Weekly Forecast -- Week 4

Note: I'll revisit Week 3's forecast and recap tomorrow.

thenopp vs. the Later Hosens

General: This will be a great matchup between two of the league's most successful franchises. At this early point in the season, they're neck and neck in the middle of the pack. The Hosen will be revitalized by an infusion of talent from Odensque, and will be especially delighted to see a BOS-DET game, in which 5 Hosen will figure, on Thursday's sparse NBA schedule.

Injuries: everyone's healthy except thenopp's Arenas

Categories:

thenopp should win BLK, FT, and FT%

the Hosens should win FG, AST, STL, and FGM

Toss ups -- PTS, 3s, OREB, DREB, TO, PF, FG%

(Sheed - now a Hosens)

What to watch for: the big trade should have an immediate impact on the Hosen. The frontcourt is still sparse, and we're unsure if Kwame is the answer. It sure appears that Kevin Love is not. We'll also be looking to see how the reconstituted backcourt, with new acquisitions Telfair, Sergio, and Mo-Will, performs, along with a Rafer coming back from suspension.

For thenopp, Joakim, A-Carter and Boobie have been notably unproductive - another poor week and we'll expect to see them in the FAP. A week with only three games featuring red-hot JamsCraw and Z-Bo will require others to step up. Also, Barnes, and perhaps Barbosa are back for PHX, and that means G-Hill's production (and perhaps Kleiza's) will suffer. Jermaine O'Neal had a nice week: can he keep it up?

Fearless Prediction: We think thenopp will win the battle of the boards, the Hosen will win PTS, and the PCTs and Negatives will split evenly - Final Score: thenopp 9 - Hosen 6

LATE NOTE: I just see the Hosens have wisely picked up Rasho and dropped Telfair. This could actually tip the DREB/OREB balance in the Hosen's favor, probably OREB - revised prediction -- thenopp 8, Hosen 7

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Mongoose vs. Les Digits

General: This should be a close one also - the 'goose has a very slight games advantage, including an 8-4 Sunday advantage. However, nagging injuries to C-Vill and D-Will, along with Mehmet's family issues in Turkey may leave them a little bit short of the Digits. The Digits only have 3 games from Amare, but should be buoyed up front by the return of Ba-Boone and TimThom.

Injuries: For Mongoose - D-Will and C-Vill are day to day, and Mehmet's in Turkey for some unknown period of time. For Les Digits, Manu is still out for a while, J-Smoove is out, probably for the week, and Josh Boone is day to day. Also, Shaq may get suspended for his brutal attack on former Spoonful Rodney Stuckey in Sunday's game.

Categories:

Mongoose should win 3s, AST, BLK, FGM, FT%

Les Digits should win DREB, FT, TO, PF

Toss ups -- FG%, PTS, OREB, STL

(Les Hughes)

What to watch for: Mongoose is the only team paying any attention that has yet to make a move. We humbly suggest that it might be time to cut bait on Turiaf and Brandon Bass, and to think hard about trading or dropping some of the lesser PGs on the squad (E-Wat, Farmar). We're interested to see if Tyrus Thomas shows any signs of life this week - if not, it may be time to cast him into the FAP. Darrell Arthur is also not lighting the world on fire with his lackluster play.

Les Digits are very excited to see what new pickup JaVale McGee has to offer in four WAS games (which of course means four games for Jamison). L-Hughes is looking like a productive asset, while SweetNickyC and Superintendent Chalmers are struggling. George 'Capitol' Hill didn't look good in Sunday's game, and Les Digits will not be particularly patient with him.

Fearless Prediction: Again, Les Digits are scrappy and play with great heart - we think they'll pull this one off - Final Score: Les Digits 8 - Mongoose 6

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play my$hkin flute vs. Nor'Easter

General:  If ever there was an opportunity to beat Nor'Easter (who should wake up tomorrow in first place), this would be the week. With only 3 games from Howard, Duncan, Nash, and Devin Harris, they might be vulnerable in some of the counting categories. Fortunately for them, PMP is not the team to do it, at least not in week 4. For my$hkin is both similarly big-heavy, and also has a number of 3 game weeks from key contributors (notably Dirk, AI, A-Ig, OJ, and G-Wall). With Dunleavy still out, very high negatives, and insufficient backcourt depth, Nor'Easter should move to 4-0.

