This is the series for it all. A rematch of the two teams from the 2006 Finals where the Heat won their first NBA Championship. The difference this year is that these two teams are much different than the two teams that were there in 2006. The Heat have the '3 Amigos' and this Dirk may not be beatable with the team around him. Let's take a look at each team and I'll let you know who I'm riding with in this series.
Dallas Mavericks:
Like I said, this Dirk may not be beatable. Nowitzki has been on fire and he has a team with him. Jason Kidd is reminding us that he was better than what he is now and he is playing that well right now. Tyson Chandler has become the 'KG' of this Mavs team with not only his defense but the heart and soul of the team. Jason Terry has played the role that was important for this team to win. He could definitely be a starter for this team but is happy with coming off the bench and being their spark. Throw in Shawn Marion (formerly known as the Matrix), Brendan Haywood (uggh), JJ Barea (their version of the Microwave) and you have a Mavs team that is pretty solid. But it all comes down to Dirk. He has the game and he's unorthodox enough to make guys feel bad when he's hitting his shots. I do wonder how he was able to go to the line 61 times in a 5 game series against the Thunder. Is this the year for the Mavericks? Will we have to watch awkwardly as Mark Cuban celebrates a title?
Miami Heat:
This is what all the hoopla was for, a chance at getting #2 for Wade and the organization and for LBJ to get his first so that he can be on his way to catching Jordan (had to throw this in, watch for a future article). The Heat beat a very sound Bulls team and each member of the big three, with the exception of D Wade, performed great. I've said this before, D Wade played the worst series that I've seen him play in a long time and they still won. He's got to step up in this series for the Heat to win. Bosh has quietly reminded people that he can play and that 20 and 10 average isn't just all about garbage time. Mike Bibby and Chalmers are starting to play better, and hopefully Mike Miller can play better now that his daughter is out of the hospital and at home doing well. You know that if the Heat win, people are just going to be that much more pissed?
X-factors:
Mavericks - Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Tyson Chandler, Shawn Marion. Yes, I put Dirk down as an x-factor simply because he's been playing so great, I'm waiting for the let down. The Heat are a good defensive team and will give him problems while rotating 3 or 4 guys on him (Haslem, Bosh, LBJ, etc.). He's going to have to play as great as he has this entire playoffs if they have hopes of being the new king in town. With all of the energy and effort concentrated on Dirk, Terry's going to have to play lights out. He'll be going against the Heat's bench so he'll have opportunities to light it up. The Heat really have no one to match up with Chandler. He's big, mobile, and has a bit of a mean streak in him. Chandler has to stay active and keep from picking up silly fouls. Oh, did I mention that he's going to have to protect that paint? Shawn Marion will be the main person guarding LBJ and he's long enough and quick enough to cause some problems. As long as they keep LBJ on the perimeter, the Mavs are cooking with grease.
Heat - Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, the Heat bigs, and Bibby/Chalmers. Wade has got to step up his game and when he sees Stevenson in front of him he's got to make the Mavs pay. Chris Bosh is going to start on Dirk and will need to cause him problems with his size. Bosh is quick enough to guard him on the perimeter so I expect that Dirk will post him up repeatedly. Bosh has got to play solid defense, but he's got to go at Dirk on offense. Dirk has never been mistaken as a defensive stalwart, so make him play you. The Heat bigs are going to get their chance guarding Dirk, so the key is to make it tough for him. He's going to hit shots, but make them tough shots. For the Heat point guards, they are going to have to hit shots. I expect the Mavs to go a lot of zone in this series to test the Heat outside shooting. When JJ Barea gets in the game, I don't care if you've never had a day working in the post, but someone should post him up, every play.
Prediction: This should be a good series. You got a lot of guys chasing their first title (Kidd, Chandler, LBJ, Bosh, Bibby, Marion, etc.) and a lot of them are older so this may be their only opportunity. It's going to come down to one of them making some big plays and this is cliche, but who wants it more. I'm scheduling a trip to Miami to experience the madness that's going to happen when they win this series. Heat 4-2. (That's no worse than Terry getting the NBA Trophy tattooed on his arm.)
Ok, so who you got and why? Yes, the Mavericks can win this if Dirk stays on fire, but I'm going with the 'favorites'? You going to meet me in Miami?
Showing posts with label NBA Playoffs 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NBA Playoffs 2011. Show all posts
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Western Conference Playoffs Round 2 - Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Thunder come into this series having beat the Nuggets with a great closing game performance by Kevin Durant and the Grizzlies come in with an upset win over the #1 seeded San Antonio Spurs. The more and more I think of this, the got hosed in their playoff seeding. They are getting all of the good teams.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Durant and Westbrook,...where's the help? I've been waiting on Harden. Ibaka showed his usefulness with his defensive performance against the Nuggets. He was swatting every shot that was thrown up. This team needs a third scorer so that Westbrook can cut back on some of his forced shots. It's going to be more important in this series that the Thunder play defense, because I'm sure that they have enough offense to matchup with the Grizzlies and their deep bench.
Memphis Grizzlies:
Well you upset the #1 seed and now you get, arguably, the second best team in the West (Lakers being the best team in the West). This Grizzlies team woke up and learned a lot in that series against the Spurs. They learned from their Game 5 that they really have to put their foot on their competitions necks to finish series. The Grizzlies bench played well, but this team was led by Randolph and Gasol. (Just as a note, this trip to the playoffs doesn't in anyway validate the trade that the Grizzlies participated in to get Gasol). Randolph was unstoppable and I guess that's what that $70M extension does for him. Gasol didn't have the numbers that Randolph had but he caused Tim Duncan problems in the paint and effectively took him out of the series. The bench was led by Darrell Arthur who seemed to hit every 17 foot jumper that he took. If he keeps this up with the play that they got from Vasquez and the rest of the bench, it's going to be tough sledding for the Thunder.
X-factors:
Thunder - Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Westbrook has got to run this team on a consistent basis and no do another Game #4 (30 shots, 30 points). He's gotta find the shooters on the team and hit those jumpers in the lane. Yes, He's Derrick Rose-light, so he's gotta play that way. James Harden HAS got to be that 3rd scorer for this team. Memphis is deep and they are going to need points off the bench.
Grizzlies - Greivas Vasquez and Sam Young/Tony Allen. Greivas is the man coming off the bench and backing up Conley. If you watched him play at Maryland, you know what he can do. The fact that he's doing it on a consistent basis, great! Sam Young/Tony Allen, these guys should draw the defensive assignment of stopping, well sowing down Kevin Durant. If they can do a decent job of this, the Grizzlies advance.
Prediction: I want to see a Lakers/Thunder Western Conference Final and the NBA has done all it can to put that in doubt. The Grizzlies are coming off a great series win and I'm still trying to figure out their weakness. They are long, athletic, and can control the paint. What else do you need? Hollins (coach) has been there as a player and won, but is he as a coach that missing piece? As much as I want the Thunder to win, I'm liking this Grizzlies team more and more. Grizzlies 4-3.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Durant and Westbrook,...where's the help? I've been waiting on Harden. Ibaka showed his usefulness with his defensive performance against the Nuggets. He was swatting every shot that was thrown up. This team needs a third scorer so that Westbrook can cut back on some of his forced shots. It's going to be more important in this series that the Thunder play defense, because I'm sure that they have enough offense to matchup with the Grizzlies and their deep bench.
Memphis Grizzlies:
Well you upset the #1 seed and now you get, arguably, the second best team in the West (Lakers being the best team in the West). This Grizzlies team woke up and learned a lot in that series against the Spurs. They learned from their Game 5 that they really have to put their foot on their competitions necks to finish series. The Grizzlies bench played well, but this team was led by Randolph and Gasol. (Just as a note, this trip to the playoffs doesn't in anyway validate the trade that the Grizzlies participated in to get Gasol). Randolph was unstoppable and I guess that's what that $70M extension does for him. Gasol didn't have the numbers that Randolph had but he caused Tim Duncan problems in the paint and effectively took him out of the series. The bench was led by Darrell Arthur who seemed to hit every 17 foot jumper that he took. If he keeps this up with the play that they got from Vasquez and the rest of the bench, it's going to be tough sledding for the Thunder.
X-factors:
Thunder - Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Westbrook has got to run this team on a consistent basis and no do another Game #4 (30 shots, 30 points). He's gotta find the shooters on the team and hit those jumpers in the lane. Yes, He's Derrick Rose-light, so he's gotta play that way. James Harden HAS got to be that 3rd scorer for this team. Memphis is deep and they are going to need points off the bench.
