2009 NBA Conference Semifinal Picks

Its always hard to pick NBA Playoff Games. In the first round, I went 6-2 (Wins: Celtics, Magic, Cavaliers, Mavericks, Nuggets, and Lakers // Loses: Heat, Blazers). What makes it hard is you never know who the "company" wants to win - you know "wink" "wink". Big Market vs Superstar, TV Ratings, Going against the NHL and Baseball for those ESPN Highlights - trying not to make things look too suspicious etc. So to make these picks it takes some extra naps and some good long deep sleep sessions where you dream about what you would do if you were Mr. D Stern - longtime commish of the NBA. Sometimes, in those dreams you do become the Maloof family wonder why your team is in Sacramento and not Las Vegas but hey... wake yourself up become the commish again and be happy small market teams like Toronto and Milwaukee didn't make the playoffs again...

Easy: Hawks vs Cavaliers
D Stern - you merchandise the hell of the Cavs this year, with the 85 different uniforms, you have LeBron James in All State commercials, ESPN has him in "This is SportsCenter" commercials, he is instant highlight film material, people like the nicknames: "King James", "The Chosen One", maybe you move him to NYC in 2010 if you can rid yourself of the torn called the Dolan family... most improtantly - rest him up for the finals vs. the Lakers (opps) CAVS IN FOUR.



Not So Easy: Magic vs Celtics
D Stern - Boston??? Red Sox, Bruins - you can't lose that market!!! But Dwight Howard - budding superstar... if they lose everyone will bring up the Shaq vs Van Gundy being soft stuff... But its Boston - you put the first game of the year LeBron vs the World Champs. Can't have them lose to a Mickey Mouse outfit who play there game in the AMWAY ARENA. Tough economy - keep the Celtics in it - make it seem like LeBron has to go thought the Champs to meet the Lakers. Milk it for all its worth - 7 Games but the CELTICS win.



Easy: Mavericks vs Nuggets
D Stern - Good got that rotten San Antonio Market out of the picture. Cuban and the Nuggets go into it during the second half of the season - good "storyline" for the playoff networks. Plus Cuban is good for a fine here and there (tough economy remember!!) Don't keep Cuban in the new for too long - NUGGETS IN 5 GAMES.



Not So Easy: Rockets vs Lakers
D Stern - Ooooohhhh that international audience in China. Yao is so important for the worldwide effort plus (and big plus it is) he help get TV disaster market of Portland Oregon out the picture. But I need Kobe and I need Los Angeles - MERCHANDISE and MARKETING - remember the Lakers are the only team to beat Cavs in Cleveland - Hubie Brown is good to mention that about 100 times in interviews leading up to the finals - still milk it for what its worth - ratings and highlights - LAKERS IN 6 - throw an Artest suspension in for game 4.

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2009 Stanley Cup Playoff Round 2

Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is underway. In Round 1: I went 4-4 (Wins: Bruins, Canucks, Blackhawks, Red Wings Loses: Devils, Rangers, Flyers, Sharks) so its time for a recovery plan:

Blackhawks vs Canucks:
Goaltending is the critical key to winning in the playoffs and to the Canucks success. It should continue vs the Blackhawks. They had time to rest after sweeping the Blues and the Blackhawks are still a young team. Poodle Picks: CANUCKS.



Ducks vs Red Wings:
The Ducks are lucky? They beat the best? The Red Wings just mean Hockey. They are all about Hockey - how could any dog pick a Duck over a Red Wing? I can't - Poodle Picks: RED WINGS



Hurricanes vs Bruins:
Much like the Red Wings, the Bruins are just playing their type of Hockey. Truly the class of the NHL all season - Goaltending (except for that back up loser), Defense, Scoring - I can see them going far. Poodle Picks: BRUINS



Penguins vs Capitals:
Can someone wipe the smile off of Gary Bettman face? He is so happy that he will get be highlights on ESPN he may even crack call David Stern a couple of times. Of course if he does that, Stern might call some officals and create that Wade vs LeBron series so put down the phone Gary. I think its time to give Ovechkin his chance - Poodle Picks: CAPITALS

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PICK: MLB Twins vs White Sox Saturday

I think both of these teams will be playing catch to the Indians but they are both very strong contenders for the AL Central. The Twins play that gritty hard working baseball.

I'll take the Twins to win this game.

