Free NHL Picks & Odds: Atlanta Thrashers vs. Philadelphia Flyers
by admin on March 19th, 2008
Atlanta Thrashers @ Philadelphia Flyers u5.5 (100)
Tue Mar 18 ‘08 7:05p
The Under is now 7-1 in the last eight head-to-head meetings between the Atlanta Thrashers and the Philadelphia Flyers, and we see no reason why this game should be any different.
The Thrashers are having a very disappointing season after the best year in franchise history a year ago, and they have had trouble finding the net lately, scoring three goals or less in eight of their last nine games including scoring two or less in six of those contests. They have been particularly bad on the road all season, averaging just 2.30 goals per game overall.
The Flyers were actually contending for the division title a little while ago, but they have now plummeted to eighth in the East, no thanks to a current four-game losing streak. Philadelphia is averaging just 2.00 goals per game during this streak, scoring 1, 2, 2 and 3 goals respectively. Now granted, Atlanta is usually much more generous defensively, but none of the three head-to-head meetings so far this year have exceeded five combined goals scored.
We look for more of the same tonight, as these teams will struggle to reach five goals in their current forms.
NHL Free Pick: Thrashers, Flyers Under 5.5 (+100)
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Originally Syndicated via RSS from Touthouse Sports Betting Picks
3 Little Known Tips of Basketball Hoop Shopping
by admin on March 19th, 2008
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I’ve got a confession to make. I play basketball. I play it very poorly and can’t make very many of the shots that I shoot at the basketball hoop. I have a feeling that I am not alone in the world at being a rather poor basketball player. However, one thing that I’m not bad at is comparison shopping. I’ve mastered the ancient art of comparing prices between merchants and can usually ferret out a fairly good deal with a little bit of leg work. Basketball hoops are no different than other items when it comes to shopping for them. There are some tips you should know before embarking on your journey to shop for a basketball hoop.
1)New or Used. You really might consider buying a used basketball hoop if you are interested in value. However, make sure you are buying one that hasn’t been banged up too bad. Years of basketball practice can only make your rim bent and dirty. Ebay can be a great place to buy used equipment and basketball hoops are regularly for sale on Ebay.
2)Do your homework by comparing different merchant offers on different search engines and different websites. Just because something is advertised for sale on Google doesn’t mean its also advertised for sale on Yahoo. Some merchants advertise their good strictly through the Amazon partners program and don’t do any other advertising anywhere else. Price vary drastically and the only way you will know that you are getting a good deal is to examine what the different people are selling the same goods for on different websites. Basketball hoops are no exception.
3)Learn about the different types and styles of basketball hoops. Without the knowledge of what you are buying, points #1 and #2 are nearly worthless. Buy your hoop the right way and get a great deal on one by being an informed consumer. Learn how to buy a basketball hoop and you can guarantee that you got a better deal than everyone else.
About the Author
Tim Jeffries is author of “The Basketball Hoop Guide.” Get your copy at http://www.basketballhoopers.com.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Free NHL Hockey Picks: Edmonton Oilers vs. Phoenix Coyotes
by admin on March 19th, 2008
Edmonton Oilers -135.0
Tue Mar 18 ‘08 9:35p
The Edmonton Oilers prepare to take on a tired Phoenix Coyotes team off a hard fought 3-1 loss to Vancouver last night. The Coyotes, need wins to get in the final play off spot, and will be in desperation mode, but that will not be enough to notch a win, vs a surging Oilers team that has won 8 of their L9 home games , and is also on a quest for a post season appearance. Final notes & Key Trends: Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov is 1-3-0 with a 3.73 GAA in four career games against the Oilers, including two losses this season. The Coyotes are just 4 for their L33 PP opportunities, which is not a good omen for their chances tonight, against one of the leagues top power play killing units (84.7%) Play on the Oilers
Are you going to bet on NHL Hockey? HIre a Touthouse.com Professional Hockey Handicappers to come up with the best NHL Hockey Picks available
Originally Syndicated via RSS from Touthouse Sports Betting Picks
Professional Basketball History
by admin on March 19th, 2008
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The first official basketball history would be at YMCA in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1896. It was the fallout of a dispute between members of the YMCA team and a YMCA official, resulting in a professional team, playing for money. 2 years later, the National Basketball League was founded.
In the 2oth century, the top professional teams were the Buffalo Germans and the Original Celtics. The first major national professional league was the American Basketball League.
In the 30s, the most successful teams were the New York Renaissance and Harlem Globetrotters. Both of these teams consisted of all-black players.
In the 40s, the game was monopolized by the Minneapolis Lakers, led by George Mikan and coached by John Kundla. This team won 5 NBA championships in the decade.
