Here are my predictions for the Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs.
Eastern Conference
(E4) Washington Wizards vs (E1) Boston Celtics: This should be a very entertaining series between two very good teams in the East. The Celtics are coming off a six game series win over the Chicago Bulls after dropping their first two home games of the series. The Wizards are coming off a six game series win over the Atlanta Hawks. The point guard matchup between John Wall and Isaiah Thomas is the main storyline here and that should be fun to watch. The Celtics struggling against the Bulls was a bity worrisome to me, but Thomas was dealing with the death of his sister and they caught a huge break when Rajon Rondo broke his hand. The Wiz played well for the most part against the Hawks, but their defense is worrisome to me. That said, I'm picking the upset. Wall is the best player in this series and he'll lead them to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in a long time.
Prediction: Wizards in six games.
(E3) Toronto Raptors vs (E2) Cleveland Cavaliers: Here we have a rematch of the Eastern Conference Finals from a year ago. The Cavaliers are coming off a four game sweep over the Indiana Pacers. The Raptors are coming off a six game series win over the Milwaukee Bucks. The Raptors are a better team now than they were a year ago thanks to more depth and the trade for Serge Ibaka. The Cavs may have pulled off a sweep, but they came darn close to losing Game 1 at home and they had to come back from 26 points down to win Game 3. That said, I think the Cavs will pull this one out in which I believe will be a great series.
Prediction: Cavaliers in seven games.
Western Conference
(W5) Utah Jazz vs (W1) Golden State Warriors: This series should actually be somewhat interesting. The Warriors are coming off an impressive four game sweep over the Portland Trail Blazers considering they didn't have Kevin Durant for two of the games due to injury. The Jazz are coming off an impressive seven game series win over the Los Angeles Clippers considering they didn't have Rudy Gobert for a few games due to injury. It certainly helped their cause that Blake Griffin was hurt for the Clips as well. That said, I believe with Durant back, the Warriors should go to their third straight conference finals although I believe the Jazz can steal a game or two because they area pretty decent defensive team and very well coached.
Prediction: Warriors in five games.
(W3) Houston Rockets vs (W2) San Antonio Spurs: This is perhaps the best matchup of the second round due to the fact we have two MVP candidates going up against eachother in Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. The Spurs are coming off a six game series win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The Rockets are coming off a five game series win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. This should be a tremendous series, but I like Leonard and the Spurs to move on to their first Western Conference Finals in three seasons.
Prediction: Spurs in seven games.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Thursday, April 27, 2017
2017 NFL Mock Draft: Final Edition
Here is the final edition of my 2017 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Texas A&M: Garrett is a can't miss player in this draft and the Browns feel that way as they've turned down multiple trade offers for this pick. Garrett will make a big impact in this league and the comparisons to Khalil Mack and Von Miller are real.
2. San Francisco 49ers- Solomon Thomas, Defensive Lineman, Stanford: Thomas is a disrupting force who has drawn comparisons to Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald. He could be the perfect finishing touch for a defensive line currently better prepared to stuff the run than bother rival quarterbacks.
3. Chicago Bears- Jamal Adams, Safety, LSU: Adams has that kind of potential and is viewed by some as the safest prospect in the draft. He is a tone-setter with a rare combination of instincts, athleticism and intangibles to make an immediate impact on a defense that needs some premier talent.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars- Leonard Fournette, Running Back, LSU: The Jags know it's incumbent to support Blake Bortles with a legitimate ground game in order to give him a final chance to flourish or finally determine that he's not the answer at quarterback. Fournette, who's drawing comparisons to a young Adrian Peterson, is a workhorse who would almost certainly end the club's five-season streak without a 1,000-yard rusher.
5. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Clemson: I believe the Titans will trade down here, but they do have a need at receiver. Williams will immediately become Marcus Mariota's favorite target.
6. New York Jets- OJ Howard, Tight End, Alabama: Howard will give the Jets a much-needed weapon in the middle of the field. The problem here is that the Jets don't have a good quarterback situation.
7. Los Angeles Chargers- Malik Hooker, Safety, Ohio State: An elite ballhawk, Hooker had seven interceptions last year and returned three of them for TDs. Shoulder and hernia surgery sidelined Hooker the last few months, but considering his name has been mentioned with Ed Reed's, it will be hard to pass him up.
8. Carolina Panthers- Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, Stanford: McCaffrey would be an excellent fit for the Panthers, who could do so much for that team. He could run the ball as well as catch passes from the backfield and return kicks and punts.
9. Cincinnati Bengals- Reuben Foster, Linebacker, Alabama: There are reports saying Foster tested positive on drug tests at the combine. However, before Day 1 grows too old, his talent relative to the 2017 draft class will demand a team take him.
10. Buffalo Bills- Marcus Lattimore, Cornerback, Ohio State: This would be an absolute steal for the Bills, who have a need at corner. Here, they get the top cornerback prospect—a physical, aggressive lock-down defender.
11. New Orleans Saints- Haason Reddick, Linebacker, Temple: Reddick's a player, that much is clear after his sensational showings at the Senior Bowl and combine, not to mention a sterling Senior year for the Owls. Whether he fits best as an inside or outside linebacker has yet to be determined.
12. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Mitchell Trubisky, Quarterback, North Carolina: Getting Garrett and Trubisky in this draft would be a monster win for the Browns, who will try to trade up to get Trubisky. Trubisky is obviously a roll of the dice given that he only started one year for the Tar Heels, but he showed impressive accuracy, athleticism and pocket awareness in 2016.
13. Arizona Cardinals- Corey Davis, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan: Davis is polished, efficient, prolific in the red zone and a willing blocker to boot. Save for a few drops, he’s everything you could want in a WR1. He would be an eventual replacement for Larry Fitzgerald.
14. Philadelphia Eagles- Derek Barnett, Defensive End, Tennessee: They probably should take a corner here, but I wouldn't rule Barnett out here, who would be a great fit in this defensive scheme. He would make an immediate impact in this division.
15. Indianapolis Colts- Charles Harris, Defensive End, Missouri: Harris had a better 2015 than 2016, but he was also double-teamed for most of 2016. This might be rich for some, and going Harris over the other pass rushers might raise eyebrows, but he fits what Indianapolis is doing.
16. Baltimore Ravens- Jonathan Allen, Defensive Tackle/End, Alabama: This would be a monster steal for the Ravens. They can draft a receiver here, but I don't think Ozzie Newsome will be tempted to pass up on Allen.
17. Washington Redskins- Takk McKinley, Linebacker, UCLA: The Redskins are hunting for pass rushers. They'll probably take Harris if he's available, but if McKinley can get healthy, he might be the better player.
18. Tennessee Titans- Marlon Humphrey, Cornerback, Alabama: Humphrey has been a fast riser these last few days. The Cards could take him at 13, but the Titans have a need in the secondary and Humphrey would be a nice fit.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Dalvin Cook, Runner Back, Florida State: Cook sitting on the board at this spot would be hard to pass. I love the thought of Cook reuniting with Jameis Winston and don't forget that Doug Martin is suspended to start the season so the Bucs can use help at running back.
20. Denver Broncos- Ryan Ramczyk, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin: Ramczyk is a tough son of a gun, and he comes from a good lineage. Look at some of the NFL offensive linemen out of Wisconsin the past few years, and it’s home run after home run after home run. Ramczyk is the next in line.
21. Detroit Lions- David Njoku, Tight End, Miami: This offense has some nice pieces but lacks a true mismatch player. Njoku, 20, seems capable of being that guy in the near future and able to make the consistent impact that Eric Ebron has too often failed to provide.
22. Miami Dolphins- Forrest Lamp, Offensive Tackle, Western Kentucky: The consensus has been to push Lamp inside to guard, but he deserves a shot to show what he can do at tackle. Laremy Tunsil moves to tackle which creates the opening at the guard position.
23. New York Giants- Garett Bolles, Offensive Tackle, Utah: He's a late bloomer but also one of the few tackles coming out this year likely to make an impact. The Giants could use another tackle to move Ereck Fowlers to the other tackle side.
24. Oakland Raiders- Jarrad Davis, Linebacker, Florida: The Raiders need a playmaker in the middle of their defense. They had issues against the pass last year, and he's got the speed to upgrade.
25. Houston Texans- Cam Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: If Patrick Mahomes or DeShaun Watson is still available here, I can see the Texans taking one of them, if not, I can see them pulling the trigger on Robinson. Robinson can handle the right tackle position immediately with a chance to eventually take over the left side.
26. Seattle Seahawks, Kevin King, Cornerback, Washington: This one is so obvious. He is a long corner who just fits with what they do on defense. They could also go offensive line here, but there isn't a player worth the pick.
27. Kansas City Chiefs- Zach Cunningham, Linebacker, Vanderbilt: The Chiefs are looking for linebackers and Cunningham would be a nice fit. Cunningham is a fast and athletic player with instincts.
28. Dallas Cowboys- Obi Melifonwu, Safety, Connecticut: This kid has rare athletic ability for a safety, which the Texans need on the back end. He is a big, fast player who can play either spot.
29. Green Bay Packers- Adoree Jackson, Cornerback, USC: Jackson represents an upgrade at a weak position for the Packers. He could also return kicks and punts for them, which would be dangerous.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Tre'Davious White, Cornerback, LSU: A supremely gifted athlete who clocked a 4.47 40-yard-dash at the Combine, he’s also a very solid tackler. The Steelers could use some help in the secondary and White would be a nice fit.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Marcus Williams, Safety, Utah: Atlanta could trade up, maybe all the way to the late teens. Failing that, Dan Quinn gets his centerfielder. Williams would be a great fit for the Falcons.
32. New Orleans Saints (via New England Patriots)- John Ross, Wide Receiver, Washington: The Saints have a need at receiver after the trade of Brandin Cooks. Ross is perceived as the fastest receiver in this draft class and he would become a favorite target for Drew Brees.
1. Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Texas A&M: Garrett is a can't miss player in this draft and the Browns feel that way as they've turned down multiple trade offers for this pick. Garrett will make a big impact in this league and the comparisons to Khalil Mack and Von Miller are real.
2. San Francisco 49ers- Solomon Thomas, Defensive Lineman, Stanford: Thomas is a disrupting force who has drawn comparisons to Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald. He could be the perfect finishing touch for a defensive line currently better prepared to stuff the run than bother rival quarterbacks.
3. Chicago Bears- Jamal Adams, Safety, LSU: Adams has that kind of potential and is viewed by some as the safest prospect in the draft. He is a tone-setter with a rare combination of instincts, athleticism and intangibles to make an immediate impact on a defense that needs some premier talent.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars- Leonard Fournette, Running Back, LSU: The Jags know it's incumbent to support Blake Bortles with a legitimate ground game in order to give him a final chance to flourish or finally determine that he's not the answer at quarterback. Fournette, who's drawing comparisons to a young Adrian Peterson, is a workhorse who would almost certainly end the club's five-season streak without a 1,000-yard rusher.
5. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Clemson: I believe the Titans will trade down here, but they do have a need at receiver. Williams will immediately become Marcus Mariota's favorite target.
6. New York Jets- OJ Howard, Tight End, Alabama: Howard will give the Jets a much-needed weapon in the middle of the field. The problem here is that the Jets don't have a good quarterback situation.
7. Los Angeles Chargers- Malik Hooker, Safety, Ohio State: An elite ballhawk, Hooker had seven interceptions last year and returned three of them for TDs. Shoulder and hernia surgery sidelined Hooker the last few months, but considering his name has been mentioned with Ed Reed's, it will be hard to pass him up.
8. Carolina Panthers- Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, Stanford: McCaffrey would be an excellent fit for the Panthers, who could do so much for that team. He could run the ball as well as catch passes from the backfield and return kicks and punts.
9. Cincinnati Bengals- Reuben Foster, Linebacker, Alabama: There are reports saying Foster tested positive on drug tests at the combine. However, before Day 1 grows too old, his talent relative to the 2017 draft class will demand a team take him.
10. Buffalo Bills- Marcus Lattimore, Cornerback, Ohio State: This would be an absolute steal for the Bills, who have a need at corner. Here, they get the top cornerback prospect—a physical, aggressive lock-down defender.
11. New Orleans Saints- Haason Reddick, Linebacker, Temple: Reddick's a player, that much is clear after his sensational showings at the Senior Bowl and combine, not to mention a sterling Senior year for the Owls. Whether he fits best as an inside or outside linebacker has yet to be determined.
12. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Mitchell Trubisky, Quarterback, North Carolina: Getting Garrett and Trubisky in this draft would be a monster win for the Browns, who will try to trade up to get Trubisky. Trubisky is obviously a roll of the dice given that he only started one year for the Tar Heels, but he showed impressive accuracy, athleticism and pocket awareness in 2016.
13. Arizona Cardinals- Corey Davis, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan: Davis is polished, efficient, prolific in the red zone and a willing blocker to boot. Save for a few drops, he’s everything you could want in a WR1. He would be an eventual replacement for Larry Fitzgerald.
14. Philadelphia Eagles- Derek Barnett, Defensive End, Tennessee: They probably should take a corner here, but I wouldn't rule Barnett out here, who would be a great fit in this defensive scheme. He would make an immediate impact in this division.
15. Indianapolis Colts- Charles Harris, Defensive End, Missouri: Harris had a better 2015 than 2016, but he was also double-teamed for most of 2016. This might be rich for some, and going Harris over the other pass rushers might raise eyebrows, but he fits what Indianapolis is doing.
16. Baltimore Ravens- Jonathan Allen, Defensive Tackle/End, Alabama: This would be a monster steal for the Ravens. They can draft a receiver here, but I don't think Ozzie Newsome will be tempted to pass up on Allen.
17. Washington Redskins- Takk McKinley, Linebacker, UCLA: The Redskins are hunting for pass rushers. They'll probably take Harris if he's available, but if McKinley can get healthy, he might be the better player.
18. Tennessee Titans- Marlon Humphrey, Cornerback, Alabama: Humphrey has been a fast riser these last few days. The Cards could take him at 13, but the Titans have a need in the secondary and Humphrey would be a nice fit.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Dalvin Cook, Runner Back, Florida State: Cook sitting on the board at this spot would be hard to pass. I love the thought of Cook reuniting with Jameis Winston and don't forget that Doug Martin is suspended to start the season so the Bucs can use help at running back.
20. Denver Broncos- Ryan Ramczyk, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin: Ramczyk is a tough son of a gun, and he comes from a good lineage. Look at some of the NFL offensive linemen out of Wisconsin the past few years, and it’s home run after home run after home run. Ramczyk is the next in line.
21. Detroit Lions- David Njoku, Tight End, Miami: This offense has some nice pieces but lacks a true mismatch player. Njoku, 20, seems capable of being that guy in the near future and able to make the consistent impact that Eric Ebron has too often failed to provide.
22. Miami Dolphins- Forrest Lamp, Offensive Tackle, Western Kentucky: The consensus has been to push Lamp inside to guard, but he deserves a shot to show what he can do at tackle. Laremy Tunsil moves to tackle which creates the opening at the guard position.
23. New York Giants- Garett Bolles, Offensive Tackle, Utah: He's a late bloomer but also one of the few tackles coming out this year likely to make an impact. The Giants could use another tackle to move Ereck Fowlers to the other tackle side.
