italiansportsguys.com Blog

The Italian Sports Guys will be back next week, but here’s an appropriate video for Memorial Day weekend:

I like the Hornets in Game 7, but this one will be closer than previous games. I see the Hornets by 8. I must say, it’s baffling that these games have been so one sided. It makes more sense that a young Hornets team might get frustrated and taken out of the game, but an experienced championship club like the Spurs - go figure.

We all know the primary keys to victory, but here are a few less obvious ones:

- The Spurs are taking Peja 3-pointers away. If CP3 and Mo-Pete each have 2-3 from behind the arc, could free things up.

- A couple of steals out of the hands of Duncan by players coming over to help out would be huge. Once you steal a couple, Duncan could be hurried in anticipation of the extra defensive hands. Despite the experience, the Spurs don’t have a great track record in Game 7’s.

- Complacency - The Hornets have been trailing at the half at home in all 3 wins. If they are behind 7-8 points at the half and the Spurs knock down a couple of shots coming out of the locker room, this young team might tighten up. It’s a lot different being down in Game 7. The Hornets have to stay within 4-5 points at the break.

- The crowd - no doubt this team is getting a lift from the fans. The faithful have to be in this one from the get-go.

Craig

Could the Hornets finally break the stranglehold that the home teams have had on winning in round 2 of the playoffs tonight at San Antonio? It’s apparent that if they get David West involved in the offense early, this is a different team.

ESPN Flashback story about Chris Paul - scoring 61 in high school to honor his grandfather. Class act with a great role model.

An agreement has been reached to sell New Orleans’ FOX affiliate, WVUE to Saints owner Tom Benson….if the deal goes throuigh, it should prove to be very interesting in regards to who breaks ANY news regarding the New Orleans Saints.

Kyle

I never pick the favorites in the Derby - too many horses and too much uncertainty to go with short prices. I look for value in my pick - a horse with long odds that has shown some promise.

I’m going with Smooth Air to win. He ran 2nd in the FL Derby to today’s favorite Big Brown. He’s never finished worse than 3rd in 7 career starts. His speed numbers continue to look good as he goes to longer distances, which might indicate that he favors the 1 1/4. Only concern is that he had a mild fever this week, but trainer feels he’s ready.

Order of finish:

1. Smooth Air
2. Big Brown
3. Pyro
4. Eight Belles

I think the filly Eight Belles has a decent shot based on her speed numbers, and she’s a big enough girl to survive a few bumps along the way.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing Pyro take it. Always good publicity for the Fair Grounds when the LA Derby winner takes a Triple Crown race.