March Madness Thursday games

12:15 PM (8) Louisville -2.5 vs (9)Creighton

My Pick: Louisville -2.5 (sprinkle Kalkbrenner over points)

-Louisville has lost 2 games since December 14th, they are extremely underseeded and head coach Pat Kelsey has them bought in on playing as underdogs after their performance the last two seasons. Creighton won’t go down easy, with Kalkbrenner and Ashworth possessing an immense amount of tournament experience, but ultimately I think the Cards play more to where they should've been seeded (5-6) as opposed to where they are seeded.

12:40 PM (4)Purdue -7.5 vs (13)High Point

My Pick: High Point

My plays: High Point +8.5, (sprinkle the over, and Kezza Giffa over points)

Obviously this comes with a lot of bias, but I really do think High Point has a chance. I think it goes one of two ways, either back and forth with High Point running away at the end, or Purdue absolutely dominates. The reason I lean High Point is simply due to their pace, if they can lock in on defense, and chase Braeden Smith and Loyer off the catch into the paint, they have a chance. They have the length and quickness to make Purdue uncomfortable on offense, and the speed downhill to force Matt Painter to go to his bench early.

1:30 PM (3)Wisconsin -17.5 vs (14)Montana

My Pick: Wisconsin

My plays: Wisconsin -17.5, Jon Tonje over points

This is one of the weaker 3-14 games, and will probably be one of the more boring games of the first round. Coming off a Big Ten championship loss, in which he scored 9 points on 1-14 FG, I think Jon Tonje will come out with a vengeance, most likely scoring 30(if he's not sitting by halftime), congrats to Montana on making the tournament, but it sucks they get matched up with a team like Wisconsin, who possesses experience and talent that will get them far in the tournament.

1:30 PM (1)Houston -28.5 vs (16)SIU

My Pick: Houston

My play: Nothing this game will be classified as murder, and if you're betting on this game call the hotline.

2:00 PM (1)Auburn -31.5 vs (16) ASU

My Pick: Auburn

My plays: read the above game

Shoutout ASU though they started off March with a bang and played an awesome game on Wednesday.

2:50 PM (5) Clemson -7.5 vs (12) McNeese

My Pick: Clemson -7.5

My Play: McNeese 1H ML

Obviously, McNeese is one of the most hyped up teams in the country. Their manager Amir Khan is everywhere on social media, and they have one of the best coaches in the country in Will Wade. They play extremely quick and force a lot of turnovers through steals, and boast one of the best EFG% in the country. That being said, Clemson plays exactly to McNeeses weaknesses. I do think it will be close, but the combination of Clemson's pace, 3p shooting, and defense, I think the team who plays the same exact style, but in a P5 conference, will prevail.

3:15 PM (6) BYU-2.5 vs (11) VCU

My Pick: BYU

My plays: Egor Demin over 17.5 PRA

BYU is one of the hottest teams in the country now, and is extremely battle tested. They have beaten both Arizona State and Iowa State (2x) in the last 3 weeks. VCU is one of the best mid majors in the country, but I think they rely too much on their backcourt for production. While they do very well on the boards, and on the interior, I don't think they have the size or length to guard all 4 of Egor Demin, Kanon Catchings, Fousseyni Traore, and Keba Keta, who all average over 7 points per game. They will hold their own, but in the end BYU will suffocate them with a big lineup.

4:05 PM (8) Gonzaga -6.5 vs (9) Georgia

My Pick: Gonzaga

My plays: Gonzaga alt spread -9.5

While I love the wins Georgia has this year, Gonzaga has been one of the better March teams the last few years, while they haven't put it together fully this year, I do think they possess the experience and poise to win this game with ease. All of their starters are versatile and average over 10 a game, and their point guard Ryan Nembhard runs the offense and gets his players easy shots. I think Georgia becomes flustered early and loses this one by a bit.

4:35 PM (2) Tennessee -18.5 vs (15) Wofford

My Pick: Tennessee

My Plays: Corey Tripp to make 2 3s.

