Ball Ballin' Preview: Come on Babe, why don't we paint Tinseltown, and all that Jazz

You gotta admit, that's a great title, eh? From one of my favorite shows on broadway. But wait, I thought we're talking about the LA-Utah battle. Isn't broadway actually in the Big Apple? And to make it more interesting in this geographical fiasco, the title of that musical is actually "Chicago".

The Watcha-Balls (The since-were-on-the-theme-I'll-call-these-the-Catherine-Zeta-Jones games)

Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Lakers

The Jazz at times look championship legit. But then they follow those performances with games that look like sh*t. So let's see which one shows up to play against the Mamba in L.A. and just to finish off this rhyme, hey! hey!

Los Angeles Clippers at Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas signing of Peja Stojakovic, just might be the best thing since the PBJ sandwhich. Well, okay, maybe not. But I still think it's better, than having Sasha Pavlovic as a replacement for Butler. Let's see if the veteran Serbian threepointer can help Dallas pull out a win, against the hungry, young, and surging Clippers lead of course by the monster powerhouse Blake Griffin.

The Tolera-Ball (The since-I-think-she's-less-pretty-this-is-the-Renee-Zellweger game)

Denver Nuggets at Washington Wizards

The Denver fans are currently in limbo. Do they cheer for a guy who's about to go? But until the day that they trade him finally, Carmelo would remain in a Nuggets jersey. And with the way this team has been playing lately, the Wizards might get a beating from the mile-high city.

Ball Ballin' Preview: Momentum

 

For those who don't recognize this face, it's Mo Pete back in his Hornets days.

Woo! Second day back with the ball ball team, you better steer clear coz' we're pickin' up steam. On second thought, don't! Please stay. Don't go. I'm about to give you the previews for tomorrow. I'mma do this real quick coz I'm running out of time. I'll drop you the low down with just one-lined rhymes.

The Watcha-Ball (The I-almost-forgot-to-make-the-previews game)

Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Hornets

Smokin' hot, the Hornets are such. But can they topple Durantula's newly found clutch?

The Tolera-Balls (The I-gotta-get-RuBio-back-here-soon games)

Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves

Two teams that play with the fastest pace. Not a bad way to spice up a boring day.

Sacramento Kings at Portland Trailblazers

The Kings are young and the Blazers are banged up. Looks like a good match. You know? Whassup?

Ball Ballin' Preview: Back to Regular Programming (Promise!)

After a week of rest and rehabilitation we're finally back in the ball ball nation. I'mma make up for some long lost time, and what better way to start it than some rim rockin' rhymes. And with your friendly neighborhood master ball baller finally back to give you some holla', put mah' name and mah' face up in the jumbo tron, and like what this guy always say, Let's get it on!

The Watcha-Ball (The You-have-nothing-else-to-choose-from game)

Indiana Pacers at Denver Nuggets

Well whaddayaknow, Melo's still in Denver lair, all thanks especially to a certain Russian billionaire. And with this setback Denver is now hard luck, and to put it plainly, they're actually stuck. Coz what the Nets offered in the Melo trade market, is actually the best deal that Denver could get. So the Nuggets would have to decide if they'd take a lesser offer, over seeing Melo walk for nothing next summer. (Notice how I totally ignored the Pacers here. That's how boring they are this year.)

Ball Ballin' Preview: Makin' up for Yesterday

If y'all don't recognize who the hell this is, the old man Howard got a nod from the toy business. I'm just as perplexed as you might be right now, especially since they made it when he was in Nuggets town.

Goin back to the previewin' rock-rhymin act, your's truly's feelin better as a matter of fact. And since RuBio's still out, I'll go ahead lay it down. I hope you'll like tomorrow's games with some ball ball sound.

