Rivalry.

Paul Pierce swears there isn't one between the Celtics and Knicks. At least not in this decade. There are millions of Knick fans that would argue the opposite. Maybe the Celtics look at the Knicks as lesser mortals, but the Knicks definitely see Boston as a stone-cold enemy. If you don't believe me, look at their battles this year. Bloody, beaten ragged and scathed could describe both teams after each game in the regular season.

That's what we have to look forward to: a war, no prisoners. Both teams dislike each other; both teams want to win. Don't let Boston fans fool you when they say this isn't a big game and this series won't impact them. Boston is scared. They come into the series limping, and it's possible this isn't a limp that can be miraculously healed by a wheelchair ride back into the locker room. Even if the Celtics have what it takes to win this series, they will not come out unscathed.

The physical nature of these teams may take its toll on the winner. Boston is older and has been slightly injury-prone this year with the likes of Jermaine O'Neal and Shaquille O'Neal taking the brunt of those injuries. This series is sure to issue a few more.

Boston is the odds-on favorite to win, and they have to win, it's expected of them. They have to prove they were more than a flash in the pan this year. The Knicks, well, they are playing with house money. Not even expected to make the playoffs, they have exceeded the hopes of fans and the front office. The Knicks simply have nothing to lose, and they have the egos to think they could pull this off.

The Knicks just don't have enough fire power to win this series. As a team, they have a lot of questions left to be answered. Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire have not figured out how to play well together at the same time. Chauncy Billups has been almost nonexistent the past 10 games and will need to be far more productive if New York has any chance to win. Landry Fields has the potential to be an offensive spark and the X factor for the Knicks while Melo will look to up his defensive prowess as he has in previous playoff series. That's where the compliments for the Knicks end.

Boston has New York outgunned at every starting position, except perhaps small forward. But as much as Paul Pierce will have trouble stopping Anthony's scoring binges, Pierce is just as much of an offensive tyrant. Rajon Rondo is too young, fast and brilliant to let Billups slow him down, Kevin Garnett and Stoudemire will  likely be a wash, which leaves the deciding factor as Ray Allen, the 3-point shooting king. As long as Allen stays productive, the Knicks will have fits closing out on the Celtics.

Boston will win this series in six games. That really isn't the question of the series. The bumps, brusies and wounds they're going to receive are. They will have to do their best to minimize those because they'll be looking at a quick turnaround to play the Miami Heat, who seem to be chomping at the bit to take down the Eastern Conference champions, something that should have Boston fans worried if their last game together was any indication of the future.

The best way to look at the Knicks in this series is not as a Cinderella, rather as meat tenderizer for the Miami Heat.

And that's what a rival is. Because if they can't beat you, they will surely try to make it easier for someone else.

Rivalry.

Paul Pierce swears there isn't one between the Celtics and Knicks. At least not in this decade. There are millions of Knick fans that would argue the opposite. Maybe the Celtics look at the Knicks as lesser mortals, but the Knicks definitely see Boston as a stone-cold enemy. If you don't believe me, look at their battles this year. Bloody, beaten ragged and scathed could describe both teams after each game in the regular season.

That's what we have to look forward to: a war, no prisoners. Both teams dislike each other; both teams want to win. Don't let Boston fans fool you when they say this isn't a big game and this series won't impact them. Boston is scared. They come into the series limping, and it's possible this isn't a limp that can be miraculously healed by a wheelchair ride back into the locker room. Even if the Celtics have what it takes to win this series, they will not come out unscathed.

The physical nature of these teams may take its toll on the winner. Boston is older and has been slightly injury-prone this year with the likes of Jermaine O'Neal and Shaquille O'Neal taking the brunt of those injuries. This series is sure to issue a few more.

Boston is the odds-on favorite to win, and they have to win, it's expected of them. They have to prove they were more than a flash in the pan this year. The Knicks, well, they are playing with house money. Not even expected to make the playoffs, they have exceeded the hopes of fans and the front office. The Knicks simply have nothing to lose, and they have the egos to think they could pull this off.

