Most Tortured Sports Fan Bases

Halloween is known for scary stuff, right? The following is a list of the most tortured fan bases in all of the professional sports that I follow (NFL, NBA, & MLB). Why? Because it's Halloween and everyone loves misery.....

Most Tortured Sports Fans

Chicago Cubs

This one is pretty easy. Everyone knows how miserable the Cubs have been since winning their last World Series title in 1908. That's 107 years for those of you who can't count. As a sports fan of teams that aren't historically very good, the Cubs are the definition of frightening. One of the only things getting me through life as a fan of the teams that I like is the thought process that "my team HAS to win at some point in my life...right?" Not if you are a Cubs fan and frankly that scares the crap out of me. Can we just give the Cubbies a title already? I mean. I'm not the kind of person who feels sorry for people, but I'm giving Cubs fans some real sympathy here. It's just not fair. 

2015-16 NBA Final Standings & Playoff Predictions

Even though the NBA season has already kicked off, it's never too late to do predictions. The following is a list of how I have every team finishing this season (you already know how I have every team finishing this season if you've been paying attention to the blog), as well as my playoff predictions. Go ahead and make fun of them all you want. I can take it.

OK....maybe not.

2015-16 NBA Final Standings & Playoff Predictions

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: Utah Jazz

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

Utah Jazz

Head Coach: Quin Snyder (38-44 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 38-44

Last Playoff Series Win: 2009-10 First Round vs. Denver Nuggets

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: 2006-07 vs. San Antonio Spurs

NBA Championships Won: 0

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: Gordon Hayward (19.3)

RPG: Rudy Gobert (9.5)

BPG: Rudy Gobert (2.3)

SPG: Gordon Hayward (1.4)

APG: Trey Burke (4.3)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Signed (F) Trey Lyles

-Signed (G) Raul Neto

-Signed (C) Tibor Pleiss

-Signed (C) Jeff Withey

-Waived (F) Jack Cooley

-Waived (F) J.J. O'Brien

-Waived (G) Bryce Cotton

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - Rudy Gobert (8.4 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.3 BPG)

PF - Derrick Favors (16.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.7 BPG)

SF - Gordon Hayward (19.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 4.1 APG)

SG - Alec Burks (13.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.0 APG)

PG - Trey Burke (12.8 PPG, 4.3 APG, 2.7 RPG)

Projected Bench:

Raul Neto (PG), Rodney Hood (SG), Joe Ingles (SF), Trevor Booker (PF), Tibor Pleiss (C), Dante Exum (PG), Elijah Millsap (SG), Chris Johnson (SF), Trey Lyles (PF), Jeff Withey (C)

The Prediction:

41-41

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: Washington Wizards

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

Washington Wizards

Head Coach: Randy Wittman (237-365 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 46-36

Last Playoff Series Win: 2014-15 First-Round vs. Toronto Raptors

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: 1978-79 vs. San Antonio Spurs

NBA Championships Won: 1

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: John Wall (17.6)

RPG: Marcin Gortat (8.7)

BPG: Marcin Gortat (1.3)

SPG: John Wall (1.7)

APG: John Wall (10.0)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Signed (G) Gary Neal

-Acquired (F) Jared Dudley from the Milwaukee Bucks

-Signed (F) Alan Anderson

-Re-signed (F) Drew Gooden

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - Marcin Gortat (12.2 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.3 BPG)

PF - Kris Humphries (8.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 0.4 BPG)

SF - Otto Porter (6.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 0.9 APG)

SG - Bradley Beal (15.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.1 APG)

PG - John Wall (17.6 PPG, 10.0 APG, 4.6 RPG)

Projected Bench:

Ramon Sessions (PG), Gary Neal (SG), Jared Dudley (SF), Nene Hilario (PF), Drew Gooden (F/C), Garrett Temple (PG), Alan Anderson (SG), Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF), DeJuan Blair (PF), Martell Webster (G/F)

The Prediction:

39-43

Slammin' Stevie Cook's Week 8 NFL Picks!

Hi, hello & welcome to Week 8 of the National Football League! I'm Slammin' Stevie Cook, and this is the craziest time of the sporting year by far. Baseball's wrapping up with the World Series, pro & college basketball are starting up, hockey is kicking into gear, and the NFL is approaching the halfway mark. How crazy is all this? No time for chit-chat, let's hook em up!