The Watcha-Ball (The oh-I'm-so-glad-there-were-only-three-to-choose-from game)

Miami Heat at Denver Nuggets

While the Nuggs are still comtemplatin' on the Carmelo switch, Bron just lost to the Griffin, looks like Karma's a B****. Now they look to bounce back in the city a Mile-high, and get win 22 in 24 tries. But that'll be a tall task especially if Bron don't play, coz he just sprained his ankle and is now day-to-day. But what's quite unfair in how this Miami team was made, is even if Bron is out, enter Bosh and Wade.

The Tolera-Ball (The this-one-is-actually-a-must-watch-as-well-but-I-have-to-use-all-three-headings game)

Orlando Magic at Oklahoma City Thunder

After 9 straight W's Stan Van fin'lly lost again, when Superman not surprisingly botched two freethrows in the end. But that's yesterday's game and now they gotta prepare, against the young Thunder crew in Durantula's lair. 

The Forgetta-Ball (The even-if-it-was-the-only-game-today-i'd-still-call-it-a-forgetta-ball game)

Washington Wizards at Minnesota Timberwolves

Two teams that are excitin' but not necessarily good, this'd prolly be an ugly one in all likelihood. Beasley's still questionable after rolling his third ankle, I guess that leaves Love in this (not so) epic battle. Another 30-30 actually makes some sense, especially when your up against the Wizards defense. 

Ball Ballin Preview: Quickie

Due to technical (it's actually more of medical) difficulties, today's preview's will be waaay short. (I'm a bit under the weather.) Sorry ballers, I'll try to make it up to you in the following days.

The Watcha-Balls (The damn-I-wish-this-throat-would-clear-up games)

Miami Heat at Los Angeles Clippers

Will Blake "Peter" Griffin be able to stop the Heatles party?

Orlando Magic at New Orleans Hornets

Can CP3 prevent the Disney Boys from getting their franchise best 10th straight victory?

New York Knicks at Utah Jazz

Will we hear a lot of b#@(*$ from Jerry Sloan?

Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets
Can Aaron Brooks continue his hot comeback? (Please do. My fantasy team needs you)

The Tolera-Balls (The *cough-*cough-*sniff-*sniff games)

Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors

Can LA Clevelandize the Warriors?

Ball Ballin' Preview: Fillin' in

I aint really sure if it's good or bad news, but yo 'sup ball ballers! I'm back with the previews. Mah' boy RuBio's got a battle with the net, so I say sorry to his fans coz MJ's all you gon' get. So I'mma do all I can, I'mma try real hard, and take a shot at the ryhmin' of the Spanish superstar. Now I'mma show the skillz and I'mma rock the right rhymes, now hold on to yo' seats, coz it's Ball Ball Time!

The Watcha-Balls (The this-gon'-be-fo-shizza games)

Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Lakers

This game aint really a watcha-ball by the standards of today, but goin' back to just a year ago these puppets had another say. But now things have kinda changed, and for Cleveland it's for the worse. This'd prolly be a blowout by the end of the first. Even with a full line-up, I don't think they have a chance, against the bouncin' back gettin' healthy back-to-back champs.

New York Knicks at Portland Trailblazers

Portland's banged up, but that's what we said before. Before Aldridge and Matthews started lighting up the scoreboard. Now we wait and see what the Blazers can do against the Big Apple boys aka Amar'e and crew. 

Phoenix Suns at Denver Nuggets

I think we've fin'ly reached the climax of the Melo-drama, we gon' def'nitely see change, aint that right mista' Obama? But until Denver and the Nets fin'ly pull the trigger, let's hope the Nuggets and the Suns give us a high scorin' thriller.

The Tolera-Balls (The aint-that-shizzo-but-shizzo-enough games)

San Antonio Spurs at Minnesota Timberwolves

A whole lotta Lovin if ya' know what I mean, just took the league by storm, can't say the same for his team. The Wolves gots the least and the Spurs the most wins, but that don't really matter once the game begins. Coz' there's always a fight whenever these two meet, let's see if 'Sota fin'ly gets one from this west elite.

