In honor of Week 12, I’m vowing to win 12 games. Vow, I say.
(As always, all picks are made against the spread.)
NY Jets at Tennessee (-5)
JIM NANTZ: Hello, folks, and welcome back to Tennessee, where after a punt, the Titans have taken over the ball on their own 30.
PHIL SIMMS: Wow, Jim. Take a look at that. I mean I’ve seen some things in this league, but I’ve never seen this. For some reason, Titans running back LenDale White is lining up at cornerback for the Jets.
NANTZ: Phil, that’s Ty Law…
SIMMS: Woah, really?
NANTZ: Yeah, I know, right?
Pick: Titans
New England at Miami (-1)
In what many think was an act of gamesmanship, the Dolphins released their injury report on Thursday without ONE player listed as missing any time. Bill Belichick responded today by listing every single Patriot on the injury report. Unfortunately, it had nothing to do with getting back at Miami. Pick: Patriots
Houston at Cleveland (-3)
During last Monday’s game against the Bills, Browns GM Phil Savage received an angry email from a fan, and naturally, responded with "Go root for Buffalo— f@#* you."
A couple days later, Savage apologized for the email. "Yeah, I’ve definitely got to apologize," he said. "What I should have written was:
‘Go root for Buffalo—f@#* you, you f@#*ing piece of s*#@!
Bite Me,
Macho Man Phil Savage"
1. Does it count for the Mile High Club if you get laid in Denver?
2. What if teams just stopped dealing with Scott Boras? Stopped taking his calls. Deleted all his texts. Blocked him on Gchat. What if they just said, "Where done with you"? Won’t he lose some clients? Might he just leave us all alone? (Counting that as one question)
3. Is it possible that Hilton Armstrong is the product of a torrid love affair between his mother and a giraffe?
4. What Would Jesus Guy Do?
5. Is Dr. Emmett Brown the biggest hypocrit in cinematic history?
6. Why (still!) won’t anyone talk about Scott Foster?
7. Does anyone want, like, 100 Gregg Jefferies Future Star cards?
8. Did Jenny find out she had AIDS before, or after roping Forrest into unprotected sex?
9. Did you know that over the last four seasons, the Sox have won as many Gold Gloves (three) and they did in the 20 seasons prior? (Burks, Dewey and Tony Pena were the three over that time)
10. Does anything kill the mood more than the moment when either "Highway Blues" or "Symphony No. 9" pops up on your iPod shuffle?
It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for… Dino Radja joins the Dino Radja Experience!!!
On tonight’s show, Dino reminisces about:
***Paving the way for European ballers
***Brawling with the X-Man
***And an amazing story about the hours leading up to his NBA debut.
Nick Altschuller and I also touch on Quentin Richardson, the Big Baby chicken wing story and pretty much just bask in the glory of everything Radja.
Have a listen, and as always, you can reach us at dinoradjaexperience@gmail.com
The Dino Radja Experience: A weekly tribute to the Croatian legend and the team he left behind.
The Games
Tuesday, November 18 vs. New York Knicks
What It means: That someone will have a chance to step up. With KG suspended, one of the reserves must fill the void. Does Leon get the call? Will Doc turn back to Scal? Will Kevin McHale feel bad for the C’s and trade us Kevin Love for a game? Tonight, we find out.
Player to Watch: Wilson Chandler
Chandler is the new David Lee. Which is too say, the mere mention of his name gets Knicks fans more aroused than Donny Marshall in a Ray Allen museum. He’s averaging 14 points and five and a half rebounds a game, and that only figures to improve as his minutes increase.
Match-Up To Watch: Ray Allen vs. Jamal Crawford
Ray’s going to have to work it defensively tonight. There’s no such thing as playing off of Jamal Crawford—the dude will take a jumper from half-court if he’s got a clear view of the rim.
Fun Fact: Before losing to the Mavericks on Sunday night, the Knicks were three games over .500 for the first time since December of 2004.