Thursday, October 29

Miami at New England (-8): We said that Dolphins fans were really happy watching their rebooted team in Week 6. They were even happier during Week 7.

Yup, Dolphins fans are believing. Dan Campbell is Don Shula. Ryan Tannehill is Dan Marino. Lamar Miller is...well, the Dolphins didn't have running backs when Marino was there, so he's like the best thing ever. The Fins are 2-0 with Campbell and are riding high...but...they're going to New England to play the Patriots.

Victory probably isn't going to happen because the Patriots are never going to lose again as long as they're an NFL franchise. Eventually, Kommissar Goodell will find a way to disband the New England Patriots so they can no longer dominate the league, but until then they're going to win a lot of games. They're not really blowing out teams though. Indy & the Jets both fell by a single possession, and I think the hot Dolphins do the same on Thursday night.

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: San Antonio Spurs

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

San Antonio Spurs

Head Coach: Gregg Poppovich (1022-470 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 55-27

Last Playoff Series Win: 2013-14 NBA Finals vs. Miami Heat

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: 2013-14 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

NBA Championships Won: 5

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: Kawhi Leonard (16.5)

RPG: Tim Duncan (9.1)

BPG: Tim Duncan (2.0)

SPG: Kawhi Leonard (2.3)

APG: Tony Parker (4.9)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Signed (F) LaMarcus Aldridge

-Re-signed (C/F) Tim Duncan

-Traded (C) Thiago Splitter to the Atlanta Hawks

-Signed (C) Boban Marjanovic

-Re-signed (G) Danny Green

-Re-signed (F) Matt Bonner

-Re-signed (F) Kawhi Leonard

-Signed (F) David West

-Re-signed (G) Manu Ginobili

-Signed (G) Jonathan Simmons

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - Tim Duncan (13.9 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.0 BPG)

PF - LaMarcus Aldridge (23.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.0 BPG)

SF - Kawhi Leonard (16.5 PPG, 2.5 APG, 7.2 RPG)

SG - Danny Green (11.7 PPG, 2.0 APG, 4.2 RPG)

PG - Tony Parker (14.4 PPG, 4.9 APG, 1.9 RPG)

Projected Bench:

Patty Mills (PG), Manu Ginobili (SG), Kyle Anderson (SF), David West (PF), Boris Dias (F), Ray McCallum (PG), Jonathan Simmons (SG), Reggie Williams (SF), Matt Bonner (PF), Boban Marjanovic (C)

The Prediction:

53-29

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: Toronto Raptors

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

Toronto Raptors

Head Coach: Dwane Casey (207-227 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 49-33

Last Playoff Series Win: 2000-01 First-Round vs. New York Knicks

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: Raptors have never appeared in a Conference Final

NBA Championships Won: 0

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: DeMar DeRozan (20.1)

RPG: Jonas Valanciunas (8.7)

BPG: Jonas Valanciunas (1.2)

SPG: Kyle Lowry (1.6)

APG: Kyle Lowry (6.8)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Signed (G) Delon Wright

-Signed (F) DeMarre Carroll

-Signed (G) Cory Joseph

-Waived (G) Luke Ridnour

-Signed (F) Luis Scola

-Signed (G) Norman Powell

-Signed (F) Bismack Biyombo

-Signed (F) Michael Kyser

-Signed (G) Alex Toupane

-Signed (F) Ronald Roberts

-Re-signed (C) Jonas Valanciunas

-Signed (G) Shannon Scott

-Signed (F) Anthony Bennett

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - Jonas Valanciunas (12.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.2 BPG)

PF - Patrick Patterson (8.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 0.5 BPG)

SF - DeMarre Carroll (12.6 PPG, 1.7 APG, 5.3 RPG)

SG - DeMar DeRozan (20.1 PPG, 3.5 APG, 4.6 RPG)

PG - Kyle Lowry (17.8 PPG, 6.8 APG, 4.7 RPG)

Projected Bench:

Cory Joseph (PG), Terrence Ross (SG), Bruno Caboclo (SF), Luis Scola (PF), Bismack Biyombo (C), Delon Wright (PG), Norman Powell (SG), James Johnson (PF), Lucas Nogueira (C), Anthony Bennett (PF)

The Prediction:

46-36

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: Sacramento Kings

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

Sacramento Kings

Head Coach: George Karl (1142-773 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 29-53