This is another game where I just don't see it being close. Wofford is a great team but Tennessee is just too aggressive on the defensive end for the Terriers. I like the shooting of Wofford but Tennessee matches it well and will get their shots way easier then Wofford.

6:50 PM (7) Kansas -4.5 vs (10) Arkansas

My Pick: Kansas

My Players: Dickinson over points

If Adou Thiero was playing, I would lean Arkansas, but with him out, the Razorbacks will have to rely on their guards to cover Kansas’ explosive forwards, and not to mention Hunter Dickinson will eat any big alive in the post. Kansas is the better team, but both have struggled, and it could really go either way.

7:10 PM (4) Texas A&M -7.5 vs (13) Yale

My Pick: Yale

My plays: Wade Taylor under points

John Pouladkidas. Remember the name. He is shooting 40% from three this year which is something the Aggies will not be able to contain, as their 3p defense has been abysmal this year.  They also have not been a great shooting team, and Yale is elite defensively on the interior. If the Bulldogs can force A&M into bad shots/ a lot of threes, they will win another upset game for the second year in a row.

7:25 PM (6) Missouri -6.5 vs (11) Drake

 My Pick: Drake

My plays: Bennett Stirtz over points

Drake loves to put Bennett Stirtz in the pick and roll, and that is the one thing Missouri struggles against. The Tigers foul a lot and allow offensive rebounds, and Drake loves to play against both of those. This rag tag team full of D2 guys won THIRTY games this year and I think the chip is just too big on their shoulder for them to slow down

7:35 PM (7) UCLA -5.5 vs (10) Utah State

My Pick: UCLA

My plays: Utah State under team points

Utah State will get shredded if they come out in their zone defense. UCLA will dice them apart with Skyy Clark at the helm. The Aggies have folded against tough perimeter defense, and that's what UCLA plays. I like the Bruins to win an easy one.

9:25 PM (2) St. John’s -18.5 vs (15) Omaha

My Pick: St Johns

My plays: Omaha +18.5

St Johns will get a lot of free throws in this game, as they rely on getting to the rim and Omaha's interior defense fouls a lot. This game will be close due to St Johns lack of shooting, but if they can get to the rim early, they may run away with this one.

9:45 PM (5) Michigan -2.5 vs (12) UC San Diego

My Pick: UC San Diego

My plays: Danny Wolf/Vlad Goldin over points and rebounds.

I do think Michigan's size will hurt UC San Diego's chances at winning this game, but with unsteady guard play, if UCSD can get out and force turnovers early, it will cost Michigan. The fastbreak points are what will win this game for UCSD but expect both UM big guys to have great games.

10:00 PM (3) Texas Tech -15.5 vs (14) UNC Wilmington

My Pick: TTU

My plays: UNC Wilmington +15.5, JT over 20.5 points

Wilmington has a ton of experience in their players, being one of the oldest teams in college basketball, but Texas Tech has been able to score from everywhere, and UNC Wilmington has struggled against top-200 teams, giving up 64% at the rim. Elijah Hawkins will attack the drop coverage that UNCW loves and Texas Tech will win this easily, but I do think UNCW can cover the spread with TTU’s injuries.

First Four in Predictions

 UNC vs SDSU

Line: UNC -4.5, O/U 141.5

My pick: SDSU

UNC has been awful in Q1 this year, and honestly shouldn't have made the tourney. They have one Q1 win, whereas SDSU has 3, including a win vs Houston and Creighton. Both teams are battle tested vs tournament teams, but I think SDSU defense will push them over the top. They hold teams to the 17th least points per game, and are 9th in the country in blocks per game, and 76th in steals. They also don't foul very often, and UNC is very reliant on free throws, being 78th in the country in free throws made and attempted. SDSU coach Brian Dutcher is also very experienced in the tournament, and will outcoach Hubert Davis. At the end of the day, I think this is a physical game and SDSU comes out with a gritty, low scoring win.

