Traina Thoughts: NBA playoffs odds; Eric Decker proud of 69th ranking; NES Classic gone; more
The best of the Internet, plus musings by SI.com writer, Jimmy Traina.
1. With the NBA playoffs getting underway this weekend, here are the odds, via 5Dimes.com, on which team will win it all.
Warriors -175
Cavaliers +410
Spurs +1050
Celtics +2500
Rockets +2750
Raptors +3800
Clippers +5200
Wizards +7000
Jazz +12000
Thunder +21000
Hawks +22000
Grizzlies +22500
Bucks +23500
Bulls +27500
Trail Blazers +28000
Pacers +31000
As you can see, the Warriors are a heavy favorite. Thanks to their rough stretch at the end of the season, you can now get nice value on the Cavaliers if you believe LeBron James can carry them to a title. One other notable prop bet that 5Dimes is offering will be of interest to any of you who don’t think the Cavaliers or Warriors will win the NBA championship.
Warriors or Cavaliers win NBA championship: -445
Field: +375
2. Dean Blandino, the NFL Senior VP of Officiating, is leaving his job with the league in May. The timing is interesting because Blandino was to have final say over all replay reviews during the upcoming season. As for Blandino’s next gig, it seems we have conflicting reports.
3. Jets wide receiver Eric Decker channeled his inner Gronk and had quite a response when he was alerted that his jersey ranked 69th in sales this past season.
4. Packers defensive back Ha Ha Clinton Dix doesn’t seem overly enthusiastic aboutthe Lions’ new uniforms, which were unveiled Thursday.
5. This young Marlins fan did all he could to rally his team during their extra innings game against the Mets Thursday night, but it was all for naught as Miami lost in 16 innings, 9-8.
6. Just months ago, Nintendo’s NES Classic Edition consolewas the hottest game on the market, selling out everywhere. Now, for some unknown reason, Nintendo Co. announced that it is discontinuing the game system.
7. Calling all NHL fans! SI.com’s Dan Gartlandhas ranked (and provided audio to) all 30 NHL goal horns.
8. University of Maryland alum, Scott Van Pelt, came through in a big way for a student who asked for a donation on Twitter to save the school’s radio station. The ESPN anchor decided to cover the entire cost (the student-run station was $1,255 short).
9. If you need a podcast to listen to this weekend,download Richard Deitsch’s latest offering. I’m on there discussing a whole bunch of sports media topics for more than an hour.
10: Only in New York. Watch two subway rats fight over what looks like a french fry.
11. THE DAILY ROCK: The Rock and Kurt Angle share a beverage and discuss pie.
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