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Randy Boyd’s new suspense thriller is
The Devil Inside,
where a respected gay businessman must figure out whether the new man
in his life is the perfect catch or a child molester. And he has 72
hours to do it before life becomes a living nightmare.
If Looks Could Win the
NBA Playoffs
 By
Randy Boyd
For Outsports.com
For the second straight year, we’ll
leave the in-depth yammering about the NBA playoffs to Chuckles
Barkley, David Aldridge, Bill Walton et al. Instead, Ballin’ will
focus on what’s really important: jock watching. Oh yea, with a little
hoop talk thrown in to prove we also pay attention to the game every
once in a while.
Here now, the second annual Ballin’ NBA playoff preview, where we size
up each team in the talent and looks department.
EAST
Indiana-New Jersey
Talent: Kidd and Co. have the edge against Reggie and his young
kids. Then again, the Nets’ three regular season wins against Indiana
happened before the Pacers acquired big man Brad Miller and defensive
stopper Ron Artest. Still, Jason, who has a lot to prove, will be on.
Looks: This is a tough one. But if the Pacers come strong with
Kevin Ollie, Austin Croshere and Bruno Sundov (can a CK model be
7’2”?), they’ll do well against the enigmatic mugs of Kidd, Aaron
Williams and Jamie Fieck (not getting better with age). Keith Van
Horn? Fuggedaboutit.
Toronto-Detroit
Talent: A healthy Vince would seal this deal. As it is, the
more experienced Raptors will give Detroit fits. And an early exit.
Pistons should use this as stepping stone.
Looks: Again, losing Carter hurts big time. If only Jerome
Williams would use some of his cash to fix those teeth! Still, the
current crop of Pistons make Bill Lambeer and Joe Dumars look like
circuit boy toys. Game, Toronto. Vince GQ’ed out on the bench is worth
something.
Philadelphia-Boston
Talent: Sixers with Iverson. Boston if The Answer can’t answer
the call. The Celts are back. In the middle tier at least.
Looks: Celtics hands down. Any team with Rodney Rogers’s
superstud looks will be tough to beat. Throw in 7-footer Mark Blount
and Kedrick Brown and Boston has come a long way since Bird’s days.
Orlando-Charlotte
Talent: Neither. Injuries have derailed the Magic. Relocation
has damp-mopped Charlotte. Do we really need this playoff match-up?
Looks: If they were all healthy—and that’s a big if—McGrady,
Hill, Horace Grant would dominate for Orlando. As it is, even from the
sidelines they’re good enough to sting the Hornets.
WEST
Utah-Sacramento
Talent: Utah has talent? LOL. Good one.
Looks: This series is all about C-Webb. And getting revenge on
Utah for all those previous playoff series losses. Even hot Scott
Padgett can’t help the Jazz sing.
Seattle-San Antonio
Talent: We’re serious when we say this: the Spurs could contend
for the title this year. Really.
Looks: Another series that’s a mere formality. Spurs will roll
with Antonio Daniels and Steve Smith (if you like ’em skinny).
Portland-LA Lakers
Talent: Please.
Looks: Shaq and Kobe dominate here with personalities that
carry their looks. Mark Madsen is a cutie, too, in a Goofy sort of
way. Just don’t ask him to dance.
Minnesota-Dallas
Talent: Player for player, give it to Dallas. But this will be
the first round series to watch as the T-Wolves can bring it with the
best of them, which Dallas is.
Looks: Wally Szczerbiak, Wally Szczerbiak, Wally Szczerbiak.
Predicted MVPs of the playoffs:
Talent: Dirk of Dallas.
Looks: Wally’s’ world.
More Randy, more sports: Under
the Bleachers at straightacting.com.
Randy's Outsports
archive
April 18, 2002
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