First they had to win nine of ten just to make the playoffs. Then they had to face the Mavs, the #1 seed in the West (and the consensus best team in the league). But Golden State just seems to have Dallas’ number. This year, they won all three regular season meetings and, counting the playoffs, have won six of the last seven games against the Mavs.

Golden State is a small, athletic team that plays at a frenetic pace both offensively and defensively. Head coach Don Nelson (who used to coach Dallas) loves to utilize gimmick defenses and has thrown the Mavs completely off their game. Likely MVP Dirk Nowitzki has been limited by the Warriors’ scrambling, in-your-face defense and is completely out of rhythm. He’s no longer getting that famous post up at the free throw line. The Warriors are running a double team at him just about every time he catches the ball and they’ve got the team speed to recover when he elects to pass instead of shoot.

Offensively, Baron Davis is playing out of his mind. At the end of the second quarter he hit a 45-foot desperation three to tie the game going into halftime, and at the end of the third quarter he stole the ball and flushed it home to give Golden State the momentum going into the final period. Finally, with time winding down in the fourth, he hit a long jumpshot over Devin Harris to seal the game.

But the Warriors are not all Davis. They’ve got loads of young, athletic wing players – Monta Ellis, Jason Richardson, Stephen Jackson, Mickael Pietrus and Matt Barnes – along with a bit of an inside presence in Al Harrington and Andris Biedrins, which gives Nelson the pieces he needs to give the Mavs fits.

Golden State leads the series, 3-1, but still has to get one more win. Two of the last three games are in Dallas. Tuesday’s Game 5 (9:30 PM ET, TNT) should be very interesting. The Mavs are in a very tough spot – how will they respond?

These two teams are a combined 14-6 under in their last 20 games. Daniel Cabrera gets the start tonight for the O’s. He’s been spectacular this season in all but one start and has allowed only one homer in 57 2/3 innings. Wednesday he held the Red Sox to one run in his first six innings of work. He’s pitched into the 7th inning in four of his five starts. Bonderman takes the hill for Detroit. Tuesday he had his first bad outing of season. Other than that game he’s been practically unhittable. The Orioles are averaging only 2.6 runs PG in their last 6 games.
Take the under.

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Here’s a snap shot the NFL Draft’s round seven:

Best Value:
Brandon Siler, LB, Chargers (No. 240) – Siler was once regarded as the second best middle linebacker prospect in the draft and a potential second or third round pick. The reason he slipped was because of his lack of experience and could have probably used another year at Florida. However, he’s a true playmaker, should benefit from playing with a top San Diego defense and was a great find in the seventh round. Other values: Deshawn Wynn, RB, Packers; Dallas Baker, WR, Steelers; Chase Pittman, DE, Browns.

Potential Sleeper:
Ben Patrick, TE, Cardinals (No. 215) – Shocking that Patrick dropped into the second round because his stock was on the rise after the NFL Combine. He’s got a ton of talent, but didn’t play at a Division I program, so therefore he dropped. It’s interesting to see how he’ll fit into that offense though, especially since Arizona took Leonard Pope in last year’s draft. Other sleepers: Clark Harris, TE, Packers.

Here’s a snap shot of the NFL Draft’s sixth round:

Best Value:
John Wendling, S, Bills (No. 184) – I’m shocked Wendling lasted this long because he at the very least will be a solid special teams contributor. He’s not a starter – at least not right now – but he’s got great speed and is an outright football player. Other values: Rufus Alexander, LB, Broncos; Ryan Smith, CB, Titans; Prescott Burgess, LB, Ravens.

Potential Sleepers:
Courtney Taylor, WR, Seahawks (197) – By trading Darrell Jackson to the 49ers for a fourth round pick, the Seahawks needed to address their wide receiver position. Taylor is almost a copy cutout of Jackson (without all the NFL experience of course) in that he’s got great size and athleticism. He’s not overly fast, but neither was Jackson. Other potential sleepers: David Irons, CB, Falcons; HB Blades, LB, Redskins.

What the hell were they thinking?
Hard to criticize this deep into the draft, so I won’t.

