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Zach LaVine must walk the walk in Chicago Bulls Round 1 series vs. BucksRyan Heckmanon April 12, 2022 at 3:30 pm

Chicago Bulls (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

On Easter Sunday, the Chicago Bulls begin their 2022 NBA Playoffs journey — and it will not be easy.

The Bulls finished as the sixth seed, of course, so they must go toe to toe with the reigning Champions, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. This is a team that the Bulls went 0-4 against during the regular season, with each loss seemingly getting worse as the season went on.

That trend of getting worse as the season went on wasn’t just between the Bulls and Bucks, it was a trend in general for Chicago. The Bulls were tied for first place in mid-February, and have since dropped to where they’re at now.

If the Bulls are to stand any chance, whatsoever, at beating the Bucks, they are going to need a player or two to step up in a big way. As we’ve written here recently, the Bulls have lacked any form of vocal leadership on the court this season. There has been no visible, motivating factor in head coach Billy Donovan, as that’s not his coaching style.

Zach LaVine is going to have to step up and be the leader these Chicago Bulls need in the 2022 NBA Playoffs.

The one guy who is most capable of being that real, vocal leader for the Bulls is Zach LaVine. Out of the Bulls’ big three, he is the most vocal of them all on the court and has the capability of having that tough, gritty attitude come out in physical form — and the Bulls need it.

As of whether or not he can be that guy, he certainly sounds like he can.

In LaVine’s most recent chat with NBC Sports’ K.C. Johnson, he proclaimed all of the right things:

“You know I’m a confident dude. You know my confidence is in my game. I put the work in for it. I’m not scared of anything … I think it just shows I’ll do whatever it takes to help my team win. I can be very effective at whatever role is given me and still make a big impact and be myself.”

We have heard these types of comments from LaVine in the past. He’s always had that “never back down” type of attitude. He’s taken over games in the past. But, one thing is different now: these are the playoffs.

LaVine has never been to the playoffs before, but this is an opportunity he has to relish.

At this point, the Bulls are going in as enormous underdogs. Many fans don’t believe they’ll even win one game. But, that’s a valid opinion. This team, on paper, shouldn’t win one game against the Bucks.

It’s going to be that extra “something” that the Bulls will need to come out with. They have not played with that fire, that passion, that championship-level teams play with. Donovan is not that type of coach, and the team’s attitude has reflected that of Donovan on the court over the past two months.

It’s at this time that LaVine needs to put all of those words into action, now. He must become the leader of this team. He must attack the basket. He must play tenacious defense. Walk the walk, so to speak. It can’t be all talk, now. He can say all the right things, but this is where his team and his city needs to see a real, visible change.

Bulls’ initial first round playoff schedule tentatively set

Read now >>

Will LaVine become that guy on Sunday? Let’s hope so.

Zach LaVine must walk the walk in Chicago Bulls Round 1 series vs. BucksRyan Heckmanon April 12, 2022 at 3:30 pm Read More »

Why Chicago Bears should worry about these Round 2 receiversRyan Heckmanon April 12, 2022 at 1:52 pm

Chicago Bears (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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Chicago Bears (Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)

The countdown is on for the 2022 NFL Draft, as we’re just a little over two weeks away. For Chicago Bears fans, this is a monumental weekend for the future of their franchise.

Ryan Poles has done a satisfactory job in adding free agent pieces over the past month, but hasn’t done enough according to a lot of fans. His plan is to take it slow this first year and really go all-in next offseason.

But, as we’ve said many times, Justin Fields needs a supporting cast. In order to develop in his second year, Fields has to at least have a couple of playmakers and some protection up front.

In this year’s draft, the Bears will plausibly take a wide receiver with one of their second-round picks, and hopefully a lineman with the other — if not in the third round. But, receiver seems to be the most pressing need. The Bears have to find a running mate for Darnell Mooney.

The Chicago Bears are likely to pick a receiver in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but should do plenty of research first.

In the second round, the Bears could find themselves a very, very good value at the wide receiver position. This draft class is extraordinarily deep at wideout, and that will bode well for Chicago, who doesn’t have a first-round pick.

Bears fans have spent countless hours performing mock drafts and picking out the best fits at wide receiver, and many of those picks have come in the second round.

The following five wide receivers could end up being excellent picks by the Bears. But, using Lance Zierlein’s scouting notes and draft profile data, let’s take a deeper dive into these guys. Each of them are talented, but there is a bit of reason to worry about all five of them.