Last Playoff Series Win: 2003-04 First-Round vs. Dallas Mavericks

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: 2001-02 vs. Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Championships Won: 1

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: DeMarcus Cousins (24.1)

RPG: DeMarcus Cousins (12.7)

BPG: DeMarcus Cousins (1.7)

SPG: DeMarcus Cousins (1.5)

APG: Darren Collison (5.6)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Traded (G) Nik Stauskas to the Philadelphia 76ers

-Signed (G) Rajon Rondo

-Signed (C) Kosta Koufos

-Signed (G) Marco Belinelli

-Signed (F) Omri Casspi

-Signed (F) Luc Mbah a Moute

-Signed (C) Willie Cauley-Stein

-Signed (G) James Anderson

-Signed (F) Caron Butler

-Signed (F) Quincy Acy

-Signed (G) Seth Curry

-Signed (F) Duje Dukan

-Waived (G) David Stockton

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - DeMarcus Cousins (24.1 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 1.7 BPG)

PF - Willie Cauley-Stein (ROOKIE)

SF - Rudy Gay (21.1 PPG, 3.7 APG, 5.9 RPG)

SG - Ben McLemore (12.1 PPG, 1.7 APG, 2.9 RPG)

PG - Rajon Rondo (8.9 PPG, 7.9 APG, 5.5 RPG)

Projected Bench:

Darren Collison (PG), Marco Belinelli (SG), Caron Butler (SF), Omri Casspi (PF), Kosta Koufos (C), Seth Curry (PG), James Anderson (SG), Duje Dukan (SF), Eric Moreland (PF), Quincy Acy (C)

The Prediction:

31-51

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: Philadelphia 76ers

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

Philadelphia 76ers

Head Coach: Brett Brown (37-127 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 18-64

Last Playoff Series Win: 2011-12 First-Round vs. Chicago Bulls

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: 2000-01 vs. Milwaukee Bucks

NBA Championships Won: 3

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: Tony Wroten (16.9)

RPG: Nerlens Noel (8.1)

BPG: Nerlens Noel (1.9)

SPG: Nerlens Noel (1.8)

APG: Michael Carter-Williams (7.4)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Signed (C) Jahlil Okafor

-Acquired (G) Nik Stauskas from the Sacramento Kings

-Signed (G) Pierre Jackson

-Signed (G) Scott Wilbekin

-Signed (F) Richaun Holmes

-Traded (F) Jason Thompson to the Golden State Warriors

-Signed (G) Kendall Marshall

-Signed (F) Christian Wood

-Signed (G) T.J. McConnell

-Waived (F) Gerald Wallace

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - Jahlil Okafor (ROOKIE)

PF - Nerlens Noel (9.9 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.9 BPG)

SF - Robert Covington (13.5 PPG, 1.5 APG, 4.5 RPG)

SG - Nik Stauskas (4.4 PPG, 0.9 APG, 1.2 RPG)

PG - Kendall Marshall (4.2 PPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 RPG)

Projected Bench:

Tony Wroten (PG), Hollis Thompson (SG), JaKarr Sampson (SF), Carl Landry (PF), Joel Embiid (C), Isaiah Canaan (PG), J.P. Tokoto (SG), Jerami Grant (SF), Richaun Holmes (PF), Pierre Jackson (PG), Scott Wilbekin (SG), Furkan Aldemir (PF), Christian Wood (PF)

The Prediction:

18-64

Hot Takes: NFL Week Seven

Fresh from the week seven oven, get them HOT TAKES.

1. And Still…..

Three of the five undefeated teams were on a bye this week, but the other two handled business and kept their 0 intact.

The Patriots survived a tough test against the Jets thanks to Rob Gronkowski being Rob Gronkowski and a strong run defense. Tom Brady threw the ball 54 times, which doesn’t seem ideal when you consider who the Jets have at corner, but then you remember that Tom Brady is the Lord (according to some people) and a lot of those passes were quick and short passes designed so Brady doesn’t take a hit and you figure that 54 passes sounds about right. 

The Jets were in the game until the end and actually had a shot at a hail mary after recovering an onside kick, but screwed it up by not getting aligned when they spiked the ball. 

Now, New England faces a Miami team that has looked real good in their last two games on a short week. The game is in New England and home teams rarely seem to lose the Thursday night game, but the Dolphins will definitely be fired up and ready to get after Brady if he drops back 54 times again. 