Injuries: Parker and Monta remain out for Nor'Easter. My$hkin's Dunleavy and Wilcox are still injured, and Barbosa is out with a personal matter.

Categories:

my$hkin should win DREB, STL, TOs, FT%

Nor'Easter should win AST, FTS, PTS

Toss ups -- BLK, 3s, OREB, FGM, FG%, PF

(Nor'Easter's Superman)

What to watch for: Nor'Easter's Aaron Brooks will return to the bench with Rafer's return, but that might not be a problem, as fellow 'Easter Randy Foye can attest - he's been shockingly productive as a sixth man, and has become yet another productive member of the squad. Maggette and Gooden are back from minor injuries, but have not yet been fully effective.

As for my$hkin, it's probably time to cut bait on 'the Thrilla'. OJ Mayo has been spectacular, and Luc-Richard has thriven as a starter in MIL. He's a 'Scott Skiles guy', apparently, meaning that the Bucks will lose tons of games needlessly, but Skiles is white and 'tough' so that's OK. We'll see if a healthy C-Vill eats into his minutes. DuDu is looking fantastic for the high flying Knicks, and A-Ig is finally putting it together in many, many cats.

Fearless Prediction: Final Score: Nor'Easter 8 - my$hkin 6

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tsaogrip 0002 vs. garbage speakers

General: We think tsaogrip may be the 2nd best team in the league, but they don't know it yet. They're being killed by the absence of Harrington and Redd; it seems, unless g-s actually sets their lineup, they'll have another week to recover. If the speakers do participate, it could be a close one, as CP3, Al-Jeff, and the 2 Knicks SFs only have 3 games. It's a 3-game week for the speakers' LeBron and Andris however, but nonetheless, g-s would have a good shot at the bigman cats and FG%. Combine that with a few negatives, and they could win.

Injuries: Harrington's still out with his back, but Redd should be back sometime this week for tsaogrip. The Speakers' J-Rich and Garcia should be out for g-s, and AK-47 is day to day. Also, McDyess is going to be out for a bit.

Categories:

tsaogrip should win PTS, AST, FT%, FGM

garbage speakers should win DREB, STL, BLK

Toss ups -- OREB, FTM, 3s, FG%, TO, PF

(Finley 0002)

What to watch for: Finley's been a terrific pickup, Felton's improving, Tayshaun  and J-How have been fantastic, and even Yi has put up some (occasional) good lines. We see no obvious weaknesses, though we're curious to see how Redd returns.

We're watching to see if the speakers set their lineup in Week 4. Also, they should cut Marcus Williams, and perhaps Antonio Daniels. Noc and Sessions have played well, and Jeff Green has stepped up recently. We're curious to see how minutes shape up for S-Hawes, Korver, and Gomes

Fearless Prediction: We still don't think that lineups will be set - Final Score: tsaogrip 10 - speakers 4

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odensque vs. the Lovin' Spoonful

General:  After a down to the wire battle with thenopp, the Spoonful hopes to have a less tense matchup with the tricky, and newly odened, odensque. Its unlikely the Spoons can compete in the bigmancats this week against the likes of Brand, Big-Z, B-Mill, and Oden, but the other counting cats should be quite in the Spoons' column. The negatives and %s should determine whether it's a 8-6 victory, or a true blowout.

Injuries: Little K-Mart is out for the Spoons, Battier for odensque.

Categories:

odensque should win OREB, DREB, BLK, TO

the Spoons should win PTS, FTM, FGM, AST, STL, 3s, FT%

Toss ups -- PF, FG%

(the disappointing B-Sim)

What to watch for: Oden has looked fantastic in his last 2 games, but below-expected production from the Matrix, Big Ben and Brand has made things difficult. Jamario may have lost his starting gig, and B-Simm looks awful. Calderon should be back, but he needs more assisty help if they're to compete.

