The Truth Sports!

Its late-July, the NBA season is months away, and there are deals being done everyday, so thetruthsports presents:

1. The defending champs added Matt Barnes, Steve Blake and “lurch”himself Theo Ratliff. This is Theo’s 9th team! Folks are all upset about LeBron’s “Decision” but Kobe, and Lamar Odom weren’t that friendly with Mattt Barnes, but that didn’t stop him from coming to LA. They are the best until they are beaten.

2. No way that I’m doubting the potential the Heat have of completely taking over next season. Getting Mike Miller will turn out to be the biggest move. Miller is gonna get so much ass. The Heat find their chemistry and the East could be in trouble. Still wish they would sign Allen Iverson just because.

3. The Celtics are the same exact squad minus Rasheed Wallace, and Tony Allen, who had to be tired of KG spitting on him and signed for less with Memphis. The addition of Jermaine O’Neal’s huge head will help, as Kendrick Perkins  rehabs till February.

4. The Magic lost Matt Barnes to Los Angeles, and had already signed his replacement Quentin Richardson. If there is any chance that they could get Chris Paul they need to do it ASAP. Orlando was wise to match J.J. Redick’s offer from Chicago but the magic may have run out in Orlando if they continue to ignore Howard offensively.

5. Crazy right? The Bulls didn’t get LeBron or Bosh, but they got a key pieces to take the Bulls to the next level. Thibodeau getting Boozer to play defense is gonna be fun, but other additions Kyle Korver, and C.J. Watson will flourish off the bench. I know they are probably placed to high on the list but their division is up for grabs with the Cavs drop from best to worst.

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1. Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavaliers have won 11 straight, tying the longest streak in the NBA this season. LeBron had 47 Saturday against the Knicks making, 24 consecutive points during a stretch in the first half.

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Can you believe they won in Portland without Kobe? Kobe Bryant did not play for the Lakers in Portland Saturday night. It’s the first game he has missed since March 7, 2007. Kobe has missed 87 regular-season games since he entered the NBA in 1996-97. The Lakers are 54-33 (.621) in those games. The loss to Denver puts the Lakers 0-4 against the best in the East and 2nd best in West.

3. Denver Nuggets: If only they would have beating Utah the night after beating the Lakers they could have been #2, The Nuggets have never swept a season series against the Jazz. They host Dallas and San Antonio prior to All-Star Break

4. Orlando Magic: The lost to the Wizards at home on Friday spelled disaster. Orlando has lost its last seven games at home that were decided by a one-point margin, but a convincing win in Boston showed a side of Orlando we have yet to see this season.

5. Atlanta Hawks: Josh Smith had 18 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in the Hawks’ victory against the Bulls. Smith was only the second player in the last 40 seasons (since 1970-71) to reach each of those statistical thresholds in one game for the Hawks. Jamal Crawford aka Mr. 6th man outscored the Bulls bench 17-8.

6. Utah Jazz: Winners of 8 straight, the Jazz have won 9 of their last 10 and if not for two losses to Denver they would have 15 wins in their last 18 games. Any game Deron Williams goes for 22 and Kirilenko gets 22, your team loses.

7. Boston Celtics: On Sunday they played the worst second-half since Kevin garnett and Ray allen joined the team. Boston is 1-7 combined against Orlando and Atlanta, two of the top four teams in the East, and 15-9 at home. Garnett moved into 20th place all-time in rebounds on Sunday.

8. Dallas Mavericks: Nowitzki spoke to the American Airlines Center crowd just before the Minnesota game to promote this weekend’s All-Star festivities in Dallas, but he did not acknowledge being out of the starting lineup. Maybe thats why they lost to the TIMBERWOLVES!

9. Phoenix Suns: Phoenix has a season-long five-game winning streak after losing seven of its previous nine games. Now if only the franchise can keep Stoudemire past February 18th!

10. San Antonio Spurs: Not what they used to be…George Hill has been playing well latley but the Spurs have lost four straight in Portland and dropped to 5-6 in their last 11 games.

11. Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder have won 5 straight, on the shoulders of Kevin Durant. On Saturday Durant scored 25 or more for the 24th consecutive game, the longest since Allen Iverson reached 27 in 2000-01.

12.Portland Trail Blazers On Saturday the celebrated their 40th anniversary….of injuries.Still if the Blazers make the Playoffs, Nate McMillian is the Coach of the Year.

