TheSportsPACK

Washington Wizards 99 vs Atlanta Hawks 114 - The new look Hawks win their opening night match up against the Wizards in dominating fashion. Dwight Howard finished with 19 rebounds while All-Star Paul Millsap leads the way with 28 points 7 rebounds and 6 assist. Dwight Howard and Paul Millsap  combined for 39 points and 26 rebounds (ajc.com) Great win for the Hawks. People questioned rather Dwight Howard would fit into the "lunch pale" mentality Atlanta play with but with 15 1st half rebounds he will work out fine. Moving Dennis Schroder to the starting point guard spot was another concern for Hawks fans. Jeff Teague is a scorer but what you lose of the offensive end you gain back with tough on ball defense with Schroder. Tim Hardaway Jr. was impressive tonight finishing with 23 points on 8-13 shooting. It's been a rocky start to Hardaway Jr career but he look comfortable coming off the bench for the Hawks. The Hawks will be a playoff team but no higher than a...

Today is the start of free agency in the NBA and there's a ton of talent looking for new places to call home. After hearing the rumors, reading discussions boards and listen to reports, here 's my 5 bold predictions for this free agency summer. 1. LaMarcus Aldridge will sign with the Los Angeles Lakers - The Lakers are looking to make a splash this summer and this is it. Aldridge averaged 22.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in the past 3 seasons for the Portland Trail Blaze/rs but these numbers did not translate into teams success. In the past 3 seasons the Blazers have not made it past the 2nd round. With Nicolas Batum gone to the Hornets, LaMarcus is looking to be around better, more experienced players and wouldn't mind being in a bigger market to showcase his talent. Aldridge will be a huge help for the Lakers quest to get back into the playoffs. lakerholicz.com 2. Kevin Love will be traded to the Celtics - The Boston Celtics have had their eyes on Kevin ...

Football is upon us but it's never a bad time to talk NBA hoops. A lot has change in the NBA since the Spurs won the title in June over the Miami Heat. LeBron's return to Cleveland, Carmelo staying in NYC and a host of other off season moves have most NBA teams feeling good about their chances to make a title run. Things can change between now and the tip-off of a new season but here are my five predictions that most NBA fans will not see coming. 1 . The Raptors will make the Eastern Conference Final The Toronto Raptors are coming off a surprising season finishing 3rd in the East with a 48-34 record. Despite getting knocked out in the 1st round by the more experienced Brooklyn Nets in 7 games, the Raptors have been quiet but very productive this off season. Resigning "boarder line all-star" Kyle Lowry was top priority for the Raptors who will also have the services of all-star and FIBA World Cup participate DeMar DeRozen. To boost their depth in the backcourt ...