Garnett Suspended for Game 2

Boston Celtics PF Kevin Garnett is suspended for game 2 of the Celtics' first round playoff series against the upstart Miami Heat. In a small fight with 40 seconds left in the game Garnett elbowed Heat SF Quentin Richardson in the face which drew the suspension.

The loss of KG obviously hurts the Celtics significantly as they barely escaped game 1 with him in the lineup, without him they may not be so lucky.

The Forgotten Superstar

Carmelo Anthony is third in the league in scoring (28.2 PPG) and is carrying his team on his back.

Last night Melo poured in 42 points in capturing game one of the Nuggets' first round playoff series against the Utah Jazz. If this was LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, or Kobe Bryant it would be front page news on ESPN.com. However for some reason Anthony seems to be snubbed in the news consistently.

Right now there are young players making a name for themselves as rising superstars in this league. Kevin Durant is the main name that comes to mind, the reigning scoring champion enjoyed a break out season this year and propelled himself into the "Best player in the league discussion," although I still think he's a ways away from that distinction. My question is, why is Durant in the discussion but not Anthony? Because Durant averages 2 more points per game? That makes no sense. Anthony is the star player on one of the best teams in the league and his team looks poised to make a deep run into the playoffs. In fact, the Nuggets are my pick to emerge from the insanely competitive western conference.

To me a superstar is someone who carries his team and who can take over in crunch time. The accepted superstars in todays game are LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, Deron Williams Chris Paul (although his stock is dropping fast), and Kevin Durant, with Derrick Rose starting to make a bid for his place on that list.

For some reason Melo seems to be snubbed in this conversation every time.

Make no mistake about it, Carmelo Anthony is a superstar in this league. He makes big shots and he commands the attention of every defense the Nuggets go up against. I would take Melo over Durant, Kobe (given his recent shooting struggles), Paul, Williams, and Wade. All without hesitation. If you think I'm crazy then pay attention. Anthony put up 42 last night and this is no rare occurance. What happens when Melo goes up against another premier player? He wins.

When the Nuggets went into Cleveland on February 18th the Cavs were riding a 13 game winning streak Melo went off for 40 and out-dueled LeBron James in overtime for the victory. That's what a superstar does and that's who Carmelo Anthony is. That's just one example. Watch the Nuggets closely in the playoffs and I'm sure you'll come to agree too.

NBA Playoffs: Round 1

I'm going to predict the playoffs differently than I did the regular season. It's way too hard to pick every game of the postseason because anything can happen, rather I'm going to pick each series. I will repeat this every round.

Eastern Conference:

Cavaliers (1) vs Bulls (8) Slo's pick: Cavaliers

The Cavs will win this series but don't expect the Bulls to just lie down. The Bulls didn't fight and claw their way into the playoffs to be the Cavs' punching bag. The Cavs will win the series, but don't be surprised to see the Bulls push them to the limit. I'm not saying it will happen, I'm just saying it's very possible.

Magic (2) vs Bobcats (7) Slo's pick: Magic

I've heard many analysts over the past week saying this is going to be a great series and I still can't figure out what leads them to believe that. The Magic are going to obliterate the Bobcats in 4 or 5 games with a possibility of 6. The bottom line is that the Bobcats will not make the second round, period.

Hawks (3) vs Bucks (6) Slo's pick: Hawks

The Bucks might steal a game or 2 but I doubt it. The Hawks will run them off the floor and face the Magic in the second round.

Celtics (4) vs Heat (5) Slo's pick: Celtics

This is the most intriguing series in the first round. All season the Celtics have been saying they were pacing themselves for the playoffs and that's why they weren't winning as much as most people expected. Well the playoffs are here, now they have no excuses. To be honest, I think the Heat have a really good chance of winning this series but I'm not confident enough to bet against such a battle tested team in the first round.

Western Conference:

Lakers (1) vs Thunder (8) Slo's pick: Thunder

No that is not a misprint, the Thunder will knock out the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. If I'm right then I look like a genius and if I'm wrong I look like the world's biggest moron. The reason why is because the Thunder are playing with more hunger, in the playoffs the biggest thing is how bad you want it. Whatever the Lakers do, just don't let the Thunder take game 1. If the Thunder take game 1 the Lakers are going to be in a very bad position.

