Behind the Line

When the Vegas odds were released for the NBA playoffs...I was shocked to see Chris Paul and the Oklahoma City Thunder as slight underdogs in their seven game series against the Houston Rockets.We explain why the Thunder should be the favorites...and how they will beat Houston in the first round. We also reveal the implications of a first round playoff loss for the Rockets...and how it could impact the future of the franchise.

Since being drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019...the weight of Zion Williamson has been a constant topic in the mainstream sports media. Anytime he is tired...or breathes heavy on the court..."experts" blame his weight.We explain why the media is over exaggerating Zion's weight...and make a comparison to a former superstar player and Hall-of-Famer who went through the same thing during his career.

The relationship between Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons has been volatile and controversial at times. There has been talk all season of trading one or both superstars...and that notion has come up again this week in Orlando.We explain why it would be a mistake for Philadelphia to trade Embiid and/or Simmons. We outline the real problems with the 76ers...and explain what they need to do to build a championship contender.

Damian Lillard and his multiple 50+ point games in Orlando has the Portland Trail Blazers as one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Entering the bubble with a 12 percent chance to make the playoffs...the Blazers now have a 76 percent chance to make the postseason.Some NBA analysts are already calling for a Portland upset over LeBron James and the Lakers in the first round. Is this possible?Portland is a feel good story...but we explain the difference between a feel good story...and a team with legitimate championship aspirations.

Tuesday dealt a devastating blow to college football...as the Big-10 and Pac-12 postponed their football seasons until spring 2021. As of now...the SEC and ACC are scheduled to begin their seasons in September.Could this actually be a positive for college football? We explain how the NCAA could make this work...and create an exciting regular season.We also look into the future of college football...and how it might not ever be the same.

The New Orleans Pelicans were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday...and the primary reason was the same problem this team has faced the entire Alvin Gentry era. Slow starts...lazy basketball...lackadaisical defense.It's time for David Griffin to make the decision to part ways with Alvin Gentry. We explain why this needs to happen now...and why the next coaching hire could be the most important in franchise history.

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have been dreadful since the NBA season restarted in Orlando. But...is this really a cause for Lakers fans to be worried?We dig into the Lakers stats since the NBA restarted...and determine the main problem the Lakers are having...and whether or not it can be fixed before the playoffs. We also explain why there's a strong possibility Anthony Davis won't sign a long-term contract with the Lakers after this season.

Derek Carr told the media earlier this week he's tired of being disrespected...and tired of people making stuff up. The premise of this goes to the fact that fans and critics don't feel like Derek Carr is a franchise quarterback. Does Derek Carr have a valid point? Should he be considered a franchise quarterback? We look into his six year career...and determine whether fans and the media are right when they say Derek Carr isn't at that level.

Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers are 1-2 since the NBA restart...causing many in the media to doubt them heading into the playoffs. People are questioning the team's chemistry...and claiming they're not focused. Is there cause for concern for Kawhi Leonard...Paul George...and the Clippers? Or...is this an overreaction by the sports media?

When the Green Bay Packers drafted Jordan Love a few months ago...the clock started ticking on Aaron Rodgers time in Green Bay. Speculation began immediately as to where Rodgers would eventually end his career...but died down a bit after the draft. Aaron Rodgers stoked the flames of the speculation again last week...he all but admitted that his time in Green Bay is coming to an end. So...where could he end up playing? We explain why the Dallas Cowboys could be the best option...and outline a scenario how both sides could make it happen.