Just as Paul Pierce said the series isn’t going back to LA, after tonight, the series is going back to LA. That’s about all we do know about the series right now, however, but one would think the Lakers feel they need this game more than any other in the series to take a 3-2 advantage back home. To expect the Celtics to win both in Los Angeles? That’s a tall order, but it’s certainly in the realm of possibility for them to win one of two.
The NBA Draft is lining up, and Washington all but made it official their plans to take John Wall with the number one overall pick. No surprises there, but it does close the book on that. Wall also penned a shoe deal with Reebok, surprising in no small order, but what could ultimately be a sound business decision for the young point guard should he pan out. Now we just need Philly to commit to Evan Turner, and we can start a legitimate mock draft, hopefully leading us insight to who the Pacers plan to take at 10.
Meanwhile, the World Cup is now in full swing, as England is reeling from Robert Green’s goalkeeping mistake, which allowed a 1-1 draw with the United States. Considering none of our major sports can or rarely do end in ties, it’s not something we generally get excited about, but considering the underdog status of the US, a draw actually felt like a win. And who better to feel good about moral victories than Pacers fans? It’s now up to the USA to not play down to Slovenia and Algeria and get out of group competition onto the truly big stage.
After the jump, some coverage on the Finals, national team play in basketball, and a human interest story on the Rifleman.
- Dwyane Wade Opts Out of Team USA Play
Another big name decides to sit out of national qualifiers this summer. While it's a bit absurd to think the decisions of the biggest stars to not play this summer, it certainly can't hurt the chances of Danny Granger at becoming an Olympian. He should at the very least have a leg up on Michael Redd. - He's the right Person
A recap of current Lakers assistant and former Pacers player and assistant Chuck Person's journey from his last days as a pro to his current place. The common link? Why not Ron Artest? - Lakers' Bynum unsure how effective he'll be in Game 5...
An update on Bynum's status for Game 5? He will play. His effectiveness will have to be questioned, but certainly any lift Bynum can give is a positive for the Lakers. - Celtics keep looking for two big nights at once from Big 3
With the series tied at 2-2, you have to think the Celtics hold an advantage if they can just get Allen, Garnett, and Pierce on the same page for just one night. - The refs get it right? Oh my!
No reffing issues in Game 4? Who'd have thought it possible? - Current asking price for spare 2nd-round pick: $1.5M and up
Finally, an interesting series of events on the value of a second round pick in this year's draft as teams attempt to combat their own salary cap issues.