Mavericks (2) vs Spurs (7) Slo's pick: Mavericks

The Mavs' mid season trade for Caron Butler and Brandon Haywood is going to start paying dividends. Butler brings toughness and the ability to score while Haywood brings physicality down low, both things are key in playoff basketball. At the end of the day the Mavs are just better and that's why they are going to the second round.

Suns (3) vs Trailblazers (6) Slo's pick: Suns

The Suns will win this series easily. Brandon Roy is most likely going to be out for the whole series which will result in the Suns going to the second round. Many believe this is the year for Steve Nash to finally do some significant damage in the playoffs. Amare Stoudemire is arguably playing the best basketball of his career right now and the league doesn't seem able to stop him.

Nuggets (4) vs Jazz (5) Slo's pick: Nuggets

The Nuggets are my pick to go the Finals from the western conference. Oddly enough, I think the Jazz are the team that's going to give them the most trouble. If the Nuggets can get by the Jazz, they can get by anybody. As the season progressed I was becoming more and more confident in the Nuggets and now I'm comfortable in picking them to emerge from the west.

Final Night of the Regular Season

Bobcats vs Bulls (Slo's pick: Bulls)

The Bulls are going to pull out a win tonight to clinch their fifth playoff birth in the last six seasons. If they don't win, they can still make the playoffs if the Knicks beat the Raptors.

Celtics vs Bucks (Slo's pick: Celtics)

The Celtics are coming off a rough loss to the Bulls in Chicago. Without Andrew Bogut I don't think the Bucks have enough to cut it against the top tier teams, even the ice cold Celtics.

Hawks vs Cavaliers (Slo's pick: Hawks)

If they Hawks play all of their starters they will win. Without LeBron James the Cavs won't have enough fire power to win in Atlanta. There are rumors that the Cavs are going to play Shaq tonight in an attempt to warm him up for the playoffs on Sunday. If Shaq plays it will only benefit the Hawks as Josh Smith and Al Horford will get whatever they want in the open floor.

Mavericks vs Spurs (Slo's pick: Mavericks)

Unlike the east, the western conference playoff standings remain unsettled heading into the final night of games. Both of these teams have clinched playoff spots but positioning is still up in the air. The general consensus among teams is that they want to avoid the Los Angeles Lakers as long as possible.

Rockets vs Hornets (Slo's pick: Rockets)

Both of these teams are lottery bound as they failed to make the playoffs. The Hornets have been a disappointment this season and their disappointment is going to continue tonight as they fade into the offseason.

Heat vs Nets (Slo's pick: Heat)

The Nets have been an embarrassment to professional basketball all over the world, it is with great pleasure that I get to say that their dreadful season comes to a merciful end tonight.

T'Wolves vs Pistons (Slo's pick: Pistons)

The Pistons have been putting some quality games together, too bad they waited until the last week of the season.

Magic vs 76ers (Slo's pick: Magic)

My guess is that the Magic are going to rest most of their big minute players. Even if they do I still think they're going to win.

Thunder vs Grizzlies (Slo's pick: Thunder)

Kevin Durant is going to have a big night to secure his first career scoring title.

Wizards vs Pacers (Slo's pick: Pacers)

As bad as the Pacers are, they are still far and away better than the Wizards.

Raptors vs Knicks (Slo's pick: Raptors)

The Raptors need this game to give themselves a fighting chance to get into the playoffs. The equation is simple, win or go home.

Clippers vs Lakers (Slo's pick: Lakers)

The Lakers are sitting Kobe Bryant to rest him up for the playoffs, the Lakers will still win.

Trailblazers vs Warriors (Slo's pick: Warriors)

Without Brandon Roy the Blazers are nothing, the Warriors are going to want this game more and get the win.

Jazz vs Suns (Slo's pick: Jazz)

The Jazz are going to close out the regular season with a win tonight as they get ready for what could be a deep run in the playoffs.