In the Sunday night game, my Panthers also stayed undefeated with a victory over the Eagles. Cam Newton had three interceptions, although two weren’t his fault, but the defense proved why they’re one of the best in the league, holding the Eagles to only 16 points. 

I still think the Panthers lack of a #1 receiver is going to cost them later in the season, but Jonathan Stewart runs hard on every play and Cam is always a threat to make a play. Then there’s the defense, which has been great in every game, especially since Luke Kuechly’s return last week. With Kuechly and Davis cleaning up the run game and Josh Norman taking away part of the passing field, teams are gonna have a tough time moving the ball against this defense. 

The Panthers remain at home and in primetime this week as they take on an Indianapolis Colts team that can’t figure out what they’re doing. 

The Casual Fans Guide to the 2015 World Series

I’m not much of a baseball fan, especially since my team, the Cincinnati Reds, sucked this year. However, I do watch the playoffs and Dustin James told me that we need to step up our baseball coverage if we are to be taken serious in the sports blogging world. 

So here is your Casual Fans Guide to the 2015 World Series.

Which team should I root for?

Your two choices are the Kansas City Royals, back in the World Series after losing last year, and the New York Mets, in the World Series for the first time since 2000. The Mets haven’t won the World Series since 1986 and the Royals haven’t won it since 1985. I wasn’t alive during those years, so I can’t tell you anything about those victories. 

Both teams made trades at the trade deadline and if they traded for one the guys who played for your favorite team, I suggest rooting for that team. That means if you’re a fan of the Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, or Oakland Athletics then it’s fair for you to cheer for the Mets and if you’re a fan of the Reds and A’s then you can cheer for the Royals. Yes, that means A’s fans can’t lose in this years World Series as either Tyler Clippard or Ben Zobrist, two guys who started the season in Oakland, will win a ring.

If you have league pride, then AL fans will be rooting for the Royals and NL fans will be rooting for the Mets. If you only want your team to win the World Series and hate when other teams in your league do well, then AL fans should root for the Mets and NL fans for the Royals. If your team was knocked out of the playoffs by one of these teams, then you should decide whether you want to lose to the champs or want the team that beat your team to suffer the same fate. 

Both teams are underdogs. No one picked the Royals to make the World Series last year and even that run didn’t convince “experts” to give them much of a chance this year. And no one thought the Mets would be this good. So if you’re looking for the underdog story, neither choice is wrong. 

If you enjoy the misery of other fans, cheer for the Mets, because that will make Yankees fans miserable. 

As mentioned, neither team has won the World Series in over 25 years so they both qualify for the “root for the team that has suffered a longer drought” basis. 

Basically, you can’t go wrong cheering for either team. 

NFL Round-Up: Week Seven

No time for an introduction this week. Why? Well, a few things.

The NFL season is in full gear. College football season is in full gear. The NHL just got things rolling and now guess who's arrived to the party?

That's right. The NBA tips things off tonight and the fine folks here at The Ultimate Sports Blog are officially in over our heads due to the ridiculous amount of action that is currently going on in the sports world. 

So.......

Sit back........

Grab a beer............

Put the kids outside...........

Tell the wife to leave you alone.........

IT'S TIME............................................

NFL Round-Up

Week 7

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: Portland Trail Blazers

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

Portland Trail Blazers

Head Coach: Terry Stotts (253-276 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 51-31

Last Playoff Series Win: 2013-14 First-Round vs. Houston Rockets

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: 1999-2000 vs. Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Championships Won: 1

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: LaMarcus Aldridge (23.4)

RPG: LaMarcus Aldridge (10.2)

BPG: Robin Lopez (1.4)

SPG: Wesley Matthews (1.3)

APG: Damian Lillard (6.2)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Signed (G) Luis Montero

-Traded (F) Nic Batum to the Charlotte Hornets

-Acquired (F) Noah Vonleh & (G) Gerald Henderson from the Charlotte Hornets

-Re-signed (PG) Damian Lillard to a contract extension

-Signed (G) Pat Connaughton

-Signed (F) Ed Davis

-Signed (F) Al-Farouq Aminu

-Acquired (F) Moe Harkless from Orlando Magic

-Signed (F) Cliff Alexander

-Acquired (C) Brendan Haywood & (F) Mike Miller from Cleveland Cavaliers

-Waived (C) Brendan Haywood & (F) Mike Miller

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - Meyers Leonard (5.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.3 BPG)