Random Old Celtics/Kicks Box Score: November 5, 1993—Making their Celtic debuts, Dino Radja and Acie Earl combine for 30 points, but Patrick "Goomba" Ewing drop 32 all by himself and the Knicks kick off the 93-94 season with 111-108 win. Doc Rivers starts at point guard for NY and records a gentle nine points and six assists.
Ten dollars to anyone who can explain this commercial to me. I’m dying for it to make sense. But as it stands now, this is how I see it:
A man wants a Miller Lite, and is told that there are no Miller Lite’s left.
He has two options:
1. Become insanely cynical. Assume that this is some sort of test, and that unless he chooses to die rather than drink another beer (while he’s at a bar… watching a game) he will infringe on some sort of weird code set forth by the guy from Scrubs.
or
2. Ask for another light beer. Not a Bud Light, not a Coors Light, but just any light beer, and do so in the most solemn of ways. In a manner that suggests, "Wow, the fact that you are all out of Miller Lite makes me want to cut myself with a broken bottle, but I guess while I’m here I’ll sip on some piss beer to help pass the time.
Clearly. No. 2 is the choice. Cynicism like Option 1 goes against every single tenant that makes the male species what we are today. Wah, your favorite beer isn’t there, what, are you supposed to get all dramatic? Hell no. You’re supposed to say "Eff it. Let’s get even more drunk and beligerent on Bud Light." You aren’t supposed to worry about the beer. You’re suppose to worry about the game… and then use the beer to make yourself feel better about whatever happens.
What better way to ease the pain of a heartbreaking overtime loss than with a batch of money-making NFL Picks!!
Yeah, not making me feel any better either…
(As always, all picks are made against the spread)
Denver at Atlanta (-6.5)
Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jackson is suing a supplement maker which he claims caused his positive drug test. When coach Mike Smith suggested that the lawsuit might be a little frivolous, Jackson grew frantic:
JACKSON: Well, would it be possible to sue you people?
SMITH: Sue me? Why would you sue me? What are talking you about?
JACKSON: Punitive damages.
SMITH: Yeah, but why would you sue me?
JACKSON: I don’t know, sue everybody!
Pick: Falcons
Oakland at Miami (-10.5)
Interim head coach Tom Cable takes over play calling duties in Oakland this week, marking the first time this season the Raiders will call plays. Pick: Dolphins
Houston at Indianapolis (-8.5)
The last time these two teams met, QB Sage Rosenfels barfed up a 17-point lead in the final five minutes. Said Rosenfels on Thursday: "This week I vow to start sucking a lot earlier." Pick: Texans
Dallas (-1.5) at Washington
Speaking to a crew of reporters yesterday, Jerry Jones said that he still absolutely believes that the Cowboys will make the playoffs:
REPORTER: Jerry, what in the world are you basing that on? Are you maybe just living in denial?
It’s Game Night on The Dino Radja Experience!
In our latest episode Nick Altschuller and I take in an evening at the Garden and wax philosophical on an award-winning range of topics, such as:
***Paul Pierce’s Legacy
***Peter Griffin’s beard
***That one really, really tall Celtics Dancer (who Nick may or may not have been previously accused of stalking)
We also go over some listener emails and anticipate the possibility of the greatest guest to ever grace out puny air waves.
Have a listen, and as always, send us feedback at dinoradjaexperience@gmail.com
The Dino Radja Experience: A weekly tribute to the Croatian legend and the team he left behind.
Speaking at Fenway for the first time since the end of the season, Red Sox DH David Ortiz made a startling announcement yesterday—he’s now the team’s GM.
In addition to acquiring a few stronger arms for the bullpen, Ortiz said the team just needs "another 30-home run guy and we’ll be all set.”
Ortiz also added he plans to install robotic beard groomers in every locker and that team flights will now be MC’d by Daddy Yankee.
