeBron James and say whoever gets the better of one another will win the series. Not exactly. This series will come down to the adjustments the Heat make to neutralize the Thunder which will allow LeBron James and to a lesser extent Dwyane Wade to take over. Rajon Rondo was the most dominant player on the floor for most of the Eastern Finals, so the Heat must find a way to slow down Russell Westbrook. Another factor is how the Heat will handle the battle down low. In last years finals, the Mavericks, led by Tyson Chandler dominated the paint and unless Chris Bosh and Joel Anthony step up, I see the Thunder controlling the paint once again with Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka down low. The Thunder have all the matchup advantages and they have the depth. They are athletic enough to play right with the Heat which is why it will come down to the Heat's big three to keep the series close. Chris Bosh will need to be the same player he was against the Celtics, which was, by the way, the main reason why the Heat won the series was Chris Bosh returning from injury. Secondly, Dwyane Wade needs to step up and return to his superstar form or else James Harden will get the better of him if Wade plays like he has played this postseason. And the third and final factor will be LeBron James. If he wants to actually ascend to greatness, then he will play like he did in games six and seven of the Boston series and lead the Heat to the championship.
Russell Westbrook
What I see happening is LeBron having that killer instinct, but he turns it on when it is just a little bit too late for the Heat. The Thunder will dominate the paint and they will fail to control Russell Westbrook, who will be the best player on this series for both teams. Just like the Mavericks did last year, I see the Thunder disposing the Heat, but this time in five games, with Russell Westbrook taking home NBA Finals MVP.
Game 1- Oklahoma City 105-95 Game 2- Miami 87-81 Game 3- Oklahoma City 112-110 OT Game 4- Oklahoma City 94-77 Game 5- Oklahoma City 119-113 2OT
A lot at stake in this French Open Final for both parties. Novak Djokovic can achieve a career grand slam in succession, the first to do so since Rod Laver. Rafael Nadal can break the record for most French Open titles, surpassing Bjorn Borg. So something's got to give. Looking at this matchup, Nadal is riding on a full head of steam coming into this matchup. That doesn't mean Djokovic doesn't have any momentum coming into this final because he does, but on clay, if Nadal is in his comfort zone, there is no stopping him.
Imagine a life where you had the ability to do anything and everything around the biggest events in the world of sports? Well, that's what the fictional Sports Life is about. Every day, follow where the Sports Life goes throughout the year.
Absolutely stunning are the two words to describe what this movie looks like. Now, if Avatar could live up to expectations, what could a more serious and more spectacular looking film accomplish. I feel like this should be a critical and box office success although I think the R rating might affect the box office totals a little bit.
Prediction: 89% by critics, 93% by audience
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
I usually hate all of these sequels, so I will most certainly not see Madagascar 3 no matter how good it is. I think also, this movie will fall due to recycled jokes and ideas.
Prediction: 61% by critics, 73% by audience
Rock of Ages
This doesn't look all that interesting and it probably won't be successful due to a lack of plot.
Prediction: 39% by critics, 62% by audience
That's My Boy
Adam Sandler hasn't bee in a solid movie in quite a while, what makes you think this one will be different?
Prediction: 43% by critics, 59% by audience
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
I can't get a read on whether this movie looks like an utter piece of garbage or will gain a cult following and be very good. I won't see it in theaters, that much is for certain but I feel like it will be interesting enough to see when it comes on demand for some reason.
Prediction: 71% by critics, 75% by audience
Brave
I won't see this movie either, but it certainly has an appeal to younger crowds and will sure to be reviewed well critically because it is Pixar, so how could it not be pretty good.
Prediction: 92% by critics, 83% by audience
Ted
I hope this movie is outstanding. Seth McFarlane ideas on the big screen? Hell, yes.
Prediction: 70% by critics, 88% by audience
Magic Mike
This might be good, but it doesn't do enough for me to see it. I think this will bust.
Prediction: 52% by critics, 64% by audience
The Amazing Spider-Man
I still don't get why there is a need to reboot. I love the addition of Emma Stone but looking at the whole premise of this movie, I will go in with low expectations. Critically though, I can't see this being a total bust.
