Batle Royale

1. The way things are playing out so far, which two teams do you think are going to make it to the finals in the NBA playoffs?

Erica

The Lakers and the Celtics. The Lakers went undefeated their first six games and things seem to be clicking for them now. Kobe, the MVP might I add, is playing team-ball and everyone else is making major contributions. The Celtics got a scare from Atlanta — they forced an unlikely game seven. I’m guessing that if they face the Pistons in the conference finals, it’s going to be a fight. Boston has one of the best defenses and I think that’s what is going to win them games. But in the end, it’s going to be the Lakers who take home the championship.

Maks

I know most people have a hard-on for the Lakers and Christian will pick the Blazers, but I’m going with the Jazz out of the West. Utah will wear down L.A. as this series unfolds, and I see their depth giving the Spurs fits. Out of the East, it has to be Boston. Memo to Cavs general manager Danny Ferry: Can you please get LeBron some help? Please?

Christian

I think that Chicago is going to knock off the Jazz in a six-game series. A lot of people would like to see Karl Malone get a title, but MJ is going to be too much for them. What? It’s not 1996? Well, that’s the last time I cared about the NBA.

Zach

I expect that the Laker-Celtic rivalry will be reignited this season. Both the Lakers and Celtics will make it to the finals. Both teams are clearly the best of their respective conferences and are well-matched enough to make for an incredibly exciting and close NBA finals.

1. After what happened to Eight Belles in the Kentucky Derby, do you think something should be done about the sport of horse racing?
   

Erica

Horse racing is a cruel sport, if you even want to consider it a sport. Innocent horses face injuries or death due to breeding, intense training and drug use. I think horses belong in pastures just eating hay all day.

Maks

I’ve never been to a racetrack or watched it on TV, but I find it hard to believe that anything will be done given the amount of money that surrounds this business. Perhaps we could replace the horses with the hosts from The View?

Christian

Maybe you should train your horse not to be so weak. Did any of the other horses collapse and die? No. And to be euthanized right on the track? How embarrassing. Get a stronger horse. Further proof why Hillary Clinton should not be our president.

Zach

I think that Congress should conduct an investigation into filly steroid use and recommend strict punishment to the animals that don’t comply. This may include suspension, rehabilitation and loss of hay.

1. The Mariners are on a huge losing streak and the Sonics are soon to be gone. Is there any hope for a Seattle sports fan these days?

Erica

I don’t see any hope for the Mariners. They need some major roster changes if they want to see any improvement, and I don’t see that happening anytime soon. The only hope I see is in the Seahawks. At least they have won a championship. With the release of Shaun Alexander and the addition of Julius Jones, it is obvious that the Seahawks are making the right moves in hopes of rejuvenating their running game.

Maks

If you’ve followed the story at all, then you know that the Sonics could easily wind up staying in Seattle through 2010. Assuming they do, and land a top three draft pick, this could be a really exciting team. Aside from that, there’s the Storm’s new, star-studded roster. So to answer the question, no, no hope.

Christian

No. There hasn’t been since — uh — well, if there ever was, I sure as hell don’t remember. At least we don’t live in Ohio.

Zach

SEAHAWKS!

1. Of all the NFL draft picks this year, who do you think is going to make the biggest impact right away?

Erica

Raiders running back Darren McFadden. In three seasons with Arkansas, he carried the ball 785 times for 4,590 yards and 41 touchdowns. Many are already projecting he will make the same immediate impact Adrian Peterson did in his rookie season in Minnesota. The Raiders, one of the worst teams in the NFL, need McFadden to redeem the franchise. His speed, offensive abilities and versatility will give the Raiders an offensive spark that has been lacking the past five seasons, in which Oakland has only won 19 games combined.

Maks

Darren McFadden, ‘cause I’ve heard of him. Oh, and because he has a good motor, a high ceiling and a high football IQ — I almost forgot.

Christian

Why, the stiff-hipped David Vobora, of course. Look him up. St. Louis’ seventh round pick out of Idaho. The kid’s going to be a star. Plus, he “breaks down in space.” Doesn’t everyone break down in space? I hear space travel makes you go insane.

Zach

I think that there will be tremendous pressure for Jake Long to make an immediate impact, as he is the fifth offensive lineman to be the first overall draft pick in NFL history. I think he will deliver. He was the big 10 offensive lineman of the year for the last two years and did 37 reps on the bench press at the NFL combine, which was the most by any lineman. He will be good.