The Knicks just don't have enough fire power to win this series. As a team, they have a lot of questions left to be answered. Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire have not figured out how to play well together at the same time. Chauncy Billups has been almost nonexistent the past 10 games and will need to be far more productive if New York has any chance to win. Landry Fields has the potential to be an offensive spark and the X factor for the Knicks while Melo will look to up his defensive prowess as he has in previous playoff series. That's where the compliments for the Knicks end.

Boston has New York outgunned at every starting position, except perhaps small forward. But as much as Paul Pierce will have trouble stopping Anthony's scoring binges, Pierce is just as much of an offensive tyrant. Rajon Rondo is too young, fast and brilliant to let Billups slow him down, Kevin Garnett and Stoudemire will  likely be a wash, which leaves the deciding factor as Ray Allen, the 3-point shooting king. As long as Allen stays productive, the Knicks will have fits closing out on the Celtics.

Boston will win this series in six games. That really isn't the question of the series. The bumps, brusies and wounds they're going to receive are. They will have to do their best to minimize those because they'll be looking at a quick turnaround to play the Miami Heat, who seem to be chomping at the bit to take down the Eastern Conference champions, something that should have Boston fans worried if their last game together was any indication of the future.

The best way to look at the Knicks in this series is not as a Cinderella, rather as meat tenderizer for the Miami Heat.

And that's what a rival is. Because if they can't beat you, they will surely try to make it easier for someone else.

Four or five? That's the question for this series.

How long will it take the Lakers to beat the Hornets. The question isn't if they will win, but how fast can they dispatch them. The Lakers come sputtering into the playoffs and seem to be in disarray. For lack of a better word, the Lakers are a strange group. They seem aloof at times, disinterested and vulnerable with the task at hand. But as soon as you think you can count them out, they turn up the fire and start to eviscerate the league.

The Hornets are an entirely different animal. The Hornets struggled to get into the playoffs and it could be said that if it wasn't for their monster start this year, they might not be here at all. Going into the playoffs, the Hornets are losing their No. 1 scorer in David West, who is out for the season. Which leaves Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor to bear the burden of scoring. The task can be problematic for all three players. Paul is still playing as if something is wrong with his knee. Okafor is not known for his offense and Arizia has never been one to post 30 point games on the regular.

With all the cards on the table, the Lakers are a far superior team. Even if you take Kobe Bryant out of the mix, this is still a sweep by the Lakers. Paul will play as we have come to expect and Ariza will do his best to prove he was more than capable of being an Artest-type player that the Lakers gave away.

When its all said and done, the Lakers just have too much fire power. Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol will use this as a steppingstone to come to form before their second-round matchup. Lamar Odom will be the consistent force he always is, picking apart the Hornets bench players without thinking twice about it. Expect Phil Jackson to give Shannon Brown the chance to get out if his current slump as well. Looking ahead to the future and knowing the team will need him to be a contributor if they are to leave this season as champions.

Even if the Lakers come into this series disinterested -- which they won't -- still expect the Lakers to make short work of the Hornets.

The only question is in four or five?

Four or five? That's the question for this series.

How long will it take the Lakers to beat the Hornets. The question isn't if they will win, but how fast can they dispatch them. The Lakers come sputtering into the playoffs and seem to be in disarray. For lack of a better word, the Lakers are a strange group. They seem aloof at times, disinterested and vulnerable with the task at hand. But as soon as you think you can count them out, they turn up the fire and start to eviscerate the league.

The Hornets are an entirely different animal. The Hornets struggled to get into the playoffs and it could be said that if it wasn't for their monster start this year, they might not be here at all. Going into the playoffs, the Hornets are losing their No. 1 scorer in David West, who is out for the season. Which leaves Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor to bear the burden of scoring. The task can be problematic for all three players. Paul is still playing as if something is wrong with his knee. Okafor is not known for his offense and Arizia has never been one to post 30 point games on the regular.