Grizzlies - Greivas Vasquez and Sam Young/Tony Allen. Greivas is the man coming off the bench and backing up Conley. If you watched him play at Maryland, you know what he can do. The fact that he's doing it on a consistent basis, great! Sam Young/Tony Allen, these guys should draw the defensive assignment of stopping, well sowing down Kevin Durant. If they can do a decent job of this, the Grizzlies advance.
Prediction: I want to see a Lakers/Thunder Western Conference Final and the NBA has done all it can to put that in doubt. The Grizzlies are coming off a great series win and I'm still trying to figure out their weakness. They are long, athletic, and can control the paint. What else do you need? Hollins (coach) has been there as a player and won, but is he as a coach that missing piece? As much as I want the Thunder to win, I'm liking this Grizzlies team more and more. Grizzlies 4-3.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Western Conference Playoffs Round 2 - Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Lakers come in to this series knowing that they escaped a game Hornets squad. What I mean by that is if the Hornets had someone other than Chris Paul, they may not even be here. The Mavericks pulled a series out against the Trailblazers and their only hope is that whatever curse that Portland team has on it didn't rub off on the Mavericks during their games there.
Los Angeles Lakers:
This all starts with Kobe. He looked terrible, at times, in the series against the Hornets. Looked like his legs were dead or something was going on, maybe an ankle issue (hahahaha). Once his bigs started playing Kobe could cheer from the bench. The Lakers are the best team in the NBA, make no mistake, but they have to get it in gear. This whole, we won't play until the playoffs is going to get them beat against quality teams. Bynum and Gasol have to dominate. If they do, I don't see anyone beating them. If they don't, the Mavericks have a chance.
Dallas Mavericks:
Not much to say about this team. Dirk is Dirk, Jason Terry is Jason Terry, and when you add in the ageless wonder in Kidd, you have the Mavericks Big 3. The difference this year will be the Mavericks with Chandler and Haywood in the paint. They are going to be big for this team to win. Roddy Beaubois is starting to play and his quickness will give Fisher and probably Blake some problems. If Caron Butler can find a way to get on the floor he'll provide this team with a little bit of an emotional lift. Dirk is going to have to play well against either Artest or Odom for the majority of this series.
X-factors:
Lakers - Ron Artest and Shannon Brown. Artest is going to have to play Dirk and beat him up. If the refs let him get away with being physical, this one is over quickly. Brown has to be that spark off the bench that he was earlier in the year. He was doing his best (young) Kobe impersonation with his scoring and aerial displays. He's gotta be that catalyst that gets this team going when they get lackadaisical.
Mavericks - Tyson Chandler, Brendan Haywood, Peja Stojakovic. Chandler and Haywood have got to be men and get the Laker big bodies out of the paint. They may not have to score big numbers but they will have to dominate the boards. Peja is the unkown. I mean he hasn't been himself since he was in Sacramento and if you remember him from there,......he likes playing the Lakers. If he can get some of that old Peja magic going, this Mavs team can pull one off.
Prediction: An old guy once said this, 'to be the man, you've got to BEAT the man, and I am THE man'. Some old Ric Flair for those that remember. With that said, the Lakers are THE man in this matchup and the Mavericks need to do something extra if they are going to win. When it comes down to it, the Lakers have Kobe and the best I can say for the Mavericks is they have Dirk. But, I've said that no one will win an NBA Championship with a 7-foot shooting guard. Lakers 4-3.
Los Angeles Lakers:
This all starts with Kobe. He looked terrible, at times, in the series against the Hornets. Looked like his legs were dead or something was going on, maybe an ankle issue (hahahaha). Once his bigs started playing Kobe could cheer from the bench. The Lakers are the best team in the NBA, make no mistake, but they have to get it in gear. This whole, we won't play until the playoffs is going to get them beat against quality teams. Bynum and Gasol have to dominate. If they do, I don't see anyone beating them. If they don't, the Mavericks have a chance.
Dallas Mavericks:
Not much to say about this team. Dirk is Dirk, Jason Terry is Jason Terry, and when you add in the ageless wonder in Kidd, you have the Mavericks Big 3. The difference this year will be the Mavericks with Chandler and Haywood in the paint. They are going to be big for this team to win. Roddy Beaubois is starting to play and his quickness will give Fisher and probably Blake some problems. If Caron Butler can find a way to get on the floor he'll provide this team with a little bit of an emotional lift. Dirk is going to have to play well against either Artest or Odom for the majority of this series.
X-factors:
Lakers - Ron Artest and Shannon Brown. Artest is going to have to play Dirk and beat him up. If the refs let him get away with being physical, this one is over quickly. Brown has to be that spark off the bench that he was earlier in the year. He was doing his best (young) Kobe impersonation with his scoring and aerial displays. He's gotta be that catalyst that gets this team going when they get lackadaisical.
Mavericks - Tyson Chandler, Brendan Haywood, Peja Stojakovic. Chandler and Haywood have got to be men and get the Laker big bodies out of the paint. They may not have to score big numbers but they will have to dominate the boards. Peja is the unkown. I mean he hasn't been himself since he was in Sacramento and if you remember him from there,......he likes playing the Lakers. If he can get some of that old Peja magic going, this Mavs team can pull one off.
Prediction: An old guy once said this, 'to be the man, you've got to BEAT the man, and I am THE man'. Some old Ric Flair for those that remember. With that said, the Lakers are THE man in this matchup and the Mavericks need to do something extra if they are going to win. When it comes down to it, the Lakers have Kobe and the best I can say for the Mavericks is they have Dirk. But, I've said that no one will win an NBA Championship with a 7-foot shooting guard. Lakers 4-3.
Eastern Conference Playoffs Round 2 - Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics
This is why they play the games, right? The Celtics and the Heat meet for a chance to play the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics are coming off of a sweep of the New York Knicks and the Heat are coming out of an almost as easy series against a feisty Philadelphia 76ers squad.
Miami Heat:
Ok, Phase I, complete. Phase II - Not so easy. The Heat get the Celtics early. The Celtics have beaten the Heat in their season series, but I don't really think that matters right now. Wade is probably playing the best of the Big 3 right now, and maybe that's what we all thought would happen anyway. Look for Bron to have to play some defense in this series against Paul Pierce, but I also look for someone from the Heat to step up their game. Bosh will have his hands full with KG (I'd love to hear what KG is going to say to Bosh this entire series) and Wade will have to continue with his roll for this team to win this series. The Heat are confident at the right time of the year and if, a big IF, they get Haslem and or Miller back into the fold, they will be deadly.
Boston Celtics:
The Big 3 versus the BIG 3. This would be better served as the cover of a comic book just based on the two teams and how they were put together to battle each other. We know that the Heat are still finding their cohesion but they are young enough to run the old Celtics out of the building. If Ray Allen gets on a roll, the whole South Beach crew will be watching the rest of the playoffs at home. The Celtics made the move to get rid of Perkins, in my opinion, on this series. They need more firepower off the bench and some youth to keep up with the Heat. With a healthy Shaq on the floor, this turns into a Celtic party.
X-factors:
Heat - Mario Chalmers, James Jones and Chris Bosh. Someone is going to have to keep up with Rondo and with Bibby closer to the end of his career, this will likely fall on Chalmers. I imagine that you'll see a lot of him and Wade in the backcourt. This will also give Chalmers an opportunity to run through some screens chasing Ray Allen. With Miller hurting (thumb) the Heat are going to need some shooters to shoot. James Jones looks to get lots of opportunities and he along with Bibby are going to have to make the Celtics pay for any lapses in defense. All I have to say is that Bosh can NOT let KG punk him. I don't care if it takes a technical foul or two(not all in one game), but he should just walk right up to him and smack him in the mouth. #justtoseewhatwouldhappen.
Celtics - Jeff Green and Carlos Arroyo. This is why they brought in Green (and the fact that he's a young 3 that can take Pierce's spot in 3 more years). The Heat are loaded with wing players and the Celtics need more scoring. Green is going to have to dial into his former Thunder-self and play ball. I'm not talking big numbers here, but he's got to be solid for the Celtics (somewhere in the 12 pts, 6 rebs range). Carlos Arroyo,....doesn't get any better than this. Arroyo will get to play against the one man that the Heat cut him so that they can acquire in Bibby. Somebody is going to get smacked, trust me.