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PICK: MLB Cubs vs Brewers Saturday

Clearly the Cubs are loaded with Talent but there is just something funny about this team.. oh yeah they have the rejected Aaron Heilman... have the Cubs not been watching baseball for the last 3 years? I might be a dog but anyone can do this math: career 4.22 ERA with an 1.47 inning pitched that is not good it means your giving up 4 runs late in the game... good luck with him until you trade him for a minor league player and used car - I don't see you winning much...

Poodle Picks the Brewers..

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PICK: MLB Astros vs Cardinals Saturday

The Cardinals have the reigning MVP and pitching staff coming back from injuries... the Astros have a good staff but no depth and very little in batting. I look for the Cardinals to rebound strong in 2009 and play competitive with the Cubs.

Poodle Picks: The Cardinals

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PICK: MLB Angels vs Red Sox Saturday

The MLB season is under way and this week I'm focused on 4 MLB Picks. Coming Up I'll be doing the first round of the NBA and Stanley Cup Championships.

The Angels, I think are the sleeper team in the baseball. Playing out west they struggle for air and broadcast time, same with the A's - who are good but will struggle with young pitching staff and no bullpen (A common problem in baseball these days).

In this first week of MLB picks, I think the Angels might not be totally focused on baseball in this series with the Red Sox with the tragic death of their young pitcher (the video was produced before his death) but maybe they can rally together for a weekend sweep.

PoodlePick: Red Sox

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PoodlePicks: NBA - Spurs vs Cavaliers

Finals Preview? - Ok April Fools (a few days late but I made you laugh). The Cavs are remarkable. Let us hope they don't turn into the Cubs when the Playoffs roll around. David Stern and I both have our paws crossed, praying for that Cavs vs Lakers finals. Lebron should have a huge game and the Cavs will continue to roll on. PoodlePicks the Cavs.

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PoodlePicks NBA Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks

There is just something about the Suns... maybe because I hope that someday Shaq and Nash will follow me on Twitter or maybe its just that the Mavericks are not a very good basketball team but I like to pick the Suns. This is a meaningless game, as by time Sunday rolls around one of these two teams or maybe both, will have Zero chance of making the playoffs. My predication, without food by the way... this will be Shaq finally ABC game with the Suns, so one last PoodlePicks for Shaq.

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PoodlePicks NHL Florida Panthers vs Pittsburgh Penguins

The Florida Panthers are my hometown team. However, they are just not that good, probably because they are a cat and cats don't like water. Penguins on the hand do like water and ice and they have a premier goal scorer, Sidney Crosby. On top of all that, they have actually have seen the Stanley Cup, just didn't win it.

I'm taking the Penguins.

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PoodlePicks NHL Minnesota Wild vs Detroit Red Wings

I'm keeping the picks rather simple this week. I'm not sure I can do The Masters picks... a lot of PoodlePicks planning going on with Baseball season starting next week and the football schedules coming out soon.

The Red Wings are the A+ team in hockey... there is no picking against them. They are sort of like the Lakers of the NHL.

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RECAP: NCAA ROUNDS 1&2: PEPPER GONE MAD AT 77% RIGHT

In the opening round, I got 23 Wins and 9 Losses. I got the following upset correct: Arizona, USC, Texas A&M (#9 over #8), Michigan, and Wisconsin. Missed on Cleveland St (who didn't), Dayton, Mississippi State, Utah St (so close), Siena (so close) and Western Kentucky.

As for Round 2: I got 14 out of 16 - but more importantly the only 2 losses were teams that lost in Round 1 - Wake Forest and Mississippi State.

So the Overall Record of the Weekend: 37 Wins - 11 Loss - 77% - I rank 293,772 on ESPN whatever that means. Why they haven't focus on a Dog making picks over the President is beyond my fluffy ears.

So my Elite 8 - only Wake Forest is done, so 7 out of the 8 teams are still alive. All 4 picks for the Final Four are alive - and I'm sticking with my pick for the champion: Memphis.