When reached at home in Arizona for comment on Ortiz’s remarks, MVP-candidate Dustin Pedroia initially replied, "You know, I don’t get paid to make decisions like, and I don’t think David does either." Upon hearing that Big Papi now apparently does, the fiery second baseman delivered a diatribe not fit for this Internet.
But there’s one big question that GM Ortiz failed touch on: "When you say another 30-homer hitter, you’re talking about Jason Bay right? After all, he’s the only guy who did it last year…
OK, Papi was speaking in the name of a good cause yesterday, and has always been an A+ teammate, so I don’t want to be too critical. In an age where every single athlete gives the same exact answer to every single question, it’s actually refreshing to hear a player openly speak his mind. That being said, nothing good can come from comments like that. It’s not going to effect how Theo does business, it can only irk teammates. We know that Papi’s still pissed off about the way last season ended. He should be. But he should also leave the analysis to Theo
The Games
Monday, November 10 vs. Toronto
What It means: That we better hope the C’s didn’t burn themselves out at the Palace, because the Raptors will be hyped. But while Toronto certainly represents a tough division foe, I’m not sold on their long term success. The Raptors play zero defense (not surprising given their roster) and if the threes aren’t falling, Tom Thibodeau will have Chris Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal in a pair of seven-foot straight jackets. 
Player to Watch: Jose Calderon
It’s very rare that you’ll ever hear say or write something negative about Rajon Rondo. In fact, it hurts my insides to even think anything negative about No. 9. That being said, if I could choose one Eastern Conference PG (not counting AI) to play for me this season, it would be Jose Calderon.
Now, in order to make myself feel a little better, I will point out that Jose just turned 27, and Rajon won’t be 23 until February. Ahhh, feels good.
Match-Up To Watch: Kevin Garnett vs. Chris Bosh
Although he certainly has a way to go in terms of intensity, Chris Bosh is the Kevin Garnett of this next generation of NBA Superstars.
Fun Fact: (Or maybe not so fun) In 13 career games against the Raptors, Kendrick Perkins has never scored more than six points or grabbed more than seven rebounds.
November 15, 2002—Paul Pierce shoots 4 for 20 from the field and scores only nine points in a 97-86 loss to the Mavericks.
April 1, 2002—Pedro Martinez lasts only three innings and gives up nine runs to the Blue Jays in a 12-11 Red Sox loss.
September 7, 2003—Tom Brady throws for 123 yards, four interceptions and zero touchdowns in a 31-0 loss to Buffalo.
November 2, 2008—Rich Levine embarrasses his employers, family and self by going 2-12 on his NFL picks.
I haven’t been able to look in the mirror all week. Instead, I’ve been scouring the web and watching more NFL Network than I did the Spice Channel in seventh grade. The time is now. On to the picks:
(All picks are made against the spread)
New Orleans at Atlanta (-1)
Atlanta comes into this game at a surprising 5-3, although three of those five wins came against the lowly Chiefs, Raiders and Lions. When asked to comment, Falcons coach Mike Smith said, "Hey, Shhhhh." Pick: Falcons
St. Louis at NY Jets (-9)
Jim Haslett said on Wednesday that Brett Favre might be the best player to ever play the game. After reading the quote, John Madden slipped the newspaper under his pillow, sighed contently and said, "Well, looks like someone’s spank bank’s full for the next couple months. Pick: Jets
Tennessee (-3) at Chicago
Check out the Dino Radja Experience Election Week Spectacular!
This week, Nick Altschuller and I elect our Celtic Cabinet and ask:
*** Who’s best suited (pun intended) for the Presidency?
*** Who will lead our army?
*** Why are we sending Kevin Garnett to Tahiti?
We also tackle hard hitting topics, including Luis Scola’s starring role in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Yao Ming’s sweet ups and a potential nickname for Tony Allen.
