Despite the best efforts of the blogosphere, the NBA owners have voted overwhelmingly to approve the Sonics’ move from Seattle to Oklahoma City. But it wasn’t a unanimous decision.

CBS SPORTS reports that Friday’s final tally was 28-2 in support of the move. The two owners casting the dissenting votes were Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks and Paul Allen of the Portland Trail Blazers. Why wouldn’t these guys go along with the crowd?

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Sunday’s loss to Kansas was painful for Texas. Just ask this Longhorns assistant coach who gets a tap to the testicles from one of his players.

YAHOO SPORTS’ BALL DON’T LIKE dresses down one angry Blazers fan who’s ready to kill over his (or her) missing sweatshirt.

TIRICO SUAVE tosses over an amusing video compilation of Cuba Gooding Jr. ruining Jeff George’s NFL comeback.

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The Houston Rockets continue to reach new heights, as they beat the Atlanta Hawks 83-75 Wednesday night for their 20th victory in a row, tying the mark set by the ‘70-’71 Bucks for the 2nd-longest streak in NBA history.

(Cheer up, Shane Battier - your team’s won 20 in a row!)

What a weekend it’s going to be in Houston. The Rockets can reach 21 in a row with a win over Charlotte on Friday, while the Hanson Brothers skate into town on Saturday. If only the local NBA team could have their popular big man back on the court.

While that’s not happening with Yao Ming & the Rockets anytime soon, the Portland Blazers did enjoy a quick glimpse of their own tower of power stepping out on the floor. Read more…

Greg Oden was the guest of honor for a big birthday bash last Friday night. Too bad he couldn’t go.

The PORTLAND OREGONIAN reports that the Blazers rookie had to miss out on the scheduled celebration held at the Roseland Theater. Over 800 attendees paid the $15 cover to partake in the music and intake in the alcohol.

Problem is Oden just turned 20 - still a year away from legal drinking age. And another concern for Oden & his agents was Toyota’s sponsorship of the event - since Greg has an endorsement contract with Chevrolet.

Oh, well - there’s always next year. By then, he might finally be healthy enough to dance again.

Kevin Durant had a special yuletide greeting for Greg Oden when the two NBA rookies met on the Portland hardwood on Christmas Eve:

“Man, you’ve gotten big.”

The SEATTLE TIMES overhears the exchange between the Sonics star & the Blazers’ benchwarmer at the Rose Garden on Tuesday. During his season-long absence due to a knee injury, Oden’s weight has ballooned from 250 to 290 pounds.

The top two draft picks last saw each other at an exhibition game in October, when Oden was still on crutches. Durant’s glad that Oden is a little more mobile this time around, if not a lot more heavier: “It’s good seeing him walking around. But he’s big, though.”

Looks like Greg needs to revise his workout regimen.

THINGS TO DO IN PORTLAND WHEN YOUR SEASON’S DEAD: So Greg Oden won’t be hitting the floor for the Blazers this season. What’s a #1 draft pick to do?

Apart from cheering on his new teammates (and bailing them out of jail afterwards), Oden now has time to check out some of the other sports options in town.For instance, Jerry Glanville is back on the sidelines, as the former Falcons & Oilers coach is now leading the 1-AA Portland State Vikings.

It’s known that during his NFL days, Glanville would leave two tickets at will call for Elvis Presley, in case the King ever decided to show up.For fun, Greg might consider hitting the hip PDX boutiques for a sequin jumpsuit and pompadour wig - then show up at the next PSU game in his new attire, announcing in a Presley-esque drawl, “Here I am, thank you very much. Now, where my seats at?”

And as the winter months drag on, Greg can check out the Winter Hawks, Portland’s entry in the junior Western Hockey League.

And if he wants to practice some law, Oden can send a tip to “Dollar” Bill Wirtz about possible copyright infringement.And were sure there’s museums, symphonies and fine- dining establishments to enjoy in the Rose City, just like any other big-name metropolis.

If all else fails, there’s always beer pong.