Random Poker Thoughts

And just like that, all of the Lamar Odom speculation is over.

Carmello Anthony scored 41 points and the Denver Nuggets used a second half comeback to give the Portland Trailblazers a rare 97-94 loss at their Rose Garden Arena home venue on Thursday night. The Blazers held a 67-62 lead heading into the final quarter but for the second time in as many games had trouble putting their opponent away. Brandon Roy led Portland with 30 points, and Greg Oden was the high rebounder for the home team with 9 boards. Portland is now 1-1 on the young NBA season, while Denver improved to 2-0.

The plot in the world of basketball this season has been so twisted, so convoluted in terms of performances of some players as well as some of the news about particular players, it has made it an exciting game to follow.

It happens on an annual basis, without fail. There are always a few NBA players who emerge during the course of the season, hitting the radar screens of every fantasy basketball GM as they break out.

Many believe that a great basketball franchise starts with its point guard. After all, the man running the show coordinates just about every offensive drive up the court.

There’s an impressive class of NBA rookies who have begun their careers on great notes this season. Often times, a rookie enters the league and takes several seasons before he acclimates, looking rather shaky at first before adjusting to the ways of the league.

The Denver Nuggets were one of the surprising teams of the NBA last season. Things started to finally mesh for them.

The Chicago Bulls are a very young team. Just a couple of seasons ago, they were one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

The Dallas Mavericks lost in the second round to the Denver Nuggets in the 09′ playoffs. This time the Mavs weren’t the favorites but the under dogs – which they are not familiar in being.

If your fantasy basketball draft is coming up and you’ve been fortunate enough to get the first pick this year, the good news is that you’ll end up with a great player who should carry your team to great levels of success.