The Friday Report

Hello there all of our loyal readers. Due to popular demand, we have decided to restructure this blog and shift the focus a little. We will do the blog 3 times a week (Fri, Sun and Wed) and instead of making predictions, we will analyze the major news in the league, recap the main events and discuss players/teams on the rise and fall. We will also take in questions from our readers (cheungsharj@gmail.com) and discuss anything that people want to hear about. Lets get this show kickin' and we encourage people to comment on the blog and even vote for who you agree or disagree with more...CHEUNG OR SHARJ!

Top 5 Players of the Season So Far:
Cheung: 1. LeBron 2. KG 3. Dwight 4. Baron 5. Nash
Sharj: 1. LeBron 2. Dwight 3. Baron 4. Boozer 5. KG

Cheung: Alright, so I've been having this argument with a LOT of different people saying Dwight is better than KG, but you have KG at 5! I am FLABBERGASTED. I know you are sore cuz his fantasy numbers have been a little low. BUT you have to think of what KG's presence brings Boston. And YES Boston is the best team in the L right now until proven otherwise. They have the best record, and have only lost to Lebron's insanity and the Magic, who are a solid squad.
Sharj: Well LeBron is the consensus #1 so we won't bother discussing his greatness. I have to put KG a little lower. I know KG has brought a lot to Boston, but the way I think is...how bad would the team be if that particular player were taken out. Without LeBron, Cavs get the #1 pick next year. Without Dwight, the Magic would NOT be a playoff team let alone 14-3. Without Baron, the Warriors would be partying under the Golden Gate Bridge...same goes for Boozer. I think without KG, the Celtics are weaker but still have enough in Pierce/Allen to make the playoffs...KG is valuable no doubt about it, but not as valuable as the other 4 to their teams. Nash and KG were borderline on my list. My top 4 are having bigger statistical seasons as well.
Cheung: Statistics only measure certain contributions to the game; however KG's game is much more versatile than Dwight, he can step away from the basket, pass the ball and creates HAVOC. I think he is being UNDERUSED in Boston. That said, I don't think the Celtics are a playoff team without him. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce have been on decent teams and had horrible results. The key piece to the Boston team is KG. He got an abyssmal Wolves team to the playoffs, and now that he is surrounded with the two other All-Stars he is the centerpiece of a great team. Overall, looking at the Magic supporting cast, I think they are actually better than Boston.
Sharj: I am by no means doubting KG's importance to the Celtics...he is their most important piece, but I think relative to the other guys I listed...those guys are more important to their franchises. KG is underused and I think that will come back to bite them in the playoffs. KG has only taken them far in the playoffs once and that too with the help of Sprewell and Cassell
Cheung: But as you say taking away that player determines how good a team is, I think if you take away KG and Dwight, the Magic are better than the Celtics. The same could be said for the Warriors as well with Baron.
Sharj: Thats where I disagree. I have to give Baron more credit because he is leading that team in the Western Conference
Cheung: He is, but look at his supporting cast, he has a squad of REALLY talented guys even on the bench, Nelly has almost 2 starting lineups to put on the floor
Sharj: Warriors have no shot without him. Without Dwight, Turkoglu and Jameer can't create their shots and all they have is Rashard. Pierce and Allen still can create and win a game on any given night
Cheung: I completely disagree, You have to look beyond those players to the respective benches, Boston has an extremely weak bench, I agree with my boy Quentin Richardson in his analysis of the Boston bench... before the Celtics served the Knicks last night. OH, and by the way have some Canadian pride, Leaving out the two time MVP, speaking of importance to a team???
Sharj: The Boston bench is not being given enough credit. Posey and House are great shooters and can get you 10-15 pts just by the attention Pierce Allen draw. As for Nash, I love the guy and he was tough to leave out...the boy has won it twice...he is JUST as important as the other guys I've listed but I feel this year the rest of his team has upped their game slightly...but no disrespect to him

Lets move on to the next topic...the ABYSMAL NEW YORK KNICKS!

Cheung: The Knicks-Celtics game was just embarrassing, it was like watching the last 2 minutes of a high school basketball game when all the subs are in, only it lasted for 3 quarters of the game! Zeke is DONE. DONE! Fire him today, now!
Sharj: The Knicks should be moved to the WNBA...Isiah and Laimbeer can ponder over why their lives suck (even though Laimbeer is successful in the WNBA)...and hey...Ronaldo Balkman will be the 10th hottest girl in the WNBA
Cheung: You would be on the top 10 list in the WNBA, with that new haircut.
I think if Isiah is out, and the players get a system they can buy into, they have a shot at being a decent team, but then on the other hand, they could just throw this season and go for draft picks. The Knicks formula just doesn't work. You can't recruit a team of dysfunctional players and hope for them to work together. They should hire psychiatrists.
Sharj: The problem is Isiah...him and Dolan should end their love affair, trade Marbury...build around the rest and hope you don't get stoned to death outside MSG.

Which teams are going to pull up their socks and turn things around??

