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Does Serge Ibaka Trade Get Magic into NBA Playoffs?

Sports News & Picks

Teams often do desperate things in an attempt to make a run at the playoffs. The Orlando Magic did one such thing during the 2016 NBA Draft on Thursday night, and it just might pay off.

Per reports, the team swung a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder for power forward Serge Ibaka. To land the defensive-minded big man, Orlando gave up Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and 11th overall pick, Domantas Sabonis.

Why Ibaka Makes Sense

The knee-jerk reaction here was that the Magic were jam-packed with talent and for the second straight year, the team has managed to trade away a top young talent. Last year the team gave up Tobias Harris for two veteran players – one of which was Ilyasova and the other a departing Brandon Jennings. Now they ship off Oladipo, who was one of the team’s best pure scorers, could handle the ball well and knew how to attack the rim.

Needless to say, at least on paper, it looked like Orlando was taking a hit offensively. Losing the 11th pick can’t help, either.

Again, this was the knee-jerk, on paper reaction. And it’s probably the wrong one.

The reality is, Oladipo wasn’t getting Orlando to the playoffs before this trade, and unless the Magic found a way to improve defensively, he wasn’t going to be the difference-maker going forward, either. There is no denying Oladipo’s youth, talent and upside. However, the Magic are loaded with guard talent and probably didn’t mind Evan Fournier stepping into a full-time position. Fournier isn’t the defender or penetrator Oladipo is, but he’s more in control and is the superior (and more consistent) shooter. In an even more expanded role, it’s possible he really takes off.

But the big deal here is Ibaka, who was seemingly more and more out of place with the Thunder, and was a threat to walk after the 2016-17 season, which is a contract year. He could still do that in Orlando, too, but now he knows the Magic want him and they have big plans for him.

For one, Ibaka may be utilized more offensively than he ever has before. He was third in line at best in OKC, but now he could be more of a focal point of the offense, or at least benefit from Orlando’s system.

It’s his defensive presence that got him traded, though, as new head coach Frank Vogel plans to turn the Magic around on that end of the court and needed an enforced to do just that. Ibaka fits the bill, as even with the NBA stretching things out at his position, he was still able to manage 1.9 blocks per game. As solid as that number is, it’s a steep decline from Ibaka’s past results (2.4 blocks or more in each of last five seasons).

One good way to offset that is for Orlando to go small at time and use Ibaka at the five, where Ibaka could impact Orlando’s poor defense via good paint defense, shot-blocking and rebounding. Just 26 years old, Ibaka could be a great long-term acquisition if the team can convince him to re-sign. At the worst, he’s a fantastic defensive addition for a team that simply didn’t have many bright spots on that end of the court.

OKC Wins, Too

With Ibaka’s contract expiring after this season, Kevin Durant hitting free agency now and Russell Westbrook going into free agency next year, OKC knew they had to start making some difficult decisions. The acquisition of three players for one slated to either leave or get over-paid was a great move, especially since they all play specific roles. Sabonis doesn’t do anything sexy and isn’t explosive, but he’s a fine young two-way talent that has a decent face up game and can already rebound. Once he gets stronger, he should be able to hone his post game and become a solid defender, as well.

Ilyasova is a solid veteran throw-in that can also play the four, but the real key to this trade is OKC finally gets that third offensive impact player they’ve lacked ever since James Harden went to Houston. If KD stays, they improve their offense and still have enough pieces that the loss of Ibaka won’t be felt as much on the defensive end. If KD goes, they added a second scorer and ball handler next to Westbrook and the Thunder can begin to rebuild without their other superstar.

Enes Kanter’s emergence as a solid defender in the playoffs made this deal even more possible, as well. Kanter has improved in his effort and timing defensively, and we know how good he is offensively already. Locked up to a long-term deal, he makes sense as a bigger piece of the puzzle going forward for the Thunder and it’s not crazy to think he could see a lot more time at the four. His rise on defense will have to be more than a burst and sustainable for that to work out, but the Thunder arguably come out as big winners in this deal.

Magic Prediction

As bad as this may have looked initially, this is actually a good trade for a team that won 35 games a year ago. The Magic were already making mild progress, then they upgraded at head coach and now landed a veteran power forward who knows how to win and won’t slack on defense. Ibaka alone won’t bring the Magic a title. Elfrid Payton still needs to find a way to keep defenses honest by improving his jumper, Nikola Vucevic either needs to defend better or get traded and the other Magic guards need to make up for the loss of Dipo.

Orlando was already close to the playoffs last year, though, and inconsistency on defense was a big reason they couldn’t make it in. If they can add 1-2 solid free agents this summer, they could put the finishing touches on a successful transformation that ends with them back in the playoffs for the first time since Dwight Howard left town.

2016 NBA Draft: 7 Players That Could Get Traded on Thursday Night

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The 2016 NBA Draft is finally here. At some point after 7:00 pm ET, Ben Simmons will be taken first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. Almost certainly, Brandon Ingram will follow to the Los Angeles Lakers and at the three spot, the Boston Celtics will either select Kris Dunn or get the party started with a trade.

Whether Boston pulls the trigger on a trade or not, that third pick is where the fun truly starts, as it’s the first pick in this year’s draft with any true uncertainty surrounding it. That gives the Celtics serious power, as they can upgrade at point guard via Dunn, go for long-term upside in Dragan Bender or sell their pick to the highest bidder.

Trade rumors have already started swirling, but as the draft creeps closer, they’ll only intensify. It hasn’t been all smoke to this point, either, as just yesterday we saw two massive deals that saw big names such as Derrick Rose, Jeff Teague, George Hill and Robin Lopez switch teams. There’s no guarantee as to who will get dealt during the draft tonight, but the odds certainly increase with teams jockeying for position and thinking ahead to free agency and next season.

With that, let’s countdown the remaining hours by taking a look at the biggest names that could be traded tonight:

Isaiah Thomas, PG, Boston Celtics

Thomas is a good place to start, as his team is looking at a ton of different scenarios with the #3 overall pick tonight. Drafting point guard Kris Dunn is the one that could send IT2 out of town, because his role would then likely be reduced to a bench scorer.

