Dallas 105 Phoenix 98

The Mavericks have impressed me lately. Coming back from a severely sprained ankle is a testament to Dirk's toughness. I can't believe I just wrote that but Nowitzki is playing like a soldier and the tentativeness that has been a hallmark of the Mavericks is gone. Jason Kidd and Dirk will be a tough out in the playoffs. They're playing with a chip on their shoulder.

The Cavs are 4-6 over their last 10

It's no secret that I believe Cleveland's appearance in the NBA Finals last season was a fluke. I thought they would come back to reality this season but I didn't expect this. The Cavs are in trouble. Their offense has always been out-of-sorts but it's their defensive lapses that have hurt them recently. The Bobcats put up 114 on them last week. LeBron has been bothered by back spasms. Not a good sign. I would LOVE to see Cleveland and Washington in the first round.

Sources: NBA, NCAA hope to impose new age limit rule

I see what the NBA is trying to do here. Having the NCAA market up-and-coming players for free for one season isn't enough for David Stern. He'd rather use the free farm system for two years. I'm not in favor of ANY age limit rule. It all boils down to this for me, if you're old enough to fight and die for your country, you should be able to pursue any career path you choose.

I've NEVER seen any evidence to support the presumably held belief that college helps NBA players. I know, I know, college helps young kids learn valuable life lessons and better prepares them for a future after basketball.  Where's the proof?

Anyone else notice that three of the four MVP candidates (Kobe, LeBron, Kevin Garnett) this season were drafted straight out of high school?

Seattle 151 Denver 147

The Nuggets don't deserve to make the playoffs after losing back-to-back games to the Kings and Sonics.

The New Orleans Hornets are still in 1st place

Mike Kahn wrote a very good blog on the Hornets today, entitled Why the Hornets will be written off soon. New Orleans has played great this season and Chris Paul would be a great choice for MVP. Still, I don't see them getting out of the first round. They are like Kahn wrote, too inexperienced. I'll take the Mavs, Nuggets, or Warriors over them in 7.

Tonight's NCAA Final

I'll take Memphis. I'm really impressed with Derrick Rose. I think he would make an excellent backcourt mate to Dwyane Wade in Miami. I wouldn't mind seeing him in New York either.

Who do you have tonight?

Dick Vitale is inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame

If Dickey V is in, Tex Winter, the architect of the triangle offense that has won 9 NBA championships over the past 20 years, better get in too.