24. Oakland Raiders- Jarrad Davis, Linebacker, Florida: The Raiders need a playmaker in the middle of their defense. They had issues against the pass last year, and he's got the speed to upgrade.
25. Houston Texans- Cam Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: If Patrick Mahomes or DeShaun Watson is still available here, I can see the Texans taking one of them, if not, I can see them pulling the trigger on Robinson. Robinson can handle the right tackle position immediately with a chance to eventually take over the left side.
26. Seattle Seahawks, Kevin King, Cornerback, Washington: This one is so obvious. He is a long corner who just fits with what they do on defense. They could also go offensive line here, but there isn't a player worth the pick.
27. Kansas City Chiefs- Zach Cunningham, Linebacker, Vanderbilt: The Chiefs are looking for linebackers and Cunningham would be a nice fit. Cunningham is a fast and athletic player with instincts.
28. Dallas Cowboys- Obi Melifonwu, Safety, Connecticut: This kid has rare athletic ability for a safety, which the Texans need on the back end. He is a big, fast player who can play either spot.
29. Green Bay Packers- Adoree Jackson, Cornerback, USC: Jackson represents an upgrade at a weak position for the Packers. He could also return kicks and punts for them, which would be dangerous.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Tre'Davious White, Cornerback, LSU: A supremely gifted athlete who clocked a 4.47 40-yard-dash at the Combine, he’s also a very solid tackler. The Steelers could use some help in the secondary and White would be a nice fit.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Marcus Williams, Safety, Utah: Atlanta could trade up, maybe all the way to the late teens. Failing that, Dan Quinn gets his centerfielder. Williams would be a great fit for the Falcons.
32. New Orleans Saints (via New England Patriots)- John Ross, Wide Receiver, Washington: The Saints have a need at receiver after the trade of Brandin Cooks. Ross is perceived as the fastest receiver in this draft class and he would become a favorite target for Drew Brees.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
2017 NFL Mock Draft: Third Edition
Here is the third edition of my 2017 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Texas A&M: Garrett is a can't miss player in this draft and the Browns feel that way as they've turned down multiple trade offers for this pick. Garrett will make a big impact in this league and the comparisons to Khalil Mack are real.
2. San Francisco 49ers- Jamal Adams, Safety, LSU: Adams has that kind of potential and is viewed by some as the safest prospect in the draft. He is a tone-setter with a rare combination of instincts, athleticism and intangibles to make an immediate impact on a defense that needs some premier talent.
3. Chicago Bears- Solomon Thomas, Defensive Lineman, Stanford: Thomas is a disrupting force who has drawn comparisons to Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald. He could be the perfect finishing touch for a defensive line currently better prepared to stuff the run than bother rival quarterbacks.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars- Leonard Fournette, Running Back, LSU: The Jags know it's incumbent to support Blake Bortles with a legitimate ground game in order to give him a final chance to flourish or finally determine that he's not the answer at quarterback. Fournette, who's drawing comparisons to a young Adrian Peterson, is a workhorse who would almost certainly end the club's five-season streak without a 1,000-yard rusher.
5. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Marcus Lattimore, Cornerback, Ohio State: It was obvious even before the Titans cut Jason McCourty that they would be looking to draft at the cornerback position. Here, they get the top prospect—a physical, aggressive lock-down defender.
6. New York Jets- OJ Howard, Tight End, Alabama: Howard will give the Jets a much-needed weapon in the middle of the field. The problem here is that the Jets don't have a good quarterback situation.
7. Los Angeles Chargers- Malik Hooker, Safety, Ohio State: An elite ballhawk, Hooker had seven interceptions last year and returned three of them for TDs. Shoulder and hernia surgery sidelined Hooker the last few months, but considering his name has been mentioned with Ed Reed's, it will be hard to pass him up.
8. Carolina Panthers- Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, Stanford: McCaffrey would be an excellent fit for the Panthers, who could do so much for that team. He could run the ball as well as catch passes from the backfield and return kicks and punts.
9. Cincinnati Bengals- Haason Reddick, Linebacker, Temple: Reddick's a player, that much is clear after his sensational showings at the Senior Bowl and combine, not to mention a sterling Senior year for the Owls. Whether he fits best as an inside or outside linebacker has yet to be determined.
10. Buffalo Bills- Derek Barnett, Defensive End, Tennessee: Barnett is a day one pass rusher that is too tempting to not pass up on. He has ability to time gaps and make things happen.
11. New Orleans Saints- Reuben Foster, Linebacker, Alabama: There are reports saying Foster tested positive on drug tests at the combine. However, before Day 1 grows too old, his talent relative to the 2017 draft class will demand a team take him. The Saints can use help at the position as well.
12. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Mitchell Trubisky, Quarterback, North Carolina: Getting Garrett and Trubisky in this draft would be a monster win for the Browns, who will try to trade up to get Trubisky. Trubisky is obviously a roll of the dice given that he only started one year for the Tar Heels, but he showed impressive accuracy, athleticism and pocket awareness in 2016.
13. Arizona Cardinals- Jonathan Allen, Defensive End/Tackle, Alabama: What a steal this would be for the Cardinals, who could go in a bunch of different directions with this pick. Allen has health concerns, but he may be too tempting not to pass up.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (via Minnesota Vikings)- Gareon Conley, Cornerback, Ohio State: The Eagles fill their giant need at corner with the second-best corner in this draft. Conley has a ceiling as high as anyone in this class, save for Lattimore. The scandal he's involved in could affect his draft stock, though.
15. Indianapolis Colts- Charles Harris, Defensive End, Missouri: Harris had a better 2015 than 2016, but he was also double-teamed for most of 2016. This might be rich for some, and going Harris over the other pass rushers might raise eyebrows, but he fits what Indianapolis is doing.
16. Baltimore Ravens- Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Clemson: This would be a steal for the Ravens, who have a need at wide receiver. Steve Smith retired and Mike Wallace is aging, so this pick would be great for Joe Flacco.
17. Washington Redskins- Jarrad Davis, Linebacker, Florida: Rangy defender who could give a questionable linebacking corps a nice boost. And Davis would have a chance to quickly leave an imprint with the Redskins, sucking up blocks in front of him.
18. Tennessee Titans- Corey Davis, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan: Davis is polished, efficient, prolific in the red zone and a willing blocker to boot. Save for a few drops, he’s everything you could want in a WR1. He would be a great fit with the Titans, considering they have a need at receiver.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Dalvin Cook, Runner Back, Florida State: Cook sitting on the board at this spot would be hard to pass. I love the thought of Cook reuniting with Jameis Winston and don't forget that Doug Martin is suspended to start the season so the Bucs can use help at running back.
20. Denver Broncos- Ryan Ramczyk, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin: Ramczyk is a tough son of a gun, and he comes from a good lineage. Look at some of the NFL offensive linemen out of Wisconsin the past few years, and it’s home run after home run after home run. Ramczyk is the next in line.
21. Detroit Lions- David Njoku, Tight End, Miami: This offense has some nice pieces but lacks a true mismatch player. Njoku, 20, seems capable of being that guy in the near future and able to make the consistent impact that Eric Ebron has too often failed to provide.
22. Miami Dolphins- Forrest Lamp, Offensive Tackle, Western Kentucky: The consensus has been to push Lamp inside to guard, but he deserves a shot to show what he can do at tackle. Laremy Tunsil moves to tackle which creates the opening at the guard position.
23. New York Giants- Garett Bolles, Offensive Tackle, Utah: He's a late bloomer but also one of the few tackles coming out this year likely to make an impact. The Giants could use another tackle to move Ereck Fowlers to the other tackle side.
24. Oakland Raiders- Kevin King, Cornerback, Washington: A big defender (6-3, 200) who could present a challenge to the Demaryius Thomases and Keenan Allens of the world, King would also bring a needed element of athleticism to this secondary.
25. Houston Texans- Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback, Texas Tech: The belief is that Mahomes needs to sit and watch next season. Landing on a depth chart headlined by Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden could change those plans. Mahomes’s potential alone could get him a crack as a starter early, and his athleticism/arm combo would make plays happen in Bill O’Brien’s offense.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Cam Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: The Seahawks have a need at this position. Robinson could more than fill that hole and maybe even kick out to tackle at some point if asked.
27. Kansas City Chiefs- Tre'Davious White, Cornerback, LSU: A supremely gifted athlete who clocked a 4.47 40-yard-dash at the Combine, he’s also a very solid tackler. The Chiefs are likely looking for an inside linebacker or another cornerback. White fits.
28. Dallas Cowboys- Adoree Jackson, Cornerback, USC: Jackson represents an upgrade at a somewhat weak position for the Cowboys. He could also return kicks and punts for them, which would be dangerous.
29. Green Bay Packers- TJ Watt, Outside Linebacker, Wisconsin: This one just makes too much sense. The Packers need another pass rusher and Watt is a stud, but maybe not the stud his brother JJ is.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jabril Peppers, Safety, Michigan: The recent report that came out that he tested positive could very well impact his draft stock. That said, this would be a great pick for the Steelers, who could use some help in the secondary.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Taco Charlton, Defensive End, Michigan: It took a while for the light to come on for Charlton at Michigan but he led the Big Ten in sacks a year ago in his first season as a full-time starter. Boasting a terrific combination of burst, bend and length, Charlton has Pro Bowl potential.
32. New Orleans Saints (via New England Patriots)- John Ross, Wide Receiver, Washington: The Saints have a need at receiver after the trade of Brandin Cooks. Ross is perceived as the fastest receiver in this draft class and he would become a favorite target for Drew Brees.
1. Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Texas A&M: Garrett is a can't miss player in this draft and the Browns feel that way as they've turned down multiple trade offers for this pick. Garrett will make a big impact in this league and the comparisons to Khalil Mack are real.
2. San Francisco 49ers- Jamal Adams, Safety, LSU: Adams has that kind of potential and is viewed by some as the safest prospect in the draft. He is a tone-setter with a rare combination of instincts, athleticism and intangibles to make an immediate impact on a defense that needs some premier talent.
3. Chicago Bears- Solomon Thomas, Defensive Lineman, Stanford: Thomas is a disrupting force who has drawn comparisons to Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald. He could be the perfect finishing touch for a defensive line currently better prepared to stuff the run than bother rival quarterbacks.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars- Leonard Fournette, Running Back, LSU: The Jags know it's incumbent to support Blake Bortles with a legitimate ground game in order to give him a final chance to flourish or finally determine that he's not the answer at quarterback. Fournette, who's drawing comparisons to a young Adrian Peterson, is a workhorse who would almost certainly end the club's five-season streak without a 1,000-yard rusher.
5. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Marcus Lattimore, Cornerback, Ohio State: It was obvious even before the Titans cut Jason McCourty that they would be looking to draft at the cornerback position. Here, they get the top prospect—a physical, aggressive lock-down defender.
6. New York Jets- OJ Howard, Tight End, Alabama: Howard will give the Jets a much-needed weapon in the middle of the field. The problem here is that the Jets don't have a good quarterback situation.
7. Los Angeles Chargers- Malik Hooker, Safety, Ohio State: An elite ballhawk, Hooker had seven interceptions last year and returned three of them for TDs. Shoulder and hernia surgery sidelined Hooker the last few months, but considering his name has been mentioned with Ed Reed's, it will be hard to pass him up.
8. Carolina Panthers- Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, Stanford: McCaffrey would be an excellent fit for the Panthers, who could do so much for that team. He could run the ball as well as catch passes from the backfield and return kicks and punts.
9. Cincinnati Bengals- Haason Reddick, Linebacker, Temple: Reddick's a player, that much is clear after his sensational showings at the Senior Bowl and combine, not to mention a sterling Senior year for the Owls. Whether he fits best as an inside or outside linebacker has yet to be determined.
10. Buffalo Bills- Derek Barnett, Defensive End, Tennessee: Barnett is a day one pass rusher that is too tempting to not pass up on. He has ability to time gaps and make things happen.
11. New Orleans Saints- Reuben Foster, Linebacker, Alabama: There are reports saying Foster tested positive on drug tests at the combine. However, before Day 1 grows too old, his talent relative to the 2017 draft class will demand a team take him. The Saints can use help at the position as well.
12. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Mitchell Trubisky, Quarterback, North Carolina: Getting Garrett and Trubisky in this draft would be a monster win for the Browns, who will try to trade up to get Trubisky. Trubisky is obviously a roll of the dice given that he only started one year for the Tar Heels, but he showed impressive accuracy, athleticism and pocket awareness in 2016.
13. Arizona Cardinals- Jonathan Allen, Defensive End/Tackle, Alabama: What a steal this would be for the Cardinals, who could go in a bunch of different directions with this pick. Allen has health concerns, but he may be too tempting not to pass up.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (via Minnesota Vikings)- Gareon Conley, Cornerback, Ohio State: The Eagles fill their giant need at corner with the second-best corner in this draft. Conley has a ceiling as high as anyone in this class, save for Lattimore. The scandal he's involved in could affect his draft stock, though.
15. Indianapolis Colts- Charles Harris, Defensive End, Missouri: Harris had a better 2015 than 2016, but he was also double-teamed for most of 2016. This might be rich for some, and going Harris over the other pass rushers might raise eyebrows, but he fits what Indianapolis is doing.
16. Baltimore Ravens- Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Clemson: This would be a steal for the Ravens, who have a need at wide receiver. Steve Smith retired and Mike Wallace is aging, so this pick would be great for Joe Flacco.
17. Washington Redskins- Jarrad Davis, Linebacker, Florida: Rangy defender who could give a questionable linebacking corps a nice boost. And Davis would have a chance to quickly leave an imprint with the Redskins, sucking up blocks in front of him.
18. Tennessee Titans- Corey Davis, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan: Davis is polished, efficient, prolific in the red zone and a willing blocker to boot. Save for a few drops, he’s everything you could want in a WR1. He would be a great fit with the Titans, considering they have a need at receiver.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Dalvin Cook, Runner Back, Florida State: Cook sitting on the board at this spot would be hard to pass. I love the thought of Cook reuniting with Jameis Winston and don't forget that Doug Martin is suspended to start the season so the Bucs can use help at running back.
20. Denver Broncos- Ryan Ramczyk, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin: Ramczyk is a tough son of a gun, and he comes from a good lineage. Look at some of the NFL offensive linemen out of Wisconsin the past few years, and it’s home run after home run after home run. Ramczyk is the next in line.
21. Detroit Lions- David Njoku, Tight End, Miami: This offense has some nice pieces but lacks a true mismatch player. Njoku, 20, seems capable of being that guy in the near future and able to make the consistent impact that Eric Ebron has too often failed to provide.
22. Miami Dolphins- Forrest Lamp, Offensive Tackle, Western Kentucky: The consensus has been to push Lamp inside to guard, but he deserves a shot to show what he can do at tackle. Laremy Tunsil moves to tackle which creates the opening at the guard position.
23. New York Giants- Garett Bolles, Offensive Tackle, Utah: He's a late bloomer but also one of the few tackles coming out this year likely to make an impact. The Giants could use another tackle to move Ereck Fowlers to the other tackle side.
