(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Over the last four years there have been many blowouts by many teams. Most of those blowouts have been directed at Toronto, or Charlotte, but regardless of the team, few rival the fun and theatrics of a Boston Celtics blowout. Since the Celtics joined Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, with Paul Pierce, and Rajon Rondo at the beginning of the 2007-08′ season the Celtics have won 49 games by at least 20 points. Most notably Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals where they beat the Lakers 131-92, to clinch Banner #17.

Boston has the rare luxury of a playmaking point guard coupled with two future Hall-of-Fame shooters, and a 6′-10″ future Hall-of-Famer that loves 14 to 18 foot jumpers.

On Sunday in Game 4 of the first round matchup between the Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks, the Celtics held a 37 point lead early in the third quarter. 37 point lead. The Celtics won the game 101-79 to take a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven playoff series.

Ray Allen has a hurt ankle, Avery Bradley has an injured shoulder, Paul Pierce tweaked his knee during shootaround limped off the court favoring his left knee midway through the second quarter, but he returned for the start of the third, and Kevin Garnett surpassed 50,000 total minutes in the regular season and playoffs in his 17-year NBA career. With a team this banged up, and well-aged the performance they put on Sunday was tremendous.

Pierce scored 24 points in 18 minutes, and Rondo added 20 points and 16 dimes. Ray had 12, and KG finished with 15. Gino Time began early in the 4th Quarter and whenever it’s Gino Time you can guarantee the Celtics and the Garden are having a good time.

Photo By Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The Lakers…like always beat the Nuggets in a Playoff game. Andrew Bynum blocked eight shots in the first three quarters before surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s franchise-record nine blocks in the fourth. He eventually equaled the NBA record set by Utah’s Mark Eaton on April 26, 1985, and matched by Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon on April 29, 1990. Bynum became just the 6th Laker to record a triple-double in the playoffs. He needs 29 more to catch Magic. Lakers lead series 1-0

San Antonio not so surprisingly won easily 106-91. The Jazz fell to 1-4 against the Spurs this year, with their only win coming in Salt Lake City when Duncan, Ginobili and Parker didn’t play. Spurs lead series 1-0.

The Atlanta Hawks got a strong performance from Josh Smith who finished with 22 points, and 18 boards. The Celtics appeared frustrated with the way things were going. No one was more  annoyed then Rajon Rondo who was T’d up after arguing a foul on Brandon Bass late in the 4th quarter. Rondo then decided to get all chesty with an official and was ejected. A suspension for Ronfo will be forthcoming, but he is known for getting away with physicality in the Playoffs. (Brad Miller, and Kirk Hinrich know what I’m talking about.) Atlanta leads series 1-0.

Memphis lead by 27 points in the second half and let the Clippers…yes, the Los Angeles Clippers fight back to a 99-98 win. Whenever POINT GOD is on the court anything is possible; also Reggie Evans rebounding everything you miss helps too. The Grizzlies wait till Wednesday for revenge, and Chris Paul sort of dissed head coach Vinny Del Negro after the game:

Clippers lead series 1-0

The season that began on Christmas day and crammed 66 games down our throats (pause) in the process has finally came to an end. Even in a shortened season there were many exceptional moments, and in this years NBA playoffs there isn’t one series that you want to miss. Okay maybe you can skip the Pacers sweeping the Howard-less Magic. Here is what to watch for in each of the first round match-ups.

(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (8) Philadelphia 76ers

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau consistent nagging of defense, defense, defense, and the unusual amount of BIGS the Bulls have, has made the loss of Derrick Rose throughout the season barely noticeable. Of course this is the year where Derrick Rose figures it all out, and carries his team to the Finals and Scottie Pippen gets to photobomb everyone in the locker room when they celebrate. At least thats how Bulls fans would love for it to go, but the Basketball Gods never make it easy. Unfortunately for the 76ers, Muppet-Evan Turner decided to throw a quick jab Chicago’s way stating that the Sizers lost to the Knicks (which helped the Sixers avoid the Heat in the 1st Round) earlier this week was “Dodging the better team.” Not like the Bulls needed any more motivation but if anything can give Rip Hamilton reason to sharpen his fingernails then watch out.

