Assorted Sports Thoughts.

- Home court advantage in the NBA is so important (home teams are 13-3 so far) that I usually go by the thought that you are really not in trouble in the NBA playoffs until you lose on your home court. Having said that a couple of teams that some people thought might have a chance (so that does not include the Hawks or Nuggets) that are down 0-2 are worth looking at.

1. Phoenix
The Suns are not out of it against the Spurs - yet. They were leading both games in the second half and fell just short. They are fully capable of winning both games at home. Nash, Amare and Shaq are doing their part but Barbosa, Hill and Diaw have been terrible. Without two of those three guys playing very well they are toast.

The Spurs game plan has been really smart. They are leaving Shaq and Duncan to go head to head but are having Manu and Parker go to the rim at every opportunity. Nash can't guard Parker and Amare might as well be a turnstile on D. Barbosa and Diaw are there only decent defenders so it is up to them to stop Ginobili.

2. Dallas
The Mavs are completely finished. While the Suns played the Spurs close the Mavs got destroyed by Chris Paul and the Hornets. They just can't stop Paul and they just look defeated throughout the whole game. I expect to Mavs to put up a fight and win Game 3 then get killed in 4 and 5.

3. Washington
It's best not to provoke LeBron by calling him out, flagrant fouling him and calling him overrated. The Wizards are getting swept.

4. Toronto
I've never been a TJ Ford fan and I absolutely hate him right now. He bitched and moaned about coming off the bench so Calderon gave up his starting spot for him. The Raps have been down a combined 40 points after the first quarter of each game so far with Ford playing terrible. If he starts tonight instead of Calderon coach Sam Mitchell should be fired at the first timeout. I'm serious. There is absolutely no excuse to start Ford. If they do they are done in 5.

- It's too bad the Bengals turned down the trade of Chad Johnson to the Redskins. Johnson fits in perfectly with Dan Snyder and the 'skins. He's glitzy, overpaid, runs his yap, and chokes in the clutch.

- I would consider the Reds firing their GM less than a month into the season ridiculous except for the fact that they brought on Walt Jocketty to run the show. Jocketty is on of the 5 best GMs of the past 25 years and should have Cincy winning that lousy division in 2 years.