24. Oakland Raiders- Kevin King, Cornerback, Washington: A big defender (6-3, 200) who could present a challenge to the Demaryius Thomases and Keenan Allens of the world, King would also bring a needed element of athleticism to this secondary.
25. Houston Texans- Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback, Texas Tech: The belief is that Mahomes needs to sit and watch next season. Landing on a depth chart headlined by Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden could change those plans. Mahomes’s potential alone could get him a crack as a starter early, and his athleticism/arm combo would make plays happen in Bill O’Brien’s offense.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Cam Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: The Seahawks have a need at this position. Robinson could more than fill that hole and maybe even kick out to tackle at some point if asked.
27. Kansas City Chiefs- Tre'Davious White, Cornerback, LSU: A supremely gifted athlete who clocked a 4.47 40-yard-dash at the Combine, he’s also a very solid tackler. The Chiefs are likely looking for an inside linebacker or another cornerback. White fits.
28. Dallas Cowboys- Adoree Jackson, Cornerback, USC: Jackson represents an upgrade at a somewhat weak position for the Cowboys. He could also return kicks and punts for them, which would be dangerous.
29. Green Bay Packers- TJ Watt, Outside Linebacker, Wisconsin: This one just makes too much sense. The Packers need another pass rusher and Watt is a stud, but maybe not the stud his brother JJ is.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jabril Peppers, Safety, Michigan: The recent report that came out that he tested positive could very well impact his draft stock. That said, this would be a great pick for the Steelers, who could use some help in the secondary.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Taco Charlton, Defensive End, Michigan: It took a while for the light to come on for Charlton at Michigan but he led the Big Ten in sacks a year ago in his first season as a full-time starter. Boasting a terrific combination of burst, bend and length, Charlton has Pro Bowl potential.
32. New Orleans Saints (via New England Patriots)- John Ross, Wide Receiver, Washington: The Saints have a need at receiver after the trade of Brandin Cooks. Ross is perceived as the fastest receiver in this draft class and he would become a favorite target for Drew Brees.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions: Semifinals
Here are my predictions for the Semifinals of the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Eastern Conference
(M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs (M1) Washington Capitals: This could very well be the best series of the playoffs in what is a rematch of a Semfinal from a year ago. Washington is coming off a six game series win over the upstart Toronto Maple Leafs. Pittsburgh is coming off a five game series win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Alex Ovechkin vs Sidney Crosby is obviously the big storyline here and it's their third time going up against each other in the playoffs in their careers. Both teams have a ton of depth with both forwards and defensemen. Braden Holtby has been terrific in net for the Caps and the defense has held it's own as well. Although Marc-Andre Fleury has done a good job in Matt Murray's absence, Murray is supposed to be back. The Pens are getting healthier now and that is why I'm picking the Pens to knock off the Presidents Trophy winners for the second straight season to go to their second straight Eastern Conference Final.
Prediction: Penguins in six games.
(WC1) New York Rangers vs (A2) Ottawa Senators: These two teams hooked up five years ago in the First Round, but both teams are dramatically different now. The big storyline here is that Derrick Brassard and Mika Zibanejad, who were traded for each other over the summer are playing against one other. Ottawa is coming off a six game series win over the Boston Bruins. The Rangers are coming off a six game series win over the Montreal Canadiens. These teams are about even offensively, but the Sens have the edge defensively due to their depth and the fact they have arguable the best defenseman in the playoffs in Eric Karlsson. Craig Anderson was solid in net for the Sens and Henrik Lundqvist was great in net for the Rangers. Lundqvist to me is the difference in this series and that will lift the Rangers to their fourth Eastern Conference Final in six seasons.
Prediction: Rangers in six games.
Western Conference
(WC2) Nashville Predators vs (C3) St. Louis Blues: This is such a great matchup we have. Nashville is coming off a stunning sweep over the Chicago Blackhawks. St. Louis is coming off a five game series win over the Minnesota Wild. Both goalies in Pekka Rinne and Jake Allen were outstanding in their First Round series's and both teams were terrific defensively. Vladimir Tarasenko is probably the best player in this series, but arguably no team looked better in their First Round series than the Preds, who underachieved in the regular season and guys like Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg playing well, they're poised to go to their first ever Western Conference Final.
Prediction: Predators in six games.
(P2) Edmonton Oilers vs (P1) Anaheim Ducks: This series is very underrated. Edmonton is coming off a six game series win over the reigning Western Conference champion San Jose Sharks. Anaheim is coming off an impressive four game sweep over the Calgary Flames. John Gibson and Cam Talbot did a nice job in goal for their respective teams. Connor McDavid is the best player in the series, but the Ducks are getting Cam Fowler back on defense and they are loaded offensively with Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Ryan Kesler leading the way. The Ducks will advance to their second Western Conference Final in three seasons in what should be a great series.
Prediction: Ducks in seven games.
Eastern Conference
(M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs (M1) Washington Capitals: This could very well be the best series of the playoffs in what is a rematch of a Semfinal from a year ago. Washington is coming off a six game series win over the upstart Toronto Maple Leafs. Pittsburgh is coming off a five game series win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Alex Ovechkin vs Sidney Crosby is obviously the big storyline here and it's their third time going up against each other in the playoffs in their careers. Both teams have a ton of depth with both forwards and defensemen. Braden Holtby has been terrific in net for the Caps and the defense has held it's own as well. Although Marc-Andre Fleury has done a good job in Matt Murray's absence, Murray is supposed to be back. The Pens are getting healthier now and that is why I'm picking the Pens to knock off the Presidents Trophy winners for the second straight season to go to their second straight Eastern Conference Final.
Prediction: Penguins in six games.
(WC1) New York Rangers vs (A2) Ottawa Senators: These two teams hooked up five years ago in the First Round, but both teams are dramatically different now. The big storyline here is that Derrick Brassard and Mika Zibanejad, who were traded for each other over the summer are playing against one other. Ottawa is coming off a six game series win over the Boston Bruins. The Rangers are coming off a six game series win over the Montreal Canadiens. These teams are about even offensively, but the Sens have the edge defensively due to their depth and the fact they have arguable the best defenseman in the playoffs in Eric Karlsson. Craig Anderson was solid in net for the Sens and Henrik Lundqvist was great in net for the Rangers. Lundqvist to me is the difference in this series and that will lift the Rangers to their fourth Eastern Conference Final in six seasons.
Prediction: Rangers in six games.
Western Conference
(WC2) Nashville Predators vs (C3) St. Louis Blues: This is such a great matchup we have. Nashville is coming off a stunning sweep over the Chicago Blackhawks. St. Louis is coming off a five game series win over the Minnesota Wild. Both goalies in Pekka Rinne and Jake Allen were outstanding in their First Round series's and both teams were terrific defensively. Vladimir Tarasenko is probably the best player in this series, but arguably no team looked better in their First Round series than the Preds, who underachieved in the regular season and guys like Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg playing well, they're poised to go to their first ever Western Conference Final.
Prediction: Predators in six games.
(P2) Edmonton Oilers vs (P1) Anaheim Ducks: This series is very underrated. Edmonton is coming off a six game series win over the reigning Western Conference champion San Jose Sharks. Anaheim is coming off an impressive four game sweep over the Calgary Flames. John Gibson and Cam Talbot did a nice job in goal for their respective teams. Connor McDavid is the best player in the series, but the Ducks are getting Cam Fowler back on defense and they are loaded offensively with Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Ryan Kesler leading the way. The Ducks will advance to their second Western Conference Final in three seasons in what should be a great series.
Prediction: Ducks in seven games.
2017 NFL Mock Draft: Second Edition
Here is the second edition of my 2017 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Texas A&M: Garrett is a can't miss player in this draft and the Browns feel that way as they've turned down multiple trade offers for this pick. Garrett will make a big impact in this league and the comparisons to Khalil Mack are real.
2. San Francisco 49ers- Solomon Thomas, Defensive Lineman, Stanford: Thomas is a disrupting force who has drawn comparisons to Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald. He could be the perfect finishing touch for a defensive line currently better prepared to stuff the run than bother rival quarterbacks.
3. Chicago Bears- Jamal Adams, Safety, LSU: Adams has that kind of potential and is viewed by some as the safest prospect in the draft. He is a tone-setter with a rare combination of instincts, athleticism and intangibles to make an immediate impact on a defense that made strides a year ago.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars- Leonard Fournette, Running Back, LSU: The Jags know it's incumbent to support Blake Bortles with a legitimate ground game in order to give him a final chance to flourish or finally determine that he's not the answer at quarterback. Fournette, who's drawing comparisons to a young Adrian Peterson, is a workhorse who would almost certainly end the club's five-season streak without a 1,000-yard rusher.
5. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Marcus Lattimore, Cornerback, Ohio State: It was obvious even before the Titans cut Jason McCourty that they would be looking to draft at the cornerback position. Here, they get the top prospect—a physical, aggressive lock-down defender.
6. New York Jets- Malik Hooker, Safety, Ohio State: An elite ballhawk, Hooker had seven interceptions last year and returned three of them for TDs. Shoulder and hernia surgery sidelined Hooker the last few months, but considering his name has been mentioned with Ed Reed's, it will be hard to pass him up.
7. Los Angeles Chargers- Jonathan Allen, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: What a teal this would be for the Chargers, who drafted Joey Bosa a year ago. Allen and Bosa would be a force on that defensive line together.
8. Carolina Panthers- Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, Stanford: McCaffrey would be an excellent fit for the Panthers, who could do so much for that team. He could run the ball as well as catch passes from the backfield and return kicks and punts.
9. Cincinnati Bengals- Derek Barnett, Defensive End, Tennessee: The Bengals have a glaring need at defensive end, and Barnett is capable of tearing up the man-on-man blocking he’d see with lines focused on Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap.
10. Buffalo Bills- Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Clemson: The Bills have a need at receiver to go with Sammy Watkins and Williams would fit the bill. I like the thought of two Clemson receivers on the same team.
11. New Orleans Saints- Taco Charlton, Defensive End, Michigan: It took a while for the light to come on for Charlton at Michigan but he led the Big Ten in sacks a year ago in his first season as a full-time starter. Boasting a terrific combination of burst, bend and length, Charlton has Pro Bowl potential.
12. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Mitchell Trubisky, Quarterback, North Carolina: Getting Garrett and Trubisky in this draft would be a monster win for the Browns, who will try to trade up to get Trubisky. Trubisky is obviously a roll of the dice given that he only started one year for the Tar Heels, but he showed impressive accuracy, athleticism and pocket awareness in 2016.
13. Arizona Cardinals- Corey Davis, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan: Davis is polished, efficient, prolific in the red zone and a willing blocker to boot. Save for a few drops, he’s everything you could want in a WR1. He would be an eventual replacement for Larry Fitzgerald.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (via Minnesota Vikings)- Gareon Conley, Cornerback, Ohio State: The Eagles fill their giant need at corner with the second-best corner in this draft. Conley has a ceiling as high as anyone in this class, save for Lattimore.
15. Indianapolis Colts- Haason Reddick, Linebacker, Temple: Reddick's a player, that much is clear after his sensational showings at the Senior Bowl and combine, not to mention a sterling Senior year for the Owls. Whether he fits best as an inside or outside linebacker has yet to be determined.
16. Baltimore Ravens- OJ Howard, Tight End, Alabama: This would be a great pick for the Ravens, who need more offensively around Joe Flacco. A wide receiver here can't be ruled out, but Howard is a classic Ravens pick.
17. Washington Redskins- Reuben Foster, Linebacker, Alabama: There are reports saying Foster tested positive on drug tests at the combine. However, before Day 1 grows too old, his talent relative to the 2017 draft class will demand a team take him. The Colts can use help at the position as well.
18. Tennessee Titans- John Ross, Wide Receiver, Washington: Yes, he's on the small side (5-11, 188), comes off off shoulder surgery and has had past knee issues. But perhaps no player in this draft can make a bigger impact without the ball in his hands. Ross' now legendary 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the combine should make him a bona fide deep threat and return man. That speed will garner instant respect from defensive coordinators already facing a slew of problems from Tennessee's run-heavy offense.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Dalvin Cook, Runner Back, Florida State: Cook sitting on the board at this spot would be hard to pass. I love the thought of Cook reuniting with Jameis Winston and don't forget that Doug Martin is suspended to start the season so the Bucs can use help at running back.
20. Denver Broncos- Garett Bolles, Offensive Tackle, Utah: He's a late bloomer but also one of the few tackles coming out this year likely to make an impact. Denver needs to replace departed Russell Okung and get more juice out of its running game. Bolles could allow the team to check both boxes.
21. Detroit Lions- David Njoku, Tight End, Miami: This offense has some nice pieces but lacks a true mismatch player. Njoku, 20, seems capable of being that guy in the near future and able to make the consistent impact that Eric Ebron has too often failed to provide.
22. Miami Dolphins- Jarrad Davis, Linebacker, Florida: Rangy defender who could give a questionable linebacking corps a nice boost. And Davis would have a chance to quickly leave an imprint with Ndamukong Suh and Co. sucking up blocks in front of him.
23. New York Giants- Ryan Ramczyk, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin: This offense needs better tackle play on both sides of the ball. Ideally, Ramczyk would prove capable of locking down Eli Manning's blind side and allowing Ereck Flowers to anchor the right side.
24. Oakland Raiders- Kevin King, Cornerback, Washington: A big defender (6-3, 200) who could present a challenge to the Demaryius Thomases and Keenan Allens of the world, King would also bring a needed element of athleticism to this secondary.
25. Houston Texans- Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback, Texas Tech: The belief is that Mahomes needs to sit and watch next season. Landing on a depth chart headlined by Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden could change those plans. Mahomes’s potential alone could get him a crack as a starter early, and his athleticism/arm combo would make plays happen in Bill O’Brien’s offense.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Forrest Lamp, Offensive Tackle, Western Kentucky: The consensus has been to push Lamp inside to guard, but he deserves a shot to show what he can do at tackle. The Seahawks have a glaring need on the offensive line and Lamp would be a good pick here.
27. Kansas City Chiefs- Zach Cunningham, Linebacker, Vanderbilt: Linebacker is a clear need in Kansas City with veteran Derrick Johnson again rehabilitating a torn Achilles. Cunningham, the SEC's leading tackler in 2016 and a two-time first team all-conference selection, possesses the speed and instincts to help fill that hole.
28. Dallas Cowboys- Charles Harris, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Missouri: The Cowboys' gambles on recent character concerns at pass rusher have not paid off and adding a play-maker to this unit should be a top priority. Harris has the burst, bend and lethal spin move to wreak havoc off the edge and, after only joining the sport as a junior in high school, he has the upside for defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli to develop.
29. Green Bay Packers- Adoree Jackson, Cornerback, USC: Jackson represents an upgrade at a weak position for the Packers. He could also return kicks and punts for them, which would be dangerous.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jabril Peppers, Safety, Michigan: The recent report that came out that he tested positive could very well impact his draft stock. That said, this would be a great pick for the Steelers, who could use some help in the secondary.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Cam Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: The NFC champs didn't lose much this offseason, but Chris Chester did retire. Robinson could more than fill that hole and maybe even kick out to tackle at some point if asked.