Thomas is a fantastic outside shooter and pure scorer, but he’s not a great defender, not a traditional point guard and he’s pretty small. He’s also still an asset, so if Boston finds a legit point guard, they could then look to move Thomas, who unlike guys like Marcus Smart or Avery Bradley, can’t really play the two due to his size and isn’t half the defender.

Bledsoe/Knight, PG, Phoenix Suns

The Suns have a new regime and a new head coach and will aim to enter next year with a clear vision of the team they want to be. With a young, budding star guard in place in Devin Booker and Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe both dealing with injuries last year, it’s possible one or both are suddenly expendable.

Per reports, the Suns are reaching out to get feelers on both of their star guards, and it’s possible they deal both of them on draft night. Knight and Bledsoe both are exceptional athletes with versatile games and loads of upside, but neither could stay healthy last year and it’s still arguable that they’re both more combo guard than true point guard.

Ricky Rubio, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves

Seemingly always the subject of trade rumors, it’s becoming very possibly that Rubio is finally dealt tonight. Not only do the Wolves have guard help behind him in Zach Lavine and Tyus Jones, but they also could easily grab a successor in the draft.

Rubio is a great passer and can defend, but he has never really realized his potential and has always been a poor shooter. Shaky health has also hurt his upside and it looks like Minnesota may be ready to move on. He could have numerous takers out on the open market,

Trevor Ariza, SF, Houston Rockets

Houston is shopping just about everyone that isn’t named James Harden, as they’re putting together a new system and aren’t going to be shy about piecing together a brand new roster. Ariza is probably their best trade chip with Dwight Howard already opting out, as he can hit the outside shot and provides excellent defense and hustle.

Numerous teams could see Ariza as a good get, but he’s not alone, as point guard Patrick Beverley is also in the mix to be dealt. Contending teams make some sense for either player.

Nerlens Noel, PF, Phidelphia 76ers

The Sixers have a ton of big bodies on their roster and, while they value Noel’s defendive presence and overall upside, they may be forced to deal him to get where they want to be. Rumor has it that the team wants a legit point guard prospect, and the best way to do that in tonight’s draft is to give up a big man in return for Boston’s #3 pick.

The Celtics have thus far refrained from giving in, but it does sound like they like the idea of landing Noel, as opposed to taking on a project. The power lies in Boston’s hands, who can get a point guard upgrade or get a sure-fire defensive presence in Noel.

Jahlil Okafor, C, Philadelphia 76ers

Okafor proved as a rookie that he can score the rock, but he does not rebound well for his size, is a poor defender and due to being so young, has flashed serious personality and maturity red flags. It’s possible Okafor matures in the near future, but another dilemma Philly is faced with is a major log-jam at power forward and center.

Ben Simmons is going to be the #1 pick and probably will play a lot at the four spot, while Okafor, Noel and Joel Embiid are all ideally centers and only Noel can really play the four. In an ideal world, the Sixers start Simmons at the four, bring Embiid along slowly and have Noel start at the five. Noel is a far superior defender and with Simmons at the four, they wouldn’t need to force Okafor out of position. Instead, they could trade him.

The problem so far is Okafor does not have amazing trade value due to those very shortcomings. However, the Boston Celtics are one team that has been touching base with Philly. The Los Angeles Lakers are another team that could potentially look at Okafor, as well.

Boxing Fans Get Epic Canelo vs. GGG Bout in 2017

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The fight boxing fans covet is finally going to happen. Unlike the Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. megafight that may or may not happen, a fight boxing fans have been pining for years officially is. Boxing fans can start planning for Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin, a showdown expected to arrive at some point in 2017.

Canelo vs. GGG

The fight pits two of the best active boxers against each other at what is slated to be a 160-pound fight next year. When exactly the fight would happen or where remains to be determined, but sources say it will come next fall.

This will without a doubt by the most-hyped pro boxing bout since Mayweather took on Manny Pacquiao, and considering many don’t believe either A) McGregor can actually handle an elite boxer or B) the fight will ever happen, there’s little doubt this freshly announced match will take center stage in the boxing realm. Of course, as important as the actual fight is, most will wonder who will actually walk away the winner.

Matchup Breakdown

Both fighters are certainly at the top of their respective games, with Gennady Golovkin riding a 22-fight knockout streak and holding two middleweight belts. Canelo is arguably seen as the premiere boxer at the moment, aside from maybe a retired and aging Mayweather, and is the linear middleweight champ.

GGG is the more experienced of the two, as he’d enter the fight at the ripe age of 35. To this point, he’s never lost a pro boxing match and supposing he doesn’t fight again before the mammoth-sized clash, he’d face Canelo with an unblemished 35-0 record with 32 wins by knockout. Should Canelo escape victorious or avoid a knockout, it’d be just the first time in 22 straight bouts a GGG opponent managed to do so.

As impressive as Golovkin has been, his career is closer to winding down and Canelo Alvarez’s is really just getting started. It’s beyond impressive how far Canelo has come so quickly, as at just 25 years old he’s completed 49 pro fights and managed an elite 47-1-1 record. Unlike GGG, Canelo has tasted the sting of defeat in his young career and he’s also had a draw, but he actually has more knockouts (33) and is arguably just as battled tested, despite being nine years younger.

Canelo vs. GGG Odds and Prediction

Not many sites are posting official Canelo vs. Govolkin odds yet because the news is fresh and we don’t know when this fight is happening for sure. In fact, a lot can change in an entire year, as Canelo is scheduled to fight this September and could have two more bouts ahead of him before he’d face GGG. Govolkin could have several matches before this fight happens, as well.

Momentum and experience tends to weigh in GGG’s favor. He hasn’t lost ever in his career and he’s been quite dominant. Without actual odds to work with, our initial instinct is to favor the seasoned GGG, but ever so slightly. We’d be bracing for a slugfest that probably ends up being a Decision.

