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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