Texas vs Xavier

Line: Xavier -2.5, O/U 151.5

My pick: Texas 

These are both extremely talented teams, both who have been hot towards the end of the year. It was hard to decide which way to go, as they both played in great conferences vs good tournament teams. Ultimately, I think Texas winning 3 of their last 5 vs tournament teams is what pushes me towards them. Tre Johnson has been a top freshman in the country, and with the team starting to get healthier, I think they will potentially make a run. Texas is very good at not fouling, and are very good on the interior, which will help to slow down Zach Freemantle. This will also be a great game but ultimately I have Texas.

Giants 5 Round Mock Draft Post Super Bowl

 Well, the Eagles just won the Super Bowl. What a kick in the face. The Giants not only let their best player walk, but he just won OPOY and the SB with their rival. The Giants have become nothing more than a laughingstock in the NFL world, and its time for a change. This 5 round mock draft fills holes at every position, and hopefully the Giants can put together something similar so they can get multiple guys who can make an impact. Last years draft class was awesome, and I'm hoping Joe Schoen and company can replicate it, but for now, here is what I would love to see the Giants do. Reminder, every other team is simulated by the computer, and this is just what I would do in the situations I was presented. 

Round 1: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado. 

Sanders has made it clear since the beginning of the draft process that he wants to be a Giant, and lately Brian Daboll has seemed to reciprocate that feeling. It started with the Giants cleats, then the little dap up at a workout, and finally Shedeur saying he'd be playing the Cowboys "very soon." Sanders is undeniably a top two quarterback in this class, and although some say he wouldn't hold that spot in previous classes, he is still a very talented quarterback. He posses great accuracy, feel for the game, and a great pocket presence. He doesn't have the strongest arm, and his athleticism is above average at best, but what he does possess is swagger, and the Giants desperately need to find their identity again. Sanders will come in day one and make an impact for this team.

Round 2: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame.

I'd be extremely surprised if Morrison is on the board at 35, but if he is, the Giants cannot pass on him. At 6'0, 195, Morrison doesn't posses ideal size for an outside corner, but his combination of athleticism, awareness, and ball skills, make him an easy plug in anywhere on the defensive side of the ball. He has great football IQ, and 

Round 3: Emery Jones Jr, OT, LSU. 

Round 4: Savion Williams, WR, TCU.

Round 4: David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas

Round 5: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma. 

Round 5: Garrett Dellinger, IOL, LSU

NBA Trade Deadline Analysis

With the NBA Trade Deadline approaching, a ton of players will be moved and some big stars may be traded before 3PM tomorrow. I wanted to grade and give my analysis on the trades that have happened since Tuesday, and will happen before the deadline tomorrow. I hope you enjoy it.

Tuesday

Mavericks receive: Caleb Martin
Sixers receive: Quentin Grimes, 2025 DAL SRP

Mavericks
Grade: C+
I don’t really understand this move. Maybe Dallas views Martin as a better player,
but Grimes fits more of what they need, and honestly was having a better year.
The Mavericks did acquire Max Christie in a trade with two bums, but I still believe Grimes had the potential to become one of the better 3/D role players in the league. The only reason I understand is that Grimes was an UFA after this year and may not have resigned, whereas Caleb is signed for the next 3 years. 

Sixers
Grade: A
This is a great move for the Sixers. There was no chance they were making a playoff run this year, so why not take a flyer on a great 3/D guy. Outside of McCain and Maxey, there is not a ton of young talent on this team. You get off of Caleb Martins contract, and acquire a second rounder. Grimes should make an impact in an iso heavy lineup, and if they pay him, he will be a cornerstone for years to come.

Wednesday

Bucks receive: Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr, 2025 WAS SRP

Wizards receive: Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, 2028 MIL FRP swap

Bucks

Grade: C+

I don't mind this for the Bucks, but I'm also not the biggest fan. They get younger, and the attached second round pick this year is good to grab some depth to make a push in the next 2 years. The downside to this, is Kuzma has had his worst statistical year since his sophomore season, and the worst overall shooting year of his career. The Bucks were looking for a more reliable and available 3rd option, as Khris Middleton has only played 23/48 games this year (Kuzma 32/47), and Kuzma can provide some ball handling and scoring to take the weight off Giannis and Dame. Overall this is just an odd move to me, as the Bucks could have gotten more for Middleton.

