Blue & White: Ignite (7-2) :: Corrupted :(

[nba_baller]

I agree with the statement above, despite the fact I don't particularly like either player.

I want to get into some of this "prediction" action!
1. Nick Young
2. Drew Gooden
3. Shawn Marion
4. T.J. Ford
5. Juan Dixon
6. Portland

[Martti.]

Nate, Beasley, Marion, Ford, Dixon, Portland.

Good trade!

[Lamrock]

Don't like the trade. Why would you mess up the chemistry of a 5-0 team by trading one of its best players for a chucker? Good luck.

[kibaxx7]

Guess I won't do the trade then.

[cavs4872]

- Nate Robinson
- Drew Gooden
- Shawn Marion
- T.J. Ford
- Juan Dixon
- Minnesota

[Cartar]

1. Nick Young
2. Drew Gooden
3. None
4. TJ Ford
5. Juan Dixon
6. Minnesota Timberwolves

[kibaxx7]

Guys, I'm opening the NLSC Crew section. If you want in, send me a PM with your name, age (around 19-23, no more than that, I would prefer a mix of ages); primary and secondary position, school/country, height & weight, body type/tone, 5 strengths and 5 weaknesses, if you want a small description of your playing style and a background story for your baller. If you want, add suggestions for a signature shot, free throw, dunks, and handles, headbands, that kind of stuff.

[Shabron]

nate
same
shawn
tj
dixon
trail blazers

[Fresh8]

Robinson
Beasley
None
Simmons
Dixon
Timberwolves

[kibaxx7]

With blood spewing from a cut on his nose, Gilbert Arenas could only watch from the bench while the Orlando Magic put away a 119-114 last minute win over Washington and sky-rocket to a league-leading 6-0 record. "There was nothing I could do," he said. "It was obviously frustrating, but it was really out of my hands." With 2:57 remaining in the second quarter, Arenas had to sit because of the bloody cut on his nose, the result of a head-on collision with Rafer Alston. The cut required six stitches after the game. "You only see things like that in a boxing match," the Magic' Mickael Pietrus said, "where a guy cuts his nose and it won't stop bleeding. You feel bad for the guy because you want to have the best team out there at the end of the game, and he wasn't out there." After Alston stole Arenas' pass, the two collided head-to-head in the Orlando backcourt; Alston fell to the floor. Arenas initially thought Alston was the one who was hurt, and went to ask if he was all right, not knowing his nose was covered in blood. "I thought I was the one who was bleeding," Alston said. Both stayed in the game, Arenas later returning with 3:09 remaining in the third.

Dwight Howard had 28 points and 16 rebounds and Rashard Lewis added 23 points to lead the Magic over Arenas' Wizards (4-1). Arenas scored 24 of the Wizards' 33 points in the first quarter to finish the game with 48 points, in 18-of-32 shooting. Caron Butler and Andray Blatche added 11 points apiece for Washington while Hedo Turkoglu had season-highs with 16 points and 8 rebounds in 7-of-13 shooting. Pietrus scored 12 points for the Magic and Jameer Nelson, coming from the bench for the first time this season, had 9 and 6 assists. The score was a bit high for Lewis' liking: "We'd rather play in the 90s, we'd rather play in the 80s," he said, laughing, "we've got a lot of guys who are shooting the ball really well. We've been moving the ball really well, and the points are going up on the board." Arenas, with a bandage over the cut, made 12 treys in the game, including one tying the game at 113 with 1:41 to play, then Lewis gave the Magic the lead for good with a 10-foot baseline hook shot. Butler then missed a 3 and Pietrus sank a 23-footer to put Orlando ahead 117-113 with 1:23 remaining; then Arenas returned, but by then it was too late. Howard's two free throws and one from Butler rounded up the score, 119-114.

Arenas had to come out with 4:37 remaining because of blood oozing around the bandage. With Zero's departure, the Magic had a 13-2 run. The bleeding finally was contained. Asked if he thought the Wizards would have won had he not been forced to sit, he said, "It's impossible to say, but I think we would have had a shot. It was pretty bad timing, but you know that's life. We just have to have a bigger heart and continue to push through these invisible barriers that seem to pop up. I don't know what they are, but sometimes we just don't play as hard as we should." Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said that "It was really an emphasis for us because they are so athletic and they score so much. We really couldn't afford to give them second-chance points. We did a better job of that than we usually do."