2016 NBA Draft: 4 Underrated Prospects That Could End up Being Stars

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The 2016 NBA Draft arrives in two days and we already know who the Philadelphia 76ers are taking with the first overall pick. The team has let LSU prospect Ben Simmons know that he’s the main man at the top spot, eliminating any uncertainty as we count down to that first selection.

Starting at the two spot, however, things could get a bit crazy.

Okay, that’s probably not true, either, as the Los Angeles Lakers are borderline locks to take Duke star forward, Brandon Ingram.

That is, of course, if recent Lakers trade rumors aren’t true and they don’t trade star point guard, that #2 overall pick and/or someone else before the draft starts.

Craziness Ensues

Regardless, the real insanity should start at the third overall pick, where the Boston Celtics reside and may have to decide between trading their pick or taking the next best player on their draft board. As the draft trickles down out of the lottery, things could get even crazier as team’s scouting could clash with some of the top media and draft pundits that think they know how teams plan on drafting.

Needless to say, prospects seen as round two talents could sneak into round one, or foreign players we’ve never heard of could hear their name called, as well. Who is most likely to be part of that group? We’ll touch on a few as we take a look at the top prospects that could sneak into the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft and maybe even be stars:

Kahlil Felder, PG, Oakland

Felder might be the most amount of fun we’ll find in round two if he stays there, as he does lack size for the next level. He’s got everything else you want in an NBA point guard, however, as he can set teammates up, he has a nice handle, he can run an offense, he gets in the passing lanes defensively and he has absolutely no problem scoring the ball.

With smaller point guards like Isaiah Thomas breaking the mold in recent years, there is a place for small guards who can flat out ball. Felder is one of them and even though he faced weak competition, is small and may have efficiency issues, the talent speaks for itself.

Ben Bentil, PF, Providence

A lack of true size at the NBA four spot seems to be holding Ben Bentil back, but NBA fans could otherwise be looking at a star in the making. Bentil’s lack of size likely has him landing in the second round on Thursday night, but if teams are smart, someone will pluck him off the draft board late in round one.

Bentil is still plenty big and physical enough, while he’s exhibited balanced scoring ability, nice toughness and physicality. Bentil lacks high end athleticism and isn’t the greatest defender, but he still has the upside of a strong two-way player that could grow into the role of a third scorer on his NBA team.

Tyler Ulis, PG, Kentucky

Remember those exciting smaller point guards that are becoming all the rage? Ulis is another reason why, as he blends excellent court vision, passing, ball handling, control and scoring ability together to give his future NBA team a talented scoring guard with loads of upside.

The lack of size is undeniable for Ulis, but he does everything you could possibly ask from him offensively. From running an offense, to finding open shooters, to body control and slicing through defenses, Ulis not only creates matchup problems on the fly, but knows when and when not to attack. Consistency is key for Ulis going forward, as he has all the tools to offset his size at the next level, but will need to be a little more efficient and perfect his mid-range and outside jumper. Even with some work ahead of him, though, he’s arguably a first round talent and an absolute steal if he sticks in round two.

Thon Maker, C, Australia

If you haven’t heard of Maker yet, give it another two days. He’s going to be all over draft day television and it’s starting to look borderline impossible for him to last beyond the first 30 draft picks. Originally a second round pick due to his raw ability, the flat out measureables and upside for the kid are simply too great for NBA GMs to ignore this Thursday night.

Maker looks to be a poor man’s Kevin Garnett from a physical and skill-set perspective, as he’s a rangy big man with terrific length, athleticism and scoring ability. There is clearly an argument for him to add strength and it’s obvious he’s raw, but there isn’t a ceiling here. Some even speculate he may be the top overall talent in this draft, yet he could be drafted well beyond the likes of Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram simply due to a lack of hype or a big stage. Don’t be shocked if he even sneaks into the lottery.

2017 NBA Finals Odds: Early Look at Cavaliers Chances to Repeat

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The Cleveland Cavaliers just got done wrapping up an improbable three-game run on Sunday night that earned them their first ever NBA title. The Golden State Warriors appeared to have the 2016 NBA Finals in the bag with a 3-1 series lead, but they choked down the stretch, allowing the Cavs to make history as the first team to come back from such a deficit in the Finals.

LeBron James was playing in his sixth straight (seventh overall) Finals series and pushed Cleveland to it’s first ever NBA championship and the city’s first sports title of any kind in 52 years. James added to his own growing legacy during the process, nabbing his third ever ring and taking first place in the Finals in all of the major statistical categories.

Needless to say, Cleveland should be riding high with confidence and should be looked at as a major threat to win again during the 2016-17 NBA season. The Cavs have now made it to back to back Finals and with a very weak Eastern Conference, there isn’t much logic supporting someone else making it ahead of them. In fact, the only thing that could stop the Cavs from at least reaching next year’s title series would be severe injury or LeBron James opting out and going to play elsewhere.

2017 NBA Finals Odds – Favorites

With that not being overly likely, it’s fitting to have the Cavs as a top threat. Let’s see where they lineup with the early 2017 NBA Finals odds out, per Bovada:

  • Warriors +200
  • Cavaliers +225
  • Spurs +750
  • Thunder +850

It’s not easy to repeat as champions, and there is a strong argument for Golden State coming back for blood next year. It was also arguable that the Cavs willed their way to their first ever title, even though they should have lost the series.

Golden State was probably the better overall team, but did not come to play down the stretch. Naturally, Vegas likes the Dubs slightly more, but this is pretty much an even bet. Neither the Cavs or Warriors offer much of a payout, but given how weak the Eastern Conference is and how good the Dubs are, this is very likely the matchup we’re looking at for the third year in a row.

That being said, San Antonio can probably talk Tim Duncan and their other aging veterans into one last title run, while Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge might be able to fuel a run on their own, regardless. OKC also got to the Western Conference Finals and pushed the Dubs to the limit, getting within one win over the NBA Finals. Provided Kevin Durant doesn’t jump ship this summer, the Thunder could close the gap next year.

Of this four-pack, the Thunder offer the funnest bet and are probably the best place to put your money if you’re looking for a good combination of odds and upside.