Ball Ballin' Preview: A Windy City Decision

Scal took his talents to Chi-town in the off-season. Now, he gets another shot at his old pals in his new playground. A Jackie Moon game might just do the trick.

The Watcha-Balls (The I-can-sit-and-relax-games)

Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls

Celtics coming off a big win over the Spurs and a banged-up Raptors. Rondo's back in form and he's takin' the league by storm. Scal wants to play but it seems Thibs listed him as day-to-day. Bulls try to detour from 3 straight losin while Celt rookie wants to get more winning. 

Orlando Magic at Dallas Mavericks

Suave Magic offense, sputtering Maverick defense. Last time they met, Magic were reeling, Mavericks were peaking. Mavs still missin Dirk and Butler, Magic looking to match franchise record 9 consecutive winners. 

The Tolera-Balls (The Week-was-still-good-after-all games)

Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City

KD slowly but surely showing MVP form as the season progresses. Grizzlies look to get 4 consecutive wins to impress. Gay's 28 and Zebo's 26 against was All-star caliber, I say it was better when the gambling was over. 

Ball Ballin' Preview: Malaise in Dallas

2 games just for today after last night's bonanza. And by the way, that smile Shelden's posin is giving me some intergalactic actin'.

The Tolera-Balls (The Do-I-have-a-choice-game)

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks

Missed the Boston-San Antonio classic? or Ron-ron hitting a crucial trifecta in the desert? Too bad 'coz today wont be that spectacular specially when Dirk's questionable and Tough Juice aint that tough enough. With the Beabouis out prior to the season's start,injuries are starting to catch up D-town. With the Matrix back and some rejuvenated Deshawn discovering some kinda old magic that made him Agent Zero's sidekick back in '07, expect the Mavs to give  Batman and Robin a run for their money while they try to recover from some San Antonio spanking.

The Forgetta-Balls (The Do-I-bother-to-know-the-result game)

Denver Nuggets vs Sacramento Kings

'Reke making some fat lady hit some hardcourt hail-mary's while everyone favorite cousin, Demarcus, is like a possessed man dominating inside. Those two things have kept the young Kings relevant for the meantime as they try to climb up from the abyss of the standings. The young Kings are looking to win 4 straight at home against a Nuggets team owned by 2011 Slamdunk participant and potential champ,Griff, in last night's showdown at Staples which had its own 4-game win streak snapped. 'Reke vs Mr. Bigshot, who will have the final laugh when the game is on the line

Ball Ballin' Preview: Purple Desert

Ola Amigos! It's me Patricky Rubio bringing you basketball afficionados your ball ballin' preview. It's a busy night across the league with 11 head-to-head matches, so sit down, relax, and let's get this party started!

The Watcha-Balls (The Check-if-your-heart's-still-beating games)

Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns

It was a big win by Team Hollywood last night against a reeling Pistons team to regain lost confidence back. Meanwhile, the sun seems to finally be setting in Phoenix after a sorry loss to DMC and the young Kings. 40 pts or more by the Black Mamba should move him past the Big O and 9th in the all-time scoring list, but a victory nowadays for Tinseltown won't compare to any individual milestone.

San Antonio Spurs at Boston Celtics

The Spurs visit their Eastern counterpart Celtics in a showdown of conference leaders as they continue their 2nd game of a back-to-back after being punished by a high-octane Knicks offense that dropped 128 markers. Expect both teams to take pride in their defense in winning this one as the Celtics have won 5 of their last 7 matches with the Spurs.

Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers

Despite continuous distractions over the season, Melo's 33pt outburst against the Rockets in their last game is a manifestation of the discipline and focus this guy's filled in, day in and day out. With Big Al back, Nuggets look to gun for 3-0 in their season match-up against the Griffin and his Clips.

The Tolera-Balls (The They're-ok-just-not-as-exciting-as-the-games-above games)

Portland Trailblazers at Houston Rockets
Greg Oden, Yao Ming, and now Brandon Roy joins the elite injured cast of "what could have beens" hall of fame superstars. Despite being mired with key injuries, Rip City and Space City (Now, thats cool!) have been playing well and are currently seated at the 8th and 9th spot in the rugged West. And I forgot, Chuck Hayes is also injured, does he also join the cast?

