2019 NFL Week 9 Picks

Here are my picks for Week 9 of the 2019 NFL season.

Thursday, October 31st
San Francisco 49ers (7-0) vs Arizona Cardinals (3-4-1)- 8:20, FOX/NFL: The 49ers are coming off a resounding home win over the Carolina Panthers. The Cardinals are coming off a road loss in New Orleans against the Saints. The Cardinals are not a horrible team, but this 49ers defense is a bad matchup for Kyler Murray and the Cards offense because of their talented pass rush led by Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite Nick Bosa and that will keep the Niners unbeaten another week.
Prediction: San Francisco 20, Arizona 13.

Sunday, November 3rd
Houston Texans (5-3) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4)- 9:30, NFL: These two teams played earlier in the season and the Texans won a close one in Houston and now they play in London. The Texans are coming off a home win over the Raiders. The Jaguars are coming off a much needed home win over the New York Jets. JJ Watt was lost for the season and that's a big loss for them, but the best player on the field will be DeShaun Watson and he'll lead the Texans to a win.
Prediction: Houston 27, Jacksonville 20.

Washington Redskins (1-7) vs Buffalo Bills (5-2)- 1:00, FOX: The Redskins are coming off a Thursday night road loss in Minneapolis against the Vikings. The Bills are coming off a bad home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Bills were badly exposed last week, but I do expect them to bounce back against a lowly Redskins team, who is starting rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins for the first time.
Prediction: Buffalo 23, Washington 13.

Minnesota Vikings (6-2) vs Kansas City Chiefs (5-3)- 1:00, FOX: The Vikings are coming off a Thursday night home win over the Washington Redskins. The Chiefs are coming off a Sunday night home loss against the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings have some matchup advantages in this one, but Matt Moore has quietly played well filling in for the injured Patrick Mahomes and I think he leads the Chiefs to a win.
Prediction: Kansas City 23, Minnesota 20.

New York Jets (1-6) vs Miami Dolphins (0-7)- 1:00, CBS: This is a truly terrible game. The Jets are coming off a bad road loss in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. The Dolphins are coming off a Monday night road loss in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. The Dolphins have been competitive in some of these games, but they clearly are trying to lose, so give me the Jets to get a much needed win to at least give the team some confidence.
Prediction: NY Jets 16, Miami 13.

Chicago Bears (3-4) vs Philadelphia Eagles (4-4)- 1:00, FOX: The Bears are coming off a brutal home loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Eagles are coming off a much needed road win in Orchard Park against the Bills. Mitch Trubisky is looking like one of the bigger bust quarterbacks over the past five years sans playing in a home playoff game last season and I think the Eagles have some momentum.
Prediction: Philadelphia 20, Chicago 16.

Indianapolis Colts (5-2) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (3-4)- 1:00, CBS: The Colts are coming off a home win over the Denver Broncos. The Steelers are coming off a Monday night home win over the Miami Dolphins in a game they needed to win. Each team is missing a significant offensive piece with TY Hilton out for the Colts and James Conner out for the Steelers, but I think Hilton's absence is a bigger deal because I don't trust the other Colts receivers and the Steelers have a good offensive line, which helps their run game and I think the Steelers get back to .500.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 16, Indianapolis 13.

Tennessee Titans (4-4) vs Carolina Panthers (4-3)- 1:00, FOX: The Titans are coming off a lucky home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers are coming off a disastrous road loss in Santa Clara against the 49ers. The Panthers are clearly a better team than the Titans and I think Kyle Allen bounces back and leads the Panthers to a crucial win.
Prediction: Carolina 26, Tennessee 16.

Detroit Lions (3-3-1) vs Oakland Raiders (3-4)- 4:05, FOX: The Lions are coming off a much needed home win over the New York Giants. The Raiders are coming off a tough road loss in Houston against the Texans. This is the Raiders first home game since September (!!!!) and I believe they'll get a win here to get back to .500 on the season against a Lions team I feel is fraudulent.
Prediction: Oakland 33, Detroit 27.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5) vs Seattle Seahawks (6-2)- 4:05, FOX: The Buccaneers are coming off a brutal road loss in Nashville against the Titans in a game that a blown call cost the Bucs a chance to win. The Seahawks are coming off a road win in Atlanta against the Falcons. The Bucs are a team I do not trust at all due to Jameis Winston's turnover issues and I think the Seahawks can take advantage and for Russell Wilson to continue to build an MVP resume.
Prediction: Seattle 30, Tampa Bay 17.

Cleveland Browns (2-5) vs Denver Broncos (2-6)- 4:25, CBS: The Browns are coming off a rods loss in Foxboro against the Patriots. The Broncos are coming off a brutal road loss in Indianapolis against the Colts. Brandon Allen is making his first career start with Joe Flacco being out 4-6 weeks and I think the Browns take advantage.
Prediction: Cleveland 20, Denver 10.

Green Bay Packers (7-1) vs Los Angeles Chargers (3-5)- 4:25, CBS: The Packers are coming off a Sunday night road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs. The Chargers are coming off a road win in Chicago against a Bears team that's in the middle of an implosion. DeVante Adams returns for the Packers to give them a big boost offensively and Aaron Rodgers is playing great and this is my lock of the week.
Prediction: Green Bay 34, LA Chargers 20.

New England Patriots (8-0) vs Baltimore Ravens (5-2)- 8:20, NBC: This is perhaps the biggest regular season game of the season to this point. The Pats are coming off a home win over the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens are coming off their bye and two weeks ago, they won in Seattle against the Seahawks. I do think the Pats are at risk here for their first loss of the season and I believe Lamar Jackson steps up in what is the most important regular season game of his career to help hand the Pats their first loss.
Prediction: Baltimore 24, New England 20.

Monday, November 3rd
Dallas Cowboys (4-3) vs New York Giants (2-6)- 8:15, ESPN: The Cowboys are coming off their bye and two weeks ago, the defeated the Philadelphia Eagles at home on Sunday Night Football. The Giants are coming off a road loss in Detroit against the Lions. Leighton Vander Esch is an important player on defense for the Cowboys and he'll miss the game due to an injury, which opens things up for Daniel Jones to have another great game for the Giants. But, the Cowboys offense is the best unit on the field and I expect a big game from Dak Prescott to lead the Boys to a close win.
Prediction: Dallas 27, NY Giants 24.

2019 College Football Week 10: Picks

Here are my picks for week ten of the 2019 College Football season.

Thursday, October 31st
West Virginia (3-4; 1-3) at (12) Baylor (7-0; 4-0)- 8:00, ESPN: The Bears got destroyed in Morgantown last season and this is payback for the Bears.
Pick: Baylor

Georgia Southern (4-3; 2-1) at Appalachian State (7-0; 4-0)- 8:00, ESPNU
Pick: Appalachian State

Friday, November 1st
Navy (6-1; 4-1) at Connecticut (2-6; 0-4)- 8:00, ESPN2
Pick: Navy

Saturday November 2nd
(14) Michigan (6-2; 3-2) at Maryland (3-5; 1-4)- 12:00, ABC: This game will be reminiscent of last seasons' game in College Park against Ohio State.
Pick: Michigan

NC State (4-3; 1-2) at (23) Wake Forest (6-1; 2-1)- 12:00, ESPN: This could be an upset, but I don't have the balls to pull the trigger.
Pick: Wake Forest

Houston (3-5; 1-3) at UCF (6-2; 3-1)- 12:00, ESPN2
Pick: UCF

Buffalo (4-4; 2-2) at Eastern Michigan (4-4: 1-3)- 12:00, ESPNU
Pick: Buffalo

Northern Illinois (3-5; 2-2) at Central Michigan (5-4; 3-2)- 12:00, CBSSN
Pick: Cental Michigan

Nebraska (4-4; 2-3) at Purdue (2-6; 1-5)- 12:00, FOX
Pick: Nebraska

Boston College (4-4; 2-3) at Syracuse (3-5; 0-4)- 12:00, ACCN
Pick: Syracuse

UTSA (3-4; 2-2) at Texas A&M (5-3; 3-2)- 12:00, SECN
Pick: Texas A&M

Old Dominion (1-7; 0-4) at FIU (4-4; 2-3)- 12:00, ESPN+
Pick: FIU

Liberty (5-3) at Massachusetts (1-7)- 12:00
Pick: Massachusetts

Akron (0-8; 0-4) at Bowling Green (2-6; 1-3)- 2:00, ESPN+
Pick: Bowling Green

Virginia Tech (5-2; 2-2) at (16) Notre Dame (5-2)- 2:30, NBC: I'm interested to see how the Irish respond after their disastrous loss in Ann Arbor.
Pick: Notre Dame