Slo's record on the season: 608-311

Slo's record April 9th: 7-6

NBA Regular Season 4-9-10

Nets vs Bulls (Slo's pick: Bulls)

With their win last night the Bulls have pulled themselves into a tie with the Toronto Raptors. Tonight is a great night for the Bulls to finally rip back the 8th spot as the Raptors have to play in Atlanta. If the Bulls really do beat out the Raptors for that final playoff spot, this Raptors team choked worse than any basketball team I've seen in a very long time.

Celtics vs Wizards (Slo's pick: Celtics)

The Wizards, in my opinion, rival the Nets for being the worst team in basketball. The Celtics should have an easy win tonight at home.

Magic vs Knicks (Slo's pick: Magic)

The Magic will win tonight as long as they keep feeding Dwight Howard down low. Despite their record, the Knicks are very dangerous if they get their offense going.

76ers vs Bucks (Slo's pick: Bucks)

The Bucks will win this game even without star C Andrew Bogut. After falling on his back after a dunk it seems as though Bogut will be out for quite some time, if not for the season all together.

Hawks vs Raptors (Slo's pick: Hawks)

Simply put, the Raptors need this game to stay alive. Losing tonight would put them in a horrible position and it would probably make Chris Bosh start packing his bags for free agency. Fortunately for the Bulls, the Raptors are heavily overmatched tonight. Especially with Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu out due to facial injuries.

Cavaliers vs Pacers (Slo's pick: Cavaliers)

LeBron James sat out last night's game in Chicago and it seems likely that he will sit out tonight as well. Even without James the Cavs are still ten times better than the Pacers.

Heat vs Pistons (Slo's pick: Heat)

It's very hard to pick games at this point in the season because I don't know who's going to play hard. The Heat are already in the playoffs and the Pistons are just playing for pride, essentially, this game doesn't mean much for either side. I'm going with the Heat in hopes that they're going to treat this just like every other game.

Hornets vs Jazz (Slo's pick: Jazz)

The Jazz should win tonight with relative ease. In the west every game is important because a short losing streak could push you down 3 playoff spots.

T'Wolves vs Lakers (Slo's pick: Lakers)

The Lakers are coming off a loss to the Nuggets last night. There's no way Kobe Bryant is going to let them lose in Minnesota as an encore.

Thunder vs Suns (Slo's pick: Thunder)

This is the toughest game of the night to pick. I'm taking the Thunder because they're home and because Durant causes major matchup problems for the Suns. To be honest, this game really could go either way.

Rockets vs Bobcats (Slo's pick: Bobcats)

The Rockets are a huge pain for me because they never cooperate with what I say. I'm taking the Bobcats because they still have something to play for.

Spurs vs Grizzlies (Slo's pick: Spurs)

As long as the Spurs don't let the Grizzlies run they should be alright.

Trailblazers vs Mavericks (Slo's pick: Mavericks)

Well I hope this is a good game because it's very likely that this is going to be a first round playoff matchup.

Slo's record on the season: 601-305

Sl0's record on April 7th: 10-3

NBA Regular Season 4-7-10

Raptors vs Celtics (Slo's pick: Celtics)

The Celtics are going to have an easy time tonight. Raptors PF Chris Bosh will not be playing tonight with a broken face bone.

Pacers vs Knicks (Slo's pick: Knicks)

The Knicks are coming off a great win against the Celtics, I expect them to keep the ball rolling as their season comes to a close.

Magic vs Wizards (Slo's pick: Magic)

The Magic will win easily tonight at home.

Pistons vs Hawks (Slo's pick: Hawks)

The Hawks disappointed me last night and lost to the Bobcats. Tonight I expect them to bounce back with a win over the Pistons.

Heat vs 76ers (Slo's pick: Heat)

The Heat are still working the seal up their playoff spot, I believe a win tonight would be the clincher for them.

Hornets vs Bobcats (Slo's pick: Bobcats)

The Hornets are officially out of the playoff race, I'm guessing spirits are low right now in Oklahoma City and tonight's game isn't going to help them.

Rockets vs Jazz (Slo's pick: Jazz)

The Jazz are coming off an amazing win against the Thunder. Tonight they're going to win again, probably in a very close game.

