NBA

Written by Jordan Van Vranken – Staff Writer

A lot has changed since last year’s the National Basketball Association’s playoffs. LeBron James returned home to the Cleveland Cavaliers after the Miami Heat lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals. The Atlanta Hawks have snuck into first place in the Eastern Conference. Underdogs like the Golden State Warriors, Portland Trailblazers and Memphis Grizzlies lead the West, ahead of traditionally dominant teams. The remainder of the season is bound to be full of surprises.

Kevin Durant, last year’s Most Valuable Player titleholder, missed several weeks at the beginning of the season due to injuries, but has adjusted and is almost back to the level he was playing at last season. LeBron James is playing consistently, but has been outshined by others in the MVP race thus far. Stephen Curry of the Warriors, Kyle Lowry of the Raptors, James Harden of the Rockets and Marc Gasol of the Grizzlies have all made great strides this year.

Similar to the MVP race, typically unassuming teams have been leading the way in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. The Hawks and the Raptors in the East have both built their success around athletic frontcourts. The Grizzlies and Warriors, in the always competitive Western Conference, are both serious contenders this year after reconstructing their game plans. The Warriors’ new coach, Steve Kerr, quickly became the first rookie head coach to win 21 out of his first 23 games. Center Marc Gasol and point guard Mike Conley have stepped up to lead Memphis past powerhouses like the Spurs. But never disregard the Spurs, who somehow always seem to sneak into the top playoff seeds without anyone noticing.

The 2015 playoffs are sure to be exciting. Keep your eyes on the players in the running for MVP and the teams gunning for the championship as the NBA playoffs near.

NHL: L.A. Kings

Written by Jackie Sedley – Staff Writer

As the season reaches a halfway mark, the Los Angeles Kings will try to earn their third cup in four years. Winning the championships in both 2012 and in 2014, many L.A. Kings fanatics are hoping for another victory this year.

Although the team is currently holding 21st place out of 30 teams and 12th place in the west (21-17-12), they must claim a spot within the 8 playoff spots available in the West. This might become even more of a challenge than in recent years, as two key players are out on disability. Left wi ng Tanner Pearson sustained a broken lower left leg against the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 10 and Pearson’s linemate Tyler Toffoli acquired mononucleosis. Since Pearson is one of the King’s top scorers with 12 goals in 50 games, many fans fear that the team might be out of luck.

“This is not like other years,” said freshman Danny Mizin. “I think that Pearson and Toffoli being out might be too much of a setback for the team to make the playoffs.”

Several public statements have been made by the general public mocking the Kings and their unlikeliness to win the cup this year. However, the team is still sticking to their usual tactics in the hopes that they will yet again prevail.

“We’re a physical team,” said defenseman Doughty to DailyNews.com. “That’s how we wear other teams down.”

With 38 points scored, center and alternate captain, Anze Kopitar holds the top rank within the team for most points scored, along with the record of 27 assists. Similarly, right winger and forward Marian Gaborik has scored the most goals for the L.A. Kings, 15. Additionally, goaltender Martin Jones averages an impressive goals on the season.

Regardless, the team is trying to not let the absences disrupt their hopeful attitude towards the upcoming playoffs.