Cheung: I know the easy pick here is to say the Bulls, but guess what, I don't think they are going to turn it around. Not until Scott Skiles gets fired and they choose a freaking starting lineup (THAT INCLUDES ANDRES NOCIONI!!!). My pick is the Memphis Grizzlies. Saw a few games this past week, and they are making strides. They did get ass whooped by my Toronto Raptors, but a) the raptors are a good/deep team and b) they had just whooped the Nets the night before. PS if you are wondering that works out to this formula: RAPTORS>GRIZZLIES>NETS!!! I LOVE IT. But, once Milicic is healthy again (if ever?) and they move Gay back to the 2 spot, this team will be looking good. I also just picked up JCN in fantasy, and the kid is a 3 point gunner.
Sharj: Not to sound bias...I agree the Bulls won't turn it around, I think the Nets will. VC is getting back into form, Kidd and RJ are heating up. The Nets have sucked in the 2nd quarter and I think to address that problem, Frank will bring VC off the bench so he is on when the others aren't. The Nets are an easy pick for me...I don't think Memphis will, they are in a tough conference and I just don't see it happening (rely too heavily on the 3 ball). My pick is the Miami Heat...Wade is still getting into form, Shaq is on fire...if their bench steps up...I think they will make a huge surge within the next month and make the playoffs with a lower seed. OH and by the way...NO WAY the Grizz & Raps are better than the Nets...speaking of the Raps, I hope you enjoy your 3 hrs at the ACC tonight when LeBron, Bosh and Bargnani don't play
Cheung: I will enjoy it because all eyes wil be on SUPER JAMARIO, they gotta start playing the NES theme song in the ACC when he scores. As for the Nets, they should be better with the return of VC; however, of late RJ hasn't been as effective as he was in the first 3 weeks (predictable) and Kidd is going to get hurt, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but soon. Regarding the Heat, I read a little rumor the other day about a deal involving them receiving Andre Miller. Why did I drop him in fantasy?? (because he sucks) but he is a great distributor of the ball when he has players to pass to, and in Miami he would (I know he has Iggy now, but Iggy creates his own shots.)
Sharj: Miami is looking to dump Jason Williams...that boy is a waste of talent. Miller will be a good fit and I think Riley has the know how to pull off that deal...as an NBA fan I want to see Wade in the playoffs...as a Nets fan I hope they don't make it because they've killed us in the playoffs way too often
Cheung: Can't hate on J-Will, an ex-Florida baller. He is inconsistant though, and Miami needs a guy to bring the ball up so Wade can spot up away from the ball. Not much else to say. (Nets suck).

Final Friday Night Shoutouts

Cheung: My last words are gonna be props to my boy Mike Dunleavy Jr. for stepping up in the absence of J-O (may his injury continue to hinder him) and giving me a much needed fantasy boost, and last but not least: I HATE AK47. Peace.
Sharj: My last words are hoping my Nets turn it around...and importantly for tonight (I think one of the best nights in the NBA tonight)...some awesome games (Boston Miami, Orlando Phoenix and Lakers Utah)...Turkish Delight will RIP UP Phx's Canadian Bacon!

You'll all be hearing from us again on Sunday. Keep those emails (cheungsharj@gmail.com) and comments coming in.

Matchups and Calls November 27, 2007

***Marquee Matchup***

Boston v Cleveland

Sharj: This is gonna be one hell of a matchup. I think this is a bigger game for the Cavs than the Celtics. LeBron is carrying a HUGE HUGE load on his shoulders. He is the hands down MVP so far and there is no stopping him. I think Boston is due for a loss. They are coming off a miraculous win...but I think LeBron will step it up an EXTRA notch (don't really know how much better he can play)...drop a triple double...Cavs pull this out by 3
Cheung: MVP vs MVP? I would say so at this point. I agree that Lebron will step up and have a massive game (which totally screws me on the fantasy side of life) but I think that Boston is gonna roll through on this one. The reason? One of Paul Pierce or Ray Allen is gonna go off tonight. Lebron can guard one of these guys, but Sasha Pavlodick or whoever else gets assigned to the other guy is gonna get lit up, Z might give Garnett a little hassle inside, but if Garnett is smart and takes a few steps away from the basket he'll torch whoever comes out to greet him. The Celts by 7.5
Sharj: I don't think anyone on Boston will win MVP. I think right now the top two contenders are LeBron and possibly Dwight Howard
Cheung: if the celts keep rollin the way they are... ie a 70-12 record or something like that, Garnett wil be our MVP
Sharj: Garnett is great no doubt about it...but he has two awesome players by his side to carry the load when he is off. LeBron is all alone carrying a franchise and city
Cheung: ya for sure.. but the celts have 1 loss, in 12 games, they could post a record season, the cavs won't be close to that, Dirk got it last year on a very talented team, if Boston does the same, KG is the man.
Sharj:You may be right...I love the Celtics...but I won't be a believer till they go on a Texas Triangle trip
Cheung:I'll put my word on it, the Celts win the regular season title and KG stays healthy, he is the MVP