Ball Ballin' Preview: Would he have Cheated on Eva if he was with the Knicks?

Still lookin for help here. A shout-out to my possible teammates, Patricky RuBio and Amak'i Estradamire, let's form our own Big3 guys! Let's join us!

The Watcha-Balls (The Drama-over-basketball games)

San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks

To answer my question, probably yes. Tony Parker, who recently admitted that he'd probably end up as a Knick had the Spurs not given him an extension, will visit the ever raucous garden. Let's see if he gets either the Lebron James or the Carmelo Anthony treatment.

Detroit Pistons at Los Angeles Lakers

With another beating that LA got, the Pistons just might be the best bounce-back match-up for them. Call me cruel, but I'm expecting to see some murder at Staples.

The Tolera-Balls (The Wow-I-never-thought-I-wouldn't-care-as-much games)

Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat

The Heat Hoopla have really waned down now. They've even started to spoil us with their performances, which explains the lack of enthusiasm here. But hey, the last time these two teams met, this happened.

Ball Ballin' Preview: The One that Got Away

So far into the season, the injuries have hit. That won't stop the teams from playing though. And I might get braces tomorrow (TMI)

The Watcha-Balls (The Just-because-I-have-to-pick-some-I-hyped-up-some-storyline games)

Miami Heat at Charlotte Bobcats
Because of Charlotte's inability to find a good enough deal for Dampier's special contract, the Heat now has a steady enough back-up center. (I told you I just hyped somethin' up, it wasn't even much hypin' either). Expect some runnin' in this one with Silas lettin' his boys loose.

Houston Rockets at Denver Nuggets

Every game of Carmelo is now a game to savor, especially for the Denverers (Denverians? Denverites?)

The Tolera-Balls (The Sure-let's-have-a-look-see games)

Minnesota Timberwolves at Boston Celtics

The young wolves against the old leprechauns. Wow. I'd really like to see that happen, literally.

Ball Ballin' Preview: The One that Got Away

So far into the season, the injuries have hit. The teams won't stop playing though. And I might get braces tomorrow (TMI).

The Watcha-Balls (The Just-because-I-have-to-pick-one-I-hyped-up-some-story-lines games)

Miami Heat at Charlotte Bobcats

Thanks to Charlotte's inability to find a good enough deal for Dampier's special contract, the Heat now has a steady enough back-up center. (I told you I just hyped something up. It wasn't even much hypin' either) Expect some runnin' in this game with Silas at the helm letting the Bobcats loose recently.

Houston Rockets at Denver Nuggets

Every game of Carmelo seems like a game to savor now, especially for the Denverers (Denverians? Denverites?)

The Tolera-Balls (The Sure-let's-have-a-look-see games)

Minnesota Timberwolves at Boston Celtics

The young wolves against the old leprechauns. Wow. I'd really like to see that happen, literally.

Ball Ballin' Preview: A New Day, A Better Way

Nice title, eh? Wondering what it's about? Well, it's just that I realized there are eleven games for today (whew!), and for a man with a day job (more like, for a man doing this thing while at work), and for a man who recently installed NBA2K11 on his laptop, this is too much. So I decided to do the previews a little differently.

The Watcha-Balls (The I-could-go-to-work-late-to-catch-these-games games)

Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans Hornets

Lakers a-reelin. The just-as-a-reelin' Hornets could be just what they need to end this slump. Also, "ey you guuuuys!"

Miami Heat at Houston Rockets

They're the Miami Heat. That's reason enough. No? Well, the Rockets are on the upside recently, so this should be a nice game. And Yao's on the trading block. That's gotta be a really big block.

Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Clippers

Blake frickin Griffin (hey! that could catch on!). If being the Miami Heat isn't a given for a game to be a must-watch, then having Blake Griffin playing has got to do the trick. If not? Then, I dunno, go watch Jersey Shore or some'in.

The Tolera-Balls (The At-least-there's-one-good-team-on-it games)

Golden State Warriors at Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are finally healthy. No more excuse for them if ever they fall flat for the rest of the season. If ever they do, well, I guess they really are just not that good a team.

Ball Ballin' Preview: We're Back!

After a weekend getaway, and another party to boot, I finally got back to some ball ball time. Back to regular programming, well, until New Year's Eve that is.

New York Knicks at Miami Heat

I know I've picked a lot of the Heat games, and I think I've made it clear that I am somewhat a fan of the formed superteam, but hey, you can't take away the fact that no matter how much we scoff at this team, we all want to know what happens to 'em next. And what's next, is a rematch with Amar'e's squad who recently discovered a new word in the dictionary: defense.

Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers

The Celtics streak finally came to an end. What continues is a list of inactive games for Rondo, Jermaine O'Neal, Delonte West, and Kendrick Perkins. You gotta admit, if they're this successful without those guys, they gon' be pretty scary once they get all those playin'.

Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers

And whaddayaknow. My prophetic tendencies continue, as the Magicians are now starting to roll. They have the Cavs for their next trick. If things go according to the norms of ball ball physics, this should be a breeze to the Disney Boys.

Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls

The holiday season has been Boozer season for Chicagoans so far. Heck, it has been Boozer season for all of us! (Though, holidays or not, I usually have Boozer sessions every Friday)

Ball Ballin' Preview: Giddy Gortat Game

Whew! Finally a day with just a few games. I gotta get me some sleep with all these parties and work and stuff.

Miami Heat at Phoenix Suns
Phoenix finally gets to play it's new pieces. A bit of a challenge though with their first go against a Miami Heat team looking to get back on the winning track. I'm kinda half expecting Marcin Gortat to jump up and down as his name gets called in the starting line-up (that is IF he's starting).

San Antonio Spurs at Orlando Magic
If only Washington had a game this day, then all of the teams involved in the recent blockbuster trade would be playing. Not that it matters. What matters though, is that the third time might be the charm for this newly retooled Orlando team to get a win. What matters most, is that we loved at all. 

Milwaukee Bucks at Sacramento Kings
Cousins will reportedly get a spanking (again) from Coach Westphal. Maybe putting a rookie's face on the side of a whole building wasn't such a good idea after all. Cousins' promising rookie campaign continues to get derailed by his headcase moves both on and off the court. I'm hoping to see a lot of Earl "The Boy" Boykins here. (you thought I was gonna say "the pearl", did you? ha!)

Ball Ballin' Preview: The Chicken and the Egg Thing

Freeze! You have the right to remain silent Tony Battie! Anything you say and do will probably not matter at all in a court of basketball.  

Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics
I've already mentioned this, but I'm still baffled up to this day. Philadelphia just lost by 45pts to the bulls and are on a second game of a b2b against the rolling Celtics. Oh, and Shaq did this.

Denver Nuggets at San Antonio Spurs

Melo's getting closer to being traded. Not the thing to think about while facing the team with the best record in the league right now. If there's someone who could teach Denver a thing or two about focus, that's Tony Parker. The frenchman hasn't skipped a beat even with the whole Eva Longoria thing.

New Jersey Nets at New Orleans Hornets

The Hornets are slowly plummeting, and things are probably about to get worse now that they're up against THE MACHINE!

Oklahoma City Thunder at New York Knicks

Mr.30pts last year meets Mr.30pts this year. A lot of good match-ups in this game actually, Russell Westbrook-Raymond Felton, Serge Ibaka-Ronny Turiaf, Royal Ivey-Andy Rautins. Well, maybe not the last one.

Utah Jazz at Minnesota Timberwolves

Al Jefferson would probably look to exact payback to his former team. And it just occured to me that "UTAH JAZZ" is the shortest name for an NBA team, with only 4 letters each for the city name and the monicker. You didn't know that, did you?