Wizards

Grade: A

I love this for the Wizards. You bring in a season vet (unless they buy him out), to teach your young wings and give them a reliable shooter and scorer off the ball. The attached swap is great, because who knows where Dame and Giannis will be in 3 years. The Bucks could be terrible by then, which would give the Wizards a high lottery pick at that point. AJ Johnson is an athletic young guard, and he gets the chance to play basketball with no pressure, and hopefully turn into a high level role player in a few years. 

Thunder receive: Daniel Theis, draft compensation

Pelicans receive: TBD

Thunder

Grade: B+

Thunder got a good backup big who is always available, and some picks for what will probably be cash or a few second rounders. With Chet out, the Thunder could use the depth right now. This is a small but impactful move.

Pelicans

Grade: A

Even if it's cash or a second rounder, this opens more time for Yves Misi to play. The Pelicans have a lost season right now and they should focus on their young guys.

Celtics receive: Future SRP

Rockets receive: Jaden Springer, 2030 SRP

Celtics:

Grade: B-

There's just no room for Springer, a future second is fine. This is a minimal move and it was simply to try to get under that second apron as much as they can, or potentially get a backup big with that second round pick.

Rockets:

Grade: A

After getting torched by Brunson on Monday, the Rockets must've wanted to get all the defense they can. Springer wont play much, but he's an excellent hustle player and a great defender. It’s not ground shaking but I like this move.

Pistons receive: KJ Martin, 2027 PHI SRP, 2031 PHI SRP

Sixers receive: N/A

Pistons:

Grade: A+

KJ Martin reminds me a lot of Josh Hart, a talented player, but included in so many trades for some odd reason. Martin shoots 62% from the field and 38% from 3, he's also a great defender and can jump out of the gym. This is a great “take a chance” trade for the Pistons, who also acquired two future second round picks while giving up nothing. I’m interested to see how KJ Martin plays with Cade, and I think he may have finally found a home.

Sixers:

Grade: B+

The Sixers just needed cap relief. Martin wasn't playing a ton, and two future second round picks don't have much value unless they are horrible in 2 years. This was purely a cap space move for the Sixers.

Kings receive: Jonas Valanciunas

Wizards receive: Sidy Cissoko, two SRP

Kings:

Grade: B-

Getting a guy who averages 11-8 in 20 minutes for 2 second round picks and a 4th string player is never bad. The Kings desperately needed a backup big, and they can even run out a big lineup with Jonas at the 5 and Sabonis at the 4. I like this move a lot for the Kings, but the spacing with Sabonis and JV is atrocious, and it will be hard to find a positive defensive lineup with them on the floor. Overall not a bad move at the deadline, and may help the Kings make a playoff push, and miss having to play in the play-in.

Wizards

Grade: A

JV was a great half season veteran add, but it was time for him to go so Washington could create more minutes for young guys. With Kuzma gone as well, this opens a ton of minutes for Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Justin Champaignie. Getting two second round picks is great too, as the value for Jonas was low, with teams knowing he would eventually be dealt. The Wizards have officially committed to the tank, and will most likely end up with one of Ace Bailey, Cooper Flagg, or Dylan Harper.

NBA Trade Analysis: Luka is a Laker, and Wemby gets a star by his side.

The NBA world exploded this weekend, nay, not just the NBA world, the entire sports world. It is my full belief we will never experience a sports moment like we did at 12:12 AM on Sunday, February 2nd. Luka Doncic is a Los Angeles Laker. Wow. I woke up on Sunday morning thinking it was all a dream. This was single handedly the biggest trade in NBA history, and I don't think there will be a trade to top it for so many years to come. I was going to give my thoughts yesterday, but I’m glad I didn't, as we saw yet another blockbuster trade on Sunday night, which included De'aaron Fox and Zach Lavine being moved. To give my full thoughts on the trade, I am going to go through every team included (yes even the Jazz,) and give a grade to each team and my general thoughts about each team's situation. 

