Shootout in the Desert? Last season, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a humbling sweep in the NBA Finals, while Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns were eliminated in the conference semifinals by the eventual champions. This season, James and Nash both have their sights set on winning their respective franchise’s first NBA title.
Author: Anthony Rome
Where’s Dwyane? Miami star Dwyane Wade will be back on the court before long. Judging from their performance so far, the Heat could certainly use him. Miami will again try for its first win of the season Sunday when it hosts the Charlotte Bobcats.
Home Sweet Home Zach Randolph still might have to face Kevin Garnett four times every season. Those contests just won’t be against the Minnesota Timberwolves anymore. Randolph, who should get more room to maneuver inside with Garnett now in Boston, leads the New York Knicks as they face Minnesota in their home opener Sunday night.
Off to a Good Start Kevin Durant already has shown glimpses of a bright future for the Seattle SuperSonics. Too bad the city’s fans might not get to see him much longer. Two days after their owner said he plans to permanently move the franchise out of town, the SuperSonics look for Durant to continue his solid start as they go for their first win of the season Sunday in a matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Looking Dominant Boston’s imposing new lineup couldn’t have looked much better in its debut on Friday. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will try to build on an impressive season-opener Sunday when the Celtics visit the Toronto Raptors.
Streaking Senators Having not lost a game in more than three weeks, the Ottawa Senators have quickly vaulted to the top of the Eastern Conference. The defending East champions look to win seven straight games for the first time in six years as they go for a sweep in a home-and-home series against the Boston Bruins at TD Banknorth Garden on Sunday night.
Take That! Dennis Dixon has helped carry Oregon into the heart of the national title race. For a few moments, the Ducks had to wonder if he’d be there for the rest of the journey. Dixon threw four touchdown passes before leaving with a knee injury, and the fourth-ranked Ducks defeated No. 6 Arizona State 35-23 on Saturday, their second consecutive victory over a Top 10 team.
SC, Hogs Battle in ARK South Carolina is on the verge of falling out of the AP poll, partly due to its inability to stop the run. A matchup with Arkansas and Darren McFadden isn’t likely to help. Losers of two straight, the 23rd-ranked Gamecocks look to finally find a way to slow down McFadden when they face the Razorbacks in an SEC matchup Saturday night.
Vols Looking to Roll One week can make all the difference in this topsy-turvy season in college football. That’s true for Tennessee, which is singing a sweeter tune this week. Now with the inside track to the SEC East Division title, the 24th-ranked Volunteers step out of conference play to host Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday.
Seeking Revenge After suffering a disappointing loss to the Florida Panthers their last time out, the Carolina Hurricanes don’t have to wait long for a chance at revenge. The Hurricanes look to bounce back and win their 11th straight home game over the Panthers when the Southeast Division rivals meet on Saturday night at the RBC Center.