Bucks vs Nets (Slo's pick: Bucks)

Losing Andrew Bogut for the remainder of the season is a knockout blow for the Bucks. Fortunately tonight they have the pleasure of hosting the 11-66 Nets.

T'Wolves vs Warriors (Slo's pick: Warriors)

The Warriors have been playing well to close the season. Tonight they will win in what they hope to be a very high scoring game.

Thunder vs Nuggets (Slo's pick: Nuggets)

The Thunder are coming off a loss last night in their shootout with the Jazz. I don't think they're going to have enough energy tonight to beat the Nuggets.

Mavericks vs Grizzlies (Slo's pick: Mavericks)

The Mavs should look to feed Dirk Nowitzki all night (as if they don't do that anyway), the Grizzlies' big men aren't agile enough to keep up with Dirk in the full court.

Clippers vs Trailblazers (Slo's pick: Trailblazers)

The Blazers and the Clippers have been killing me all season and I hate them both. The Blazers are the logical pick but with these two teams I never know what's going to happen.

Suns vs Spurs (Slo's pick: Suns)

The Suns just need to keep the Spurs running. Much to my surprise the Spurs have been surging and they seem poised to make a run at the title. However the fact still remains that those old legs cannot keep up with the Suns for 48 minutes. If this game is played at a fast pace the Suns will win, if not, they will lose. It's as simple as that.

Slo's record on the season: 591-302

Slo's record last night: 3-7

NBA Regular Season 4-6-10

Bulls vs Bucks (Slo's pick: Bulls)

The Bulls are extremely lucky that Andrew Bogut is out for the season and obviously this game. The Bucks on the other hand just lost any chance they had of doing some damage in the playoffs.

Knicks vs Celtics (Slo's pick: Celtics)

The Celtics should win tonight as they try to maneuver their way into the third seed.

Cavaliers vs Raptors (Slo's pick: Cavaliers)

The Raptors should probably start panicking right about now. If they lose and the Bulls beat the Bucks then the Raptors are only holding onto a tiebreaker to keep them in the playoffs.

76ers vs Pistons (Slo's pick: 76ers)

The Pistons' embarrassing road record (7-30) is what's forcing me to take the Sixers.

Wizards vs Warriors (Slo's pick: Warriors)

The Wizards are the worst team in the NBA right now. The Warriors are going to get a rare win tonight in the nation's capital.

Bobcats vs Hawks (Slo's pick: Hawks)

The Bobcats are slowly but surely losing their grip on a playoff spot. Tonight's game isn't going to help as the Hawks are probably going to win.

Grizzlies vs Rockets (Slo's pick: Grizzlies)

There's one game separating the Grizzlies and the Rockets and both teams are lobbying for a playoff spot. The Grizzlies get the nod here because they're home.

Jazz vs Thunder (Slo's pick: Jazz)

The Thunder were my original pick but after considering how energized the Jazz fans are I had to change my pick. The Jazz enjoy one of the best home crowds in all of basketball.

Kings vs Spurs (Slo's pick: Spurs)

The Spurs are looking good and they seem poised to make a run at the western conference crown.

Slo's record on the season: 588-295

Slo's record on April 3rd: 8-1

NBA Regular Season 4-3-10

Bulls vs Bobcats (Slo's pick: Bulls)

The Bulls have been hot as of late however it might be too little too late as the Raptors have already won earlier today, moving their lead for the 8th playoff spot back up to two games. The Bulls' playoff hopes are dwindling more and more each day as their schedule is brutal to end the season.

Hawks vs Pistons (Slo's pick: Hawks)

The Hawks should be embarrassed if this game is even close. The Hawks are still in a battle for the third playoff seed with the Boston Celtics.

Nets vs Hornets (Slo's pick: Hornets)

Well they did it, with their 10th win the Nets avoided being the worst team in NBA history (although you can definitely still make the argument that they are). The Hornets are still fighting for a playoff spot, I'll be very disappointed in them if they let this golden opportunity to grab a game pass them by.