Come the 50s, guard Bob Cousy and forward Bob Pettit were celebrated players. From 1957 to 1969, The Celtics won 11 NBA titles, 6 of them led by Bill Russell.
From 1963 to 1975, the UCLA team won ten national championships. Star players during this period were center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, center Bill Walton, guard Gail Goodrich, forward Jamaal Wilkes, and forward Marques Johnson. Abdul-Jabbar made history by becoming the leading scorer with 38,387 points in his career.
In the 80s, basketball was dominated by the Detroit Pistons with Isiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman.
And most recently, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls are the highlights of the 90s, with the Bulls winning 6 NBA titles. Star players in this period were Hakeem Olajuwon, Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, David Robinson, Karl Malone, John Stockton, and Shaquille O’Neal. And the women star players were Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, Teresa Edwards, Lisa Leslie, and Jennifer Azzi.
Women basketball has also undergone some changes throughout the years. In 1966, dribbling was legalized in play. 3 years later, a 5-player full court format was introduced. In 1984, women officials (coaches, players) were admitted in the basketball hall-of-fame. Some of these famous women who obtained recognition for their skills and expertise were Ann Meyers, Carol Blazejowski, Cheryl Miller; Anne Donovan and Nancy Lieberman-Cline.
The NBA’s rival was the American Basketball Association (ABA) and its trademark red, white, and blue basketballs. The best player for ABA was Julius Erving. ABA was dissolved in 1976.
The passing of years have seen the rise and fall of many teams and players. Without a doubt, all the players strive to do their best to be immortalized as the champions of the decade.
About the Author
Find more about Basketball and Basketball history
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Who Does Ron Artest Think He Is Without Basketball?
by admin on March 18th, 2008
You have to hand it to Ron Artest. This guy really just gets under the skins of many NBA fans. Mr. Artest, exactly who do you think you were prior to your basketball career and when you throw it all away, exactly who do you think you?ll be after basketball? It?s time to grow up and make your fans, what few of them you have left, proud again. Don?t you think?
He?s graced the covers of some of the biggest magazines on the newsstands today. Don?t you know that the executives of Penthouse, Sports Illustrated and GQ all sold large amounts of magazines just because Artest doesn?t know how to behave? When you think about it, it really is disturbing, especially when you visit his website. He boasts about providing the funds for 6 college scholarships and naturally, he is very active with children through his charities, summer camps and general love for children. And why wouldn?t he love children? He certainly can relate to them, right down to the temper tantrums.
In the day where celebrities act like drunkards strung out on drugs in night clubs while divorcing their parents, the general public should demand more from athletes and frankly so should the commissioners who slap them on the wrists with a fat fine and send them to the bench. As commissioner David Stern sternly impressed upon the media in 2004 after the infamous Artest incident, ?The line is drawn,? Stern said as he referred to the suspension of players for the Indiana Pacers after Artest fought his way into a suspension which carried some of the heaviest of fines. Yes, David, the line was drawn and the chaos has continued but don?t feel too bad, it?s the norm among professional sports.
In fact, professionals are making such a name for themselves acting out with little self-control that even the college players are getting in on the act. This year in College Football, baby Vick really made his big brother proud when he stomped the leg of another player. He didn?t learn this behavior from big brother but he may be under the false assumption that bad behavior is a special prerequisite for making ?a go of being a pro?. And we won?t talk about the asinine behavior of T.O. By the way, is he still around?
To add insult to injury, its people like Artest that REALLY needed the break that the NBA gave not only him but his entire family. Artest, now too big for himself has all but forgotten his most humble beginnings. He grew up with two brothers and six sisters, and from his own accounts in his auto-biography on his website, he tells of living in the projects of New York City. Less than seven years ago, he was drafted by the Bulls and a few short years later signed a multi-million dollar deal for a basketball lifestyle brand and gained the kind of money most only dream about. And yes, Artest, considering you started out in the projects, this NBA stuff has been fairly lucrative for you, wouldn?t you agree?
Still, in 2004, Artest commanded $6,158,000.00 in salary, but because he apparently has lost the need for money, he lost over 4.9 million because of suspensions. And true, he probably doesn?t need the money now but some other well deserving athlete did. Someone who would have been glad to sign autographs, shake hands, smile and do what they are paid to do which is play ball and please crowds.
What?s more, when professional players, like Artest, get by with a bad attitude once, they continue to revel in it. For instance, way before Ron Artest became a notorious bad guy, he had another scuffle. Two years prior to his fight on the courts with NBA fans, he grabbed a camera from a television station?s crew and destroyed it after a defeat to the Knicks.
