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Houston Rockets: When Offense Is Your Only Defense

James Harden and the Houston Rockets rank 29th in the
league for defense, but 2nd for points. Photo credit NBA

by +Rodney Fisher

They say defense wins championships. The Rockets, however, have chosen to allow offense to win game in the regular season. After winning one out of four games the previous week, they bounce back win three out of four to improve their overall record to 7-4 by simply putting up huge numbers.

NBA: LeBron's 39 points, Heat's 19 steals, Too Much for Dallas To Overcome

by +FISHER ROYCE

LeBron's 39 points too much for Dallas Mavericks to
overcome. Heat win 110-104. Photo credit NBA

The Miami Heat defeated the Dallas Mavericks 110-104 to improve their "slow start" to a 6-3 record. Both teams were 5-3 entering the game.

The new and improved Mavs had only two players, Dirk Nowitzki and Shawn Marion, that remained from the 2011 championship team that won it on the same court in Game 6. The only team to beat the Heat in The Finals since LeBron James took his talents to South Beach.

The Weekly Muck: NFL Picks from the Black Lagoon Week 11

by Gene Henke (@Swampy_Swami)

RG3 and the Redskins take on the Vikings. Photo
credit NFL

What’s up my fellow football freaks? Long time no talk; at least that is what it feels like to the SwampMan. I apologize for The Weekly Muck not making it on the site last week due to technical difficulties. Furthermore, I apologize for it being late this week as well. It won’t happen again. Last week was another great one in the Swamp with the Panthers, Texans, and Ravens covering while the Packers and Chargers decided to be party poopers. The Charger pick missed by a half point, while the Packer’s backup QB’s backup was forced to take the reigns when the original backup was hurt early in the game. I hope your still with me after that sentence. So in a nutshell it was another solid 3-2 week for Swampy although none of this matters since it was not posted on the site for you to view. So that being said, I don’t know why I am even bringing it up. I apologize once again, and will just shut-up and dive on into this week’s Muck 5. First up:

NBA: Monta Ellis Key For Dallas To Beat Miami

by +Rodney Fisher

Monta Ellis warms up before game against Miami Heat.
Photo credit Rodney Fisher

The Dallas Mavericks are on the road tonight to face a familiar foe in the Miami Heat. Only a two players on the current roster have great memories of American Airlines Arena from Game 6 in 2011 when the Mavericks won their first championship title. The most important player tonight for the Mavs to pull off a rare road victory is a player with a more recent memory of facing the Heat in the playoffs. Monta Ellis, last year with the Milwaukee Bucks, was swept by the Heat in the first round in the 2013 playoffs. Tonight he will have to be the key for a win.

Business as usual for the San Antonio Spurs (8-1).
Photo credit NBA

by +Rodney Fisher

We have some movement on our NBA Power Rankings this week. This past week hurt more than helped most teams as we watched buzzer beaters and blowouts permeate the association. Will the Miami Heat remain in the top five? How good are the Houston Rockets? Let's get right to it...

NBA: 1-on-1 with Rising Star Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards

by Rodney Fisher

Bradley Beal off to great start this season, but will it
be enough. Photo credit USA Today

No second-year player in the NBA has started the season hotter than Washington Wizards' guard Bradley Beal. After being drafted third in the draft and ending his season early on April 3rd with only 56 games, he has improved in every statistical category this season. I had the chance to speak with the well versed 20-year old about his new start and how he handles the added pressure to perform big every night.

by Matt Silverston
from blog.sidelinesapp.com:

Hate it or love it, but the NBA hype machine fed experts misinformation this off-season. It’s important to identify fact versus fiction before things get out of hand. Myths regarding this year’s rookie of the year, the best free agent find in Texas and the top team in the East need to be busted.
Welcome to NBA Mythbusters folks.

Knicks are 2-4, bottom of Eastern Conference.
Photo credit NBA

by Rodney Fisher

Just when Knicks' fans thought the 2013-14 season could not start any worse, the Spurs come to town and blowout the team by 31 on their home court. Coach Mike Woodson called the loss "unacceptable".

Soon to be free agent Carmelo Anthony said, "We didn't compete today, and it showed out there on the court." Getting J.R. Smith back in the lineup apparently wasn't the answer. Now at 2-4 and tied for last in the Eastern Conference, just how bad are the New York Knicks?

