The Daily Nickel

1.  Mavs settle for 3 seed, matchup with Portland - We blew out the Hornets, but a Kobe 3 sent the Laker game into OT.  LA went on to win the game, locking up home court for the first two rounds, but more importantly a cakewalk matchup against New Orleans in the first round.  Reallllllllly bad break for us if you ask me....

2.  We'll put the "experts" on record for you.

ESPN EXPERT PICKS

Mavs in 7:  Broussard, Abbott, Adande, and Stein

Mavs in 6:  Thorpe

Blazers in 6:  Legler, Hollinger, and Ford

OTHERS

Mavs in 6:  SI.com

Blazers in 6:  RealGM.com

So, the D-Fdub is going on record too....

3.  Nate says Mavs in 5.  Gonzo says Mavs in 7.  Justin says Blazers in 5.  I'm saying Blazers in 6.  The playoffs are all about matchups and I'm not feeling this one.  I went ahead and hedged by betting a co-worker lunch at Babes (the official restaurant of the D-Fdub).  So, Mavs win and I'll be happy.  Mavs lose and at least I'll get to drown my sorrows in some delicious fried chicken...

4.  Rangers get walked off again - Feels like we're losing every game now, even though its just been two in a row.  The next three at the Yanks should be a nice test of whether Harrison, Holland and Ogando are for real or not.  (Fingers crossed that they are...)

5.  Hamilton apologizes - I never thought this was that big a deal, but ESPN sure did.  Should be a dead issue at this point.  Now we just have to figure out how to win without him...