The UPEI Sun, 'Ihursday, Nov. 3, 1977, page 10 ‘ '

by John Cairns

The first punch was thrown 7 after only three minutes of

the National Basketball Association season. Kareen Abdul-Jabbar of 103 Angeles grew tired of elbowing with Milwaukee's rookie Kent Benson. With one blow he

floored his six—foot—eleven-P I

inch, 245 pound rival. The consequences however, were less favorable. He was

' expelled from the game and later fined $5,000. That's the stiffest penalty in league history. Worse still he suffered a broken hand. There was actually a similar incident several years ago. That time Kareem broke bones when, in frustration, he punched a backboard. In any case, 'll be sidelined indefinitely, and his team will sorely miss

PACIFIC DIVISIOQ

Even without Jabbar initially, the Lakers should be contenders in the west. Russell, Don Ford and Kenny Carr will help secure second place behind Bill Walton and the Trail Blazers. Portland has no intettidn of yielding its hard—earned championship.

Led by Alvan Adams, Ronnie Lee, and Paul Westphal, the Phoenix Suns will be a strong third. Despite sharp shooting Rick Barry, the Golden State Warriors will ,manage only fourth. In Seattle the Super Sonics will continue to have problems. With Fred Brown and Slick Watts both report- edly unhappy, and with a number of new players, coach Bob Hopkins has his work cut out. NEED/VEST DIVISION

In the midwest Denver will be pressed by Chicago and Milwaukee. In Brian Taylor the Nuggets have finally got

a crack playmaking guard.

Superstar David 'Ihcmpson was fourth in league scoring last ‘year, and is bound to improve._ 'lhe progress of

L the Bulls at the end of last

season should continue.

Norm VanLier, Wilbur Holland, Scott May, Mickey Johnson and Otis Gilmore are

excellent starters. The Chicago defense is especially strong. ‘Ihe

Bucks are young, but talented. Kent Benson, Marques Johnson, Ernie Green— field and Dave beers are

all highly touted. Inexper-

’ience is the only potential

downfall.

Detroit, Kansas City and Indiana will fight for the retaining spots. ' Marvin Barnes and Bob Lanier must both be in top form for the Pistons, The Kings are depending on ‘Iucius Allen, ‘Iiom Burleson and Ron Boone. 'Ihe financially troubled Pacers are also lacking on the court.

CENTRAL DIVISICN

Rebounding star Nbses Malone, along with guards Cal Murphy and John Lucas, will lead the Houston Rockets to first in the Central Division. The biggest challenge will come from Cleveland. With Walt Frazier joining Campy Russell, Austin Carr and Nate 'Ihurmond, the Cavaliers are strong. Featuring Elvin Hayes and Phil Chenier the Washington Bullets will manage third.

The bottom half will be. led by. the New Orleans Jazz with Pistol Pete Maravich and Leonard "Truck" Robinson Neither the San Antonio Spurs, nor the Atlanta Hawks are particularly im- pressive. look for the Hawks to finish last.

ATLANTIC DIVISION 'Ihe east is the here of

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the amazing Julius Erving. With him, Doug Collins, Henry Bibby and Lloyd Free, the Philadelphia 76'ers are a cinch for first. Although John Havlicek is aging and Dave chens is faltering, the Celtics will be second. Jo Jo . White, Charlie Scott and Sidney Wicks are the keys. Ch paper at least, New York looks good for third. ‘ Knicks Earl anroe,

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are stars. Randy Smith, Ernie Di Gregorio and Adrian. Dantley will keep Buffalo our of the cellar. That dubious honor is reserved for the New Yor

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All told, pro basketball should have a good year. met teams are financially ' stable, and the league is well balanced. After eight days of play, the Suns are the only unbeatet team. The Nets are the only winless one.

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