PF - Ed Davis (8.3 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.2 BPG)

SF - Al-Farouq Aminu (5.6 PPG, 0.8 APG, 4.6 RPG)

SG - Gerald Henderson (12.1 PPG, 2.6 APG, 3.4 RPG)

PG - Damian Lillard (21.0 PPG, 6.2 APG, 4.6 RPG)

Projected Bench:

Tim Frazier (PG), C.J. McCollum (SG), Moe Harkless (SF), Noah Vonleh (PF), Mason Plumlee (C), Allen Crabbe (SG), Luis Montero (SF), Cliff Alexander (F), Chris Kaman (C), Pat Connaughton (SG)

The Prediction:

20-62

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: Orlando Magic

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

Orlando Magic

Head Coach: Scott Skiles (443-433 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 25-57

Last Playoff Series Win: 2009-10 Conference Semifinal vs. Atlanta Hawks

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: 2009-10 vs. Boston Celtics

NBA Championships Won: 0

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: Nikola Vucevic (19.3)

RPG: Nikola Vucevic (10.9)

BPG: Dewayne Dedmon (0.8)

SPG: Elfrid Payton (1.7)

APG: Elfrid Payton (6.5)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Traded (G) Luke Ridnour to the Memphis Grizzlies

-Acquired (F) Janis Timma from the Memphis Grizzlies

-Waived (G) Ben Gordon

-Signed  (G) C.J. Watson

-Signed (G) Mario Hezonja

-Re-signed (F) Tobias Harris

-Signed (C) Jason Smith

-Traded (F) Moe Harkless to the Portland Trailblazers

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - Nikola Vucevic (19.3 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 0.7 BPG)

PF - Aaron Gordon (5.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 0.5 BPG)

SF - Tobias Harris (17.1 PPG, 1.8 APG, 6.3 RPG)

SG - Victor Oladipo (17.9 PPG, 4.1 APG, 4.2 RPG)

PG - Elfrid Payton (8.9 PPG, 6.5 APG, 4.3 RPG)

Projected Bench:

C.J. Watson (PG), Evan Fournier (SG), Mario Hezonja (SF), Channing Frye (PF), Jason Smith (C), Shabazz Napier (PG), Devyn Marble (SF), Andrew Nicholson (PF), Dewayne Dedmon (C), Nnnanna Egwu (C)

The Prediction:

28-54

Hot Takes: 2015-2016 NBA Preview

The NBA season tips off on Tuesday and you’re probably really excited because basketball has been gone for four months and you miss the highest scoring major sport in America. In two months, you’ll realize that there are still 50 games remaining in the season and you’ll become bored with the games. Around the All-Star break you’ll get pumped for the Slam Dunk Contest, only to be disappointed again, but your spirits will pick up at the trade deadline because every sports fan loves trade. And then it’ll be playoff time and you’ll rejoice at competitive basketball and its finest before cursing the fact that everyone will get hurt.

Until then, here are the top storylines to keep an eye on heading into the new season.

The East has been Decided

The Cleveland Cavaliers are winning the East. It’s already been decided. They may finish second or third in the standings during the regular season because Kyrie Irving is hurt and LeBron James will take a month off, but no one is beating them in a seven game series. 

Anyone picking against the Cavs is just being a contrarian. There’s support for the Miami Heat even though they didn’t make the playoffs last year. And yes, I realize Chris Bosh had a blood clot scare and if that doesn’t happen, they’re in the playoffs, but they still missed the playoffs IN THE EAST with Dwyane Wade, Hassan Whiteside, and Goran Dragic. I’m just not understanding the Heat love. The Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, and Toronto Raptors will probably turn in strong regular seasons, but they don’t have the fire power to knock off the Cavs. And everyone will jump on the Bulls bandwagon after Derrick Rose has a couple of good games, only to be disappointed once again. 

Don’t pay attention to the East until the conference finals. And then pay attention for two games. 