Memphis @ New Jersey
Cheung:Alright, well, here is a NBA War first, I give it up to the nets, they are gonna win this one. My boy Gasol is gonna rip it up, but alas Nets by 8.
Sharj:Finally a believer...of course I'm not gonna go against my boy. First game back from a west road trip is tough, but Nets are 7-2 with VC in the lineup and 0-6 without him. Nets win by 5

Charlotte @ Miami
Sharj:Charlotte has very poor 4th quarter execution. They've blown some winnable games. Shaq is on fire recently and I can see the old Wade again. Miami win an easy one at home by 9
Cheung:Both teams are like tossing a coin for how well they'll play. We are going back to back agreement, maybe we could call George Bush and teach him how to make peace. Miami by 6.

Philadelphia @ Milwaukee
Cheung:Philly looks like toilet water, but Iguodala looks like he is finally waking up. Start Louis Williams already. Bucks still win by 7 cuz they are on a roll.
Sharj :Bucks are red hot...they're gonna try to extend their win streak to 6. Philly are ass...but I have a dirty Sharj instinct kicking in (which is 80% right according to recent statistics). I think Iggy and Miller have a huge game. Philly with an upset on the road by 2

Atlanta @ Chicago
Sharj:Atlanta has a habit of beating really good teams and losing to horrible ones. Fortunately for Chicago, they are horrible and Atlanta suck against horrible teams. Atlanta is exciting, but I think the BULLS surely will step it up at home to pull off a W by 6 pts. Hinrich PLEASE have a good game
Cheung:The energetic Hawks are gonna come to life for this one. Josh Smith is due for another explosion. What'd I tell you about Hinrich's messed up wrist? The shot is GONE. Hawks by 4

Indiana @ Denver
Cheung:Indy and Denver both have explosive potential, depends who shows up for dinner tonight. Gonna go with AI having a biggie, Denver by 6.
Sharj:K-Mart hurt once again, no surprise. Jermaine probably coming back to play this one. Indy showing signs, my boy Granger is hot. Nuggets been inconsistent. Indy with a big road win...Indy by 3

Seattle @ LA Lakers
Sharj:This is a no-brainer. Kobe wasn't happy with his performance against the Nets on Sunday night. Kobe will explode on Durant and drop 40. Lakers win an easy one by 11
Cheung:I agree, best friends for life? Lakers by 8,

Wrap Up

Sharj:Huge shoutout to Mr. 2nd Rd Pick Monta Ellis. He has a career high 31 and scored 17 straight in the 4th quarter against the Suns. Quite a few upsets in the league last night...Utah was upset by the Knicks. Marbury played a great game. Also props to the Wiz...Caron Butler is proving his worth and is taking on the scoring load with Arenas out. Eddie Jordan doing a great job of motivating his troops. My last shoutout to Beno Udrih. Danny Ferry is scratching his head wondering why he let go of Udrih. Beno torched Tony Parker and made him look like French Frog Leg Soup. Sacramento was quite impressive and I think they will make some noise in the coming month. oh and just for your reading pleasure...Turkish Delight with another great game (no surprises there baby!)
Cheung: Serious Sharj, wanna go out for Coffee later? I hope Sactown lights it up, cuz Udrih and Artest are on my fantasy roster. As for last night, who could have picked those? (Definitely not me, I am looking like the Bulls, good on paper with a shit record). GSW-PHX was just pure enjoyment. I was shocked by the Knicks, Crawford, Marbury and Randolph somehow beat a non-dysfunctional Utah squad. Maybe losing Arenas wasn't so bad? Wiz are on fire. Last word is about Chris Kaman. I found out yesterday he is only 25. He looks like a 37 year old neandrathol. But hell, can he play. I give the ugly brute some props.

Monday Night Matchups - Nov 26, 2007

Welcome fellas to another edition of Cheung vs. Sharj...let's get right to it

****Marquee Matchup****

Phoenix vs. Golden State

Sharj: This is gonna be one exciting run and gun western conference shootout. Golden state has picked up from their sluggish start with Stephen Jackson back. Baron Davis is playing huge. Phoenix has been the best team in the league so far with Amare back from injury. The Sharj instincts are tellin me though that Baron will have a huge game as will the other warriors. This is gonna be a high scoring game, but I take the Warriors to win a thrilling game at home by 3.
Cheung: I love Baron Davis, and Stephen Jackson scares the shit out of me. Don Nelson drives me f'n crazy with his rotation (HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO PICK UP A WARRIOR FOR MY FANTASY SQUAD??). As for the Suns, they are sick as always. Really tough call, but a really good game. I think the Sharj instincts are bullshit tho, and Phx is gonna come out and get the win in a tight one. Phx by 6.
Sharj: I agree it will be a tight one, but they won't be as tight your 5-15 tight predictions.