Next: Why worry about Jalen Tolbert?

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Why Chicago Bears should worry about these Round 2 receiversRyan Heckmanon April 12, 2022 at 1:52 pm Read More »

I blame Facebook for my obsession with the number 70

I’ve Got The Hippy Shakes

I blame Facebook for my obsession with the number 70

By Howard Moore,
today at 9:23 am

I’ve been known to obsess over many things. Health. Sports. Music. Writing. Reruns of The Office. Donald Trump. And those are just a few of my obsessions. But lately, I’ve been obsessing over a particular number.

Actually, it’s been more than lately. This obsession began on June 12, 2021. That was the day after my last birthday. That was the day after I turned sixty-nine years old. That was the day I started to think and really overthink about the next number. That was the day I started the obsession with the number 70.

It wasn’t a constant obsession. I didn’t think about it all the time. I didn’t even think about it every day. In fact, I was pretty good about it for close to six months. It was still more of a concept at that point. But, when 2022 began, it became more real.

The reason for this is Facebook. Almost every day, Zuckerberg and his ilk remind me with a notification that a friend, acquaintance or former classmate has reached this kind of magical number.

It began on the second day of January when I was informed that a college friend was celebrating her seventieth. Last week, it came to a head when I wished five former classmates a happy seven decades.

While the number and age 70 is scary as a concept, it’s even scarier when you see it in print. Thanks, Mark. Thanks, Facebook.

Two months from yesterday is my number 70 arrival date. I’m positive the next sixty days will give me plenty of opportunities to overthink and obsess over this milestone. Hmmm….I wonder how many others will be celebrating this same birthday in that time frame. It’s thirty-five. Of course, I counted because that’s how my brain rolls. But, I can only do this because of Mark Z.’s creation.

So once again I offer Thanks, Facebook. Thanks a F’ing lot!

Type your email address in the box and click the “create subscription” button. My list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.

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Every five years or so I decide to update this section. I can’t believe I’ve been doing this for close to ten years. The last time I did this I was close to sixty years old. Now I’m just a few months away from the big 7-ZERO. Scary AF!!! I’m pretty sure I won’t be doing an update when I hit 80, but you never know. But until then, lets just be grateful.

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Creating a More Comfortable Home Office: 6 Tips

from Small Business Blog by Martin Banks
posted today at 9:37 am

I blame Facebook for my obsession with the number 70

from I’ve Got The Hippy Shakes by Howard Moore
posted today at 9:23 am

No more nerves: Illinois State CB Franky West making the most of his opportunity

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Creating a More Comfortable Home Office: 6 Tips

Small Business Blog

Creating a More Comfortable Home Office: 6 Tips

By Martin Banks,
today at 9:37 am

With more people working from home than ever before, shopping priorities have switched from business professional work clothing to creating a comfortable home office.

Showing up to work in loungewear, lighting a scented candle and snuggling under a blanket sound fantastic — but how do you balance making your space cozy without losing efficiency and productivity? Here are a few practical ways to make your home office work for you:

1. Practice Office Ergonomics

Office ergonomics isn’t some new fitness craze for the workplace but a method of setting up your office furniture to best suit your body. An 8-hour workday is a long time to spend sitting in the same place. You should take precautions to get set up effectively to negate some of the impacts of a dysfunctional work environment.

When you finish setting up, your feet should be flat on the floor with plenty of room for your knees and thighs to fit under the desk. Your computer should be at eye level and an arm’s length away. Your mouse, keyboard and other necessities should be within easy reach. It may take some time to get this right, but it’ll quickly become a habit.

2. Be Flexible

Holding still for long periods can bring a slew of health issues. Coming up with creative ways to get up and move around can drastically improve your work environment’s comfort and your overall physical health.

Having a desk that operates as a standing or sitting desk is a great way to change positions without losing productivity. These desks are motorized and allow you to change from a seated height to standing height quickly. Alternatively, you can get flexible seating for different positions, like wobble stools and stability balls which can improve your core strength.

3. Get Support

Your chair may be to blame if you struggle with back, neck and shoulder pain. Only a dedicated desk chair has the support your back needs to stay in proper alignment and ease the burden of sitting for hours.

Test chairs in person if possible to get one that fits you the best. Your ideal chair should have adjustable height and tilt, while many desk chairs have even more adjustments like armrest height. While sitting, your feet should be firmly planted on the floor.

