By Paul Gotham
Eastern Conference
Bulls vs. Cavs
Maybe the Bulls could show as much spirit on the court as their coach, Vinny Del Negro, and GM, John Paxson, show off the court. I missed the announcement of “Joakim Rules.” Maybe Vinny should consult with Joe Girardi. It’s kind of nice how the Bulls positioned themselves to be the Cavs’ appetizer. Chicago won 10 of its last 14 to get in the playoffs. Can Derrick Rose continue getting to the basket now that it is the playoffs, and teams will actually play defense? Can Shaq get in stride after a layoff? Does Shaq still have a stride? LeBron should be plenty rested.
Heat vs. Celtics
As far as seeds and numbers go, Miami winning would fall into the category of an upset. How many would be surprised if the Heat took this series? Does it matter any more that Boston swept the season series? The Cs have dropped eight of 13. Of course, it’s not like the Heat have anyone beyond D-Wade that they can actually count on from night to night. Do you hear that Michael Beasley and Jermaine O’Neal?
Hawks vs. Bucks
Has the potential to be the best first round series. Milwaukee will go without Andrew Bogut, but do not discount Scott Skiles and his ability to motivate the Bucks. Don’t forget, the Bucks have John Salmons who has the reputation for playing big in the playoffs. Salmons will need a great performance to thwart the Hawks.
Anyone looking for Marvin Williams will find him in Atlanta’s lineup. Jamal Crawford and Joe Johnson average 33 a game. Skiles’s defense should shrink those numbers.
Magic vs. Bobcats
Maybe the Vince Carter acquisition wasn’t such a bad idea after all. “Vinsanity” is averaging 16.6. More importantly, the “Iso King” is not disrupting Orlando’s offensive flow. Jason Williams is getting a second chance and making good on it. His presence along with Jameer Nelson’s make the Magic a contender. Congratulations to the Bobcats for qualifying for the playoffs.
Western Conference
Lakers vs. Thunder
You know things are not right with Lakers when Phil Jackson has to resort to mind games in the first round of the playoffs. Just when Kevin Durant showed maturity beyond his years, he goes and reacts to Jackson’s gibes. It will be interesting to see how many shots Durant takes in the first game or two of this series. He averages 20 shots per game. What is there to not like about the Thunder’s roster: James Harden, Jeff Green, Nick Collison, and Eric Maynor. They have a good, young lineup. They are just not ready to win this series. How much of LA’s success in the long run depends on Andrew Bynum’s Achilles’ tendon?
Nuggets vs. Jazz
Denver has lost their way since George Karl’s bout with cancer has taken him off the sidelines. Carlos Boozer is a game time decision. Both lineups pack plenty of talent. Which team will get the most mileage out of their gas?
Mavericks vs. Spurs
Oh, the intrigue. Dallas looked ready for a title run after acquiring Caron Butler. Dallas has lost just seven games since getting Butler on February 16th. Does anyone want to play the Spurs in the playoffs? How much playoff experience do the Spurs have? Tony Parker is back in the lineup.
Suns vs. Blazers
Probably the most entertaining series. There will be plenty of scoring. Portland without Brandon Roy does not bode for the Blazers making any noise in the playoffs.
Splinters
Remember when Rey questioned Boston’s acquisition of Rasheed Wallace? If you don’t, click here. Bill Simmons added his commentary on the Celtics picking up Wallace. Read it here. Rey saw the smoke months ago.
Cheers to Lionel Hollins for showing Kenyon Martin how it’s done.
Give us your take on the NBA playoffs.
I’m not so sure about the Heat having their way with the Celtics. I think Garnett and Pierce can rally the troops. The Heat have no chemistry while the Cs can rehash that old desire and chemistry pre-Sheed. Perkins and Garnett will protect the paint well and as long as they own the boards, D-Wade will have to put in a Herculean effort each night. Give Ray Allen two games where he’s on and Rondo absusing Heat’s lack at point, and it may look easier than we all expect. Celtics in 6.