Mavs get first road win over Bucks. Photo credit NBA

by Ace Feltman

The Dallas Mavericks season is nearly two weeks old and so far the newest collection of Mavs has tallied 4 wins to 3 losses. Of course, wins and losses dictate your fate and a 4-3 pace is certainly not one to be desired. But all things considered the Mavericks 2013-2014 season is off to an encouraging start, all things considered. Nine new faces and only four old ones that are rotation players (Dirk, Matrix, Vince, and Crowder) was a threat to overcome the talent the team possesses. Because chemistry can be your biggest weapon. (See: 2011 NBA Champions)

Houston Rockets now 4-3 after bad week. Photo
credit NBA

by Rodney Fisher

courtesy of Blitz Weekly

The week was setup perfectly for the Houston Rockets to show everyone, including themselves, how much of a Western Conference contender they really are. After losing the the Clippers twice and getting upset by the Lakers, the Rockets (4-3) search for answers to get back on track. Here are five questions they need to answer:

NBA: Power Rankings Top 10

by Rodney Fisher

Paul George leads his 5-0 Indiana Pacers.
Photo credit NBA

Time for our first NBA Power Ranking of the regular season. Sure it may be early, but there are some teams that have clearly proved their are ahead of the others. After five to six games we can now see how some free agency moves have helped or hurt teams. The impact of some young rookies will play a big role in this first Power Ranking. Let's get started...

by Rodney Fisher

On this edition of Inside the Locker Room we cover the Mavericks beating the Lakers 123-104. Interviews with Mike D'Antoni, Monta Ellis, Nick Young, and DeJuan Blair.

Monta Ellis scores 30 in blowout win over Lakers 123-104.
Photo credit CBS

by Rodney Fisher

The Los Angeles Lakers never had a chance, as the Dallas Mavericks led from start to finish in a blowout victory 123-104. The Mavs are now 3-0 at home this season, equaling their last season's 3-1 start.

NBA: Are the Philadelphia 76ers East Contenders?

by Rodney Fisher

76ers are tied for 1st place in the Eastern Conference at 3-0
Photo credit NBA

Just when we all thought the Philadelphia 76ers' season plans were all about gaining the number one draft pick they jump out the gate 3-0 and on top of the Atlantic Division. Their best start since the 2006-07 season. Last season they never won three games in a row at any time. After cutting Andrew Bynum and trading their only All-Star Jrue Holiday, are the 76ers better equipped now to be a true contender in the Eastern Conference?

NFL: Jay Ratliff signs with the Bears

by J.T. of Front Office News

Jay Ratliff gets a chance with the Chicago Bears.
Photo credit CBS

Jay Ratliff was recently released by the Dallas Cowboys. He was a staple to their defense when healthy but the last two years he has been injured.

The Chicago Bears signed the 4x Pro Bowl defensive tackle to an one year contract. This is a low risk high reward move if Ratliff can comeback at Pro Bowl form fine, if not they only have ties to him until the end of the year.

Seems like a win/win move for everyone involved, hopefully the 9 year veteran can get a run on clean health to show if he has anything left in the 32 year old tank.

Check me out at http://thefrontofficenews.com
-JT

NBA: Inside The Locker Room - Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks

by Rodney Fisher

Monta Ellis scores 32 in home opener. Photo credit NBA

Derek Jeter resigns with New York Yankees.
Photo credit MLB

by J.T. of Front Office News

The New York Yankees resigned their captain and living legend Derek Jeter to a 1 year deal worth 12 million dollars. Jeter had a player option for 9.5 million that he could've took advantage of but the Yankees took care of their living legend.

Seattle Chucky

by Gene Henke

Hello everyone and Happy Halloween! Last week the SwampMan only hit a disappointing two out of the five murky picks. Sorry about that everybody! The Dolphins blew a huge lead, the Lions decided to win in dramatic fashion and not cover, and the Jets well, they just got their butts handed to them. No excuses however, I’m just sayin! The good news is I am excited about this weekend’s games as I have a slimy bucket full of promising winners to share. I feel pretty strongly about these picks so please enjoy the thought process of my sludgy brain and take my insight into consideration. Without further ado here is this week’s Halloween edition of The Weekly Muck, it’s only treats over here baby!

Eddie Lacy great this week for fantasy lineup. Photo
credit NFL

by Michael Candiloro of Sipi Sports

Don't set your NFL Fantasy Football lineup without it!