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: Phoenix Suns

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

Phoenix Suns

Head Coach: Jeff Hornacek (87-77 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 39-43

Last Playoff Series Win: 2009-10 Conference Semifinal vs. San Antonio Spurs

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: 2009-10 vs. Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Championships Won: 0

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: Eric Bledsoe (17.0)

RPG: Alex Len (6.6)

BPG: Alex Len (1.5)

SPG: Eric Bledsoe (1.6)

APG: Eric Bledsoe (6.1)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Traded (F) Marcus Morris, (F/G) Danny Granger, & (G) Reggie Bullock to the Detroit Pistons

-Signed (C) Tyson Chandler

-Signed (G) Devin Booker

-Signed (G) Brandon Knight

-Signed (F) Mirza Teletovic

-Signed (G/F) Sonny Weems

-Signed (G) Ronnie Price

-Signed (C) Henry Sims

-Signed (F) Cory Jefferson

-Signed (F) Kyle Casey

-Signed (G) Deonte Burton

-Signed (G) Terrico White

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - Tyson Chandler (10.3 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 1.2 BPG)

PF - Markieff Morris (15.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 0.5 BPG)

SF - P.J. Tucker (9.1 PPG, 1.6 APG, 6.4 RPG)

SG - Eric Bledsoe (17.0 PPG, 6.1 APG, 5.2 RPG)

PG - Brandon Knight (17.0 PPG, 5.2 APG, 3.9 RPG)

Projected Bench:

Ronnie Price (PG), Archie Goodwin (SG), Sonny Weems (SF), Mirza Teletovic (PF), Alex Len (C), Devin Booker (SG), T.J. Warren (SF), Jon Leuer (PF), Henry Sims (C), Cory Jefferson (F)

The Prediction:

45-37

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: New York Knicks

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

New York Knicks

Head Coach: Derek Fisher (17-65 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 17-65

Last Playoff Series Win: 2012-13 First-Round vs. Boston Celtics

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: 1999-00 vs. Indiana Pacers

NBA Championships Won: 2

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: Carmelo Anthony (24.2)

RPG: Amare Stoudemire (6.8)

BPG: Samuel Dalembert (1.3)

SPG: Shane Larkin (1.2)

APG: Jose Calderon (4.7)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Signed (C) Robin Lopez

-Signed (G) Arron Afflalo

-Signed (F) Derrick Williams

-Acquired (F/C) Kyle O'Quinn from the Orlando Magic

-Signed (F/C) Kevin Seraphin

-Signed (G) Sasha Vujacic

-Signed (G) Thanasis Antetokounmpo

-Signed (F) Darion Atkins

-Signed (G/F) Wesley Saunders

-Signed (F) DaJuan Summers

-Signed (G) Travis Tice

-Waived (G) Travis Tice, (G/F) Wesley Saunders, (F) Thanasis Antetokounmpo, (F) Darion Atkins, & (F) DaJuan Summers

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - Robin Lopez (9.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG)

PF - Kristaps Porzingis (ROOKIE)

SF - Carmelo Anthony (24.2 PPG, 3.1 APG, 6.6 RPG)

SG - Arron Afflalo (13.3 PPG, 1.7 APG, 3.2 RPG)

PG - Jose Calderon (9.1 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.0 RPG)

Projected Bench:

Langston Gallaway (PG), Sasha Vujacic (SG), Cleanthony Early (SF), Derrick Williams (PF), Kevin Seraphin (C), Jerian Grant (PG), Lance Thomas (SF), Lou Amundson (PF), Kyle O'Quinn (C)

The Prediction:

22-60

College Football Round-Up: Week Eight

Week eight of the college football season is in the books. Why waste time with a silly introduction when we have so much stuff to get to this week? So......

ARE YOU READY?????..................

I SAID............

ARE YOU READY??????????............

WELL...................

LETTTTTTTTT'S GET READY TO FUMBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBLEEEEEEEEEEEE...........

NBA 2K16 Predicts The NBA Season

Back when the NFL season was just starting, I ran a column on the blog where the Madden season predicted how the NFL season would play out and it was a rousing success. So, why not do it once again with the NBA season right around the corner?

NBA 2K16 is one of the best sports games available. It's easily one of the most realistic sports games out on the market which naturally means it should predict this upcoming NBA season with 100% accuracy, right? That's why I'm doing this damn thing right here......