Here’s a snap shot of the NFL Draft’s fifth round:

Best Value:
Aundrae Allison, WR, Vikings (No. 146) – Allison had some off field issues in college, but is an incredible athlete and has tremendous hands. He had an excellent week at the Senior Bowl and if it weren’t for his baggage, would have been at least a third round pick. Other values: Dustin Fry, C, Rams; Kolby Smith, RB, Chiefs; Troy Smith, QB, Ravens.

Potential Sleeper:
Kevin Boss, TE, Giants (No. 153) – Boss had a solid workout at the NFL Combine, displaying soft hands and running well in drills. If he makes the team – and he certainly should – he’ll be a nice compliment to Jeremy Shockey. Other potential sleepers: Josh Gattis, S, Jaguars; Justin Medlock, K, Chiefs; Tarell Brown, CB, 49ers.

What the hell were they thinking?
Steve Breaston, WR, Cardinals (No. 142) – Arizona didn’t reach – Breaston was projected in the fifth – but didn’t get an unbelievable prospect. His value is on special teams, but only on returns seeing as how he’s not that big. He struggles getting off the line as a receiver and unless he proves himself as an amazing returner, it’s doubtful he’ll even make the team.

Here’s a snap shot of the NFL Draft’s fourth round:

Best Value:
Michael Bush, RB, Oakland Raiders (No. 100) – The fact Bush actually slipped into the fourth round – there were thoughts he might have gone in the late second or early third – makes this an even better pick. Bush would have been a top five pick if he hadn’t broken his leg at the start of the ’06 season and if he turns out to be healthy; this could be the steal of the draft. Other values: Jay Moore, DE, 49ers; Antonio Pittman, RB, Saints; Tarnard Jackson, CB, Bucs.

Potential sleepers:
Zak Deossie, LB, Giants (116) – Another small school product, Deossie has loads of speed, changes directions well and is a cover linebacker. He might be a bit raw, but for a fourth round pick and a team depleted of linebackers, he’s a solid selection. Other potential sleepers: Manuel Ramirez, G, Lions; Stephen Nichols, LB, Falcons; Doug Free, G, Cowboys.

What the hell were they thinking?
Marcus Thomas, DT, Broncos (121) – Don’t get it twisted about this pick, Thomas would have been a first round pick if he didn’t have so many off field issues at Florida last year. However, the Broncos unloaded a ton of picks (including a third rounder in ‘08) to move up and take the talented, yet controversial Thomas. Now, one could argue that if he fulfills his potential, it was all worth it, but you generally don’t give up multiple picks for a troublemaker. Other questionable moves: The Steelers traded a fourth and a sixth round pick to Green Bay in order to select punter Daniel Sepulveda. Granted he’s the top rated punter in the draft, but he’s still a punter…and the Steelers gave up two picks for him…yikes.

Here’s a snap shot of the NFL Draft’s third round:

Best Value:
DeMarcus “Tank” Tyler, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 82) – This pick comes with a, “yeah, but”. Tyler has the talent to be a first round pick, but he had some off field issues at N.C. State. Nevertheless, the Chiefs got a steal in the third round and a solid run defender. Other values: Marcus McCauley, CB, Vikings; Trent Edwards, QB, Bills; Charles Johnson, DE, Panthers.

Potential Sleepers:
Daymeion Hughes, CB, Colts (No. 95) – This pick actually covers both the value and sleeper section. Hughes should excel in the Colts’ Cover 2 scheme because while he’s not that fast, he is the ultimate ballhawk and plays the run extremely well. If Hughes could run a 4.4 40, he would probably be a first round pick. Indy got a steal late in the third. Other potential sleepers: Buster Davis, LB, Cardinals; Tony Hunt, RB, Eagles; Ray McDonald, DE, 49ers; Aaron Rouse, S, Packers.