RB Back 'em!

Eddie Lacy vs. Chicago Bears:
Lacy is getting his groove on in the stat sheets lately, scoring 56.20 combined fantasy points over the last four weeks. He should continue to thrive on Monday night against the Bears, who have surrendered more fantasy points to opposing running backs than any other team in the entire league since Week 5.

Seattle Seahawks. Photo credit NFL

by Christian Sipione of Sipi Sports

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Criticize me as you will, but I will not demote a side from the top of the power rankings after their 8th successive victory, dragging their record out to 8-0. When KC lose a game, then by strength of schedule so far they will be rightly dropped down a spot or a few, but until then, they are my number 1 team in the NFL.

Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle Live

Watch Rick Carlisle LIVE immediately after Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks season opener.

NBA: Breaking News - Gersson Rosas Resigns From Dallas Mavericks

by Rodney Fisher

Gersson Rosas resigns.
Photo credit NBA

One the first day of the new season, one day before the Dallas Mavericks start their campaign to return to the NBA playoffs, newly hired GM Gersson Rosas has officially resigned.

"I made the personal decision to resign as General Manager of the Dallas Mavericks after determining that the position was not the best fit for me at this point in my career,” said Rosas. “The decision was made solely by me, as I firmly believe this change is in my best interest.”

by Matt Silverston
via blog.sidelinesapp.com:

NBA Preseason Power Rankings are about as reliable as Wikipedia “facts.”

Read them over with a grain of salt because with only rosters, preseason stats and predictions to work with, NBA analysts are bound to make mistakes.

Harmless as they may be, three errors need to be corrected.

Lofty predictions for the Atlanta Hawks, an underestimation of the Orlando Magic and low expectations for the Cleveland Cavaliers are three examples of how the current NBA Power Rankings are far from perfect.

Here is a re-analysis of those three teams:

NBA: 2013-14 Eastern Conference Preview

by Ace Feltman (@MFFeLtman)

NBA: The New Age Houston Rockets

by Rodney Fisher

Courtesy of Blitz Weekly

How good are the Houston Rockets. Photo credit Rockets.com

The Houston Rockets have hashtagged their 2013-14 season the “A New Age”. A fitting description for a team that began their new plan a season ago with the additions of James Harden and Jeremy Lin. This season the Rockets will add the big man they have lauded for, Dwight Howard. The nostalgia of past Rockets’ teams with All-Star big men have the entire city of Houston buzzing. Can the team live up to lofty expectations?

NBA: Utah Jazz extend Favors

by J.T. of Front Office News

Derrick Favors will stay with the Utah Jazz.
Photo credit NBA

Derrick Favors was the key piece in the Deron Williams deal for the Jazz a few years back. Favors who hasn’t played lights out has shown potential. So, the Utah Jazz opened up the check book for 4 years at 49 million dollars with the possibility to earn a little over 50 million.

Andrew Bogut will stay with the Golden State
Warriors. Photo credit NBA

by J. T. of Front Office News

After they lost out on the Howard bidding war, this was a move that had to be made good or bad. Bogut when healthy is a legit contributor, its just a BIG when healthy.

The Golden State Warriors laced Andrew Bogut’s pockets with a 3 year 36 million dollar deal with the potential to reach over 42 million if healthy. Man it pays to be over 6’8”.

NBA: Houston Rockets - Inside The Locker Room

by Rodney Fisher

New Age Houston Rockets. Photo credit Houston Rockets

We go Inside The Locker Room with the Houston Rockets to get their thoughts on the upcoming season and their new team. Interviews include Jeremy Lin, Dwight Howard, and James Harden.

Ryan Tennehill and the Miami Dolphins play the Patriots.
Photo credit NFL

by Gene Henke

Hello everyone and welcome to another addition of the Weekly Muck. It was a rough outing in the Swamp last Sunday and the SwampMan is looking for revenge! I want to apologize for providing you with a bunch of losers last weekend and promise to get back on track this time around. The only team to prevail out of my picks was the Jets, go figure! It was probably the least likely one to do so but that is the NFL for ya! It is where odd things happen. Teams that are supposed to win don’t and ones that aren’t supposed to, do. Write that down. That being said this week I have a bucket full of slimy winners for ya, so let’s waste no more time and dive headfirst into the Muck:

Robert Griffin III, back'em or bench'em? Photo credit NFL

by Michael Candiloro of Sipi Sports

Before you set for NFL fantasy football lineup, check with guys from Sipi Sports. It could be the difference to win big, or lose big.