In the third quarter, Wizards coach Eddie Jordan got into a heated conversation with the referee at midcourt. During the talk, he turned called a technical against Wiz assistant Randy Wittman, who was sitting on the Washington bench. "There were some calls that just changed the complexion of the game," Jordan said. "Now right, wrong, I'm not here to judge that, and I'm sure they had all the best intentions in the world. It's just we didn't get that break and they changed the complexion of the game, but the Magic deserve credit for pulling it out, these guys are really good. It's almost like a heavyweight champion, you've got to knock them out. We didn't do it."

Game Notes
• Washington had two 13-point leads in the game, the Magic were able to recover from both;
• Both teams shot over 50 percent;
• Washington only had 3 free throws in the game, against Orlando's 16;
• The Magic had 64 points in the paint, the Wizards had 48;
• Orlando's next 3 games are against Portland (1-5), at Oklahoma City (2-3) and at Dallas (1-4);
• Kylie Minogue sang 4 songs from his last album "Boombox" at halftime.

[kibaxx7]

The Philadelphia 76ers are among the teams, NBA front-office sources are saying, with interest in trading for Atlanta Hawks point guard >> Mike Bibby, who yesterday went public with a request to be traded that he's been voicing privately to the Hawks, according to one informed estimate. The 76ers offered forward >> Reggie Evans and center >> Samuel Dalembert for Bibby and guard >> Mario West. Sources say, however, that Bibby is rooting for a different destination, less than thrilled with the idea of a stint in Philadelphia. I'm told that the Hawks, furthermore, are highly unlikely to consider taking on Evans and Dalembert, no matter how much they need a good forward center. That's why they're taking into consideration the offer from Portland: Bibby and forward/center >> Othello Hunter in exchange for forward >> Travis Outlaw and center >> Raef LaFrentz's big fat expiring contract. Bibby said that "Yes, I asked for a trade but I'm not worried about it right now. I'm getting paid to play basketball at Atlanta at this moment, I can't complain. I'm in a good position. Me, I'll just keep playing and doing what they need me to do until a trade gets done."


Trade Breakdown


PF :: Reggie Evans :: $4.64M (3 years, $14.68M) | C :: Samuel Dalembert :: $10.52M (3 years, $34.08M)
PG :: Mike Bibby :: $14.50M (1 year, $14.50M) | SG :: Mario West :: $427k (1 year, 427k)
-------------------------------------------------
PF :: Raef LaFrentz :: $12.72M (1 year, $12.72M) | SF :: Travis Outlaw :: $4.00M (2 years, $8.00M)
PG :: Mike Bibby :: $14.50M (1 year, $14.50M) | PF :: Othello Hunter :: $3.45M (2 years, $6.89M)

"This is home for me," Celtics guard >> Rajon Rondo said today at press conference when he was told of at least four trade offers for him. "I would like to play here, but I know it's a business. If Boston pulls out a trade, both sides did what they have to did." Rondo later added that "I'm looking at this as a year that we have a team that can do something special. I'm sure that's going to take care of itself at the end of the day." A first offer came from Philadelphia, with the 76ers offering guard >> Willie Green and forward >> Thaddeus Young for Rondo and forward >> Brian Scalabrine. Some would say the 76ers are crazy, offering two good young players for one and a old guy, but Scalabrine can give a team a consistent 3-point threat from the bench. Boston received also received an offer from San Antonio: forwards >> Drew Gooden and >> Michael Finley in exchange for Rondo and Scalabrine. Rondo insisted that "everything will take care of itself. I'm not really worried about that right now because I know if I play well, I'm going to get what I deserve." Two days later New York offered Slam Dunk champion >> Nate Robinson and center guard >> Chris Wilcox for Rondo and center >> Kendrick Perkins. A bigger 6-player trade with Washington was being rumored, with the Celtics shipping Rondo, guard >> Tony Allen, center/forward >> Mikki Moore and the Celts' 09 1st round pick to DC in exchange for guards >> Juan Dixon and >> Javaris Crittenton and center >> Brendan Haywood.


Trade Breakdown


SF :: Thaddeus Young :: $1.97M (2 years, $4.07M) | SG :: Willie Green :: $3.39M (3 years, $11.05M)
PG :: Rajon Rondo :: $1.65M (3 years, $8.05M) | PF :: Brian Scalabrine :: $3.21M (2 years, $6.62M)
-------------------------------------------------
PF :: Drew Gooden :: $1.48M (3 years, $1.48M) | SF :: Michael Finley :: $3.00M (1 year, $3.00M)
PG :: Rajon Rondo :: $1.65M (3 years, $8.05M) | PF :: Brian Scalabrine :: $3.21M (2 years, $6.62M)
-------------------------------------------------
PG :: Nate Robinson :: $2.02M (2 years, $4.93M) | C :: Chris Wilcox :: $4.82M (1 year, $4.82M)
PG :: Rajon Rondo :: $1.65M (3 years, $8.05M) | C :: Kendrick Perkins :: $4.08M (3 years, $12.72M)
-------------------------------------------------
SG :: Juan Dixon :: $998k (1 year, $998k) | C :: Brendan Haywood :: $5.50M (2 years, $11.50M) | PG :: Javaris Crittenton :: $1.38M (2 years, $2.86M) | 2009 1st Round Pick (BOS)
PG :: Rajon Rondo :: $1.65M (3 year, $8.05M) | PF :: Mikki Moore :: $2.47M (2 years, $5.06M) | SG :: Tony Allen :: $2.50M (2 years, $5.00M)