The Spoonful is curious about Anthony Morrow and whether he'll really contribute. Having Quinn, Mason, L-Will, and Morrow is somewhat ridiculous, as they're all kinda the same. Look for some or all of them to be dropped. Mediocre PFs Landry and Warrick need to produce as well, or they'll again be sent to the FAP.

Fearless Prediction:  Final Score: Spoonful 9 - odensque 6

Weekly Forecast -- Week 3

Note: I'll revisit Week 2's forecast, and do a little recapping tomorrow.

odensque vs. Les Digits

General: This could be a tricky matchup for Les Digits - they've been a low-scoring team, with strengths in some of the specialty categories and very low negatives. Odensque is the same way, and the lack of J-Smoove may cripple their efforts in BLK and STL - and will contribute to an overall game advantage for odensque.

Injuries: Smoove, T-Thom, and Manu are out for Les Digits. Battier remains out for odensque.

Categories:

odensque should win 3s, BLK, FT%, FGM

Les Digits should win PTS, FTM, AST

Toss ups -- OREB, DREB, STL, PF, TO, FG%

 (Les Digits' Billups)

What to watch for: Odensque still has a lot of dead weight (Bayless, Jaric, Darko), and underperformers in Brand and Marion. Those two need to step up on the boards this week. I'll be looking to see which B-Miller we get this year (14/10/6 tonight bodes well). Also, Rip might be suffering from AI's arrival.

Chauncey's looked good for the Nuggets, and Les Digit's two Hawks (Marvin and Horford) are looking better. Only two games from A-Jam this week, which could be costly. As seems to be becoming the custom, Shaq may be the wildcard. He's put up some amazing lines, but may sit out back to back's.

Fearless Prediction: As you can see, there are a lot of Toss Ups. Les Digits has shown a great deal of heart thus far, and we think the rebounders (Horford, T-Murph, Boone) will step up:   Final Score: Les Digits 8 - odensque 6

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The Later Hosens vs. play my$hkin flute

General: This looks like a classic Big (my$hkin) vs. Small (hosen) battle. Both teams have a lot of games...and a lot of question marks. The negatives may well be decisive.

Injuries: Dunleavy and (it seems) K-Mart are hurting for my$hkin. The Hosen are mostly healthy except for Oden (Barnes should be back after his childbirth).

Categories:

Hosens should win PTS, FGM 3s, AST, FT%

my$hkin should win FG%, BLK, OREB, DREB

Toss ups -- TO, PF, FTM, STL

(my$hkin's OJ Mayo)

What to watch for: What happened to Leandro and Wilcox? They've been terrible...Will AI find his form in DET?...There are G-Wallace trade rumors - are they for real? O J Mayo poured in 31 tonight - if he can produce,my$hkin could really benefit. Nene has been a beast.

The Hosen have another 4 BOS/4 IND game week, but tonight, KG had 8pts, PP 7, and T-Mac 3. That's unbelievable!...B-Wright is still an open question, and Rafer isn't doing much yet. D-Granger is awesome, and is really keeping the Hosen afloat...

An interesting dynamic - if Dunleavy were to return for a game, not only would my$hkin benefit, the Hosen would suffer, as Marquis would not continue to produce at an elite level.

Fearless Prediction:  Final Score: The Later Hosens 9 - my$hkin 6

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Nor'Easter vs. garbage speakers

General: Nor'Easter has 4 games from all their top players, and should only be worried by some key injuries. On the other hand, G.S. has only two games from Camby and C-But, and only 3 from BronBron and Biedrins. Will the Speakers set their lineup for the first time?

Injuries: For Nor'Easter, Parker's out a month, C-Maggs is day to day, as is Devin Harris - and Monta's out for a while, still. For the Speakers, F-Garc is still out, and A-Daniels is day to day.

Categories:

Nor'Easter should win PTS, OREB, DREB, AST, FTM, FGM, FG%

the Speakers should win TO, PF, FT%

Toss ups -- 3s, BLK, STL

(Speakers' Nocioni)

What to watch for: For the Speakers, Hawes will likely be less useful, and McDyess apparently won't play for a while. Marcus Williams might start getting time in Golden State, which could help, and Nocioni is stepping up for the Bulls.