Ball Ballin' Preview: Trial #2

Before the attack of the tats, amazingly, there was a time DeShawn Stevenson actually looked pretty normal. And in hindsight, the switch to the pinstriped version of the Magic jerseys was actually a good move, yes?

Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic

Trial #2 could mean the Mavs' second try to win in Florida. (Not that they didn't succeed on the first one). Or it could mean SVG giving another go with his newly retooled Disneyland crew. Good title post, yes?

Oklahoma City Thunder at Charlotte Bobcats

Durant and Co. will try to bounce back after losing to the depleted Suns, lead by the immortal Sprite Man. Charlotte on the other hand, will desperately try to score at least 70pts. May the force be with you Bobcats.

Philadelphia 76ers at Chicago Bulls

The Bulls just lost to the Clips on a botched Rose free throw, and the sixers just beat a depleted Magic. Also, is it only me who gets mental images of a middle-aged blonde woman, or a female jazz singer/sax player, whenever the name "Jodie Meeks" is mentioned?

New Jersey Nets at Memphis Grizzlies

The Nets are reportedly getting closer and closer to ending the Melo-drama once and for all. Reports say that anyone on the roster will be available for trades, with the only exception of Brook Lopez. Though my guess is that that untouchable list also includes Mr. Sharapova. The Melo-Machine pairing would be unstoppable!

Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings

DeMarcus Cousins has been hitting his stride recently. He gets another shot at improving his rookie campaign facing the Golden State frontline of David Lee and Louis Amundson. I say his chances are pretty good.

Milwaukee Bucks at Los Angeles Lakers

The banged up Bucks get to lick their wounds by facing a healthy Lakers team. Is there no good in the world anymore?

Ball Ballin' Preview: Heat Check Time

Pretty interesting games today. The kind that would make you think whether you should go to work or not, but not enough to really make you not go to work. So go to work people!

Dallas Mavericks at Miami Heat

And so it came, the first pairing of these two teams after the ever so famous players-only meeting that got this Heat team to a 12 game win streak. Will the Heat make it to 13, and finally beat the Mavs in a regular season game? Will there be another meeting if ever Miami loses? Will Mike Miller who is reportedly finally coming to town fit in right away? Will the whole internet world berate the Heat once again and throw away all their past wins if ever they lose today (i'm guessing yes)? Will I get to work on time?

Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs

These aren't the same teams that got to a heated rivalry a few years back, but it's always a good contest whenever they meet. Time to see if Grant Hill can turn back the clock again after drinking Sprite.

Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks

I can't wait to see Otis Smith's new toys! Though my gut tells me these moves won't really get them any higher in the pecking order in this playground.

Utah Jazz at Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs finally got a win this month. Though there's a good chance they'd go back to losing after today. They're up against the Jazz who just got Mehmet Okur back.

Milwaukee Bucks at Portland Trailblazers

For fans of the name "Brandon" out there, tough luck for you guys. There will be no Brandon in this game as Jennings will reportedly be out for the Bucks for 4-6 weeks, and Roy is still shutdown for Portland.

Ball Ballin' Preview: Beantown Baker's Dozen?

Not so much to watch out for today. It's either a bad team against a good team, or two bad teams slugging it out. So pick your poison folks.

Indiana Pacers at Boston Celtics
Basically the only storyline for the day, as the Celts try to go for their 13th straight victory. Rondo will be out, and the Big Shamrock is still questionable for the game, which means more Erden and Nate. Expect this to be  a close one as Indiana is known for upsetting the top teams in the league.

Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma Thunder

First game of the Suns after the blockbuster trade. Though Carter, Gortat and Pietrus might not be suiting up for the Suns yet. With Nash questionable from the stinger he got the last game, the Phoenix starting line-up could be Dragic-Dudley-Hill-Warrick-Lopez. Happy Holidays Arizonans.