Prediction: This is tough. My head says Celtics, but something is telling me that it's time for this Heat team to make some noise. The Celtics did beat a Knicks team with really no one outside of Amare and Carmelo (Billups was hurt), so are they ready to step in the ring? Throw the records out and just play ball. You already know who I'm picking,......Heat 4-3.
Miami Heat:
Ok, Phase I, complete. Phase II - Not so easy. The Heat get the Celtics early. The Celtics have beaten the Heat in their season series, but I don't really think that matters right now. Wade is probably playing the best of the Big 3 right now, and maybe that's what we all thought would happen anyway. Look for Bron to have to play some defense in this series against Paul Pierce, but I also look for someone from the Heat to step up their game. Bosh will have his hands full with KG (I'd love to hear what KG is going to say to Bosh this entire series) and Wade will have to continue with his roll for this team to win this series. The Heat are confident at the right time of the year and if, a big IF, they get Haslem and or Miller back into the fold, they will be deadly.
Boston Celtics:
The Big 3 versus the BIG 3. This would be better served as the cover of a comic book just based on the two teams and how they were put together to battle each other. We know that the Heat are still finding their cohesion but they are young enough to run the old Celtics out of the building. If Ray Allen gets on a roll, the whole South Beach crew will be watching the rest of the playoffs at home. The Celtics made the move to get rid of Perkins, in my opinion, on this series. They need more firepower off the bench and some youth to keep up with the Heat. With a healthy Shaq on the floor, this turns into a Celtic party.
X-factors:
Heat - Mario Chalmers, James Jones and Chris Bosh. Someone is going to have to keep up with Rondo and with Bibby closer to the end of his career, this will likely fall on Chalmers. I imagine that you'll see a lot of him and Wade in the backcourt. This will also give Chalmers an opportunity to run through some screens chasing Ray Allen. With Miller hurting (thumb) the Heat are going to need some shooters to shoot. James Jones looks to get lots of opportunities and he along with Bibby are going to have to make the Celtics pay for any lapses in defense. All I have to say is that Bosh can NOT let KG punk him. I don't care if it takes a technical foul or two(not all in one game), but he should just walk right up to him and smack him in the mouth. #justtoseewhatwouldhappen.
Celtics - Jeff Green and Carlos Arroyo. This is why they brought in Green (and the fact that he's a young 3 that can take Pierce's spot in 3 more years). The Heat are loaded with wing players and the Celtics need more scoring. Green is going to have to dial into his former Thunder-self and play ball. I'm not talking big numbers here, but he's got to be solid for the Celtics (somewhere in the 12 pts, 6 rebs range). Carlos Arroyo,....doesn't get any better than this. Arroyo will get to play against the one man that the Heat cut him so that they can acquire in Bibby. Somebody is going to get smacked, trust me.
Prediction: This is tough. My head says Celtics, but something is telling me that it's time for this Heat team to make some noise. The Celtics did beat a Knicks team with really no one outside of Amare and Carmelo (Billups was hurt), so are they ready to step in the ring? Throw the records out and just play ball. You already know who I'm picking,......Heat 4-3.
Eastern Conference Playoffs Round 2 - Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks are riding into the Windy City after beating the Magic and the Bulls are at home licking their wounds from a tough series against the Indiana Pacers.
Chicago Bulls:
Tough series against the Pacers who decided if you can't beat them, BEAT them. The Pacers used their bigs and their long wing players to literally beat up the Bulls which put them in a position to win each game. The Bulls got an MVP series from Derrick Rose and that's about it. Luol Deng has shown up in the playoffs and he's gotta show some moxie because he is playing a high number of minutes. The strength of this team has been Rose and it's bench and with some timely shooting from Korver and defense by Noah, Gibson, etc. the Bulls are in a good position to,........(hold on now),.....I'll just say they are in a good position to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. Boozer has disappointed thus far and will need a good/great series to get back in to the good graces of the Chicago fans.
Atlanta Hawks:
I did say that they would win, right? You guys need to learn how to take this stuff to the bank. The Hawks beat a Magic team that they probably shouldn't have. The highlight of the series has to have been Joe Johnson (outside of Game 5). Joe seemed to relish the opportunity to be 'THE MAN' for this team and with a lot of help from Jamal Crawford, the Hawks are here. Hinrich got hurt and looks like he'll be limited when he does play again. I know that for Hinrich and Crawford this has to be an opportunity that they enjoy having in playing their former team. Josh Smith had a horrible Game 6 for the Hawks, so I imagine that he'll be ready to ball. The matchups are going to be great in this series for the Hawks bigs, with Horford and Smith probably doing a lot of damage in this series.
X-factors:
Bulls - Taj Gibson and Omer Asik. Gibson has been a defensive presence all year long and with Boozer hobbled by turf toe (is this the Duke injury du joir?) Gibson will get extra run. With Gibson playing extra, I imagine that the Bulls will try to go bigger than the Hawks by giving Asik more run in this series too. If the Bulls can control the boards, this is a cake walk for them.
Hawks - Joe Johnson and Jeff Teague. Johnson proved that maybe, just maybe he looked good in that $120M contract. Yes, he's the second leading scorer on his team in the playoffs, but Crawford is supposed to come in and just shoot. Teague (I think I said this before) will have to come in and play more with Hinrich nursing a sore/pulled hamstring. Teague is one of those smallish point guards that may be able to make Rose play some defense. If Teague can play well, this Hawks team might pull the upset.
Prediction: Is this the Bulls year? We all know that Boozer has to step up, but this Bulls team is too deep to let the Hawks come in and beat them right? What happens when Rose turns into a jump shooter? Can the Hawks do that? That's a lot of maybes and in that case, I'll take the Bulls. Barring an injury to Deng or Rose, this one should be simple. Bulls 4-2.
Chicago Bulls:
Tough series against the Pacers who decided if you can't beat them, BEAT them. The Pacers used their bigs and their long wing players to literally beat up the Bulls which put them in a position to win each game. The Bulls got an MVP series from Derrick Rose and that's about it. Luol Deng has shown up in the playoffs and he's gotta show some moxie because he is playing a high number of minutes. The strength of this team has been Rose and it's bench and with some timely shooting from Korver and defense by Noah, Gibson, etc. the Bulls are in a good position to,........(hold on now),.....I'll just say they are in a good position to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. Boozer has disappointed thus far and will need a good/great series to get back in to the good graces of the Chicago fans.
Atlanta Hawks:
I did say that they would win, right? You guys need to learn how to take this stuff to the bank. The Hawks beat a Magic team that they probably shouldn't have. The highlight of the series has to have been Joe Johnson (outside of Game 5). Joe seemed to relish the opportunity to be 'THE MAN' for this team and with a lot of help from Jamal Crawford, the Hawks are here. Hinrich got hurt and looks like he'll be limited when he does play again. I know that for Hinrich and Crawford this has to be an opportunity that they enjoy having in playing their former team. Josh Smith had a horrible Game 6 for the Hawks, so I imagine that he'll be ready to ball. The matchups are going to be great in this series for the Hawks bigs, with Horford and Smith probably doing a lot of damage in this series.
X-factors:
Bulls - Taj Gibson and Omer Asik. Gibson has been a defensive presence all year long and with Boozer hobbled by turf toe (is this the Duke injury du joir?) Gibson will get extra run. With Gibson playing extra, I imagine that the Bulls will try to go bigger than the Hawks by giving Asik more run in this series too. If the Bulls can control the boards, this is a cake walk for them.
Hawks - Joe Johnson and Jeff Teague. Johnson proved that maybe, just maybe he looked good in that $120M contract. Yes, he's the second leading scorer on his team in the playoffs, but Crawford is supposed to come in and just shoot. Teague (I think I said this before) will have to come in and play more with Hinrich nursing a sore/pulled hamstring. Teague is one of those smallish point guards that may be able to make Rose play some defense. If Teague can play well, this Hawks team might pull the upset.
Prediction: Is this the Bulls year? We all know that Boozer has to step up, but this Bulls team is too deep to let the Hawks come in and beat them right? What happens when Rose turns into a jump shooter? Can the Hawks do that? That's a lot of maybes and in that case, I'll take the Bulls. Barring an injury to Deng or Rose, this one should be simple. Bulls 4-2.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Western Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Wrap Up Game 1's
And now the West,......