With all the cards on the table, the Lakers are a far superior team. Even if you take Kobe Bryant out of the mix, this is still a sweep by the Lakers. Paul will play as we have come to expect and Ariza will do his best to prove he was more than capable of being an Artest-type player that the Lakers gave away.

When its all said and done, the Lakers just have too much fire power. Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol will use this as a steppingstone to come to form before their second-round matchup. Lamar Odom will be the consistent force he always is, picking apart the Hornets bench players without thinking twice about it. Expect Phil Jackson to give Shannon Brown the chance to get out if his current slump as well. Looking ahead to the future and knowing the team will need him to be a contributor if they are to leave this season as champions.

Even if the Lakers come into this series disinterested -- which they won't -- still expect the Lakers to make short work of the Hornets.

The only question is in four or five?

You can look at game 1 and say that the Pacers blew it. You can also say that Derrick Rose willed the Bulls to victory. You’d be right on both accounts. Indy blew it, and D-Rose played like a beast possessed. It’s that simple. The Pacers had a 10-point lead in the 4^th quarter, and frittered it away. They couldn’t contain Rose (39 points), and when they did key on him, he dished off to Kyle Korver for a roof-exploding 3 to get Chicago their first lead since the early moments of the first half. But here’s a look at some of the other numbers, and key stats, in a very entertaining Game 1 from the Windy City.

*Da Bulls were monsters on the offensive glass, tallying a 21-13 edge on offensive rebounds. Joakim Noah led the way with 8 of them. That shows tenacity.

*Da Bulls were stallions at getting to the foul line, garnering a 31-17 edge on free throws, with Rose getting to the charity stripe 21 times. That shows aggressiveness.

*Luol Deng’s technical foul after Tyler Hansbrough (a bright spot with 22 points) fouled Rose hard on a drive woke the crowd up from their collective coma, and ignited the Chicago attack. That shows a guy who will stick up for his teammates, and testicular fortitude.

*Da Bulls dominated the 4^th quarter, outscoring the Pacers 33-20 in the final 12 minutes, including a 16-1 run in the final 3:38, with Rose scoring 7 of the 16. That shows why he’s the MVP. And while he was putrid from 3-point line (0-9), he was money from inside the arc (10-14). Wow.

So Indy can take away that they can hang with the Bulls, but will need a much better bench performance if they want to steal a game in Chicago. Danny Granger had a huge 2^nd half, with 24 points in all, which may be a bright spot for the Pacers. But these are the Playoffs, and moral victories are about as useful as a bumhole on an elbow. Chicago came into these playoffs wanting 16 victories, and they are 15 away from their goal. They’ll take the victory, and move on. Game 2 is set for Monday night, 4/18, at 9:30 PM. Giddy up.

You can look at game 1 and say that the Pacers blew it. You can also say that Derrick Rose willed the Bulls to victory. You’d be right on both accounts. Indy blew it, and D-Rose played like a beast possessed. It’s that simple. The Pacers had a 10-point lead in the 4^th quarter, and frittered it away. They couldn’t contain Rose (39 points), and when they did key on him, he dished off to Kyle Korver for a roof-exploding 3 to get Chicago their first lead since the early moments of the first half. But here’s a look at some of the other numbers, and key stats, in a very entertaining Game 1 from the Windy City.

*Da Bulls were monsters on the offensive glass, tallying a 21-13 edge on offensive rebounds. Joakim Noah led the way with 8 of them. That shows tenacity.

*Da Bulls were stallions at getting to the foul line, garnering a 31-17 edge on free throws, with Rose getting to the charity stripe 21 times. That shows aggressiveness.

*Luol Deng’s technical foul after Tyler Hansbrough (a bright spot with 22 points) fouled Rose hard on a drive woke the crowd up from their collective coma, and ignited the Chicago attack. That shows a guy who will stick up for his teammates, and testicular fortitude.