Troy (3-4; 1-2) at Coastal Carolina (3-4; 0-3)- 3:00, ESPN3
Pick: Troy

(8) Georgia (6-1; 3-1) vs (6) Florida (7-1; 4-1)- 3:30, CBS: This game is being played in Jacksonville as it always is. It will be close and low scoring and I trust Jake Fromm (State Farm) to make plays down the stretch to keep the Bulldogs playoff hopes alive.
Pick: Georgia

(22) Kansas State (5-2; 2-2) at Kansas (3-5; 1-4)- 3:30, FS1: This is an interesting game between these two in-state conference rivals. Who has the letdown after the big win? I say the Jayhawks, who are improved, but I don't see them winning back to back games.
Pick: Kansas State

Arkansas State (4-4; 2-2) at UL Monroe (3-4; 2-1)- 3:30, ESPNU
Pick: UL Monroe

Marshall (5-3; 3-1) at Rice (0-8; 0-4)- 3:30
Pick: Marshall

UTEP (1-6; 0-4) at North Texas (3-5; 2-2)- 3:30, NFLN
Pick: North Texas

Army (3-5) at Air Force (6-2; 4-1)- 3:30, CBSSN
Pick: Air Force

Middle Tennessee (3-5; 2-2) at Charlotte (3-5; 1-3)- 3:30, ESPN3
Pick: Charlotte

UNLV (2-6; 0-4) at Colorado State (3-5; 2-2)- 3:30
Pick: UNLV

Miami (4-4; 2-3) at Florida State (4-4; 3-3)- 3:30, ABC: These two teams are down this season, but I feel that the Seminoles will win this game and the Hurricanes are more down right now.
Pick: Florida State

TCU (4-3; 2-2) at Oklahoma State (5-3; 2-3)- 3:30, ESPN: The Cowboys have not been dominant at home like they usually are, but I'm going to take a chance with them here.
Pick: Oklahoma State

Rutgers (2-5; 0-5) at Illinois (4-4; 2-3)- 3:30, BTN
Pick: Illinois

Wofford (5-2; 4-1) at (4) Clemson (8-0; 6-0)- 4:00, ACCN
Pick: Clemson

(9) Utah (7-1; 4-1) at Washington (5-3; 2-3)- 4:00, FOX: The Utes are under some pressure here to get a big win for the conference, but I think the Huskies play spoiler and spoil the Utes playoff dreams.
Pick: Washington

Mississippi State (3-5; 1-4) at Arkansas (2-6; 0-5)- 4:00, SECN
Pick: Mississippi State

Pittsburgh (5-3; 2-2) at Georgia Tech (2-5; 1-3)- 4:00, ACCN
Pick: Pittsburgh

FAU (5-3; 3-1) at WKU (5-3; 4-1)- 4:00, ESPN+
Pick: WKU

Tulsa (2-6; 0-4) at Tulane (5-3; 2-2)- 4:00, ESPN2
Pick: Tulane

Oregon State (3-4; 2-2) at Arizona (4-4; 2-3)- 4:00, Pac-12N
Pick: Arizona

Texas State (2-5; 1-2) at Louisiana (5-2; 2-1)- 5:00, ESPN+
Pick: Louisiana

Ole Miss (3-5; 2-3) at (11) Auburn (6-2; 3-2)- 7:00, ESPN
Pick: Auburn

(17) Cincinnati (6-1; 3-0) at East Carolina (3-5; 0-4)- 7:00, CBSSN
Pick: Cincinnati

UAB (6-1; 3-1) at Tennessee (3-5; 2-3)- 7:00, ESPNU: This game will be a lot closer than the experts think.
Pick: Tennessee

Northwestern (1-6; 0-5) at Indiana (6-2; 3-2)- 7:00, FS1
Pick: Indiana

(15) SMU (8-0; 4-0) at (24) Memphis (7-1; 3-1)- 7:30, ABC: This is going to be a great AAC West matchup. College GameDay is on hand for this one instead of Jacksonville for Georgia/Florida. This will be a shootout with little punting and give me the Tigers to get it done at home in a close one.
Pick: Memphis

Vanderbilt (2-5; 1-3) at South Carolina (3-5; 2-4)- 7:30, SECN
Pick: South Carolina

Virginia (5-3; 3-2) at North Carolina (4-4; 3-2)- 7:30, ACCN: This is a big game in conference play. I don't think the Tar Heels are as good as perceived and I think the Cavs come away with a big win.
Pick: Virginia

(7) Oregon (7-1; 5-0) at USC (5-3; 4-1)- 8:00, FOX: This is another humongous game in the Pac-12. The pressure is on both head coaches here for entirely different reasons. I really like the Trojans to pull off the home upset and play the biggest spoiler of the Pac-12's hope for a playoff team.
Pick: USC

Colorado (3-5; 1-4) at UCLA (3-5; 3-2)- 9:00, Pac-12N
Pick: UCLA

BYU (3-4) at Utah State (4-3; 3-1)- 10:00, ESPN2
Pick: Utah State

(21) Boise State (6-1; 3-0) at San Jose State (4-4; 1-3)- 10:30, CBSSN
Pick: Boise State

New Mexico (2-6; 0-4) at Nevada (4-4; 1-3)- 10:30, ESPNU
Pick: Nevada

Fresno State (3-4; 1-2) at Hawaii (5-3; 2-2)- 11:59
Pick: Hawaii

2019 College Football Week 10: Schedule

Here is the National TV Schedule for Week 10 of the College Football season.

10/31- West Virginia at (12) Baylor; 8:00, ESPN
10/31- Georgia Southern at Appalachian State; 8:00, ESPNU
11/1- Navy at Connecticut; 8:00, ESPN2
11/2- (14) Michigan at Maryland; 12:00, ABC
11/2- NC State at (23) Wake Forest; 12:00, ESPN
11/2- Houston at UCF; 12:00, ESPN2
11/2- Buffalo at Eastern Michigan; 12:00, ESPNU
11/2- Northern Illinois at Central Michigan; 12:00, CBSSN
11/2- Nebraska at Purdue; 12:00, FOX
11/2- Boston College at Syracuse; 12:00, ACCN
11/2- UTSA at Texas A&M; 12:00, SECN
11/2- Old Dominion at FIU; 12:00, ESPN+
11/2- Liberty at Massachusetts; 12:00
11/2- Akron at Bowling Green; 2:00, ESPN+
11/2- Virginia Tech at (16) Notre Dame; 2:30, NBC
11/2- Troy at Coastal Carolina; 3:00, ESPN3
11/2- (8) Georgia vs (6) Florida (Jacksonville); 3:30, CBS
11/2- (22) Kansas State at Kansas; 3:30, FS1
11/2- Arkansas State at UL Monroe; 3:30, ESPNU
11/2- Marshall at Rice; 3:30
11/2- UTEP at North Texas; 3:30, NFLN
11/2- Army at Air Force; 3:30, CBSSN
11/2- Middle Tennessee at Charlotte; 3:30, ESPN3
11/2- UNLV at Colorado State; 3:30
11/2- Miami at Florida State; 3:30, ABC
11/2- TCU at Oklahoma State; 3:30, ESPN
11/2- Rutgers at Illinois; 3:30, BTN
11/2- Wofford at (4) Clemson; 4:00, ACCN
11/2- (9) Utah at Washington; 4:00, FOX
11/2- Mississippi State at Arkansas; 4:00, SECN
11/2- Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech; 4:00, ACCN
11/2- FAU at WKU; 4:00, ESPN+
11/2- Tulsa at Tulane; 4:00, ESPN2
11/2- Oregon State at Arizona; 4:00, Pac-12N
11/2- Texas State at Louisiana; 5:00, ESPN+
11/2- Ole Miss at (11) Auburn; 7:00, ESPN
11/2- (17) Cincinnati at East Carolina; 7:00, CBSSN
11/2- UAB at Tennessee; 7:00, ESPNU
11/2- Northwestern at Indiana; 7:00, FS1
11/2- (15) SMU at (24) Memphis; 7:30, ABC
11/2- Vanderbilt at South Carolina; 7:30, SECN
11/2- Virginia at North Carolina; 7:30, ACCN
11/2- (7) Oregon at USC; 8:00, FOX
11/2- Colorado at UCLA; 9:00, Pac-12N
11/2- BYU at Utah State; 10:00, ESPN2
11/2- (21) Boise State at San Jose State; 10:30, CBSSN
11/2- New Mexico at Nevada; 10:30, ESPNU

11/2- Fresno State at Hawaii; 11:59

2019 College Football Week 10: Bowl Projections

Here is my week ten edition of my 2019 College Football Bowl Projections.