Maxiell and Blatche haven't been very productive for Nor'Easter, and Bogut may be a bit of a disappointment thus far. Nick Young is a source of some excitement though, but with only 2 games will be hard to evaluate this week

Fearless Prediction:  Too many Nor'Easter games, and similar strengths make this a likely blowout - Final Score: Nor'Easter 11 - Garbage Speakers 3

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tsaogrip 2000 vs. Mongoose

General: Mongoose is still suffering from the injury to D-Will, and 2 games from B-Dizzle this week compounds the problem. Nagging injuries may have an impact on tsaogrip (Redd, Howard), but even in a 3 CP3 week, tsaogrip should dominate this week IF he sets his lineup, unlike Week 2.

Injuries: Howard and Redd are D2D for tsaogrip. D-Will (and Martell, if anyone cares) remain out for the Geese.

Categories:

tsaogrip 2000 should win PTS, 3s, DREB, AST, STL, FTM, FGM, FT%

Mongoose should win TO

Toss ups -- FG%, PF, BLK, OREB

(tsaogrip's W-Chand)

What to watch for: Tsaogrip is surely thrilled by the play of Q-Rich and W-Chand. Prince seems to be benefitting from AI's arrival, and even Felton showed signs of life. On the downside, Baby Al's situation remains unresolved, Finley seems to have lost his starting job to Roger Mason (though the Parker injury my change things), and B-Diaw is incosistent at best.

Fearless Prediction: I can't see Mongoose competing this week with so few games (2 for Kaman/Davis, 3 for Bynum/Gay/S-Jax) Final Score: Tsaogrip 10 - Mongoose 5

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thenopp vs. The Lovin' Spoonful

General: The Spoonful has been putting up points in bunches all season, and that shouldn't change in week 3 with 4 games from D-Wade and Li'l K-Mart. Only 3 games from Bosh and Emeka, and decreasing production from D-Lee could give thenopp an edge in the Big Man Cats.Thenopp has only 3 games from Kobe and Yao, however, and will need big weeks from JamsCraw and Z-Bo to prevail.

Injuries: The only injury is Gilberte for thenopp. (Kirk Hinrich, out for 3 months, has been summarily dropped).

Categories:

thenopp should win 3s, PF, DREB

The Lovin' Spoonful should win PTS, FGM, FTM, AST, STL

Toss ups -- FG%, FT%, OREB, BLK, TO

(thenopp's Kleiza - artist unknown)

What to watch for: Jermaine has continued to struggle in TOR, and production has been less than consistent, though promising, from Boobie Gibson, McCants, M-Gasol, and G-Hill. On the other hand, the uptempo offense has really helped Z-Bo and Crawford. Kleiza started tonight (12/9, 2 3s), which is most exciting, as he can be a high REB, 3PT guy if given time. Thenopp has boundless faith in J-Kidd, and yet again, it seems to be paying off.

The Spoonful is saddened by D.Lee's demotion and Durant's lackluster play of late. Hakim, Stucey, and A-Johnson are very, very frustrating to own, and odds are the Spoonful's patience will run out. Roger Mason looks to benefit from Parker's absence, and is hitting 3s at an astonishing clip.

Fearless Prediction:  Thenopp has had the Spoonful's number of late, and the Spoonful's big men have not been performing as well as needed. Final Score: thenopp 8- Spoonful 6

Weekly Forecast -- Week 2

Note: I'll revisit Week 1's forecast, and do a little recapping tomorrow; it'll take some time to review the carnage.

thenopp vs. Les Digits

General: Well, I haven't yet crunched the numbers, but as J Francis has noted, I 'misunderestimated' Les Digits in my week 1 forecast...or did I overestimate my$hkin? In any event, they are evenly matched, game-wise with thenopp; however, Kobe's two-game week and thenopp's poor rebounding will be decisive.

Injuries: Arenas remains out until late December.