2017 NBA Finals Sleepers

  • Clippers +2000
  • Celtics +2500
  • Raptors +2500
  • Heat +3300
  • Rockets +5000

Defining a sleeper can be difficult, but odds aside, we’re looking at five teams here that have reasonable logic supporting a potential title run. Los Angeles wasn’t healthy last year and still won over 50 games and almost escaped round one. They’ll be back and probably will be as good as ever. If they can add the right depth pieces, they might be a legit threat.

Boston would be a good bet if they had better odds to play with, but as they stand, they’re still just a deep team that is well-coached. They lack an impact player that can put them over the top, and even if they get one, it’s tough to imagine it will be enough to get past the Cavs.

The story is fairly similar for Toronto, who were the only Eastern Conference team to beat the Cavs at all in these playoffs and did manage to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The problem with the Raptors is they really struggled to even get that far and when it mattered most, they shrunk against a better Cleveland squad. They probably need one more impact player to take the next step, while power forward is a real problem for them. They got close to the Finals, though, so they could be sporting odds worth rolling with.

Miami might be the better bet, though, especially if Chris Bosh returns and the Heat can continue improving. They still have good guard play and solid depth, and if center Hassan Whiteside doesn’t flee this summer, they’ll have the size and defense to battle with anyone in their conference. They’re still not a lock to be better than the Cavs, but keeping continuity could push them to the #2 seed if all goes well.

One other interesting sleeper could be the Rockets, who could be even more dangerous offensively with Mike D’Antoni running the show. James Harden is still one of the best scorers in the league and if Dwight Howard stays, Houston still has a deadly one-two punch. They probably need to make big changes to take a positive step forward, but it’s worth noting that they got to the Western Conference Finals just last year.

Fun Bets

  • Timberwolves +7500
  • Pacers +7500
  • Wizards +7500
  • Jazz +10000
  • Magic +12500

It’s always fun to take a look at the teams with really bad NBA Finals odds and ponder whether or not they could accomplish the impossible. The Warriors came out of nowhere to win last year, while the Cavs came back from a 3-1 hole this year. Those two teams are probably going to be back in the Finals again, but Golden State’s rise does give way to the argument that a young, talented team with the right system and coaching could rise up the ranks pretty quickly.

One team to watch is going to be Minnesota, who has an entire roster of blossoming talent – most notably center Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns was sensational as a rookie and should be even better in year two, while he also is accompanied by Zach Lavine, Andrew Wiggins and Ricky Rubio. With defensive-minded head coach Tom Thibodeau taking over, the Wolves could be ready to become a playoff team and maybe even make a run. It’s not likely, but a $100 bet could return a cool $7,500 if successful.

Indiana is another team potentially worth betting on, as Paul George is back to superstar status after a bad leg injury over a year ago and the Pacers are slowly fielding a contender around him. Indiana could be in the market for upgrades at point guard and center, and if they get the guys they’re looking for, they could quickly be a threat in the Eastern Conference. Washington is in the same boat, as they seemed to be on the rise two years ago and have made coaching changes to hopefully turn things around. Landing Kevin Durant is probably their ticket to their title shot, though, so if they can’t get their hometown kid they’re probably not tantalizing bets.

Utah is a long shot, as well, but they are a very strong defensive team that is slowly but surely improving offensively. They could probably use one more big star player and improved play at the point guard spot, but defensively they’re already a team to fear.

Orlando is even younger than Utah, but they just added Frank Vogel as their new head coach and might have as much raw talent as anyone. They have an intriguing young talent at pretty much every position and have flashed ability in each of the last few seasons. Vogel preaches team unity and defense, so it’s not crazy to imagine the Magic piecing it all together and finally getting back to the playoffs. A title run is probably a pipe dream, but with insane +12500 odds, they’d be a fun preseason bet.

Early 2017 NBA Finals Prediction

The reality is Vegas is alarmingly accurate about pretty much everything when it comes to sports. Minor upsets happen often, but ridiculous upsets don’t come around as frequently. In other words, there isn’t a whole lot of reason to bet on anyone not named the Cavs or Warriors for the 2017 NBA Finals.

There is still the case of the Warriors coming back for revenge and being the best team in the league, plus Stephen Curry and Andrew Bogut dealt with injuries and Draymond Green missed a critical game due to suspension. There is also the dilemma for the Cavs of LeBron James still possibly leaving and Kevin Love not being an ideal fit for the team. These teams are still the cream of the crop in their respective conferences, however, and look like the best bets to make it back to the Finals for a third straight showdown.

Ultimately, Cleveland may have stolen the torch this year. They got there a year ago and LeBron James did all he could to keep the Cavs in it, and eventually bowed out after six games. This year he was tasked with the impossible again, but had a better supporting cast and made it happen. Cleveland has ridded themselves of the insane pressure to get that elusive title, they’re confident and they don’t have nearly the path the Dubs do to try to repeat. That makes the Cavs the logical bet to win it all next year.

2016 Wimbledon Odds: 4 Sleepers That Could Surprise

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The 2016 Wimbledon tennis tournament hits the grass later in June, with most tennis fans and experts alike banking on the top players to have a shot at hoisting one of the sport’s most prestigious trophies. That certainly makes sense and Vegas backs that logic, as top-ranked studs like Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams tend to dominate the men’s and women’s fields – specifically in this very tournament.

Wimbledon Favorites

Williams won in 2015 and Djokovic has secured two straight Wimbledon titles, so logic does tell us there is a very good chance they both either win again in 2016, or at least get to the final. Of course, there isn’t a lot of money to be made with these two favorites. The women’s field just traditionally isn’t that deep, as Williams only has one true threat – Gabrine Muguruza – who she defeated at Wimbledon last year and just fell to in this year’s French Open.

The story is pretty similar with Novak, who has won three of the last five Wimbledon titles and typically is only taking a backseat to Roger Federer or Andy Murray. He just rediscovered his dominance over Murray with a big win at the French Open, though, while an aging Federer is still working his way back to full strength after getting knocked out of the French Open due to injury. None of this is to say that Muguruza, Murray and Federer aren’t top threats – they are.