Other games tonight:

Utah @ New York

Cheung: New York, they are one of the most screwed up teams in the league. Based on this Utah should win by 10, I HATE AK47.
Sharj: Hard to disagree...but I'm gonna go out on a Jamal Crawford limb and predict he will have a huge night and upset the Jazz at home by 3. I hate the Knicks but I gotta make this pick cause I have that gut feeling.

Minnesota @ New Orleans

Sharj: I'll take the Hornets by 5. They're just too good at home with Paul and Tyson playing at a high level. I still call my boy Al Jefferson to have a monster game.
Cheung: Minny is only marginally better off than New York. Injuries and inconsistency. NO by 7. I wanna see Mccants light it up.

Washington @ Dallas

Cheung: Decent match-up. Jameson and Butler are getting shine with Agent 0 out. Lil upset special here, Washington by 4.
Sharj: Disagree big time...Wiz have struggled on the road. With Arenas out and the Mavs getting an earful from Avery for giving up big leads early...Mavs step it up with a 12 pt win.

San Antonio @ Sacramento

Cheung: Spurs are too good for this Sacramento squad. Even Kevin Martin has been inconsistent of late. Spurs by 9
Sharj: Hate agreeing with Mr. Wrong...but unfortunately I gotta. Predict a closer game with Spurs coming off a back to back...Spurs pull it out by 4

Orlando @ Portland

Sharj: Orlando is the hottest team in the league. They are too talented and deep. Orlando wins an easy one with a huge game from my Turkish Delight. Orlando by 8
Cheung: Even Sharj can predict this one cuz it is a no brainer. Orlando by 13. Aldridge is gonna get DOGGGED.

Houston @ LA Clippers

Cheung: Tough call, both teams have been up and down. I gotta stick with my boy YAO and hope he comes up big against the caveman. Rockets by 5
Sharj: I'll make it interesting and say the Clips pull off an upset. I hope T-Mac drops 50, Yao and Mobley fall on top of each other and crack some ribs. Clips with a close 2 pt win (Fantasy is affecting my picks...tsk tsk)

RECAP OF LAST NIGHT

Cheung: I gotta start the wrap up off with my boy Jamario Moon. 6 blks and a Dr. J impression were things of beauty. Big ups to the raps for killing the bullshits. Carlos BOOZE went on a tear last night and shocked the shit outta me. His FG% was bananas. Once again Lebron proved he is the best in the league right now, and is silencing any critic. The Sonics suck. And the Nets impressed last night. I will admit. VC stepped it up and hit big shots. He still looked like he was crying the entire game. And Kobe Bryant still looked better than him. Jordan Farmar? WTF MAN.
Sharj: lol glad to see you're coming around on VC. The Nets were great last night and got an all-round team performance. Kidd's comments really got to the team and having VC back has turned things around. The Raps were great, Moon impressed...main difference is with Calderon running the show, the team looks way better (START JOSE START JOSE!). LeBron was ridiculous...he is going after Oscar Robertson and he will get there eventually. No surprises in the league last night...AND PLEASE WILL JOHN PAXSON MAKE A TRADE IN CHICAGO!
Cheung: PAX won't make a deal. But one more week like this and Scott Skiles is gonna be saying peace out dawgs. Jose is a fantastic PG. 1 TO in 2 full games at point. I read his stat was a 5:1 ast to TO avg. That is ridiculous.
Sharj: I'm kinda glad the Bulls are sucking...one less team the Nets gotta worry about. Anyhow...that's a wrap for tonight. Looking forward to the big Celtics Cavs matchup tomorrow!

Our joint condolences to the family of Redskins safety Sean Taylor. We wish him all the best as he tries to recover from a gunshot wound and is in critical condition.

Matchups and Calls - November 25, 2007

Chicago vs. Toronto

Sharj: I won't lie, I was quite impressed with Chris Bosh yesterday against the Cavs. He FINALLY showed why he is worth the contract he got...but at the end of the day they didn't have an answer for LeBron. The Bulls on the other hand are ATROCIOUS...shoot the worst FG% in the league and only average 87.3 a game. Thankfully for them Deng is back...and my brain says pick the Raps, but my heart says pick the Bulls cause of Cheung. I think Kirk will HOPEFULLY FINALLY PLEASE PLEASE break out of his funk and Deng will have a big game. Bulls win by 2 on the road
Cheung: Sharj you hater! I get it though. But honestly. The Bulls have POTENTIAL. But as of now they SUCK. I hope Luol and Nocioni put up big games (fantasy bias) but the rest of the team bricks. I really think the raps are playing well despite a few losses, and things are starting to come together. And being at home with the packed ACC going crazy they will not let us down. I think the Bulls will come alive and give us a fight, but in the end we are going to power through on this one. Raps by 8, get out the SALAMI and CHEESE MAMA!
Sharj: Raps are good at home...but just like I heard 2 years ago from Chuck Swirsky when VC hit the game winner in toronto..."Bulls down 2....HINRICH for 3 and the game....OH NOOOOOO!!!!"
Cheung: Hinrich... isn't he shooting like 33% on the season???
Sharj: He's gonna miss his first two 3s...and hit the game winner...will stick with his %

