NBA Playoffs Round 1

The next few posts will be me revealing my NBA playoff picks round by round. Round 1 now, round 2 next, and round 3 to follow. Plus, you'll get my picks for awards season! It's FANNNNNNNNNN-TASTIC!!!

This is, quite simply, my favorite time of year. I know, I'm a football fanatic, but the end of April brings me NHL Playoff Hockey (I don't care what you say, OT in a NHL Playoff Game is the best period of time in sports), NBA Playoff Basketball (See below), and the NFL Draft. It's almost like God wants me to spend the next 50 days talking, watching and thinking sports. His will be done.

Boston (1) vs. Atlanta (8)
We're number 8! We're number 8! Doesn't quite have the same ring to it like the stuff these Boston people keep yelling, but what can you do? Usually, I would say that the underdog could steal the first game at home, since the crowd would be into it, and the favorite might lay off the gas because of the two first game blow outs. This will not happen. There are only maybe 500 Hawks fans in Atlanta, so it will be a pro-Celtic crowd, plus do you really think that Kevin Garnett will let this team let up? I didn't think so.
Boston in 4.

Detroit (2) vs. Philly (7)

Not the squash I would have thought it would be a few weeks ago. This Sixers team has gotten better and better down the stretch, and have handed losses to the Spurs, Suns and Pistons over the past 2 months. These wins, coupled with Detroit's tendency to become complacent against inferior opponents lets the Sixers stretch this thing out. But not too far.

Detroit in 5.

Orlando (3) vs. Toronto (6)

I don't see it. Toronto hasn't been healthy all year, their best point guard is coming off of the bench, and to say that Chris Bosh's toughness is questionable is being way too kind. Sure, the Toronto guard play is, on paper, vastly superior to the Magic, but between Dwight and Hedo, I don't see this series going all the way.

Orlando in 6.

Cleveland (4) vs. Washington (5)

A popular school of thought is that it isn't a rivalry until the other team wins one. According to that school, this is the year this playoff matchup becomes a rivalry. Ever since the big trade, the supporting cast has significantly underwhelmed. Ben Wallace (who will be making more money than LeBron next year) has been exceedingly dismal, and the others acquired haven't given this team the boost some (not me) expected. On the other side, the Wiz pose questions that the Cavs just can't answer: who guards Caron Butler/Antwan Jamison? Who in their second unit checks Agent Zero coming off the bench? Is a Mike Brown-Eddie Jordan coaching matchup anywhere near fair? Well, I can answer the last one, but I don't think Cleveland can answer the others.

Washington in 6.

Lakers (1) vs. Denver (8)

The most frustrating thing is that, on paper, the Nuggets should be a top 5 team in the NBA. The reality is that it took Nellie being Nellie for them to back into the playoffs this year. Granted, this is the year that the Western Conference went nuts, but that's no real excuse: this team, featuring my all-time favorite player, is flawed and has no heart. I just hope that Kobe's return to Colorado gives us some great signs in the crowd

Lakers in 5.

New Orleans (2) vs. Dallas (7)

All I've talked about since the trade deadline is how much I didn't like the move for Jason Kidd, how Avery Johnson refused to change his coaching style to fit his new personnel, and how Dirk just didn't seem to have 'it' this year. Apparently, Dirk nearly losing a leg changed all of this. The Mavs seem to have figured out how to stop CP3 and if you stop him, you stop their offense. Kidd can't check him one-on-one, but as the nation saw in the N.O. season finale, they learned how to use team defense and traps to get the ball out of his hands. This will also mark the first playoff series ever that Avery Johnson does not change his team's game plan to fit that of their opponent. Good times.

Dallas in 5.

San Antonio (3) vs. Phoenix (6)

Wait, what the hell. If you had polled EVERYONE who watches the NBA before the season, this was the pick for the Western Conference Finals. And we get it in the opening round. Wow, I don't know who to thank. I do know that no matter who won the Finals MVP last year, the best player in that series was Tim Duncan. I do know that the only player who seems to consistently stymie The Big Fundamental's game is the (newly christened) Big Cactus. I do know that Manu has been hurt, and if he isn't 100%, and Shaq can stay out of foul trouble, I don't like the chances at a repeat.

Suns in 7.

Utah (4) vs. Houston (5)

Really weird that because of records, home court advantage is in the hands of the owners of the third longest winning streak in NBA history. Well chronicled is the fact that Utah has been awful on the road this year; but with no starting point guard for at least the first two games, and the next two being in Utah, this could be the stage where Utah starts winning road games, builds some confidence, and makes a deep run into the playoffs. Well, at least they'll beat the Rockets.
Utah in 5.