What the hell were they thinking?
Garrett Wolfe, RB, Chicago Bears (No. 93) – Wow, what a reach. I realize the running back class isn’t deep this year, but Garrett Wolfe in the third round? He’s a sixth rounder at the absolute best and might have been available as an undrafted free agent. Granted, he had an unbelievable senior season – and was a Heisman candidate – but he’s incredibly small and unlike Jaguars’ back Maurice Jones-Drew, not that stout. Other questionable moves: The Falcons taking Laurent Robinson over nabbing Michael Bush when they had a chance. Robinson will compete with Joe Horn, Michael Jenkins, Roddy White, Brian Finneran, Fred Gibson and Adam Jennings for a roster spot while Bush could have potentially given Bobby Petrino the big back he covets.

Here’s a snap shot of the NFL Draft’s second round:

Best Value:
Alan Branch, DT, Arizona Cardinals (No. 33) – Thanks to a terrible pro day performance and a bad work ethic rep, Branch fell all the way to the top of the second round. However, he was once a top 10 pick, has an NFL-ready body and maybe he’ll have a little motivation for dropping so far. Other top values: Paul Posluszny, LB, Bills; Arron Sears, G, Bucs; Justin Blalock, G & Chris Houston, CB, Falcons; Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings; Dwayne Jarrett, WR, Panthers; David Harris, ILB, Jets; Ryan Kalil, C, Panthers; Eric Wright, CB, Browns; Steve Smith, WR, Giants.

Potential Sleeper:
Justin Durant, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 48) – Durant played at a small program (Hampton), so he might not catch the average fan’s eye. However, Durant is extremely athletic, fast and is used to making big plays. He’s just a bit of an unknown right now, but well worth the risk and is going into a fantastic defensive situation in Jacksonville. Other potential sleepers: Brian Leonard, RB/FB, Rams; Ikaika Alma-Francis, DE, Lions; Samson Satele, C, Dolphins.

What the hell were they thinking?
Drew Stanton, QB, Detroit Lions (No. 43) – I’m going to get heat on this, because I already have from Sparty On in the past. But this was a major reach for the Lions and worse yet, he doesn’t fit Mike Martz’s system. Martz’s system is predicated on timing and accuracy, plus its complex and based on vertical passing. What system did Stanton play in at MSU? A simple scheme with short to intermediate passing routes and he struggled with accuracy. He was a bad fit, bottom line. Other questionable moves: The Chargers giving up multiple draft picks to the Bears to move up and land safety Eric Weddle. I like the player, but not the compensation; The Bears taking Dan Bazuin, a defensive end, which is about the last thing Chicago needs. Once again, love the player and he’s a Bears-type of guy, but they reached a bit and could have probably addressed other needs.

The NFL Network is reporting the Oakland Raiders traded wide receiver Randy Moss to the New England Patriots for a fourth round draft pick (which the Raiders used on Cincinnati defensive back John Bowe).

The Patriots continue their impressive offseason by adding one of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history. Moss joins Donte Stallworth, Kelley Washington and Wes Welker to seemingly improve a unit that was suspect in ’06. However, it should be noted Moss barely made a blimp on the radar in Oakland the past two seasons, showing declining skills and a sorry attitude (well, he already had the sorry attitude before he got to Oakland). However, one has to believe that if Moss has anything left in the tank, he’s going to show it for Bill Belichick and the mega organization, the Patriots. New England might be the only franchise in the NFL equipped to take on Moss’s baggage.

On the flip side are the Raiders. Weren’t they supposed to draft Calvin Johnson if they could move Randy Moss? Maybe that wasn’t the plan the whole time, but it’s strange to think that Oakland was willing to part with Moss for a fourth round pick, yet they don’t draft arguably the best prospect in the entire class. Interesting.

Current trends indicate that this game should be an easy Under. The Nets have historically played low scoring home games in the playoffs, with their last nine averaging just 180 points, so look for the Raptors to accommodate them for an easy Under. In the last dozen Toronto road games in which the Raptors were off a loss and facing an opponent off a win, the Under is an amazing 10-2. As for New Jersey, their last nine home playoff games have averaged a combined total of 180 points, more then 10 points less than where this total is set. After the Over cashed in six of the eight game twos of these playoffs, look for a correction and for the Under to shine in the third game of each series.

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