13. Toronto Raptors: Toronto welcomed Turkoglu and DeMar DeRozan back to the starting lineup after injuries. Thank goodness it was the Kings, the Raptors have won six straight over the Kings in Toronto. DeRozan is our pick for Slam-Dunk Champ on Saturday.

14. Chicago Bulls: Tyrus Thomas was suspended for one game for conduct detrimental to the team. He missed Saturdays game against the Heat. Without Noah till after All-Star Break this weeks games against Indiana, and Orlando will be tough.

15. Houston Rockets: Aaron Brooks made six three-point field goals for the Rockets in their loss to the 76ers on Saturday. Brooks has made at least one three-pointer in 23 consecutive games, matching the longest such streak in the NBA this season. Congrats to Joey Dorsey for returning to the team against Memphis on Friday with 12 rebounds.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron single-handedly put the Cavs in first this week with BIG blocks at the end of the Lakers, and Thunder games. LeBron James was named as the NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the 4th time this season.

2. Los Angeles: Lakers are 10-8 on the road. Swept by the Cavs, and a loss yesterday to Raptors, still 5 games left on this road trip including a back-to-back Boston, Memphis.

3. Boston Celtics: Good win over Roy-Less Blazers, and the return of the “pinto” Kevin Garnett, have the Celtics moving in the right direction. Hawks friday, then Lakers Sunday.

4. Dallas Mavericks:  On Sunday they beat the Knicks by 50! 50!

5. Denver Nuggets: 6 straight W’s with Melo hurt, and J.R.Smith tripping.

6. Atlanta Hawks: the first team this season to record 20 double-digit wins. Jamal Crawford is a strong 6th Man of the Year candidate.

7. San Antonio Spurs: Loses to Houston & Utah showed the obvious..Tim Duncan is old, and Richard Jefferson is over-rated

8. Orlando Magic: Great OT win against hot-Bobcats team. Matt Barnes has shown an offensive side, and Vince Carter has become Halfman/Half-Disabled

9. Portland Trailblazers: Nate McMillian is Coach of the Year if Blazers make it to the Playoffs…period!

10. Toronto Raptors: Didn’t let Kobe go for 81 on Sunday, in a convincing win. “I haven’t been this encouraged in a while,” Bosh said. Too bad h is leaving.

11. Phoenix Suns: The Suns are slowly falling back to Earth. 12-15 since Dec.1 and majority of wins against sub-.500 teams. At least two players(Nash,Stoudemire)starting in All-Star Game.

12. Oklahoma City:  OKC’s past four losses to the Spurs, Mavs, Griz, Cavs came by a total of five points. Durant still our choice for MVP.

13. Utah Jazz: The Jazz are a season-high seven games over. 500. They just have to keep wearing the “green” throwbacks and they’ll be fine.

14. Memphis Grizzlies: upcoming schedule: Magic and Lakers at home, Spurs and Cavs on the road. If they make it through this torture chamber and they will definitely be moving up.

15. Houston Rockets: Holding on to the last spot by the hairs on Aaron Brooks chin. 4-6 in January. Brooks, Scola, and Landry are only consistent players, more “run” for Budinger would help. Ariza upset he missed out on Lakers trip to White House.

1. Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe only scored 11 last night against Orlando but Lakers won easy. Bynum and Pau learning to play together…How Special!

2. Cleveland Cavaliers:  7-3 in their last 10 games. LeBron player of the month back-to-back, could be first to sweep award.

3. Boston Celtics:  Celtics waiting for playoffs to start, or until KG gets back to return to dominance.

4. Dallas Mavericks:  Strong comeback against Celtics. Could be dangerous when shots falling and playing defense as they did early in the season.

5. Denver Nuggets:  Melo is back!

6. Atlanta Hawks: Embarrassed Orlando early in the week, Jamal Crawford is playing the best basketball of his career. Now if they could just beat the Knicks!

7. San Antonio Spurs: Slowly aging before our eyes. Richard Jefferson looking a tad over-rated. Dejaun Blair looking a tad under-rated.

8. Portland Trail Blazers: No Bigs, No Problem. Nate Mcmillian gets the Blazers to the playoffs and its between him and Rick Adelmen for Coach of the Year!

