It was on this date back in 1989 that the legendary Kareem Abdul Jabbar played his last game in the NBA. If there was a tougher shot to defend than his sky hook I am not so sure I've seen it. I can honestly say I recall watching him when he was Lew Alcindor and playing for those amazing UCLA powerhouses under hall of fame coach John Wooden. I remember watching the game against Elvin Hayes and Houston back in 1968 when Hayes and Houston ended the Bruins long winning streak. It is a particularly fond memory as I watched that game on TV with my late grandfather who was a huge basketball fan. We watched the game which was played in the Astrodome and was a nationally televised night game. It is memorable also because as fate had it my grandpa passed away unexpectedly just a few days later. Anyway, Alcindor and the Bruins did get their revenge later on in the season when they got a rematch and wiped the floor with Houston. Jabbar went on to enjoy an epic career with the Bucks and then later on the Lakers. I saw him again in person some years later when the Lakers played the Kansas City Kings in Kansas City. It is my understanding that Jabbar just underwent extensive heart surgery. I hope he recovers. He was a great player, that term gets tossed around rather loosely these days but Jabbar fit the bill. He was a true superstar.
Okay, a free winner. I am suggesting a play on Chris Sale and the White Sox this evening over the Royals and Ventura. The White Sox will be out for revenge after getting swept in Kansas City to open the season. It seems Ventura is a bit of a head case. He has some maturity issues and maybe likes to party a bit much on his off days. Got to remember he is a young kid still learning the ropes. He has a world of potential and I hope he gets it. The potential is unlimited. He does not tend to go deep in games but the Royals pen is usually up to the task of sealing the deal. I just think tonight Sale and the White Sox get this opener in the series. Sale is one of the best in the league right now and I see him winning a low scoring affair tonight on a cool night in Chicago.
On the business side I have my NBA playoff Triple Star Game of the Month loaded for friday. It will be my only one of these this month. I have now cashed on 6 of the last 7 playoff releases and swept again last night with both the Grizzlies and Spurs cashing the tickets. The long term mark with the Triples speaks for itself. I know as guys cruise the internet there are games of the week, month or year pretty much on a daily basis. I get it. All I can say is you don't see them from me. I try my best to pick my spots. Anyway, the game is up and available. You might also check out the new bulk dollars promotion being offered by Pregame. It is a legitimate great deal. Also, just a heads up. I am going to be doing some traveling and will be in Dallas over the weekend. Likely will be at the friday game between the Mavericks and Rockets. Not sure how much I will be around the forum. But, it is just a short, weekend trip and I will be back home sunday evening. Should not be any hiccups to my subscriber releases. As always I will tweet it out upon making a release. Best of luck guys and enjoy the games.