Categories:

thenopp should win 3s, FT%, PF

Les Digits should win PTS, OREB, DREB, FGM, FTM, FG%

Toss ups -- STL, BLK, TO, AST

What to watch for: The battle of the two O'Neals will show that Shaq is, was and always be the superior one(al). Thenopp will need more from Jermaine (11/7 in Week 1), M-Mill (12 PTS, .53), and G-Hill (7.7, nothing else). On the other hand, can Boobie, Brook-Lo, JamsCraw, and QuanQuan keep up their hot starts?

Les Digits just wants more of Amare, J-Smoove, B-Roy, and D-Rose! But he'll be watching Marvin Williams and Mike Conley for signs of life.

Fearless Prediction: Looks like a solid victory for LD - Final Score: Les Digits 11 - thenopp 4

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odensque vs Mongoose

General: Mongoose should have a lot more 'productive player-games' then odensque this week, by far; however, odensque's specialization in blocks and 3s might keep him close, despite conceding the major counting categories.

Injuries: Baron Davis still seems out for Mongoose. Shane Battier still hasn't played for odensque. Brad Miller is still serving his suspension.

Categories:

odensque should win 3s, FT%, TO, PF

Mongoose should win AST, PTS, FGM, FTM, OREB, DREB

Toss ups -- STL, BLK, FG%

(Mongoose Michael Beasley)

What to watch for: for Mongoose, Brandon Bass already seems to have lost his job - is he worth keeping? Will Tyrus step up? What's up with Darrell Arthur? - he was fantastic in the first game, then disappeared. And why don't they call him Michael Beastley? For odensque, is Marko Jaric worth keeping? Really? What about Bayless, B-Simm, and Darko? Another week should help clarify.

Fearless Prediction: Final Score: Mongoose 8 - odensque 7

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The Later Hosens vs. garbage speakers

General: The GS didn't set his lineup in Week 1, so this may go to the Hosens by default - that would be a shame, as these squads are quite evenly matched, especially in a 4-game LeBron week, with only 3 IND games for the Pacer rich Hosen.

Injuries: Camby and F-Garcia are still out for the speakers, but Camby hoping to return in week 2. Oden and possibly Stojakovic are out for the Hosen

Categories:

The Hosen should win PTS, AST, FGM, FT%

garbage speakers should win BLK, FG%, TO

Toss ups -- 3s, OREB, DREB, STL, FT, PF

(injured Hosen Greg Oden)

What to watch for: The Hosen have to be worried for Rafer Alston's job, and Joakim Noah's production. It was nice to see Matt Barnes have a fine game on Sat. The Oden injury hurts an already thin frontcourt: will Kevin Love continue to take up the slack? For the speakers - Ramon Sessions has just gotten a shot due to Ridnour's back injury and has stepped up in a big way - will he continue? Marcus Williams and Nocioni have been terrible, but A-Parker, AK-47, and Ron Artest have all exceeded expectations.

Fearless Prediction: Ben won't set his lineup. Final Score: Hosen 10 - garbage speakers 4

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Nor'easter vs. tsaogrip 0002

General: Nor'Easter's big men (Howard, Duncan, Bogut) all only have 3 games, while tsaogrip's bigs (Al-Jeff and Boozer) have 4. This closes the big-cat gap, and makes this a battle I'll have my eye on this week.

Injuries: Michael Redd is hurt, and Vince Carter may also be slightly injured for tsaogrip.

Categories:

Tsaogrip should win AST, STL, FT, FG%

Nor'Easter should win BLK, FT%, FG

Toss ups -- 3s, OREB, DREB, PTS, TO, PF

(nor'Easter's Al Thornton)

What to watch for: Nor'Easter must be thrilled with the monster lines of Al Thornton, Joe Johnson, Tim Duncan, Pietrus, Maggette, RudyFer and even new acquisitions Tony Parker and Drew Gooden (20 rebs!). It seems like a high percentage of nor'easter's 'upside' picks are paying off. Will Blatche, Jack, and Foye follow suit in week 2? As for tsaogrip, Redd's injury hurts, but 26pts from Q-Rich soothes the wound. Delonte and Baby Al look good, but will Felton ever not suck?