Recently, his tantrum hurt only his own plans when he decided he wanted to go to Sacramento and then he didn?t want to go, and then he did and then he didn?t. In fact, Artest did go because he was made to go, just like a child is made to do something. Here?s an innovative idea for the powers that be in professional sports, if you are going to hire oversized kids to play in an adult game, why not send them to a behavioral psychologist before turning them loose on the general public?
On his website Artest says of his time with one of his teams, ?At times I felt like I had to lead more?like Michael Jordan.? Well darling, I can tell you, you are no Michael Jordan. No, Michael Jordan knew how to act like a gentleman and he knew how fortunate he was. Michael Jordan appreciated what the NBA delivered to him and his family and he never disrespected his game. I really wish Ron Artest, given your talent, were a little more like Mike. And I?m sure your fans do too.
Sadly, I was a huge Ron Artest fan and I cheered him on from my home computer and television. However, with his attitude and the mounting chips on his shoulder, I fear he is at the beginning of the end of his career. However, the housing projects of Sacramento will welcome him back to his similar humble beginnings should he decide to stay there when basketball is no longer an option.
This article was written by Leslie Sinclair sponsored by http://www.stubhub.com. If you?re looking to buy sports tickets for the next game, look no further than Stubhub where fans buy and sell the hottest sports tickets. Reproductions of this article must include a link back to http://www.stubhub.com.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Powerful Tips for Coaching Basketball - Build Relationships
by admin on March 18th, 2008
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Let’s go over a few tips for coaching basketball that will greatly improve how your players perceive their relationship with you as well as improving them as individuals. The relationship between you and your basketball players is extremely important. It’s not just about teaching them the basketball drills and skills on the court. You’re in a position of authority and responsibility. Your players look up to you. Ever hear professional athletes say, “I’m not a role model. I’m not responsible if some kid wants to copy what I do”? Many youth basketball coaches take their responsibilites and position lightly, also. You see, it doesn’t matter what you think. It matters what those kids think. If they’re not getting guidance at home or in school and they’re looking at you for help, then following you is very real to them. Be responsible in your guiding role as Basketball Coach. Be sure your players know they can come to you for needs basketball related and non-basketball related. Advice you can give regarding their troubles off the court will follow them for many years. I don’t remember most of the basketball drills my coaches taught me as a kid specifically, but there were a couple coaches whose “life” advice I still remember. That’s powerful stuff! You have to realize that only a handful of your players will go on to star in high school. Maybe a couple will get to the college ranks. Most likely none of them will go pro. But don’t forget this aspect of today’s “tips for coaching basketball” - they ALL will go on with their lives. The relationship you build with them, the words of wisdom you can pass onto them; that can go a long way in whether they decide to make something with their lives or not. It can go a long way in whether they make good decisions in five, ten, fifteen years on various life issues. These kids will grow up to work in all kinds of fields with all kinds of responsibilites of their own. Hopefully their parents are guiding them properly. But we all know the reality of today’s America. Too many parents leave their kids on their own, letting the TV be the one to raise them. No wonder so many kids feel lost and unloved. But as their coach, you can be a shining light. Do you look at coaching basketball as just a game to be won? Or do you look at it as a chance to help mold your players into quality human beings? I hope you take these tips for coaching basketball seriously. I hope you realize the awesome responsibility you have to your players. I hope that responsibility doesn’t scare you. I hope you embrace that responsibility and run with it. I hope you build a quality relationship with your players. I hope all this for your players’ sake. They need a strong basketball coaching figure. They need someone to stand up and be lovingly strict at times. They need someone to just listen sometimes without judgement. They need someone they can count on for support ALL THE TIME. Be that person. Build that relationship. Make a difference that will last a generation. Reflect on these tips for coaching basketball and use them.
About the Author
Matt & Dave run http://basketball-plays-and-tips.com/relationship and have written the free coaching report, “5 Keys to Discovering the Successful Coach Inside You”. Pick up your free copy along with one additional free report by sending a blank email to basketballtip@aweber.com We give full permission for you to use this coaching basketball article in your newsletter or on your site as long as you include our Resource Box with our
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Professional Basketball History
by admin on March 18th, 2008
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The first official basketball history would be at YMCA in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1896. It was the fallout of a dispute between members of the YMCA team and a YMCA official, resulting in a professional team, playing for money. 2 years later, the National Basketball League was founded.
In the 2oth century, the top professional teams were the Buffalo Germans and the Original Celtics. The first major national professional league was the American Basketball League.
In the 30s, the most successful teams were the New York Renaissance and Harlem Globetrotters. Both of these teams consisted of all-black players.