College Football Playoff
Fiesta Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (2) Ohio State vs (3) Clemson
Peach Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (1) Alabama vs (4) LSU

Rest of New Years Six Bowls
Cotton Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Appalachian State vs Baylor
Orange Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Virginia vs Notre Dame
Rose Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 5:00, ESPN: Utah vs Penn State
Sugar Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 8:45, ESPN: Georgia vs Oklahoma

Other Bowl Games
Bahamas Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: FAU vs Central Michigan
Frisco Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN2: Tulane vs North Texas
New Mexico Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: Southern Miss vs Air Force
Cure Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:30, CBSSN: Navy vs Troy
Boca Raton Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 3:30, ABC: Temple vs Ohio
Camellia Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 5:30, ESPN: Toledo vs Arkansas State
Las Vegas Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 7:30, ABC: Boise State vs Stanford
New Orleans Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 9:00, ESPN: Marshall vs Louisiana
Gasparilla Bowl: December 23rd, 2019- 2:30, ESPN: Cincinnati vs Louisiana Tech
Hawaii Bowl: December 24th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: BYU vs Wyoming
Independence Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: UAB vs Duke
Quick Lane Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Miami vs Indiana
Military Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: UCF vs NC State
Pinstripe Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 3:20, ESPN: Louisville vs Michigan State
Texas Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 6:45, ESPN: Oklahoma State vs Kentucky
Holiday Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 8:00, FS1: Wisconsin vs Washington
Cheez-It Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 10:15, ESPN: Washington State vs Iowa State
Camping World Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ABC: Pittsburgh vs Kansas State
First Responder Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 12:30, ESPN: WKU vs TCU
Music City Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Florida State vs Buffalo
RedBox Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 7:00, ESPN: Nebraska vs Arizona State
Belk Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Wake Forest vs Mississippi State
Sun Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 2:00, CBS: Virginia Tech vs USC
Liberty Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 3:45, ESPN: Memphis vs San Jose State
Arizona Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 4:30, CBSSN: Hawaii vs Georgia Southern
Alamo Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Texas vs Oregon
Citrus Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ABC: Minnesota vs Florida
Outback Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ESPN: Michigan vs Auburn
Birmingham Bowl: January 2nd, 2019- 3:00, ESPN: Nevada vs SMU
Gator Bowl: January 2nd 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Iowa vs Texas A&M
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: January 3rd, 2019- 3:30, ESPN: Miami-Ohio vs San Diego State
Armed Forces Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 11:30AM, ESPN: Illinois vs Utah State
Mobile Alabama Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Western Michigan vs Georgia State

2019 NFL Week 8 Picks

Here are my picks for Week 8 of the 2019 NFL season.

Thursday, October 24th
Washington Redskins (1-6) vs Minnesota Vikings (5-2)- 8:20, FOX/NFLN: The Redskins are coming off an ugly home loss against the San Francisco 49ers and it was ugly due to inclement weather and poor offensive play. The Vikings are coming off a good divisional road win in Detroit against the Lions. This is a revenge spot for quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Case Keenum, who both formerly quarterbacked the opposite team. That said, Cousins has the better team around him sans no Adam Thielen and I think they win big and they're my lock of the week.
Prediction: Minnesota 37, Washington 13.

Sunday, October 17th
Seattle Seahawks (5-2) vs Atlanta Falcons (1-6)- 1:00, FOX: The Seahawks are coming off a disappointing home loss against the Baltimore Ravens. The Falcons are coming off a dismal home loss against the Los Angeles Rams in which Matt Ryan hurt his ankle and DeVonta Freeman got ejected in. Whether Ryan plays or not doesn't change how I feel about my pick. The Falcons are a dead team walking with a coach that's on the hot seat and I think Russell Wilson makes easy work of this Falcons team.
Prediction: Seattle 34, Atlanta 20.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) vs Buffalo Bills (5-1)- 1:00, FOX: The Eagles are coming off a disastrous divisional road loss in Dallas against the Cowboys. The Bills are coming off a divisional home win over the winless Miami Dolphins. The Eagles absolutely have to have this game or else their season could spiral out of control and there will be questions about Doug Pederson and Carson Wentz so Wentz must step up (as well as their underperforming defense).
Prediction: Philadelphia 23, Buffalo 20.

Los Angeles Chargers (2-5) vs Chicago Bears (3-3)- 1:00, FOX: The Chargers are coming off a brutal road loss in Nashville against the Titans. The Bears are coming off a bad home loss against the New Orleans Saints and the final score was deceiving because the Bears scored two late garbage time touchdowns. This was a tough call, but I'm going to take the Bears in a close one at home since the Chargers always seem to lose close games.
 Prediction: Chicago 24, LA Chargers 23.

New York Giants (2-5) vs Detroit Lions (2-3-1)- 1:00, FOX: The Giants are coming off a bad home loss against the Cardinals. The Lions are coming off a disappointing divisional home loss against the Minnesota Vikings. Daniel Jones has regressed since his first start and the Lions have regressed as a team, despite being unlucky in some cases. I think this will be a close one, but I think the Lions come out on top at home.
Prediction: Detroit 27, NY Giants 24.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4) vs Tennessee Titans (3-4)- 1:00, FOX: The Buccaneers are coming off a bye and two weeks ago, they lost in London against the Carolina Panthers. The Titans are coming off a home win over the Los Angeles Chargers which had a frantic finish. Ryan Tannehill is starting again for the Titans and I don't love Jameis Winston either, but coming off a bye should help the Bucd and I think they will win this game between two Jekyll and Hyde teams.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 20, Tennessee 17.

Cincinnati Bengals (0-7) vs Los Angeles Rams (4-3)- 1:00, CBS: This game will be played in London. The Bengals are coming off a home loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Rams are coming off a much needed road win in Atlanta against the Falcons. The ironic thing about this game is that Bengals coach Zac Taylor worked under Sean McVay with the Rams and now they face each other as coaches, but it will be ugly for Taylor as his team is very inferior to McVay's.
Prediction: LA Rams 38, Cincinnati 16.

Arizona Cardinals (3-3-1) vs New Orleans Saints (6-1)- 1:00, CBS: The Cardinals are coming off a nice win in East Rutherford against the New York Giants. The Saints are coming off a nice road win in Chicago against the Bears. Drew Brees returns this weekend as well as Alvin Kamara (in all likelihood) and I think they win an entertaining game over Kyler Murray and company.
Prediction: New Orleans 31, Arizona 20.

New York Jets (1-5) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4)- 1:00, CBS: The Jets are coming off a disastrous Monday Night divisional home loss against the New England Patriots. The Jaguars are coming off a road win in Cincinnati against the winless Bengals. I have a funny feeling Sam Darnold and the Jets bounce back here against a Jags team that is a little overrated in my mind. Upset special of the week.
Prediction: NY Jets 24, Jacksonville 20.

Carolina Panthers (4-2) vs San Francisco 49ers (5-1)- 4:05, FOX: The Panthers are coming off a bye and toe weeks ago they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in London. The 49ers are coming off a road win in Landover against the Redskins in a messy weather game. Both of these teams are very good and I think the Panthers will get it done on the road although I can see a world where Kyle Allen struggles against a good Niners defense, but I just think the Niners are due to get tripped up.
Prediction: Carolina 26, San Francisco 24.

Denver Broncos (2-5) vs Indianapolis Colts (4-2)- 4:25, CBS: The Broncos are coming off a bad Thursday night home loss against the Kansas City Chiefs in which Patrick Mahomes got hurt in that game. The Colts are coming off a good divisional home win over the Houston Texans. This is an interesting game that I see competitive, but Frank Reich is the coach I trust more in this spot instead of Vic Fangio.
Prediction: Indianapolis 27, Denver 23.

Oakland Raiders (3-3) vs Houston Texans (4-3)- 4:25, CBS: The Raiders are coming off a road loss in Green Bay against the Packers. The Texans are coming off a tough divisional road loss in Indianapolis against the Colts. I think this will be a high scoring affair with DeShaun Watson and the Texans come out on top sans no Will Fuller.
Prediction: Houston 34, Oakland 23.

Cleveland Browns (2-4) vs New England Patriots (7-0)- 4:25, CBS: The Browns are coming off a bye and two weeks ago, they lost at home against the Seattle Seahawks. The Patriots are coming off a dominant Monday night divisional road win in East Rutherford against the Jets. The Patriots are such an easy play here with a substantial coaching mismatch and I just see the Pats dominating here.
Prediction: New England 38, Cleveland 17.

Green Bay Packers (6-1) vs Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)- 8:20, NBC: The Packers are coming off a dominant home win over the Oakland Raiders. The Chiefs are coming off a Thursday Night road win in Denver against the Broncos sans Patrick Mahomes suffering a dislocated knee. That said, I don't trust Matt Moore what so ever despite Moore playing well against the Broncos as the Packers catch another break and get yet another win.
Prediction: Green Bay 30, Kansas City 16.