Utah v Detroit
Cheung:I love this game, I know you probably hate it, cuz you don't like slower tempo ball. But these teams are great, and have such great chemistry. I hate AK47, but he is really sticking it to me this year with his goofy head. I heard his wife let's him cheat on her, maybe that is spurring this great year he is having. The other side of the coin is the Pistons, and they are just consistent as hell. I gotta go with Detroit on this one, Chauncy is playing like a man possessed, and I see Rip having a big game. Detoit by 6 in a tight battle.
Sharj: Yeah I'm not a big fan of slow games...i.e. Spurs Pistons type games...but this game will be a good battle between two good teams. Utah is playing really well, averaging around 110 a game recently...but they also allow other teams to score 100. Rasheed has missed the last two games and is uncertain for this one, Rip has flu-like symptoms. I think with Rasheed out, Utah will have the advantage. Deron will have a huge game...Utah by 3
Cheung: Deron has been slow lately man, I think he's been into the cookies too much.
Sharj: He'll be fine...everyone loses their appetite once they arrive in Detroit
Cheung: yeah.. it does smell like shit there

New Jersey v Los Angeles
Cheung:VC vs Kobe. Who is better? Oh wait, we already know the answer to this one. KB8 is on another level in this comparison. The Nets are coming off a HUGE win against the SONICS (cough cough). And the Lakers on the other hand are kind of hit and miss, some nights they just do not show up to play. However on some nights this year they have looked great. Again I look for continued great play from the up and coming Jordan Farmar, Vlad the impaler has had a recent impact and old reliable Lamar Odum will do it up. I look for a tight one into the 4th when Kobe goes off. Lakers by 10.
Sharj: Ah there we go...VC vs. Kobe...I can't lie of course, Kobe is better but when VC is on his game and healthy...he is just as talented. It's no coincidence that when VC rolled his ankle, Nets lost 6 straight and with him back...they've won both games. I think this game has some undertones since Kidd was almost traded to LA and its his first time back...and him and Kobe thought about playing together during USA bball this summer. Kidd will have another triple double, RJ has been on fire, VC will step it up off the bench...Nets are rolling now and look for Sean Williams to have a big game on the boards/blocks. Nets will finish off their road trip in style with a 5 point win
Cheung: VC is not even CLOSE to as talented as Kobe. The only thing they have in common is that they have won Dunk offs. VC is only decent cause he has a guy like Kidd around to help him out. If you swapped him for Kobe, Los Angeles would enjoy a season in the BASEMENT. As for VCs injuries... we ALL know about VCs injuries. I heard he had an MRI for his eyelashes when he was a raptor, cuz all the tears were causing trauma
Sharj: all I gotta say is in the past 3 years...VC has missed LESS games due to injury THAN Wade, Kobe, Bosh, T-Mac, Yao, Shaq...who else you want me to name...VC is talented and you can't doubt it...when VC was on his game in his first two years in NJ and his prime in Toronto...he was playing just as well as Kobe
sharjeel - http://nbawar.blogspot.com/ (Saturday blogs are up) says:
he took a shitty Toronto team to the second round (surrounded by junk like Antonio davis, junk yard dog, dell curry...alvin williams...decent/mediocre players

Cleveland Indiana
Sharj: LeBron coming off a huge night...must be tired. Indy with a huge win against the mavs last game. Indy to win @ home by 4
Cheung:Lebron is just gonna keep this track on repeat, Cavs by 6

San Antonio at Seattle
Cheung: Obvious blow out, I know you will agree Spurs by 20.
Sharj: Agree...but game slightly closer, Spurs by 10...

The Record So Far...

Cheung: 5-10
Sharj: 13-2

Things are looking good for Sharj through the first week. Cheung is gonna have to go read some books and get his shit together to catch up.
If any of you play ProLine...take sharj's picks to pay off your mortgage

Nov 24, 2007 - Saturday Night Preview and Recap of Previous Games

Toronto vs. Cleveland Recap

Cheung: I thought the raps played well overall today really, you just can't screw with lebron. 37/12/12 is just RIDICULOUS. Bosh lit it up though looked good with 41, and Jason Kapono had a clutch performance. The TJ Ford injury hurt us this afternoon, we didn't have our 1-2 punch. Overall when Lebron plays like this, he can take down any team by himself
Sharj: Hard to disagree. I will stick with my word by saying Mitchell is one of the worst coaches in the league. This man has a chronic habit of letting one player kill the team...whether it be Kobe for 81...or LeBron tonight...can't let one player kill you on D. But hey...feels good cause I was right about my prediction...your predictions are like mitchell's coaching
Cheung:Oh, give me a break man... NO TEAM can stop Lebron when he is on... I think Mitchell's major problem is consistentcy, we need to come with a consistent lineup night after night. But when guys like Lebron or Kobe are on, no defense is stopping them
Sharj: All I will say is Mitchell is gotta get his game plan right...otherwise the Raps will go down the shitter in the post-season...you can't afford these mistakes in the playoffs….just the way they did last year
Cheung: Just wait for later in the season when we hit stride, just like last year we are gonna turn it up.