Lakers receive: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris 

Mavericks receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, Lakers' 2029 first-round pick 

                      

Jazz receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 second-round pick via Clippers, Mavericks' 2025 second-round pick

Lakers

Grade: A+

Luka freakin’ Doncic. That’s it. When you trade for a top 3-5 player in the league, who is barely into his prime, I couldn't care any less about any of the intangibles. This is a guy who just took his team to the NBA finals at 25 years old, a guy who has averaged nearly a triple double since he entered the league, a guy with 5 straight All Star STARTs and 5 straight All-NBA first teams! To acquire this guy at all is unfathomable and an amazing move, but to get him for an aging Anthony Davis, Max Christie who is a below average role player, and a 2029 FRP that will most likely be low 20s, is just unthinkable. You now don't have to worry about Lebron retiring, because for the next 6-8 years you have Luka Doncic. This team is weak defensively, but if the Lakers can go get a guy like Mitchell Robinson, or Clint Capela, I don't mind their lack of wing defense due to the star power they possess. Unless Luka suddenly becomes unavailable and misses multiple periods of time(or if he doesn't resign), this trade will never not be anything but an A+.

Mavericks

Grade: B- 

I want so desperately to give the Mavericks an F. Who in their right mind trades a 26 year old superstar after a trip to the NBA Finals. Luka was only getting better, and probably would have been a league MVP in the coming years. As much as I hate trading Luka away, after watching GM Nico Harrison’s press conference, it is clear this move was made for certain reasons that I guess with a lot of thought make a small bit of sense. Receiving Anthony Davis is nice, and a first round pick is not bad if you want to make another move. This team now has a smaller championship window, but I would argue that they still have a great chance at playoff success. You have two 1-B players, AD and Kyrie, who may not be a Luka Doncic, but together they are by no means a bad duo. Then you slot those guys next to Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford, who are all great defenders, and you have a great recipe for a successful team. Klay can slot at the 2 now and will probably see more shots with AD posting up, and Washington/Gafford have less pressure to be amazing rim protectors with AD slotted at the 4. I will always hate trading Luka Doncic away, but I have a feeling this Mavericks team will make some noise. 

Jazz

Grade: A

Danny Ainge you sly dog, always finding a way to benefit your teams no matter what. For those of you that don’t know, the only thing the Jazz gave up in this trade was $55,000 to each team for them to make this trade possible. What did they receive? Jalen-Hood Schifino, a 2nd year player who hasn't had success, but now gets to play for a bad rebuilding team where he can become comfortable and just hoop for a while, and TWO second round picks. All for $110,000. Not ground shaking, but it is so hard not to stare in awe of the way Danny Ainge does his job. And by no means is JHS a scrub, he is definitely a talented basketball player. He was awesome at Indiana, and quite frankly, do you know how hard it is to play for a Lebron led team? Not to say he was being treated unfairly, but this isn't a player who can be stuck into a championship contender and succeed, and that's what the Lakers were trying to do. He needs time to develop and become comfortable, and was never going to make an immediate impact. Since being drafted 17th overall in 2024, he has played just 109 minutes in the NBA, and in 15 games in the G-League, he averaged 22-5-5. The Jazz have missed on a few draft picks recently, and it never hurts to give a talented player a chance to just play basketball. Bravo, Danny Ainge, Bravo.

San Antonio Spurs receive: De’Aaron Fox, Jordan McLaughlin

Sacramento Kings receive: Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, 2025 first-round pick (via Hornets), 2027 first-round pick (via Spurs), 2031 first-round pick (via Timberwolves), 2025 second-round pick (via Nuggets), 2028 second-round pick (via Bulls), their own 2028 second-round pick

Chicago Bulls receive: Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, Their own 2025 1st-round pick (via Spurs)

Spurs

Grade: A

This is an amazing trade for the Spurs. Not only do you receive an All Star caliber point guard to pair with Wemby, but you get this done without giving up one of your better young pieces. The Spurs managed to get this done without trading Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Malachi Branham or Julian Champagnie. The picks they gave up werent of much value either, the Hornets pick wont convey this year, as they are one of the worst teams in the league, the 2027 first will definitely be post lottery, as the Spurs will be a playoff team by then, the 2031 Timberwolves pick is the most interesting of the 3, but that pick is so far away. De'aaron Fox will slot perfectly into this lineup, giving Wemby not only a great facilitator for the next few years, but also taking the pressure off him to do everything on the court. If the Spurs can continue to develop their core, this trade will 100% improve them tremendously within the next 2-3 years.