32. New Orleans Saints (via New England Patriots)- TJ Watt, Outside Linebacker, Wisconsin: The Saints could use help at linebacker. TJ might not be as good as his brother JJ, but he should be a good player in the league.
1. Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Texas A&M: Garrett is a can't miss player in this draft and the Browns feel that way as they've turned down multiple trade offers for this pick. Garrett will make a big impact in this league and the comparisons to Khalil Mack are real.
2. San Francisco 49ers- Solomon Thomas, Defensive Lineman, Stanford: Thomas is a disrupting force who has drawn comparisons to Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald. He could be the perfect finishing touch for a defensive line currently better prepared to stuff the run than bother rival quarterbacks.
3. Chicago Bears- Jamal Adams, Safety, LSU: Adams has that kind of potential and is viewed by some as the safest prospect in the draft. He is a tone-setter with a rare combination of instincts, athleticism and intangibles to make an immediate impact on a defense that made strides a year ago.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars- Leonard Fournette, Running Back, LSU: The Jags know it's incumbent to support Blake Bortles with a legitimate ground game in order to give him a final chance to flourish or finally determine that he's not the answer at quarterback. Fournette, who's drawing comparisons to a young Adrian Peterson, is a workhorse who would almost certainly end the club's five-season streak without a 1,000-yard rusher.
5. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Marcus Lattimore, Cornerback, Ohio State: It was obvious even before the Titans cut Jason McCourty that they would be looking to draft at the cornerback position. Here, they get the top prospect—a physical, aggressive lock-down defender.
6. New York Jets- Malik Hooker, Safety, Ohio State: An elite ballhawk, Hooker had seven interceptions last year and returned three of them for TDs. Shoulder and hernia surgery sidelined Hooker the last few months, but considering his name has been mentioned with Ed Reed's, it will be hard to pass him up.
7. Los Angeles Chargers- Jonathan Allen, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: What a teal this would be for the Chargers, who drafted Joey Bosa a year ago. Allen and Bosa would be a force on that defensive line together.
8. Carolina Panthers- Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, Stanford: McCaffrey would be an excellent fit for the Panthers, who could do so much for that team. He could run the ball as well as catch passes from the backfield and return kicks and punts.
9. Cincinnati Bengals- Derek Barnett, Defensive End, Tennessee: The Bengals have a glaring need at defensive end, and Barnett is capable of tearing up the man-on-man blocking he’d see with lines focused on Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap.
10. Buffalo Bills- Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Clemson: The Bills have a need at receiver to go with Sammy Watkins and Williams would fit the bill. I like the thought of two Clemson receivers on the same team.
11. New Orleans Saints- Taco Charlton, Defensive End, Michigan: It took a while for the light to come on for Charlton at Michigan but he led the Big Ten in sacks a year ago in his first season as a full-time starter. Boasting a terrific combination of burst, bend and length, Charlton has Pro Bowl potential.
12. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Mitchell Trubisky, Quarterback, North Carolina: Getting Garrett and Trubisky in this draft would be a monster win for the Browns, who will try to trade up to get Trubisky. Trubisky is obviously a roll of the dice given that he only started one year for the Tar Heels, but he showed impressive accuracy, athleticism and pocket awareness in 2016.
13. Arizona Cardinals- Corey Davis, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan: Davis is polished, efficient, prolific in the red zone and a willing blocker to boot. Save for a few drops, he’s everything you could want in a WR1. He would be an eventual replacement for Larry Fitzgerald.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (via Minnesota Vikings)- Gareon Conley, Cornerback, Ohio State: The Eagles fill their giant need at corner with the second-best corner in this draft. Conley has a ceiling as high as anyone in this class, save for Lattimore.
15. Indianapolis Colts- Haason Reddick, Linebacker, Temple: Reddick's a player, that much is clear after his sensational showings at the Senior Bowl and combine, not to mention a sterling Senior year for the Owls. Whether he fits best as an inside or outside linebacker has yet to be determined.
16. Baltimore Ravens- OJ Howard, Tight End, Alabama: This would be a great pick for the Ravens, who need more offensively around Joe Flacco. A wide receiver here can't be ruled out, but Howard is a classic Ravens pick.
17. Washington Redskins- Reuben Foster, Linebacker, Alabama: There are reports saying Foster tested positive on drug tests at the combine. However, before Day 1 grows too old, his talent relative to the 2017 draft class will demand a team take him. The Colts can use help at the position as well.
18. Tennessee Titans- John Ross, Wide Receiver, Washington: Yes, he's on the small side (5-11, 188), comes off off shoulder surgery and has had past knee issues. But perhaps no player in this draft can make a bigger impact without the ball in his hands. Ross' now legendary 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the combine should make him a bona fide deep threat and return man. That speed will garner instant respect from defensive coordinators already facing a slew of problems from Tennessee's run-heavy offense.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Dalvin Cook, Runner Back, Florida State: Cook sitting on the board at this spot would be hard to pass. I love the thought of Cook reuniting with Jameis Winston and don't forget that Doug Martin is suspended to start the season so the Bucs can use help at running back.
20. Denver Broncos- Garett Bolles, Offensive Tackle, Utah: He's a late bloomer but also one of the few tackles coming out this year likely to make an impact. Denver needs to replace departed Russell Okung and get more juice out of its running game. Bolles could allow the team to check both boxes.
21. Detroit Lions- David Njoku, Tight End, Miami: This offense has some nice pieces but lacks a true mismatch player. Njoku, 20, seems capable of being that guy in the near future and able to make the consistent impact that Eric Ebron has too often failed to provide.
22. Miami Dolphins- Jarrad Davis, Linebacker, Florida: Rangy defender who could give a questionable linebacking corps a nice boost. And Davis would have a chance to quickly leave an imprint with Ndamukong Suh and Co. sucking up blocks in front of him.
23. New York Giants- Ryan Ramczyk, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin: This offense needs better tackle play on both sides of the ball. Ideally, Ramczyk would prove capable of locking down Eli Manning's blind side and allowing Ereck Flowers to anchor the right side.
24. Oakland Raiders- Kevin King, Cornerback, Washington: A big defender (6-3, 200) who could present a challenge to the Demaryius Thomases and Keenan Allens of the world, King would also bring a needed element of athleticism to this secondary.
25. Houston Texans- Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback, Texas Tech: The belief is that Mahomes needs to sit and watch next season. Landing on a depth chart headlined by Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden could change those plans. Mahomes’s potential alone could get him a crack as a starter early, and his athleticism/arm combo would make plays happen in Bill O’Brien’s offense.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Forrest Lamp, Offensive Tackle, Western Kentucky: The consensus has been to push Lamp inside to guard, but he deserves a shot to show what he can do at tackle. The Seahawks have a glaring need on the offensive line and Lamp would be a good pick here.
27. Kansas City Chiefs- Zach Cunningham, Linebacker, Vanderbilt: Linebacker is a clear need in Kansas City with veteran Derrick Johnson again rehabilitating a torn Achilles. Cunningham, the SEC's leading tackler in 2016 and a two-time first team all-conference selection, possesses the speed and instincts to help fill that hole.
28. Dallas Cowboys- Charles Harris, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Missouri: The Cowboys' gambles on recent character concerns at pass rusher have not paid off and adding a play-maker to this unit should be a top priority. Harris has the burst, bend and lethal spin move to wreak havoc off the edge and, after only joining the sport as a junior in high school, he has the upside for defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli to develop.
29. Green Bay Packers- Adoree Jackson, Cornerback, USC: Jackson represents an upgrade at a weak position for the Packers. He could also return kicks and punts for them, which would be dangerous.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jabril Peppers, Safety, Michigan: The recent report that came out that he tested positive could very well impact his draft stock. That said, this would be a great pick for the Steelers, who could use some help in the secondary.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Cam Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: The NFC champs didn't lose much this offseason, but Chris Chester did retire. Robinson could more than fill that hole and maybe even kick out to tackle at some point if asked.
32. New Orleans Saints (via New England Patriots)- TJ Watt, Outside Linebacker, Wisconsin: The Saints could use help at linebacker. TJ might not be as good as his brother JJ, but he should be a good player in the league.
Friday, April 21, 2017
2017 NFL Mock Draft: First Edition
Here is the first edition of my 2017 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Texas A&M: Garrett is a can't miss player in this draft and the Browns feel that way as they've turned down multiple trade offers for this pick. Garrett will make a big impact in this league and the comparisons to Khalil Mack are real.
2. San Francisco 49ers- Mitchell Trubisky, Quarterback, North Carolina: The Niners could go with a defensive player here, but Trubisky makes the most sense here. His skill set would fit nicely in new head coach Kyle Shannahan's offense.
3. Chicago Bears- Jonathan Allen, Defensive End, Alabama: This just feels like a perfect fit. Highly productive college player with no sizzle who will immediately make an impact going to a John Fox defense.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars- Solomon Thomas, Defensive Tackle/End, Stanford: Thomas would lock down a weak-side defensive end spot for years and provide tremendous three-down value. He’s the kind of player that helps teams win games.
5. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Marcus Lattimore, Cornerback, Ohio State: It was obvious even before the Titans cut Jason McCourty that they would be looking to draft at the cornerback position. Here, they get the top prospect—a physical, aggressive lock-down defender.
6. New York Jets- Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Clemson: The Jets, after losing Brandon Marshall, lack a top receiver. Yes, their quarterback situation is not good and they will likely miss out on Trubisky, but Williams looks like an impact receiver that can produce at a high level for a while.
7. Los Angeles Chargers- Malik Hooker, Safety, Ohio State: Adding a ball-hawking safety to this team would make this defense suddenly one of the most interesting units in the entire league, chock full of young talent.
8. Carolina Panthers- Leonard Fournette, Running Back, LSU: This fit is a match made in heaven. The Panthers’ rushing attack is a power system, which plays right to Fournette’s strengths.
9. Cincinnati Bengals- Derek Barnett, Defensive End, Tennessee: The Bengals have a glaring need at defensive end, and Barnett is capable of tearing up the man-on-man blocking he’d see with lines focused on Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap.
10. Buffalo Bills- Jamal Adams, Safety, LSU: The Bills could use some help on the backside of the defense and this addition feels like a borderline steal considering where Adams has been targeted to go for much of mock draft season.
11. New Orleans Saints- Corey Davis, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan: The Saints can use a receiver after trading Brandin Cooks away to the New England Patriots. Davis is polished, efficient, prolific in the red zone and a willing blocker to boot. Save for a few drops, he’s everything you could want in a WR1.
12. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia Eagles)- DeShaun Watson, Quarterback, Clemson: In all likelihood, Trubisky won't fall down here so lets go with Watson here. He will bring a lot of leadership qualities as well as fine play at the position and that's what the Browns currently lack.
13. Arizona Cardinals- Haason Reddick, Linebacker, Temple: The Cardinals have earned a reputation for finding creative ways to utilize talent. Reddick looks like he’ll be able to do a little bit of everything, including bringing heat off the edge and as a blitzer through the A-gap.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (via Minnesota Vikings)- Gareon Conley, Cornerback, Ohio State: The Eagles fill their giant need at corner with the second-best corner in this draft. Conley has a ceiling as high as anyone in this class, save for Lattimore.
15. Indianapolis Colts- Reuben Foster, Linebacker, Alabama: There are reports saying Foster tested positive on drug tests at the combine. However, before Day 1 grows too old, his talent relative to the 2017 draft class will demand a team take him. The Colts can use help at the position as well.
16. Baltimore Ravens- John Ross, Wide Receiver, Washington: The Ravens could use another receiver with Steve Smith retiring and Mike Wallace getting up there in age. Ross would be a nice fit there and his speed is electric.
17. Washington Redskins- Charles Harris, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Missouri: Washington doesn’t need to draft an edge rusher just because Trent Murphy will open the season on a four-game suspension. But it might draft one because there wasn’t much depth there in the first place. Harris can get after the quarterback and seems comfortable in space.
18. Tennessee Titans- Taco Charlton, Defensive End, Michigan: The Titans have a big need in the secondary, but there will be plenty of cornerbacks and safeties to be found in this draft. A raw but uber-talented defensive end like Charlton, on the other hand, won’t be found in the second or third days of the draft.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Obi Melifonwu, Safety, Connecticut: There could be a small safety run near this point in the draft— Melifonwu, Jabrill Peppers and Budda Baker are all still available. Should the Buccaneers opt to go that route, Melifonwu’s rangy game might make the most sense paired with free-agent pickup J.J. Wilcox. The upside with Melifonwu is so intriguing.
20. Denver Broncos- Forrest Lamp, Offensive Tackle, Western Kentucky: The consensus has been to push Lamp inside to guard, but he deserves a shot to show what he can do at tackle. He could fill a role at either spot for the Broncos, who could lean on his athletic run blocking.
21. Detroit Lions- Malik McDowell, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State: McDowell is hands down the best athlete in this draft. He’s built like a power forward and was at times totally dominating at Michigan State. This is a great fit for the Lions, who have a need at this position after losing Cliff Avril.
22. Miami Dolphins- Jabril Peppers, Safety, Michigan: Miami is in solid shape at safety, with Reshad Jones and Nate Allen to be joined midseason by T.J. McDonald (eight-game suspension). That’s perfect for Peppers, who then can be used to erase matchup issues as he grows into his role— Allen and McDonald both are on one-year deals.
23. New York Giants- Cam Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: For as much as the Giants could use Zach Cunningham or Jarrad Davis, the pick here is Robinson because the drop-off from Tier 1 to Tier 2 at tackle is greater than at linebacker. In other words, the Giants can find a starting LB in Round 2 or 3. They need to pounce on the tackle spot here, and Robinson can plug in as a road grader.
24. Oakland Raiders- Jarrad Davis, Linebacker, Florida: Oakland needs to get better on the inside at linebacker in a year that isn't "win now," but sort of is because of their move to Las Vegas.
25. Houston Texans- Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback, Texas Tech: The belief is that Mahomes needs to sit and watch next season. Landing on a depth chart headlined by Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden could change those plans. Mahomes’s potential alone could get him a crack as a starter early, and his athleticism/arm combo would make plays happen in Bill O’Brien’s offense.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Garett Bolles, Offensive Tackle, Utah: A Luke Joeckel-George Fant tackle pairing probably is a step up from last season’s Fant-Garry Gilliam mess, but it’s hardly reason to avoid a tackle. Bolles needs to play with more power, but he’s still a ready-made NFL starter. The Seahawks could run behind him all day.
27. Kansas City Chiefs- Dalvin Cook, Runner Back, Florida State: Cook sitting on the board at this spot would be hard to pass. The Chiefs do not have a back capable of changing defensive game plans. Cook can force those adjustments. This would be a nice fit for the Chiefs considering Jamaal Charles isn't around.
28. Dallas Cowboys- Kevin King, Cornerback, Washington: There are no Round 1 guarantees in this cornerback class beyond Lattimore. King, though, has propelled himself forward enough that it would be a mild upset if he isn’t among the top 32 picks. The Cowboys have to be tougher against the pass, hence the addition of King’s size and speed.