NBA moves to new Finals format. Photo credit NBA

by J.T. of Front Office News

Welp during the finals I wrote a piece talking about the 2-3-2 format being a disadvantage for the teams with home court advantage. It almost came to a head game 6 when the Heat were down 3-2 on the brink of the defeat at home in Game 6. Who knows if they are in that position if the format is the same as it has been all playoffs?

NFL: Power Rankings Week 8

by Christian Sipione of Sipi Sports

Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs are ranked #1. Photo credit NFL

NBA: Can the Heat Three-Peat?

by Rodney Fisher

Can the Miami Heat win three in a row?
Photo credit Miami Heat

The Miami Heat will start the new NBA season with the chance to place themselves among the best-of-the-best squads every assembled to play the game of basketball. Not since the Los Angeles Lakers of 2009-10 has a team been in position to three-peat as champions. With all the roster movement in the Eastern Conference, and the return of MVP caliber players, can the Miami Heat win three in a row?

NBA: 2013-14 Western Conference Preview

by Ace Feltman

2013-14 NBA Western Conference Preview. Photo credit NBA

I love Holidays. I think they bring out buried feelings of joy and happiness in people that don’t often get to see the light of day anymore. Folks are happier, kids are giddier, and teens are pressing their folks for gifts, even on Mother’s and Father’s Day. But my favorite holiday of them all is Halloween. And it has absolutely nothing to do with costumes and or candy but rather the date on the calendar it represents. October 31st signifies the start of the basketball regular season! Either your team has one game under it's belt, or is preparing for game one or is glorifying a local television broadcast with fun Halloween graphics heading into and out of commercials.

The 2013-2014 NBA season kicks off two days in advance of trick-or-treating with national broadcasts coming on October 29th put October in the rearview and gear up for the season ahead. My annual basketball previews

The Weekly Muck: NFL Picks from the Black Lagoon Week 7

by Gene Henke

NFL Picks for Week 7. Photo credit NFL

In the words of one of my all-time favorite movie characters; Wooderson (Dazed and Confused), “alriiiighttt, alriiiiiiighttt.” The Swampman is off to a great start bringing you his NFL picks outta the Muck delivering four out of five winners last weekend. I did say that I would earn your trust in no time! For those of you who are reading The Muck for the first time, welcome! Just to reiterate, Swampthing gives you his top five NFL picks every week in addition to his reasoning why. Yes, I am talking in the third person. The Swampthing likes it. Last week I supplied you with a bucket full of five slimy spoilers and while 4 of them covered, three of them won outright! That’s what Swampy is talking about baby! This week I have three slimy spoliers as well as two small favorites in store for ya. The SwampKing is looking forward to providing you with some unique perspective on NFL matchups. This is just to look at things maybe a little differently than you may have at first. Think of it as a friendly insight to consider before making your big picks this week. That’s what I’m here for, afterall the Swampy loves you baby! Remember that and write it down! Enjoy friends:

NFL: The Matt Flynn Effect

by J.T.

Matt Flynn starts over again, this time
with the Buffalo Bills. Photo credit NFL

Matt Flynn was released this week by the Oakland Raiders. This comes as a surprise being that the Raiders traded for the Quarterback this off season with plans of him being the starting QB. It seems harsh, but don’t be sad for Matt because his pockets have been laced salute to him for that.

Andrew Luck is 3-0 against West
Coast teams. Photo credit NFL

by Rodney Fisher

This Monday Night Football game will mark the debut of the 2012 #1 pick Andrew Luck to the historic platform. It will also be the debut of both head coaches head-to-head. The Indianapolis Colts take the trip out west to face the San Diego Chargers with an impressive 4-1 record. The Chargers started out well behind the play of a resurgent Phillip Rivers, but ran into some obstacles last week against their division rival Oakland Raiders.

Vince Young says he is ready when the
Texans call.

by Rodney Fisher

Things turned from bad to worse for the Houston Texans. They lost a fourth straight game to the St. Louis Rams 38-13, and it wasn't even that close. The Rams led 38-6 after three quarters. Fans in Reliant Stadium cheered when Matt Schaub left injured and backup T.J. Yates entered the game. He later threw the one play the Texans have mastered this season. The pick-six.

