espn.com Ali Contest
As if the world of sports isn't scary enough already, here comes a Halloween weekend fraught with athletic peril. Fortunately, Page 2's Dan Shanoff is at the ready with a handy-dandy guide to What's Scary 'n Not Scary in sports (as well as costumes). Plus, Sportoon takes you on a guided tour of our Haunted Stadium.
SHANOFF: FEAR | SPORTOON: HORRORS!




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Page 2's Bill Simmons is almost afraid to look at the season-to-come in the NBA's woeful Eastern Conference. But at least Larry Legend, also known Basketball Jesus, is back home in Indiana and ready to send the Pacers up against the behemoths in the West. The Sports Guy previews the East.

Free Agent Feast Illegal Motion
The Yankees need a pitcher like Maddux. The Dodgers need a hitter like Vlad. But Page 2's Eric Neel says we're going at free agency all wrong. What do the free agents themselves need? Hint: It ain't the money.
 There's still time to put together that Grady Little sacrificial lamb Halloween costume, and Illegal Motion has a few other suggestions as well. Plus, vote now in SportsNation's Halloween poll.

THE DAILY QUICKIE
The Daily Quickie loves the 1966 Texas Western hoops story as much as the next guy, but really . . . Ben Affleck as Don Haskins? Plus, Manny twists in the wind and LeBron plays downright scary.


The expectations are there. Now all LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Darko Milicic have to do is live up to them. Shouldn't be tough, right? But even at their very best, will they measure up to the young stars on our list of the best NBA rookies ever??
10]  Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic, 1992-93
At 20 years old, Shaq became the first rookie to be named Player of the Week in his first week in the NBA, and he was the first rookie to start the All-Star Game since Micheal Jordan in 1985.
9]  David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs, 1989-90
The Admiral came into the NBA after two years in the Navy. The layoff didn't hurt. He finished in the league's top 10 in scoring (24.3 points per game), rebounds (12) and blocked shots (3.89).
8]  Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers, 1979-80
Any other rookie point guards you can think of who could take over for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at center in the Finals and score 42 points and grab 15 rebounds? Didn't think so.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Sunday Giants 2 Jets 47½
Sunday Bucs 8 Saints 39
Sunday Cowboys 3½ Redskins 37½
Monday Broncos 2 Patriots 36
NCAA FOOTBALL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday Michigan 4 Michigan St. NL
Saturday USC 11 Wash. State NL
Saturday Ohio State 7½ Penn State NL
Saturday Oklahoma 16 Oklahoma St. NL
Saturday Miami 7½ Virginia Tech NL
Saturday Texas 6½ Nebraska NL


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2? Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.



THE SPORTS GUY
In Part 2 of his NBA Preview, the Sports Guy says despite being dysfunctional, no one's beating the Lakers.

THERAPY SESSION
Page 2's Graham Hays watched LeBron's debut and fills us in on the Really Big Details.

LOST IN L.A.
What's happened to Kobe? Jason Whitlock says Kobe is another L.A. child star gone wild.

WHITTICISMS
Page 2's Whitney Casey faces her fears above the Big Apple as she suits up for Trapeze School New York.

SMART MOVES
Does Jack McKeon make the list of greatest coaching or managing in one game, series or tournament?

KNUCKLES VS. KISSES
Forget those fall cleanup projects. Page 2's Eric Neel has 20 reasons he'll be tuning in to the NBA.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's a Halloween classic: Cinema serial killer Jason Voorhees, left, and Hall of Fame goalie Jacques Plante. This match was requested by some guy named Freddy. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Monday Quarterback
1 p.m. ET, ESPN2
The cure for NFL withdrawal.
 
Monday Night Countdown
7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Get ready for the big game.
 
Monday Night Football
9 p.m. ET, ABC
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Thur., Oct. 30: A Fine Mess
• Wed., Oct. 29: FANNN-tastic Forecasts
• Tue., Oct. 28: Rack 'em Up!
• Mon., Oct. 27: Hot in Herre

Other featured content:
• What the Heck Were They Thinking?
• All-Time World Series Rankings
• 100 Greatest Home Runs of All Time
• Ballpark Tour: Final rankings
• Ultimate Scorecard: 101 best uniform numbers
• The most underrated athletes of all time
• The most overrated athletes of all time
Weekend Edition, Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 2003
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