See the Elite 8 and Final Four Picks Below:



Final Four & National Championship:

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PICKS: NCAA MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP: FINAL FOUR AND CHAMPION

Below are Pepper's picks for the Final Four, Semifinals and National Champion:

East:
1) Pittsburgh vs 2) Duke - PoodlePicks: Pittsburgh

South:
1) North Carolina vs 3) Syracuse - PoodlePicks: North Carolina

Midwest:
2) Michigan State vs 4) Wake Forest - PoodlePicks: Michigan State

West:
1) UConn vs 2) Memphis - PoodlePicks: Memphis

SEMIFINALS:
1) Pittsburgh vs 1) North Carolina - PoodlePicks: North Carolina
2) Michigan State vs 2) Memphis - PoodlePicks: Memphis

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:
1) North Carolina vs 2) Memphis - PoodlePicks: MEMPHIS

VIDEO:


FULL BRACKET:

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PICKS: NCAA MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP: ELITE 8

Below are Pepper's picks for team going to the Elite Eight:

MIDWEST:
1) Louisville vs 4) Wake Forest - PoodlePicks: Wake Forest
2) Michigan State vs 3) Kansas - PoodlePicks: Kansas

WEST:
1) UConn vs 13) Mississippi State - PoodlePicks: UConn
2) Memphis vs 3) Missouri - PoodlePicks: Memphis

EAST:
1) Pittsburgh vs 4) Xavier - PoodlePicks: Pittsburgh
2) Duke vs 3) Villanova - PoodlePicks: Duke

SOUTH:
1) North Carolina vs 4) Gonzaga - PoodlePicks: North Carolina
2) Oklahoma vs 3) Syracuse - PoodlePicks: Syracuse

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PICKS: NCAA MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP - SWEET 16

Below are Pepper's Picks for team to go to the Sweet 16 (Winners of Round 2)

EAST:
1) Pittsburgh vs 9) Tennessee - PoodlePicks: Pittsburgh
4) Xavier vs 12) Wisconsin - PoodlePicks: Xavier

3) Villanova vs 6) UCLA - PoodlePicks: Villanova
2) Duke vs 10) Minnesota - PoodlePicks: Duke



SOUTH:
1) North Carolina vs 8) LSU - PoodlePicks: North Carolina
4) Gonzaga vs 5) Illinois - PoodlePicks: Gonzaga

3) Syracuse vs 6) Arizona St - PoodlePicks: Syracuse
2) Oklahoma vs 10) Michigan - PoodlePicks: Oklahoma



MIDWEST:
1) Louisville vs 8) Ohio State - PoodlePicks: Louisville
4) Wake Forest vs 12) Arizona - PoodlePicks: Wake Forest

3) Kansas vs 6) West Virginia - PoodlePicks: Kansas
2) Michigan St vs 10) USC - PoodlePicks: Michigan State



WEST:
1) UConn vs 9) Texas A&M - PoodlePicks: UConn
5) Purdue vs 13) Mississippi State - PoodlePicks: Mississippi State

3) Missouri vs 11) Utah State - PoodlePicks: Missouri
2) Memphis vs 7) California - PoodlePicks: Memphis

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PICKS: NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP: SOUTH REGIONAL - Round 1

Below are Pepper's Picks for the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship from the South Regional - Round 1 Games:

1) North Carolina vs 16) Radford - PoodlePicks: North Carolina
8) LSU vs 9) Butler - PoodlePicks: LSU
5) Illinois vs 12) West Kentucky - PoodlePicks: Illinois
4) Gonzaga vs 13) Akron - PoodlePicks: Gonzaga

6) Arizona St vs 11) Temple - PoodlePicks: Arizona St
3) Syracuse vs 14) S.F. Austin - PoodlePicks: Syracuse
7) Clemson vs 10) Michigan - PoodlePicks: Michigan
2) Oklahoma vs. 15) Morgan St. - PoodlePicks: Oklahoma

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PICKS: NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP: WEST REGIONAL - Round 1

Below are Pepper's Picks for the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship from the West Regional - Round 1 Games:

1) Connecticut vs 16) Chattanooga - PoodlePicks: UConn
8) BYU vs 9) Texas A&M - PoodlePicks: Texas A&M
5) Purdue vs 12) Northern Iowa - PoodlePicks: Purdue
4) Washington vs 13) Mississippi State - PoodlePicks: Mississippi State

6) Marquette vs 11) Utah State - PoodlePicks: Utah State
3) Missouri vs 14) Cornell - PoodlePicks: Missouri
7) California vs 10) Maryland - PoodlePicks: California
2) Memphis vs 15) CS Northridge - PoodlePicks: Memphis

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PICKS: NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP: MIDWEST REGIONAL - Round 1

Below are Pepper's Picks for the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship from the Midwest Regional - Round 1 Games:

1) Louisville vs 16) Morehead St - PoodlePicks: Louisville
8) Ohio State vs. 9) Siena - PoodlePicks: Ohio State
5) Utah vs 12) Arizona - PoodlePicks: Arizona
4) Wake Forest vs 13) Cleveland State - PoodlePicks: Wake Forest

6) West Virginia vs 11) Dayton - PoodlePicks: West Virginia
3) Kansas vs 14) North Dakota State - PoodlePicks: Kansas
7) Boston College vs 10) USC - USC
2) Michigan State vs 15) Robert Morris - Michigan State

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PICKS: NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP: EAST REGIONAL - Round 1

Below are Pepper's Picks for the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship from the East Regional - Round 1 Games:

1) Pittsburgh vs 16) E. Ten St - PoodlePicks: Pittsburgh
8) Oklahoma St vs 9) Tennessee - PoodlePicks: Tennessee
5) Florida St vs 12) Wisconsin - PoodlePicks: Wisconsin
4) Xavier vs 13) Portland St - PoodlePicks: Xavier

6) UCLA vs 11) VCU - PoodlePicks: UCLA
3) Villanova vs 14) American - PoodlePicks: Villanova
7) Texas vs 10) Minnesota - PoodlePicks: Minnesota
2) Duke vs 15) Binghamton - PoodlePicks: Duke

Watch:

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Preparation for the Picks

TubeMogul and YouTube are being a bit feisty on the uploading process... so I decided to post this video of me preparing for the picks...

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PoodlePicks weekend off - Full Bracket for the NCAA Tournament

Originally, I had planned on picking four games this weekend, however with the NCAA tournament coming next week, like all major handicappers - I needed to focus on getting ready for the 2nd greatest tournament in the world - after the Westminster Dog Show. Planning includes a grooming (happened yesterday), downloading and resizing logos for all 65 teams (some I have already, some I don't - Cleveland State), and of course extra sleep - what all good Poodle handicappers need before major sporting events.

How My NCAA Tournament Picks Will Work:
I will attempt to pick a full bracket. This will be done of the course of several days. Each round and each bracket region will be a separate video. So for example: There will be a Round 1 - East (Boston Regional) Philadelphia Games, Boise Games, Minneapolis Games, Greensboro Games all in one Video. Round 2: New Video and so forth with each pick right after each other. It will take time.

The picks themselves. In order to ensure a level field since it is so large, not all teams are equal and I don't pick a 16 vs 16 seed in the final four... the food bowls will be scaled based on ranking. So if your a 1-4 seed a large bowl will be used, 5-8 slightly smaller medium size bowl, 9-12 a ramekins and 13-16 a bathroom cup. The possibility of an upset exists but the chance of it happening are diminished by size of the bowl. No different then the NBA draft lottery where worse team get more pin-ping balls but not necessarily the first pick in the draft.

You can have the opportunity to pick against me at the follow Bracket Challenge by clicking here. No prize will be given this year as our presenting sponsor is still waiting for their bailout check from the government to clear the bank - who is also waiting for their bailout check - its rather complicated. Hopefully, next year the economy will improve - might have to do a PoodlePick on that predication. Send me and email poodlepicks@gmail.com or tweet @poodlepicks

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RECAP: Poodle Keeps Up His Winning Ways Going 6-2

SIGN UP FOR THE POODLEPICK BRACKET CHALLANGE:
http://pp3825.mayhem.cbssports.com/brackets

Stellar weekend with the Wins:

UNC was pretty much a given - at home on Senior Day - they have Duke's number and now a #1 seed for the NCAA Tournament.

Gators - here is a prediction for Kentucky Fans - Coach Gillispie will be Texas - San Antonio with Larry Coker next year. No way he returns to UK with that talent and playing that poorly. Who knows where Billy Donavan will be too....

Spartans - the only Big 10 team that can play with the rest of the country. We'll see if they make it past round 2 of the NCAA Tournament.

Pittsburgh - just out hustled and out played UConn they will be in good shape for the Big East Tournament and #1 seed for the NCAA Tournament.

Oklahoma - Their team play just outshines the speed of OSU. I think OSU will be a sleeper team for the NCAA Tournament.

The Avs - lucky pick. I'll get a few of those each weekend.

The Losses:

The Bruins: who is this backup goalie - Manny Fernandez - he play more like Manny Ramirez - don't be afraid of the PUCK

The Suns: Nash on the floor is a liability - all their big runs came with him on the bench. He isn't playing with heart. They had that game in hand, coming back from 13 down and losing in the last 2 minutes.