Prediction: 78% by critics, 81% by audience
Savages
I could see this movie being either epic or just a total fail, but either way, it is intriguing.
Prediction: 83% by critics, 72% by audience
Ice Age: Continental Drift
A fourth Ice Age? Really?
Prediction: 47% by critics, 70% by audience
The Dark Knight Rises
The movie of the summer is this one and expect greatness.
Prediction: 86% by critics, 88% by audience
The Watch
Very similar to Tower Heist in all likelihood, it just probably won't get it done.
Prediction: 55% by critics, 62% by audience
The Bourne Legacy
Very intriguing and very interesting to see whether it will live up to the other Bourne movies.
Prediction: 75% by critics, 81% by audience
Total Recall
The return of Colin Farrell and he is joined by other solid supporting characters. This should be worth the money.
Prediction: 73% by critics, 84% by audience
The Campaign
The great duo of Galifinakis and Farrell should be a solid movie of laughs that hopefully will be similar to The Other Guys.
Prediction: 71% by critics, 79% by audience
The Expendables 2
I didn't see the first Expendables, but I doubt it will get positive critical reviews. It does look intriguing however.
Prediction: 38% by critics, 54% by audience
Lawless
This movie has already been seen by a few people out there and it's initial reviews have been pretty good. I really like the looks of this film and the actors that are in it, particularly Tom Hardy.
Prediction: 72% by critics, 64% by audience
GI Joe 2: Retaliation
Oh, sick action movie, must be good then. No, not quite.
Prediction: 36% by critics, 64% by audience
End of Watch
After a few mediocre cop movies over the past couple of years, this one sure looks good and intriguing and I think will be acclaimed critically.
Prediction: 84% by critics, 79% by audience
Killing Them Softly
No trailer yet, I assume because they are reediting the film. But just look at the cast, it looks outstanding. This film is high on my radar screen.
Prediction: 91% by critics, 81% by audience
Taken 2
The first one was actually decent, why make a sequel?
Prediction: 26% by critics, 49% by audience
Gangster Squad
The looks of this are nice, but I wonder if people know that this movie is simply a subplot of L.A. Confidential. Nevertheless, looks very good and should be very good.
Prediction: 70% by critics, 77% by audience
Skyfall
Honestly, I'm a little bit skeptical of the trailer. The last line from Bond, "I'm going to kill them first" is the reason for my skepticism. Bond isn't exactly a killing machine, so I don't like how they are going against his mantra. That being said, it should get better reviews than Quantum of Solace.
Prediction: 78% by critics, 81% by audience
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
I'm not a Lord of the Rings guy at all, so this movie doesn't really do it for me.
Prediction: 87% by critics, 82% by audience
Les Miserables
Another movie that just doesn't do it for me. I think this should bust too, it looks pretty boring.
Prediction: 54% by critics, 47% by audience
The Great Gatsby
I don't know whether or not I should read the book, but I know one thing. I will be seeing this movie.
Prediction: 93% by critics, 88% by audience
Django Unchained
I'm not a huge Tarentino fan. But there is no doubt I will see this movie and I will predict that I won't love it due to the insane amounts of violence. It will be very good critically however. Prediction: 92% by critics, 87% by audience
2013 Movies A Good Day to Die Hard Iron Man 3 Star Trek Sequel Fast and the Furious 6 The Hangover Part III Man of Steel The Wolverine The Lone Ranger 300 Sequel Thor 2 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
2014 Movies Captain American Sequel The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Transformers 4
The Dark Knight Rises
X-Men First Class Sequel
And now, my definitive list of the most anticipated movies of the future.
10 The Bourne Legacy 9 Killing Them Softly 8 End of Watch 7 Gangster Squad 6 The Amazing Spider-Man 5 The Great Gatsby 4 Django Unchained 3 Skyfall 2 Prometheus 1 The Dark Knight Rises
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Though the Miami Heat lost game one of the best of seven NBA Finals, it was not all bad news for them. Miami dictated and controlled most of the game even though they faded in the 4th quarter. But tonight, expect another terrific performance from LeBron James and expect Dwyane Wade to silence all the naysayers with a traditional D-Wade electrifying performance on a grand stage. The Heat will get just enough from their bench to equal what