Fearless Prediction: Final Score: tsaogrip 8 - nor'Easter 6

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The Lovin' Spoonful vs. play my$hkin flute

General: 4 games from Dirk and G-Wallace bodes well for my$hkin, though AI and A-Ig only have 3 and Pau 2. The Spoonful only has 3 games from Wade and Bosh, so others must step up. The Spoonful should 'out-point' my$hkin nonetheless, but will certainly lose in 3s and the bigman cats, with the possible exception of OREBs, thanks to 4 games from Emeka & D. Lee.

Injuries: Ridnour's day to day for the Spoonful, as are big K-Mart and T-Chand for my$hkin. Dunleavy seems out still.

Categories:

Spoonful should win PTS, OREB, AST, FT, FG, FG%

my$hkin should win 3s, DREB, BLK

Toss ups -- FG%, STL, TO, PF

(my$hkin's Nene)

What to watch for: A number of Spoonful are underperforming, and management has shown a quick trigger - Beno, Stuckey, and Amir Johnson need to step up! As do 3rd and 4th round picks K-Mart and Durant. For my$hkin, Ray Allen has to be a concern (10.7 ppg) as does Leandro's slow start. Kelenna, too, has slowed down after a fast start. On the other hand Nene and Posey have started well, and are seizing their opportunity - we'll see if they can continue.

Fearless Prediction: Final Score: Spoonful 9 - my$hkin 6

Weekly Forecast -- Week 1

The Later Hosens vs. tsaogrip 0002

General: The defending champs face a tough matchup in Week 1. 2nd Round pick Danny Granger only plays two games, while tsaogrip has 2 top 4-gaming Bucks in Michael Redd and R-Jeff (though only 2 games from VC and C-Booz). Tsaogrip also has a significant Sunday game advantage.

Injuries: None yet.

Categories:

Tsaogrip should win AST, PTS, FGM, FTM, and FT%

The Hosen should win 3s, DREB, BLK

Toss ups -- OREB, STL, TO, PF, FG%

What to watch for:

(The Hosen's Joakim Noah)

For the Hosen, all eyes will be on the young frontcourt (Oden, Love, Noah) and their minutes. The roles of Russell Westbrook, Nate Robinson, Flip, Marquis, and Marreese will also be under scrutiny. Look for J-Salm and Matt Barnes to light it up, but how much will they contribute outside of points?

As for tsaogrip - he'll be watching the Knicks SFs (Q-Rich and W-Chandler) to see how things shake out, and looking to see how much and how well Yi and Diaw play.

Fearless Prediction: I think the young Hosen will step up on the glass, and win OREBs, but at the expense of the negatives: Final Score tsaogrip 8 - Hosen 6

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Nor'easter vs. Mongoose

General: An intriguing matchup - those of you who read the 'First Look' series know that we thought quite highly of both these teams' drafts. Both teams are huge in the frontcourt. Nor'easter gets 4 games from Bogut, but only 2 from Emeka, DevHarr, and Duncan. Mongoose has 4 from C-Vill, but only 2 from Okur and D-Will; overall, the games situation in general, and on Sunday in particular, is pretty even.

Injuries: Mongoose will be without Martell webster until December, it seems; Deron Williams' appears out for Week 1; if he does play, it could make a big difference. Baron Davis is questionable. Thaddeus Young has a hurt back. Nor'easter is missing Monta Ellis indefinitely.

Categories:

Nor'easter should win AST, FTM, FG%

Mongoose should win TO, PF, FT%, 3s, STL

Toss ups -- OREB, DREB, PTS, BLK, FGM

(Nor'easter's Devin Harris)

What to watch for: Being without D-Will hurts the Goose's chances of winning PTS and FGM. Any Disq's could make a big difference, and with such big-man heavy teams, there will surely be some. The Mongoose will be curious to see Thaddeus Young, Baron Davis in LA, and young Mr. Bynum. Are Tyrus Thomas and Brandon Bass really starting? We'll see. For Nor'easter, the minutes of Jarrett Jack, Al Thornton, Pietrus, and RudyFer are worth monitoring.