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PICK: Phoenix Suns vs San Antonio Spurs

The Suns and Spurs are both Jekyll and Hyde teams - you never know which team will show up. However, Shaq seems to play better when the game is in the national spotlight. So I'll go with the fast paced up and down Suns to beat the old Spurs.

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PICK: Pitt Panthers vs UConn Huskies

This is the type of game I like - two hard working teams that match up very well. Ok, I'm a poodle, I don't like hard working and I really think the Huskies are very pretty dogs however based on the style of play, I think Pitt will yet again get the better of UConn. Pick: PITT

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PICK: New York Rangers vs. Boston Bruins

The Bruins just have all the right pieces in place to make a good run at the Cup: Scoring, Goal Tending, Defense. The Rangers seem to be skating backwards. Bruins to romp all over the (st)Rangers.

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PICK: Colorado Avalanche vs Chicago Black Hawks

The Avalanche don't seem to have the luster of years past. The Black Hawks are up and coming young team to watch in the future. However this is my upset special of the weekend (remember I'm a dog!!). Avs to win - paws are crossed.

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PICK: Michigan State Spartans vs Purdue Boilermakers

Should be another tight low scoring Big Ten game. Michigan State seems to be the class of the conference and the conference as a whole will struggle in the big dance. Look for MICHIGAN STATE to win.

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PICK: Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Oklahoma Sooners

Good ole' fashion mid west showdown between two fast and high scoring teams. I think Oklahoma has just a tad more talent. However, OSU did look unstoppable in their blowout of Texas last Sunday. Texas beat Oklahoma earlier this season - which make me question my own pick. This is one of those game where I'm nervous because it will probably come down to the last minute - so an extra nap will be needed. I will still go with OKLAHOMA to squeak out a win.

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PICK: Duke Blue Devils vs North Carolina Tar Heels

Annually the best game of the year. Both teams playing at their peak (unlike that UK vs FL game). North Carolina is still my hot team to win every game. Poodle Picks: NORTH CAROLINA

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PICK: Kentucky Wildcats vs Florida Gators

This is a strange game: Bad Coaching vs Bad Playing... both teams are playing for their NCAA Tournament lives. UK beat UF up in Lexington earlier in a close game. I think the home crowd will be the lone advantage in this match up of desperate teams. Poodle Picks: FLORDIA

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RECAP: Weekend Results 4-3 but Respectable

One unexpected loss (Celtics) is offset by an unbelievable upset (Suns).

Loses:
LSU vs Kentucky: The Wildcats almost pulled it off. They came back from way down and took a good lead inthe 2nd half until BAD COACHING cost them the game.

Duke vs Virgina Tech: Almost the upset again!! The Hookies came from down 10 at the half but just couldn't hold on.

Pistons vs Celtics: No A.I. - the Pistons play better. Stephan Marbury the Celtics play worse.

Wins:
North Carolina vs Georgia Tech: That is the UNC we like to watch - dominate and destroy.

Notre Dame vs UConn - The Huskies played it close - Big game next weekend: Pitt Rematch

Mizzou vs Kansas - I guess Mizzou was without a key player. Allen Fieldhouse is just a tough place to play in if your the road team.

Suns vs Lakers - holy cats - the Lakers lose 2 in a row. They just couldn't keep up with the running Suns - just too up tempo. Suns looked so slow on the Wedensday night game. Shaq really put in together for the home crowd.

Next Weekend Picks:
Pitt vs UConn
Duke vs North Carolina
Kentucky vs Florida
Oklahoma State vs Oklahoma
Purdue vs Michigan State
Suns vs Spurs
Bruins vs Rangers
Avs vs Blackhawks

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PICK: MIZZOU vs KANSAS

This should be the best game of the weekend. Missouri is playing very good basketball - so is Kansas. Both teams are top the Big 12 conference, along with Oklahoma. When you get a game like this with two like teams you have to go with the X factor (the bowl with more food - just kidding there is still an equal amount in each dish) - the home team.

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PICK: LSU vs KENTUCKY

Tigers vs Wildcats - is there really a difference? Isn't a Tiger a wild cat? Either way, as a dog I probably won't even watch this game. Did you know that LSU is probably the hottest team in the SEC? I didn't until they beat the Gators and found out that was their 11th win in a row. BUT - this is Rupp arena and Kentucky is playing equally good basketball right now. I'm going to go with the home team and take the Wildcats in the upset.