*Da Bulls dominated the 4^th quarter, outscoring the Pacers 33-20 in the final 12 minutes, including a 16-1 run in the final 3:38, with Rose scoring 7 of the 16. That shows why he’s the MVP. And while he was putrid from 3-point line (0-9), he was money from inside the arc (10-14). Wow.

So Indy can take away that they can hang with the Bulls, but will need a much better bench performance if they want to steal a game in Chicago. Danny Granger had a huge 2^nd half, with 24 points in all, which may be a bright spot for the Pacers. But these are the Playoffs, and moral victories are about as useful as a bumhole on an elbow. Chicago came into these playoffs wanting 16 victories, and they are 15 away from their goal. They’ll take the victory, and move on. Game 2 is set for Monday night, 4/18, at 9:30 PM. Giddy up.

To many, this is the most intriguing matchup of the first round in the Eastern Conference. To some it's the most boring. I'm sort of on the fence. But I drew this series fair and square in the PBT playoff lottery so as The Rock says, it doesn't matter what I think. I'm watching and following it anyway. Atlanta won this regular season series 3-1, but if you go back to last season this is actually a rematch from last year's second round, a series that Orlando swept in four games.

To many, this is the most intriguing matchup of the first round in the Eastern Conference. To some it's the most boring. I'm sort of on the fence. But I drew this series fair and square in the PBT playoff lottery so as The Rock says, it doesn't matter what I think. I'm watching and following it anyway. Atlanta won this regular season series 3-1, but if you go back to last season this is actually a rematch from last year's second round, a series that Orlando swept in four games.

Photo compliments of SneakerNews.com

Hello Dribblers. I'm back. Last night's post was a simple miscommunication. There will be a short Dribbles today, a podcast tonight and a preview of tomorrow's upcoming playoff games. Get ready, get excited, put on your game shorts and let's get to it.

Playoff magic is about to start, and you don't want to miss out on this.Before I lose my vigor, let's get it in.

***
The Warriors will extend general manager Larry Riley's contract through 2013 and bring in prominent sports agent Bob Myers to act as assistant general manager, a league source said late April 13. Details of the contracts were not available. Riley, originally hired as an assistant coach under Don Nelson, was an assistant general manager under Chris Mullin for the 2008-09 season and took over when Mullin was not extended before last season. He's been in the league for 20 years with extensive experience in scouting, coaching and player personnel. (San Francisco Chronicle)

-- I'm not sure I have a feeling one way or the other on this to be honest. Why, you ask? Because I probably don't care, but that's me. Some of you might care, and I like to think of you as the same type of people who play general manager simulators on the computer. Loads of geek fun.

You know what would be interesting? If teams could trade coaches and general managers. Can you imagine how much fun that would be? I'll trade you D'Antoni for Rambis straight up.

After 10 seasons with the Pistons concluded April 13 with a 104-100 victory against the 76ers, Tayshaun Prince will become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career this summer, or whenever the NBA's labor situation is resolved. Prince, who scored 14 points Wednesday, admitted he had mixed feelings after what will likely be his Pistons swan song. (Detroit Free Press)

-- After 10 seasons in Detroit, his best days are behind him. He won't be able to enjoy this free agency. Well, not as much as he would have five years ago. Prince is another player that could be valuable to the Miami Heat, or any contender for that matter. He is a physical health nut and has kept his body in great shape. He should still be a good offensive player and a great defender for the next five years. Hopefully with some luck, the league will be able to keep him out of the clutches of the evil empire.

Mike D'Antoni now says he is leaning toward starting Ronny Turiaf at center in Game 1. He previously had hinted Shelden Williams would get the start. Anthony finished the regular season averaging 25.6 points in 77 games, including a 26.3 average in 27 games with the Knicks. (NY Daily News)

-- I expect this to change numerous times before the playoffs. D'Antoni is the great indecision. I'm not sure either player is a great fit to start though, but I'll talk more about that in my playoff preview.

Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan released a statement about the team's future, saying: "I don't want people to think we're not willing to spend. I want to spend money for a team that's going to get us in the top four (in the Eastern Conference), the top three. ... We haven't put ourselves in position to do that yet because of some of the stipulations of our contracts. And now this is the first time we feel like we're going to have a pretty good summer because we have some flexibility. We want to invest. To get where we have to go, we know we have to." (Charlotte Observer)

-- I think I'm one of the few people out there that roots for the Bobcats to be successful. Their importance to that city and state is often times understated. The issue is the last two owners really did a number on the city, and its fans alienated them to the point that they didn't want to support the team. This is something I think Jordan has done a great job of avoiding and trying to correct. But like all wounds, it will take time to heal Bobcat/Hornets fans. Well, that and wins.

While it's obvious there would be no summer league involving NBA players or drafted rookies in the event of a lockout, two people with knowledge of the situation said the event has not yet been canceled. There have been informal discussions for months between summer league organizers and league officials about what to do with the scouting event if there is a work stoppage, and the ideas have included bringing international teams to the event, one of the people said.

In addition, the D-League -- which will continue to operate during an NBA work stoppage because its players are not NBPA members -- is exploring the possibility of holding a Las Vegas event that would replace summer league. D-League officials, sources said, are exploring this hypothetical event without the assistance of Vegas summer league organizers. (CBS Sports)

-- Oh boy. I'm going to try hard to contain my excitement here. I mean, who wouldn't be pumped having the NBA fill its rosters with NBDL players to get the season going? Or watching NBDL summer exposes? International teams, too. Man, what did we do to deserve this kind of reward? 

OK, so at this point I am oozing sarcasm. Forgive me. But I will tell you this Mr. "I could take a D-league baller any day of the week," you are sitting on your couch right now reading the Dribbles, eating a twinkie and drinking a Coke. There isn't a single D-League baller that would drop 30-40 points on you in a heartbeat, so stop dogging them. I can because secretly I still admire them and watch their games and I know my place. Plus, it's easy to talk shit from my writer's chair. Very easy.

Once his break is over, Marcin Gortat has a summer plan to work out in Orlando and visit Phoenix and Poland while trying improve his post-up game, jump shot, and lower-body and core strength.

"I definitely look forward to come back strong, be one of this team's leaders and be a guy who is the future of this team for a couple years," Gortat said. (Arizona Republic)

-- A Gortat update: You know, for those of you who were worried about what Gortat was going to do with his offseason.

Mayors, millionaires and billionaires from Sacramento to Anaheim will descend on New York April 15 to argue over the future of the Kings. Anaheim officials are the latest to hop on the caravan. They announced they will attend the two-day NBA board of governors meeting at Manhattan's St. Regis Hotel. Their mission: Make a pitch for luring the Kings from Sacramento. The Anaheim delegation will include Mayor Tom Tait and billionaire Henry Samueli, operator of the Honda Center arena and the man negotiating with the Kings. The group will "let them know this city is NBA-ready," Tait told his City Council April 12. (Sacramento Bee)

-- This comes on the heels of Chris Webber's talk April 12 that he and some business people were trying to do their best to keep the Kings in Sacramento. You guys know my feelings on this already. The fans are still showing up in troves no matter what the Maloofs' claim. How do I know? My brother lives there. 

But it's more than that. This is the Maloofs running a business badly, not the business itself failing. I honestly think they have done it on purpose to move the team. If that is the case, the NBA should not let them get away with it. Take a look at their track record with good players since Webber left. They are trading away people like Kevin Martin who was just scorching people and been a great asset to other teams.

The fact of the matter is the Maloofs want out of Sacto and will do whatever it takes to get there. But trust me when I tell you, there is a  reason no other cities are willing to do business with the Maloofs and the Kings franchise.

Easy solution: Let Webber and his investment group buy out the team and let the Maloofs buy a baseball team or something. Either way, stop leting them destroy an NBA one.