Have a listen, and as always, send us feedback at dinoradjaexperience@gmail.com
The Dino Radja Experience: A weekly tribute to the Croatian legend and the team he left behind.
See if you can match the Boston Celtics player with the vanity plate he recently registered with the Mass State RMV:
Player Plate
1. Tony Allen A) AVISITOR
2. Big Baby Davis B) LUVS2SK8
3. Kevin Garnett C) NOCRY4ME
4. Ray Allen D) OUTACTRL
5. Paul Pierce E) KTCROTCH
6. Rajon Rondo F) U2B KING
7. Kendrick Perkins G) 9YRS8TMS
Time to introduce a new segment here at Standing Room Only—Boston Celtics: The Week Ahead.
Actually, that not only introduces it, but explains it all the same. Let’s move on.
The Games:
Tuesday, Nov. 4 @Houston
What It Means: Well, it should have meant, "The Celtics first tough road game of the season," but they don’t get much tougher—at least I hope—than that mess against the Pacers. So instead, this one just represents another big early-season test for the World Champs.
Player to Watch: Aaron Brooks
The Celtics biggest weakness just happens to be one the Rockets’ strength—depth at point guard. Rafer Alston will get the start, but Brooks will have more of an impact—especially if Eddie House is the only thing standing between him and the hoop. He’s got Boobie Gibson’s range with Delonte’s "get to the hoop" determination. He’s also the nephew of former Expos OF/SS Hubie Brooks.
OK, I made that last one up, but totally believable, right?
Match-up to Watch: Paul Pierce vs. Ron Artest
I love watching Pierce face off against greats like Kobe, Lebron and DWade, but I’ll take a Pierce/Artest battle over those guys any day. There was a time when I had big plans for this rivalry—didn’t we all? They were on the perfect teams. They were at the perfect points in their careers. They perfectly complimented each other’s games. And then… the Celtics started sucking, Artest started punching people in the face and the rivalry was over. Tear.
Check out the latest episode of the Dino Radja Experience. This week, as always, I’m joined by Nick Altschuller, associate editor at the Improper Bostonian and a man about six months away from not being allowed within 100 feet of Leon Powe.
This week, Nick and I take bets on some Celtics related Over/Unders, such as:
***How many points will Ray average?
***What percentage of games will Perk foul out of?
***How long before the league catches on to Rondo’s bread and butter move?
And a few other topics so hot that my brain caught fire trying to recall them.
Have a listen, and as always, send us feedback at dinoradjaexperience@gmail.com
The Dino Radja Experience: A weekly tribute to the Croatian legend and the team he left behind .
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Another week, another display of shear dominance. That’s 19-7-2 the last two weeks, which means if you’d bet $100 on each of my plays over that time, you’d be up $1110 and have just enough money to cover a night of dinner and beers at the TD Banknorth Garden. Anyway, onto the picks. I’d guarantee 10 wins, but don’t you just expect that by now?
(Note: I’m clearly screwed this week.)
(Note 2: As always, all picks are made against the spread.)
Houston at Minnesota (-4.5)
With a couple of his teammate caught up in the latest NFL steroids controversy, Bernard Berrian announced this week that twice in the past he’s phoned the NFL’s banned substance hotline, and never got a call back. That’s funny, because that’s the same response Sage Rosenfels gets when he calls his teammates to hang out on off days.
ROSENFELS: Hey Matt, you never called me back last night.
MATT SCHAUB: Oh yeah, sorry man. I hit the hay pretty early, didn’t see your call til this morning…
ROSENFELS: Funny, because as we speak I’m online looking at a picture of you partying from last night.
SCHAUB: Oh, right. I know. I would’ve called but I left my phone at home.
ROSENFELS: It’s a picture of you talking on your phone…
SCHAUB: Yeeaaah, so listen, I gotta split. We’ll catch up later.
ROSENFELS: Promise?
Pick: Vikings
Jacksonville (-8) at Cincinnati
