To The Rack With Mac

In my NBA Game of the Week, LeBron James scored 35 points to go with 16 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the Lakers past the Dallas Mavericks 129-114 late last night. Kyle Kuzma got the start last night, replacing injured MVP candidate Anthony Davis and poured in 24 points. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 25 points along with 10 rebounds and 7 assists. The Lakers looked levels above the Mavericks for most of the game, building their lead to as much as 29 points in the 1st half. The Mavericks never got anything going and looked visibly frustrated all night long including star PG Luka Doncic tearing his jersey toward the end of the game. They were also without their starting PF Kristaps Porzingis. The Mavericks clearly lacked the depth to compete with the Lakers and it has become clear now more than ever that Mark Cuban needs to get Doncic some help around him if they are to make any kind of deep playoff run. The Lakers improved to 31-7 and the Mavericks fell to a record of 23-15.

Stay tuned for my pick for next week’s NBA Game Of The Week and any and all breaking NBA news!

I’ll be selecting an NBA Game each week to analyze and give my thoughts on. This week’s game will be tonight’s Western Conference matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and thae Dallas Mavericks. Should be a fun one! Stay tuned for analysis and breakdown of this highly anticipated matchup in the morning!

The New York Yankees and RF Aaron Judge agree to a 1 year/8.5 million dollar deal for 2020 to avoid arbitration. Also avoiding arbitration were Gary Sanchez, Gio Urshela, James Paxton, Luis Cessa and others. Likely for Judge, a much bigger deal is coming. Also avoiding arbitration were Red Sox OF Mookie Betts with a record 27 million dollar deal and OF Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs received a 18.6 million dollar deal. Both Bryant and Betts have been the subject of numerous trade rumors this off-season.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans– This matchup is definitely the most exciting and fun game of the entire weekend. It has the highly anticipated face off between 2 of the game’s best young quarterbacks with Houston’s Deshaun Watson leading the Texans into Kansas City to try and stop reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Houston is coming off a big comeback win last week led by Watson’s acrobatics and tenacity, which I have no doubt will need to be on full display to get the win here as well. Houston’s defense is playing inspired football thanks largely to the unexpected return of DE JJ Watt. Watt had the game changing sack last week which swung the momentum for the late win. Their pass rush will need to be busy to try and force mistakes from the Chiefs. Along with Mahomes, the Chiefs offense is stacked with talent led by TE Travis Kelce and WR Tyreek Hill. Look for Hill to have a big day against the suspect Houston secondary. On the defensive side, LB Justin Houston and squad need to put pressure on Houston and contain Watson in order to slow down the pace much how Houston needs to do on defense as well. I think Mahomes and company prove to be too much for the Texans. Chiefs 34 Texans 20

Tennessee Titans vs Baltimore Ravens- This is probably what people see as the most lop sided game of the weekend (I am one of them). But, we need to remember this Titans team is coming off a win against the greatest coach and QB of all time, IN THEIR HOUSE, so there is an outside chance. Offensively for Tennessee, RB Derrick Henry led the NFL in rushing this season and he carried that over to the playoffs thus far going for 184 yards in last week’s win. To me, it depends on which Ryan Tannehill shows up. Since he has taken over at QB, the Titans have been on a tear and he needs to protect the ball to even have a prayer at keeping this close. Baltimore has enjoyed their best season in a few years led by clear league MVP QB Lamar Jackson. Their offense has taken on a new identity with speed and the ability of Jackson to both run the ball and get the job done with His arm. Tennessee’s defensive plan should be centered solely on Jackson. Make the other guys beat you!! Baltimore’s defense has played at a high level as well with S Earl Thomas and CB Marcus Peters having resurgent seasons with relentless play and leadership. I Honestly don’t think this one is all that close but hey it’s the playoffs! Ravens 38 Titans 14

My take on the upcoming playoff matchups this weekend. I will follow up with analysis from each game Monday morning.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS VS MINNESOTA VIKINGS– This matchup on paper would seem very one sided to most, as I’m sure 85-90 percent of you expected Drew Brees and New Orleans to be traveling to take on the 49ers. I’m here to tell you to not take the Vikings lightly in this one. Kirk Cousins finally got his elusive playoff win by being accurate and making smart decisions against the Saints and if he wants to continue his vindication tour successfully he will need more of the same against a strong 49ers defense led by rookie Nick Bosa and Vet Richard Sherman. Vikings RB Dalvin Cook will need to establish himself early in order to hopefully open up the passing game for Cousins if they are to have any shot at the upset. As for the 49ers, it marks the 1st career playoff start for QB Jimmy Garropalo. He will need to utilize his ability to move out of the pocket and get it to his main weapons TE George Kittle and WR Emmanuel Sanders with a hungry Minnesota defense bearing down on him that made Drew Brees look less than average in their wildcard matchup. I think the 49ers defense proves to be too much for Minnesota and Cousins falls back down to reality but don’t be surprised if I’m wrong. It is the NFL and I can be wrong more than I would like to admit. 49ers 24 Vikings 13

Seattle Seahawks vs Green Bay Packers- These 2 teams are no strangers to each other especially quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers. If you remember a few years back in Seattle, they met in the NFC Championship with Russell Wilson leading an epic comeback along with a terribly played onside kick by Green Bay to advance to the Super Bowl. This time around we have the same quarterbacks but 2 completely different teams. Seattle comes limping into Green Bay with many injuries including RB Chris Carson who led the Seahawks in rushing this season. They resigned Marshawn Lynch a couple weeks back and for Seattle they are going to need vintage Beast Mode in what is sure to be a tough weather game for them. Even though they got the win, Seattle looked dreadful against an even more injured Eagles team and honestly if Wentz never went down, I’m probably previewing a different game. Never count out Russell Wilson though, if anyone can overcome the odds, it’s him. As for Green Bay, we all know the talent of Aaron Rodgers, WR Davante Adams, and RB Aaron Jones. However in this one I’m looking at their defense. LB Blake Martinez had yet another stellar season for them and he needs to be the leader and field general for them this weekend in order to advance. Also, on the offensive side I’m looking at WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling to have a big day for the Packers. This has the potential to be the best game of the weekend. Packers 24 Seahawks 21