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  It’s the most wonderful time of the year for basketball diehards as the best athletes in the world go head to head in a life-or-death struggle for hoops supremacy.  There is a balletic quality to the dazzling acrobatics that they can do. The playoffs are an intriguing mix of physicality, skill, grace, jaw-dropping athleticism, tactical moves (and countermoves) as well as intangible qualities such as hunger, passion, pride and gamesmanship. While it doesn’t have the immediate tension of the NCAA tournament or NFL playoffs (each with a one-and-done format) the NBA playoffs has its own kind of drama, with storylines able to develop over the course of a series. Here’s the bonafide Inspector Pumphead analysis of all the series so far (all series best of seven, all times EST): Eastern Conference Celtics vs Bulls (Bulls lead 2-0) The Celtics are in a tough and unique spot. The boys in green edged the Cavaliers for the number 1 seed and they have a great all-around team, headlined by the dynamic 5’8” point guard Isaiah Thomas. But the Bulls, as dysfunctional a team in the league during the regular season, may have the best player in the series in swingman Jimmy Butler. Butler dominated in game one with 30 points as the Bulls stole homecourt advantage for the series. To add insult to injury, former Celtic Rajon Rondo had an excellent game his former team in the Bulls’ game two win. But Rondo is out for the next game. With the mercurial point guard no longer a factor, it will be interesting to see if wunderkind coach Brad Stevens can cook up a strategy to contain Butler. Next Game: Tonight @ 7PM, ESPN Cavaliers vs Pacers (Cavs lead 3-0) At age 32, Lebron James is still the best player in the world and he showed why in a remarkable 26-point comeback against the Pacers. James had 41 points (on 14 of 27 shooting), 13 rebounds, 12 assists and two blocks. The King remains the king. As otherworldly a player as James is, it is still slightly concerning for the defending champions that they’ve been so tested by a mediocre Pacers team. The Cavs’ defense has been, to put it nicely, a complete tire-fire since January and has shown only sporadic improvement in the playoffs. Notably, fellow stars Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving spent much of the comeback on the bench. If Lebron has to put in a superhuman performance to cover up the defensive deficiencies in every game, it could be a long postseason for the Cavs. Raptors vs Bucks (Bucks lead 2-1) Perhaps the most intriguing first round series, with the consistently solid but rarely outstanding Raptors are taking on a young Bucks team bursting with talent but short on experience. The Bucks took game 1 behind the 28 point effort (on 13 of 18 shooting)  of the “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo. The aptly nicknamed Antetokounmpo measures in at 6’11” with a 7’ wingspan and has the athleticism, passing ability and ball-handling skills of a point guard. Basically, he’s a mutant. The Raptors managed to rebound with a nice win in game two, but the third game was an absolute nightmare for long-suffering Toronto fans. First, the Bucks played the “Barney” theme song when introducing the Raptors lineup, then proceeded to destroy them by 30 points. It was one of the most humiliating nights any NBA team has suffered in recent memory. Raptors stars Demar Derozan and Kyle Lowry need to turn it around to avoid another Canadian heartbreak. Next game: 04/22 @ 3 PM, TNT Wizards vs Hawks (Wizards lead 2-0) The dynamic Wizards point guard John Wall is the main draw of this series. Wall is one of the best at conducting a fast break, changing speeds, finding teammates in optimal scoring position and finishing near the basket. After several years of contention, this Hawks teams just looks old and tired. Next game: 04/22 @ 5:30 PM, TNT Western Conference Warriors vs Blazers (Warriors lead 2-0) There was a moment in game one where it looked like the Blazers might be able to do the thing. With guard C.J. McCollum put on a dazzling display of shotmaking and offensive prowess, the upset seemed in the cards. Until all-around Warriors defensive dynamo Draymond Green took over, blocking shots and changing the momentum of the game. That was probably the Blazers’ best chance; even without Kevin Durant in game two, the Warriors easily rolled. While there will probably still be some defensive fireworks, for all intents and purposes, this series is over. Next game: 04/22 @ 10:30 PM, ESPN Spurs vs Grizzlies (Spurs lead 2-1) After ho-hum displays of dominance by the Spurs in the first two games, the Grizzlies managed to surprise Kawhi Leonard and company and steal game three. Lead by a throwback game by Zach Randolph and a spirited rant by coach David Fizdale, the Grizzlies now look poised to tie the series. Can they make what looked like an obligatory Spurs sweep interesting Next game: 04/22 @ 8 PM, ESPN Rockets vs Thunder (Thunder lead 2-0) In perhaps the most anticipated first round series, one featuring the head-to-head matchup of MVP frontrunners James Harden and Russell Westbrook, the Rockets have seized firm control. Westbrook had the platonic ideal of a Russell Westbrook game, throwing up a 50-point triple double, taking over 40 shots, and mixing stunning play with some head scratching decisions, particularly in the fourth quarter. The NBA’s most entertaining and frustrating player continues to play his way. Harden has played under control and done a good job at finding the Rockets’ many sharpshooters posted outside of the 3-point line. With the series heading to OKC, it remains to be seen whether Westbrook and the Thunder can put together a complete game and get back in the series. Next game: Tonight @ 9:30 PM, ESPN Clippers vs Jazz (Series tied 1-1) The Jazz lost defensive anchor Rudy Gobert to a knee injury in game one, but still managed to surprise the Clippers on a last-second shot by veteran Joe Johnson. The Clipper responded by pounding the Jazz inside to take game two. We’ll see how the Jazz respond tonight. Next game: Tonight @ 10 PM, ESPN2 Pump Products application engineers are standing by to provide technical assistance, price quotes or to answer any questions you may have regarding pumps. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800.  