29. Green Bay Packers- Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, Stanford: McCaffrey would be an excellent fit for the Packers. He can run it down your throat and catch passes in the backfield. Aaron Rodgers would love that.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Chidobe Awuzie, Cornerback, Colorado: Big Ben might be pining for more offensive weapons, but the Steelers need someone to start as a slot cornerback next year, and Awuzie has prototypical cornerback size but also the quickness to play against opponents’ fastest receivers. Add in his ability to help in the pass rush (eight sacks, six hits and 17 hurries, per Pro Football Focus) and you have that slot corner.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Takk McKinley, Linebacker, UCLA: The Falcons need another viable pass rusher and they land that in McKinley, who only fell because of injury concerns.
32. New Orleans Saints (via New England Patriots)- Adoree Jackson, Cornerback, USC: The Saints coming away with a pair of blue-chip defensive players would be a massive win and would help justify moving a receiver with a pair of 1,000-yard seasons.
1. Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Texas A&M: Garrett is a can't miss player in this draft and the Browns feel that way as they've turned down multiple trade offers for this pick. Garrett will make a big impact in this league and the comparisons to Khalil Mack are real.
2. San Francisco 49ers- Mitchell Trubisky, Quarterback, North Carolina: The Niners could go with a defensive player here, but Trubisky makes the most sense here. His skill set would fit nicely in new head coach Kyle Shannahan's offense.
3. Chicago Bears- Jonathan Allen, Defensive End, Alabama: This just feels like a perfect fit. Highly productive college player with no sizzle who will immediately make an impact going to a John Fox defense.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars- Solomon Thomas, Defensive Tackle/End, Stanford: Thomas would lock down a weak-side defensive end spot for years and provide tremendous three-down value. He’s the kind of player that helps teams win games.
5. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Marcus Lattimore, Cornerback, Ohio State: It was obvious even before the Titans cut Jason McCourty that they would be looking to draft at the cornerback position. Here, they get the top prospect—a physical, aggressive lock-down defender.
6. New York Jets- Mike Williams, Wide Receiver, Clemson: The Jets, after losing Brandon Marshall, lack a top receiver. Yes, their quarterback situation is not good and they will likely miss out on Trubisky, but Williams looks like an impact receiver that can produce at a high level for a while.
7. Los Angeles Chargers- Malik Hooker, Safety, Ohio State: Adding a ball-hawking safety to this team would make this defense suddenly one of the most interesting units in the entire league, chock full of young talent.
8. Carolina Panthers- Leonard Fournette, Running Back, LSU: This fit is a match made in heaven. The Panthers’ rushing attack is a power system, which plays right to Fournette’s strengths.
9. Cincinnati Bengals- Derek Barnett, Defensive End, Tennessee: The Bengals have a glaring need at defensive end, and Barnett is capable of tearing up the man-on-man blocking he’d see with lines focused on Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap.
10. Buffalo Bills- Jamal Adams, Safety, LSU: The Bills could use some help on the backside of the defense and this addition feels like a borderline steal considering where Adams has been targeted to go for much of mock draft season.
11. New Orleans Saints- Corey Davis, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan: The Saints can use a receiver after trading Brandin Cooks away to the New England Patriots. Davis is polished, efficient, prolific in the red zone and a willing blocker to boot. Save for a few drops, he’s everything you could want in a WR1.
12. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia Eagles)- DeShaun Watson, Quarterback, Clemson: In all likelihood, Trubisky won't fall down here so lets go with Watson here. He will bring a lot of leadership qualities as well as fine play at the position and that's what the Browns currently lack.
13. Arizona Cardinals- Haason Reddick, Linebacker, Temple: The Cardinals have earned a reputation for finding creative ways to utilize talent. Reddick looks like he’ll be able to do a little bit of everything, including bringing heat off the edge and as a blitzer through the A-gap.
14. Philadelphia Eagles (via Minnesota Vikings)- Gareon Conley, Cornerback, Ohio State: The Eagles fill their giant need at corner with the second-best corner in this draft. Conley has a ceiling as high as anyone in this class, save for Lattimore.
15. Indianapolis Colts- Reuben Foster, Linebacker, Alabama: There are reports saying Foster tested positive on drug tests at the combine. However, before Day 1 grows too old, his talent relative to the 2017 draft class will demand a team take him. The Colts can use help at the position as well.
16. Baltimore Ravens- John Ross, Wide Receiver, Washington: The Ravens could use another receiver with Steve Smith retiring and Mike Wallace getting up there in age. Ross would be a nice fit there and his speed is electric.
17. Washington Redskins- Charles Harris, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Missouri: Washington doesn’t need to draft an edge rusher just because Trent Murphy will open the season on a four-game suspension. But it might draft one because there wasn’t much depth there in the first place. Harris can get after the quarterback and seems comfortable in space.
18. Tennessee Titans- Taco Charlton, Defensive End, Michigan: The Titans have a big need in the secondary, but there will be plenty of cornerbacks and safeties to be found in this draft. A raw but uber-talented defensive end like Charlton, on the other hand, won’t be found in the second or third days of the draft.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Obi Melifonwu, Safety, Connecticut: There could be a small safety run near this point in the draft— Melifonwu, Jabrill Peppers and Budda Baker are all still available. Should the Buccaneers opt to go that route, Melifonwu’s rangy game might make the most sense paired with free-agent pickup J.J. Wilcox. The upside with Melifonwu is so intriguing.
20. Denver Broncos- Forrest Lamp, Offensive Tackle, Western Kentucky: The consensus has been to push Lamp inside to guard, but he deserves a shot to show what he can do at tackle. He could fill a role at either spot for the Broncos, who could lean on his athletic run blocking.
21. Detroit Lions- Malik McDowell, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State: McDowell is hands down the best athlete in this draft. He’s built like a power forward and was at times totally dominating at Michigan State. This is a great fit for the Lions, who have a need at this position after losing Cliff Avril.
22. Miami Dolphins- Jabril Peppers, Safety, Michigan: Miami is in solid shape at safety, with Reshad Jones and Nate Allen to be joined midseason by T.J. McDonald (eight-game suspension). That’s perfect for Peppers, who then can be used to erase matchup issues as he grows into his role— Allen and McDonald both are on one-year deals.
23. New York Giants- Cam Robinson, Offensive Tackle, Alabama: For as much as the Giants could use Zach Cunningham or Jarrad Davis, the pick here is Robinson because the drop-off from Tier 1 to Tier 2 at tackle is greater than at linebacker. In other words, the Giants can find a starting LB in Round 2 or 3. They need to pounce on the tackle spot here, and Robinson can plug in as a road grader.
24. Oakland Raiders- Jarrad Davis, Linebacker, Florida: Oakland needs to get better on the inside at linebacker in a year that isn't "win now," but sort of is because of their move to Las Vegas.
25. Houston Texans- Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback, Texas Tech: The belief is that Mahomes needs to sit and watch next season. Landing on a depth chart headlined by Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden could change those plans. Mahomes’s potential alone could get him a crack as a starter early, and his athleticism/arm combo would make plays happen in Bill O’Brien’s offense.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Garett Bolles, Offensive Tackle, Utah: A Luke Joeckel-George Fant tackle pairing probably is a step up from last season’s Fant-Garry Gilliam mess, but it’s hardly reason to avoid a tackle. Bolles needs to play with more power, but he’s still a ready-made NFL starter. The Seahawks could run behind him all day.
27. Kansas City Chiefs- Dalvin Cook, Runner Back, Florida State: Cook sitting on the board at this spot would be hard to pass. The Chiefs do not have a back capable of changing defensive game plans. Cook can force those adjustments. This would be a nice fit for the Chiefs considering Jamaal Charles isn't around.
28. Dallas Cowboys- Kevin King, Cornerback, Washington: There are no Round 1 guarantees in this cornerback class beyond Lattimore. King, though, has propelled himself forward enough that it would be a mild upset if he isn’t among the top 32 picks. The Cowboys have to be tougher against the pass, hence the addition of King’s size and speed.
29. Green Bay Packers- Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, Stanford: McCaffrey would be an excellent fit for the Packers. He can run it down your throat and catch passes in the backfield. Aaron Rodgers would love that.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Chidobe Awuzie, Cornerback, Colorado: Big Ben might be pining for more offensive weapons, but the Steelers need someone to start as a slot cornerback next year, and Awuzie has prototypical cornerback size but also the quickness to play against opponents’ fastest receivers. Add in his ability to help in the pass rush (eight sacks, six hits and 17 hurries, per Pro Football Focus) and you have that slot corner.
31. Atlanta Falcons- Takk McKinley, Linebacker, UCLA: The Falcons need another viable pass rusher and they land that in McKinley, who only fell because of injury concerns.
32. New Orleans Saints (via New England Patriots)- Adoree Jackson, Cornerback, USC: The Saints coming away with a pair of blue-chip defensive players would be a massive win and would help justify moving a receiver with a pair of 1,000-yard seasons.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
2017 NBA Playoffs Predictions: Quarterfinals
Here are my predictions for the Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs.
Eastern Conference
(8) Chicago Bulls vs (1) Boston Celtics: This should be an interesting series featuring big markets, a bunch of big name players, and two teams that seem to be heading in opposite directions. The Celtics are a very good team with an outstanding head coach in Brad Stevens that plays hard every game. The might have the best player in this series in Jimmy Butler, who has been mentioned in trade rumors all season (and the Celtics are the most talked about team in the trade conversations surrounding Butler). The Bulls are the most unpredictable team perhaps in the playoffs and Butler and Dwayne Wade will put up their points, but the Celtics are flat out better and Isaiah Thomas will be clutch for the C's in what I think will be a short series.
Prediction: Celtics in five games.
(7) Indiana Pacers vs (2) Cleveland Cavaliers: Color me surprised among those that the Cavaliers did not finish with the 1-seed. That's what they get for resting players too much. The intrigue of this series is to see if Cavs flip the switch or not. LeBron James will be motivated to try to get the Cavs to repeat. The Pacers have underachieved this season and Paul George will get his points in this series and they might steal a game or two, but James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love, and the depth of the Cavs will be too much for the Pacers in what should be a short series.
Prediction: Cavaliers in five games.
(6) Milwaukee Bucks vs (3) Toronto Raptors: This is actually a pretty fun series. The Bucks deserve credit for making the playoffs because they lost Jabari Parker for the season with a torn ACL and here they are. It helps that they got Khris Middleton back from injury as well. Giannis Antetokounmpo might be the best player in this series, but the Raptors have Kyle Lowry back from injury and they are the better team here with Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, and trade acquisition Serge Ibaka leading the way in what should be a fun series.
Prediction: Raptors in six games.
(5) Atlanta Hawks vs (4) Washington Wizards: This series should be very interesting. The Hawks have been up and down all season long that have some very impressive wins and some terrible losses this season. When healthy, Dwight Howard and Paul Milsap make a good front court I'm fascinated to see what Hawks team shows up here. The Wizards deserve credit due to the fact that they got off to a bad start this season and here they are with homecourt advantage in the first round. John Wall will be the best player in this series and Bradley Beal and Otto Porter Jr will hit big shots for them as well. I like the Wiz here because of Wall, Beal, Porter, and the depth they have and the unpredictability of the Hawks. Also, expect a ton of high scoring games and three point shooting.
Prediction: Wizards in six games.
Western Conference
(8) Portland Trail Blazers vs (1) Golden State Warriors: Here we have a Semifinals rematch from a year ago. Kevin Durant is back from injury for the Dubs and he, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are under immense pressure due to the fact they are the favorites to win their second championship in three seasons. The Blazers underachieved to some degree this season and the dynamic backcourt Damian Lillard and CJ McCullom will put up their points, but Durant, Curry, and Thompson will be too much for the Blazers to handle in what should be a short series that will be a ton of high scoring games in.
Prediction: Warriors in five games.
(7) Memphis Grizzlies vs (2) San Antonio Spurs: These two teams have hooked up four of the last seven seasons and last season and it was a Spurs sweep. The Grizzlies are healthier this time around, so don't be surprised if Marc Gasol and Mike Conley lead them to a win or two. That said, the Spurs are healthy right now too and Kawhi Leonard is a top five player in the league and he and LaMarcus Aldridge will lead the way for the Spurs to advance yet again in what should be a short series, but with competitive games.
Prediction: Spurs in five games.
(6) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (3) Houston Rockets: This is easily the best series of the first round, featuring the top two MVP candidates in James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Mike D'Antoni deserves credit for the Rockets success because he has the perfect team that fits his style with Harden, Eric Gordon, and Trevor Ariza leading the way. Westbrook will be the best player in this series and will give the Thunder a chance to pull this upset off, but the Rockets are the deeper team and this series is bound to go to distance.
Prediction: Rockets in seven games.
(5) Utah Jazz vs (4) Los Angeles Clippers: This is perhaps the most fascinating series of the first round. The Jazz have had a great season this season and Quintin Snyder is a great coach. The Clippers are the more talented team here and it would be a huge disappointment if they lost this series. Both teams futures are hanging in the balance and the outcome of this series can determine the futures of Doc Rivers, Blake Griffin, and Chris Paul in Los Angeles and Gordon Hayward and George Hill's futures in Utah. That said, the Clippers led by Paul, Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan should advance in what should be a competitive series.
Prediction: Clippers in six games.
Eastern Conference
(8) Chicago Bulls vs (1) Boston Celtics: This should be an interesting series featuring big markets, a bunch of big name players, and two teams that seem to be heading in opposite directions. The Celtics are a very good team with an outstanding head coach in Brad Stevens that plays hard every game. The might have the best player in this series in Jimmy Butler, who has been mentioned in trade rumors all season (and the Celtics are the most talked about team in the trade conversations surrounding Butler). The Bulls are the most unpredictable team perhaps in the playoffs and Butler and Dwayne Wade will put up their points, but the Celtics are flat out better and Isaiah Thomas will be clutch for the C's in what I think will be a short series.
Prediction: Celtics in five games.
(7) Indiana Pacers vs (2) Cleveland Cavaliers: Color me surprised among those that the Cavaliers did not finish with the 1-seed. That's what they get for resting players too much. The intrigue of this series is to see if Cavs flip the switch or not. LeBron James will be motivated to try to get the Cavs to repeat. The Pacers have underachieved this season and Paul George will get his points in this series and they might steal a game or two, but James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love, and the depth of the Cavs will be too much for the Pacers in what should be a short series.
Prediction: Cavaliers in five games.
(6) Milwaukee Bucks vs (3) Toronto Raptors: This is actually a pretty fun series. The Bucks deserve credit for making the playoffs because they lost Jabari Parker for the season with a torn ACL and here they are. It helps that they got Khris Middleton back from injury as well. Giannis Antetokounmpo might be the best player in this series, but the Raptors have Kyle Lowry back from injury and they are the better team here with Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, and trade acquisition Serge Ibaka leading the way in what should be a fun series.
Prediction: Raptors in six games.
(5) Atlanta Hawks vs (4) Washington Wizards: This series should be very interesting. The Hawks have been up and down all season long that have some very impressive wins and some terrible losses this season. When healthy, Dwight Howard and Paul Milsap make a good front court I'm fascinated to see what Hawks team shows up here. The Wizards deserve credit due to the fact that they got off to a bad start this season and here they are with homecourt advantage in the first round. John Wall will be the best player in this series and Bradley Beal and Otto Porter Jr will hit big shots for them as well. I like the Wiz here because of Wall, Beal, Porter, and the depth they have and the unpredictability of the Hawks. Also, expect a ton of high scoring games and three point shooting.