Monday, October 28th
Miami Dolphins (0-6) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (2-4)- 8:15, ESPN: The Dolphins are coming off a divisional road loss in Orchard Park against the Bills. The Steelers are coming off a bye and two weeks ago, they won in Los Angeles against the Chargers on a Sunday night. The Dolphins are just a mess that's trying to tank and the Steelers are a team that wants to get back in this AFC Playoff picture and I think the Steelers get it done.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 26, Miami 13.

2019 College Football Week 9: Picks

Here are my picks for week nine of the 2019 College Football season.

Thursday, October 24th

(16) SMU (7-0; 3-0) at Houston (3-4; 1-2)- 7:30, ESPN: I think that this game will be closer than people expect with this being an in-state conference rivals, but the Mustangs will find a way.

Pick: SMU

Friday, October 25th

USC (4-3; 3-1) at Colorado (3-4; 1-3)- 9:00, ESPN2: This could be a trap game for the Trojans with Oregon on deck, but they should still win this game although it will be close.
Pick: USC

Saturday, October 26th

(13) Wisconsin (6-1; 3-1) at (3) Ohio State (7-0; 4-0)- 12:00, FOX: This should be a very interesting game. The Buckeyes have been destroying everyone all season long and I think they'll pull away in the second half against against a Badger team that may not be as good as people think.
Pick: Ohio State

(5) Oklahoma (7-0; 4-0) at Kansas State (4-2; 1-2)- 12:00, ABC: Some people think that this could be where the Sooners get tripped up, but I do think the Sooners win a closer game thank people think.
Pick: Oklahoma

(20) Iowa (5-2; 2-2) at Northwestern (1-5; 0-4)- 12:00, ESPN2: This game I expect to be a lot closer than folks think and I believe the Purple Cats can win this too, but I say the Hawkeyes win it by a field goal.
Pick: Iowa

(21) Appalachian State (6-0; 3-0) at South Alabama (1-6; 0-3)- 12:00, ESPNU
Pick: Appalachian State

Miami (3-4; 1-3) at Pittsburgh (5-2; 2-1)- 12:00, ESPN
Pick: Pittsburgh

San Jose State (3-4; 1-3) at Army (3-4)- 12:00, CBSSN
Pick: Army

Mississippi State (3-4; 1-3) at Texas A&M (4-3; 2-2)- 12:00, SECN
Pick: Texas A&M

Illinois (3-4; 1-3) at Purdue (2-5; 1-3)- 12:00, BTN
Pick: Purdue

Liberty (5-2) at Rutgers (1-6; 0-5)- 12:00, BTN
Pick: Liberty

Bowling Green (2-5; 1-4) at Western Michigan (4-4; 2-2)- 12:00, ESPN3
Pick: Western Michigan

Southern Miss (4-3; 2-1) at Rice (0-7; 0-3)- 1:00, ESPN+
Pick: Southern Miss

Nevada (4-3; 1-2) at Wyoming (5-2; 2-1)- 2:00
Pick: Wyoming

Ohio (3-4; 2-1) at Ball State (4-3; 3-0)- 2:00, ESPN+
Pick: Ball State

WKU (5-2; 4-0) at Marshall (4-3; 2-1)- 2:30
Pick: Marshall

New Mexico State (0-7) at Georgia Southern (3-3; 2-1)- 3:00, ESPN3
Pick: Georgia Southern

(9) Auburn (6-1; 3-1) at (2) LSU (7-0; 3-0)- 3:30, CBS: This should be an interesting game between two SEC West teams. Joe Burrow is making himself a case for the Heisman Trophy and I think he continues it here with a good performance and a win.
Pick: LSU

(6) Penn State (7-0; 4-0) at Michigan State (4-3; 2-2)- 3:30, ABC: Everyone and their brother thinks that the Spartans have a chance to win outright. I get it anything is possible, but this Nittany Lions team is on a roll right now and I think they win by two scores.
Pick: Penn State

(15) Texas (5-2; 3-1) at TCU (3-3; 1-2)- 3:30, FOX: The Horned Frogs are currently a 1-point favorite in this contest despite not fielding the better roster. That said, the better team that's ranked getting points has bit me in the ass a lot this season and I'm not taking chances here.
Pick: TCU

Maryland (3-4; 1-3) at (17) Minnesota (7-0; 4-0)- 3:30, ESPN
Pick: Minnesota

Oklahoma State (4-3; 1-3) at (23) Iowa State (5-2; 3-1)- 3:30, FS1
Pick: Iowa State

Connecticut (1-6; 0-4) at Massachusetts (1-6)- 3:30: Here we have the toilet bowl! I'm going to take the home team to win their second toilet bowl game of the season.
Pick: Massachusetts

North Texas (3-4; 2-1) at Charlotte (2-5; 0-3)- 3:30, ESPN+
Pick: North Texas

FIU (4-3; 2-2) at Middle Tennessee (2-5; 1-2)- 3:30, NFLN
Pick: Middle Tennessee

FAU (4-3; 2-1) at Old Dominion (1-6; 0-5)- 3:30, ESPN+
Pick: FAU

Syracuse (3-4; 0-3) at Florida State (3-4; 2-3)- 3:30, ESPN2
Pick: Florida State

Virginia (5-2; 3-1) at Louisville (4-3; 2-2)- 3:30, ACCN: This screams "trap" for the Cavs, so I'm taking the Cardinals to win it at home.
Pick: Louisville

Arizona (4-3; 2-2) at Stanford (3-4; 2-3)- 3:30, Pac-12N: It looks like KJ Costello will play, so give me the Cardinal at home to get a win they absolutely need.
Pick: Stanford

Indiana (5-2; 2-2) at Nebraska (4-3; 2-2)- 3:30, BTN
Pick: Nebraska

Tulane (5-2; 2-1) at Navy (5-1; 3-1)- 3:30, CBSSN
Pick: Navy

Central Michigan (5-3; 3-1) at Buffalo (3-4; 1-2)-  3:30, ESPN+
Pick: Buffalo

Eastern Michigan (4-3; 1-2) at Toledo (4-3; 1-2)- 3:30, ESPN+
Pick: Toledo

Miami-Ohio (3-4; 2-1) at Kent State (3-4; 2-1)- 3:30, ESPN+
Pick: Kent State

Akron (0-7; 0-3) at Northern Illinois (2-5; 1-2)- 3:30, ESPN3
Pick: Northern Illinois

South Florida (3-4; 1-2) at East Carolina (3-4; 0-3)- 3:45, ESPNU
Pick: East Carolina

Hawaii (4-3; 1-2) at New Mexico (2-5; 0-3)- 4:00
Pick: Hawaii

Duke (4-3; 2-2) at North Carolina (3-4; 2-2)- 4:00, ACCN
Pick: Duke

South Carolina (3-4; 2-3) at Tennessee (2-5; 1-3)- 4:00, SECN
Pick: Tennessee

Arkansas (2-5; 0-4) at (1) Alabama (7-0; 4-0)- 7:00, ESPN: No Tua, no problem.... For at least this week.
Pick: Alabama

Texas Tech (3-4; 1-3) at Kansas (2-5; 0-4)- 7:00, FS1
Pick: Texas Tech

UCF (5-2; 2-1) at Temple (5-2; 2-1)- 7:00, ESPN2: The Owls have been awesome as an underdog an I think that continues with an upset over the Knights.
Pick: Temple

Memphis (6-1; 2-1) at Tulsa (2-5; 0-3)- 7:00, CBSSN
Pick: Memphis

Texas State (2-4; 1-1) at Arkansas State (3-4; 1-2)- 7:00, ESPN+
Pick: Arkansas State

Troy (3-3; 1-1) at Georgia State (5-2; 2-1)- 7:00, ESPN+
Pick: Troy

Boston College (4-3; 2-2) at (4) Clemson (7-0; 5-0)- 7:30, ACCN
Pick: Clemson

(8) Notre Dame (5-1) at (19) Michigan (5-3; 3-2)- 7:30, ABC: This is a big one for both teams as the Irish are still in the Playoff hunt and the Wolverines have an outside chance at a New Years Six bowl. I'm going to take the Wolverines at home to get the type of win Jim Harbaugh has lacked in Ann Arbor.
Pick: Michigan

(24) Arizona State (5-2; 2-2) at UCLA (2-5; 2-2)- 7:30, Pac-12N
Pick: Arizona State

Colorado State (2-5; 1-2) at Fresno State (3-3; 1-1)- 7:30, ESPNU
Pick: Fresno State

Missouri (5-2; 2-1) at Kentucky (3-4; 1-4)- 7:30, SECN
Pick: Missouri

Louisiana Tech (6-1; 3-0) at UTEP (1-5; 0-3)- 8:00, ESPN3
Pick: Louisiana Tech

California (4-3; 1-3) at (12) Utah (6-1; 3-1)- 10:00, FS1
Pick: Utah

Utah State (4-2; 3-0) at Air Force (5-2; 3-1)- 10:15, ESPN2: This is a sneaky big one in the Mountain West. The Falcons have exceeded expectations this season and I expect them to get a big conference home win here against a good Aggies team.
Pick: Air Force

Washington State (4-3; 1-3) at (11) Oregon (6-1; 4-0)- 10:30, ESPN: The Huskies have played the Ducks very well over the past few seasons, I do think this is a competitive game, but Justin Herbert and company find a way.
Pick: Oregon

San Diego State (6-1; 3-1) at UNLV (2-5; 0-3)- 10:30, CBSSN
Pick: San Diego State

2019 College Football Week 9: Schedule

Here is the National TV Schedule for Week 9 of the College Football season.