If you already have a desk chair and aren’t in a position to purchase a different one, you could consider adding a footrest to align your legs. Another important accessory is a pillow designed specifically for lumbar support.

No matter what you choose, a chair setup can only help good posture, not fix lousy posture. Set a timer and check on your posture hourly until holding good posture becomes a habit.

4. Breathe Better

The air of your home office can grow stale quite quickly if you aren’t mindful of bringing in fresh air. You may not even realize that the air you are breathing can also hold dangerous toxins. Almost everything in your home has the potential to add toxic chemicals to the air, including synthetic carpet, paint, vinyl flooring, cleaners and air fresheners.

There are a few things you can do to combat exposure in your home. Opening a window and letting fresh air in whenever possible is the easiest and cheapest solution. However, that isn’t a possibility in cold seasons or on rainy days. Another option is to buy a home air purifier. These have come a long way at being able to improve air quality. If you want a more permanent solution to air quality, you can install a ventilation system to improve airflow throughout your home.

5. Embrace Nature

Being in nature has many positive effects, and you can bring some of those benefits into your home office by adding greenery. Plants give off oxygen, helping to purify your air further. They can also help a room feel more open and less claustrophobic.

Try adding a few plants to your space for the health benefits and some added visual interest. Before choosing the plants you would like, check to see what kind of care and sunlight they need. Aim for low-maintenance plants that don’t need direct sunlight, as these will be the most likely to succeed in your workspace.

6. Make It Personal

When you work outside of the home, you often have to follow specific rules for what is allowed in your desk space or office. With a home office, you can decide how you want your room to look. Go ahead and add pictures of friends and family, wall art and accessories that just scream you!

Add your personal flair to other office decor decisions like the style of your desk and lighting. Choose a cute rug for under your desk or some elegant shelving. Just make sure that whatever you pick matches your aesthetic and is still functional.

Remember to KISS

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Keep it simple, stupid.” This rule applies to decorating. As fun as it is to design your office space, having too much clutter will negatively impact its functionality. Choose your decor and furniture wisely to make sure it’s serving you well.

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Martin Banks grew up outside of Chicago and covers all things small-business related, as well as the world’s best hockey team, the Chicago Blackhawks

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Creating a More Comfortable Home Office: 6 Tips

from Small Business Blog by Martin Banks
posted today at 9:37 am

I blame Facebook for my obsession with the number 70

from I’ve Got The Hippy Shakes by Howard Moore
posted today at 9:23 am

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Betting tips and daily fantasy advice for the 2022 NBA play-in tournamenton April 12, 2022 at 3:30 pm

7:00 AM ET

While the 2021-22 NBA season finished up Sunday, some of the playoff matchups are yet to be decided.

The 2022 NBA Play-In tournament tips off Tuesday night to decide which teams will get the No. 7 and 8 seeds in each conference.

The Brooklyn Nets will battle the Cleveland Cavaliers for the chance to face the No. 2 seeded Boston Celtics, while the LA Clippers take on the Minnesota Timberwolves with the winner advancing to meet the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round.

So which teams have the best chance at advancing and what are some of the best daily fantasy plays and bets for Tuesday night’s games?

Our fantasy and betting analysts give you the best intel and data to help you make smart fantasy and wagering decisions.

Odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook

Jump ahead: Games of the night | Analytics edge

What you need to know for the Tuesday’s play-in games

by Jim McCormick

Dominant Darius: The Cavaliers might be sizable dogs in Brooklyn, but Darius Garland has all of the ingredients for a dominant statistical performance. He sports a reasonable 3-point prop of 2.5 at Caesars Sportsbook, a number he hit in the first quarter this past Sunday. Garland is also in a good spot to deliver on his assists prop at 8.5. He averaged 15.1 potential assists over his past 10 games, which ranks eighth in the NBA. Garland should see plenty of shooting and creation opportunities against an up-tempo Nets team that lacks a proven point-of-attack defender. After all, Brooklyn has allowed point guards to put up 52.1 DraftKings points per game over the past 15 games, the sixth-highest during this span.

Stock Watch: While Jarrett Allen remains sidelined, Evan Mobley should see increased rim protection and rebounding opportunities. He has a block prop of 1.5 at reasonable odds and ranks fifth in shots defended per game within six feet of the basket. Mobley has averaged a steal and three blocks over his past two games since returning from an ankle injury. Robert Covington‘s steal and stock props are also worth keeping an eye on as he ranks seventh in the league in both steal and block percentage. Covington could be an important off-ball factor on defense for the Clippers.