Kings

Grade: C+

When I first heard the reports of the Fox trade rumors, I immediately thought of the Spurs, and then I immediately thought of two names: Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell. Getting one of these two would have pushed this grade up tremendously, but the fact that the best “young piece” the Kings got was Sidy Cissoko just doesn't move me. Yes obviously Zach Lavine is a 20 ppg scorer, who can slide nicely next to Derozan, but you couldn't even get one young solid piece? The picks are meh, and will most likely turn into second round picks, and this trade just does not make the Kings better. This is not even close to a good return for De'aaron Fox, and the Kings could have done so much more to improve their team. The worst part is, the contracts on their books put them in this spot for the next 3 years, and this is not a spot where Sacramento can win a championship. The bottom line is this is an underwhelming return for De'aaron Fox.

Bulls

Grade: C

Chicago manages to do something like this every few years. Two firsts for Nikola Vucevic, Two seconds and Chris Duarte (who plays 4.4 minutes) for Demar Derozan, and now this. Lavine was having a career year shooting wise with Chicago, shooting 51-44-80, and they could have gotten so much more out of this trade. Obviously they want to rebuild, and I have no problem getting rid of Lavine, but to receive one player who is considered a “young talent,” is just underwhelming. Zach Collins is a serviceable veteran big, Kevin Huerter is a reliable shooter, and Tre Jones is a good young floor general. Even if you consider Tre Jones a great addition, the Bulls have Giddey (6.6 assists), Coby White (4.6 assists), and Ayo Dosumno (4.4 assists), and THT, and Dalen Terry. They are loaded with young guards. None of these 3 players really fit into their rotation right now, and they will most likely take minutes from the very young players. I like the return of their own first, but it was protected 1-10 so it most likely wouldn't have been  conveyed once they moved Lavine, Vuc, and Lonzo. I’m not the biggest fan of this trade, but I don't mind the Bulls finally moving towards a rebuild, I’m hoping they continue to do so and can flip some of their other vets for picks and young players.

NFL First Round Mock Draft

 

This is my latest update of my first round mock draft, this time with 32 teams. These picks were made based off need, fit, and best available. I have the Raiders trading up for Shedeur Sanders at 3 with the Giants, sending 2 first round picks, a 3rd, and a 5th, for the Giants number 3 pick. Let me know your thoughts!

NFL Championship Weekend Predictions

Bills @ Chiefs

KC -1.5 O/U 47.5

My pick: Bills 31-28

Fey of the Day: James Cook O 54.5 rush yds.

The Bills have not been able to get around the Chiefs for the last 4 years, but this time I think they can do it. They bested the top rushing duo in the league (thanks to a costly drop) and they have been playing near flawless football. You can never count out the Chiefs, but something feels off this year, they just simply haven't looked dominant. The Bills finally get over that hump and win on a last second field goal. (Chiefs allow 88.4 rush yards per game, look for James Cook and Josh Allen to hit their overs.)

Commanders @ Eagles

PHI -6 O/U 47.5

My Pick: Eagles 35-30

Fey of the Day: Jalen Hurts over 32.5 rushing yds.

With a split 1-1 series this year, this game is up for grabs between division rivals. The Commanders have surprised me each week, looking better and better as the playoffs have gone on, but the Eagles have looked flat out unstoppable. They are clicking on all cylinders. Their rushing game is a two headed beast, and their defense has been an unmovable object. Not to say they don't look beatable. The Commanders could win this game, they would have to play near perfect, but with Jayden Daniels, that wouldn't surprise me. This kid will be special for years to come, but I think they fall short this year, and Philly wins a close battle at home. (Jalen Hurts has hit the over on his rush yards the last 9/10 games, look to put big units on this line)