Spurs vs. Grizzlies - Just for a second I thought that everyone, including Charles Barkley, was going to be wrong after Matt Bonner hit his second 3 late in this game, but the Grizzlies didn't fold. Tony Allen almost gave the game away with some missed free throws, but in the end it was the newly signed Zach Randolph (4 years, $71M) and Marc Gasol that proved to be the difference in this matchup. The Spurs really missed Ginobili with the game on the line and it showed. The Grizzlies stole one from the Spurs at home and now they have win Game 2 to keep it going. Great shot by Battier there at the end, nothing like a veteran presence. Duncan looked good, so maybe that rest all season really helped out.
Lakers vs. Hornets - Please go and look at what I wrote here, and then read the rest. Paul came out and got his 33 pts, 14 asts, 7 rebs (all defensive), and 4 stls. That's not quite what I said, but that's damn close. This is all fools gold anyway. The Hornets can't play this well for 4 games, so I imagine that they lose this series 4-1 now instead of the 4-0 prediction. The sad part is that Kobe had a chance, twice, late in the game to bring his team back and he couldn't. He missed two layups and didn't get any calls. Is this how it ends for him? Kobe actually looked human on Sunday. He can't do that again if Gasol plays as bad as he did, if the Lakers expect to win.
Thunder vs. Nuggets - The refs had better be in shape for this series because these two teams are going to run and put up numbers. Nene should be outlawed in about 25 states the way he is abusing the rims. I haven't seen any big man just dunk on people like he did in this Game 1 and the Thunder for the most part were watching the entire time. Give Westbrook his props (that's aimed at some of my co-workers) because he balled for this team. With Westbrook the Thunder can't put up enough points to win this series against this loaded (did you see the ease with which Gallinari was shooting the rock, Chandler played well, and both point guards for Denver pushed the rock) Nuggets team.
Mavs vs. Blazers - Ho hum,....another well intentioned badly reffed game that helped the Mavs win this down the stretch. Are the refs trying to make it up to Dirk from their calls when the Mavs played the Heat for the title a few years ago? Dirk had 13 free throw attempts in the 4th quarter. Stop, read it again, 13 free throw attempts. Not much else to say. The Blazers have got to win Game 2 or they may get bounced early.
What game did you enjoy the most? Who you got?
Spurs vs. Grizzlies - Just for a second I thought that everyone, including Charles Barkley, was going to be wrong after Matt Bonner hit his second 3 late in this game, but the Grizzlies didn't fold. Tony Allen almost gave the game away with some missed free throws, but in the end it was the newly signed Zach Randolph (4 years, $71M) and Marc Gasol that proved to be the difference in this matchup. The Spurs really missed Ginobili with the game on the line and it showed. The Grizzlies stole one from the Spurs at home and now they have win Game 2 to keep it going. Great shot by Battier there at the end, nothing like a veteran presence. Duncan looked good, so maybe that rest all season really helped out.
Lakers vs. Hornets - Please go and look at what I wrote here, and then read the rest. Paul came out and got his 33 pts, 14 asts, 7 rebs (all defensive), and 4 stls. That's not quite what I said, but that's damn close. This is all fools gold anyway. The Hornets can't play this well for 4 games, so I imagine that they lose this series 4-1 now instead of the 4-0 prediction. The sad part is that Kobe had a chance, twice, late in the game to bring his team back and he couldn't. He missed two layups and didn't get any calls. Is this how it ends for him? Kobe actually looked human on Sunday. He can't do that again if Gasol plays as bad as he did, if the Lakers expect to win.
Thunder vs. Nuggets - The refs had better be in shape for this series because these two teams are going to run and put up numbers. Nene should be outlawed in about 25 states the way he is abusing the rims. I haven't seen any big man just dunk on people like he did in this Game 1 and the Thunder for the most part were watching the entire time. Give Westbrook his props (that's aimed at some of my co-workers) because he balled for this team. With Westbrook the Thunder can't put up enough points to win this series against this loaded (did you see the ease with which Gallinari was shooting the rock, Chandler played well, and both point guards for Denver pushed the rock) Nuggets team.
Mavs vs. Blazers - Ho hum,....another well intentioned badly reffed game that helped the Mavs win this down the stretch. Are the refs trying to make it up to Dirk from their calls when the Mavs played the Heat for the title a few years ago? Dirk had 13 free throw attempts in the 4th quarter. Stop, read it again, 13 free throw attempts. Not much else to say. The Blazers have got to win Game 2 or they may get bounced early.
What game did you enjoy the most? Who you got?
Eastern Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Wrap Up Game 1's
Let's do a quick recap.
Bulls vs. Pacers - Talk about the one that got away? The Pacers should have won this game. Outside of the heroics of one Derrick Rose, the Bulls would have opened the 2011 Playoffs with an 'L'. (Hint to the Bulls, no more night before partying and then coming out flat against a Pacers team you should beat with ease). Psycho T had a helluva game and almost won it for the Pacers (he picked Boozer pocket at the 3 point line?). I don't think that the Pacers play this well again in this series, but the Bulls have got to also play better. I am going to say it, if I haven't already, but a team with a mean streak is going to start putting Rose on the deck. Wait for it. You can't let a dude just score 39 on you. He did have 21 free throw attempts, but he should have had ice on all parts of his body. Good win for the Bulls when everyone but Rose played badly.
Heat vs. Sixers - The Heat must have watched the Bulls play and they decided that they would get down early and then try and mount a comeback. The Heat are going to need more than the Big 3 to get into double figures. If Lou Williams hits a few more shots, this may have been a loss for the Heat. In the end it's a 'W' and that's all that really matters, but the Heat can't allow this Sixers team to even think that they can win. Thaddeus Young, great game and he almost brought his team all the way back.
Magic vs. Hawks - Wow!!! I'm not talking about Dwight Howard either. Welcome home Joe Johnson!!!! Johnson was the aggressor for the Hawks and he ended the game with 25 pts (9 of 16 shots, 7 of 8 free throws). Might he finally live up to that contract? The answer is no, but he should be the man on that team, even if it only means because of the money. Yes, Howard had a monster game (46 pts, 16 of 23, 14 of 22 from the line, and 19 rebounds) but the rest of his team disappeared. I like the tactic that the Hawks are going with, we'll let Howard get his but stop the rest of the Magic players because (I don't) they don't think that Howard can beat them by himself. We'll see if this strategy works in the long run, but for one game it was king. Congrats to Howard for winning the Defensive Player of the Year.
Celtics vs. Knicks - Well there goes the series. With Chauncey out for Game 2 and possibly hampered for the rest of the series, it's over for the Knicks. Yes, the Celtics are going to have to play these games, but they shouldn't allow the Knicks to think they can win this. Allen hits a big 3 and all is well in Boston. Melo disappeared for a little in the 4th but they really didn't need him now that they have the new and improved Amare Stoudamire. I am still sitting here wondering if he actually dunked the ball against KG. I mean I saw him go to the rack, and then the ball was on the ground, but the Celtics took it out of bounds.
We can at least say that these playoffs are very exciting and that's with just the Game #1's. Who you got?
Bulls vs. Pacers - Talk about the one that got away? The Pacers should have won this game. Outside of the heroics of one Derrick Rose, the Bulls would have opened the 2011 Playoffs with an 'L'. (Hint to the Bulls, no more night before partying and then coming out flat against a Pacers team you should beat with ease). Psycho T had a helluva game and almost won it for the Pacers (he picked Boozer pocket at the 3 point line?). I don't think that the Pacers play this well again in this series, but the Bulls have got to also play better. I am going to say it, if I haven't already, but a team with a mean streak is going to start putting Rose on the deck. Wait for it. You can't let a dude just score 39 on you. He did have 21 free throw attempts, but he should have had ice on all parts of his body. Good win for the Bulls when everyone but Rose played badly.
Heat vs. Sixers - The Heat must have watched the Bulls play and they decided that they would get down early and then try and mount a comeback. The Heat are going to need more than the Big 3 to get into double figures. If Lou Williams hits a few more shots, this may have been a loss for the Heat. In the end it's a 'W' and that's all that really matters, but the Heat can't allow this Sixers team to even think that they can win. Thaddeus Young, great game and he almost brought his team all the way back.
Magic vs. Hawks - Wow!!! I'm not talking about Dwight Howard either. Welcome home Joe Johnson!!!! Johnson was the aggressor for the Hawks and he ended the game with 25 pts (9 of 16 shots, 7 of 8 free throws). Might he finally live up to that contract? The answer is no, but he should be the man on that team, even if it only means because of the money. Yes, Howard had a monster game (46 pts, 16 of 23, 14 of 22 from the line, and 19 rebounds) but the rest of his team disappeared. I like the tactic that the Hawks are going with, we'll let Howard get his but stop the rest of the Magic players because (I don't) they don't think that Howard can beat them by himself. We'll see if this strategy works in the long run, but for one game it was king. Congrats to Howard for winning the Defensive Player of the Year.