Anthony 3dwards: There might be a good deal of juice on Anthony Edwards‘ 3-point prop tonight (2.5), but he ranks 11th in the entire league in 3-pointers lofted this season and has hit this number from deep in 11 of his past 14 games (excluding his brief appearance in the season finale). Speaking of shooting volume, Kevin Love drained an incredible eight 3-pointers in under 15 minutes of playing time this past Sunday. Love’s 3-point props have regularly opened at 1.5 this season, a clip he’s surpassed in 15 of his past 16 games.

Games of the Night

No. 8 Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 7 Brooklyn Nets
7 p.m. ET, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

Line: Nets (-8.5)
Moneyline: Nets (-420), Cavaliers (+320)
Total: 228.5
BPI Projected Total: 217.6
BPI Win%: Nets (71.4%)

Key players ruled out: Jarrett Allen,Ben Simmons

play0:48

Tyler Fulghum breaks down why he doesn’t trust the Nets to cover the spread at home against the Cavaliers in Tuesday’s play-in game.

Notable: The Nets have failed to cover the spread in 24 of their last 26 games as home favorites.

Best bet: Kevin Durant over 47.5 points + assists + rebounds. Durant has been superb over April and has averaged 32.2 PPG, 8.4 APG, and 8.2 RPG. He should thrive against a Cleveland team that is on a late-season slide. — Eric Moody

Best bet: Darius Garland over 25.5 points. Garland had his way with the Nets this season, even as his role changed. Early in the season, when the Cavaliers were healthy and the team was built around their defensive interior, Garland averaged 23 PPG in two meetings and averaged 19.7 PPG against everyone else. After Jarrett Allen went down in March, Garland averaged 25.5 PPG but dropped 31 points in his meeting with the Nets. The Cavs will need him to score on Tuesday, and I expect him to deliver. — Andre Snellings

Best bet: Andre Drummond over 22.5 points + rebounds. Drummond has finished with a double-double in three of his past four games. He has averaged 12.3 PPG and 11.3 RPG over that span. Cleveland allows opponents to accumulate a lot of offensive rebounds. — Moody

No. 8 LA Clippers at No. 7 Minnesota Timberwolves
9:30 p.m. ET, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

Line: Timberwolves (-3.0)
Moneyline: Timberwolves (-150), Clippers (+130)
Total: 230.5
BPI Projected Total: 221.4
BPI Win%: Timberwolves (72.5%)

Key players ruled out: none

Notable: Each of the Timberwolves’ past five games has gone over the points total.

Slowing down Karl-Anthony Towns will be a big ask for the Clippers. AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King

Best bet: Karl-Anthony Towns under 27.5 points. KAT has taken a small step back as a scorer of late, in part to allow Anthony Edwards to shine. Towns has averaged 22.4 PPG over his past 10 games, going over 27.5 points only twice in that span. In his three games against the Clippers during the regular season, Towns only averaged 15.3 PPG on 42.1 FG%. — Snellings

Best bet: Karl-Anthony Towns over 42.5 points + assists + rebounds. Towns will punish the Clippers both inside and outside. L.A. allows opponents to get plenty of offensive rebounds and Towns has averaged 24.6 PPG, 3.6 APG, and 10 RPG this season. He will be well-rested and ready to play against a Clippers team that ranks seventh in PPG allowed to centers. — Moody

Best bet: Paul George over 40.5 points + assists + rebounds. George has been solid the past three games since returning from an elbow injury. He has averaged 19 PPG, 7.7 APG, and 7.3 RPG in 30.3 MPG. The Timberwolves have allowed small forwards to accumulate 22.4 PPG, 4.2 APG, and 8.15 RPG this season. Minnesota also allows opponents to shoot a high effective field goal percentage and collect plenty of offensive rebounds. — Moody

Analytics Edge

BPI highest projected totals

1. Brooklyn Nets (112.1 points)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (111.8 points)
3. LA Clippers (109.4 points)

BPI lowest projected totals

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (105.5 points)
2. LA Clippers (109.4 points)
3. Minnesota Timberwolves (111.8 points)

BPI top probability to win (straight up)

1. Brooklyn Nets (71.4%)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (72.5%)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (28.6%)

Betting tips and daily fantasy advice for the 2022 NBA play-in tournamenton April 12, 2022 at 3:30 pm Read More »

The picks are in! Our NBA experts make their play-in and first-round predictionson April 12, 2022 at 3:39 pm

8:00 AM ET

What lies ahead in the NBA postseason?

The Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers kick things off tonight with the No. 7 vs. No. 8 game in the Eastern Conference play-in, followed by the 7-8 game in the Western Conference between the LA Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves. (Here’s a refresher on how the play-in tournament works.)

Wednesday’s games feature the Atlanta Hawks vs. the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans vs. the San Antonio Spurs in each conference’s 9-10 matchup.

Which playoff hopefuls will advance to the first round?

While four teams await their opponents, four series are set: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz.

How will Joel Embiid and James Harden fare in the duo’s first series together? What impact will Luka Doncic‘s calf strain impact the Mavericks’ chances?

Our panel of NBA experts is picking each play-in tournament game and first-round series.

MORE: The 75 things to know for the NBA postseason | Schedules

EAST PLAY-IN

Kendra Andrews: Nets

Jamal Collier: Nets

Nick DePaula: Nets

Nick Friedell: Nets

Kirk Goldsberry: Nets

Israel Gutierrez: Nets

Tim Legler: Nets

Andrew Lopez: Nets

Tim MacMahon: Nets

Bobby Marks: Nets

Dave McMenamin: Nets

Kevin Pelton: Nets

Omar Raja: Nets

Jorge Sedano: Nets

Ramona Shelburne: Nets

Andre Snellings: Nets

Marc J. Spears: Nets

Ohm Youngmisuk: Nets

Final tally: Nets 18, Cavaliers 0.

Kendra Andrews: Hawks

Jamal Collier: Hawks

Nick DePaula: Hornets

Nick Friedell: Hawks

Kirk Goldsberry: Hawks

Israel Gutierrez: Hornets

Tim Legler: Hornets

Andrew Lopez: Hawks

Tim MacMahon: Hawks

Bobby Marks: Hornets

Dave McMenamin: Hornets

Kevin Pelton: Hawks

Omar Raja: Hawks

Jorge Sedano: Hawks

Ramona Shelburne: Hawks

Andre Snellings: Hawks

Marc J. Spears: Hawks

Ohm Youngmisuk: Hawks

Final tally: Hawks 13, Hornets 5.

WEST PLAY-IN

Kendra Andrews: Clippers

Jamal Collier: Clippers

Nick DePaula: Clippers

Nick Friedell: Timberwolves

Kirk Goldsberry: Timberwolves

Israel Gutierrez: Clippers

Tim Legler: Timberwolves

Andrew Lopez: Clippers

Tim MacMahon: Clippers

Bobby Marks: Clippers

Dave McMenamin: Clippers

Kevin Pelton: Timberwolves

Omar Raja: Clippers

Jorge Sedano: Clippers

Ramona Shelburne: Clippers

Andre Snellings: Timberwolves

Marc J. Spears: Clippers

Ohm Youngmisuk: Clippers

Final tally: Clippers 13, Timberwolves 5.

Kendra Andrews: Pelicans

Jamal Collier: Pelicans

Nick DePaula: Pelicans

Nick Friedell: Pelicans

Kirk Goldsberry: Spurs

Israel Gutierrez: Pelicans

Tim Legler: Pelicans

Andrew Lopez: Pelicans

Tim MacMahon: Pelicans

Bobby Marks: Pelicans

Dave McMenamin: Spurs

Kevin Pelton: Pelicans

Omar Raja: Pelicans

Jorge Sedano: Pelicans

Ramona Shelburne: Pelicans

Andre Snellings: Pelicans

Marc J. Spears: Pelicans

Ohm Youngmisuk: Spurs

Final tally: Pelicans 15, Spurs 3.

EAST FIRST ROUND

Kendra Andrews: Bucks in 5

Jamal Collier: Bucks in 4

Nick DePaula: Bucks in 5

Nick Friedell: Bucks in 4

Kirk Goldsberry: Bucks in 5

Israel Gutierrez: Bucks in 4

Tim Legler: Bucks in 5

Andrew Lopez: Bucks in 6

Tim MacMahon: Bucks in 5

Bobby Marks: Bucks in 6

Dave McMenamin: Bucks in 4

Omar Raja: Bucks in 5

Jorge Sedano: Bucks in 4

Ramona Shelburne: Bucks in 5

Andre Snellings: Bucks in 4

Marc J. Spears: Bucks in 6

Ohm Youngmisuk: Bucks in 5

Final tally: Bucks 17, Bulls 0.