Prediction: Wizards in six games.
Western Conference
(8) Portland Trail Blazers vs (1) Golden State Warriors: Here we have a Semifinals rematch from a year ago. Kevin Durant is back from injury for the Dubs and he, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are under immense pressure due to the fact they are the favorites to win their second championship in three seasons. The Blazers underachieved to some degree this season and the dynamic backcourt Damian Lillard and CJ McCullom will put up their points, but Durant, Curry, and Thompson will be too much for the Blazers to handle in what should be a short series that will be a ton of high scoring games in.
Prediction: Warriors in five games.
(7) Memphis Grizzlies vs (2) San Antonio Spurs: These two teams have hooked up four of the last seven seasons and last season and it was a Spurs sweep. The Grizzlies are healthier this time around, so don't be surprised if Marc Gasol and Mike Conley lead them to a win or two. That said, the Spurs are healthy right now too and Kawhi Leonard is a top five player in the league and he and LaMarcus Aldridge will lead the way for the Spurs to advance yet again in what should be a short series, but with competitive games.
Prediction: Spurs in five games.
(6) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (3) Houston Rockets: This is easily the best series of the first round, featuring the top two MVP candidates in James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Mike D'Antoni deserves credit for the Rockets success because he has the perfect team that fits his style with Harden, Eric Gordon, and Trevor Ariza leading the way. Westbrook will be the best player in this series and will give the Thunder a chance to pull this upset off, but the Rockets are the deeper team and this series is bound to go to distance.
Prediction: Rockets in seven games.
(5) Utah Jazz vs (4) Los Angeles Clippers: This is perhaps the most fascinating series of the first round. The Jazz have had a great season this season and Quintin Snyder is a great coach. The Clippers are the more talented team here and it would be a huge disappointment if they lost this series. Both teams futures are hanging in the balance and the outcome of this series can determine the futures of Doc Rivers, Blake Griffin, and Chris Paul in Los Angeles and Gordon Hayward and George Hill's futures in Utah. That said, the Clippers led by Paul, Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan should advance in what should be a competitive series.
Prediction: Clippers in six games.
2017 NBA Playoffs: Schedule
Here is the TV schedule for the 2017 NBA playoffs with announcers.
4/15- Game 1, ECQF: Pacers vs Cavaliers; 3:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/15- Game 1, ECQF: Bucks vs Raptors; 5:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
4/15- Game 1, WCQF: Grizzlies vs Spurs; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
4/15- Game 1, WCQF: Jazz vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doug Collins, J.A. Adande
4/16- Game 1, ECQF: Hawks vs Wizards; 1:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, Allie LaForce
4/16- Game 1, WCQF: Trail Blazers vs Warriors; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/16- Game 1, ECQF: Bulls vs Celtics; 6:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Dennis Scott
4/16- Game 1, WCQF: Thunder vs Rockets; 9:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
4/17- Game 2, ECQF: Pacers vs Cavaliers; 7:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Kristen Ledlow
4/17- Game 2, WCQF: Grizzlies vs Spurs; 9:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Jaime Maggio
4/18- Game 2, ECQF: Bucks vs Raptors; 7:00, NBATV: Spero Dedes, Grant Hill, Richard Hamilton, Jen Hale
4/18- Game 2, ECQF: Bulls vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Dennis Scott
4/18- Game 2, WCQF: Jazz vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, Rebecca Haarlow
4/19- Game 2, ECQF: Hawks vs Wizards; 7:00, NBATV: Marc Zumoff, Steve Smith, Mike Fratello, Allie LaForce
4/19- Game 2, WCQF: Thunder vs Rockets; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
4/19- Game 2, WCQF: Trail Blazers vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Lewis Johnson
4/20- Game 3, ECQF: Cavaliers vs Pacers; 7:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Kristen Ledlow
4/20- Game 3, ECQF: Raptors vs Bucks; 8:00, NBATV: Spero Dedes, Grant Hill, Richard Hamilton, Jen Hale
4/20- Game 3, WCQF: Spurs vs Grizzlies; 9:30, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, Jaime Maggio
4/21- Game 3, ECQF: Celtics vs Bulls; 7:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Adam Schefter
4/21- Game 3, WCQF: Rockers vs Thunder; 9:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/21- Game 3, WCQF: Clippers vs Jazz; 10:00, ESPN2: Adam Amin, P.J. Carlesimo, Tom Rinaldi
4/22- Game 4, ECQF: Raptors vs Bucks; 3:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Jen Hale
4/22- Game 3, ECQF: Wizards vs Hawks; 5:30, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, Allie LaForce
4/22- Game 4, WCQF: Spurs vs Grizzlies; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
4/22- Game 3, WCQF: Warriors vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doug Collins, J.A. Adande
4/23- Game 4, ECQF: Cavaliers vs Pacers; 1:00, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
4/23- Game 4, WCQF: Rockets vs Thunder; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/23- Game 4, ECQF: Celtics vs Bulls; 6:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Dennis Scott
4/23- Game 4, WCQF: Clippers vs Jazz; 9:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Rebecca Haarlow
4/24- Game 5, ECQF: Bucks vs Raptors; 7:00, NBATV: Spero Dedes, Grant Hill, Richard Hamilton, Jen Hale
4/24- Game 4, ECQF: Wizards vs Hawks; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, Allie LaForce
4/24- Game 4, WCQF: Warriors vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Rebecca Haarlow
4/25- Game 5, WCQF: Thunder vs Rockets; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Jen Hale
4/25- Game 5, WCQF: Grizzlies vs Spurs; 8:30, NBATV: Marc Zumoff, Steve Smith, Mike Fratello, Jaime Maggio
4/25- Game 5, WCQF: Jazz vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Rebecca Haarlow
4/26- Game 5, ECQF: Hawks vs Wizards; 6:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, Allie LaForce
4/26- Game 5, ECQF: Bulls vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Dennis Scott
4/27- Game 6, ECQF: Raptors vs Bucks; 7:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Jen Hale
4/27- Game 6, WCQF: Spurs vs Grizzlies; 9:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Jaime Maggio
4/28- Game 6, ECQF: Wizards vs Hawks; 7:30, ESPNU/NBATV: Dave Pasch, Doug Collins, Israel Gutierrez
4/28- Game 6, ECQF: Celtics vs Bulls; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
4/28- Game 6, WCQF: Clippers vs Jazz; 10:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
4/30- Game 1, ECSF: Wizards vs Celtics; 1:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
4/30- Game 7, WCQF: Jazz vs Clippers; 3:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
5/1- Game 1, ECSF: Raptors vs Cavaliers; 7:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Grant Hill, Kristen Ledlow
5/1- Game 1, WCSF: Rockets vs Spurs; 9:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
5/2- Game 2, ECSF: Wizards vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, David Aldridge
5/2- Game 1, WCSF: Jazz vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Lewis Johnson
5/3- Game 2, ECSF: Raptors vs Cavaliers; 7:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Kristen Ledlow
5/3- Game 2, WCSF: Rockets vs Spurs; 9:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
5/4- Game 3, ECSF: Celtics vs Wizards; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
5/4- Game 2, WCSF: Jazz vs Warriors; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
5/5- Game 3, ECSF: Cavaliers vs Raptors; 7:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
5/5- Game 3, WCSF: Spurs vs Rockets; 9:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doug Collins, J.A. Adande
5/6- Game 3, WCSF: Warriors vs Jazz; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/7- Game 4, ECSF: Cavaliers vs Raptors; 3:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
5/7- Game 4, ECSF: Celtics vs Wizards; 6:30, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, David Aldridge
5/7- Game 4, WCSF: Spurs vs Rockets; 9:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
5/8- Game 4, WCSF: Warriors vs Jazz; 9:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Lewis Johnson
5/9- Game 5, WCSF: Rockets vs Spurs; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
5/10- Game 5, ECSF: Wizards vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, David Aldrigde
5/11- Game 6, WCSF: Spurs vs Rockets; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/12- Game 6, ECSF: Celtics vs Wizards; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
5/14- Game 1, WCF: Spurs vs Warriors; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/15- Game 7, ECSF: Wizards vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, David Aldridge
5/16- Game 2, WCF: Spurs vs Warriors; 9:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/17- Game 1, ECF: Cavaliers vs Celtics; 8:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
5/19- Game 2, ECF: Cavaliers vs Celtics; 8:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
5/20- Game 3, WCF: Warriors vs Spurs; 9:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/21- Game 3, ECF: Celtics vs Cavaliers; 8:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
5/22- Game 4, WCF: Warriors vs Spurs; 9:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/23- Game 4, ECF: Celtics vs Cavaliers; 8:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
5/25- Game 5, ECF: Cavaliers vs Celtics; 8:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
6/1- Game 1, Finals: Cavaliers vs Warriors; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/4- Game 2, Finals: Cavaliers vs Warriors; 8:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/7- Game 3, Finals: Warriors vs Cavaliers; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/9- Game 4, Finals: Warriors vs Cavaliers; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/12- Game 5, Finals: Cavaliers vs Warriors; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
4/15- Game 1, ECQF: Pacers vs Cavaliers; 3:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/15- Game 1, ECQF: Bucks vs Raptors; 5:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
4/15- Game 1, WCQF: Grizzlies vs Spurs; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
4/15- Game 1, WCQF: Jazz vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doug Collins, J.A. Adande
4/16- Game 1, ECQF: Hawks vs Wizards; 1:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, Allie LaForce
4/16- Game 1, WCQF: Trail Blazers vs Warriors; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/16- Game 1, ECQF: Bulls vs Celtics; 6:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Dennis Scott
4/16- Game 1, WCQF: Thunder vs Rockets; 9:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
4/17- Game 2, ECQF: Pacers vs Cavaliers; 7:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Kristen Ledlow
4/17- Game 2, WCQF: Grizzlies vs Spurs; 9:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Jaime Maggio
4/18- Game 2, ECQF: Bucks vs Raptors; 7:00, NBATV: Spero Dedes, Grant Hill, Richard Hamilton, Jen Hale
4/18- Game 2, ECQF: Bulls vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Dennis Scott
4/18- Game 2, WCQF: Jazz vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, Rebecca Haarlow
4/19- Game 2, ECQF: Hawks vs Wizards; 7:00, NBATV: Marc Zumoff, Steve Smith, Mike Fratello, Allie LaForce
4/19- Game 2, WCQF: Thunder vs Rockets; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
4/19- Game 2, WCQF: Trail Blazers vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Lewis Johnson
4/20- Game 3, ECQF: Cavaliers vs Pacers; 7:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Kristen Ledlow
4/20- Game 3, ECQF: Raptors vs Bucks; 8:00, NBATV: Spero Dedes, Grant Hill, Richard Hamilton, Jen Hale
4/20- Game 3, WCQF: Spurs vs Grizzlies; 9:30, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, Jaime Maggio
4/21- Game 3, ECQF: Celtics vs Bulls; 7:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Adam Schefter
4/21- Game 3, WCQF: Rockers vs Thunder; 9:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/21- Game 3, WCQF: Clippers vs Jazz; 10:00, ESPN2: Adam Amin, P.J. Carlesimo, Tom Rinaldi
4/22- Game 4, ECQF: Raptors vs Bucks; 3:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Jen Hale
4/22- Game 3, ECQF: Wizards vs Hawks; 5:30, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, Allie LaForce
4/22- Game 4, WCQF: Spurs vs Grizzlies; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
4/22- Game 3, WCQF: Warriors vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doug Collins, J.A. Adande
4/23- Game 4, ECQF: Cavaliers vs Pacers; 1:00, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
4/23- Game 4, WCQF: Rockets vs Thunder; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/23- Game 4, ECQF: Celtics vs Bulls; 6:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Dennis Scott
4/23- Game 4, WCQF: Clippers vs Jazz; 9:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Rebecca Haarlow
4/24- Game 5, ECQF: Bucks vs Raptors; 7:00, NBATV: Spero Dedes, Grant Hill, Richard Hamilton, Jen Hale
4/24- Game 4, ECQF: Wizards vs Hawks; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, Allie LaForce
4/24- Game 4, WCQF: Warriors vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Rebecca Haarlow
4/25- Game 5, WCQF: Thunder vs Rockets; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Jen Hale
4/25- Game 5, WCQF: Grizzlies vs Spurs; 8:30, NBATV: Marc Zumoff, Steve Smith, Mike Fratello, Jaime Maggio
4/25- Game 5, WCQF: Jazz vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Rebecca Haarlow
4/26- Game 5, ECQF: Hawks vs Wizards; 6:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, Allie LaForce
4/26- Game 5, ECQF: Bulls vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Dennis Scott
4/27- Game 6, ECQF: Raptors vs Bucks; 7:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Jen Hale
4/27- Game 6, WCQF: Spurs vs Grizzlies; 9:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Jaime Maggio
4/28- Game 6, ECQF: Wizards vs Hawks; 7:30, ESPNU/NBATV: Dave Pasch, Doug Collins, Israel Gutierrez
4/28- Game 6, ECQF: Celtics vs Bulls; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
4/28- Game 6, WCQF: Clippers vs Jazz; 10:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
4/30- Game 1, ECSF: Wizards vs Celtics; 1:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
4/30- Game 7, WCQF: Jazz vs Clippers; 3:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
5/1- Game 1, ECSF: Raptors vs Cavaliers; 7:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Grant Hill, Kristen Ledlow
5/1- Game 1, WCSF: Rockets vs Spurs; 9:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
5/2- Game 2, ECSF: Wizards vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, David Aldridge
5/2- Game 1, WCSF: Jazz vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Lewis Johnson
5/3- Game 2, ECSF: Raptors vs Cavaliers; 7:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Brent Barry, Kristen Ledlow
5/3- Game 2, WCSF: Rockets vs Spurs; 9:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
5/4- Game 3, ECSF: Celtics vs Wizards; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
5/4- Game 2, WCSF: Jazz vs Warriors; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
5/5- Game 3, ECSF: Cavaliers vs Raptors; 7:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
5/5- Game 3, WCSF: Spurs vs Rockets; 9:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doug Collins, J.A. Adande
5/6- Game 3, WCSF: Warriors vs Jazz; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/7- Game 4, ECSF: Cavaliers vs Raptors; 3:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
5/7- Game 4, ECSF: Celtics vs Wizards; 6:30, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, David Aldridge
5/7- Game 4, WCSF: Spurs vs Rockets; 9:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
5/8- Game 4, WCSF: Warriors vs Jazz; 9:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Kevin McHale, Lewis Johnson
5/9- Game 5, WCSF: Rockets vs Spurs; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
5/10- Game 5, ECSF: Wizards vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, David Aldrigde
5/11- Game 6, WCSF: Spurs vs Rockets; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/12- Game 6, ECSF: Celtics vs Wizards; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
5/14- Game 1, WCF: Spurs vs Warriors; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/15- Game 7, ECSF: Wizards vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Greg Anthony, David Aldridge
5/16- Game 2, WCF: Spurs vs Warriors; 9:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/17- Game 1, ECF: Cavaliers vs Celtics; 8:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
5/19- Game 2, ECF: Cavaliers vs Celtics; 8:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
5/20- Game 3, WCF: Warriors vs Spurs; 9:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/21- Game 3, ECF: Celtics vs Cavaliers; 8:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
5/22- Game 4, WCF: Warriors vs Spurs; 9:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/23- Game 4, ECF: Celtics vs Cavaliers; 8:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
5/25- Game 5, ECF: Cavaliers vs Celtics; 8:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge
6/1- Game 1, Finals: Cavaliers vs Warriors; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/4- Game 2, Finals: Cavaliers vs Warriors; 8:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/7- Game 3, Finals: Warriors vs Cavaliers; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/9- Game 4, Finals: Warriors vs Cavaliers; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/12- Game 5, Finals: Cavaliers vs Warriors; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions: Quarterfinals
Here are my predictions for the Quarterfinals of the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Eastern Conference
(WC2) Toronto Maple Leafs vs (M1) Washington Capitals: The intrigue of this series is one of the games best players in Alex Ovechkin going up against the Calder Trophy favorite in Auston Matthews. Mike Babcock is the best coach in the league and he deserves so much credit for getting his team to the playoffs. The Leafs are a team on the rise with a ton of young talent such as Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner, but I don't see them upsetting the Capitals, who are loaded with both great forwards and defensemen and have a great goalie in Braden Holtby.