Wimbledon Sleepers

But that’s where the contenders die for the most part. Beyond that, there is a handful of Wimbledon sleepers and then everyone else. It’s true that the “everyone else” can sometimes produce a tennis pro no one sees coming, but usually we will have a pretty good idea as to who is going to be at the final. Williams and Djokovic are probably going to be there and if they’re not facing the same people they did in 2015, perhaps we can bet on one of the following sleepers working their way through Wimbledon for their shot at glory.

Without further haste, here’s a look at four sleepers you may want to consider betting on at Wimbledon this month:

Petra Kvitova +600

Kvitova doesn’t have the odds of a legit Wimbledon title contender, but she’ll do just fine as a sleeper worth betting on. Not only has Kvitova had some success at this very event (won in 2011 and 2014), but she’s also reached the semifinals at the Australian Open and the French Open.

The important part is her clear comfort level on grass and at Wimbledon, so Vegas is at least giving her the respect she’s earned at this event. That being said, there is no denying a mild slide for Kvitova, who has slid a bit in the past two years and more recently fell outside of the top-10. She’s still on the cusp of that elite list, currently penciled in as the 11th best women’s pro tennis player. A big comeback at Wimbledon would naturally vault her up the ladder.

Stan Wawrinka +1600

Wawrinka is an interesting sleeper, both because the 31-year old has found solid success lately and because he’s gotten quite serious about finding even more success on grass. For one, the guy has gotten to his only two career grand slam finals in the past two years – and won both – achieving victories in the 2014 Australian Open and the 2015 French Open.

He’s yet to keep that run going in 2016, but a recent move could get him going in that direction at June’s Wimbledon tourney. Per Wawrinka’s social media, he’s reached out to former Wimbledon champ Richard Krajicek and added him to his coaching staff. With the help of Krajicek via his title-winning experience on the grass at Wimbledon, Wawrinka hopes to eradicate any remaining flaws in his Wimbledon game. He faces an uphill battle, but the extra help can’t hurt.

Milos Raonic +1600

Raonic is much younger than Wawrinka and a lot more interesting of a play at Wimbledon due to his youth, talent and sudden rise. He reached #4 status in the world this May and it’s very possible his climb is only just beginning. He’s just 25, yet Raonic has reached the semifinals at both Wimbledon and the Australian Open (this year). It’s very possible he’s ready for an even bigger leap this summer, where he could shoot for his first ever grands slam final appearance.

That’s a big bite out of the tennis world, but Raonic has at least taken the necessary steps to try to reach the next level. One way to do that is by listening to coach John McEnroe, who could give the youngster enough pointers to push his game over the top. He’s still not guaranteed to be ready for the big time, but there’s something about Raonic’s heart and talent that suggests he’s getting awfully close.

Sabine Lisicki +4000

Need a bit of a long shot that might play as an interesting sleepers? Lisicki may be the call for the women’s side. We know Lisicki has the goods to make a deep run thanks to her appearance in the 2013 Wimbledon final, and she also has a lot to prove after sliding to 63rd in the women’s tennis rankings. She’s also enjoyed some decent success in the U.S. Open and French Open recently, advancing to at least the third round in both events in 2015.

The momentum Lisicki started running with in 2013 has been halted time and time again by injuries, inconsistency and superior opponents. However, her best run ever came at Wimbledon, which might suggest grass and maybe even this specific event could be her calling card. Even if it doesn’t end up being true, the mere possibility makers her a mild threat to open up the tourney. She’s undergone coaching and management changes and while she’s not exactly trending in the right direction, it’s arguable a good start at Wimbledon could be the spark she needs. With these fun +4000 odds, she could be an interesting sleeper to attack when it comes to 2016 Wimbledon betting.

2016 Fantasy Football ADP: Top Quarterback Value Picks to Target

Sports News & Picks

The middle of June has arrived, which means the days are moving fast and getting us closer to another NFL season. Even before we get to that point, we’re going to be thinking about what to do for our fantasy football drafts. One big advantage every year every fantasy owner can have is researching ADP (Average Draft Position) and noting the top values that can be had – and where they’re going – in fantasy football drafts.

ADP fluctuates as the summer moves along, but keeping tabs on who league managers are already disrespecting or devaluing can be key in developing your draft strategy. To help us get a good idea of some of the best value, we took a look at the latest ADP results in a standard, 12-team fantasy league. Per FantasyFootballCalculator.com, we found several sleeper quarterbacks we won’t mind waiting to draft come August. Let’s check them out:

Blake Bortles – Jaguars (Round 7)

This is a good spot to start pointing out serious value, as Bortles was the 4th best fantasy quarterback a year ago, yet you don’t have to take him until round seven. The important question is what has changed for Bortles? His weapons are all still there, this time around he actually has tight end Julius Thomas for a full season and he’s only going to be smarter and more comfortable with another off-season to correct his flaws.

Bortles has a cannon for an arm, strong athletic ability and a slew of tantalizing weapons. He blew up in his sophomore season and it’s quite arguable he’s only just now scratching the surface of his talent. He isn’t a lock to be a top-5 fantasy passer again, but if you’re getting him in the seventh round, he doesn’t have to be.

Carson Palmer – Cardinals (Round 7)

Right behind Bortles last year was Palmer, who was the 5th best quarterback in fantasy football and really was outstanding for much of the year. Aside from an implosion in the NFC title game, again, what’s changed? Palmer is still a maestro in the pocket, has a great running game and defense behind him and a slew of weapons that can score all over the field.

Age, injury and mental fatigue are all mild concerns, but that shouldn’t scare you away from a potentially elite QB1 in round seven. All of that might keep him from being a pick off the board in the first 3-4 rounds, but at this ADP Palmer is beyond a steal. Make him your QB1 and never look back.

