NBA May 5th Playoff Preview

Indiana Pacers @ Orlando Magic - 2:00 PM EST, ESPN
The Pacers lead the series 2-1 due in large part to their offensive efficiency over the last two games. They have eclipsed the 90-point mark in both games, while the Magic have yet to score more than 81 points in a game this series. You also can't overlook the job the Pacers have done defensively, a thoroughly impressive effort throughout the series so far.

Memphis Grizzlies @ Los Angeles Clippers - 4:30 PM EST, ESPN
The Grizzlies seemed to have Game 1 in the books, before the Clippers rallied from down 27 to win. The Grizzlies though showed resiliency as they bounced back with a Game 2 win at home. Now, the series shifts to Los Angeles. The Grizzlies have had their road struggles this season, so the Clippers will look to use the home crowd to their advantage.

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Dallas Mavericks - 7:30 PM EST, TNT
The Thunder may be looking for the sweep Saturday night, but it hasn't been easy eliminating the defending champions. Game 1 and 2 were thrillers that saw Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook step up for the Thunder. Game 3 in Dallas was dominated by the Thunder. The Thunder will look to finish off the Mavericks, who are on the brink of playoff disappointment.

San Antonio Spurs @ Utah Jazz - 10:00 PM EST, TNT
This matchup has been what every 1 v. 8 seed battle is expected to be, the Spurs have obliterated the Jazz in the first two games. They will look to continue their strong play in Salt Lake City. The Spurs have used big runs to crack the prior games wide open. The Jazz will have to look to prevent that defensively. Jazz center Al Jefferson believes the Jazz should use their big lineup more to matchup with the size of the Spurs.The bottomline is they have to do something if they want a shot at turning around this series.

Remembering Junior Seau's Infectious Attitude

Junior Seau was loved by so many. Being a home-grown talent of San Diego, Chargers fans quickly embraced him. His joy and passion for the game quickly infiltrated the league. Fans around the world enjoyed watching him go all out. Tragically, Seau was found dead at the age of 43 in his Oceanside home. The police are investigating his death from the standpoint of a suicide.

Seau quickly became a San Diego legend. The linebacker was a 12-time Pro Bowler, named a member of the NFL's 1990s All-Decade team, and a member of the Chargers' only Super Bowl team in 1994. Seau is almost certainly a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where he will become eligible in three years. His actions both on and off the field displayed a love for people.

Seau inspired so very many. While his sudden death is very, very sad, it is important to remember who he was as a person. He was a happy man, who loved what he did. I believe Seau would want us to mourn his death, but he would want to focus more on remembering who he was before this happened. I think that is the least we can do, especially after all he did for those around him. Junior Seau will always be remembered as one of the all-time greats.

The Truth Seemingly Wills Celtics to Victory

Photo Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The Boston Celtics looked like they were destined to be down two games to none. They were down by 11 in the second half of Game 2, without their two starting guards, and running out of energy because of a short bench. Someone had to take over and that someone was Paul Pierce. Pierce came out on fire scoring the Celtics' first nine points of the night, but labored through a stretch of poor shooting in the second and third quarters. But he had not come this far just to watch another game slip away.

Starting towards the end of the third quarter, Pierce aggressively took the game over. His toughness on offense when combined with lockdown Celtics defense on the other end of the court resulted in the Celtics making a run. Pierce's run surpassed the Atlanta Hawks' lead single-handedly. Pierce's 18 points down the stretch, including 13 in the fourth quarter, outscored the whole Hawks team (15 points) over that stretch.

After making a couple free throws with just over a minute left to seal the comeback win, Pierce paused on the way back to the bench and tebowed as he thanked God. Celtics fans certainly have Pierce and God to thank for the victory. The win swings the home-court advantage to Boston, where the Celtics will at least have Rajon Rondo back from suspension. Ray Allen will likely be another game-time decision. Paul Pierce has breathed new life into this Celtics team. He may be past his prime, but he can still showcase his vintage clutchness from time to time. Simply put, that is the truth.