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili is doubtful for Game 1 against Memphis after spraining his right elbow in the regular-season finale.

The All-Star had an MRI exam April 14 that confirmed the sprain. Ginobili hyperextended the elbow in the first quarter of April 13's loss at Phoenix.

The Spurs said Ginobili will be listed as doubtful for the playoff opener Sunday. (ESPN)

-- Hate it when players are injured. Unless it means the Lakers may get lucky and might not have to play them in the playoffs. I know, I'm messed up, right? But as long as the injury isn't career-ending, I think it's fine to be happy about it so long as I don't wish injury on that player. 

Before you judge me, wouldn't it be nice if he were out for two games and the Grizzles had a shot at winning the series? Three would be a Laker dream come true. Besides, turn about is fair play and I still think the Spurs have some karma coming their way from their run ins with Steve Nash the past few years. Did I say run ins? I meant body checks.

The NBA has fined Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson $75,000 for making unauthorized public comments about collective bargaining, according to sources close to the situation.

The Lakers also separately were fined $75,000, sources said.

"It was really about the fact that there's going to be a lockout," Jackson told the small gathering of traveling beat reporters April 7 at a Portland hotel. "It's the perfect time to help the organization cover a gap if there's a lockout. My staff, all those guys who work with me. All those things played into it. I felt like an obligation."

"Who knows what the NBA is going to look like next year?" Jackson continued. "It's going to take on a whole different proportion. How long is it going to last? I think there are some people who are pretty convinced there's not going to be a year next year." (ESPN)

-- Really? This was talking about the CBA? I'm pretty sure he wasn't releasing riveting details with this statement, but sure, why not fine him $25,000 less than Kobe for saying some people speculate there won't be a season. 

File this under stupid fines and move on.

As it turns out, New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams may want to stay after all.

"I like this organization a lot," Williams said, according to the New York Daily News. "I like the direction they're going. They made me and my family feel real comfortable since I've gotten here. I like Coach [Avery] Johnson -- the way he coaches and the way he carries himself. I definitely can see myself staying here."

Williams, who averaged 15.0 points and 12.8 assists in 12 games for the Nets, can opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent after the 2011-12 season. The Nets are slated to move to Brooklyn in 2012-13.

The two-time All-Star said he would be amenable to signing an extension in the offseason.

"I would like to not have the distraction [of my impending free agency] during the season," Williams said, according to the New York Post. (ESPN)

-- This sounds like great news for Nets fans, bad news for the Knicks, and even worse news for the Miami Heat. For me, I hope he does stay. With all that is going on with the Nets, their move to Brooklyn and their possible name change, this is going to be a good thing to keep fans from abandoning the team.

Kobe Bryant met the real-life Rudy Ruttger April 13. Kobe said the movie changed his life and inspired him to have a great work ethic. But that wasn't the entire news story. Not at all. Because buried deep in the article, Kobe talked more about his recent foul language issue and how he is trying to own it. He also talked about his feelings toward people of the gay and lesbian community and his true feelings on the word "faggot."

"It's been a tough day," Bryant told ESPN. "For me it's about the bigger message. I made a mistake in terms of what I said but it's also the responsibility it carries with it. I don't want kids to think that's it OK or cool to call kids that or tease them because of that. I don't stand for that. I never have. I've been in so many altercations in middle school and in high school protecting kids from that. I certainly won't be a part of enhancing that and the feeling that it's OK. I just won't."

-- The funny thing is half of you will say Kobe is full of shit here. But when you look back on his life, you might realize he isn't lying. Kobe was always an outcast. He moved a lot, didn't keep friends for long periods of time and, until his late high school years, he wasnt' really "The Man." It's certainly conceivable he identifies with people who were cast out for their beliefs and feelings. 

Yeah, he said the word, but so have I, many a time when I was pissed off at someone. A lot of the time I felt bad for using it, but you can't take back what's already been said. You can only own it and move on, which is what Kobe is trying to do. So be a good fan, get off your high horse and let him.