 

NBA 2K16

Predicts The 2015-16 NBA Season

Final Standings

Eastern Conference:

Atlantic Division:

1. Toronto Raptors (45-37)

2. Boston Celtics (39-43)

3. New York Knicks (30-52)

4. Philadelphia 76ers (29-53)

5. Brooklyn Nets (26-56)

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

Oklahoma City Thunder

Head Coach: Billy Donovan (0-0 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 45-37

Last Playoff Series Win: 2013-14 Conference Semifinals vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: 2013-14 vs. San Antonio Spurs

NBA Championships Won: 0

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: Russell Westbrook (28.1)

RPG: Serge Ibaka (7.8)

BPG: Serge Ibaka (2.4)

SPG: Russell Westbrook (2.1)

APG: Russell Westbrook (8.6)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Traded (G) Luke Ridnour to the Toronto Raptors

-Acquired (F) Tomislav Zubcic from the Toronto Raptors

-Re-signed (F) Kyle Singler

-Signed (G) Cameron Payne

-Re-signed (C) Enes Kanter

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - Steven Adams (7.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.2 BPG)

PF - Serge Ibaka (14.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.4 BPG)

SF - Kevin Durant (25.4 PPG, 4.1 APG, 6.6 RPG)

SG - Andre Roberson (3.4 PPG, 1.0 APG, 3.8 RPG)

PG - Russell Westbrook (28.1 PPG, 8.6 APG, 7.3 RPG)

Projected Bench:

D.J. Augustin (PG), Dion Waiters (SG), Kyle Singler (SF), Nick Collison (PF), Enes Kanter (C), Cameron Payne (PG), Anthony Morrow (SG), Josh Huestis (SF), Steve Novak (PF), Mitch McGary (C)

The Prediction:

59-23

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: Milwaukee Bucks

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

Milwaukee Bucks

Head Coach: Jason Kidd (85-79 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 41-41

Last Playoff Series Win: 2000-01 Conference Semifinals vs. Charlotte Hornets

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: 2000-01 vs. Philadelphia 76ers

NBA Championships Won: 1

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: Brandon Knight (17.8)

RPG: Zaza Pachulia (6.8)

BPG: John Henson (2.0)

SPG: Brandon Knight (1.6)

APG: Brandon Knight (5.4)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Re-signed (G) Khris Middleton

-Signed (F/C) Greg Monroe

-Signed (G) Rashad Vaughn

-Signed (F) Chris Copeland

-Signed (F) Marcus Landry

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - Greg Monroe (15.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 0.5 BPG)

PF - John Henson (7.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.0 BPG)

SF - Giannis Antetokoumpo (12.7 PPG, 2.6 APG, 6.7 RPG)

SG - Khris Middleton (13.4 PPG, 2.3 APG, 4.4 RPG)

PG - Michael Carter-Williams (14.6 PPG, 6.7 APG, 5.3 RPG)

Projected Bench:

Greivis Vasquez (PG), O.J. Mayo (SG), Chris Copeland (SF), Jabari Parker (PF), Miles Plumlee (C), Tyler Ennis (PG), Jerryd Bayless (SG), Damien Inglis (SF), Johnny O'Bryant (PF), Jorge Gutierrez (PG), Rashad Vaughn (SG)

The Prediction:

45-37

Slammin' Stevie Cook's Week 7 NFL Picks!

Hi, hello and welcome to Week 7 of the National Football League! I'm Slammin' Stevie Cook, and I considered taking my bye week this week since the Bengals, Packers & Broncos all are & so are most of the people on my fantasy football teams. However, I decided against it because I couldn't bear to deprive you people of the advice you need to win money. So let's hook em up!

Thursday, October 22

Seattle (-6) at San Francisco: Are we at the point where Seattle actually needs to press the panic button?

We're getting pretty close. They're blowing 4th quarter leads every week, the offense hasn't been consistent, the defense is leakier than it used to be, dudes are having car accidents & rumors about how they happen aren't being automatically dismissed...it's been an interesting time in Seattle. The only reason I'm picking the Seahawks as a 6 point favorite this week is Colin Kaepernick. Kaep's rebounded from an abysmal start to his season the last two weeks, but his numbers against Seattle are terrifying for 49er fans. 53.7 QB rating, 52.5 completion percentage, 2 TDs & 7 INTs. Not good. Really good if you're the Seahawks and looking for answers, though.