Kendra Andrews: 76ers in 6

Jamal Collier: 76ers in 7

Nick DePaula: 76ers in 6

Nick Friedell: 76ers in 7

Kirk Goldsberry: Raptors in 7

Israel Gutierrez: 76ers in 7

Tim Legler: 76ers in 7

Andrew Lopez: Raptors in 6

Tim MacMahon: 76ers in 6

Bobby Marks: Raptors in 6

Dave McMenamin: 76ers in 7

Omar Raja: 76ers in 7

Jorge Sedano: Raptors in 7

Ramona Shelburne: 76ers in 7

Andre Snellings: Raptors in 7

Marc J. Spears: 76ers in 7

Ohm Youngmisuk: 76ers in 7

Final tally: 76ers 12, Raptors 5.

WEST FIRST ROUND

Kendra Andrews: Warriors in 5

Jamal Collier: Warriors in 6

Nick DePaula: Warriors in 6

Nick Friedell: Warriors in 7

Kirk Goldsberry: Warriors in 6

Israel Gutierrez: Warriors in 7

Tim Legler: Warriors in 6

Andrew Lopez: Warriors in 7

Tim MacMahon: Warriors in 6

Bobby Marks: Warriors in 7

Dave McMenamin: Nuggets in 7

Omar Raja: Warriors in 7

Jorge Sedano: Warriors in 7

Ramona Shelburne: Warriors in 5

Andre Snellings: Warriors in 7

Marc J. Spears: Warriors in 6

Ohm Youngmisuk: Warriors in 7

Final tally: Warriors 16, Nuggets 1.

Kendra Andrews: Mavericks in 6

Jamal Collier: Mavericks in 6

Nick DePaula: Mavericks in 6

Nick Friedell: Mavericks in 7

Kirk Goldsberry: Jazz in 7

Tim Legler: Mavericks in 7

Andrew Lopez: Mavericks in 6

Israel Gutierrez: Mavericks in 6

Tim MacMahon: Mavericks in 7

Bobby Marks: Jazz in 6

Dave McMenamin: Mavericks in 6

Omar Raja: Jazz in 6

Jorge Sedano: Mavericks in 7

Ramona Shelburne: Mavericks in 7

Andre Snellings: Mavericks in 6

Marc J. Spears: Jazz in 6

Ohm Youngmisuk: Mavericks in 5

Final tally: Mavericks 13, Jazz 4.

The picks are in! Our NBA experts make their play-in and first-round predictionson April 12, 2022 at 3:39 pm Read More »

NBA experts’ picks for Nets-Cavs, Clippers-Wolves and every postseason matchupon April 12, 2022 at 1:43 pm

8:00 AM ET

What lies ahead in the NBA postseason?

Wednesday’s games feature the Atlanta Hawks vs. the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans vs. the San Antonio Spurs in each conference’s 9-10 matchup.

Which playoff hopefuls will advance to the first round?

How will Joel Embiid and James Harden fare in the duo’s first series together? What impact will Luka Doncic‘s calf strain impact the Mavericks’ chances?

Our panel of NBA experts is picking each play-in tournament game and first-round series.

MORE: The 75 things to know for the NBA postseason | Schedules

EAST PLAY-IN

Kendra Andrews: Nets

Jamal Collier: Nets

Nick DePaula: Nets

Nick Friedell: Nets

Kirk Goldsberry: Nets

Israel Gutierrez: Nets

Tim Legler: Nets

Andrew Lopez: Nets

Tim MacMahon: Nets

Bobby Marks: Nets

Dave McMenamin: Nets

Kevin Pelton: Nets

Omar Raja: Nets

Jorge Sedano: Nets

Ramona Shelburne: Nets

Andre Snellings: Nets

Marc J. Spears: Nets

Ohm Youngmisuk: Nets

Final tally: Nets 18, Cavaliers 0.