Tonight's Preview

****Marquee Matchups****

Miami vs. Orlando

Cheung: I was shocked and amazed reading Shaq's line last night, it was like 1999 all over again and now today we got Penny and Shaq in Orlando? This is just weird. I am gonna hate on Orlando again. They are on a roll, but I just don't see this lasting all year. Howard and Lewis are good, but that is just what they are good. Wade is great, and apparently Shaq still has some diesel in the tank. Orlando will probably roll for a week or so more, then I think they will drop back a bit, to mid eastern conference status. I think the Heat are gonna pull an upset here, taking this one by 6.

Sharj: This game is not Shaq vs. Dwight or Wade vs. Rashard. There is more to this game...this game is about Stan Van Gundy's pride. He has something to prove after being dumped by Riley and having to watch that old geyser take all his hard work and win a ring. As good as Wade and Shaq were last night...Van Gundy will have his team fired up and dwight howard will block wade and see him go flying into Disneyland. Orlando by 7

Cheung: I can't wait to see Shaq get old school on Dwight and slam it all over the "manchild". Rashard is sick, but serious..D-Wade is gonna kill this kid.

Sharj: Yeah but who will stop my "Turkish Delight"??

Cheung: I am gonna refrain from commenting on your new found love.

Houston vs. Denver

Sharj: T-Mac has struggled with his shot ever since that elbow injury (KILLING ME in fantasy). Yao is playing well but the Rockets are going through a rough patch. Denver on the other hand has seen a whole new bunch of players on the squad step it up lately (K-Mart, JR Smith & Najera). I think with their newfound depth...it will be a tough proposition for Houston to win this one. I say Melo has another huge game and Nuggets by 8

Cheung: I gotta give some LOVE to TMAC, for slaughtering Sharj in fantasy, but helping MY BOY Yao, with that sweet Shanghai Spin put up killer numbers. I love watching both of these teams. The Rocket are in a tailspin, and the Nuggets are going to stick it to them. Nuggets by 8, YES 8 I totally agree. But I don't give a crap, because Yao is gonna have 25/15 and a handful of blocks and continue his stellar play

Sharj: Yao is just playing to get voted on the All-Star squad

Cheung: Yao could sit on his ass all year and still get voted a starter, Yi might even get a starting spot with the votes coming in from the other side of the world!!

Sharj: That sound be banned...the voting scheme should be changed so that there is a certain % of international votes...but thats another issue for later, its one of the things that needs to get changed in this league

Cheung: The only reason it should be banned is so that Vince Carter doesn't get a spot.

Sharj: There is no All-Star game without VC...he brought back the dunk contest and he is always a guy people want to see...no one wants to watch Shanghai Noodles or Shanghai spin...whatever the hell it is during the all-star game

Cheung: We should have a visit to VC's stat line for the year at this point in time... he is putting up Jamario Moonesque numbers!
Sharj: VC doesn't play for stats...plays for Ws...and with him in the lineup, Nets win baby!

Cheung: Screw VC!!!

Last Night in the NBA

Cheung : Baron vs Caron last night was pretty damn crazy. Baron had a TRIPLE DOUBLE in 3 Q's... SICK, WICKED, and NASTY. But seriously.. the Nets Win? Look who they beat....and by 5

Sharj : A win is a win baby...doesn't matter who and how...Sonics are a talented team but the Nets showed up when it counted..especially my boy RJ (nice job trading him in fantasy MUHAHAHA!!!). I'm sure Iguodalas 4-17 felt great for you

Cheung: Whatever man, Iguodala (my pickup for RJ) is coming around. He had 17/7/6 last night, and his shooting will round out. In the end his numbers will be back to his usual output.

Sharj: His usual output has been pretty trashy

Cheung: And as for RJ, just wait until Jason Kidd is gone. His stock, and the nets are going to drop like Enron.

Sharj: Kidd ain't going anywhere for a few years...this man is a machine...best PG of the decade

Cheung: Yeah, and he aint' very happy being stuck in the dead end known as jersey

Sharj: Once Nenad is healthy...and VC recovers fully...the Nets will be the team to beat in the East. Sean Williams is a great find...be careful, you were saying the same thing last year and it came back to bite you in the playoffs. Choose your words wisely

Cheung: Now I KNOW you are out of your mind. Team to beat in the East? Have you not watched a Celtics game? Did the Raps not beat you by 37??? Get REAL! Nenad Kristic is DONE and Sean Williams was a flash in the pan who is about to be sitting on the bench.

Sharj: The Raptors are a team full of good players...but no great ones. They can't step up at crunch time...its become quite known, they don't have that one guy to win you a game. The Celtics are good no doubt about it...but we'll be playing them in the East finals where anything can happen.

Cheung: Just a little team by the name of Detroit or even a guy by the name of Lebron. The Nets will not make east finals this year. PERIOD.