Prediction: Capitals in five games.
(M3) Columbus Blue Jackets vs (M2) Pittsburgh Penguins: This should be a fun series between these division rivals. These teams met three years ago in the Quarterfinals, but the teams are different now. The reigning champs lost Kris Letang for the season with a neck injury and they will miss him, but they should still win this series. Sergei Bobrovsky could very well outplay Matt Murray, but the Pens offensive firepower, led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, should be what puts them over the top, although the Jackets can score with the Pens with the likes of Brandon Saad, Brandon Dubinsky, and Cam Atkinson.
Prediction: Penguins in six games.
(WC1) New York Rangers vs (A1) Montreal Canadiens: This is the best series of the first round. Carey Price vs Henrik Lundqvist is about as great of a goalie matchup you will get. This is a rematch of the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals when Chris Kreider ran over Price. The Rangers have the advantage offensively with Kreider, Rick Nash, Derek Stepan, and Mats Zuccarello leading the way. The Habs don't have the depth that the Rangers do offensively but Max Pacioretty is a really good player that can dominate. To me, the Habs are better defensively with Shea Weber and Jeff Petry on the top pairing and that will be the difference because the Rangers aren't really great defensively outside of Ryan McDonogh. Expect this series to go to the wire.
Prediction: Canadiens in seven games.
(A3) Boston Bruins vs (A2) Ottawa Senators: This should be a fun series between these two division rivals. The goalie matchup is really good with Tukka Rask against Craig Anderson. The Senators need Derrick Brassard to step up big time after a disappointing regular season and the Bruins need rookie Charlie McAvoy to step up defensively with the injuries to Torey Krug and Brandon Carlo, the Sens won all four matchups in the regular season, but to me that doesn't matter. The Bruins are just the better team all around and their offense is really good with Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron, although the Sens have Eric Karlsson that can dominate as well.
Prediction: Bruins in six games.
Western Conference
(WC2) Nashville Predators vs (C1) Chicago Blackhawks: This series is one of the more underrated series's and these teams hooked up two seasons ago in the Quarterfinals as well. I believe the Preds have a shot to pull of the upset with the loaded defense they have with PK Subban and Roman Josi and with the offensive talent with Ryan Johansen, Filip Forsberg, and Viktor Arvidsson. Pekka Rinne can outplay Corey Crawford as well. That said, I like the Hawks and their offensive firepower of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and Artemi Panerin to put them over the top in what should be a great series.
Prediction: Blackhawks in six games.
(C3) St. Louis Blues vs (C2) Minnesota Wild: This should be a fun series as well and these teams also hooked up two seasons ago in the Quarterfinals. A fun storyline here is the fact Mike Yeo is coaching against his former team and Bruce Boudreau usually doesn't get past the first round with his teams. The Wild have the edge in net with Devan Dubnyk and they have a lot of talent with Zach Parise, Mikael Granlund, and Mikko Koivu that provide offense and Jared Spurgeon, Marco Scandella, and Matt Dumba on the blue line. That said, both of these teams are very good in all areas, but to me the best player in this series is Vladimir Tarasenko and he along with Alex Steen, Jaden Schwartz, and the great defense led by Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester will push the Blues over the top here.
Prediction: Blues in six games.
(WC1) Calgary Flames vs (P1) Anaheim Ducks: This series has a chance to be pretty good. These teams met in the Semifinals two seasons ago. This Flames team is a team on the rise with talented guys like Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monohan and they have a solid netminder in Brian Elliott. The. Ducks are just flat out the better team with the offensive firepower of Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kssler, and Corey Perry, the solid defense led by Hampus Lindholm and Brandon Mountor (and don't forget Cam Fowler is injured), and the underrated John Gibson in net.
Prediction: Ducks in six games.
(P3) San Jose Sharks vs (P2) Edmonton Oilers: This series feels like the passing of a torch series from a core that's been together for a long time that's window is closing to an up and coming team that will be around for a while. Connor McDavid no doubt is the Hart Trophy favorite and the pressure is on him to deliver in the big moment, but I sense a lot of hunger in the Sharks, who want one more crack at a playoff run led by Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, and their very good defense with Norris Trophy favorite Brent Burns leading the way and Martin Jones has a very slim edge in net over Cam Talbot, due to the experience Jones gained from last seasons Stanley Cup Final run.
Prediction: Sharks in six games.
Eastern Conference
(WC2) Toronto Maple Leafs vs (M1) Washington Capitals: The intrigue of this series is one of the games best players in Alex Ovechkin going up against the Calder Trophy favorite in Auston Matthews. Mike Babcock is the best coach in the league and he deserves so much credit for getting his team to the playoffs. The Leafs are a team on the rise with a ton of young talent such as Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner, but I don't see them upsetting the Capitals, who are loaded with both great forwards and defensemen and have a great goalie in Braden Holtby.
Prediction: Capitals in five games.
(M3) Columbus Blue Jackets vs (M2) Pittsburgh Penguins: This should be a fun series between these division rivals. These teams met three years ago in the Quarterfinals, but the teams are different now. The reigning champs lost Kris Letang for the season with a neck injury and they will miss him, but they should still win this series. Sergei Bobrovsky could very well outplay Matt Murray, but the Pens offensive firepower, led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, should be what puts them over the top, although the Jackets can score with the Pens with the likes of Brandon Saad, Brandon Dubinsky, and Cam Atkinson.
Prediction: Penguins in six games.
(WC1) New York Rangers vs (A1) Montreal Canadiens: This is the best series of the first round. Carey Price vs Henrik Lundqvist is about as great of a goalie matchup you will get. This is a rematch of the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals when Chris Kreider ran over Price. The Rangers have the advantage offensively with Kreider, Rick Nash, Derek Stepan, and Mats Zuccarello leading the way. The Habs don't have the depth that the Rangers do offensively but Max Pacioretty is a really good player that can dominate. To me, the Habs are better defensively with Shea Weber and Jeff Petry on the top pairing and that will be the difference because the Rangers aren't really great defensively outside of Ryan McDonogh. Expect this series to go to the wire.
Prediction: Canadiens in seven games.
(A3) Boston Bruins vs (A2) Ottawa Senators: This should be a fun series between these two division rivals. The goalie matchup is really good with Tukka Rask against Craig Anderson. The Senators need Derrick Brassard to step up big time after a disappointing regular season and the Bruins need rookie Charlie McAvoy to step up defensively with the injuries to Torey Krug and Brandon Carlo, the Sens won all four matchups in the regular season, but to me that doesn't matter. The Bruins are just the better team all around and their offense is really good with Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron, although the Sens have Eric Karlsson that can dominate as well.
Prediction: Bruins in six games.
Western Conference
(WC2) Nashville Predators vs (C1) Chicago Blackhawks: This series is one of the more underrated series's and these teams hooked up two seasons ago in the Quarterfinals as well. I believe the Preds have a shot to pull of the upset with the loaded defense they have with PK Subban and Roman Josi and with the offensive talent with Ryan Johansen, Filip Forsberg, and Viktor Arvidsson. Pekka Rinne can outplay Corey Crawford as well. That said, I like the Hawks and their offensive firepower of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and Artemi Panerin to put them over the top in what should be a great series.
Prediction: Blackhawks in six games.
(C3) St. Louis Blues vs (C2) Minnesota Wild: This should be a fun series as well and these teams also hooked up two seasons ago in the Quarterfinals. A fun storyline here is the fact Mike Yeo is coaching against his former team and Bruce Boudreau usually doesn't get past the first round with his teams. The Wild have the edge in net with Devan Dubnyk and they have a lot of talent with Zach Parise, Mikael Granlund, and Mikko Koivu that provide offense and Jared Spurgeon, Marco Scandella, and Matt Dumba on the blue line. That said, both of these teams are very good in all areas, but to me the best player in this series is Vladimir Tarasenko and he along with Alex Steen, Jaden Schwartz, and the great defense led by Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester will push the Blues over the top here.
Prediction: Blues in six games.
(WC1) Calgary Flames vs (P1) Anaheim Ducks: This series has a chance to be pretty good. These teams met in the Semifinals two seasons ago. This Flames team is a team on the rise with talented guys like Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monohan and they have a solid netminder in Brian Elliott. The. Ducks are just flat out the better team with the offensive firepower of Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kssler, and Corey Perry, the solid defense led by Hampus Lindholm and Brandon Mountor (and don't forget Cam Fowler is injured), and the underrated John Gibson in net.
Prediction: Ducks in six games.
(P3) San Jose Sharks vs (P2) Edmonton Oilers: This series feels like the passing of a torch series from a core that's been together for a long time that's window is closing to an up and coming team that will be around for a while. Connor McDavid no doubt is the Hart Trophy favorite and the pressure is on him to deliver in the big moment, but I sense a lot of hunger in the Sharks, who want one more crack at a playoff run led by Joe Thornton, Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture, and their very good defense with Norris Trophy favorite Brent Burns leading the way and Martin Jones has a very slim edge in net over Cam Talbot, due to the experience Jones gained from last seasons Stanley Cup Final run.
Prediction: Sharks in six games.
Monday, April 10, 2017
2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Schedule
Here is the schedule for the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs with announcers.
4/12- Game 1, ECQF: Rangers vs Canadiens; 7:00, NBCSN: Gord Miller & Ray Ferraro
4/12- Game 1, ECQF: Bruins vs Senators; 7:00, NHLN: Bob Cole & Greg Millen (Sportsnet feed)
4/12- Game 1, ECQF: Blue Jackets vs Penguins; 7:30, USA: Doc Emrick & Pierre McGuire
4/12- Game 1, WCQF: Blues vs Wild; 9:30, NBCSN: John Forslund & Brian Boucher
4/12- Game 1, WCQF: Sharks vs Oilers; 10:00, USA: Brendan Burke & Mike Johnson
4/13- Game 1, ECQF: Maple Leafs vs Capitals; 7:00, USA: Dave Strader & Brian Boucher
4/13- Game 1, WCQF: Predators vs Blackhawks; 8:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
4/13- Game 1, WCQF: Flames vs Ducks; 10:30, NBCSN: Rick Ball & John Garrett (Rogers feed)
4/14- Game 2, ECQF: Rangers vs Canadiens; 7:00, USA: Gord Miller & Ray Ferraro
4/14- Game 2, ECQF: Blue Jackets vs Penguins; 7:00, NHLN: Paul Steigerwald & Bob Errey (Penguins feed)
4/14- Game 2, WCQF: Blues vs Wild; 8:00, NBCSN: John Forslund & Pierre McGuire
4/14- Game 2, WCQF: Sharks vs Oilers; 10:30, NBCSN: Brendan Burke & Mike Johnson
4/15- Game 2, ECQF: Bruins vs Senators; 3:00, NBC: Kenny Albert & Joe Micheletti
4/15- Game 2, ECQF: Maple Leafs vs Capitals; 7:00, NBCSN: Dave Strader & Brian Boucher
4/15- Game 2, WCQF: Predators vs Blackhawks; 8:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
4/15- Game 2, WCQF: Flames vs Ducks; 10:30, NBCSN: Rick Ball & John Garrett (Rogers feed)
4/16- Game 3, WCQF: Wild vs Blues; 3:00, NBC: John Forslund & Pierre McGuire
4/16- Game 3, ECQF: Penguins vs Blue Jackets; 6:00, CNBC: Chris Cuthbert & Brian Boucher
4/16- Game 3, ECQF: Canadiens vs Rangers; 7:00, NBCSN: Gord Miller & Ray Ferraro
4/16- Game 3, WCQF: Oilers vs Sharks; 10:00, NBCSN: Brendan Burke & Mike Johnson
4/17- Game 3, ECQF: Senators vs Bruins; 7:00, CNBC: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
4/17- Game 3, ECQF: Capitals vs Maple Leafs; 7:00, NBCSN: Chris Cuthbert & Joe Micheletti
4/17- Game 3, WCQF: Blackhawks vs Predators; 9:30, CNBC: Gord Miller & Ray Ferraro
4/17- Game 3, WCQF: Ducks vs Flames; 10:00, NBCSN: Rick Ball & John Garrett (Rogers feed)
4/18- Game 4, ECQF: Canadiens vs Rangers; 7:00, NBCSN: Gord Miller & Ray Ferraro
4/18- Game 4, ECQF: Penguins vs Blue Jackets; 7:30, CNBC: Doc Emrick & Pierre McGuire
4/18- Game 4, WCQF: Oilers vs Sharks; 10:00, NBCSN: Brendan Burke & Mike Johnson
4/19- Game 4, ECQF: Capitals vs Maple Leafs; 7:00, NBCSN: Chris Cuthbert & Joe Micheletti