T'Wolves vs Heat (Slo's pick: Heat)

The Heat should win this game with minimal difficulty. However the T'Wolves are a much better team than their record indicates.

Mavericks vs Thunder (Slo's pick: Thunder)

I don't know why but for some reason I feel like the Thunder are going to win tonight in Dallas.

Bucks vs Suns (Slo's pick: Bucks)

This is a really tough game, the Bucks will win for two reasons. 1) They are home. And 2) Coach Scott Skiles is smart enough to realize that running with the Suns is the only way to beat them. If you try to slow it down the Suns will beat you by 40.

Nuggets vs Clippers (Slo's pick: Nuggets)

There is no logical reason to believe the Clippers will win this game.

Kings vs Trailblazers (Slo's pick: Trailblazers)

The Blazers are in a dogfight for a playoff spot and the Kings aren't, that's the difference in this game. That being said, don't be surprised to see the Kings pull a win out of their sleeve, they, like the T'Wolves, are much better than their record shows.

Slo's record on the season: 583-294

Slo's record last night: 7-3

NBA Regular Season 4-2-10

Wizards vs Bulls (Slo's pick: Bulls)

The Bulls are coming off a brutal loss to the Suns in the closing minute. At this stage in the playoff race, every game is life or death. With their schedule becoming incredibly treacherous after this game I have a hard time seeing the Bulls let this one slip through their fingers. As a side note, don't be surprised to see President Obama sitting court side tonight. As a Bulls fan Obama has been to several Bulls-Wizards games, as well as inviting the Bulls to the White House last year.

Rockets vs Celtics (Slo's pick: Celtics)

At this point in the season it's very difficult to pick games where one of the teams is already in the playoffs and the other team is still battling for a spot. In picking the Celtics, I'm assuming their going to treat this game like any other.

Pacers vs Heat (Slo's pick: Heat)

Now is not the time for the Heat to start losing games and in any way jeopardize their playoff spot. Dwyane Wade and company are going to take care of business tonight in Indiana.

Bobcats vs Bucks (Slo's pick: Bobcats)

The Bucks have cooled down a bit since their scorching start after the trade deadline. Tonight their going into Charlotte to play a very dangerous Bobcats team. It's not that I don't think the Bucks could win, there's just a better chance that the Bobcats are coming out of this with a W.

Cavaliers vs Hawks (Slo's pick: Cavaliers)

This is a statement game for the Cavs. They've been leading the eastern conference virtually all season and heading into the playoffs it's always good to re-assert your dominance.

Pistons vs Suns (Slo's pick: Suns)

The Suns would have to play dreadfully bad for the Pistons to even have a shot tonight.

Grizzlies vs Hornets (Slo's pick: Grizzlies)

The Grizzlies are going to be too much for the Hornets to handle tonight at home. If they keep this an uptempo game then we might even see a blowout.

Spurs vs Magic (Slo's pick: Magic)

The Spurs are very annoyingly inconsistent. They lose to the bad teams and then destroy the Celtics in Boston. It just doesn't make sense. Despite their many big wins this year, I have a hard time seeing the aged Spurs run up and down with the Magic for a full 48 minutes. This game might stay close through 3 quarters, but eventually the Magic are going to pull away.

Warriors vs Knicks (Slo's pick: Knicks)

The Knicks' road record is nothing to write home about but I still think their going to have enough to take down the Warriors. Also, keep your eye on Danilo Gallinari. I've seen him play about a dozen times this season and each time he has been very impressive.

Lakers vs Jazz (Slo's pick: Lakers)

This is a really tough game to pick, the one and only reason why I'm taking the Lakers is because they are home.

Slo's record on the season: 576-291

Slo's record last night: 1-1

NBA Regular Season 4-1-10

Mavericks vs Magic (Slo's pick: Mavericks)

The Mavs have too many weapons at too many positions, also the fact that their home doesn't hurt. In a game with great teams like these anything can happen.

Nuggets vs Trailblazers (Slo's pick: Nuggets)

The Nuggets have a very good chance of returning to the WCF and if they do I think they have a 50% chance of making it to the big stage.

Slo's record on the season: 575-290

Slo's March 28th: 7-3