By Brody Goucher and Weston Irons Posted April 15, 2015
NBA: Atlanta@Chicago, Apr. 15
Brody: This is definitely going to be a heated game, the Hawks have been on a mission this year and are clearly the best team in the Eastern Conference. I see the Hawks winning this one 115 to 109. Kyle Korver is second to only Stephan Curry when it comes to 3-point shooting and he spreads the floor better than anyone which allows the deadly combination of Al Horford and Paul Millsap to wreak havoc in the post. The Bulls should put up a good fight but their rotation is awkward with them having three capable big men in Pau Gasol, Carlos Boozer, and Taj Gibson. Gibson or Boozer are usually sat in the final minutes of the game and without Gibson’s defensive presence, I don’t see the Bulls keeping up with the Hawks in crunch time.
Weston: I’m with Brody on this one. Atlanta is currently one of the best teams in the league rivaled only by the Warriors and the Warriors are in a different conference so they are not much of a rival. Jeff Teague is on the top of his game this season and having Kyle Korver and Paul Millsap to pass to is certainly a plus. Teague also has no problem getting buckets as well.
Manchester United@Chelsea, Apr. 18
Brody: These two teams could be the best two teams in the Premier League right now but I think Manchester United is going to take this one 2 to 1. Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney are one of the best tandems in the league and together I think they will be able to exploit Chelsea’s defense. Also, Michael Carrick has been playing great this year and I think he will be the X-factor down the stretch.
Weston: It will be a close contest, but Chelsea will continue to be dominant this season and take the three points against Manchester United. Their star striker, Diego Costa, is at the top of his game with 18 goals and counting. Also fueled by a tough defense and the impenetrable wall that is Thibaut Courtois in between the sticks, Chelsea will be tough to score against. Manchester United sits three places behind Chelsea and will desperately need this win but that will be very difficult to overcome the firepower that Chelsea has to offer.
MLB: Reds @ Cardinals, Apr. 19 on ESPN
Brody: The Reds haven’t always been the best in the past but I believe that this could possibly be their year. Cincinnati looked really good in Spring Training and it definitely has showed with their fantastic start to the season with a three-game sweep over the Pirates. The Reds have an all-around good roster so it is hard to choose one that stands out. Take my word for it, the Reds are due for a good year.
Weston: I’m taking the Cards to win this game as well as the three-game series. St. Louis is a very consistent team and can easily contend with the best teams in the MLB. The Cardinals have a phenomenal defense and a just as good offense to put some runs on the board. Their powerful offense features both Matt Holliday and Jason Heyward, both of which you will be hearing a lot about this season. Their pitching staff isn’t too shabby also, as Adam Wainwright looks to be very promising again this season.
Previous Picks:
Spurs@Clippers: Clippers won 119-115
Barcelona@Man City: Barcelona won 2-1
Kings@Sharks: Kings won 2-1