Kendra Andrews: Hawks

Jamal Collier: Hawks

Nick DePaula: Hornets

Nick Friedell: Hawks

Kirk Goldsberry: Hawks

Israel Gutierrez: Hornets

Tim Legler: Hornets

Andrew Lopez: Hawks

Tim MacMahon: Hawks

Bobby Marks: Hornets

Dave McMenamin: Hornets

Kevin Pelton: Hawks

Omar Raja: Hawks

Jorge Sedano: Hawks

Ramona Shelburne: Hawks

Andre Snellings: Hawks

Marc J. Spears: Hawks

Ohm Youngmisuk: Hawks

Final tally: Hawks 13, Hornets 5.

WEST PLAY-IN

Kendra Andrews: Clippers

Jamal Collier: Clippers

Nick DePaula: Clippers

Nick Friedell: Timberwolves

Kirk Goldsberry: Timberwolves

Israel Gutierrez: Clippers

Tim Legler: Timberwolves

Andrew Lopez: Clippers

Tim MacMahon: Clippers

Bobby Marks: Clippers

Dave McMenamin: Clippers

Kevin Pelton: Timberwolves

Omar Raja: Clippers

Jorge Sedano: Clippers

Ramona Shelburne: Clippers

Andre Snellings: Timberwolves

Marc J. Spears: Clippers

Ohm Youngmisuk: Clippers

Final tally: Clippers 13, Timberwolves 5.

Kendra Andrews: Pelicans

Jamal Collier: Pelicans

Nick DePaula: Pelicans

Nick Friedell: Pelicans

Kirk Goldsberry: Spurs

Israel Gutierrez: Pelicans

Tim Legler: Pelicans

Andrew Lopez: Pelicans

Tim MacMahon: Pelicans

Bobby Marks: Pelicans

Dave McMenamin: Spurs

Kevin Pelton: Pelicans

Omar Raja: Pelicans

Jorge Sedano: Pelicans

Ramona Shelburne: Pelicans

Andre Snellings: Pelicans

Marc J. Spears: Pelicans

Ohm Youngmisuk: Spurs

Final tally: Pelicans 15, Spurs 3.

EAST FIRST ROUND

Kendra Andrews: Bucks in 5

Jamal Collier: Bucks in 4

Nick DePaula: Bucks in 5

Nick Friedell: Bucks in 4

Kirk Goldsberry: Bucks in 5

Israel Gutierrez: Bucks in 4

Tim Legler: Bucks in 5

Andrew Lopez: Bucks in 6

Tim MacMahon: Bucks in 5

Bobby Marks: Bucks in 6

Dave McMenamin: Bucks in 4

Omar Raja: Bucks in 5

Jorge Sedano: Bucks in 4

Ramona Shelburne: Bucks in 5

Andre Snellings: Bucks in 4

Marc J. Spears: Bucks in 6

Ohm Youngmisuk: Bucks in 5

Final tally: Bucks 17, Bulls 0.

Kendra Andrews: 76ers in 6

Jamal Collier: 76ers in 7

Nick DePaula: 76ers in 6

Nick Friedell: 76ers in 7

Kirk Goldsberry: Raptors in 7

Israel Gutierrez: 76ers in 7

Tim Legler: 76ers in 7

Andrew Lopez: Raptors in 6

Tim MacMahon: 76ers in 6

Bobby Marks: Raptors in 6

Dave McMenamin: 76ers in 7

Omar Raja: 76ers in 7

Jorge Sedano: Raptors in 7

Ramona Shelburne: 76ers in 7

Andre Snellings: Raptors in 7

Marc J. Spears: 76ers in 7

Ohm Youngmisuk: 76ers in 7

Final tally: 76ers 12, Raptors 5.

WEST FIRST ROUND

Kendra Andrews: Warriors in 5

Jamal Collier: Warriors in 6

Nick DePaula: Warriors in 6

Nick Friedell: Warriors in 7

Kirk Goldsberry: Warriors in 6

Israel Gutierrez: Warriors in 7

Tim Legler: Warriors in 6

Andrew Lopez: Warriors in 7

Tim MacMahon: Warriors in 6

Bobby Marks: Warriors in 7

Dave McMenamin: Nuggets in 7

Omar Raja: Warriors in 7

Jorge Sedano: Warriors in 7

Ramona Shelburne: Warriors in 5

Andre Snellings: Warriors in 7

Marc J. Spears: Warriors in 6

Ohm Youngmisuk: Warriors in 7

Final tally: Warriors 16, Nuggets 1.