9. Orlando Magic: The best center in the league Dwight Howard had 1 fg in the second half last night against Lakers. The Magic lead the league in 3-point attempts. 3-7 in their last            …WONDER WHY?

10. Phoenix Suns: Lost 4 straight, and Nash got beat out by T-Mac for All-Star starting job…..sad!

11. Houston Rockets: Everyone still holding breath about McGrady situation, Rockets need someone to help Brooks and Ariza when shots aren’t falling

12. Oklahoma City:  Kevin Durant playing like never before…a candidate for MVP, probably will receive Most Improved!

13. Utah Jazz:  Still strugling to stay consistent, but right in the thick of things in the West.

14. Memphis Grizzlies:  4 straight wins, including victories over Suns, and Spurs, big for team no one remembers. Zach Randolph our vote for All-Star Reserve.

15. Charlotte Bobcats: 5 straight wins, Stephen Jackson goes for 43 against Rockets, Gerald Wallace in Slam-Dunk contest for some unknown reason.

1. Los Angeles Lakers: Amazingly still #1 after losses to Clippers and Trailblazers. The Lakers have suffered  9 straight loses to Blazers at Rose Garden. Better hurry and get Pau Gasol back before they head to Texas for back-to-back against Spurs and Mavericks this week. Bynum looked better then usual against Milwaukee Bucks finishing with 17 points 18 boards, and 3 blocks Last Week: 1

2. Cleveland Cavs: Win against Denver would have moved them up in the rankings…alas they played “Lets watch what LeBron does” and lost. Played much better early against Trailblazers in the daunting Rose Garden. Lebron finished with 41. Still perplexed how Mike Brown got coach of the year, last year. Next 3 on road against the West. Last Week: 2

3. Boston Celtics: After a remarkable win in OT on the road against Miami, the Celtics sputter on offense against Hawks. They can get revenge today at home against Hawks. Rajon Rondo 11 points and 10 dimes against Hawks, and was perfect (2-2) from deep for first time this season. Rajon Rondo (22 points, 13 assists, 10 rebounds) recorded his first triple-double of the season and the third of his regular-season career to help the Celtics win their seventh straight game against the Raptors…can you say All-Star reserve? Last Week: 3

4. Dallas Mavericks: Still leading the Southwest, otherwise known as the toughest division in the NBA. Big comeback win against the Spurs on the road, then a lost to the Jazz at home was a let down. Owner Mark Cuban had the nerve to take shots at NFL for scheduling Dallas Cowboys playoff game same time as the Mavs-Jazz game. Cowboys won, Mavs lost….sit down Cuban! Last Week: 4

5. Denver Nuggets: Billups returns in win against Cavs at home, then they lose against Kings. Nuggets need Melo, then they need to play defense against everyone, not just the elite teams.Last Week: 5

6. Orlando Magic: Magic had lost four straight games — all to teams that had losing records — for the first time since February 2007. Then the Magic walloped the Hawks 113-81. Now they hit the road against Kings, Nuggets, Blazers, and ending with Finals rematch against Lakers. I’ll say it again FEED HOWARD!! Last Week: 6

7. San Antonio Spurs: Spurs showed there age against Mavs on Friday. Coach Gregg Popovich had seen enough and got himself ejected. Still having a hard time understanding why Richard Jefferson keeps diverting his shots to others…FIRE IT UP RJ!!

8. Portland Trail Blazers: Once again beat Lakers at home then fought back against Cavaliers, but fell short. Brandon Roy could possibly be MVP if Blazers continue playing this good. Unfortunately they have no big man, and we all know what happens when you live by the jumper!

9. Atlanta Hawks: What’s with you Atlanta? You cant beat Cavs, Magic(what an ass-whopping that was) or KNICKS? Jamal Crawford solid off bench against Celtics in win at home. Has to stop the roller-coaster season before fans begin to vomit!

10. Phoenix Suns: Beat Miami at home on Friday, and play Milwaukee today, then hit the road for 4 games. Steve Nash 3,000 votes behind Tracy McGrady for starting spot in All-Star game….shame-shame Phoenix!

11. Houston Rockets: The HARDEST WORKING TEAM in the NBA. Ended 3 game skid with defeat of NY Knicks. In trade talks for Raptors Chris Bosh. No one in the Western Conference wants this to happen!