Poodle Pick: Kentucky

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PICK: DUKE vs VIRGINA TECH

Mark my bark - Virgina Tech are the upset makers. They beat Clemson earlier this week and they have a history of shocking Duke. Seth Greenberg is one of the sharpest coach in the country - I used to hear him on a local radio when he was a coach at USF. I think their game prep is outstanding. This is my upset pick of the week - if they don't win - I'll be upset.

Poodle Pick: Virgina Tech

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PICK: NOTRE DAME VS UCONN

Notre Dame is playing for respect and for maybe a decent seed in the NIT. In the ultra competitive Big East, Notre Dame is been the biggest disappointment. UConn on the other hand is playing first seeding basketball getting ready for the Big East Championship and the Tournament. Plus I like fellow Huskie dogs.

Poodle Pick: UCONN

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PICK: NORTH CAROLINA VS GEORGIA TECH

Last weekend, my five biscuits lock pick of the weekend was North Carolina to romp all over Maryland, that the Tar Heels were playing the most consistent basketball in the nation no way they could lose to the Terrapins. What happens? The pull a royal choke, blowing a double digit lead and lose in overtime. But a Poodle never wavers!! I still believe in all my heart that North Carolina is the best team in the Nation and should be the #1 overall seed when the tournament seeding are selected in a couple of weeks. I'll stick with the Tar Heels.

Poodle Pick: North Carolina not to choke two weeks in a row.

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PICK: LAKERS VS SUNS

I'm watching the Lakers run all over the running Suns in the first half of this Thursday night game. So why pick the Suns to win on Sunday? Because after this game the Lakers will travel to play the Nuggets in Denver who are really their only challenge in the Western Conference (but a distant second). Also because the game is being played in Phoenix and maybe Steve Nash will be back. Finally, the true reason is because I'm a dog and I pick the food in that dish.

Poodle Picks: The Suns (paws and tail are crossed for a victory)

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PICK: PISTONS vs CELTICS

Lets face it the Pistions are just awful. The addition of Allen Iverson hasn't help - the new coaching the staff hasn't been effective and will probably be replaced. The Celtics should romp easily over the Pistons.

Poodle Pick: CELTICS

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RECAP: 5 Wins 3 Losses - Including a surprise and close upset

I returned to my winning ways this weekend. It could have been a really good weekend, as some of these loses should have gone the other way:

North Carolina loses to Maryland - not sure what happened here... UNC was coasting at the start of the 2nd half and then just collapsed at the end. I think Gary Williams felt administration coming down on him and just pulled out the miracle win to save his job. UNC will rebound as they will be another PoodlePick for their game with Georgia Tech this coming weekend.

Illinois Beats Ohio State in a squeaker - I thought I had a chance with the OSU upset pick as the Illini only scored 33 vs. Penn State earlier in the week. Ohio State made it close at the end but the Illini just ate the shot clock and made key 3 pointers to win.

Heat vs. Magic - Jermaine O'Neils has been a bust so for the Heat: out rebound 53 to 28 just terrible. Wade could score a 100 points - but unless you win on the boards you'll never advance. They better learn to jump higher and get after the ball real fast or the playoff position will push them to a first out knock out.

Wins came fromthe Celtics, Capitals, Villanova, Michigan State and Purdue.

Coming This Week:

Pistons vs. Celtics
Lakers vs. Suns
Notre Dame vs. UConn
Georgia Tech vs. North Carolina
Duke vs. Virgina Tech
LSU vs. Kentucky
Missouri vs. Kansas
{stayed away from the Tenneesse vs. Florida game}

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PICKS: NCAA Basketball Weekend of February 21st and 22nd

Several Games:

Syracuse vs. Villanova - I've had luck with Arizona Wildcats so I'll try them with Villanova. Should be the best game of the weekend. Villanova Wildcats to win.

North Carolina vs. Maryland - Clearly North Carolina is the best team in the nation. They should romp all over Maryland. North Carolina to win.

Illinois vs. Ohio State - don't look for a high score game - but look to Ohio State to pull out an upset. Ohio State to win.

Michigan State vs. Wisconsin - Michigan State is the elite team of the Bin Ten. I see them win by a large margin. Michigan State to win

Indiana vs. Purdue - Going to give Purdue another shot. Purdue not to lose.