Philadelphia has been one of my favorite teams to watch this season, and I will enjoy watching them put up a fun-filled effort, but the upset is going to take a miracle, or an absentee Derrick Rose. BULLS in 5

(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) New York Knicks

REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES)

Gonna leave  @knicks247 to this one. Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James meeting in the NBA Playoffs for the first time and 10 years since their high school battles…swoon.

(3) Indiana Pacers vs. (6) Orlando Magic

Regardless of Dwight Howard’s back condition, the Magic wanted no part of the NBA Playoffs after the trade deadline had passed and “chocolate shoulders” was still around. This is the coming out party for the Indiana Pacers, and ultimately a first-round bye. PACERS in 4

(4) Boston Celtics vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks

We have been overtly bias of the Celtics, mainly due to the old adage of “respecting your elders”, and this by all accounts could be the last hurrah of Garnett, Pierce, and Allen. Everyone thought last year’s Playoff defeat by the Heat was the last time we would seee the Big 3 but due to the purchase of a hot tub time machine the Celtics(Spurs) are poised for yet another Finals run.  The Big 3, are now of course the Big 4 with Rajon Rondo reaching Superstar-Status. There is also Avery Bradley who should make Joe Johnson’s bones uneasy. Rondo has a knack for exceptional play when games are televised, and with every Playoff game being televised, look for Rondo to win at least 2 games by just diving for the ball a bunch of times.

Once again the Atlanta Hawks are back in the Playoffs!! The Atlanta Hawks are the NBA version of Temazepam. CELTICS in 6

 WESTERN CONFERENCE

The Western Conference, where teams over .500 miss the Playoffs (Rockets, Suns).

MAY METTA WORLD PEACE ELBOW HAVE MERCY ON US ALL! 

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Utah Jazz

This is ridiculous. How can the Spurs be the best team in the Western Conference again. Tim, Tony, Manu, and the bunch(Blair, Neal, Splitter, Leonard, Bonner, Jackson) will make easy work of the Utah Jazz. The mighty Spurs will have a tough time in the next round regardless of the team (Clippers, Grizzlies). SPURS in 4

(2) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (7) Dallas Mavericks

The rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals, Dirk and Durant attempt to set indoor shooting records as Dallas prays that Oklahoma City doesn’t realize Tyson Chandler is gone. Oklahoma City will have to possibly play the Mavs, Lakers, and Spurs to get to the Finals. Can you imagine the Lakers-Thunder matchup? THUNDER in 6

(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Denver Nuggets

I’m sick of seeing these two teams play. Same result every time…Javale McGee vs. Andrew Bynum will be entertaining. Same result every time. LAKERS in 6

(4) Memphis Grizzlies vs. (5) Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are the 5th seed in the Western Conference. Well done NBA, amazing how transformed that team is thanks to your decision making. By amazing I’m referring to the POINT GOD himself Chris Paul, who deserves to be the MVP this year but won’t get it.  Chris Paul and the Yellow Hulk, Blake Griffin will be going up against a Memphis team that knew it would be back. Didn’t think Zach Randolph would be back though. GRIZZLIES in 7

ATLANTA HAWKS

We resolve to get to the bottom of why we gave Joe Johnson so much damn money. He does lead us in points, but will we make it deep in the playoffs….of course not. ( same as last years resolution)

BOSTON CELTICS

We the Boston Celtics resolve to let Rondo shoot nothing but threes for an entire game, just to see what happens….

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

I, Paul Silas resolve to survive the entire season.

CHICAGO BULLS

I, Derrick Rose resolve to continue dominating basketball, postgame interviews  and my acne.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

We resolve to continue to be a horrible team until Dan Gilbert can finally complete the cloning of LeBron James, let the clone grow to 18 years of age, then draft him with the #1 pick in the 2030 Draft.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

I, Lamar Odom will drive to Galveston Beach each off day so I can look at the ocean and remember what once was.