Atlanta SHOULD be scary. But looking at their losses this year, they haven’t beaten anybody convincingly. Orlando annihilated them in 3 of their 4 games. They beat Orlando the first time by only 2 points. They have multiple losses to non-playoff teams and showed little life against Cleveland in games I’ve seen. They also have some baaaad, bad, bad double digit blowouts to some questionable teams. They should be better, but a bunch of individual scorers won’t get it done past the second round. But, with Bogut out it’s too much for the Bucks to replace. Hawks in 6
The Bobcats are better than you give them credit for, Casey. Remember: they didn’t start the season with Stephen Jackson who’s now a 20 and 5 player in Charlotte. Too bad Tuson Chandler isn’t healthy. I guess I’ll go with the upset here. Bobcats in 7
Lakers-Thunder is the most intriguing, but then again has the potential to be the most disappointing. Do they serio0usly have an answer for Kobe and Pau? They simply can’t stop them. Lakers in 5 (maybe 6 if Durant goes nuts one game)
I want to root for the Nuggets because of Karl; I want to root against them because of Martin and JR Smith. On the other bench you have Sloan (side note: Sloan has NEVER been awarded the coach of the year award!) and my favorite guard to watch Deron Williams. If Boozer is healthy, and Melo can be slowed down in more than one game, Jazz in 6
The Spurs. They’re like that old girlfriend in high school that was really good looking back in the day, then you see her years later and you quietly hope everyone forgot that you even dated. I thought Richard Jefferson was going to give them exactly what they needed. Luckily Ginobli has picked up his scoring as of late with Parker out. The Mavs are the opposite: they’re that girl you just wouldn’t give the time of day to, no matter how much she harassed you, then all of the sudden you run into her and she’s something out of Allure magazine and you look like you’ve just completed manual labor on summer’s hottest day. Caron Butler makes the Mavs that much more attractive. People didn’t realize how consistent a player he was on bad Wizards teams. The Mavs have enough wins against Duncan to formulate an effective game plan. Mavs in 6
Suns in 4 (no Roy, no contest)
Oh – and Cavs in 5. LeBron is on a mission
Has Shaq lost weight?
The pick and roll between Williams and Varejao is eye opening. The Cavs actually have an offensive set they can run WITHOUT LeBron.
The Bobcats over Orlando? Is that a homer call? hahaha
Bulls vs Cavs….I think we all know who is going to win this series. LeBron.
Heat vs Celtics…For this series you have to pick the hot team. The Heat are winners in 9 of their last ten and the Celt’s also haven’t been exactly great as of late. Heat should take this series easily.
Hawks vs. Bucks…This one could go either way. Both teamshave playmakers that can impact any game at any time. Should be a very entertaining series.
Magic vs. Bobcats…Winners of 6 straight and 9 of their last ten, the Magic are looking good right now. This time of year it is more about the team that has been playing good rather than any other season statistics and that is definitely the case with the Magic. Magic should easily take this series.
Lakers vs. Thunder…Durant is great, but he alone is not what it is going to take to beat Kobe and Co. If the thunder even want a sniff of a chance, Durant is going to “need a little help from his friends”.
Nuggets vs. Jazz…Probably the most exciting first round matchup out west this year. Both teams are stacked with players and definitely know how to score. I wouldn’t be surprised either way, but just to pick a team, I would say the Nuggets.
Mavericks vs. Spurs…I woud say the Mavericks for this matchup, but with the Spurs playoff experience throughout the years, this could be an interesting matchup. Also, considering the Spurs are healthy, they will definitely be tough. Spurs could win in a close series.
Suns vs. Blazers…You know there is going to be a ton of scoring with the fast paced offenses in this series. Due to injuries on the Blazers, the Suns should come out on top.
Did Milwaukee just run a flex?
Commentators have been saying that Shaq might be in the best shape he’s been in for a while. Apparently he’s been eating right, working out this whole time, which is what you’re supposed to do I guess.
The Bucks did just run a flex. Ran it on both sides. The run a lot of sets with the blocks empty and their posts walking up to the elbows. Jennings and Salmons must like the baseline?
Bobcats a homer call? Not at all. I just think if Howard has a couple of bad games, gets in foul trouble, anything, Orlando is not very good. Personally, The Hedo Magic were better than the Vinsanity Magic.
Hedo Magic definitely better.
Jeff – great to see you on the Pine.
Back to the Magic – they have more depth at point this year with Williams playing an important role. Last year, as soon as Nelson returned, Rafer became an all or nothing proposition.
