February 8th update

Tobacco Road Rivalry Renewed Tonight at 9:00

• Some of you may be aware that the University of North Carolina and Duke have a bit of a basketball rivalry. And by a bit, I mean the way there was a bit of an international conflict between 1941 and 1945 and the way Coca-Cola sells a bit of product every year. Carolina, the best rebounding team in the nation is predictably led by the three headed frontcourt monster of formidable post presence Tyler Zeller, shotblocking/rebounding phenom John Henson and Harrison Barnes, who's drawn comparisons to a young Kobe Bryant due to his size, agility and scoring ability.
• Duke on the other hand, features two sons of former NBA players in the backcourt; super-agile Austin Rivers (Son of Celtics coach Doc) and the long range shooting Seth Curry (Son of Dell, brother of Stephon). They also feature 3 Plumlee brothers, although only Mason and Miles have contributed much this season, their younger brother Marshall still being a freshman.
• The Heels are ranked #5 and the Blue Devils are ranked #9, both teams being ranked in the top 10 seeming almost like a forgone conclusion. Duke has lost 2 of its last 3 at their homecourt, Cameron Indoor Stadium and will hope to fare better in Chapel Hill. North Carolina is tied for the lead in the ACC with Florida State and leads the all time series with Duke 131-101.


NBA Injuries taking toll

• There have been a pretty decent amount of injuries in the NBA lately and many teams are being adversely affected. Just to name a few:
- Manu Ginobili of the Spurs broke his hand a month ago and hasn't returned.
- Andrew Bogut of the Bucks is probably out for the year with a leg injury.
- Chauncey Billups tore his Achilles tendon this week and will probably be out for the year.
- Eric Gordon (the main piece of the Chris Paul trade) has only played parts of 2 games this year because of a variety of injuries, the main one dealing with his knee).
- Al Horford of the Hawks is probably done for the season with a torn pectoral.
- Zach Randolph experienced a career resurgence last year but has been out for a while this year with a knee injury.
- Brook Lopez of the Nets has missed the whole season and is still a little while from returning because of a knee injury.
- Carmelo Anthony is out for a few weeks with a groin injury.
- Former #1 pick Andrea Bargnani has been among the NBA top's scorers this season but is out for about another month.
- Another #1 pick, Greg Oden, is out for the season... again... but at least the guy drafted after him isn't possibly the best player in the NBA right now. Oh wait...
- Kevin Love isn't hurt but will be suspended for two games after kicking Luis Scola in the face during a game. Just call him this decade's Christian Laettner.