DETROIT PISTONS

We the Pistons resolve to find some food for Austin Daye, and to have Ben Gordons arms chopped off!

DENVER NUGGETS

We the Nuggets resolve to be extremely grateful that Coach Karl is back and healthy!

GOLDEN ST. WARRIORS

I, Coach Mark Jackson resolve to stop yelling “Hands down, man down” to everyone on the team, every possession.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

We the Houston Rockets resolve to continue pitting Chase Budinger, and Chandler Parsons against each other until they are forced to fight to the death.

INDIANA PACERS

We resolve to let Physcho T run into the stands at least once this season.

L.A. CLIPPERS

We resolve to keep our racist ass owner away from Chris Paul, and keep Chris thinking that Frankie Muniz is indeed the owner of the team.

L.A. LAKERS

We resolve to plant testosterone tablets in Pau Gasol’s drinks throughout the season.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

We resolve to get Tony Allen as far away from our team as possible.

MIAMI HEAT

We resolve to win the Finals, not for LeBron but for original man: Juwan Howard.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

We resolve to get to the bottom of signing of Mike Dunleavy Jr.!

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

I, Kevin Love resolve to rebound every ball, on every shot, from every basketball game in the world.

NEW JERSEY NETS

We resolve to play in Brooklyn until Brooklyn realizes that the Nets play in Brooklyn, then we haul ass to Russia! #NYETS

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

We the NBA speak for the Hornets, and the Hornets have nothing to say!

NEW YORK KNICKS

I, Carmelo Anthony resolve to remember that I, Carmelo am the only option, and I need to shoot every single time!

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

We resolve to do whatever we can to keep Russell Westbrook from becoming Stephon Marbury and eventually eating Vaseline on Twitter!

ORLANDO MAGIC

I, Dwight Howard resolve to ask, demand, then say pretty please for a trade.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

We resolve to hire Michael Vick as soon as the NFL season is over. He will suit up and be in the starting lineup, just for the player introductions, but he wont play any minutes.

PHOENIX SUNS

I, Steve Nash resolve to never leave the Suns, and continue playing until they can find a point guard better then I.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

We resolve to burn some Sage in the Rose Garden, because our team is definitely cursed!

SACRAMENTO KINGS

We resolve to remind all those fans that fought to keep the team in Sacramento that the team is still in Sacramento

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

We resolve to casually ignore the age of our Big 3, but encourage fans to purchase DeJuan Blair Bears from the gift shop

TORONTO RAPTORS

We resolve to call the NBA everyday, and send flowers so that they remember there is a team in Toronto.

UTAH JAZZ

We resolve to remind the Jazz players that the sign that said “Team of Misfit Players” was not funny.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

We resolve to let John Wall do whatever he wants to and to continue letting Glbert Arenas in the locker room so he can shit in Rashard Lewis’s shoes.

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Atlanta Hawks hadn’t won a Eastern Conference Semifinals game since 1997, that changed on Monday night. Joe Johnson scored 34 points and Atlanta beat top-seeded Chicago 103-95 on Monday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Johnson scored on 12 of 18 shots and all five 3-point attempts.  In the last 20 postseasons, only three(Johnson, Daniel Gibson, Kirk Hinrich) players have scored 30 points while shooting 5 for 5 or better from 3-point range. Jamal Crawford scored 22 points, and Jeff Teague added 10 while starting at the point for the injured Kirk Hinrich and wound up getting the game ball from coach Larry Drew.

A day after receiving the Coach of the Year award the day before, Tom Thibodeau was out coahced in Game 1 by Hawks first year head coach Larry Drew.

“Nobody gave us a shot in this series,” Atlanta’s Josh Smith said. “We’re here now up 1-0.”

Another(soon-to-be) award winner Derrick Rose struggled throughout the game and ending it on a sprained ankle. Derrick finished with 24 points, but he was just 11 of 27 from the field and did not attempt a free throw. He entered Game 1 averaging 12 free throw attempts per game during the postseason, 2nd in the NBA this postseason behind Dwight Howard.