In the 40s, the game was monopolized by the Minneapolis Lakers, led by George Mikan and coached by John Kundla. This team won 5 NBA championships in the decade.
Come the 50s, guard Bob Cousy and forward Bob Pettit were celebrated players. From 1957 to 1969, The Celtics won 11 NBA titles, 6 of them led by Bill Russell.
From 1963 to 1975, the UCLA team won ten national championships. Star players during this period were center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, center Bill Walton, guard Gail Goodrich, forward Jamaal Wilkes, and forward Marques Johnson. Abdul-Jabbar made history by becoming the leading scorer with 38,387 points in his career.
In the 80s, basketball was dominated by the Detroit Pistons with Isiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman.
And most recently, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls are the highlights of the 90s, with the Bulls winning 6 NBA titles. Star players in this period were Hakeem Olajuwon, Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, David Robinson, Karl Malone, John Stockton, and Shaquille O’Neal. And the women star players were Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, Teresa Edwards, Lisa Leslie, and Jennifer Azzi.
Women basketball has also undergone some changes throughout the years. In 1966, dribbling was legalized in play. 3 years later, a 5-player full court format was introduced. In 1984, women officials (coaches, players) were admitted in the basketball hall-of-fame. Some of these famous women who obtained recognition for their skills and expertise were Ann Meyers, Carol Blazejowski, Cheryl Miller; Anne Donovan and Nancy Lieberman-Cline.
The NBA’s rival was the American Basketball Association (ABA) and its trademark red, white, and blue basketballs. The best player for ABA was Julius Erving. ABA was dissolved in 1976.
The passing of years have seen the rise and fall of many teams and players. Without a doubt, all the players strive to do their best to be immortalized as the champions of the decade.
About the Author
Find more about Basketball and Basketball history
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
The Prez & Teddy Covers Expert Basketball Picks
by admin on March 18th, 2008
>THE PREZ’ RUN IS NOWÂ ON
The Prez is on an 17-8 and 34-19 NBA Run
>
>Get Prez’ Guaranteed NBA Side Monday
>Lawrence has had ONLY 1 Losing Season in his NBA betting life. This season, he has fired up another big run and folks, look out for this run to go on for months. After winning his Best Bet Monday and his Game of the Month Tuesday, The Prez has won 4 of his last 6 Cards and 9 of his last 11. He’s sitting on a 17-8 and 29-16 NBA Streak. His NBA Sides are on a 10-4 run and his Totals are on a 10-5 and 20-11 Run.
>NBA Mon: 110% Guaranteed Side Tonight>
>Teddy Covers NBA CASH Winners
>Covers went 70% in February NBA Betting
Cues up a BIG RUN- Monday Night Side
>Teddy is on a big run over his last 31 NBA Bets and has locked in a HUGE NBA Run, that made his bettors tonnes of EASY Cash. The man hit 70% in NBA betting for the entire month of February and his March will be the same. Releasing more analysis on his plays than ANY other expert, Teddy offers the public every single insight and edge into the games resulting in BIG Winners all season long.
>NBA Mon: 110% Guaranteed Side Winner tonight
>CLICK HERE TO BUY THE PREZ AND TEDDY COVER’S EXPERT BASKETBALL PICKS: 110% GUARANTEED
Originally Syndicated via RSS from Touthouse Sports Betting Picks
NBA Basketball Jerseys
by admin on March 18th, 2008
NBA Basketball Jersey
An NBA basketball jersey comes in all sizes and textures. Every team in the NBA has a replica jersey that you can buy.
Name an NBA basketball player, and you can find an NBA basketball jersey. Do you like Mike Bibby?
You can find an NBA basketball jersey printed with Mikes name and number
100% nylon mesh body
Reebok and NBA logo on left strap
Extended split drop tail
Larger chest size and length
Do you like Yao Ming?
Authentic Jerseys are available with Yao’s number.
You can even find throwback NBA basketball jersey’s.
Whatever you’re looking in for in NBA basketball jersey’s, you can find them today on the internet.
About the author:
http://www.a1-nba-basketball-4u.info/
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Choosing Basketball Shoes To Suit Your Specific Needs
by admin on March 18th, 2008
Choosing basketball shoes is easy because they all tend to have a very similar design. While the sizes and styles might vary, the actually design of basketball shoes is fairly uniform and standard. Choosing basketball shoes is easy when you realize that they are all high cut towards the ankle. The primary reason for this high cut design on basketball footwear is that is provides the player??s ankle with extra stability whilst the player is running, turning and jumping on the court. With jump shots, lay-ups, slam dunks, pivoting and rapid changes in direction all now playing a major part of the game, the demands on a player??s ankles is quite extreme.