Celtics vs. Knicks - Well there goes the series. With Chauncey out for Game 2 and possibly hampered for the rest of the series, it's over for the Knicks. Yes, the Celtics are going to have to play these games, but they shouldn't allow the Knicks to think they can win this. Allen hits a big 3 and all is well in Boston. Melo disappeared for a little in the 4th but they really didn't need him now that they have the new and improved Amare Stoudamire. I am still sitting here wondering if he actually dunked the ball against KG. I mean I saw him go to the rack, and then the ball was on the ground, but the Celtics took it out of bounds.
We can at least say that these playoffs are very exciting and that's with just the Game #1's. Who you got?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Western Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets
I think this is the series that shapes the entire Western conference playoff picture. I would have loved for them to have played different teams in the opening rounds, but it is what it is. The Thunder may have finally become that team with the addition of Perkins while the Nuggets have been playing as well as I think they can even when they had Carmelo.
Thunder:
The Thunder come into this series knowing that this may in fact be their opportunity to represent the West in the NBA Finals. They went out and got Kendrick Perkins and had to give up a lot in Krstic and Green, but he may be the missing piece. Of course the Thunder are Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The ying to the other's yang. Durant is the man, but Westbrook can lead this team and provide scoring too. How much can Perkins help this team?
Nuggets:
These guys have played out of their minds since the trade. You have to have played at UNC to get a lot of run at point guard (Felton and Lawson), but it's the wings that have come over and flourished since the trade. Gallinari and Chandler provide scoring (and in bunches) for this team. Add to the fact that the Nuggets already had Nene, Kenyon Martin, Arron Afflalo, and JR Smith and you can see why they haven't missed a beat.
X-Factors:
Thunder - James Harden and Serge Ibaka. Harden is the third member of the Thunder Big 3. Harden can fill it up when he starts rolling and can definitely alleviate some of the scoring from Durant and Westbrook. Serge Ibaka is going to have to rebound and get those garbage points against the Nuggets. He'll probably have K-Mart covering him, so he'll have to mentally be prepared too.
Nuggets - JR Smith and Gallinari. JR Smith has all of the talent in the world (could you imagine him in a Bulls jersey), but sometimes his head gets in the way. If he can not fall in love with the 3 point shot and play some defense this will definitely help the Nuggets' cause. We don't know how Gallinari will play in his first playoff appearance, but if he shows up, the Thunder may be in trouble.
Prediction: The Thunder are going to have to have other people score because the Knicks, I mean the Nuggets bench can put up numbers too. I just want to watch two big men in Perkins and Nene duke it out in the paint. Thunder 4-3.
Thunder:
The Thunder come into this series knowing that this may in fact be their opportunity to represent the West in the NBA Finals. They went out and got Kendrick Perkins and had to give up a lot in Krstic and Green, but he may be the missing piece. Of course the Thunder are Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The ying to the other's yang. Durant is the man, but Westbrook can lead this team and provide scoring too. How much can Perkins help this team?
Nuggets:
These guys have played out of their minds since the trade. You have to have played at UNC to get a lot of run at point guard (Felton and Lawson), but it's the wings that have come over and flourished since the trade. Gallinari and Chandler provide scoring (and in bunches) for this team. Add to the fact that the Nuggets already had Nene, Kenyon Martin, Arron Afflalo, and JR Smith and you can see why they haven't missed a beat.
X-Factors:
Thunder - James Harden and Serge Ibaka. Harden is the third member of the Thunder Big 3. Harden can fill it up when he starts rolling and can definitely alleviate some of the scoring from Durant and Westbrook. Serge Ibaka is going to have to rebound and get those garbage points against the Nuggets. He'll probably have K-Mart covering him, so he'll have to mentally be prepared too.
Nuggets - JR Smith and Gallinari. JR Smith has all of the talent in the world (could you imagine him in a Bulls jersey), but sometimes his head gets in the way. If he can not fall in love with the 3 point shot and play some defense this will definitely help the Nuggets' cause. We don't know how Gallinari will play in his first playoff appearance, but if he shows up, the Thunder may be in trouble.
Prediction: The Thunder are going to have to have other people score because the Knicks, I mean the Nuggets bench can put up numbers too. I just want to watch two big men in Perkins and Nene duke it out in the paint. Thunder 4-3.
Western Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Hornets
This is what the Lakers played for the entire season, playoff time. They are the only team (outside of the Celtics) that have been able to flip that switch when it comes to the postseason. The Hornets are a good team, but with the loss of David West, they are in one of the most unenviable positions that I've seen a team in in a long time.
Lakers:
The Lakers limped in to the 2nd spot in the West, whether that's Bynum's knee or the losing streak that they were experiencing. Kobe probably is somewhere practicing his shooting (that's a joke). The Lakers have it all when healthy with Kobe, Gasol, Bynum, and Odom. What we haven't seen much of this year is Artest really playing well and Fisher being able to play some defense. Barnes is hurt, Steve Blake is getting over his chicken pox, and I'm not sure the Lakers can win it all with Joe Smith and Luke Walton playing too much. If Bynum's injury is major, this makes the Lakers suspect, although not in this series. They always have Kobe when things break down.
Hornets:
The Hornets are a decent team. That's about it. I know Chris Paul didn't think it'd be like this. They lost David West to injury and to me that pretty much ends their season after these next 4 games. I like Okafor for this team (when West is there) and no one else really impresses me. Trevor Ariza is really an athlete (run and jump) and that's it. I don't think he's hit a shot all year long. Marcus Banks can fill it up, but you can't have him and Paul on the floor together too much or Kobe's going to post one of them up.
X-Factors:
Lakers - Luke Walton. The Lakers don't need an X-factor for this series, but they need to know that Walton will be available for the next round.
Hornets - Got prayer? Paul would have to have the series of his career and probably some other people too. It's have to read like 20 pts, 20 asts, 10 stls, and 10 rebs. Even then I think they would have a tough time winning.
Prediction: No chance for the Hornets. At least the season will be over in 4 games. Lakers 4-0.
Lakers:
The Lakers limped in to the 2nd spot in the West, whether that's Bynum's knee or the losing streak that they were experiencing. Kobe probably is somewhere practicing his shooting (that's a joke). The Lakers have it all when healthy with Kobe, Gasol, Bynum, and Odom. What we haven't seen much of this year is Artest really playing well and Fisher being able to play some defense. Barnes is hurt, Steve Blake is getting over his chicken pox, and I'm not sure the Lakers can win it all with Joe Smith and Luke Walton playing too much. If Bynum's injury is major, this makes the Lakers suspect, although not in this series. They always have Kobe when things break down.
Hornets:
The Hornets are a decent team. That's about it. I know Chris Paul didn't think it'd be like this. They lost David West to injury and to me that pretty much ends their season after these next 4 games. I like Okafor for this team (when West is there) and no one else really impresses me. Trevor Ariza is really an athlete (run and jump) and that's it. I don't think he's hit a shot all year long. Marcus Banks can fill it up, but you can't have him and Paul on the floor together too much or Kobe's going to post one of them up.
X-Factors:
Lakers - Luke Walton. The Lakers don't need an X-factor for this series, but they need to know that Walton will be available for the next round.
Hornets - Got prayer? Paul would have to have the series of his career and probably some other people too. It's have to read like 20 pts, 20 asts, 10 stls, and 10 rebs. Even then I think they would have a tough time winning.
Prediction: No chance for the Hornets. At least the season will be over in 4 games. Lakers 4-0.
Western Conference Playoffs Round 1 - San Antonio vs. Memphis Grizzlies
I never thought the Spurs would have had the best record in the West, but they found a way to hold to their lead over the Lakers and be the #1 seed. The Grizzlies have been quiet all year but they toughed it out to make the playoffs this year and they are a little scary.
Spurs:
The old guard is back. The Spurs draft well and make good decisions and that's why they are always here. They still have Tim Duncan, although somewhat limited, they have Ginobili and Parker, that's the core. Add to that the way the bench has played, (Neal, Blair, Bonner, etc.) and this Spurs team looks like just about as good as any they've had going in to the playoffs. With Ginobili ailing from his elbow injury, this will give more time to the bench until he's ready to return. After Tiago splitter, the Spurs lack big men, so that can be an issue for them.