A prediction/tip/whatever you want to call it from one helpful team exec: "Keep your eye on Martin. He will be traded if his team starts slowly." He's referring to Sacramento's >> Kevin Martin. If the Kings do reach the point that they're willing to part with their sharpshooter, interest is bound to be very high on him, who was so highly coveted at last season's trade deadline, having a decent season in 2007-08 averaging 23.7 points and 4.5 rebounds. He doesn't have a contract which expire after the 2009-10 season, enabling (the many) teams hoping to make a free-agent splash that summer to preserve some flexibility, but he certainly has attracted interest from at least 4 teams. Denver offered shooting guard >> J.R. Smith along South American forward/center >> Nene Hilario in exchange for Martin, power forward >> Jason Thompson and center >> Spencer Hawes. Another rumour puts Martin, along with Thompson, in New York, with forwards >> Al Harrington and >> Wilson Chandler going the opposite ways. Martin said, "I got to get on the floor and show what I can do. I still want to play basketball here. I still love the fans. I want to play basketball and I want to win a championship. If it's not to be that way, there's nothing I can do." According to a league source, if the Kings and Martin part ways, Minnesota and Dallas have keen interest. Martin is a close friend to Minnesota's forward >> Ryan Gomes, working out with him informally. The Timberwolves would send guard >> Mike Miller and forward >> Craig Smith, with Martin and forward >> Cedric Simmons joining Gomes' team. Despite denials, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle would love to add Martin and mix him with the Jasons, >> Jason Terry and >> Jason Kidd; Dallas would acquire Martin in a straight swap for >> Josh Howard.


Trade Breakdown


SG :: J.R. Smith :: $4.99M (3 years, $14.95M) | C :: Nene Hilario :: $9.68M (3 years, $31.56M)
SG :: Kevin Martin :: $9.26M (5 years, $55.50M) | PF :: Jason Thompson :: $1.89M (2 years, $3.93M) | C :: Spencer Hawes :: $2.18M (2 years, $4.51M)
-------------------------------------------------
PF :: Al Harrington :: $9.23M (2 years, $19.25M) | SF :: Wilson Chandler :: $1.17M (3 years, $4.56M)
SG :: Kevin Martin :: $9.26M (5 years, $55.50M) | PF :: Jason Thompson :: $1.89M (2 years, $3.93M)
-------------------------------------------------
SG :: Mike Miller :: $9.00M (2 years, $18.75M) | PF :: Craig Smith :: $2.30M (2 years, $4.80M)
SG :: Kevin Martin :: $9.26M (5 years, $55.50M) | PF :: Cedric Simmons :: $1.86M (3 years, $6.17M)
-------------------------------------------------
SF :: Josh Howard :: $9.94M (2 years, $20.83M)
SG :: Kevin Martin :: $9.26M (5 years, $55.50M)

[Christian.]

Are you the one who decides for the CPU-CPU trade? I havn't seen good CPU-CPU trades as far as my association is concern.

[kibaxx7]

Are you the one who decides for the CPU-CPU trade? I havn't seen good CPU-CPU trades as far as my association is concern.

No, I checked the Rumor Mill section and made some trades myself, I don't know what's gonna happen, just to spice the association a little. Guys, come on, I'm needing replies

[kibaxx7]

:: Results for November 7th, 2008 ::

• Who will have a worst field goal percentage?

New York 107 (Al Harrington 20 pts., 6 rebs., 2 steals; Nate Robinson 16 pts., 6 rebs., 5 ast., 7-17 FGs -.411%-; Chris Duhon 15 pts., 4-7 FGs)
Washington 108 (Gilbert Arenas 25 pts., 11 ast.; Juan Dixon 25 pts., 8-15 FGs; Nick Young 7 pts., 2-7 FGs -.285%-


Correct option: Nick Young

• Who will have pull down more rebounds?