Other fans took to social media to voice their opinions.

Deion Sanders reportedly removed from Prime
Prep Academy. Photo credit NFL

From my own experience, Deion has always looked out for the kids first and foremost.

There will be more to follow with this story...

NBA: 5 Things Learned From Watching Los Angeles Lakers vs Sacramento Kings

by Rodney Fisher

DeMarcus Cousins and Paul Gasol will start their NBA
season in much different situations. Photo credit NBA

While Kobe Bryant is trying every miracle of medicine to get back on the court as soon as possible, his teammates will start the season with pretty low expectations. The Kings, on the other hand, have much higher expectations with a secured building block player and a new ownership to help direct the project. A few realizations came to mind watching both teams play in Las Vegas, of all places, at the MGM, since both teams are gambling this season anyway.

Can the Steelers get their first win of the season? Photo credit NFL

by Gene Henke

Greetings my little explorers! It is a pleasure to meet you all and welcome you to the swamp where your favorite slimy creature lurks in the sludge. Please allow me to first formally introduce myself; my name is Gene Henke Jr. and I am an NFL enthusiast, analyst, writer, and blogger. I go by the codename: Swampthing. Strange, yes I know. I will explain this as well; I got my start a couple seasons ago during the North Jersey floods when I started posting my thoughts and opinions on NFL forums under that name for fun. Long story short, it is my passion and a hobby of mine which I thoroughly enjoy doing.
Swampthing’s point of view took off a bit and here I am.

Each week RFSports has been kind enough to allow me to come on here and bring you my top picks for the week as well as my reasoning behind them. In no time I will earn your trust and become your favorite swampy pal and somebody whom you can come to for advice on NFL selections every week. I will be summarizing my top five picks. They will consist of four of my favorite plays as well as a Bonus 5th.I have quite the bucket full of slimy spoilers as my selections are all in fact underdogs. Who doesn’t love some good doggies?! The SwampMan surely does, and this week they are barking! Without further ado, I bring to you Swampthing’s Muck of the Week! Enjoy.

NBA: Rebuilding Boston Celtics Win Huge Commitment from Rajon Rondo

by Mattman

Rajon Rondo's commitment to the Boston Celtics' future could be the biggest offseason development that no one talked about. Just like Houston scored with Dwight Howard and Golden State made a splash with Andre Iguodala, the rebuilding Boston Celtics won big with Rondo's enthusiasm about their future.

NBA: Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans - Inside the Locker Room

by Rodney Fisher

Dallas Mavericks 92, New Orleans Pelicans 94. Photo Courtesy of Mavs.com

Video after Jump

Josh Freeman joins the Minnesota Vikings.
Photo credit NFL

by J.T.

The past few weeks have been a rollercoaster ride for Josh Freeman. Freeman went from being the Buccaneers starting QB to inactive then released within 2 weeks. The breakup with the Bucs seemed to be very nasty, they leaked confidential information and personal emails. Even with today's state of social media I've never seen a team go this low to black ball a player they once drafted to be their franchise QB, I know this regime wasn't the ones to draft him but still.

NFL: Monday Night Football Preview - New York Jets vs Atlanta Falcons

by Rodney Fisher

Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons (1-3) take on the
New York Jets (2-2). Photo credit NFL

The New York Jets (2-2) fly south to the Georgia Dome to try and ground the Atlanta Falcons (1-3). The Jets come off a blow-out loss to the Tennessee Titans. The Falcons will try to enter their bye week without losing two straight at home.

NBA: Dirk Nowitzki Talks Upcoming 2013-14 Season With Dallas Mavericks

by Rodney Fisher

Dirk Nowitzki at Mavs Media Day. Photo credit Rodney Fisher

Dirk Nowitzki shares his thoughts on the upcoming NBA season and his new teammates in Dallas.

Derrick Rose returns to the NBA. Photo credit Adidas

by Rodney Fisher

Everyone knows how much of a basketball fan I am and I know it may be only the second game of the preseason, but watching this game only made me more anxious for the 2012-13 season to start. The Indiana Pacers challenged the Miami Heat for the Eastern Conference, while the Chicago Bulls minus Derrick Rose could not overcome injuries and illness. Like that one song, by that one guy, times are changing.

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