by Chris Covey

I am so excited for the NBA to begin, that I churned out 2,500 words over the span of a couple hours on Sunday. I figured that I'd break it up into two parts as not to overwhelm anyone sitting down for a quick read. So here is part one of my intro to the NBA.

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Ready for an NBA Season
Patriots, Belichick Stay a Step Ahead
An Optimistic Approach to the Red Sox Future
A Beginner's Approach to the Bruins

Today marks the 26th anniversary of the first Patriots Superbowl appearance. A week from Sunday, they will be making the franchise's seventh trip to the Superbowl. Only the Steelers and Cowboys have made more trips to the Big Game. The Patriots are currently a three point favorite to win the game (down from 3 1/2). All signs point to a very competitive game between similar teams. Both teams throw the ball very well and have weak running games. The Giants offense features great receivers while the Pats offense revolves around their tight ends. Both teams are strong on the defensive line but have major problems in the defensive backfield. Both kickers are solid and neither team has a scary kick return game. Both teams are healthier now than they were in the middle of the season. Both coaches are proven winners. Both teams were very lucky to win last week after great performances the week before. The Patriots were significantly better in the regular season (New England outscored their opponents by 171 points while the Giants were outscored by six points) but the Giants beat the Patriots on the road.

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2011 State of the Teams Report

Bruins win the Stanley Cup

Red Sox Midseason Grades

I've given each key member of the Red Sox a Midseason Grade. I gave out five "A" grades and three guys flunked. Can you guess who?

Stat Corner: Best/Worst Pro Sports Cities

Boston is clearly the most successful pro sports city of the past decade but what about the past 40 years? I jumped into the data to find out. HERE is my analysis.

Favorite/Least Favorite Aspects of Sports

NHL -- Best -- Playoff overtime hockey. Every sport is loaded with postseason drama but nothing quite measures up to an overtime NHL game in the playoffs. First of all, it's sudden death so every shot on goal can end the game - or even the season if a team is facing elimination. It's stressful if your favorite team is involved but it's a beautiful stress. A Game 7 overtime takes it to the next level. Score and advance or give up a goal and be done for the season.

NHL -- Worst -- Meaningless regular season. The only thing that really matters in the NHL regular season is making the playoffs. Home ice advantage means very little in the NHL ...

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