Miami 99 (Dwyane Wade 30 pts., 7 rebs., 11 ast., 6 steals; Jermaine O'Neal 24 pts., 12 rebs., 5 blocks; Michael Beasley 17 pts., 7 rebs.)
San Antonio 104 (Tim Duncan 22 pts., 14 rebs.; Tony Parker 17 pts., 12 ast.; Drew Gooden 12 pts., 3 rebs., 5-6 FGs)


Correct option: Michael Beasley

• Who will post a double-double?

Toronto 105 (Jason Kapono 25 pts., 8-12 FGs, 4-6 3s; Andrea Bargnani 18 pts., 5-10 FGs; Shawn Marion 12 pts., 10 rebs., 4-11 FGs)
Atlanta 108 (Josh Smith 25 pts., 7 rebs., 9-14 FGs; Joe Johnson 22 pts., 6 rebs., 10 ast.; Mike Bibby 20 pts., 6 rebs., 7 ast.)


Correct option: Shawn Marion

:: Results for November 8th, 2008 ::

• Who will score more points?

New Jersey 108 (Vince Carter 32 pts., 5 rebs., 12-17 FGs; Bobby Simmons 14 pts., 4 rebs., 5-8 FGs; Ryan Anderson 13 pts., 7 rebs., 5-9 FGs.)
Indiana 111 (Danny Granger 38 pts., 4 rebs.; T.J. Ford 21 pts., 6 ast., 9-13 FGs; Roy Hibbert 13 pts., 6-9 FGs)


Correct option: T.J. Ford

• Who will dish less assists?

Washington 114 (Gilbert Arenas 48 pts., 4 ast., 18-32 FGs; Antawn Jamison 21 pts., 5 ast.; Juan Dixon 4 pts., 1 ast.)
Orlando 119 (Dwight Howard 28 pts., 16 rebs., 13-18 FGs; Rashard Lewis 23 pts., 7 rebs.; Rafer Alston 8 pts., 6 ast.)


Correct option: Juan Dixon

• Who will win this game?

Minnesota 96 (Al Jefferson 23 pts., 13 rebs., 10-19 FGs; Mike Miller 14 pts., 2 rebs., 5-10 FGs; Randy Foye 14 pts., 10 ast.)
Portland 108 (Brandon Roy 40 pts., 17-26 FGs; Travis Outlaw 13 pts., 5 rebs., 6-12 FGs; LaMarcus Aldridge 12 pts., 9 rebs.)


Correct option: Portland

:: Scores for November 7th & 8th, 2008 ::

1. nba_baller :: 10 points (5 guesses + 50% guesses right)
   Martti. :: 10 points (5 guesses + 50% guesses right)
2. Shabron :: 9 points (4 guesses + 50% guesses right)
3. DonDavido :: 8 points (3 guesses + 50% guesses right)
   XxCavaliers :: 8 points (3 guesses + 50% guesses right)
   ratrac :: 8 points (3 guesses + 50% guesses right)
4. Valor :: 2 points
   Sit :: 2 points
5. christian. :: 1 point

:: Leaderboard after November 8th, 2008 ::

Current points (points before + points today)

1. Valor :: 48 points (46 + 2)
2. ratrac :: 38 points (30 + 8)
3. Martti. :: 36 points (26 + 10)
4. Sit :: 33 points (31 + 2)
5. DonDavido :: 29 points (21 + 8)
6. Shabron :: 24 points (15 + 9)
7. XpLosibo :: 16 points (16 + 0)
8. magician :: 11 points (11 + 0)
   christian. :: 11 points (10 + 1)
9. nba_baller :: 10 points (0 + 10)
   mol :: 10 points (10 + 0)
10. XxCavaliers :: 8 points (0 + 8)
    buzzy :: 8 points (8 + 0)
11. IM2FLASHY_330 :: 6 points (6 + 0)
12. Asder :: 1 point (1 + 0)

[Christian.]

We are waiting for the prediction game result.

[kibaxx7]

We are waiting for the prediction game result.

There it is

[Christian.]

I only got a point.

[Valor]

lol i only got 2 points and i'm still leading everyone by at least 10 points
with regards to the cpu trades...i suggest just let the cpu do whatever they do. even thought some might be unrealistic, i prefer to let the game play out, but thats just me

[Martti.]

10 points, nice!

Some trades are a bit lopsided. Nice feature of course!

