No respect, no respect at all

I am a journalist. I understand news judgement. I understand knowing your audience and using that to determine what you cover and how you cover it.

But I don't understand ESPN.

Perhaps, I am a bitter Magic fan right now. Perhaps I am making a good point. But tonight's game against Portland, which Orlando won on a last-second shot by Hedo Turkoglu, did not air on ESPN's NBA Fastbreak until the third segment after four other games.

What was shown before this battle between two division leaders that went down to the buzzer?

Let's start with Dallas vs. San Antonio. Not a fantastic game this season. But it has some stars and it went to double overtime. A good draw. Forgiven.

Next, Cleveland vs. Toronto. OK, that is a solid game between two decent teams with superstars in LeBron James and Chris Bosh. That one is understandable.

Last one of the segment: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento? Sure the Kings upset the Lakers. But this game can't be as interesting as a game between two division leaders (and yes, it is early to look at the standings).

Maybe if Dwight Howard would have had a better game so they could play up the matchup between him and Greg Oden, it would have been put up higher.

I just feel a little disrespected and more sure of ESPN's bias toward bigger markets. If the NBA wants to play up its parity and how every team has a chance, it needs to get the big record games on the top of the ESPN shows rather than the big name games. Sure LeBron is very marketable, but doesn't everyone get tired of seeing him and the Cleveland LeBrons play every night?

OK, the Cavaliers are better this year than last year. But who honestly thinks they can still win a title. I think Orlando is still closer. I guess we can figure that one out on January 29.