Big Al McMordie NBA Pick Articles
Article Topics: View All Articles By Big Al McMordie | NFL | College Football | NBA | College Basketball | NHL
Date added: 06.02.08
Big Al McMordie
Back to the Future
There's no doubt what the theme of the 2008 NBA Finals is: Back to the Future! Celtics/Lakers is going to have producers combing through archival NBA playoff footage from the 60s and 80s, with Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain crashing the boards, and Larry Bird and Magic Johnson running the break in their short shorts. It was always billed as a ... read more
Big Al McMordie Bio and Picks
Date added: 05.25.08
Big Al McMordie
NBA Playoff Notes: Defense and Adjustments
For the record, 75% of NBA teams in a 1-1 series that win Game 3 go on to win that series. That will give a little comfort to the Celtics after their surprisingly easy win in Game 3. It is already shaping up as an odd series. After home teams dominated the last round, the Celtics and Pistons then saw the road team win two of the first three games. ... read more
Big Al McMordie Bio and Picks
Date added: 05.04.08
Big Al McMordie
NBA Playoffs Strategic Adjustments
It's the time of the season where NBA coaches REALLY earn their money. The NBA Playoffs is largely about three key points: Talent, defense, and adjustments. Naturally, you can't win without talent on the court. Defense is another key, as well as strategic adjustments by the coaching staff. If you don't think coaching strategy is that important, think ... read more
Big Al McMordie Bio and Picks
Date added: 04.06.08
Big Al McMordie
NBA Stretch Run Notes
In the East, the Celtics and Pistons have wrapped up the No. 1 and 2 seeds. In the West, it’s a different story, with the Hornets, Spurs and Lakers all with a shot at No. 1. The amazing Hornets are certainly playing like a hungry team that wants that No. 1 slot, on a 9-1 SU, 8-2 ATS run. It will be their first postseason since 2004. The Hornets ... read more
Big Al McMordie Bio and Picks
Date added: 04.01.08
Big Al McMordie
Streaking-Slumping Toward the Finish Line
As we come down the home stretch of the NBA season, it’s a great time to utilize a different handicapping angle. Namely, are teams motivated to finish strong? Or have they given up? Teams fighting for playoff berths are the most obvious at being extra-motivated. But other times, even teams with losing records can be motivated to finish the ... read more
Big Al McMordie Bio and Picks
Date added: 03.23.08
Big Al McMordie
Down the Stretch
There are a couple of key points to keep in mind from a handicapping perspective as the NBA season begins to wind down. One is that this is the end of a long season. That means teams have had to endure a lot of road trips, airline flights, and all the difficulties that hinder a professional team away from home. Keep in mind that road trips can be very ... read more
Big Al McMordie Bio and Picks
Date added: 02.11.08
Big Al McMordie
Inside the Numbers
As we pass the mid-point of the NBA season, let's take a look at some overall season stats. What correlates more with success, a good offense or good defense? Well, let's take a look at the highest scoring teams in the NBA: They are, in order, the Suns, Warriors, Lakers, Nuggets, Jazz and Magic. What stands out is that these are good teams in the ... read more
Big Al McMordie Bio and Picks
Date added: 02.03.08
Big Al McMordie
Big Al's News and Notes February 08
The Cavaliers ended up with a 14-point rout of the Clippers, 98-84. On the surface it appeared to be a one-sided game. However, a closer look reveals a different story. The victory was tougher than it should have been. LeBron James returned after sitting out last week's loss against the Seattle SuperSonics due to a sore right ankle. He wasn't 100 ... read more
Big Al McMordie Bio and Picks