[XpLosibo]

u made a trade? hope its for the best of the team

[kibaxx7]

u made a trade? hope its for the best of the team

Lol no! It's like a Rumors section... none of this trades happened in the association,

[kibaxx7]

Dwight Howard has made the Orlando Magic an elite team in the league: Howard and the Magic look to close out a perfect five-game homestand Monday when they host the Portland Trail Blazers and stay undefeated. Orlando (6-0) opened the season by scoring 110 in a win against Atlanta but 87 points at Memphis, and has since averaged 111.6 points while winning the first four games of this homestand. Howard had 28 points and 16 rebounds in a 119-114 last minute victory over Washington on Saturday. The center shot 13-for-18 from the field and also had one blocked shot and two assists.

In his second season with Orlando, coach Stan Van Gundy said that "I've seen him have numbers like that before, but I'm not sure he's played a better game since I've been here. On top of being dominant physically, which he always is, he was just so patient. He wasn't forcing anything, just letting the game come to him. He looked like a more mature, professional guy down in the low post." Howard, who is averaging 21.8 points and a league-leading 14.8 rebounds, said his teammates are making it possible for him to put up the big numbers. "When those guys spread the floor, it just give me more room around the basket, allows me to do more things," Howard said. "It makes it easier for me when it's not so cluttered." On the other end of the floor, Orlando has held its opponents to only 93.2 points this season. "We're playing better on defense," forward Hedo Turkoglu said. "When we make mistakes, we don't hold our heads down anymore, we go on to the next play." Orlando will feature Rafer Alston at point guard, just like against the Wizards, product of Van Gundy's public criticism of Jameer Nelson; and for the first time this season, Courtney Lee at shooting guard, following his 22-point effort against Philadelphia, Mickael Pietrus being the 6th man.

While the Magic seek to complete an unblemished homestand, Portland (1-5) have dropped all three of their road games and two of their three contests at home - a pattern they'll seek to change as they open the first of three five-game road trips they'll take this season. They defeated Minnesota 108-96 at the Rose Garden on Saturday for their first win of the season after going 0-5, as Brandon Roy had 40 points in a 17-of-26 shooting night and LaMarcus Aldridge added 12 points and nine rebounds. "I'm not saying we're not comfortable on the road, but we're a lot more comfortable here at home," Blazers guard Steve Blake said. "Now we have to be professionals and go out on the road and get some wins." Injured center Shavlik Randolph (foot) will join the Blazers on the road trip, but it hasn't been decided whether he will play. He's been out since injuring himself during Portland's season opener, and was originally expected to miss two-to-three weeks.

Orlando has defeated Portland four straight times, including both meetings last season. The Blazers haven't won in Orlando since an 89-83 victory on Nov. 24, 2004.

:: Stats On The Glance ::


Portland Trail Blazers
Record: 1-5 (.167%)
Standings: 5th, Northwest; 13th, West
At Home: 1-2
On Road: 0-3
Last 10: 1-5
Streak: Won 1
PPG: 106.3 (13rd)
RPG: 39.0 (29th)
APG: 22.5 (15th)
FG%: .459% (11st)


Orlando Magic
Record: 6-0 (1.000%)
Standings: 1st, Southeast; 1st, East
At Home: 5-0
On Road: 1-0
Last 10: 6-0
Streak: Won 6
PPG: 108.0 (8th)
RPG: 41.7 (21st)
APG: 25.7 (2nd)
FG%: .551% (1st)

:: Starting Lineups ::

[kibaxx7]

Rules
Correct guess: 1 point.
If you guess at least 50% of the events: 5 extra points.
If you guess all the scenarios: 10 extra points.

:: November 9th, 2008 ::

• Who will have a better 3-point percentage?

Eddie House (This season 3PT%: .277%)
Tayshaun Prince (This season 3PT%: .307%)
Same percentage

• Who will have pull down less rebounds?

Ronny Turiaf (This season RPG: 3.6)
Bobby Jackson (This season RPG: 3.3)
Same rebounds

• Who will post a double-double?

Tracy McGrady (This season PPG: 23.3 / This season RPG: 5.9)
Trevor Ariza (This season PPG: 9.6 / This season RPG: 5.6)
Both
None

:: November 10th, 2008 ::

• Who will score less points?

Rudy Fernandez (This season PPG: 10.7)
Mickael Pietrus (This season PPG: 13.2)
Same points

• Who will dish more assists?

Marko Jaric (This season APG: 3.3)
Jason Richardson (This season APG: 3.7)
Same assists

• Who will win this game?

New Jersey (This season record: 3-2)
Miami (This season record: 2-4)

[Christian.]

Tayshaun Prince
Bobby Jackson
None
Rudy Fernandez
Jason Richardson
Miami

good luck

[Valor]

1. Tayshaun Prince
2. Bobby Jackson
3. None
4. Same Points
5. Jason Richardson
6. New Jersey Nets