Rotoworld: Oregon RB LaMichael James and Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon among top 10 players who are being overhyped for the 2012 draft.
SportsTalk: Albert Pujols signs with the Angels and Prince Fielder joins the Tigers. Which team is better now?
The Detroit Red Wings equaled an NHL record with their 20th straight win at home, beating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 Sunday night on the strength of Johan Franzen's tiebreaking goal early in the third period.
PBT: Boston's Rajon Rondo continues to be named in trade talks, which is madness. The Celtics guard creates offense and makes everyone around him better, which was evident in Sunday's win over the Bulls.
Arc's five up, five down: After No. 11 Michigan State's 58-48 upset of No. 3 Ohio State, you'd be a fool to discount the Spartans' national title chances now.
Miami coach Al Golden says the worst is behind him, but his headaches figure to continue now that former booster Nevin Shapiro, now in jail, says his involvement with the Hurricanes program will result in stiff penalties.
Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods both greeted Sunday with unbridled optimism. But the day would end happily only for Mickelson.
The United States completed a 5-0 rout of Switzerland in the Davis Cup on Sunday, with 19-year-old Ryan Harrison and John Isner winning closing singles matches.
Zambia has won the African Cup of Nations, beating pre-tournament favorite Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Stade de l'Amitie.
Tessa Worley of France fought off gusting winds to win a second consecutive World Cup giant slalom Sunday in the Andorran Pyrenees. Overall leader Lindsey Vonn was more than a second behind and finished eighth.
Robins: It’s the Year of the Dragon on the Lunar calendar, and this Chinese influence could extend to it also being the year of the Pekingese on the green carpet at the 136th Westminster Dog Show on Tuesday.
Reuters
Denver
Chauncey Billups found new life in Denver after he was traded from Detroit for Alan Iverson and began his new leadership role at point guard. Karl’s season was saved when Billups played in his first game on Nov. 7. From that point forward, Billups proved that he could make big shots in the clutch and lead by example on and off the court. The trade for Billups was the most important move of the year for the Nuggets and all of his new teammates instantly improved and got in line. The “Bird Man” Chris Anderson has played spectacularly in the second half of the season and his energy and shot blocking ability should cause a few problems for the Lakers while shooting guard JR Smith is averaging more than 16 points in the postseason.
The only chance that Denver has to eliminate Los Angeles is for Carmelo Anthony to have a spectacular series. He is an elite scorer and must be counted on to have several big games in which he scores over 30 points. He is averaging 27 points in the playoffs, but was held to 15 points or less in three of the regular season games against Los Angeles. The Lakers want Anthony to float on the perimeter and take long-range jump shots instead of using his athletic ability close to the rim. Trevor Ariza will be called on to force Anthony to put up tough jump shots while Lamar Odom must quickly get in front of him if he drives towards the basket. It also remains to be seen if Anthony can play with a level head if Bryant has a big scoring night?
Prediction? The Lakers win in six games.
PBT: Boston's Rajon Rondo continues to be named in trade talks, which is madness. The Celtics guard creates offense and makes everyone around him better, which was evident in Sunday's win over the Bulls.
Paul Pierce has been around long enough to know what Rajon Rondo's performance can mean for the aging Boston Celtics.
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Zambia has won the African Cup of Nations, beating pre-tournament favorite Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Stade de l'Amitie.
Wesseling: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for AFC teams.
Paul Pierce has been around long enough to know what Rajon Rondo's performance can mean for the aging Boston Celtics.