10/24- (16) SMU at Houston; 7:30, ESPN
10/25- USC at Colorado; 9:00, ESPN2
10/26- (13) Wisconsin at (3) Ohio State; 12:00, FOX
10/26- (5) Oklahoma at Kansas State; 12:00, ABC
10/26- (20) Iowa at Northwestern; 12:00, ESPN2
10/26- (21) Appalachian State at South Alabama; 12:00, ESPNU
10/26- Miami at Pittsburgh; 12:00, ESPN
10/26- San Jose State at Army; 12:00, CBSSN
10/26- Mississippi State at Texas A&M; 12:00, SECN
10/26- Illinois at Purdue; 12:00, BTN
10/26- Liberty at Rutgers; 12:00, BTN
10/26- Bowling Green at Western Michigan; 12:00, ESPN3
10/26- Southern Miss at Rice; 1:00, ESPN+
10/26- Nevada at Wyoming; 2:00
10/26- Ohio at Ball State; 2:00, ESPN+
10/26- WKU at Marshall; 2:30
10/26- New Mexico State at Georgia Southern; 3:00, ESPN3
10/26- (9) Auburn at (2) LSU; 3:30, CBS
10/26- (6) Penn State at Michigan State; 3:30, ABC
10/26- (15) Texas at TCU; 3:30, FOX
10/26- Maryland at (17) Minnesota; 3:30, ESPN
10/26- Oklahoma State at (23) Iowa State; 3:30, FS1
10/26- Connecticut at Massachusetts; 3:30
10/26- North Texas at Charlotte; 3:30, ESPN+
10/26- FIU at Middle Tennessee; 3:30, NFLN
10/26- FAU at Old Dominion; 3:30, ESPN+
10/26- Syracuse at Florida State; 3:30, ESPN2
10/26- Virginia at Louisville; 3:30, ACCN
10/26- Arizona at Stanford; 3:30, Pac-12N
10/26- Indiana at Nebraska; 3:30, BTN
10/26- Tulane at Navy; 3:30, CBSSN
10/26- Central Michigan at Buffalo; 3:30, ESPN+
10/26- Eastern Michigan at Toledo; 3:30, ESPN+
10/26- Miami-Ohio at Kent State; 3:30, ESPN+
10/26- Akron at Northern Illinois; 3:30, ESPN3
10/26- South Florida at East Carolina; 3:45, ESPNU
10/26- Hawaii at New Mexico; 4:00
10/26- Duke at North Carolina; 4:00, ACCN
10/26- South Carolina at Tennessee; 4:00, SECN
10/26- Arkansas at (1) Alabama; 7:00, ESPN
10/26- Texas Tech at Kansas; 7:00, FS1
10/26- UCF at Temple; 7:00, ESPN2
10/26- Memphis at Tulsa; 7:00, CBSSN
10/26- Texas State at Arkansas State; 7:00, ESPN+
10/26- Troy at Georgia State; 7:00, ESPN+
10/26- Boston College at (4) Clemson; 7:30, ACCN
10/26- (8) Notre Dame at (19) Michigan; 7:30, ABC
10/26- (24) Arizona State at UCLA; 7:30, Pac-12N
10/26- Colorado State at Fresno State; 7:30, ESPNU
10/26- Missouri at Kentucky; 7:30, SECN
10/26- Louisiana Tech at UTEP; 8:00, ESPN3
10/26- California at (12) Utah; 10:00, FS1
10/26- Utah State at Air Force; 10:15, ESPN2
10/26- Washington State at (11) Oregon; 10:30, ESPN

10/26- San Diego State at UNLV; 10:30, CBSSN

2019-20 NBA Awards Predictions

Here are my award predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season.

MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: Antetokounmpo proved last season that he could be the best player on a championship caliber type of team and I believe he repeats with this award. The loss of Malcolm Brogdon will hurt to some degree, but I do see the Bucks having the East's best record.
Runner up: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz: Gobert is someone was injury prone earlier his career, but he's cut down the injuries and when he's out there and healthy and is a beast on the defensive side of the ball. He is the leader of one of the best defensive teams in the league and he will get the credit for it.
Runner up: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Sixth Man of the Year: Lou Williams, Los Angeles Clippers: Williams has proven to be the best bench player in the NBA over the last few seasons. When you need a bucket from a bench guy, he's the guy you'd pick. It also helps he's on one of the lead contenders to win the title.
Runner up: Joe Ingles, Utah Jazz

Most Improved Player: Caris LaVert, Brooklyn Nets: LaVert looked like to be a strong candidate for this award a year ago, but he got injured early last season. Now, he's back starting alongside Kyrie Irving and I think he will up his all around game now that he's healthy.
Runner up: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Rookie of the Year: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans: Despite him missing the first six to eight weeks of the season, Williamson should win this award. He was the best player in the preseason and he is someone that could be able to carry a franchise on his shoulder when he's fully healthy.
Runner up: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Coach of the Year: Lloyd Pierce, Atlanta Hawks: Pierce is somebody that is coaching a team that I think cam surprise folks and steal the East's eight seed. It also helps he has talent led by Trae Young and John Collins.
Runner up: Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks

Executive of the Year: Lawrence Frank, Los Angeles Clippers: If you land arguably the best free agent and pull off an unexpected trade for another top ten player, you get my vote. The team also made other smart moves this summer that flown under the radar.
Runner up: Elton Brand, Philadelphia 76ers

2019-20 NBA National TV Schedule

Here is the National TV schedule for the 2019-20 NBA season.