Sharj: Just wait and watch...the east is wide open...LeBron is being overworked and Detroit is past their prime...we will see how things pan out...can't wait to be right again

Saturday Morning Matchups - Nov 24, 2007

Sharj: Cheung is off crying in the corner somewhere after most of his predictions flopped last night...oh it feels SOOO good to be right (indication of things to come for the rest of the season). I'll talk about the two afternoon games and we'll back be back for a preview of the late games later on.

Toronto v. Cleveland

Sharj: The defending eastern conference champs have struggled at home (2-3). Toronto is a deep team full of shooters, but they have been inconsistent and have had trouble protecting leads. I feel they're a VERY poorly coached team. Colangelo has made Sam Mitchell look good by giving him a deep team. I felt he has mismanaged the team...AND PLEASE SOMEONE TELL TJ FORD TO DISTRIBUTE THE BALL more late in the 4th qtr and stop jacking up a billion shots...involve your franchise players Bosh & Bargnani down the stretch (luckily that won't be a problem since he isn't playing today...I love Calderon)! LeBron has a knack of stepping it up against Toronto. LeBron is my MVP thus far (30.9 pts, 7.8 rebs, 7.7 assts)...ridiculous. LeBron and Big Z will step it up against Toronto today for a tight home win by 4. This will be an exciting game.

Chicago v. New York

Sharj: Two abysmal teams. Chicago has underperformed and the constant Kobe trade rumors have affected this young team more than people thought. Hinrich and Gordon have underperformed...and to make matters worse, Deng is out for this game. As for the Knicks...the less said about them the better. They are an NBA disgrace, Dolan and Isiah are in some sort of sick twisted love affair that is tarnishing the legacy of the Knicks. I don't know who will lose this game...I think the people who will be forced to watch this game at MSG are the real losers. With Deng out, I take the Knicks to win by 5.

Matchups and Calls November 23, 2007

***Marquee Matchup***

Boston v Los Angeles

Cheung: This is gonna be a hell of a game man. Kobe has the ability to be the best player in the game. The big 3 on Boston have the ability to be an unstoppable. I don't think Los Angeles has the firepower to keep up with the Celtics on an average night; HOWEVER I see Kobe going off tonight. This could be a 60 point evening. Jordan Farmar will continue his outstanding play (new member of my fantasy squad) and Lamar Odum will continue his always all around game. I see a thriller of a game tonight with the Lakers taking it on the last possesion. Lakers by 2.
Sharj: I love Kobe. The Lakers have been surprisingly good thus far (have shut up all the Kobe trade talks for now). But I disagree with Robbie, no matter how well Kobe plays...the Celtics are just too good, especially at home (6-0). I think Lamar & Kobe will be nullified by Ray and Pierce...but the real question is who will stop KG inside. Bynum has shown glimpses, but I don't know how he'll hold up under pressure on the road. If LA was at home I could've given them the edge, but I take the Celtics by 8 points at home. KG with 25 pts 20 rebs 6 assists tonight.

Charlotte v Orlando
Sharj: As talented as Charlotte may be, Orlando is the hottest team in the league. Asides from their big 3 of Dwight, Lewis and Jameer...turkoglu has been tearing it up. Orl by 12
Cheung: G-wallace is turning it up. He is putting up 27 ppg in the last few! I look for a tight matchup. Magic, will let this one slip. Charlotte by 2
Sharj: Magic are talented, well coached and hot....Van Gundy will SHUT G-Wallace down...that kid is inconsistent and over-rated
Cheung: You are inconsistent and over-rated (zing) G-Wall is MONEY.

Miami v Houston
Cheung: With Mcgrady back, Yao is a monster; however Shaq diesel and Wade are at it again. The role players decide this one and the Rocket's bench is too strong. Houston by 13
Sharj: Rockets are good...but TMac is playin hurt, he said he lost sensation in two of his shooting fingers after the game. Wade has something to prove, Miami aren't happy being 2-9...Wade will take over in the 4th, Miami by 1
Cheung: Miami is gonna get roasted yao is the new big man in the league, sensation in two fingers? What are you a Physiotherapist??
Sharj: Big daddy will go retro and shut Yao and his 1 billion fans up

Philadelphia v Detroit

Sharj: Philly is 1-4 on the road. Iguodala has struggled and hasn't been the go-to-guy Philly thought they would get so far. Detroit is too experienced, too talented and too good at home...this game is a blowout...Pistons by 18.
Cheung: Can't disagree with Sharj too much on this one. Philly straight up sucks. Andre miller has been MIA, and I see him being replaced by the up and coming Louis Williams. Iguodala will (must) have a breakout game, or I will have a fantasy basketball hernia. Pistons by 30, Iguodala has a triple double (PLEASE)
Sharj: Cheung AGREES? You must be in the Thanksgiving spirit