Grizzlies:
The young guns. Mike Conley is playing like he signed a big contract, Randolph and Gasol are big and talented enough to score in the post and command double teams. I like the guys that they can throw out there on defense to shut down an opposing teams' wings (Tony Allen and Shane Battier). If the Grizzlies are smart they will run on this Spurs team and try to make this a sprint. They have to impose their will and dominate the game in the post.
X-factors:
Spurs - Gary Neal and George Hill. Both of these guys are intricate members of the Spurs, but they are going to have to step up in this series because the Grizzlies are more athletic than the Spurs. Being the younger member of the Spurs, they are going to have to stay in fron of the Mike Conleys and OJ Mayos of the world. They will also have to pick up the slack in scoring for any games Ginobili misses.
Grizzlies - OJ Mayo and Sam Young. OJ Mayo has got to find a way to get the ball in the basket, but he can't be a volume shooter. He's going to have to play off of the Grizzlies big men to have a complete game. Sam Young has quietly had a decent game. He's going to have to good games against these smaller Spurs' guards. If they can get them into foul trouble along with the absence of Ginobili, this could get interesting quickly.
Prediction: The Grizzlies are a good enough matchup against the Spurs to cause them problems. If Randolph is able to play the best series of his life, they can upset this Spurs team. Will he and will the Grizzlies be ready to step up against the veteran squad? Spurs 4-3.
Spurs:
The old guard is back. The Spurs draft well and make good decisions and that's why they are always here. They still have Tim Duncan, although somewhat limited, they have Ginobili and Parker, that's the core. Add to that the way the bench has played, (Neal, Blair, Bonner, etc.) and this Spurs team looks like just about as good as any they've had going in to the playoffs. With Ginobili ailing from his elbow injury, this will give more time to the bench until he's ready to return. After Tiago splitter, the Spurs lack big men, so that can be an issue for them.
Grizzlies:
The young guns. Mike Conley is playing like he signed a big contract, Randolph and Gasol are big and talented enough to score in the post and command double teams. I like the guys that they can throw out there on defense to shut down an opposing teams' wings (Tony Allen and Shane Battier). If the Grizzlies are smart they will run on this Spurs team and try to make this a sprint. They have to impose their will and dominate the game in the post.
X-factors:
Spurs - Gary Neal and George Hill. Both of these guys are intricate members of the Spurs, but they are going to have to step up in this series because the Grizzlies are more athletic than the Spurs. Being the younger member of the Spurs, they are going to have to stay in fron of the Mike Conleys and OJ Mayos of the world. They will also have to pick up the slack in scoring for any games Ginobili misses.
Grizzlies - OJ Mayo and Sam Young. OJ Mayo has got to find a way to get the ball in the basket, but he can't be a volume shooter. He's going to have to play off of the Grizzlies big men to have a complete game. Sam Young has quietly had a decent game. He's going to have to good games against these smaller Spurs' guards. If they can get them into foul trouble along with the absence of Ginobili, this could get interesting quickly.
Prediction: The Grizzlies are a good enough matchup against the Spurs to cause them problems. If Randolph is able to play the best series of his life, they can upset this Spurs team. Will he and will the Grizzlies be ready to step up against the veteran squad? Spurs 4-3.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Western Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Another good series, but this time on the Western side of the NBA. The Mavs seem to always be there, no matter what, and this Portland team is just snaked bitten or something, but they are always reloading.
Mavericks:
This is the girl that you date that you know she's always going to be there, but you know there's something about her that you can't quite put your finger on that you know your relationship is only going so far. I guess I'll put it this way, I don't think a team will ever win the NBA championship with a 7-foot shooting guard (Nowitzki). Dirk has consistently put up numbers for this team and he's had some decent supporting casts, but they can't seem to get over the hump. I like Kidd, I like Terry off the bench for scoring, I even like Tyson Chandler who brings the closest thing to toughness to this team (I think that says something within itself). Good team, just not sold on them.
Trail Blazers:
Talk about a team that with bad luck, every good player for this team has had some kind of knee issue. But this team makes the playoffs and everyone sees this as a team that is dangerous. I think this is the year for them to fulfill that prophecy. They have LaMarcus Alridge (think how good the Bulls could be if they would have drafted him), they have 'Crash' (Gerald Wallace), Marcus Camby, and the unheralded Andre Miller. Miller knows how to run this team and that's probably what makes them dangerous.
X-factors:
Mavericks - Shawn Marion and Jose Juan Barea. Shawn Marion doesn't have plays run for him so all the extra points he gets are what I call hustleman stats. The more her gets the better the Mavs will be. JJ Barea is going to have to ignite this team from the bench. He can provide a change of pace for the Mavs when they need it, but they have to be careful playing too much of Terry and JJ together because they'll get killed on defense.
Trail Blazers - Gerald Wallace and Wesley Matthews. Crash is coming over from the Bobcats and we know he can play but he's been on a tear since arriving in the pacific northwest. He's gotta continue to play well for the Blazers for them to pull this minor upset off. Wesley Matthews has been solid and that got him his money this past season, but I need to see more from him in this series. He provides balance and probably some scoring for the injured Brandon Roy.
Prediction: Can the Mavs avoid a letdown? Can these Blazers pull of the upset? For some reason I just can't ride with the Mavs. Everything should say that they win this going away, but I don't see them getting out of the 1st round this year. Blazers 4-2.
Mavericks:
This is the girl that you date that you know she's always going to be there, but you know there's something about her that you can't quite put your finger on that you know your relationship is only going so far. I guess I'll put it this way, I don't think a team will ever win the NBA championship with a 7-foot shooting guard (Nowitzki). Dirk has consistently put up numbers for this team and he's had some decent supporting casts, but they can't seem to get over the hump. I like Kidd, I like Terry off the bench for scoring, I even like Tyson Chandler who brings the closest thing to toughness to this team (I think that says something within itself). Good team, just not sold on them.
Trail Blazers:
Talk about a team that with bad luck, every good player for this team has had some kind of knee issue. But this team makes the playoffs and everyone sees this as a team that is dangerous. I think this is the year for them to fulfill that prophecy. They have LaMarcus Alridge (think how good the Bulls could be if they would have drafted him), they have 'Crash' (Gerald Wallace), Marcus Camby, and the unheralded Andre Miller. Miller knows how to run this team and that's probably what makes them dangerous.
X-factors:
Mavericks - Shawn Marion and Jose Juan Barea. Shawn Marion doesn't have plays run for him so all the extra points he gets are what I call hustleman stats. The more her gets the better the Mavs will be. JJ Barea is going to have to ignite this team from the bench. He can provide a change of pace for the Mavs when they need it, but they have to be careful playing too much of Terry and JJ together because they'll get killed on defense.
Trail Blazers - Gerald Wallace and Wesley Matthews. Crash is coming over from the Bobcats and we know he can play but he's been on a tear since arriving in the pacific northwest. He's gotta continue to play well for the Blazers for them to pull this minor upset off. Wesley Matthews has been solid and that got him his money this past season, but I need to see more from him in this series. He provides balance and probably some scoring for the injured Brandon Roy.
Prediction: Can the Mavs avoid a letdown? Can these Blazers pull of the upset? For some reason I just can't ride with the Mavs. Everything should say that they win this going away, but I don't see them getting out of the 1st round this year. Blazers 4-2.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Eastern Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks
This is the first time that I think that I can say that I want to see the Atlanta Hawks play. The Hawks are running into a Magic team that is trying to find itself. The Hawks are also trying to figure themselves out, so this one is going to be must see TV.
Magic:
Dwight Howard and Stan Van Gundy will both probably be mad that Dwight doesn't get the MVP. Not saying that he should, but he does change the game big time for the Magic. I love what Howard brings to the table on both O and D, but there's a part of his team that lacks that mental toughness. Richardson is hitting the 3 like he's making layups and Jameer Nelson seems to be the cog that makes the engine run. Ryan Andersen is great off the bench (he's starting at times) but this team struggles when Howard is out because of technical fouls or in foul trouble. Turkoglu is a mismatch for many because of his size and ability to handle the rock at times.
Hawks:
This is it. This is what you paid Joe Johnson $119.2 M for. Can he lead this team to an upset of the Magic? The Hawks have size, a gunner off the bench in Crawford, a point guard that can run a team in Hinrich, and that's about it. I really think that Johnson has got to come on and play ball, which is going to mean at least 20-plus points per game. Horford should be able to play Howard and possibly get him in foul trouble. Worst case is that the Hawks have about 4 guys that they can throw at Howard and beat him up. The Hawks are going to have to rebound and force the Magic into shooting the 3 ball which hasn't been going in as of late.