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PICK: NHL Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins

The Capitals are the showcase team right now. Alex Ovechkin is a scoring machine. I think the Capital will dominate the slumping Pens

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PICKS: NBA Celtics vs Suns and Heat vs. Magic

For the Celtics vs. Suns - I like the Celtics again. I think they are playing strong basketball. Although the Suns are on the run again, I think the Celtics D might be too much for them.

For the Heat vs. Orlando - Both teams did not play well on Wednesday. The Magic weren't scoring and the Heat weren't rebounding. Somehow I expect the Heat to win in a squeaker.

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PICKS: Pepper Picks the Academy Award Winners

Let me just say one thing first before we get to the picks - I don't go to the movies - and it is not for a lack of trying - they just don't allow dogs in the theater for some strange reason. Their claim is that it has something to do with the food. I think it has something to do with me attacking the other patrons who get to loud and insurance and all those wonderful things. That being said, I have no idea what was "good movie" or what was "Oscar Worthy", I just made random picks the same way I make the picks for sporting events. Two side notes: 1) Overall BOLT or HOTEL FOR DOGS, which were about dogs should have been up for all the categories and 2) after I made the picks did I learn that Slumdog Millionaire had nothing to do about a DOG!!

The Poodle Picks are in 6 major award categories:

Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Pepper picks which movie will win the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role. His choices include: Amy Adams in “Doubt”, Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”, Viola Davis in “Doubt”, Taraji P. Henson in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, Marisa Tomei in “The Wrestler”

PoodlePick: Viola Davis in “Doubt”

Best Actress in a Leading Role: Pepper picks which movie will win the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role. His choices include: Anne Hathaway in “Rachel Getting Married”,Angelina Jolie in “Changeling”, Melissa Leo in “Frozen River”, Meryl Streep in “Doubt”, Kate Winslet in “The Reader”

PoodlePick: Kate Winslet in “The Reader”

Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Pepper picks which movie will win the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role. His choices include: Josh Brolin in “Milk”, Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder”, Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Doubt”, Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight”, Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road”

PoodlePick: Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road”

Best Actor in a Leading Role: Pepper picks which movie will win the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role. His choices include: Richard Jenkins in “The Visitor”, Frank Langella in “Frost/Nixon”, Sean Penn in “Milk”, Brad Pitt in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler”

PoodlePick: Frank Langella in “Frost/Nixon”

Best Directing: Pepper picks which movie will win the Academy Award for Best Achievement in Directing. His choices include: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”,“Frost/Nixon”,“Milk”,“The Reader”, and “Slumdog Millionaire”

PoodlePick: “Slumdog Millionaire” [I thought it was about a DOG!!]

Best Motion Picture of the Year: Pepper picks which movie will win the Academy Award for Best Motion Picture of the Year. His choices include: “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”,“Frost/Nixon”,“Milk”,“The Reader”, and “Slumdog Millionaire”

PoodlePick: "BOLT!!" ok... "Slumdog Millionaire"

Regards,

Pepper

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Sunday Recap - Pepper Goes 2-5 for the Weekend...Back in the Doghouse!

Okay, I'm struggling for the second day in a row.  When my first victory came with the WildCats, I just knew it was going to be a looooooong weekend.  I also knew that Indiana beating Illinois was a long shot.  Just goes to show, the favorites don't always win.  In addition, I suffered my first NHL loss as the Devils beat the Sharks in a very exciting 6-5 game.  The Flyers are my lone win for the day.  Overall for the weekend, 2 wins and 5 losses, which includes Mark Martin's loss in the Daytona 500.  Can't win them all. 

Coming this week - - the Oscars!  In addition, I will be picking more NBA, NHL and NCAA basketball games later this week. 

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Pepper Videos Go Over 10,000 Views Mark!!!

Thank you everyone. After 45 days of existence, PoodlePicks has surpass the 10,000 video views mark across 8 major video publishing sites (see the TubeMogul badge at the bottom of the page). That is an average of 227 video views a day of Standard Poodle eating out of dish to make sport picks. Now, we've only produced about 50 videos, with many more coming, so we are growing each day exponentially as the total video inventory grows but we are very surprised that we were able to cross this mini milestone so early in this venture. Our next major goal is 50,000 then 100,000 as we have some major events coming: The Oscars, March Madness, The Masters, The NBA and NHL Playoffs before a summer slowdown with baseball!!!

Thanks you again.. Keep watching and please continue to send us your comments and feedback. Don't forget to become a fan on Facebook and get others to join!!
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Pepper & Company

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