EASTERN CONFERENCE
Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs Detroit Pistons (8)
TAKE ONE
Lebron James will be named MVP for leading his team to the second best home record of all time: 39-2. They also have the best record in the league and seem to be on a mission to crown King James. But what they weren't expecting after earning their top seed spot is to look down at the bracket and see that they have to face the Pistons first round! Expect this series to be more of a battle than expected. Detroit is a sleeping giant and they might wake up.
KEY MATCHUP
Rasheed Wallace vs Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Everybody wants to see how well Tayshaun will guard Lebron, but Lebron will score 30ish per game no matter what. The position that will win and lose games is the center spot.
THE THING YOU DON'T KNOW IS...
Iverson might play. If it goes to a game 7 and everybody holds home court, then the game will be Cleveland and Detroit searching for an.... answer.
PREDICTION
Cavs in 6
Boston Celtics (2) vs Chicago Bulls (7)
TAKE ONE
With Kevin Garnett's injury, this series all of a sudden turns into a "big ticket" matchup. Expect to see some ridiculous buzzer beaters.
KEY MATCHUP
Derrick Rose vs Rajon Rondo. Rookie excellence vs overrated bullshit. Rajon Rondo is a joke who can't make a jumpshot. Derrick Rose is going to shake and bake him to death. Lets see if the Celtics can handle it.
THE THING YOU DON'T KNOW IS...
John Salmons is an A-Class scorer. Salmons will be very effective in a half court set. He can create and, more importantly, he will finish.
PREDICTION
Celtics in 7
Orlando Magic (3) vs Philadelphia 76ers (6)
TAKE ONE
Can Orlando survive in a half court grind-it-out playoff series? Will they be able to win without 6 fast-break 3pters a game? Simple answer = yes.
KEY MATCHUP
Dwight Howard vs Philadelphia. I predict that Dwight will average 35+ in this series. Good night Philly :)
THE THING YOU DON'T KNOW IS...
Samuel Dalembert is crying right now.
PREDICTION
Magic in 5
Atlanta Hawks (4) vs Miami Heat (5)
TAKE ONE
The Hawks have earned it. They waited through a rebuilding stage. They gave the Celtics a good run last year. Too bad Dwayne Wade is going to hit that ridiculous shot with no time left in game 7 to send the Hawks home for the summer.
KEY MATCHUP
This one's easy: Dwayne Wade vs Joe Johnson. These two are both top 10 scorers and neither can play equally good defense. This shall be a duel.
THE THING YOU DON'T KNOW IS...
Pat Riley still secretly coaches the Heat.
PREDICTION
Heat in 7
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Los Angeles Lakers (1) vs Utah Jazz (8)
TAKE ONE
This is the last year the Jazz are going to make the playoffs for a while. And they will be swept by the mighty Lakers. What I wonder is will Sloan stay with the Jazz through a rebuild?
KEY MATCHUP
Carlos Boozer vs Pau Gasol. In order for the Jazz to steal a game, Boozer must post superstar prime-time numbers, which I don't believe he will do. He's ready to leave Salt Lake and he will get a max contract with or without a monster playoff showing.
THE THING YOU DON'T KNOW IS...
Andrew Bynum is 21 years old and doesn't give a fuck about his knee. He still heals like Wolverine.
PREDICTION
Kobe in 4
Denver Nuggets (2) vs New Orleans Hornets (7)
TAKE ONE
What a blockbuster first round matchup! I believe this series will go to seven. Its very difficult to predict because, despite their records, these teams are very evenly matched up. Is Carmelo the difference maker or is it Chandler's health?
KEY MATCHUP
Chris Paul/David West vs Chauncey Billups/Nene Hilario. Which PG/PF matchup will win? They will grind. Goddamn I'm excited for this series.
THE THING YOU DON'T KNOW IS...
Peja ate some magic seaweed last night and he will be returning to top-notch form on Sunday.
PREDICTION
Hornets in 7
San Antonio Spurs (3) vs Dallas Mavericks (6)
TAKE ONE
Like the Jazz, the Spurs are nearing the end of a long and boring run. Ginobli out for the whole playoffs. Duncan not playing game 1. The Frenchman can't win on his own.
KEY MATCHUP
Josh Howard vs Michael Finley. With all the injuries, Michael Finley will be asked to step it up big time. Which I believe he will... temporarily. After a few games his age will catch up to him and Howard will be stompin' him.
THE THING YOU DON'T KNOW IS...
Jason Terry is the keystone to the Mavs. Without him, they all fall into a Cuban sandwich.
PREDICTION
Mavs in 5
Houston Rockets (4) vs Portland Trail Blazers (5)
TAKE ONE
Great series! Even though I think the Rockets will win -and McGrady will die in his wheelchair- I am very excited to see one of the next generation's powerhouses play on center stage. The Blazers are one of the beaming lights of the NBA's near future (along with the Hornets, Hawks, Magic & Lebron).
KEY MATCHUP
Ron Artest vs Brandon Roy. Defense vs Offense. And I think the winner will be an exception to the norm...
THING YOU DON'T KNOW IS...
Ron Artest is the best player in this series. Don't agree? I'll put money down. Let the stats talk. Bring it.
PREDICTION
Rockets in 7
1 comment:
I think the best series to look forward to will be the Blazers/Rockets series. Could be a close call and go either way.
One side a youthful offensive and the other being seasoned defensive sides. My guess is Rockets will win in 6 games.
Overall the 2009 season is expected to be the most exciting ever in recent years and I can't wait for it to began. For me personally as an Albiceleste supporter, things are not looking good but we'll just have to wait and see.
Oh yes! I've also published my own version (not really mine but a friend name Dave from the NBA Round Table) and would like you to give us your view as well .
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