NBA Lottery, NHL Playoff

Evenin',

Let's cut to the chase. The NBA is holding its draft lottery tonight. That's when teams who missed the playoffs last year participate in a drawing to determine the draft order for the next draft. Without going into too much detail, there's more to it like a weighted system that gives teams with a worst record a greater chance of getting the #1 pick.

Here's what you can chat about:

> Who and what is at stake? Well, University of Kentucky freshman John Wall is widely considered the first pick. Who's considered a close second? Evan Turner from The Ohio State University.

> How have former #1's turned out? Some have been amazing. (see Dwight Howard and LeBron James). Others have been busts (see: Kwame Brown and Michael Olowokandi).

NHL playoffs are back tonight. The Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks are back on the ice tonight. Chicago slipped by the Sharks on Sunday on foreign ice, snatching home ice advantage. If they can leave San Jose tonight with a lead of 2-0, well, Chicago might stand a chance of being in its first Stanley Cup Final since 1992.

Enjoy!

Ya Gotta Love the Time of Year...

(non) Sports Fans, pay attention. Today's a day that you can add quite a bit to the conversation.

Both the NHL (National Hockey League) and NBA (National Basketball Associations) are beginning the Conference Finals so there's lots to talk about.

NHL first:

> Western Conference: Chicago Blackhawks vs. San Jose Sharks

> Eastern Conference: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Montreal Canadiens

Questions to ask:

> which team is more physical?

> which team is playing better? Are they peaking at the right time?

> which is more nimble and better on skates?

> which is more "puck" oriented?

> which is more important: youth vs. experience?

NBA:

> Western Conference: Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers

> Eastern Conference: Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic

> Each team has superstar(s) on it but what counts here: experience vs. youth?

> The Lakers are the defending champion while the Suns are reasonably new to the conference finals. Do they finally have the energy and defense to get the job done? They'd have to shut down Kobe Bryant and play well in the middle and Steve Nash has to be at the top of his game.

> The Celtics have Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce but their best player has been their point guard, Rajon Rondo. Can they dominate Superman, Dwight Howard, shut down crafty and diminutive guard Jameer Nelson and can Vince Carter rally?

It's a fun day so CHAT. IT. UP.

And, of course, enjoy!