10/22- Pelicans vs Raptors; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Kristen Ledlow
10/22- Lakers vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
10/23- Celtics vs 76ers; 7:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Cassidy Hubbarth
10/23- Nuggets vs Trail Blazers; 10:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke
10/24- Bucks vs Rockets; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Kristen Ledlow
10/24- Clippers vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
10/25- Mavericks vs Pelicans; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Ariel Helwani
10/25- Jazz vs Lakers; 10:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Mark Jackson, Jorge Sedano
10/30- Bucks vs Celtics; 7:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Lisa Salters
10/30- Clippers vs Jazz; 10:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson
10/31- Heat vs Hawks; 7:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
10/31- Nuggets vs Pelicans; 9:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Allie LaForce
11/1- Rockets vs Nets; 7:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth
11/1- Lakers vs Mavericks; 9:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke
11/6- Warriors vs Rockets; 7:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth
11/6- Bucks vs Clippers; 10:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Mark Jackson, Jorge Sedano
11/7- Celtics vs Hornets; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
11/7- Trail Blazers vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Kristen Ledlow
11/8- Cavaliers vs Wizards; 7:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke
11/13- Clippers vs Rockets; 7:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jeff Van Gundy, Lisa Salters
11/13- Warriors vs Lakers; 10:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jorge Sedano
11/14- Mavericks vs Knicks; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
11/14- Nets vs Nuggets; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Kristen Ledlow
11/15- Jazz vs Grizzlies; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke
11/15- Celtics vs Warriors; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano
11/20- Warriors vs Mavericks; 7:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jeff Van Gundy
11/20- Celtics vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano
11/21- Trail Blazers vs Bucks; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Allie LaForce
11/21- Pelicans vs Suns; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
11/22- Spurs vs 76ers; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Hubie Brown, Cassidy Hubbarth
11/22- Rockets vs Clippers; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano
11/27- Nets vs Celtics; 7:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Israel Gutierrez
11/27- Lakers vs Pelicans; 9:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Jorge Sedano
12/3- Mavericks vs Pelicans; 7:30, TNT: Joel Meyers, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
12/3- Trail Blazers vs Clippers; 10:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Allie LaForce
12/6- Nuggets vs Celtics; 8:00, ESPN: Adam Amin, Richard Jefferson, Cassidy Hubbarth
12/6- Lakers vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke
12/10- Nuggets vs 76ers; 8:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Greg Anthony, Allie LaForce
12/11- Clippers vs Raptors; 7:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Richard Jefferson, Jorge Sedano
12/11- Pelicans vs Bucks; 9:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Chauncey Billups
12/12- 76ers vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Allie LaForce
12/12- Trail Blazers vs Nuggets; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
12/13- Lakers vs Heat; 7:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Israel Gutierrez
12/13- Clippers vs Timberwolves; 9:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Hubie Brown
12/18- Heat vs 76ers; 7:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Tom Rinaldi
12/18- Celtics vs Mavericks; 9:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Mark Jackson
12/19- Lakers vs Bucks; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
12/19- Rockets vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Stephanie Ready
12/20- Mavericks vs 76ers; 8:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Jeff Van Gundy, Tom Rinaldi
12/25- Celtics vs Raptors; 12:00, ESPN: Adam Amin, Richard Jefferson, Ariel Helwani
12/25- Bucks vs 76ers; 2:30, ABC: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Tom Rinaldi
12/25- Rockets vs Warriors; 5:00, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
12/25- Clippers vs Lakers; 8:00, ABC/ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Lisa Salters
12/25- Pelicans vs Nuggets; 10:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Chauncey Billups, Jorge Sedano
12/26- Spurs vs Mavericks; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Jared Greenberg
12/26- Trail Blazers vs Jazz; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
12/29- Mavericks vs Lakers; 9:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson, Jorge Sedano
1/3- 76ers vs Rockets; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Jeff Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth
1/3- Pelicans vs Lakers; 10:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson, Jorge Sedano
1/8- Nuggets vs Mavericks; 7:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Jeff Van Gundy, Jorge Sedano
1/8- Bucks vs Warriors; 10:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson
1/9- Celtics vs 76ers; 7:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
1/9- Rockets vs Thunder; 9:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Allie LaForce
1/10- Pelicans vs Knicks; 7:15, ESPN: Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
1/10- Lakers vs Mavericks; 9:45, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Mark Jackson, Jorge Sedano
1/15- Nets vs 76ers; 7:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Tom Rinaldi
1/15- Trail Blazers vs Rockets; 9:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Jeff Van Gundy
1/16- Celtics vs Bucks; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Kristen Ledlow
1/16- Nuggets vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
1/17- Bulls vs 76ers; 7:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano
1/17- Trail Blazers vs Mavericks; 9:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Chauncey Billups
1/18- Clippers vs Pelicans; 3:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown
1/18- Lakers vs Rockets; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Lisa Salters
1/20- Pelicans vs Grizzlies; 5:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Grant Hill, Dennis Scott
1/20- Lakers vs Celtics; 7:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Kristen Ledlow
1/20- Warriors vs Trail Blazers; 10:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
1/22- 76ers vs Raptors; 7:00, ESPN: Adam Amin, Doris Burke
1/22- Spurs vs Pelicans; 9:30, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Tom Rinaldi
1/23- Lakers vs Nets; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Kristen Ledlow
1/23- Mavericks vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
1/24- Clippers vs Heat; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Chauncey Billups, Ariel Helwani
1/25- Lakers vs 76ers; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Israel Gutierrez
1/26- Celtics vs Pelicans; 6:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Jorge Sedano
1/28- Celtics vs Heat; 8:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson, Jared Greenberg
1/29- Pistons vs Nets; 7:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Richard Jefferson, Cassidy Hubbarth
1/29- Rockets vs Trail Blazers; 10:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke
1/30- Warriors vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Allie LaForce
1/30- Jazz vs Nuggets; 10:30, TNT: Spero Dedes, Greg Anthony, Kristen Ledlow
1/31- Mavericks vs Rockets; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano
1/31- Trail Blazers vs Lakers; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Lisa Salters
2/1- 76ers vs Celtics; 8:30, ABC: Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Israel Gutierrez
2/2- Pelicans vs Rockets; 2:00, ABC: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano
2/4- Bucks vs Pelicans; 7:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson, Jared Greenberg
2/4- Spurs vs Lakers; 10:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Chris Haynes
2/5- Magic vs Celtics; 7:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Hubie Brown, Cassidy Hubbarth
2/5- Heat vs Clippers; 10:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano
2/6- 76ers vs Bucks; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
2/6- Rockets vs Lakers; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Allie LaForce
2/7- Raptors vs Pacers; 8:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Richard Jefferson, Jorge Sedano
2/7- Trail Blazers vs Jazz; 10:30, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke
2/8- Lakers vs Warriors; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, Lisa Salters
2/11- Clippers vs 76ers; 7:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Jared Greenberg
2/11- Celtics vs Rockets; 9:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson, Chris Haynes
2/12- Bucks vs Pacers; 7:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke, LaPhonso Ellis, Adam Schefter
2/12- Lakers vs Nuggets; 10:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jeff Van Gundy, Jimmy Dykes
2/13- Clippers vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Kevin McHale, Allie LaForce

2019 College Football Week 9: Bowl Projections

Here is my Week Nine edition of my 2019 College Football Bowl Projections.

College Football Playoff
Fiesta Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (2) Ohio State vs (3) Clemson
Peach Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (1) Alabama vs (4) Oklahoma

Rest of New Years Six Bowls
Cotton Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Appalachian State vs Georgia
Orange Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Virginia vs Notre Dame
Rose Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 5:00, ESPN: Utah vs Penn State
Sugar Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 8:45, ESPN: LSU vs Baylor

Other Bowl Games
Bahamas Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: Southern Miss vs Central Michigan
Frisco Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN2: East Carolina vs Army
New Mexico Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: UAB vs Utah State
Cure Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:30, CBSSN: Navy vs Georgia Southern
Boca Raton Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 3:30, ABC: Tulane vs Ball State
Camellia Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 5:30, ESPN: Toledo vs Arkansas State
Las Vegas Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 7:30, ABC: Boise State vs Washington State
New Orleans Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 9:00, ESPN: Marshall vs Louisiana
Gasparilla Bowl: December 23rd, 2019- 2:30, ESPN: Temple vs WKU
Hawaii Bowl: December 24th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: BYU vs Hawaii
Independence Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: FAU vs Syracuse
Quick Lane Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Louisville vs Michigan State
Military Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: UCF vs Duke
Pinstripe Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 3:20, ESPN: NC State vs Indiana
Texas Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 6:45, ESPN: Oklahoma State vs Kentucky
Holiday Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 8:00, FS1: Wisconsin vs Arizona State
Cheez-It Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 10:15, ESPN: Stanford vs Texas Tech
Camping World Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ABC: Pittsburgh vs Iowa State
First Responder Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 12:30, ESPN: Louisiana Tech vs Kansas State
Music City Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Wake Forest vs Purdue
RedBox Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 7:00, ESPN: Nebraska vs USC
Belk Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Virginia Tech vs Mississippi State
Sun Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 2:00, CBS: Florida State vs Washington
Liberty Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 3:45, ESPN: SMU vs TCU
Arizona Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 4:30, CBSSN: San Diego State vs Georgia State
Alamo Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Texas vs Oregon
Citrus Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ABC: Minnesota vs Florida
Outback Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ESPN: Michigan vs Auburn
Birmingham Bowl: January 2nd, 2019- 3:00, ESPN: Fresno State vs Cincinnati
Gator Bowl: January 2nd 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Iowa vs Texas A&M
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: January 3rd, 2019- 3:30, ESPN: Eastern Michigan vs Air Force
Armed Forces Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 11:30AM, ESPN: Colorado vs Wyoming
Mobile Alabama Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Ohio vs Troy

2019 World Series Prediction

This should be a very fun World Series against two very talented teams? Will the Astros take home their second championship in three seasons or will the Nationals win their first ever World Series title? Here is how I feel the 2019 World Series will play out.

(NWC1) Washington Nationals vs (A1) Houston Astros: This should be very interesting series played between a team in the Nationals in which they feel like a team of destiny and an Astros team that is the best team in baseball. The Nationals are coming off an impressive four game sweep over the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS. The Astros are coming off a six game series win over the New York Yankees in the ALCS. The Astros offense is great too led by Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Michael Brantley, and Carlos Correa. The Nationals offense really is starting to come together led by Juan Soto, Anthony Rendon, and Trea Turner. The Astros starting pitching is the best in the league led by Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and Zack Greinke. The Nationals starting pitching has been spectacular throughout thr playoffs and kept the Nats in games in which they were trailing at times led by Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Patrick Corbin, and Anibal Sanchez. The Astros bullpen showed leaks in the previous two rounds, but got away with it in the previous round with guys like Roberto Osuna, Will Harris, and Josh James. The Nationals bullpen really has stepped up and got big outs led by Sean Doolittle and Daniel Hudson as well as starters coming in relief too. The pitching matchups will be sexy because of all the big name starters on each team, but that said, the Astros are the best team in baseball and the last three seasons, the team with the best record in baseball won the World Series and the Astros will make it four straight years of that scenario.
Prediction: Astros in six games.