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: New Orleans Pelicans

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

New Orleans Pelicans

Head Coach: Alvin Gentry (335-370 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 45-37

Last Playoff Series Win: 2007-08 First Round vs. Dallas Mavericks

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: Pelicans have never appeared in a conference final

NBA Championships Won: 0

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: Anthony Davis (24.4)

RPG: Anthony Davis (10.2)

BPG: Anthony Davis (2.9)

SPG: Jrue Holiday (1.6)

APG: Jrue Holiday (6.9)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Signed (C) Omer Asik

-Signed (F) Dante Cunningham

-Signed (F) Alexis Ajinca

-Re-signed (F) Luke Babbitt

-Signed (G) Bryce Dejean-Jones

-Signed (C) Jerome Jordan

-Signed (G) Bo McCalebb

-Waived (G) Corey Webster

-Signed (G) Nate Robinson

-Waived (C) Mirza Begic

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - Omer Asik (7.3 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 0.7 BPG)

PF - Anthony Davis (24.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.9 BPG)

SF - Dante Cunningham (5.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.6 RPG)

SG - Eric Gordon (13.4 PPG, 3.8 APG, 2.6 RPG)

PG - Jrue Holiday (14.8 PPG, 6.9 APG, 3.4 RPG)

Projected Bench:

Norris Cole (PG), Tyreke Evans (SG), Quincy Pondexter (SF), Ryan Anderson (PF), Alexis Ajinca (F), Bryce Dejean-Jones (SG), Alonzo Gee (SF), Luke Babbitt (F), Kendrick Perkins (C), Sean Kilpatrick (SG), Chris Douglas-Roberts (SF)

The Prediction:

44-38

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: Miami Heat

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

Miami Heat

Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra (351-207 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 37-45

Last Playoff Series Win: 2013-14 Conference Finals vs. Indiana Pacers

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: 2013-14 vs. Indiana Pacers

NBA Championships Won: 3

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: Dwayne Wade (21.5)

RPG: Hassan Whiteside (10.0)

BPG: Hassan Whiteside (2.6)

SPG: Mario Chalmers (1.5)

APG: Dwayne Wade (4.8)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Re-signed (G) Goran Dragic

-Re-signed (G) Dwayne Wade

-Signed (F) Amare Stoudamire

-Traded (G) Shabazz Napier to the Orlando Magic

-Acquired (G) Zoran Dragic from the Orlando Magic

-Signed (G) Josh Richardson

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - Hassan Whiteside (11.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.6 BPG)

PF - Chris Bosh (21.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 0.6 BPG)

SF - Luol Deng (14.0 PPG, 1.9 APG, 5.2 RPG)

SG - Dwayne Wade (21.5 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.5 RPG)

PG - Goran Dragic (16.3 PPG, 4.5 APG, 3.5 RPG)

Projected Bench:

Mario Chalmers (PG), Gerald Green (SG), Justise Winslow (SF), Josh McRoberts (PF), Chris Andersen (C), Tyler Johnson (PG, Josh Richardson (SG), James Ennis (SF), Udonis Haslem (PF), Amare Stoudamire (PF), John Lucas III (PG)

The Prediction:

47-35

2015-16 NBA Quick Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves

The Ultimate Sports Blog's

2015-16 NBA Preview

Minnesota Timberwolves

Head Coach: Flip Saunders (654-594 all-time)

Last Year's Record: 16-66

Last Playoff Series Win: 2003-04 Conference Semifinals vs. Sacramento Kings

Last NBA Conference Finals Appearance: 2003-04 vs. Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Championships Won: 0

2014-15 Team Leaders:

PPG: Kevin Martin (20.0)

RPG: Gorgui Dieng (8.3)

BPG: Gorgui Dieng (1.7)

SPG: Thaddeus Young (1.8)

APG: Mo Williams (6.4)

Off-Season Transactions:

-Signed (F) Nemanja Bjelica

-Signed (G) Andre Miller

-Signed (F) Tayshaun Prince

Roster:

Projected Starting Five:

C - Gorgui Dieng (9.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.7 BPG)

PF - Kevin Garnett (6.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 0.4 BPG)

SF - Andrew Wiggins (16.9 PPG, 2.1 APG, 4.6 RPG)

SG - Zach LaVine (10.1 PPG, 3.6 APG, 2.8 RPG)

PG - Ricky Rubio (10.3 PPG, 8.8 APG, 5.7 RPG)

Projected Bench:

Nikola Pekovic (C), Karl Anthony-Towns (PF), Shabazz Muhammad (SF), Kevin Martin (SG), Andre Miller (PG), Tyus Jones (PG), Tayshaun Prince (SF), Adreian Payne (PF), Lorenzo Brown (PG), Damjan Rudez (SF), Nemanja Bjelica (PF)

The Prediction:

28-54