Eli Manning – Giants (Round 9)

Manning had shaky pass protection, no help from his defense or running game and even didn’t get Victor Cruz back last year, yet he still enjoyed one of his best seasons ever in 2015. When the dust settled, Manning had torched the league to the tune of a career high 35 passing touchdowns and also put up over 4,400 passing yards.

He was working with Odell Beckham Jr. and little else, yet Manning produced the 10th best numbers at his position. In 2016, he has some upgrades across the roster, should finally get Cruz back and also gets talented rookie receiver Sterling Shepard at his disposal. It’s tough to guarantee him being the 10th best fantasy passer again, but considering he’s finished inside that grouping three times in the last five years, fantasy owners aren’t taking a crazy leap of faith. The fact that you can wait to draft him until round 9 only lessens the insanity.

Derek Carr – Raiders (Round 9)

Carr is right there with Manning, but could be even better in 2016 as he enters his third NFL seasons. Carr is younger and has more upside to his game, especially when you look at a young, rising Raiders offense. Carr has a gunslinger mentality and we saw right away in just his second season (32 touchdown passes) that the kid can play ball with the big boys.

In year three his supporting cast will only be better and Carr could start chipping away at the top-10. He still finished 14th among fantasy quarterbacks in 2015, however, and could be ready to risk up the ranks. Drafting Carr hinges to your belief in him and Oakland’s return to relevance, but at least the risk is minimal this late in your draft.

Tony Romo – Cowboys (Round 10)

Speaking of risk, drafting Romo could be problematic for one reason: he’s increasingly more injury-prone. Well, he was in 2015, at least. Romo broke his collarbone early in the season, rushed back from the injury and hurt it again to close the year. In all, he started four games and the 2015 season was a total disaster.

When healthy, though, Romo remains a total boss in the fantasy realm. Just in 2014 Romo put up 34 touchdowns and from 2011 to 2014, he hadn’t dipped below 28 touchdown passes. Romo still has Dez Bryant and Jason Witten at his disposal and even should be getting some serious help from rookie stud Ezekiel Elliott on the ground.

The trick is Romo’s health. Can you trust a 36-year old quarterback with a bad back and a history of messing up his clavicle? Trust? No. But you can take a chance on him staying healthy and regaining his old form when you don’t have to pluck him off of drafts boards until round 10.

Andy Dalton – Bengals (Round 10)

It really only gets better as we go here, as Dalton was enjoying easily his best statistical season of his career and looked like a legit MVP candidate last year, and then he broke his thumb. Dalton was so good, in fact, that he was still fantasy football’s 18th best quarterback on the year despite playing just 13 complete games and finishing only 12.

Had he been able to finish the year with the weapons he had, it’s very reasonable to imagine Dalton skating past the top-15 and finding himself somewhere inside the top-10. We can’t prove that, but what we can prove is the guy has made strides over the years and his awesome 2015 wasn’t a fluke. He was also the #4 fantasy passer in 2013.

It’s true that Dalton takes some hits this year, too. He lost wide receivers Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu to free agency, tight end Tyler Eifert could start 2016 slow due to injury and even his offensive coordinator – Hue Jackson – bolted for Cleveland. It is possible that Dalton sees a mild dip in 2016, but it’s also just as possible that he simply picks up where he left off and continues to crush it. It could be worth finding out in round 10.

Marcus Mariota – Titans (Round 11)

Mariota is a fun try in round 11, as you’re potentially getting insane value for a rising second-year quarterback and you’re also getting all of the upside. Mariota put that on display just in doses as a rookie, but it’s tough to grade him accurately due to a shaky o-line, an awful supporting running game and his inexperience.

Considering everything, Mariota was mighty fine in his first season, finishing just two spots outside of the top-20 despite sitting out four full games and parts of five due to injury. Mariota did a great job taking care of the football, was impressive with his accuracy and decision-making, exhibited elite running ability and even had a few big games throwing the ball. Tennessee needs more out of him in 2016 and if he’s truly the real deal, they’re probably going to get it pretty quickly.

The only thing holding Mariota back at this point is his shaky pass protection. The good news is he’s mobile and can make plays even if the o-line still stinks, but the even better news is Tennessee did take measures to improve the blocking, as well as enhance their running game to avoid being so predictable offensively. Mariota is going to be better in 2016 and quite understandably, the sky might be the limit. Needless to say, landing him in round 11 should make him one of the top steals in your fantasy football draft.

Matt Ryan – Falcons (Round 11)

Another interesting find in round 11 is Matt Ryan, who may not necessarily possess the upside of someone like Mariota, but through the years has easily been one of the safest and reliable passing threats. He did lose a friendly face in Roddy White this offseason, but he also gained some young help at receiver and still has Julio Jones.

Ryan struggled with turnovers during a down year in 2015, but still has explosive potential and managed to top 4,500 passing yards and hit 25 touchdowns through the air. That was good for 19th among fantasy passers and if he can cut his turnovers down and help the Falcons be a little more balanced offensively, a return to the top-15 is a near-lock. If that happens, he’s going to be a serious value this late in drafts.

Matthew Stafford – Lions (Round 12)

Stafford loses Calvin Johnson and suddenly everyone forgets about a pretty stellar 2015 season that saw him finish 9th among fantasy quarterbacks. It’s true that losing Megatron could be a pretty big deal, but it also could completely open Detroit’s offense up. That actually happened long before we learned of Johnson’s retirement, too, as the Lions made personnel changes and made their offense a lot more spread out and less predictable.

That is what is Stafford’s best friend going forward; not having tunnel vision for a superstar wide receiver that may be regressing before our very eyes. Stafford has a budding tight end in Eric Ebron, a shifty burner in Golden Tate and a new big target in Marvin Jones.

Unlike past years, Stafford can freely determined where he’s going with the ball and allow his system to take flight, rather than rely so heavily on one guy. It could still backfire, but the results out of Stafford down the stretch last year (17 to 1 TD:INT ratio over his final six games) tells us he’s trending in the right direction. You’re going to want to consider getting in on that action if he continues to last into round 12.