World Series MVP: Jose Altuve

2019-20 NBA Predictions

This is probably one of the more intriguing seasons we've had in a while because there is no "slam dunk" pick to win the championship like there was the last 3-4 seasons with the Warriors. Will one of the new-look LA teams emerge and win the title? Will an Eastern Conference contender win it? Here are my predictions for the 2019-20 NBA Season.

- Eastern Conference
1. Milwaukee Bucks (57-25)
2. Philadelphia 76ers (55-27)
3. Boston Celtics (50-32)
4. Brooklyn Nets (47-35)
5. Indiana Pacers (46-36)
6. Toronto Raptors (45-37)
7. Miami Heat (44-38)
8. Atlanta Hawks (42-40)
9. Detroit Pistons (39-43)
10. Orlando Magic (37-45)
11. Chicago Bulls (32-50)
12. Cleveland Cavaliers (30-52)
13. Washington Wizards (28-54)
14. New York Knicks (27-55)
15. Charlotte Hornets (17-65)

The Milwaukee Bucks had the best record in the NBA a season ago and I expect them to have the best record in the Eastern Conference again this season. Reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the way and Khris Middleton returns after re-signing with the team in the summer as well as Brook Lopez. Wesley Matthews and Eric Bledsoe is the starting backcourt and Matthews isn't the same player he was five seasons ago and Bledsoe was terrible in the playoffs. The bench features the likes of George Hill, Donte DiVincenzo, Kyle Korver, and Robin Lopez. The loss of Malcolm Brogdon will hurt this team, but they should survive in the regular season. The Philadelphia 76ers pretty much remade their team in the offseason and I think their additions could offset their losses of Jimmy Butler and JJ Redick. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are the teams foundation and Tobias Harris and new additions Josh Richardson and Al Horford round out the starting five. Their bench features the likes of Trey Burke, Zhaire Smith, Furkan Korkmaz, and Mike Scott. The Boston Celtics are a team that is very fascinating coming into the season with the Kyrie Irving experience coming to a disastrous end and they replace him by signing Kemba Walker. Jayson Tatum, Jalyen Brown, Gordon Hayward, and either Enes Kanter or Daniel Theis round out the starting five. One of the two centers I listed as well as guys like Semi Ojeleye, Marcus Smart, Robert Williams and rookies Carsen Edwards and Grant Williams. The Brooklyn Nets stole major headlines this offseason by signing Kevin Durant (who likely won't play this season as he's recovering from his Achilles injury) and Kyrie Irving. Caris LaVert, Joe Harris, and Rodions Kurucs all had moments last season and those three along with Irving and DeAndre Jordan round out the starting five. Jared Allen should start at center over Jordan and he along with Spencer Dinwiddie, Garrett Temple, and Wilson Chandler are going to be bench guys. The Indiana Pacers are a team that could be better or worse than my projection depending on when Victor Oladipo comes back from injury. Malcolm Brogdon was the big addition to this team and trade acquisition TJ Warren, Domontas Sabonis, and Myles Turner round out the starting five. Jeremy Lamb will start in place of Oladipo while he's out and other reserves include Aaron Holiday, TJ McConnell, Doug McDermott, and Justin Holiday. The Toronto Raptors are your reigning NBA Champions, but a step back is expected due to the departure of Kawhi Leonard. Pascal Siakam, Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, and Fred Van Vleet are all still around and I think that's their best five. Other players that will be relied on are OG Anunoby, Norman Powell, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Anunoby is the wild card here because he has potential he has not reached yet. The Miami Heat should return to the postseason this year with the addition of Jimmy Butler and due to the infrastructure they have there. Butler, Justice Winslow, Tyler Herro, Kelly Olynyk, and Bam Abedayo round out the starting five. Dion Waiters and Goran Dragic might both be coming off the bench and other bench guys include Meyers Leonard and James Johnson. The Atlanta Hawks are my surprise pick to make the postseason this year because they have a lot of young talent headlined by Trae Young and John Collins and a coach in Lloyd Pearce who had the team playing hard most of last season. Young, Collins, Kevin Huerter, rookie De'Andre Hunter, and Alex Len are the starting five. Veteran Vince Carter, Jabari Parker, DeAndre Bembry, and rookie Cam Reddish are notable bench players. The Detroit Pistons made the postseason a season ago, but I have too many questions and concerns with this team makeup to pencil them back in. Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond is an awkward front court fit and both of those guys are often injured. Reggie Jackson is someone else that never stays healthy at the point and has not lived upto the contract he got when he has been healthy. Bruce Brown is slated to start at the two-guard and Tony Snell is at the three and I don't love those perimeter guys what-so-ever. The bench features the likes of Langston Galloway, Luke Kenanrd, Derrick Rose, and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk. The Orlando Magic had a nice season last year, but I don't see them repeating last season, although Steve Clifford is a very good coach. Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fournier, and Aaron Gordon have been around for a while and the other starters are slated to be Jonathan Issacs and DJ Augustin. Bench guys include Markelle Fultz, Michael Carter-Williams, Terrence Ross, and Mo Bomba. The Chicago Bulls are a team that people think can surprise, but I think they are a year or two away. Their young core includes Lauri Markannen, Zach LaVine, Wendel Carter Jr, and rookie Coby White. New acquisition Tomas Satoransky is slated to start at point guard and Otto Porter is slated to start at the three. Veteran Thad Young is slated to come off the bench. The Cleveland Cavaliers have a new head coach in John Beilein, who comes over from Michigan. Collin Sexton and rookie Darius Garland make a fun backcourt and Cedi Osman, Kevin Love, and Tristian Thompson round out the starting five. Bench guys include Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr, and Matthew Dellavedova. The Washington Wizards are a team thats in for a long season. John Wall is out this season with a torn meniscus. Bradley Beal, Ish Smith, CJ Miles, rookie Rui Hachimura, and Thomas Bryant is the projected starting five. Bench guys include Ian Mahinmi, Davis Bertans, and Isaiah Thomas. The New York Knicks are a team that had perhaps the worst summer in the league with missing out on top free agents and here they are still rebuilding. Rookie RJ Barrett, Dennis Smith Jr, Marcus Morris, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson are the projected starting five. Youngsters Kevin Knox and Frank Ntlikina are slated to come off the bench as well as free agent adds Elfrid Payton, Wayne Ellington, Bobby Portis, and Taj Gibson. The Charlotte Hornets are easily the worst team in the NBA this season. Out is Kemba Walker and replacing him is Terry Rozier and he, Nic Batum, Dwayne Bacon, Miles Bridges, and Cody Zeller are the projected starting five. Guys like Malik Monk, PJ Washington, Bismack Biyombo, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are bench players.

- Western Conference
1. Denver Nuggets (57-25)
2. Utah Jazz (55-27)
3. Los Angeles Clippers (54-28)
4. Los Angeles Lakers (52-30)
5. Houston Rockets (50-32)
6. Golden State Warriors (47-35)
7. Portland Trail Blazers (46-36)
8. San Antonio Spurs (45-37)
9. New Orleans Pelicans (41-41)
10. Dallas Mavericks (39-43)
11. Sacramento Kings (37-43)
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (33-49)
13. Minnesota Timberwolves (30-52)
14. Memphis Grizzlies (27-55)
15. Phoenix Suns (25-57)