A source familiar with the situation told ESPNChicago.com on Monday night that Rose would be announced as the MVP, making him the youngest player to receive the award and only the second Bull along with Michael Jordan.

That announcement is expected Tuesday, with the presentation at Game 2 on Wednesday, which could end up being the Bulls last home game.

The Hawks won thanks in part to outscoring the Bulls by 17 points in the 1st and 4th quarters combined. Atlanta shot 59 percent from the field, out-rebounded the Bulls by seven and even outscored the Bulls in the paint. By contrast, Chicago shot just 38 percent in those same periods.

The Bulls will increase their defense of Johnson in Game 2, and play with more intensity, but the precious home court advantage now belongs to the Hawks.

Game 2 is Wednesday at 7ET on TNT/ Hawks lead series 1-0

Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images

After an embarrassing Game 1, the Magic struggled from the field shooting just 34 percent and had 16 turnovers in Game 2. But they defended well, and of course Dwight Howard helps.

A day after receiving his record breaking third straight Defensive Player of the Year Award, Dwight Howard had 33 points and 19 boards, Jameer Nelson added 13 points and eight boards to help the Magic hold off the Hawks 88-82.

Dwight Howard is first player since 1980 to play all 48 minutes, score 30+ points, grab 15+ boards and shoot above 60 pct in a playoff game. Howard becomes the 1st player to have at least 33 points and 19 rebounds in the first 2 games of playoff series since Shaquille O’Neal vs Sacramento in 2001.

Howard teammates not named Jameer decided to show up, sort of in Game 2. Everyone on the Magic aside from Howard and Jammer combined for 42 points. Howard told Van Gundy he wanted to play every minute. When asked why he didn’t want to leave the game, Howard said, “We needed to win.”

Jamal Crawford led Atlanta with 25 points and Josh Smith added 17, but Al Hortford’s early foul trouble. the Hawks 15 turnovers, and the DPOY clogging the paint tipped the game in favor of the Magic.

This series, Dwight Howard is averaging an astounding 39.5 points and 19 boards while shooting 71.4% from the field.

Game 3, Friday at Atlanta, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2/ESPN3D/ Series is tied 1-1

AP Photo/John Raoux

DWIGHT HOWARD SCORED 46 POINTS….46 points, 31 in the first half. Jameer Nelson had 20 in the third quarter, and the Magic loss.  The Orlando Magic scored Dwight Howard is the first NBA player with at least 45 points and 15 rebounds in a playoff loss since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1987.

Joe Johnson scored 25 points, Jamal Crawford finished with 23 and Atlanta beat Orlando 103-93

Howard went 16 for 23 from the field and 14 of 22 from the free throw line, but he also had eight turnovers. Howard and Nelson combined for 26 of Orlando’s 34 field goals.

Jameer Nelson and Howard were the only players to score in double figures. The Hawks had five players with at least 13 points, earning their fourth straight victory against the Magic and erasing the sting of a six-game losing streak to close the regular season. Al Horford scored 16, Josh Smith had 15 points and eight boards and Kirk Hinrich added 13 points.

The Hawks were in control throughout. They carried an 85-71 lead into the final period and caught a break when Howard was whistled for his fifth foul with 10:58 to play. After shooting a dismal 36 percent in the first quarter, the Hawks connected on 30 of their final 52 attempts from the field. They also shot 6 of 14 from the 3-point line.

The Magic known in years past for their defense, played absolutely no D in the second and third quarters. During one stretch in the second and third quarters, Atlanta hit 18 of 24 shots from the field.

Game 2 is in Orlando 7:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV

#1 Chicago Bulls vs. #8 Indiana Pacers

The Bulls shocked many in the NBA, finishing with the best record in the East. Just as shocking was the Indiana Pacers making the Playoffs. Chicago won three of the four games against Indiana this season, and shouldn’t have to much trouble eliminating the Pacers from the Playoffs.

We didn’t even expect the Pacers to make the Playoffs, so winning two games in this series isn’t that big of a stretch. Look for Chicago to display the defense that got them the #1 record, coupled with soon-to-be-MVP Derrick Rose doing everything. Chicago will go as far as Derrick Rose can carry them. We wait to see how long Rose can do everything every game.