X-factors:
Magic - The Artist Formerly known as Agent 0. IF, and that's a big if, Arenas can somehow put it together and play his game, this Magic team would probably be the most dangerous team in the playoffs. Arenas has not looked totally healthy and that may be a factor in him not playing like many expected him to.
Hawks - Jeff Teague and Jamal Crawford. Teague has the opportunity to prove to people that he is the point guard of the future for the Hawks. Teague hasn't done much in the league yet, but I did like this kid when he was in college. He doesn't have to be too fancy, just run the team and hit an occasional 3. Crawford is looking for a big contract next year. The Hawks are maxed out with the deal they gave Joe Johnson and they are going to have to pay Horford too. So,...when you have an opportunity to lead your team on national stage during the playoffs, now is the time to step up.
Prediction: Can Howard keep his cool during the playoffs? If I'm the Hawks I find out quick with Jason Collins just cleaning his clock. Can the Magic hit the 3 ball consistently? Will Howard dominate Horford and the rest of the Hawks front line? Are the Magic mentally tough? Lots of questions, not many answers. Hawks 4-3.
Magic:
Dwight Howard and Stan Van Gundy will both probably be mad that Dwight doesn't get the MVP. Not saying that he should, but he does change the game big time for the Magic. I love what Howard brings to the table on both O and D, but there's a part of his team that lacks that mental toughness. Richardson is hitting the 3 like he's making layups and Jameer Nelson seems to be the cog that makes the engine run. Ryan Andersen is great off the bench (he's starting at times) but this team struggles when Howard is out because of technical fouls or in foul trouble. Turkoglu is a mismatch for many because of his size and ability to handle the rock at times.
Hawks:
This is it. This is what you paid Joe Johnson $119.2 M for. Can he lead this team to an upset of the Magic? The Hawks have size, a gunner off the bench in Crawford, a point guard that can run a team in Hinrich, and that's about it. I really think that Johnson has got to come on and play ball, which is going to mean at least 20-plus points per game. Horford should be able to play Howard and possibly get him in foul trouble. Worst case is that the Hawks have about 4 guys that they can throw at Howard and beat him up. The Hawks are going to have to rebound and force the Magic into shooting the 3 ball which hasn't been going in as of late.
X-factors:
Magic - The Artist Formerly known as Agent 0. IF, and that's a big if, Arenas can somehow put it together and play his game, this Magic team would probably be the most dangerous team in the playoffs. Arenas has not looked totally healthy and that may be a factor in him not playing like many expected him to.
Hawks - Jeff Teague and Jamal Crawford. Teague has the opportunity to prove to people that he is the point guard of the future for the Hawks. Teague hasn't done much in the league yet, but I did like this kid when he was in college. He doesn't have to be too fancy, just run the team and hit an occasional 3. Crawford is looking for a big contract next year. The Hawks are maxed out with the deal they gave Joe Johnson and they are going to have to pay Horford too. So,...when you have an opportunity to lead your team on national stage during the playoffs, now is the time to step up.
Prediction: Can Howard keep his cool during the playoffs? If I'm the Hawks I find out quick with Jason Collins just cleaning his clock. Can the Magic hit the 3 ball consistently? Will Howard dominate Horford and the rest of the Hawks front line? Are the Magic mentally tough? Lots of questions, not many answers. Hawks 4-3.
Eastern Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
This is the series that I think everyone wants to see in the East. Two cities known for basketball and with New York actually becoming relevant again. Boston seems to be sliding after trading away Kendrick Perkins, so this one ought to be a good matchup.
Boston Celtics:
The original Big 3, well at least for the young people, are getting old. It seems as though over the last month of the season, they would run out of gas. I've watched them play great for 3 quarters and then they just check out in the 4th and lose games that they had no business. There was word that many on the team and even Doc Rivers wondered why they would have gotten rid of Perkins. It seems as though Danny Ainge was willing to get rid of the size they had for more wing scoring to battle the teams in the East. It looked like a deal that would allow them to answer the young legs of the Heat, Bulls and (funny) the Knicks. There is reason for pause in this series. You've got to respect the old guard (Pierce, KG, Ray, Shaq and Rondo), but the bigger question is can they stay healthy? Shaq and Jermaine O'Neal seem to be duct taped together right now. One goes down, the other gets better, then he goes down. If Shaq's calf is ok, this series isn't much of test for the Celtics. Pierce may not be scoring that much because I imagine that he's going to be trying to lock down Carmelo, although we all know that Pierce has heart. For the most part, KG should be able to match Amare. The Celtics know it's playoff time, but they can't afford to start slow like they did last year.
New York Knicks:
Well, the trade that brought in Carmelo and Chauncey Billups is still providing blah results, especially compared to the way the Nuggets have been playing since the trade. Carmelo is going to get his and Amare is going to get his, but really it's going to come down to the other guys. The other question is whether the Knicks can dial in on defense for this series. They have a lot of young athletic bodies but no size upfront (Jared Jeffries, Ronny Turiaf, and Shelden Williams don't equate to size). The Knicks will try and speed up the pace and run the Celtics out of the gym but they are going to have to rebound well enough to run.
X-factors:
Celtics - Shaq, Jeff Green and Troy Murphy. Gentlemen, the honeymoon is over. It's time for you to play ball. Shaq has to be healthy because this is what they signed him for, the playoffs. Jeff Green can't have the playoffs that he had at OKC, he's gotta step up and he'll be a tough cover for a lot of the bigs on the Knicks team. Troy Murphy, you were brought in to be a significant member of this team. If he's shaken off the rust, he should definitely help the Celtics win on the boards and he will have 6 fouls for Amare.
Knicks - Toney Douglas and Bill Walker. Douglas was running D'Antoni's system pretty well for a month or two. He's a shoot first point guard but once he realized that he has scorers on his team, he became a better playmaker. We know that Billups is going to get the majority of the minutes at the end of the game, but Douglas has a chance to make this a coming out party. Walker has been through the playoffs most recently with the Celtics. He probably can relate to the Knicks team some of the nuances of the Celtics, but somewhere deep down inside, he's going to be motivated to beat his former team.
Prediction: This is going to be a tough one. These two teams matchup well and that's good for the Knicks as they try and prove themselves. My head says that the Celtics put it on snooze here at the end of the season while trying to find a rhythm with their new pieces. Although this will add another chapter to the Celtics vs. Knicks lore, I gotta go with the green guys. Celtics 4-3.
Boston Celtics:
The original Big 3, well at least for the young people, are getting old. It seems as though over the last month of the season, they would run out of gas. I've watched them play great for 3 quarters and then they just check out in the 4th and lose games that they had no business. There was word that many on the team and even Doc Rivers wondered why they would have gotten rid of Perkins. It seems as though Danny Ainge was willing to get rid of the size they had for more wing scoring to battle the teams in the East. It looked like a deal that would allow them to answer the young legs of the Heat, Bulls and (funny) the Knicks. There is reason for pause in this series. You've got to respect the old guard (Pierce, KG, Ray, Shaq and Rondo), but the bigger question is can they stay healthy? Shaq and Jermaine O'Neal seem to be duct taped together right now. One goes down, the other gets better, then he goes down. If Shaq's calf is ok, this series isn't much of test for the Celtics. Pierce may not be scoring that much because I imagine that he's going to be trying to lock down Carmelo, although we all know that Pierce has heart. For the most part, KG should be able to match Amare. The Celtics know it's playoff time, but they can't afford to start slow like they did last year.
New York Knicks:
Well, the trade that brought in Carmelo and Chauncey Billups is still providing blah results, especially compared to the way the Nuggets have been playing since the trade. Carmelo is going to get his and Amare is going to get his, but really it's going to come down to the other guys. The other question is whether the Knicks can dial in on defense for this series. They have a lot of young athletic bodies but no size upfront (Jared Jeffries, Ronny Turiaf, and Shelden Williams don't equate to size). The Knicks will try and speed up the pace and run the Celtics out of the gym but they are going to have to rebound well enough to run.
