NBA Player of the Week - 17 Nov

There were a lot of great players last night in the best matchup of the season so far, between the Grizzlies and the Knicks. Last week's player of the week, Carmelo Anthony, put up another 20 points, and Memphis' entire front line scored at least 17 points each, but one player stood out in that game and over the past week in total, and that player is:

Zach Randolph

Randolph had his worst season in a decade last year after battling various injuries, but he is back at full strength and leading the best team in the NBA, as proven by last night's victory over the previously undefeated New York Knicks. Memphis has now won 7 straight after an opening night loss to the Clippers, and this week has been especially impressive, with 3 wins against Miami, Oklahoma City, and New York, a virtual murderer's row of opponents. Despite the quality of those foes, Randolph was solid in each game, putting up double-doubles in each, including 20 points and 15 rebounds last night. He also shot over 50% from the field in each victory and missed only one free throw in 13 attempts, and has led the Grizzlies in rebounding in every game this season.

Predictions

Upset picks are in italics.

NBA

Toronto at Boston - Celtics by 6
Utah at Washington - Jazz by 5
Memphis at Charlotte - Grizzlies by 19
Dallas at Cleveland - Cavaliers by 1
New Orleans at Milwaukee - Bucks by 11
Denver at San Antonio - Spurs by 9
Chicago at LA Clippers - Clippers by 15
Miami at Phoenix - Heat by 12

College Basketball

(4) Ohio State vs. Rhode Island - Buckeyes by 32
Samford at (17) Memphis - Tigers by 34
Jacksonville State at (18) UNLV - Rebels by 21
(20) Notre Dame vs. BYU - Fighting Irish by 13
(25) San Diego State at Missouri State - Bears by 1
Florida State vs. Saint Joseph's - Hawks by 18
Davidson at Milwaukee - Wildcats by 21
North Dakota at Northern Iowa - Panthers by 19
Oakland at Pittsburgh - Panthers by 31
New Mexico State vs. Bucknell - Bison by 10

Prediction Results

NBA: 4-5 (.444) 83-46 overall (.643)
Upsets: 2-2 (.500) 17-13 overall (.567)
College Basketball: 8-2 (.800) 76-13 overall (.854)
Upsets: 1-0 (1.000) 4-5 overall (.444)