Indiana v Dallas
Cheung: Indy has been one of the most inconsistent teams so far, and J-O has been terrible. Dallas is back, and gonna rip Indy. Mavs by 16
Sharj: As good as Dallas is, they have been giving up big leads almost every game and are forced to make late comebacks. Dallas won't be coming back tonight, Granger and Dunleavy will have huge games tonight...Indy will sneak out a home W by 2
Cheung: I like the call on Dunleavy having a biggie, he is another member my fantasy squad and I need the numbers
Sharj: Well lets both pray for that to come true...cause I got Granger...
Cheung: So in summary, a big night for dunleavy, granger can go break a leg

Memphis v San Antonio
Sharj: Spurs losing to Memphis @ home? No chance in hell. Tony parker has been a fantasy monster baby...this boy gets more points in the paint than that Raptors centre of yours Bosh. Spurs will annihilate Memphis by 25 pts
Cheung: Gasol is showing signs of life, break out game for the big guy. Spurs still take it by 10, they have more firepower. Bosh had 18 boards last game, nuff said

Minnesota v Denver
Cheung: This is a lopsided one, Denver has the firepower. Denver by 20+ no contest.
Sharj: I hate it when we agree...Denver is too good and too deep, Denver by 15. My boy Al Jefferson will have 30 and 15 rebs...I agree no contest
Cheung: Jefferson might put up 20/10 if he is lucky. Camby is gonna send his shit back like bad food
Sharj: I can't hate on Camby (alma mater)...but Al is unstoppable, one of the most consistent big men in the league...not happening

Sacromento - Portland
Sharj: Portland showed me something against the Nets last game despite the loss. They have a good core of young players. Sac can't stop Roy and Aldridge. Portland to win by 6 at home
Cheung: Everyone who plays the Nets will show something, cuz the Nets are ass. Artest is the X-Factor, if he plays Kings by 7 if not Portland in a tight one
Sharj: Cheung at his indecisive self...pick one team. For the Nets, they showed the Raps something in the playoff last year...and no regular season defeat will make up for that...
Cheung: Even that 37 point win a few weeks back??? We'll argue this all night as you know... moving on to your beloved Nets against Seatle

New Jersey v Seatle
Sharj : No guesses here. VC is back from injury...as a result RJ, Nachbar and Antoine are scoring more and getting better looks. Kidd is Kidd as always...Mr. Triple Double. Nets will pull this one out by 5 pts. As for Seattle, they better take that skinny little boy Durant to the weight room before he floats out of Seattle on a windy day
Cheung: Get off that VC JOCK! Both of these teams are playing CRAPtacular. I could flip a coin to pick a winner. But based on my distaste for that team from Jersey: Sonics by 7. Durant puts up 30 on Carter, eat that old man
Sharj: Durant can't bench 30 lbs let alone score 30 pts

***Players to Watch Tonight***

Louis Williams, PG Philadelphia 76ers
Cheung: I saw him live in against the Raptors for the home opener. This kid is fast, if you squint and watch him you swear it is AI all over again. He can also shoot the rock going 4/4 from 3 pt in his last outing. Look for him to take time from old fatty Andre Miller.

Hedo Turkoglu, SG/SF Orlando Magic
Sharj: I gotta pick my boy and another fantasy savior of mine Hedo Turkoglu. This turkish lad has been amazing. He dropped 26, 5, 5 on the Spurs in a road loss. He has been the biggest surprise for the Magic and has taken them up a notch. I see him being a consistent impact player for the Magic throughout the season...and this boy really is a "Turkish Delight"
Cheung: Uhhh, are you still talking about his on court skills?
Sharj: Yeah we are...and I've noticed Stan Van Gundy isn't losing hair like his bro Jeff...and some of that credit can go to Turkoglu for giving Orl a good start

Other Games Tonight

Golden State v Washington
Cheung: Wiz are on a tear but GS is too deep. Golden state by 10
Sharj: I take Washington. GS is coming off a bad loss to the Celts. Wiz by 6

L.A. Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns
Cheung: Clipps are hurt, and the Suns are hurting people. Easy pick with the Suns by 17
Sharj: Clips failed to score 80 points their last game, the Suns scored 80 in the first half last game. Suns will demolish the Clips by 25 pts.

New Orleans v Utah
Sharj:I really wanted to pick the Hornets on the road for an upset, but Utah by 7
Cheung: New Orleans pulls this one out by 3 in a tight one. I hate AK 47.

Introductions...

About SHARJ: I disagree with almost all of Cheung's NBA views. I am a diehard NJ Nets and Vince Carter fan. I get frustrated watching some of these horrible teams in the NBA. My passions are watching/analyzing any basketball I can and proving Cheung wrong. I also LOVE the New England Patriots (we're winning the Superbowl this year baby). This NBA battle is not for the faint hearted...looking forward to an awesome season.

About CHEUNG: Simply put, I am a sports addict. I support all Toronto sports teams, and am an avid NBA fan. From day 1 me and this Vince Carter lover have clashed on ALL sports opinions. His have been wrong, mine have been right. We decided it was time to take our war of words public. Enjoy the show.