X-factors:
Celtics - Shaq, Jeff Green and Troy Murphy. Gentlemen, the honeymoon is over. It's time for you to play ball. Shaq has to be healthy because this is what they signed him for, the playoffs. Jeff Green can't have the playoffs that he had at OKC, he's gotta step up and he'll be a tough cover for a lot of the bigs on the Knicks team. Troy Murphy, you were brought in to be a significant member of this team. If he's shaken off the rust, he should definitely help the Celtics win on the boards and he will have 6 fouls for Amare.
Knicks - Toney Douglas and Bill Walker. Douglas was running D'Antoni's system pretty well for a month or two. He's a shoot first point guard but once he realized that he has scorers on his team, he became a better playmaker. We know that Billups is going to get the majority of the minutes at the end of the game, but Douglas has a chance to make this a coming out party. Walker has been through the playoffs most recently with the Celtics. He probably can relate to the Knicks team some of the nuances of the Celtics, but somewhere deep down inside, he's going to be motivated to beat his former team.
Prediction: This is going to be a tough one. These two teams matchup well and that's good for the Knicks as they try and prove themselves. My head says that the Celtics put it on snooze here at the end of the season while trying to find a rhythm with their new pieces. Although this will add another chapter to the Celtics vs. Knicks lore, I gotta go with the green guys. Celtics 4-3.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Eastern Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers finally made the playoffs and for that they get the Miami Heat. Add to the fact that one of their more explosive players, Lou Williams, will be trying to come back from injury. Things aren't adding up in the 76ers favor.
Miami Heat:
Yes, they all took their talents to South Beach, yes they had parades and such before they even practiced together, and yes it put the bulls-eye square on their backs for the course of the year. Right now, none of that matters and it's Season 1 - Part Deux, the playoffs. They got Wade, LBJ, and Bosh. They might get Haslem back from injury and as of right now, a healthy crew. They should dominate this 76ers team easily because this is a bad matchup for the 76ers. The addition of Bibby has made this team lethal, when they hit their threes, and this is the time to shine. The Heat get a chance to make it or break it starting now.
Philadelphia 76ers:
The Sixers have played well under the radar. They have some pieces in Iggy, Williams, and the rock, Elton Brand. With Williams, hurt, that really hurts their chances of winning this series. They have gotten a great year out of Brand and they seem to have buy in to follow Doug Collins into a battle. There's not much more I can say about this team, because they are 'Sean Penn', aka 'Dead Man (Men) Walking'. This won't be pretty.
X-factors:
Heat - Mike Bibby and Eric Dampier. Bibby has got to hit his 3's and Dampier has got to clean the boards and be the enforcer. That's what they were brought in for and if they do their jobs, this team is unstoppable. I'll add Haslem to this list because he's been out for a long time and if they are able to get something out of him from a defensive standpoint, that will definitely help.
76ers - Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner. The Heat have problems with PGs that can get in the lane and collapse their defense and Holiday can do just that. He's going to have to have a monster series if the 76ers hope to win a game or 2. The 76ers have been pretty good all year without the play of Evan Turner for the most part. He's struggled at times and has been terrible other times. If he can find some of that juice/magic that helped make him the 'man' at OSU, he can provide some solid minutes off the bench for this 76ers team.
Prediction: No chance, really,...no chance the 76ers win one game. Well, maybe one, but that's it. The Heat should have a cake walk, but this will be an opportune time to work more on their chemistry and their defined roles, while at the same time resting some of their starters. Heat 4-1.
Miami Heat:
Yes, they all took their talents to South Beach, yes they had parades and such before they even practiced together, and yes it put the bulls-eye square on their backs for the course of the year. Right now, none of that matters and it's Season 1 - Part Deux, the playoffs. They got Wade, LBJ, and Bosh. They might get Haslem back from injury and as of right now, a healthy crew. They should dominate this 76ers team easily because this is a bad matchup for the 76ers. The addition of Bibby has made this team lethal, when they hit their threes, and this is the time to shine. The Heat get a chance to make it or break it starting now.
Philadelphia 76ers:
The Sixers have played well under the radar. They have some pieces in Iggy, Williams, and the rock, Elton Brand. With Williams, hurt, that really hurts their chances of winning this series. They have gotten a great year out of Brand and they seem to have buy in to follow Doug Collins into a battle. There's not much more I can say about this team, because they are 'Sean Penn', aka 'Dead Man (Men) Walking'. This won't be pretty.
X-factors:
Heat - Mike Bibby and Eric Dampier. Bibby has got to hit his 3's and Dampier has got to clean the boards and be the enforcer. That's what they were brought in for and if they do their jobs, this team is unstoppable. I'll add Haslem to this list because he's been out for a long time and if they are able to get something out of him from a defensive standpoint, that will definitely help.
76ers - Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner. The Heat have problems with PGs that can get in the lane and collapse their defense and Holiday can do just that. He's going to have to have a monster series if the 76ers hope to win a game or 2. The 76ers have been pretty good all year without the play of Evan Turner for the most part. He's struggled at times and has been terrible other times. If he can find some of that juice/magic that helped make him the 'man' at OSU, he can provide some solid minutes off the bench for this 76ers team.
Prediction: No chance, really,...no chance the 76ers win one game. Well, maybe one, but that's it. The Heat should have a cake walk, but this will be an opportune time to work more on their chemistry and their defined roles, while at the same time resting some of their starters. Heat 4-1.
Eastern Conference Playoffs Round 1 - Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers
We have the Bulls playing the Pacers in Round 1. The Bulls are the best team in the East and there are some that still don't give them a chance at winning it all. Let's see if they can get out of the first round (a little humor there).
Chicago Bulls:
Of course this is Derrick Rose and friends. The Bulls have found ways to win when you talk about their team defense, you can see why. Other than Rose, you aren't going to find a 'Superstars', but there are good pieces in Deng, Noah, and Boozer. The Bulls need a two guard or the government approval to clone Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver into the same body. I'm not sure what else to say about this team other than the whole is better than the sum of the parts. They have bought in on the coaching and they are in a position to win it all.
Indiana Pacers:
The Pacers are one of those teams with a losing record actually making the playoffs in the East. The team hasn't really played that well until late and they have this meeting with the top seed in the East as their reward. I will say this, the Pacers aren't going to get swept and I expect them to play the Bulls tough. They have a speedy point guard in Collison (backup in Price), they have a decent big man patrolling the middle, Roy Hibbert, and enough scorers on the wing (George, Granger, etc.) to put points on the board.
X-factors:
Bulls - Omer Asik. He's been playing very well all year long but hasn't gotten much pub outside of the Chicago area. He's tall and can move, so that will help him.
Pacers - James Posey. Yes, you haven't heard much from him in the past years, but Posey can still come in and provide a veteran presence, some scoring and some defense in spots. If the Pacers can keep it close, expect Posey on the floor when it all counts. The other spark for the Pacers is going to be McRoberts or Hansbrough. Yes, a former Dukie and a Tarheel will have a bearing on an NBA playoff matchup.
Prediction: The Bulls have to get out of the 1st round after hitting the 60 mark in wins, right? The Bulls should take this one and move on to the next round. Bulls 4-2.
Chicago Bulls:
Of course this is Derrick Rose and friends. The Bulls have found ways to win when you talk about their team defense, you can see why. Other than Rose, you aren't going to find a 'Superstars', but there are good pieces in Deng, Noah, and Boozer. The Bulls need a two guard or the government approval to clone Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver into the same body. I'm not sure what else to say about this team other than the whole is better than the sum of the parts. They have bought in on the coaching and they are in a position to win it all.
Indiana Pacers:
The Pacers are one of those teams with a losing record actually making the playoffs in the East. The team hasn't really played that well until late and they have this meeting with the top seed in the East as their reward. I will say this, the Pacers aren't going to get swept and I expect them to play the Bulls tough. They have a speedy point guard in Collison (backup in Price), they have a decent big man patrolling the middle, Roy Hibbert, and enough scorers on the wing (George, Granger, etc.) to put points on the board.
X-factors:
Bulls - Omer Asik. He's been playing very well all year long but hasn't gotten much pub outside of the Chicago area. He's tall and can move, so that will help him.
Pacers - James Posey. Yes, you haven't heard much from him in the past years, but Posey can still come in and provide a veteran presence, some scoring and some defense in spots. If the Pacers can keep it close, expect Posey on the floor when it all counts. The other spark for the Pacers is going to be McRoberts or Hansbrough. Yes, a former Dukie and a Tarheel will have a bearing on an NBA playoff matchup.
Prediction: The Bulls have to get out of the 1st round after hitting the 60 mark in wins, right? The Bulls should take this one and move on to the next round. Bulls 4-2.
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