The Denver Nuggets had a great season last year finishing in second in the Western Conference and now I have them getting the top seed in the West. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray headline this teams core and the rest of the starting five is Paul Milsap, Will Barton, and Gary Harris. Michael Porter Jr could end up starting for this team if he lives upto potential. The rest of the bench consists of new addition Jerami Grant, Malik Beasley, Monte Morris, Torrey Craig, Juan Hernangomez, and Bol Bol. The Utah Jazz are a team I expect to make a big jump. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Robert are this teams foundational pieces and the rest of the starting five consists of new additions Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Jeff Green. Off the bench are guys like Joe Ingles, Emmanuel Mudiay, Royce O'Neale, and Ed Davis. The Los Angeles Clippers made big headlines this summer landing both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Joining them in the starting five are Patrick Beverley, JaMychal Green, and Ivica Zubac. Landry Shamet will likely start in place of George, who will miss the first few weeks of the season with a shoulder injury. The rest of the bench consists of Sixth Man of the Year candidate Lou Williams, Rodney McGruder, Mo Harkless, and Montrezl Harrell. The Los Angeles Lakers took some headlines too by acquiring Anthony Davis to pair him up with LeBron James, who has a giant chip on his shoulder this season. JaVale McGee, new addition Danny Green, and Avery Bradley round out there starting five. I do think they should go small ball at some points and potentially start Rajon Rondo or even Kyle Kuzma at times depending on matchups. Other reserves include Dwight Howard, Jared Dudley, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Quinn Cook. The Houston Rockets were another team that made some interesting headlines by swapping out Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook to pair with James Harden in what should be a fascinating backcourt. The rest of the starting five is looking like Clint Capela, Danuel House, and PJ Tucker. Gerald Green might miss the whole season with a broken foot, so that hurts the depth of this team. Other reserves include Eric Gordon, Austin Rivers, Tyson Chandler, and Nene Hilario. The Golden State Warriors are expected to take a step back this season due to the departure of Kevin Durant and that Klay Thompson may miss the entire year recovering from his torn ACL. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are still around and the team signed D'Angelo Russell this summer apart of the package that sent Durant to Brooklyn. The two other starters are slated to be Glenn Robinson III and Kevon Looney. The bench features the likes of Willie Cauley-Stein, Omari Spellman, Alec Burks, and Jordan Poole. The Portland Trail Blazers could be a team in which it would not surprise me if their season goes better or worse than I project. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are the teams main guys as they run their backcourt. New addition Hassan Whitesite, Zach Collins, and Rodney Hood round out their starting five. Reserves include Anfernee Simons, Kent Bazemore, and Mario Hezonja and Jursuf Nurkic is supposed to come back at some point. The San Antonio Spurs are a team that I doubted a season ago and people are doubting this season, but I think they define the odds yet again. Veterans LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan are still around and the team gets back talented point guard Dejounte Murray from a torn ACL. Derrick White and Jakob Poetl round out the starting five. Reserves include Rudy Gay, Patty Mills, Marco Belinelli, and DeMarre Carroll. The New Orleans Pelicans have high expectations this season, but things just got challenging for this team as top overall pick Zion Williamson just got knee surgery and is out six to eight weeks. Lonzo Ball, Jrue Holliday, Brandon Ingram, and Derrick Favors round out the starting five. Bench players include Jhalil Okafor (who may start in place of Zion), JJ Redick, Josh Hart, and rookies Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jaxson Hayes. The Dallas Mavericks are a team that expectations are higher for with Luka Doncic entering his second season and Kristaps Porzingis making his Mavs debut after they traded for him last season while he was recovering from a torn ACL. The rest of the starters are Delon Wright, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Dwight Powell. The reserves aren't bad led by Boban Marjanovic, Jalen Brunson, JJ Barea, Seth Curry, and Maxi Kleber. The Sacramento Kings are a team with raised expectations due to a young core headlined by De'Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, and Marvin Bagley. Harrison Barnes and new addition Dewayne Dedmon are the other two starters. Reserves include Harry Giles, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Trevor Ariza. The Oklahoma City Thunder are a team thats enduring a rebuild after trading away Russell Westbrook and Paul George. Chris Paul came in the Westbrook deal (as well as a bunch of draft picks). The rest of the starters include Shae Gilgeous-Alexander (who was the prize of the George deal), Andre Roberson, Danilo Gallinari, and Steven Adams. Reserves include Dennis Schroder, Nerlens Noel, and Terrance Ferguson. The Minnesota Timberwolves are a team that cannot seem to get out of its own way. Karl-Anthony Towns is a sensational talent, but he is someone that is not a good defensive player. Andrew Wiggins is someone that has not put it all together throughout his career. The rest of the starting five is Jeff Teague, Josh Okogie, and Robert Covington. Reserves include rookie Jarrett Culver, Jake Layman, and Noah Vonleh. The Memphis Grizzlies are a team that has a chance to surprise folks this season thanks to two talented young players to rookie Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. The other starters include Dillon Brooks, Jae Crowder, and Jonas Valanciunas. Reserves include Grayson Allen, Tyus Jones, Josh Jackson, and Kyle Anderson. The Phoenix Suns made some interesting moves to make themselves more respectable. The young core is headlined by Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. The rest of the starters include new addition Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre, and trade add Dario Saric. Reserves include Jevon Carter, Elie Okobo, rookie Cameron Johnson, Mikal Bridges, and Aron Baynes.

2020 NBA Playoffs
- First Round
(E8) Atlanta Hawks vs (E1) Milwaukee Bucks: There is some star power here with Giannis Antetokounmpo against Trae Young and John Collins, but the Bucks should sweep Mike Budenholzer's ex-team.
Prediction: Bucks in four games.

(E7) Miami Heat vs (E2) Philadelphia 76ers: These two teams hooked up in the playoffs two seasons ago and the Sixers came out on top. Both teams are better now than they were two seasons ago, but the Sixers still have the advantage with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons with good pieces around him and don't forget the revenge angle with Jimmy Butler and Josh Richardson.
Prediction: 76ers in six games.

(E6) Toronto Raptors vs (E3) Boston Celtics: Two divisional rivals facing off here. The reigning champions season ends against a Celtics team that could look a little different than it does now led by Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker.
Prediction: Celtics in five games.

(E5) Indiana Pacers vs (E4) Brooklyn Nets: This should be an interesting series between two teams in which expectations are higher for in terms of Eastern Conference teams. If Kevin Durant somehow came back for the playoffs, the Nets would be the easy choice here. The best player in this series if healthy could be Victor Oladipo and I can see him and Malcolm Brogdon having big series's and I'm going to take the Pacers in an upset speical.
Prediction: Pacers in six games.

(W8) San Antonio Spurs vs (W1) Denver Nuggets: Here is a matchup we saw in last season's first round that went seven games. I see the Nuggets led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray getting by the Spurs for a second straight season.
Prediction: Nuggets in six games.

(W7) Portland Trail Blazers vs (W2) Utah Jazz: This should be a fun series headlined by four great guards in Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Donovan Mitchell, and Mike Conley. The difference in this series is the new additions for the Jazz which helped address their previous lack of shooting.
Prediction: Jazz in six games.

(W6) Golden State Warriors vs (W3) Los Angeles Clippers: These two teams met in the postseason last season and the Warriors came out on top. I think the series will go the same number of games as last season's series, except the Clippers will come out on top led by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Prediction: Clippers in six games.

(W5) Houston Rockets vs (W4) Los Angeles Lakers: This is easily the best series of the projected eight first round matchups. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook headline the stardom and don't forget these teams got at it last season (although Chris Paul was involved and not Westbrook). That said, the better and deeper team is the Lakers and this thing will go to distance.
Prediction: Lakers in seven games.

- Semifinals
(E5) Indiana Pacers vs (E1) Milwaukee Bucks: This should be an interesting second round series with these division rivals. Brogdon has revenge on his mind, but Antetokounmpo is a man on a mission and easily the best guy in the series and I expect them to get to their second straight conference finals.
Prediction: Bucks in five games.

(E3) Boston Celtics vs (E2) Philadelphia 76ers: Another division rival series in the second round. These two teams hooked up two seasons ago as well as the Celtics won that series. Al Horford is going to want to do damage against his former team and he, Embiid, and Simmons will lead the team to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2001.
Prediction: 76ers in six games.

(W4) Los Angeles Lakers vs (W1) Denver Nuggets: This should be another fun series between two very good teams. The Nuggets may look like a different team in April-May, but the Lakers have more depth and have the best players in the series in LeBron James and Anthony Davis and will be in the Conference Finals for the first time in ten seasons.
Prediction: Lakers in six games.

(W3) Los Angeles Clippers vs (W2) Utah Jazz: This screams a defensive minded, low scoring kind of series. The star power of Leonard and George is what ultimately will prevail for the Clippers as they advance to their first Conference Finals in franchise history.
Prediction: Clippers in six games.

- Conference Finals
(E2) Philadelphia 76ers vs (E1) Milwaukee Bucks: This matchup seems inevitable as these two teams are on a collision course for the conference supremacy. This should be an entertaining series with star power abound, but the better team is the 76ers, who will advance to their first NBA Finals in nineteen seasons.
Prediction: 76ers in six games.

(W4) Los Angeles Lakers vs (W3) Los Angeles Clippers: This is the dream matchup that everyone and their brother wants to see. Same city, same home arena, four mega superstars, roster depth on both sides, and ratings will be through the roof for TNT. What makes me lean towards the Clippers the most is the fact Leonard and George are the guys that can defend LeBron the best and I think they will go to their first ever NBA Finals.
Prediction: Clippers in seven games.

- NBA Finals
(W3) Los Angeles Clippers vs (E2) Philadelphia 76ers: This should be such a fun NBA Finals. These two teams made perhaps the best offseason moves to set themselves up to win this year. Leonard, George, Embiid, and Simmons headline the stars in this series. Both of these teams are excellent defensively as well. What gives me a significant edge to the Clippers is that they have the clear coaching advantage with Doc Rivers over Brett Brown and I think the Clippers will hoist their first ever Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Prediction: Clippers in seven games.