Kendra Andrews: Mavericks in 6

Jamal Collier: Mavericks in 6

Nick DePaula: Mavericks in 6

Nick Friedell: Mavericks in 7

Kirk Goldsberry: Jazz in 7

Tim Legler: Mavericks in 7

Andrew Lopez: Mavericks in 6

Israel Gutierrez: Mavericks in 6

Tim MacMahon: Mavericks in 7

Bobby Marks: Jazz in 6

Dave McMenamin: Mavericks in 6

Omar Raja: Jazz in 6

Jorge Sedano: Mavericks in 7

Ramona Shelburne: Mavericks in 7

Andre Snellings: Mavericks in 6

Marc J. Spears: Jazz in 6

Ohm Youngmisuk: Mavericks in 5

Final tally: Mavericks 13, Jazz 4.

NBA experts’ picks for Nets-Cavs, Clippers-Wolves and every postseason matchupon April 12, 2022 at 1:43 pm Read More »

No more nerves: Illinois State CB Franky West making the most of his opportunity

Prairie State Pigskin

No more nerves: Illinois State CB Franky West making the most of his opportunity

By Barry Bottino,
today at 6:13 am

Franky West (7) has gone from nervous and raw last season to a key player in Illinois State’s secondary. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)

NORMAL — Having a few butterflies was understandable for Franky West in his first collegiate start last fall.

The Normal Community High School grad got the call to start at cornerback Oct. 21 in Illinois State’s home game against FCS powerhouse North Dakota State.

“Obviously it’s going to be a big game,” West said of playing the defending national champions. “I was kind of raw, kind of nervous … but excited.”

West’s first assignment as a redshirt freshman was to match up against NDSU wide receiver Christian Watson, who is predicted to be a first-round choice in ESPN’s latest NFL mock draft.

“After the first few plays, I was like, ‘OK, I’m simmering down,’” West recalled. “This is good. I’m going to keep doing what I do.”

This spring, a more relaxed and confident West has shown he will be a key member of the Redbirds’ new-look secondary in 2022.

Though West’s team lost, 21-20, on Saturday in Normal in ISU’s annual spring game, he had four total tackles and a game-high three pass breakups, including one in the end zone.

“I think I’ve developed more into the system,” West said. “I was able to calm down this spring and I feel a lot better. I understand the defense a lot better, and I feel like I can make more plays.

“I had a good workday, he said of the team’s scrimmage. “I wanted to focus on getting the ball out the best I could and working my hands.”

Franky West

Despite playing in only nine of ISU’s 11 games last season, West finished second on the team in pass breakups (five) and ninth in total tackles (35).

Last October, West was part of a starting group that included fellow corner Jarrell Jackson, who completed his career last season, and safeties Clayton Isbell and Iverson Brown, who both left ISU’s program via the transfer portal this off-season.

In Saturday’s scrimmage, key players in the secondary were sophomore Cam Wilson (seven tackles), redshirt freshman Jack Dwyer (six tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss), sophomore Pete Zuccollo (six tackles), sophomore Dillon Gearhart, (five tackles, one pass breakup), sophomore Keondre Jackson (five tackles, one pass breakup) and sophomore Braden Price (three tackles, one TFL).

The young core of defensive backs provides a chance for numerous players to step forward.

“I believe it’s an opportunity,” West said. “Last year, I was considered a new guy. I’d been here for two years and I stepped up when they needed me. These young guys are talented, and they’re going to step up when they’re needed.”

The linebacking corps in front of ISU’s young secondary provides plenty of experience, with 45 starts among senior Zeke Vandenburgh and juniors Damien Jackson and Kenton Wilhoit.

“You’ve got to be a leader on and off the field with younger players,” said Jackson, who had five tackles and two sacks Saturday. “You’ve got to show them the way. Teach them the way.”

Like West, Jackson stepped in at a key moment last fall, when Brandon Simon went down with a season-ending injury against Eastern Illinois. Jackson started eight games and finished with 44 tackles, the sixth-highest total on the team.

“You’ve got to take advantage of every opportunity you can,” he said. “I had to respond. It was really valuable (experience).”

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Illinois State University, ISU Redbirds

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Dan Verdun

Blog co-authors Barry Bottino and Dan Verdun bring years of experience covering collegiate athletics. Barry has covered college athletes for more than two decades in his “On Campus” column, which is published weekly by Shaw Media. Dan has written four books about the state’s football programs–“NIU Huskies Football” (released in 2013), “EIU Panthers Football (2014), “ISU Redbirds” (2016) and “SIU Salukis Football” (2017).

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