#2 Miami Heat vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers

The Miami Heat had numerous ups and downs throughout the season, but one constant remained strong; Lebron James. If the race for MVP was about the best player in the league then LeBron James would be weeks from his third straight MVP award. However James plays with another player who will receive MVP votes, Dwyane Wade, and their chemistry will ultimately tell the tale of the Heats success.

Aside from James, Wade and Chris Bosh, the Heat are mostly role players(Mario Chalmers, James Jones, Ilgauskas, Old-Ass Juan Howard). Role players that will desperately be needed to play at peak levels in order for the Heat to begin to fulfill their quest for six titles. Against the 76ers those role players sadly won’t be that necessary. The Heat won all 3 games against the Heat by a 10 point average.

Philadelphia hasn’t been to the Playoffs in ages, and sadly they won’t be around long in these playoffs. The 76ers athleticism will make for exciting basketball but it wont translate into victories.

#3 Boston Celtics vs. #7 New York Knicks

The Boston Celtics limp into the Playoffs for the second year in a row. Last year they went 3-7 down the stretch, but displayed visually the concept of ‘turning it on’, making it to the Finals and losing to the Lakers in seven games. Are the Celtics capable of pulling this off again this year? Of course they are capable and the New York Knicks make for the perfect first round matchup. The age-old battle of offense vs. defense.

New York knew they would be in the Playoffs when they signed Amare’ Stoudemire in the off-season. The addition of Carmelo Anthony adds even more fuel to the Knicks bandwagon. The Knicks will be a formidable foe, but they lost all three times to the Celtics in games decided in the last three minutes. Closing out games was the Knicks achilles during the season. Will it carry over into the Playoffs? Knicks and Celtics play their lasts game of the season against each other on April 13th.

#4 Orlando Magic vs. #5 Atlanta Hawks

Easily the lowest rated series of this years Playoffs, pits the Magic against the Hawks who they sweep out the Playoffs last year. We wouldn’t be surprised if the same thing happens this year. Atlanta may arrive in these Playoffs with more passion then they have shown since the All-Star break, but the outcome of the series still favors Dwight Howard, and the Magic.

SCHEDULE UPDATE:

No. 1 Chicago vs. No. 8 Indiana — Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN

No. 2 Miami vs. No. 7 Philadelphia — Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC

No. 3 Boston vs. No. 6 New York — Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on TNT

No. 4 Orlando vs. No. 5 Atlanta — Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN

With the start of a new year, teams make their own resolutions.  Here is a team by team look at those resolutions.

ATLANTA HAWKS

We resolve to get to the bottom of why we gave Joe Johnson so much damn money. He does lead us in points, but will we make it deep in the playoffs….of course not.

BOSTON CELTICS

We the Boston Celtics resolve to play at least one game with both O’Neal’s on the court at the same time. I, the Boston Celtics  fan resolve to relax and enjoy each game because if anyone gets injured the world will not end.

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

I, Michael Jordan resolve to stop wearing all my rings on one necklace to every Bobcats meeting.

CHICAGO BULLS

We resolve to kept nurturing Derrick Rose, and to keep Carlos Boozer and his weird beard away from him.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

We resolve to simply exist before the NBA goes through with contraction and makes us a NBDL team. I, the Cavs fan will save up and buy the Fathead of Daniel Gibson for no reason whatsoever.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

I, Rick Carlisle resolve to stop making faces like Jim Carrey, and to let jason Terry do whatever he wants in the 4th quarter.

DETROIT PISTONS

I, Tayshaun Prince resolve to ask Joe Dumars nicely if I can be traded, then pray its not to Toronto.

DENVER NUGGETS

We resolve to trade Carmelo to the highest bidder, then struggle until we draft anthoer Carmelo and repeat the same process.

GOLDEN ST. WARRIORS

We resolve to never sign a legitimate big man so we can never truly play defense.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

I, the Houston Rockets fan resolve to lower our expectations until Michael Jordan goes and plays baseball for two years.