Ryan Tannehill – Dolphins (Round 13)

Ryan Tannehill is the last gem to consider at quarterback this year, and depending on when your draft sounds off, you may want to be all over him as your top quarterback. For one, he was pretty solid for much of 2015, finishing as fantasy footbal’s 17th best passer. That’s not great, but Tannehill has solid numbers on the year and still got the job done a good amount (nine multi-touchdown games).

The problem for Tannehill was his team was dysfunctional and he really didn’t have a firm backing. That toxic environment has been destroyed, however, and in comes brilliant offensive guru, Adam Gase. Gase has worked wonders in Denver and Chicago, just last year making Jay Cutler look like a maestro with better placement and decision-making.

Those are precisely two of Tannehill’s biggest weaknesses, while Gase’s system will dial things up that should only strengthen Tannehill’s upside. Throw in a slew of talented receiving weapons, and Tannehill could easily be headed for his best season yet. That’s saying something for a guy who finished 7th among fantasy passers in 2014.

That does it for our favorite quarterback ADP sleepers. Got a sliding stud of your own? Hate a guy on our list? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

2016 NBA Finals Odds: Are the Cavaliers Worth Betting On?

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The Cleveland Cavaliers denied the Golden State Warriors a successful close out game on Monday night, defeating the defending champs at the Oracle Arena to keep the 2016 NBA Finals alive and well. Game six kicks the series back to Quicken Loans Arena, too, and suddenly LeBron James and co. just might have a say in how this year’s NBA title series unfolds.

Shift in Momentum

The Dubs looked to be in full control just days ago, as they stormed out to a commanding 3-1 series lead. However, the NBA issued an extra flagrant foul to Draymond Green for a strike to LeBron James’ groin and it led to his game five suspension. Under-manned on both ends of the court, the Dubs fell apart in the second half, giving way to incredible 41-point performances by both James and Kyrie Irving.

Irving was insanely efficient on the night and James played with an aggressive demeanor we arguably hadn’t seen out of him in these entire Finals. The duo was so good that the Cavs won easily down the stretch and many were left wondering if the win was just one last desperate gasp at staving off the inevitable, or if Cleveland finally showed up, just in time to win their first NBA championship.

NBA Finals Odds

Logic does not support Cleveland running the table and stealing this series, and neither does Vegas. As it stands, Bovada still favors the Warriors over the Cavs in the 2016 NBA Finals, with a maximum of two games left to be played. Here are the current NBS Finals series odds:

  • Warriors to win -450
  • Cavaliers to win +325

Golden State won 73 regular season games, had a 3-1 lead and has the home court edge. It’s no surprise why they’re the favorite and it’s very possible this series ends in game six. Of course, all of that logic pointing to a Warriors title is precisely why you may want to throw down a bet in favor of Cleveland accomplishing the impossible.

Bet Worth Considering

There is a lot to consider here. The solid payout is one big reason to bet on the Cavs. After all, a $1,000 bet would return a cool $3,250. Bettors may want to factor in a few things. For one, Andrew Bogut just sprained his knee and may be out for this series. Cleveland just accomplished a “first” with James/Kyrie becoming the first duo to top 40+ points in the same Finals game together. Perhaps they’re ready to march their way to another “first” and become the first NBA team to overcome a 3-1 series hole in the NBA Finals.

It’d all only be fitting, as it’d lead to Cleveland’s first NBA title, as well. It’s a lot of if’s and maybe’s and it’s quite possible NBA experts, fans and bettors may be underestimating the difficulty of winning three straight games to win a league title. Cleveland winning game six on their home court isn’t even a guarantee. The Warriors get Draymond Green back and just got done winning at Quicken Loans Arena in game four. And even if they lose that game, they’ll have their home crowd backing them if the series makes it to a seventh and final game.

The odds and logic still favor Golden State. They have the league’s MVP, home court advantage and simply from start to finish have been the better team. If the odds were even, the Dubs would remain the easy call. That shouldn’t stop you from floating a bet the Cavs way, though. After all, if they make history, they make you some coin, too.

Bulls Trade Rumors: Jimmy Butler, Derrick Rose Done in Chicago?

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The Chicago Bulls failed to make the NBA playoffs during the 2015-16 season, marking the first time since 2008 that they weren’t able to partake in post-season play. The team’s sharp decline immediately sparked rumors that big men Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah could leave this summer in free agency and also gave way to countless trade rumors.

Blowing Things Up?

With the 2016 NBA Draft just nine days away, though trade rumors are starting to heat up.

The team has long been rumored to be interested in moving star point guard Derrick Rose, and still could aim to do so this summer at some point if the right buyer emerges. There had also been some light talk regarding trading star shooting guard Jimmy Butler, an idea the Bulls have apparently slowly warmed up to. That, too, could come to fruition if the right deal is on the table.

Per reports, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a deal for Chicago that has them pondering their future: this year’s 5th overall draft choice. Chicago is reportedly listening, but would also like Andrew Wiggins added to the deal.

Fair Trade?

Other pieces could be added to make this deal go down, but as it stands, it’s highly arguable the Bulls come away winning big. Butler is without a doubt one of the best two-way players in the league, as he provides an elite defensive presence and has developed into a strong scorer, as well. Wiggins has displayed strong scoring ability and has even more upside as the younger, more athletic talent. Throw in a 5th overall pick that could turn into a new point guard, and the Bulls could suddenly be looking at a new, rapid rebuild.

This deal would give the Bulls a solid starting shooting guard that should get better every year, perhaps Kris Dunn at the five spot and also allow younger players like Doug McDermott, Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis to grow into bigger roles. The move would likely be an acceptance that Chicago may not compete for a playoff spot in the next 1-2 years, but with the current rendition of the Bulls not making a deep run anytime soon, it may be the best option going forward.

As for Minnesota, they part with a high level asset and a very talented player in Wiggins, but replace him with a more seasoned veteran presence. Not bringing in new talent with the 5th overall pick also makes things less complicated on their roster and can allow team competition to decide the rest of their roster spots.

Eye on the Future

Derrick Rose is the missing link for the Bulls, as he’s owned a ton of money and it may be next to impossible to find a taker.