4/19- Game 4, ECQF: Senators vs Bruins; 7:30, USA: Kenny Albert & Brian Boucher
4/19- Game 4, WCQF: Wild vs Blues; 9:30, NBCSN: John Forslund & Pierre McGuire
4/19- Game 4, WCQF: Ducks vs Flames; 10:00, USA: Rick Ball & John Garrett (Rogers feed)
4/20- Game 5, ECQF: Rangers vs Canadiens; 7:00, USA: Chris Cuthbert & Pierre McGuire
4/20- Game 5, ECQF: Blue Jackets vs Penguins; 7:00, NHLN: Paul Steigerwald & Bob Errey (Penguins feed)
4/20- Game 4, WCQF: Blackhawks vs Predators; 8:00, NBCSN: Gord Miller & Ray Ferraro
4/20- Game 5, WCQF: Sharks vs Oilers; 10:30, NBCSN: Brendan Burke & Mike Johnson
4/21- Game 5, ECQF: Maple Leafs vs Capitals; 7:00, NBCSN: Dave Strader & Pierre McGuire
4/21- Game 5, ECQF: Bruins vs Senators; 7:30, USA: Kenny Albert & Brian Boucher
4/22- Game 5, WCQF: Blues vs Wild; 3:00, NBC: John Forslund & Brian Boucher
4/22- Game 6, ECQF: Canadiens vs Rangers; 8:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
4/22- Game 6, WCQF: Oilers vs Sharks; 10:30, NBCSN: Brendan Burke & Mike Johnson
4/23- Game 6, ECQF: Senators vs Bruins; 3:00, NBC: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
4/23- Game 6, ECQF: Capitals vs Maple Leafs; 7:30, NBCSN: Gord Miller & Ray Ferraro
4/26- Game 1, WCSF: Predators vs Blues; 8:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
4/26- Game 1, WCSF: Oilers vs Ducks; 10:30, NBCSN: Brendan Burke & Joe Micheletti
4/27- Game 1, ECSF: Rangers vs Senators; 7:00, CNBC: John Forslund & Brian Boucher
4/27- Game 1, ECSF: Penguins vs Capitals; 7:30, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
4/28- Game 2, WCSF: Predators vs Blues; 8:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
4/28- Game 2, WCSF: Oilers vs Ducks; 10:30, NBCSN: Brendan Burke & Joe Micheletti
4/29- Game 2, ECSF: Rangers vs Senators; 3:00, NBC: John Forslund & Brian Boucher
4/29- Game 2, ECSF: Penguins vs Capitals; 8:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
4/30- Game 3, WCSF: Blues vs Predators; 3:00, NBC: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
4/30- Game 3, WCSF: Ducks vs Oilers; 7:00, NBCSN: Chris Cuthbert & Joe Micheletti
5/1- Game 3, ECSF: Capitals vs Penguins; 7:30, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/2- Game 3, ECSF: Senators vs Rangers; 7:00, NBCSN: Dave Strader & Pierre McGuire
5/2- Game 4, WCSF: Blues vs Predators; 9:30, NBCSN: John Forslund & Brian Boucher
5/3- Game 4, ECSF: Capitals vs Penguins; 7:30, NBCSN: Doc Emrick & Pierre McGuire
5/3- Game 4, WCSF: Ducks vs Oilers; 10:00, NBCSN: Chris Cuthbert & Joe Micheletti
5/4- Game 4, ECSF: Senators vs Rangers; 7:30, NBCSN: John Forslund & Pierre McGuire
5/5- Game 5, WCSF: Predators vs Blues; 8:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
5/5- Game 5, WCSF: Oilers vs Ducks; 10:30, NBCSN: Chris Cuthbert & Brian Boucher
5/6- Game 5, ECSF: Rangers vs Senators; 3:00, NBCSN: John Forslund & Joe Micheletti
5/6- Game 5, ECSF: Penguins vs Capitals; 7:15, NBC: Doc Emrick & Pierre McGuire
5/7- Game 6, WCSF: Blues vs Predators; 3:00, NBC: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
5/7- Game 6, WCSF: Ducks vs Oilers; 7:00, NBCSN: Chris Cuthbert & Brian Boucher
5/8- Game 6, ECSF: Capitals vs Penguins; 7:30, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/9- Game 6, ECSF: Senators vs Rangers; 7:30, NBCSN: John Forslund, Joe Micheletti, Pierre McGuire
5/10- Game 7, ECSF: Penguins vs Capitals; 7:30, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/10- Game 7, WCSF: Oilers vs Ducks; 10:00, NBCSN: Chris Cuthbert, Joe Micheletti, Brian Boucher
5/12- Game 1, WCF: Predators vs Ducks; 9:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert, Joe Micheletti, Brian Boucher
5/13- Game 1, ECF: Senators vs Penguins; 7:00, NBC: John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/14- Game 2, WCF: Predators vs Ducks; 7:30, NBCSN: Kenny Albert, Joe Micheletti, Brian Boucher
5/15- Game 2, ECF: Senators vs Penguins; 8:00, NBCSN: John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/16- Game 3, WCF: Ducks vs Predators; 8:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert, Joe Micheletti, Brian Boucher
5/17- Game 3, ECF: Penguins vs Senators; 8:00, NBCSN: John Forslund & Pierre McGuire
5/18- Game 4, WCF: Ducks vs Predators; 8:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert, Joe Micheletti, Brian Boucher
5/19- Game 4, ECF: Penguins vs Senators; 8:00, NBCSN: Doc Emrick & Pierre McGuire
5/20- Game 5, WCF: Predators vs Ducks; 7:15, NBC: Kenny Albert, Joe Micheletti, Brian Boucher
5/21- Game 5, ECF: Senators vs Penguins; 3:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/22- Game 6, WCF: Ducks vs Predators; 8:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert, Joe Micheletti, Brian Boucher
5/23- Game 6, ECF: Penguins vs Senators; 8:00, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/25- Game 7, ECF: Senators vs Penguins; 8:00, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/29- Game 1, SCF: Predators vs Penguins; 8:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/31- Game 2, SCF: Predators vs Penguins; 8:00, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
6/3- Game 3, SCF: Penguins vs Predators; 8:00, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
6/5- Game 4, SCF: Penguins vs Predators; 8:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
6/8- Game 5, SCF: Predators vs Penguins; 8:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
6/11- Game 6, SCF: Penguins vs Predators; 8:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
4/12- Game 1, ECQF: Rangers vs Canadiens; 7:00, NBCSN: Gord Miller & Ray Ferraro
4/12- Game 1, ECQF: Bruins vs Senators; 7:00, NHLN: Bob Cole & Greg Millen (Sportsnet feed)
4/12- Game 1, ECQF: Blue Jackets vs Penguins; 7:30, USA: Doc Emrick & Pierre McGuire
4/12- Game 1, WCQF: Blues vs Wild; 9:30, NBCSN: John Forslund & Brian Boucher
4/12- Game 1, WCQF: Sharks vs Oilers; 10:00, USA: Brendan Burke & Mike Johnson
4/13- Game 1, ECQF: Maple Leafs vs Capitals; 7:00, USA: Dave Strader & Brian Boucher
4/13- Game 1, WCQF: Predators vs Blackhawks; 8:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
4/13- Game 1, WCQF: Flames vs Ducks; 10:30, NBCSN: Rick Ball & John Garrett (Rogers feed)
4/14- Game 2, ECQF: Rangers vs Canadiens; 7:00, USA: Gord Miller & Ray Ferraro
4/14- Game 2, ECQF: Blue Jackets vs Penguins; 7:00, NHLN: Paul Steigerwald & Bob Errey (Penguins feed)
4/14- Game 2, WCQF: Blues vs Wild; 8:00, NBCSN: John Forslund & Pierre McGuire
4/14- Game 2, WCQF: Sharks vs Oilers; 10:30, NBCSN: Brendan Burke & Mike Johnson
4/15- Game 2, ECQF: Bruins vs Senators; 3:00, NBC: Kenny Albert & Joe Micheletti
4/15- Game 2, ECQF: Maple Leafs vs Capitals; 7:00, NBCSN: Dave Strader & Brian Boucher
4/15- Game 2, WCQF: Predators vs Blackhawks; 8:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
4/15- Game 2, WCQF: Flames vs Ducks; 10:30, NBCSN: Rick Ball & John Garrett (Rogers feed)
4/16- Game 3, WCQF: Wild vs Blues; 3:00, NBC: John Forslund & Pierre McGuire
4/16- Game 3, ECQF: Penguins vs Blue Jackets; 6:00, CNBC: Chris Cuthbert & Brian Boucher
4/16- Game 3, ECQF: Canadiens vs Rangers; 7:00, NBCSN: Gord Miller & Ray Ferraro
4/16- Game 3, WCQF: Oilers vs Sharks; 10:00, NBCSN: Brendan Burke & Mike Johnson
4/17- Game 3, ECQF: Senators vs Bruins; 7:00, CNBC: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
4/17- Game 3, ECQF: Capitals vs Maple Leafs; 7:00, NBCSN: Chris Cuthbert & Joe Micheletti
4/17- Game 3, WCQF: Blackhawks vs Predators; 9:30, CNBC: Gord Miller & Ray Ferraro
4/17- Game 3, WCQF: Ducks vs Flames; 10:00, NBCSN: Rick Ball & John Garrett (Rogers feed)
4/18- Game 4, ECQF: Canadiens vs Rangers; 7:00, NBCSN: Gord Miller & Ray Ferraro
4/18- Game 4, ECQF: Penguins vs Blue Jackets; 7:30, CNBC: Doc Emrick & Pierre McGuire
4/18- Game 4, WCQF: Oilers vs Sharks; 10:00, NBCSN: Brendan Burke & Mike Johnson
4/19- Game 4, ECQF: Capitals vs Maple Leafs; 7:00, NBCSN: Chris Cuthbert & Joe Micheletti
4/19- Game 4, ECQF: Senators vs Bruins; 7:30, USA: Kenny Albert & Brian Boucher
4/19- Game 4, WCQF: Wild vs Blues; 9:30, NBCSN: John Forslund & Pierre McGuire
4/19- Game 4, WCQF: Ducks vs Flames; 10:00, USA: Rick Ball & John Garrett (Rogers feed)
4/20- Game 5, ECQF: Rangers vs Canadiens; 7:00, USA: Chris Cuthbert & Pierre McGuire
4/20- Game 5, ECQF: Blue Jackets vs Penguins; 7:00, NHLN: Paul Steigerwald & Bob Errey (Penguins feed)
4/20- Game 4, WCQF: Blackhawks vs Predators; 8:00, NBCSN: Gord Miller & Ray Ferraro
4/20- Game 5, WCQF: Sharks vs Oilers; 10:30, NBCSN: Brendan Burke & Mike Johnson
4/21- Game 5, ECQF: Maple Leafs vs Capitals; 7:00, NBCSN: Dave Strader & Pierre McGuire
4/21- Game 5, ECQF: Bruins vs Senators; 7:30, USA: Kenny Albert & Brian Boucher
4/22- Game 5, WCQF: Blues vs Wild; 3:00, NBC: John Forslund & Brian Boucher
4/22- Game 6, ECQF: Canadiens vs Rangers; 8:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
4/22- Game 6, WCQF: Oilers vs Sharks; 10:30, NBCSN: Brendan Burke & Mike Johnson
4/23- Game 6, ECQF: Senators vs Bruins; 3:00, NBC: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
4/23- Game 6, ECQF: Capitals vs Maple Leafs; 7:30, NBCSN: Gord Miller & Ray Ferraro
4/26- Game 1, WCSF: Predators vs Blues; 8:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
4/26- Game 1, WCSF: Oilers vs Ducks; 10:30, NBCSN: Brendan Burke & Joe Micheletti
4/27- Game 1, ECSF: Rangers vs Senators; 7:00, CNBC: John Forslund & Brian Boucher
4/27- Game 1, ECSF: Penguins vs Capitals; 7:30, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
4/28- Game 2, WCSF: Predators vs Blues; 8:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
4/28- Game 2, WCSF: Oilers vs Ducks; 10:30, NBCSN: Brendan Burke & Joe Micheletti
4/29- Game 2, ECSF: Rangers vs Senators; 3:00, NBC: John Forslund & Brian Boucher
4/29- Game 2, ECSF: Penguins vs Capitals; 8:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
4/30- Game 3, WCSF: Blues vs Predators; 3:00, NBC: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
4/30- Game 3, WCSF: Ducks vs Oilers; 7:00, NBCSN: Chris Cuthbert & Joe Micheletti
5/1- Game 3, ECSF: Capitals vs Penguins; 7:30, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/2- Game 3, ECSF: Senators vs Rangers; 7:00, NBCSN: Dave Strader & Pierre McGuire
5/2- Game 4, WCSF: Blues vs Predators; 9:30, NBCSN: John Forslund & Brian Boucher
5/3- Game 4, ECSF: Capitals vs Penguins; 7:30, NBCSN: Doc Emrick & Pierre McGuire
5/3- Game 4, WCSF: Ducks vs Oilers; 10:00, NBCSN: Chris Cuthbert & Joe Micheletti
5/4- Game 4, ECSF: Senators vs Rangers; 7:30, NBCSN: John Forslund & Pierre McGuire
5/5- Game 5, WCSF: Predators vs Blues; 8:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
5/5- Game 5, WCSF: Oilers vs Ducks; 10:30, NBCSN: Chris Cuthbert & Brian Boucher
5/6- Game 5, ECSF: Rangers vs Senators; 3:00, NBCSN: John Forslund & Joe Micheletti
5/6- Game 5, ECSF: Penguins vs Capitals; 7:15, NBC: Doc Emrick & Pierre McGuire
5/7- Game 6, WCSF: Blues vs Predators; 3:00, NBC: Kenny Albert & Pierre McGuire
5/7- Game 6, WCSF: Ducks vs Oilers; 7:00, NBCSN: Chris Cuthbert & Brian Boucher
5/8- Game 6, ECSF: Capitals vs Penguins; 7:30, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/9- Game 6, ECSF: Senators vs Rangers; 7:30, NBCSN: John Forslund, Joe Micheletti, Pierre McGuire
5/10- Game 7, ECSF: Penguins vs Capitals; 7:30, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/10- Game 7, WCSF: Oilers vs Ducks; 10:00, NBCSN: Chris Cuthbert, Joe Micheletti, Brian Boucher
5/12- Game 1, WCF: Predators vs Ducks; 9:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert, Joe Micheletti, Brian Boucher
5/13- Game 1, ECF: Senators vs Penguins; 7:00, NBC: John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/14- Game 2, WCF: Predators vs Ducks; 7:30, NBCSN: Kenny Albert, Joe Micheletti, Brian Boucher
5/15- Game 2, ECF: Senators vs Penguins; 8:00, NBCSN: John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/16- Game 3, WCF: Ducks vs Predators; 8:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert, Joe Micheletti, Brian Boucher
5/17- Game 3, ECF: Penguins vs Senators; 8:00, NBCSN: John Forslund & Pierre McGuire
5/18- Game 4, WCF: Ducks vs Predators; 8:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert, Joe Micheletti, Brian Boucher
5/19- Game 4, ECF: Penguins vs Senators; 8:00, NBCSN: Doc Emrick & Pierre McGuire
5/20- Game 5, WCF: Predators vs Ducks; 7:15, NBC: Kenny Albert, Joe Micheletti, Brian Boucher
5/21- Game 5, ECF: Senators vs Penguins; 3:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/22- Game 6, WCF: Ducks vs Predators; 8:00, NBCSN: Kenny Albert, Joe Micheletti, Brian Boucher
5/23- Game 6, ECF: Penguins vs Senators; 8:00, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/25- Game 7, ECF: Senators vs Penguins; 8:00, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/29- Game 1, SCF: Predators vs Penguins; 8:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
5/31- Game 2, SCF: Predators vs Penguins; 8:00, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
6/3- Game 3, SCF: Penguins vs Predators; 8:00, NBCSN: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
6/5- Game 4, SCF: Penguins vs Predators; 8:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
6/8- Game 5, SCF: Predators vs Penguins; 8:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
6/11- Game 6, SCF: Penguins vs Predators; 8:00, NBC: Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, Pierre McGuire
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