Rashard Lewis has played abysmal against the Bobcats this season. I think the Magic will have some trouble with their length on the wings. Charlotte has played them close in the 3 losses they’ve suffered. You have to think Larry Brown has something on them if he can find a way to nuetralize Howard on the boards and in the paint overall.
Jerry Stackhouse looks very old and very slow against the Hawks.
Just against the Hawks? Hahaha
Is Brandon Jennings the kid that went to Europe for the year instead of going to college?
Yeah – that’s Jennings. He had an amazing start to this season. Think he scored 52 early on.
Geez – can I change my pick to Hawsk in 4?
This keeps up and it’ll be Hawks in 3 because it will take that many games before the Bucks cry no mas…no mas.
Somewhere Dino Gaudio is watching Jeff Teague as the 10th man off the bench for the very young Hawks and wondering why he’s looking for a job.
I can not believe Gaudio has not been hired anywhere yet.
Imagine that – ‘Sheed is complaining about a foul.
Durant had a really tough time getting clean looks. He didn’t get to the line as much as he usually does, and he was still shooting below 40% from the field. Van Gundy kept pointing out how Bryant was sitting in the lane waiting for Durant when he would drive. It became even more obvious late in the 4th, but Durant did little to get teammates involved. He’s only 21 and a prolific scorer, but he still has a lot to learn it looked like to me.
Russell Westbrook looked great. He didn’t knock down any of his jumpers, though it didn’t matter because he quickly realized that no one on the Lakers could keep him from getting to the basket. He has great control in the air and drew some good fouls. If I’m the Thunder coach, I’m letting Westbrook go 94 feet every time in transition.
For all the complaints about foul calls on Durant, Pau Gasol gets about 2-3 calls a game where he isn’t even touched.
I would just like to proclaim right now I feel really stupid for betting against Carmelo Anthony.
You are right about Gasol getting calls, but those two fouls on Artest on the perimeter where Durant went to the line had me believing Phil.
Westbrook had a great game. Can anybody on LA defend the dribble?
I too feel pretty stupid for doubting Anthony. Did I hear it right that Karl could be back next round? If so, what an emotional lift that would be.
Bill Simmons’s most recent tweet: “Do Magic fans watch these games wondering why Nelson-Howard-Barnes-Redick-Lewis isn’t their crunch-time 5? Because I would.”
I still believe the Bobcats can take this series. Orlando hit 13 threes! No way Pietrus hits 4 threes again. Felton has to step out on Nelson.
Why do PGs continue to leave college early when they see guys like Jeff Teague, Jerryd Bayless last year, and DJ Augustin either riding the pine or performing poorly the first few years. Stay in school and learn how to run an offense.
Hitting 3s is what Orlando does. I did not see the game, but if Charlotte steps out to defend they have to leave Howard one on one in the post. He still does not have a back to the basket game, but he can plow through anyone the Bobcats put in the paint.
PGs will continue leaving college early as long as NBA GMs draft them and pay them. It frustrates me too.
Did Parker just pass the ball off the glass to Blair for the bucket?
Obv iously the 3 is Orlando’s game, but you have to defend it better than Charlotte did. Let Lewis, Carter and Nelson shoot 3s or take my chances with Howard? I’m letting Howard catch the ball with his back to the basket and doubling down with a specific player each time. No reason to leave any of those guys alone on the arc with the ball in the post.
I realized this weekend watching Atlanta and MIlwaukee that nobody truly appreciates Joe Johnson and John Salmons because their game is “boring.” They are so tall yet with a guard skill set that they are masters at creating space and getting to the basket. They aren’t going to “wow” you, but their games are so fundamental to watch and obviously so effective.
Plus Salmons shows so little emotion. There is very little reason for the cameras to focus on him.
You mentioned Van Gundy before. I’m sure I am biased, but the BEST announcers in sports are NBA guys. Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Hubie Brown, etc. I could listen to those guys all day. And then Barkley and Kenny Smith in the studio? That is great entertainment.
Did anyone see the stat during the Lakers game? They totaled the total number of games Kobe Bryant has played in and it was over 300 since 2007! That included Olympics and trials, playoffs. And people want David Stern to come up with some rule about sitting players late in the year? LeBron and Shaq looked well rested and ready for this VERY long second season the NBA calls the playoffs. I hope Stern doesn’t give in.
