2012-13 NBA Preview: Predictions

Biggest Surprise (team)

Daugulis: Atlanta Hawks

Some people will write these guys off, since they lost Joe Johnson. But let's all take a deep breath, and remember that Johnson was (still is) the worst contract in the NBA. Certainly, that suggests that he isn't a true franchise player, even if he is getting paid like one. This year's Hawks will be led by Josh Smith (in a contract year), and Al Horford, two young big men who will give most teams matchup problems. They added long-range shooting in Anthony Morrow and Kyle Korver, and also have an elite wing defender in DeShawn Stevenson. This team is a lock for the playoffs in my mind, and could end up hosting a first-round playoff series.

Korver moves from one playoff team to another

Dow: New Orleans Hornets 

Rookie QB Power Rankings II

After 8 weeks, there is little change from our last Rookie QB Power Rankings. Only Russell Wilson moves up, replacing Ryan Tannehill for the 3^rd spot. Check back in another 3 weeks for our next instalment. 

Current Ranking (Previous Ranking)

1. (1) Robert Griffin III - Washington Redskins (3-5)

66.8 Comp. %, 1,778 yards, 8 TD, 3 INT, 97.3 QB Rtg., 476 rush yards, 6 TD

RGIII rushed for 182 yards and 2 TDs against Minnesota

Oct. 28 Quick Hits: James Harden Trade Reaction

In a surprising move, the Oklahoma City Thunder dealt James Harden to the Houston Rockets just a couple days before the start of the NBA season. Here's what it means for both teams:

Houston Rockets:

Obviously, they view Harden as a franchise-defining player. They gave up Kevin Martin (who will become a free agent after the season), Jeremy Lamb (the 12th overall pick in the draft a couple months ago) and 3 future draft picks. That's a steep price, and a package you don't part with unless you think you're getting top-tier guy in return.

NFL Pick'ems - Week 7 Results, Week 8 Picks

Week 7 saw the four prognosticators agree across the board on 8 matchups, with 7 being correct (the Titans' last minute win over Buffalo being the lone incorrect consensus pick). Mike won the week with 11 correct picks and thus pulls into a tie for first with Simon and CBSSports' Pete Prisco. Mike was the lone "expert" to take a chance on the Redskins who couldn't pull it out against the G-Men, but was alone in picking the Steelers' Sunday night victory. Prisco was the only one who picked the Bucs (losers to the Saints), while SI.com's Peter King was alone in picking Baltimore, who got torn apart by the Texans. Simon took a chance on Cleveland, and, well, that almost never pans out.

NBA Preview: Pre-Season MVP Power Rankings

LeBron James is an animal. If you weren’t convinced he’s the best player on the planet, last years’ playoff run sealed it. In fact, all you really needed to see was his Game 6 performance in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics. He won that game pretty much by himself.

Because of LBJ’s ridiculous playoff performance, he sits atop the NBA MVP Power Rankings. In fact, heading into the year he is the heavy favorite for the hardware. Here’s how the rest of the guys rank:

LeBron can't possibly get better this year...
right?

1. LeBron James, SF, Miami Heat

​Pros: As mentioned, the guy is a beast. He’s coming off career highs in field goal percentage, three-point percentage and rebounds. What’s really scary for the rest of the league is that he may just be entering his prime years now.

​Cons: N/A; LeBron is the odds-on favorite for the MVP trophy.

2. Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder

Pros: Durant should be coming back extra-hungry after getting thoroughly outplayed by the Heat in the Finals last year. His peripheral numbers are getting better, as he’s coming off career-highs in assists and rebounds per game.