Ah football on Thanksgiving: it goes together like turkey and gravy. From millions of Americans watching the Cowboys to the famous Kennedy family touch football games at Hyannis Port, there is probably no stronger association between a sport and a holiday in American culture. Some of us like to actually toss the old pigskin around with friends and family, while others just like to stuff our face, sit on the couch and watch the pros on TV (I lean more towards the latter). Whatever your preference, football is a big part of the day. You may be interested to know that the tradition goes back over a hundred years. The History of Football on Thanksgiving The first major Thanksgiving football game was played by Princeton and Yale in 1876. As hard as it may be to picture now, the Ivy League schools were once the dominant powers in college football and games between the prestigious schools drew large crowds. Thanksgiving was chosen because it was a day where many people would not have work or church. Other colleges and even high schools began to follow the lead of the Ivy schools. It wasn’t long before going to a football game to cheer on your school became a Thanksgiving tradition on par with eating turkey, in towns and regions across the states. Professional football did not become a nationally popular pastime until well in the 1950s, but Thanksgiving games had been established before then. The Detroit Lions first played on Thanksgiving in 1934, while the Cowboys didn’t suit up on the holiday until 1966. For a long time, the Lions and the Cowboys were the only teams to host Thanksgiving games, but in 2006, the NFL added a third game to give more teams the chance to play before the nation. Colleges largely play on the Friday after Thanksgiving, but Thursday still has pride of place for high schools. Many traditional rivalries going back decades are played on Thanksgiving morning; the athletes put everything on the line for their town, their team and their school before going home to a delicious meal. What to Watch All TV times in Eastern Standard. NFL Minnesota Vikings (6-4) @ Detroit Lions (6-4), 12:30 PM on CBS: After a hot start, the Vikings lost four straight before recovering this past Sunday against the Cardinals. Can they keep the rejuvenation going against Matt Stafford and the Lions Washington Redskins (6-3-1) @ Dallas Cowboys (9-1), 4:30 PM on FOX: The Cowboys are arguably the best team in the league behind a dominant offensive line. This traditional rivalry has produced some of the most memorable Thanksgiving games in NFL history, so be sure to watch. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5) @ Indianapolis Colts (5-5), 8:30 PM on NBC: Two explosive offenses will go head-to-head in the night matchup. College LSU (6-4) @ Texas A&M (8-3), 7:30 PM on ESPN: Both teams are reeling from recent losses but there will still be plenty of future pro talent on display in this in new era SEC rivalry clash. High School High school games will take place in many communities across the country. Be sure to consult your local news sources to find a list of games in your area.

You know, to get my Inspector’s license, I had to spend a lot of time studying on college campuses. When things got too busy, I liked to take a break by watching a game of college basketball. Nothing better! Even with my college years long behind me, I still love the old college game and I’m very excited for this upcoming season. Bone-rattling dunks, nylon tickling 3-pointers, outrageous crossovers and fancy no look passes are all things I love about the old college game. And of course, what makes the college game different from the pro game is the atmosphere, passion and pageantry. From the Cameron Crazies to the “Rock Chalk Jayhawk!” chanters at Allen Fieldhouse to the rabid Big Blue Nation of Kentucky, the fans are part of what makes college basketball special. The players are unique and different too. In college basketball you can find point guard gunners, 6-foot shooting guards, short stocky big men who battle in the post against skinny giants. Unconventional players with weird, idiosyncratic games can thrive in college hoops. Many of these players will never play professionally but the impression that they leave in the college game is indelible. And of course, the other great aspect of following college basketball is making predictions! I use my skills as an inspector to inspect the top teams, players and coaches. Which team plays the best defense What player has the most dunks Who are the coaches that are best at designing scoring plays after timeouts I know all of those things, because I inspect all the most relevant statistics. Read below for my predictions.  And I haven't even mentioned March Madness yet! March Madness is simply the best event in sports. It’s still a few months until that glorious time but there will be plenty of classic games, wild plays, memorable moments and general fun along the way. It’s going to be great, so start watching now. College Basketball Tip-off As befits Veterans Day, the season officially tips off with the Armed Forces Classic in Honolulu, Hawaii. Four games between ranked teams will provide a veritable cornucopia of delights for the college hoops fan. In the first game, (7 PM EST on ESPN) the #12 Michigan State Spartans will take on the #10 Arizona Wildcats. Both traditional powers are smarting from early exits suffered in last year’s tournament, so expect an intense game. In the second game, the #11 Indiana Hoosiers will play the #3 Kansas Jayhawks in a clash of Midwestern titans. The College Basketball Rankings Here’s my projected rankings of the best 16 teams in the country. As an inspector, I have access to a variety of advanced statistics and algorithms, so I’m pretty confident in my predictions. Think you’re smarter Let us know in the comments! Pump Products will have a bracket that everyone can participate in when March Madness comes around but until then: Duke: The Blue Devils are always strong under coach Mike Krzyzewski and they’ve added one of the most talented freshman classes of all time to support established star Grayson Allen. Kentucky: Another school that never lacks for star power, the Wildcats once again have a cast of one-and-done superstars that could take them all the way. Villanova: The defending national champions lose senior leaders (Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu) but still have Kris Jenkins and Phil Booth, both of whom starred in last season’s thrilling title game. Josh Hart may be a darkhorse for national player of the year awards. Kansas: Coach Bill Self will try to win his 13th straight Big 12 title with a solid mix of returning players and new faces. Here’s betting that he’ll succeed.   The rest: Oregon Michigan State Indiana UNC Syracuse Gonzaga Virginia Wisconsin Louisville Xavier California UCLA