INDIANA PACERS

We resolve to sleep through the rest of this year, and promptly wake up during the lottery selection this summer.

L.A. CLIPPERS

I, Donald Sterling resolve to continue being concerned about only money, and as long as Blake Griffin makes me money he stays….for cheap of course.

L.A. LAKERS

We resolve to work all year so we actually play a competitive game on Christmas. We also resolve to never let Kobe and Nike convince us that Lime green sneakers are cool.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

We resolve to save our money, to pay for the shipping of all the equipment to our new home in Seattle.

MIAMI HEAT

I, Miami Heat fan resolve to show up to games on time, especially once the playoffs start. At least we will make it seem that basketball games are more fun then the beach, or clubs full of young hispanic women.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

We resolve to continue doing whatever it was we did to beat the Lakers. *Brandon Jennings didn’t play

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

I, Kevin Love resolve to rebound every ball, on every shot, from every basketball game in the world.

NEW JERSEY NETS

We resolve to never put an ad across from Madison Square Garden again. Unless of course, if we get Carmelo Anthony then we get to play in the Garden.

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

We the NBA speak for the Hornets, and the Hornets have nothing to say.

NEW YORK KNICKS

I, Spike Lee resolve to continue wearing clothes too big for me to games, and my Landry Fields jersey, even if he gets traded.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

We resolve to take out as many loans as possible to keep Russell Westbrook away from Los Angeles.

ORLANDO MAGIC

I, Dwight Howard will work on my three point shooting so I can fit in better with the team.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

We resolve to hire Michael Vick as soon as the NFL season is over. He will suit up and be in the starting lineup, just for the player introductions, but he wont play any minutes.

PHOENIX SUNS

I, Marcin Gortat, will continue to plead with my teammates to play defense, even if they speak another language.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

I, Trail Blazers fan will take a class in physical therapy so I can be more hands on with the players.

SACRAMENTO KINGS

We, the Maloof Brothers resolve to finish construction on our secret basketball stadium in Las Vegas. We also must sit Tyreke Evans down and ask that he not hit 50 footers to win games and instead keep piling on the loses.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

We resolve to casually ignore the age of our Big 3, but encourage fans to purchase DeJuan Blair Bears from the gift shop

TORONTO RAPTORS

We resolve to call the NBA everyday, and send flowers so that they remember there is a team in Toronto.

UTAH JAZZ

We resolve to continue research into age-defying potions that can make it possible for Jerry Sloan to coach the Jazz forever.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

We resolve to finally change our name back to the Bullets, and once again lose out on front page reports to real bullets.

TOP TEN

1. Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe says knee is 100%, the Lakers are first in points per game and Matt Barnes and Ron Artest have yet to kill anyone. Something tells me the Lakers are gonna hold the #1 spot for a long time

2. New Orleans Hornets: Chris Paul is back and surprising the league with an early undefeated record. Wins against the Spurs and Nuggets were big.

3. Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers defense is the reason for their record. If they can get Oden back by December to just stand in the paint they could shake up the West.

4. Atlanta Hawks: Just like the Hornets the Hawks new head coach Larry Drew is enjoying a perfect record, but for how long.

5. Boston Celtics: Rondo has 50 dimes in three games, if not for old legs against the Cavs, the Celtics would be much higher in the rankings.

6. Miami Heat: Allowing a league low 80.8 points a game, the Heat have turned it on following an opening night lost to the Celtics.

7. Orlando Magic: Yet another season of living and dying by the three. At least Stan Van is sporting a collar.

8. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tentative play against Utah lead to their only lost. Kevin Durant is second in scoring behind Derrick Rose…for now.

9. Chicago Bulls: Joakim Noah leads the league in rebounds, Derrick Rose leads in scoring…they have only played two games. Has anyone seen Luol Deng?

10. New Jersey Nets: Derrick Favors can rebound better then you. The Nets would have been undefeated had they avoided playing the Heat who destroyed them in transisition. If Avery Johnson keeps this team above .500 he has to win Coach of the Year.