12. Oklahoma City: 7-3 over last ten games. Kevin Durant went for 40 against Indiana. He and Russell Westbrook are becoming quite a duo, surrounded by solid players(Green, Harden, Maynor)

13. Utah Jazz: Convincing win against Dallas with Deron Williams returning from injury. Jazz are above .500 and if can get some consistency can become a threat in the West.

14. New Orleans Hornets: 6 wins in a rows, the margin of victory in each of those wins: 4, 4, 4, 5, 4, 5., almost forgot this team existed, should change name to New Orleans Chris Paul’s. New Orleans is 16-10 under Jeff Bower after starting 3-6 under Byron Scott.

15. Los Angeles Clippers: Beat the Lakers for first time in 3 years, on a 4-game winning streak, and Chris Kaman looks as if he is headed to the All-Star game. Chris Kaman (22 points, 14 rebounds) had his 11th game with 20+ points and 10+ rebounds this season, tying a single-season career high set in the 2007-08 season. I must dreaming!!

1. Los Angeles Lakers: Two blowout losses to Cleveland and Phoenix, mixed in with close wins over Sacramento and Golden State, made them seem less than invincible. But last nights blowout of Mavs who are 2nd in the West reaffirms their dominance.

2. Cleveland Cavs: “Duke” James goes for 48 points and 10 rebounds on his 25th birthday in win over Hawks. Win 7 straight then lose to Charlotte at home. Shaq needs more touches!

3. Boston Celtics: In danger of losing 5 straight games, the Celtics rely on bench to get win over Raptors without Pierce, KG, and Rondo. Rasheed Wallace worth every penny!

4. Dallas Mavericks: Still leading the Southwest, otherwise known as the toughest division in the NBA. 35 point lost to Lakers exposed there weakness…scoring in the post….maybe everyone already knows that!

5. Denver Nuggets: Dreaded back-to-back schedule catches up to them in home loss to Philadelphia Still, they showed heart without Billups and Anthony in win over dispirited Jazz.

6. Orlando Magic: Lost to Bulls was close to embarrassing. They should be ranked higher, but Magic refuse to give ball to Howard. FEED ME!

7. San Antonio Spurs: They are 8-2 in their last 10 and 11-3 in their last 14. But they are coming off a four-point loss at Toronto in which they missed 11 free throws (Tim Duncan and Tony Parker combined for nine bricks). Nursing a sore knee, Duncan came off the bench for only the second time in his career. Where the hell is Richard Jefferson??

8. Portland Trail Blazers: Good to see they aren’t using injuries as an excuse. Two more – LaMarcus Alridge (ankle) and Steve Blake (pneumonia) – go down, bringing the total to eight, but they still keep winning. Against Golden State, backcourt mates Andre Miller and Brandon Roy combine for 60 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

9. Atlanta Hawks: Bells will be ringing the sad, sad news – Hawks lose three straight during Christmas week. The two to Cleveland on consecutive nights are tolerable, but another home loss to the Knicks is not. New York has won both games in Atlanta this season.

10. Phoenix Suns: Followed home wins over the Lakers and Celtics with a loss to Memphis in same venue. No starter had more than six rebounds against the Grizzlies.

11. Houston Rockets: The HARDEST WORKING TEAM in the NBA. Against New Orleans, starting center Chuck Hayes – all 6-foot-6 of him – pulls down 13 rebounds.Rockets need to get someone for McGrady to move Ariza out of “Batman” role and back to “Robin” role where he is more comfortable.

12. Oklahoma City: Five-game winning streak ends with overtime loss at Milwaukee. Evidence of bright future: 21-year-old Kevin Durant scores at least 30 points in seven consecutive games; 21-year-old Russell Westbrook has four consecutive games of double-digit assists.

13. Utah Jazz: So far disappointing season, do they miss Harpring THAT much!

14. Memphis Grizzlies: The 1-8 start gives way to 16-16, the first time they have been at least .500 this late in the season since 2005-06. No. 16 last season didn’t come until their 60th game. A 9-4 December included beating division leaders Dallas, Cleveland and Denver. Last week: 15

15. Miami Heat: Closed out the year by losing at New Orleans and San Antonio. Brought in the New Year by losing at home to Charlotte. Someone get Michael Beasley to the barbershop asap!