The features that are quite literally essential in any good pair of basketball shoes that should choose include:
?? Lace Ups - Laces as opposed to Velcro enclosures are essential because they help to keep the player??s foot set back properly in the heel of the shoes. In Velcro shoes there is a tendency for the foot to creep forward in the shoes which restricts the foot from performing properly and can add to the pressure on the toes.
?? Broad Toe Box ?V A broad toe box is essential to prevent a squeezing of the toes from occurring. If the basketball shoes are too shallow, this can lead to blisters and the formation of corns, callus, ingrown toe nails and/or bruised toe nails.
?? Thumb Space Clearance ?V Players should always try on any potential basketball shoes in a standing up position because their feet will elongate and spread in this position. By trying shoes on in a sitting down position a player can inadvertently purchase the wrong size shoe which can lead to nail problems and effect the stability of the foot in the shoe during a game. In a standing position there should be at least 1/4″ to 1/2″ of room beyond the longest toe for maximum comfort.
?? Forefoot Bend ?V When tested, basketball shoes should only bend at the ball of the foot near the toes, not through the archway area.
?? Heel Counter - The heel counter on a basketball shoe should be firm and feel snug when the heel is placed inside the shoe. This is one area where you want snugness not plenty of room.
?? Uppers ?V Wherever possible you should buy shoes that have leather uppers as they are far more durable and allow the foot to breathe more readily than those that are made using synthetic materials.
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
NBA Basketball
by admin on March 18th, 2008
Basketballs rich history.
Basketball has a rich history of superstar players. Although the game continues to evolve, the talents of yesterday’s stars are seen in today’s NBA basketball.
Russell and Chamberlain
The greatest rivalry in pro sports during the 1950s and 1960s in NBA basketball may have been that between Bill Russell’s Celtics and Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers and Lakers squads. Russell and Chamberlain defined the role of the dominant big man in different ways. Chamberlain was the better offensive player, providing his team with low-post scoring while passing out of double-teams to open teammates. Russell was the greater defender, providing an intimidating presence for his team by blocking shots and rebounding. This started the fast break for his teammates, allowing them easy baskets in transition. The interior presence of Russell and Chamberlain has been seen in later generations of NBA players, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson.
Chamberlain had the statistical edge, averaging 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds for his career. Russell, though not the scorer Wilt was, led in another impressive category: NBA titles. Over the course of their careers, Russell won an astounding 11 championships, while Chamberlain won two. Russell’s ability to raise the level of his teammates’ play contributed to the Celtics’ championship dynasty. By making the players around him better, Russell created a model for future championship players like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
About the author:
http://www.a1-nba-basketball-4u.info/
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com
Fantasy Basketball League Is Worth Learning
by admin on March 17th, 2008
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There is nothing that can be more exciting than being a member of a fantasy basketball league. It allows you to be the manager and owner of your own team. You can draft players, trade players or bench players, very much like professional managers and owners do in real life. You even have a commissioner who makes sure that the league is played according to rules, and no one who is part of the league cheats.
No wonder the fantasy league has become an addiction. Millions of Americans join fantasy leagues set up by different organizations before the season starts. These leagues operate very much like professional basketball leagues. You are first required to register your team. Generally, a league has 12 teams though this is not a fixed rule. Some leagues have as many as 20 teams.
The roster size of teams varies from league to league though generally this number is around 14. However, only nine players are allowed to start every week. The remaining five are in reserve, and their points are not counted.
The most exciting day is the draft day. Each team is allowed to pick its stock of players, based on their performance. This allows teams to pick up several superstars in different positions. However, the draft rules make sure that each team manager in a league has a fair chance, and that no one individual walks away with the best players.
There are two points system that are followed in deciding the winner. These are Head-to-Head and the Rotisserie. In the Head-to-Head league each team enters the points that its players have scored against a rival league team during that week. These include points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. The team that gets more points, based on the way its players have performed on the court, wins that week. In the Rotisserie League, the player’s statistics are tallied up against the entire league.
Before each game you are required to prepare your line ups. This is where your skill and knowledge of the game is tested. You may have superstars on your team but if you do not play them in the right position you may not derive the right benefit.
Either way, the success of your team depends on how the players you have chosen are performing. Of course, you have the right to trade off the players who are not performing well, or get a rookie who has taken the tournament by storm. The trade off is done in a very just manner, and is supervised by your league commissioner.
The team that tops the fantasy league walks away with the jackpot.
About the Author
David Barnes phd. Social Sciences, UTSA http://www.ifantasy-basketball.info
Originally Syndicated via RSS from www.official-sports-home.com