Boston Celtics center Shaquille O'Neal, who suffered a right calf sprain April 3 against the Pistons, was back on the court briefly April 14 before the start of Boston's practice session at the Sports Authority Training Center at HealthPoint.

He did not address the media, hoping to test his calf the next couple days before that happens. (ESPN)

-- Sure, I'll believe it when I see it. If he stays healthy for a series, I'll send Jacob a bottle of American Honey Wild Turkey Whiskey. Drink it once, shot at a time on the rocks. It's smooth, like your favorite Bieber CD.

San Diego State forward Kawhi Leonard said he'll hire an agent and enter the NBA draft, meaning the Aztecs are losing four starters from the best team in school history.

Leonard is skipping his final two seasons after helping the Aztecs go 34-3 and reach the NCAA round of 16 for the first time. The Aztecs lost to eventual national champion Connecticut in the West regional semifinal. (ESPN)

Sophomore forward Derrick Williams, who led Arizona to the NCAA tournament's Elite Eight this season, announced April 13 he will declare for the NBA draft.

Williams said he intends to hire an agent, forgoing his final two years of eligibility.

The 6-foot-8 Williams is projected to be a lottery pick in June's draft and likely will be among the players in the discussion for the No. 1 overall pick. He averaged 19.5 points and 8.3 rebounds and was named Pac-10 player of the year. (ESPN)

-- I have to be honest, I'm not really impressed with the talent coming out of college this year. Anyone who isn't a senior should probably stay out of the draft, especially if there is a lockout. But that's me. Williams and Walker are probably the most pro-ready underclassmen. After that, the dropoff seems rather steep. I guess we shall see.

***
And that's it my friends. A quick Dribbles for you and for me, but don't forget our podcast later tonight and our game previews all week. Until Monday, enjoy your weekend and enjoy the playoffs. They should be fun.

Birthdays for April 15

Player Name (playing years)
Cooper, Michael 1978-1989
Grundy, Anthony 2005-2005
Hansen, Travis 2003-2003
Hazzard, Walt 1964-1973
Lopez, Raul 2003-
Monia, Sergei 2005-2005
Pope, David 1984-1985
Redmond, Marlon 1978-1979
Roberts, Anthony 1977-1983
Schnellbacher, Otto 1948-1948
Smith, Mike 2000-2000
Williams, Cliff 1968-1968

Birthdays for April 16
Abdul-jabbar, Kareem 1969-1988
Ball, Cedric 1990-1990
Block, John 1966-1975
Clark, Keon 1998-2003
Deng, Luol 2004-
Diaw, Boris 2003-
Fontaine, Isaac 2001-2001
Gambee, Dave 1958-1969
Monroe, Rodney 1991-1991
Schoene, Russ 1982-1988
Whaley, Robert 2005-2005
Williams, Walt 1992-2002

Birthdays for April 17
Duncan, Andy 1948-1950
Govedarica, Bato 1953-1953
Johnson, Neil 1966-1972
Katkaveck, Leo 1948-1949
Molis, Wayne 1966-1967
Petrie, Geoff 1970-1975
Porter, Kevin 1972-1982
Ratliff, Theo 1995-
Russell, Frank 1972-1972
Searcy, Ed 1975-1975
Sparks, Dan 1968-1969
Walker, Horace 1961-1961
Watson, CJ 2007-

Birthdays for April 18
Bradley, Michael 2001-2005
Britt, Tyrone 1967-1967
Catlett, Sid 1971-1971
Creighton, Jim 1975-1975
Dawson, James 1967-1967
Gaines, Sundiata 2009-
Griffin, Taylor 2009-2009
Madkins, Gerald 1993-1997
McWilliams, Eric 1972-1972
Mearns, George 1946-1947
Ohl, Don 1960-1969
Otten, Don 1949-1952
Rohloff, Ken 1963-1963
Sims, Scott 1977-1977
Storey, Awvee 2004-2007