Ten Thoughts about American Sports
1. Orlando Magic are awful. A third quarter 41 help them edge the Sixers but it was two bad losses before that and the Sixers are bad. It is early but the 3 point percentage of Aaron Gordon is reason to be excited. But, the team make up is not good. Elfrid Payton is not good enough to start. Frank Vogel is a magician but this team needs help.
2. Who is most likely to continue being a statistical marvel: Anthony Davis, James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Russell looks like he can actually average 35 points a game and at least 8 rebounds. The triple double could well be on. James Harden also looks like comfortably going over 30 points and 8 assists. The Pelicans are relying on Davis to scot and if this continues all season he should also get 25 and 12 every game.
3. Ray Allen is finally retired. That shot will forever be his legacy. It was a spectacular sporting moment with what ifs and time seemed to slow down. If Steph Curry and Klay Thompson had not appeared in the league so soon after him then he would be even more respected. If he was around now he would be someone that everyone tries to build around. It did not work for Seattle but you feel that the league has changed in a way to benefit his type of game. For me he is just outside the top 50 players of all time.
4. Jamaal Charles on IR does not mean the Chiefs cannot make the playoffs. They still should be considered likely to. However, it means they no longer have the upside to do damage in the playoffs.
5. That division should be the best in the league next season if it is not already. Kansas will have Justin Houston back and can actively replace Charles. None of the teams lose a huge free agent. Perhaps the biggest is Melvin Ingram for the Chargers but he should be resigned and they also got a full Joey Bosa season and Keenan Allen healthy. The Raiders will see internal improvement
6. The Pats have to be strong favourites for the Super Bowl. I see them seeded one at the moment ahead of Denver, Pittsburgh, Houston, Oakland and Kansas. Oakland surprises Houston and Pittsburgh beat Denver. In the AFC the seeds go Cowboys, Seattle, Vikings, Atlanta, Eagles and Packers. The Packers shock Vikings and the Cowboys but Seattle have too much for them. Pats v Seattle 2
7. Everyone declared the Predators as winners of the Subban/Weber trade far too early. It is also too early to declare them losers. But the Canadians have definitely improved led by Weber. The Canadians were brilliant to start last season and it tailed off pretty quickly so be wary. Also Subban is a super player and the Predators were everyone's sneaky pick to be really good! Do not count them out yet
8. NHL Playoff Predictions: Atlantic Division (Montreal, Tampa Bay, Detroit) Metropolitan Division (Penguins, Capitals, Rangers) East Wild Cards (New Jersey and Columbus) Central Division (Chicago, Minnesota, St Louis) Pacific Division (San Jose, Edmonton, Anaheim) West Wild Cards (Nashville and Los Angeles)
9. If you believe in momentum then the Cubs have to be strong favourites. Kluber on his second lot of short rest is unlikely to be as effective. He is stronger than Hendricks though. They also may have a test advantage in terms of the closers. I just think they needed to keep the Cubs quiet. Bryant, Rizzo, Zovirax and Russell must be in a good place after yesterday and that seals it for me. Cubs 5-2 to win the World Series
10. The MVP race is a tight one. Corey Kluber (30%) will likely win it if Cleveland are the champions. He is 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA which could improve tonight. Francisco Lindor (2%) is another Indians contender who probably needs Kluber to struggle and hit at least one home run. Andrew Miller (5%) or Cody Allen (3%) with a few winning innings tonight could also seal it. Jake Arrieta (20%) is the likely Cubs pitcher in with a chance. He struck out 15 in just over 11 innings and has indicated he could play as a closer tonight. Part of the reason he could play is Aroldis Chapman (5%) has worked more than usual. As often he has impressed but no game seven moment could work against him. Rizzo (18%), Bryant (10%), Zobrist (4%) and Russell (3%) all have chances with an impressive performance but the early slump counts against them.