Fearless Prediction: Without Williams, and with B-Dizzle 'questionable', Nor'easter will prevail: Final Score Nor'easter 9 - Mongoose 6

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Les Digits vs. play my$hkin flute

General: Unfortunately, I don't think this one will be so close. I think my$hkin just has more minutes on the floor this week. Les Digits has only 2 games from Jamison, Chauncey, J-Smoove, Horford, and T-Murph. That will prove too much to overcome, I suspect, in the counting categories.

Injuries: my$hkin will be without Larry Hughes, and Dunleavy is banged up. Les Digits has no Manu, J-Smoove might be limited, and MarvWill is suspended for the first game of the season.

Categories:

Les Digits should win TO, PF

my$hkin should win PTS, FGM, FTM, FG%, FT%, AST, STL, BLK, 3s

Toss ups -- OREB, DREB

(my$hkin's Chris Duhon)

What to watch for: Les Digits needs to see how the minutes situations of Conley, D-Rose, and Varejao shake out. My$hkin will be looking to see how much run Kelenna, Duhon, Posey, and Mayo get, and how they respond

Fearless Prediction: No doubt about the outcome: Final Score my$hkin 10 - Les Digits 4

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blazers (thenopp) vs. odensque

General: This one should be interesting*. Both teams are more or less at full strength, and thenopp will outscore odensque by quite a bit. However, the big men of odensque (Brand, Dalembert, Big Z) may very well be enough to make this a fight.

*assuming lineups are set

Injuries: thenopp is without Agent Zero for a while, and Carmelo is apparently suspended for the first two games. Odensque will be without the services of Brad Miller, who's suspended for 5 games.

Categories:

thenopp should win PTS, FT, FGM, FT%,

odensque should win OREB, DREB, BLK, STL, TO

Toss ups -- 3s, PF, FG%, AST

(thenopp's Wally Szczerbiak)

What to watch for: odensque is very interested to how see the new look Sixers gel with Brand and Dalembert. He'll need good weeks from preseason disappointments Marion and Moon in order to win blocks, and will be looking carefully at the minutes and play of B-Simmons and Bayless. Thenopp needs to see whether rookies B-Lopez and Marc Gasol will help shore up his thin frontcourt - and whether aging veterans Hill, Mobley, and Szczerbiak can contribute this year.

Fearless Prediction: I think thenopp will win 3s and AST, but either JO or Hinrich will fatally DISQ: Final Score: odensque 8 - thenopp 7

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garbage speakers vs. The Lovin' Spoonful

General: garbage speakers may suffer from C-But, J-Rich, AK-47, and J-Rich only having two games, though the Spoonful also have some key 2-gamers (Bibby, Parker, R. Brewer). I think the Spoonful will outscore the speakers, and win via the counting stats, but the margin of victory will come down to rebounds.

Injuries: Only Francisco Garcia is out for the speakers, though Camby hasn't played in the preseason. On the Spoonful side, Wade and Bosh are forever day to day, and Little K-Mart, Ben Gordon, and Beno are slightly banged up.

(garbage speaker's Kyle Korver)

Categories:

The Lovin' Spoonful should win PTS, FTM, FGM, FT%, AST

garbage speakers should win TO, PF, BLK

Toss ups -- 3s, STL, FG%, OREB, DREB

What to watch for: garbage speakers wants to see Camby and Artest thrive in their new environs, and will be curious about the roles of Terry and Odom. Spencer Hawes might be huge this week with Brad Miller out. The Lovin' Spoonful want to see how much Hakim Warrick plays, how well LaMarcus fits in with Oden, and what's up with supposedly starting Chris Quinn. Starbury's role is also in question, and which Bargnani will show up this year?

Fearless Prediction: Sadly, Hawes will grab a lot of boards (and Carl Landry(?) won't) - Final Score: The Lovin' Spoonful 8 - garbage speakers 6

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The first Waiver Wire pickups will be tonight/tomorrow; I'll be sure to review who did what, and why...