Lebron and the Cavs are on a mission to get back to the Finals and Detroit has looked like a shadow of themselves since Joe Dumars shipped "Mr.Big Shot" to Denver in return for Allen Iverson. If the Pistons aren't careful, this series is going to look like a replay of that series in 1991 when a force of nature named Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls banished the Pistons to the realm of mediocrity and took over as the new gatekeepers of the Eastern Conference.
Prediction: Cavs in 5
2) Boston vs. 7) Chicago
The Celtics probably won't have Kevin Garnett in the playoffs, but Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo should be enough to beat a Bulls team who's still trying to come into their own. While the Celtics should advance, I can't wait to see Derrick Rose and Rondo go at it for a whole series.
Prediction: Celtics in 5 or 6
3) Orlando vs. 6) Philadelphia
The Magic have Dwight Howard. The 76ers don't. The Magic can throw the ball to Dwight Howard in a half court set. The 76ers, to put it nicely, struggle in the half court. Philly's athleticism will make it fun to watch, but the Magic advance to face the Celtics in the next round.
Prediction: Take the Magic in 5 or 6
4) Atlanta vs. 5) Miami
Who knows how this series is going to go? The Hawks took 3 out of 4 from the Heat in the regular season and I think they might have the better team overall. That said, I'm not to comfortable betting against Dwayne Wade given the tear he's been on this season. (So much for him being this generation's version of Penny Hardaway.) Michael Beasley could be the X factor in what could be a very entertaining series. At the very least it will be a red carpet event with rappers like Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne taking in the games from those expensive court side seats.
Prediction: Take the Hawks in 7. I say this knowing that D-Wade is fully capable of going on another ungodly run like he did against the Mavericks in the Finals a few years ago.
1) L.A. Lakers vs. 8) Utah
The Lakers' front line just got bigger (if that's possible) with the return of Andrew Bynum. The Jazz have been in a tailspin since the calendar turned to April. The Lakers have Kobe Bryant. The Jazz don't. I'll give the Jazz a home game before the Lakers put them out of their misery.
Prediction: Lakers in 5
2) Denver vs. 7) New Orleans
The poise and leadership of Chauncey Billups was just what the doctor ordered for the Nuggets. Injuries have caused the Hornets to fall off a little after last year's coming out party against the Mavericks. The jury is still out as to whether or not the Nuggets are for real, but I like them in this series considering they have home court advantage and the health of Tyson Chandler is shaky at best.
Prediction: Nuggets in 7
3) San Antonio vs. 6) Dallas
If the Mavericks were to draw up a first round opponent, it would be the aging Spurs. Tim Duncan, despite what he says, is starting to break down a little. Manu Ginobili (stress fracture) will be watching every game from the pine, and the Mavs are playing their best basketball of the season . The enigmatic Josh Howard will be the difference in this match up as these two bitter rivals will play another epic seven game series.
Prediction: Mavs in 7 *I know Tony Parker gives Jason Kidd fits, but if there was ever a time to get the Spurs early in the playoffs it's now.
4) Portland vs. 5) Houston
It's the team with a budding star (Brandon Roy) that nobody wants to play against the team who apparently doesn't need their star player. (Tracy McGrady) I love the Trail Blazers' depth and athleticism, but I also love the consistent defense of Yao Ming and the Rockets.
Prediction: Blazers in 6. I know the Rockets have been a little underappreciated this season, but you have to score points to win in basketball.
"I say this knowing that D-Wade is fully capable of going on another ungodly run like he did against the Mavericks in the Finals a few years ago."
ReplyDeleteCome on now, Mo. I thought at least you could smell a rat in that series.*
*Full Disclosure: Huge Mavs fan here, but the bottom 1/3 of this article explains it all.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/060620
-Clint
I agreed mostly on your Eastern conference prediction, but totally disagree the prediction of western conference (of coz it's tougher as well.) I think Lakers will win in 6. Spurs will win in 6 as well (don't underestimate them even with all the injuries, Duncan never lost first round.) I also believe Houston will have the toughness to finally get into the 2nd round. Portland is great, but they are young and their year might be next year or the year after.
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