I did not see that stat, but it doesn’t surprise me. Say what you want about Kobe, but the guy is a warrior. On the other hand, he can be quite the diva at times too.
As hot as Dirk has been, it’s a tie game.
Was that Luol Deng throwing one down?
Rashard Lewis has grasped mediocrity. Dwight Howard is struggling. The Magic are up 3-0. Going out on a limb, Van Gundy will get his boys back to the Finals.
Dwayne Wade’s game today against the Celtics COULD have gone down as one of the better performances in playoff history, but to me it is diluted because it was a meaningless game. The guy simply didn’t miss.
Udonis Haslem is a better [role] player than much of these overhyped PFs, such as Michael Beasley.
Too bad no one else showed up to play with Joakim Noah today, who had 20/20. Bulls could have made it a fun series, but now the Cavs and a – dare I say spry – Shaq will end that series in next game.
Watching the Mavs blow another lead. When will Mark Cuban blow up that team? It isn’t the coaching or the PG. What remains the same is Dirk. The guy just can’t win. Kind of like how Nash can’t win in Phoenix. For as good an offensive player he is, he can’t guard a pre-pubescent JV point guard. Heck yeah play Brandon Roy! Who is Nash going to guard? Even a hobbled Roy will drop 20.
Are the Bucks-Hawks scheduled to finish their series before June?????
And, Casey – not defending my pick at all here, and I will profess that I HATE the Magic, but Charlotte is playing terrible. Raymond Felton is not an NBA point guard. Jameer is making him look silly. Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace go to the rim with the tenacity of a sloth. If they don’t hit jumpers, they’re screwed.
Wait – why do you hate the Magic?
You are absolutely right about Charlotte’s poor play. They took a timeout yesterday in the fourth quarter needing a basket. They proceeded to run a lame play. Stephen Jackson (?) did not even get his feet set and let it fly. Horrible. The camera panned to Brown hanging his head.
I get sad every time I watch Wade spinning his wheels with that Heat lineup. Oh lord, they are AWFUL without him.
Trivia question – name that team that has the following: arguably the best power forward in the history of the game. Maybe the best point guard in the league right now, and he is not even starting. The best triple threat in the league who defends out of his mind. A great supporting cast. Oh and some of these guys have experience winning the title.
I hate the Magic because of Dwight Howard. He’s obnoxious to me. I love Jameer Nelson (Big 5 connection), but Dwight is the face of that team.
I noticed today that Rasheed’s minutes have dwindled a little and when he is in the game, he actually stood on the block for a few possessions and got an easy dunk. Everyoe jumped off the Celtics ship going into the playoffs. I think they had the San Antonio approach of not burning itself out before the playoffs.
The mavs are absolutely imploding. This has to be the last straw this year. I am serious about this: Cuban should make a blockbuster trade for Dirk this summer.
Wait a minute…ship Dirk off and throw the bank at D-Wade
How many years does Dirk have left on his contract. Who would take him? And don’t say the Knicks because that is a too-easy source of humor.
YOu know what, i don’t find Howard obnoxious anymore. I don’t know if there is something wrong with me. I even thought Carter played a solid role at times yesterday.
Send him to the Clippers. They seem to both be cursed. Maybe do a sing and trade for D-Wade. It is really excrutiating to watch the Mavs in the playoffs. They have no clue. DeJaun Blair, who is probably 6’4″ without shoes and has no ligaments, is outrebounding Dirk. Didn’t Bill Simmons drop Dirk’s name quite a bit in his article about Rasheed? The scoring isn’t cutting it.
hmmm…okay. Who’s going to play the post? Dampier?
Wait …that might not be bad idea. Kidd with Wade, Haygood, Terry, and Butler.
Okay sounds good.
Don’t even mention “Kindergarten” Marion.
I’m not saying make that your only move. Go sign someone. You can’t possibly defend the Mavericks roster right now.
Go get a guy like Varejo, Glen Davis, Al Horford, someone who is not a “superstar” but can do some things for a guard like Wade
The only difference between Dirk and Sheed is that teammates can actually rely on Dirk to score sometimes.
Wait – what was Najera thinking???