First Round Playoff Prediction
Boston Celtics (1) vs. Atlanta Hawks (8)- Boston in 4
This is a sweep, in fact, the only sweep of the first round.
Cleveland Cavs (4) vs. Washington Wizards (5)- Washington in 6
This is the second most intriguing series of the first round. The Cavs have been strong without Gilbert Arenas all year, while the Cavs have struggled for most of the season, and haven't developed a good chemistry. I like the Wizards to steal one of the first two in Cleveland, and finish this in 6 or possibly 7 games.
Orlando Magic (3) vs. Toronto Raptors (6)- Orlando in 6
Dwight Howard vs. Chris Bosh is a great matchup down low. After that matchup however, this series loses any interest factor. You can skip watching this one.
Detroit Pistons (2) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (7)- Detroit in 5
As one who predicted the 76ers to finish dead last in the east, I must admit I am impressed with their turn around. The Sixers are a solid team (for the East- a lotto team in the West) and should be able to steal a game in this series.
Los Angeles Lakers (1) vs. Denver Nuggets (8)- Lakers in 5
Maybe the best matchup the Lakers could have hoped for in the West. With Bynum definitely out this series, the Lakers will have some trouble containing Camby, especially on the glass. Iverson and Carmelo can score (as can JR Smith and Linas Kleiza) but the Nuggets are really lacking on the defensive end. They have nobody who can legitimately guard Kobe, and will struggle to guard both Lamar and Pau inside. I am little worried about Fisher containing Iverson, but with help of Farmar and especially Sahsa's scrappy D, the Lakers will be able to hold the Answer to 30ppg. The first two games in LA shouldn't be close, as long as the Lakers come out focused for Game 1. Denver may steal game 3 or 4 at home, but the Lakers will finish at home in Game 5.
Utah Jazz (4) vs. Houston Rockets (5)- Utah in 7
This is another intriguing first round series. These are two very even teams, but I give the edge to Deron Williams and Utah- especially with the home court. I see the Jazz winning in Utah in game 7, and again foiling Tracy McGrady's attempts to get out of the first round.
San Antonio (3) vs. Phoenix (6)- Phoenix in 7
This is unarguably the best first round series of the year, maybe the best in the history of the NBA playoffs. This has the potential to be amazingly epic, and will surely go the distance. The series last year was a barnburner, and there is still bad blood and controversy lingering. The Suns acquired Shaq almost exclusively to be able to compete with San Antonio, and this is there chance. These are two of the very best teams in the NBA, and the one that loses will be devastated to go out so early. This is guaranteed to be a classic series, you can't miss any of it.
New Orleans Hornets (2) vs. Dallas Mavericks (7)- Dallas in 6
New Orleans has had an incredible and special year, but Dallas just has too much playoff experience. Dirk has regained his competive fire and will not let the Mavericks lose this.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Lakers Finish Season #1 in West
In what was possibly the most competitive conference race in NBA history, the Lakers emerged victorious, snagging the West's #1 seed. The top spot was earned with huge victories over San Antonio last Friday and New Orleans on Sunday.
By virtue of earning the top seed, the Lakers have booked a series with the Denver Nuggets, the West's sight seed. The series opens this Sunday, April 20th, at high noon. The whole schedule is as follows (all times PT):
There really were no easy matchups in the West this year, but this was about as good as it could have gotten for the Lakers. Denver is a relatively scary team, with Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, but the Lakers won the season series 3-0, all of those games without Pau Gasol.
The major benefit of finishing #1 is that the Lakers have a relatively easy route through the West. In the second round (assuming a first round victory of course) they would play the winner of Houston and Utah- not a particularly difficult series in prospect. Meanwhile, in the bottom of the bracket, Phoenix, San Antonio, New Orleans and Dallas have to battle it out early, with the (possibly worn out) winner facing the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
I will reveal if I believe the Lakers will win their first round series, and my predictions for all the other first round series tomorrow in my First Round Playoff Preview. Meanwhile, check back later tonight for my review of my pre-season predictions.
By virtue of earning the top seed, the Lakers have booked a series with the Denver Nuggets, the West's sight seed. The series opens this Sunday, April 20th, at high noon. The whole schedule is as follows (all times PT):
- GAME 1: NUGGETS @ LAKERS SUN 12:00 PM
- GAME 2: NUGGETS @ LAKERS WED 7:30 PM
- GAME 3: LAKERS @ NUGGETS SAT 2:30 PM
- GAME 4: LAKERS @ NUGGETS MON 7:30 PM
- **GAME 5: NUGGETS @ LAKERS WED TBD
- **GAME 6: LAKERS @ NUGGETS FRI TBD
- **GAME 7: NUGGETS @ LAKERS SUN TBD
There really were no easy matchups in the West this year, but this was about as good as it could have gotten for the Lakers. Denver is a relatively scary team, with Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, but the Lakers won the season series 3-0, all of those games without Pau Gasol.
The major benefit of finishing #1 is that the Lakers have a relatively easy route through the West. In the second round (assuming a first round victory of course) they would play the winner of Houston and Utah- not a particularly difficult series in prospect. Meanwhile, in the bottom of the bracket, Phoenix, San Antonio, New Orleans and Dallas have to battle it out early, with the (possibly worn out) winner facing the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
I will reveal if I believe the Lakers will win their first round series, and my predictions for all the other first round series tomorrow in my First Round Playoff Preview. Meanwhile, check back later tonight for my review of my pre-season predictions.
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