Someone has to first believe he’s worth the money, then buy that he can make a difference and also on top of that, trust he can stay healthy. None of that is a given, which may leave the Bulls stuck in a tough spot. That shouldn’t stop them from making big moves, bringing in fresh blood at the lead guard spot and thinking about the future, however.

For now, the Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler rumors are just talk and it’s tough to say if anything for sure will happen. However, if Minnesota decides they’re willing to part with both their lottery pick and Wiggins, Chicago better pull the trigger immediately. It’s a win-win deal for both sides and both teams would get one step closer toward improving for the future.

2016 NBA Finals Predictions: If Warriors Win, Who is MVP?

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The 2016 NBA Finals could come to a close on Monday night, when the Golden State Warriors look to repeat as champions with a game five home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Dubs defeated the Cavaliers in six games a year ago, finishing Cleveland off on the road in a sixth game at Quicken Loans Arena. Tonight they can make an even quicker exit from the Finals and do it all on their own floor.

If they do it, however, they’ll do it without the services of Draymond Green, who has been suspended for game five due to having too many technicals on the year. Green surpassed the allotted amount after striking LeBron James in the groin near the end of Golden State’s game four win in Cleveland.

While the Warriors could wrap things up without Green, his absence strikes up a totally different conversation: could he still win Finals MVP even if he’s not playing in the final game of the series? And if not, who wins it?

At this point, no one in Cleveland deserves it. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving have had their moments, but they’ve both been erratic and in a lot of ways disappointing. Richard Jefferson has stepped up his game and Tristan Thompson has been a monster on the boards, but no one from Cleveland has done enough on a consistent basis to earn such high praise. The Cavs would have to force this series to six or seven games to get a good, hard look, regardless.

With the series very possibly ending tonight, NBA fans and media pundits are forced to wonder who it could be. We break down the five top NBA Finals MVP contenders:

2016 NBA Finals MVP Odds

  • Stephen Curry  2/7
  • Draymond Green 5/1
  • Klay Thompson  5/1
  • Andre Iguodala ) 15/2
  • LeBron James  10/1
  • Shaun Livingston  25/1
  • Kyrie Irving  35/1
  • Harrison Barnes  50/1
  • Tristan Thompson  200/1
  • JR Smith  500/1
  • Kevin Love  500/1

Curry leads this list of the only realistic candidates and their respective odds. If the Cavs lose on Monday night, their candidates are wiped out, leaving just the top Warriors options.

Shaun Livingston

Livingston would not be a huge shock even though he’s a backup, as he was amazing in a big game one win and has really been outstanding for much of the playoffs. As good as he’s been, though, he scored 20 points in game one and hasn’t topped even nine in any of the three games since.

He’s been valuable and reliable, but he’s just one part of an amazing supporting cast that pretty much won games one and two without Golden State’s best players playing all that well. He’s a key to the series and another big game would prop up an argument, but he’s not actually winning this thing.

Klay Thompson

Thompson deserves a mention thanks to a solid game four performance and the talent that he is. Golden State wouldn’t be where they are right now without him and he might be the best overall two-way player the Dubs have.

That being said, he’s fourth out of five here because he was so quiet through the first three games. He did play excellent defense for most of this series and showed up when it mattered most in game four. He’d need a massive game five performance to rise up an snag the trophy, however.

Draymond Green

It’d be really funny to see a Finals MVP winner that isn’t even on the court when game five ends and the confetti flies throughout Oracle Arena. Then again, it’s hard to deny Green’s impact in this series, as he was a huge reason why Golden State cruised to a 2-0 series lead, and he was especially awesome in game two (28 points).

His offense saw a dip in his last two contests and he did slap a dude in the groin, but in those next two games he still corralled 19 rebounds and blocked four shots, while notching two steals and chipping in 15 points. That decline was probably steep enough to keep him from winning Finals MVP, but not being able to put a cherry on top due to suspension in game five sealed his MVP fate.

Andre Iguodala

There is a very strong case to be made for Iggy, no matter what happens in game five. He was Finals MVP a year ago and has been such a huge two-way player for this team, so it would only be fitting that a guy who normally comes off the bench would again win the MVP for the biggest series of the year.

The crazy part is if the Dubs do win tonight, it probably will be on the heels of a huge game from Iguodala, who will likely end up starting and playing heavy minutes. Tasked with slowing down LeBron James and helping out on the perimeter, Iggy has been just as instrumental as Draymond Green when it comes to forming Golden State’s stingy defense. He’s also been great offensively, chipping in 10+ points in three of the four games.

Should Iggy rise up and have a huge game five, he’s going to be a very real threat to win back to back Finals MVP awards. At 15/2 odds, that makes him the best bet going into Monday night.

Stephen Curry

When it’s all said and done, Curry is going to need to have a huge game to put this series into the ground. After exploding for 38 points in a huge game four road win, anything short would arguably be a surprise at this point. Curry was slow to bust out in this Finals series, but he also arguably wasn’t even needed early on, as his bench went nuts en route to a 2-0 series lead.

While his stats weren’t eye-popping through the first three games (16 points per game), Curry has still had an imprint on these Finals, pouring in 18 and 19 points in games two and three and topping double figures in every game this series. It’s not the most amazing run for a league MVP or a Finals MVP, but if Curry throws down a second straight 30+ point outing to win a repeat title with Draymond Green sidelined, he’ll be more than deserving.

Ultimately, the tentative front-runner is going to be Iggy, with Curry very close behind him. Iggy remains the fun bet among this group, while Curry is the safe one. Then again, all bets may reset if the Cavs stay alive and keep this series going. If you’re a believer that could happen, LeBron James would creep back into the conversation.

Finals MVP Prediction

Ultimately, we don’t think the Warriors let this one live much longer and a big reason why is going to be The Splash Brothers doing what they do best on their home floor. It will surely be a total team effort on both ends, but if Golden State wins, it very likely will be because Stephen Curry delivers one more big game to quiet the critics. If he can do that, he’ll win the 2016 NBA Finals MVP.