Happy Trails

After a season of disappointments, the announcement finally came this week where the hammer finally fell, and we were forced to say goodbye to a prominent sports figure.

They fired Isaiah Thomas. And I for one am outraged.

Seriously, this week is marked by the retirement of one Steve "Air" McNair, a great player and a greater influence in the league than simple numbers can measure. Though, he does have some pretty good numbers. His final season was marred by injury, but no one will ever forget seeing him play. See you in Canton.

We Made the Playoffs...

But Simmons still got me. He went ahead and ranked the MVPs from 450th - 48th, and graced celebrating Hawks fans with this:

166th Most Valuable Player - Marvin Williams

The whole "Atlanta could have taken Chris Paul!" thing has officially become awkward. I can't even make eye contact with Hawks fans anymore.

(OK, I don't know any Hawks fans. And neither do you. But if we DID know any Hawks fans, we'd have trouble making eye contact with them. You have to admit.)

Damn him. I guarantee that there will more updates soon. Not guarantee, but hope. Well, think. See you later.

40 Years

His last speech...

Breaking Down the Least

Baseball season has started...only one million games left. That said, baseball starting can mean only one thing - The NBA Playoffs!! Since the West seems to be in a constant state of flux, let's take a look at the Leastern Conference, and see how things look like they're going to play out (standings are of April 3, 2008):

8. Atlanta Hawks

Well, I guess I'm confident enough to risk the dreaded jinx. And let me clear something up: I know that nothing that I write has even the slightest impact on the real world, but I still felt guilty after Trent Green went down in week 5 after I predicted it here, and I would feel bad if I jinxed my Hawks' playoff run.

Strengths: A super athletic starting 5 that can push the pace. Mike Bibby's growing comfort with the Hawks has proven invaluable as they make the big push for the playoffs. Joe Johnson is a proven leader and scorer, and Josh Smith is a literal swiss army knife. Al Horford should be the ROY, and all these pieces add up to a pretty good first team.

Weaknesses: Everything else, including but not limited to: bench play, coaching, lack of clear ownership, front office infighting, fan support, home court advantage.

2008 Playoff Forecast: 1st round swept by Celtics...and a parade thrown by a grateful city for the first playoff appearance in 10 years.

7. Philadelphia 76ers

What the hell, man? Okay, so Billy King puts together this team over the past few years basically with scotch tape, bubble gum, and loads of money, the ownership FINALLY fires him, and the team goes on a miracle run not only to the playoffs, but potentially as high as a 5 seed in the East? Ew.

Strengths: Um, I really don't know. Okay, they play hard, they play fast, they have a lot of young legs, and they play good defense.

Weaknesses: No outside shooting since Korver left, and they have no defining star on their team. Maybe if you could merge Andre Igodala and Andre Miller into one player, but until then, who is taking the last shot in crunch time?

2008 Playoff Forecast: Could get swept in the first round. Could push Detroit to the wire, and very well could upset them. I can't seem to figure this team out. Parade given due to Billy King being gone.

6. Toronto Raptors

Ever since they eliminated purple from the team color scheme, this has felt like a new franchise. Gone are the hangover effects from Vince "Cancer" Carter, and instead it has been replaced by a high scoring, up-tempo, international team.

Strengths: Chris Bosh. This kid tends to get overlooked for some of the flashier stars in his generation, but watching him last night (lose) against Atlanta, he is very, very good. Coupling his talents with a talented PG, and a bench with Bargani and Calderon, and you have a good team.

Weaknesses: No matter how much I like Bosh's talents, I have to question his toughness, especially looking at a first round match-up with Dwight Howard down low. I also question some of the defensive ability of their back court players.

2008 Playoff Forecast: An all out war against Orlando in round 1, falling in 6 games to the Magic. Vince Carter is hit by a bus. Toronto throws parade.

5. Washington Wizards

Last night Agent Zero returned to the former Bullets, and ushered in the beginning of the end for the 2008 Wizards. All season, a certain chemistry had been built without the Hibachi, putting Eddie Jordan in COY discussions, and his return can threaten everything.

Strengths: Versatility. They can play lots of different ways, and have lots of different scorers. Coach Jordan has showed these guys that they can play without Gilbert, and they are confident heading into the playoffs.

Weaknesses: The reintegration of Gilbert Arenas, from both a stylistic and a emotional point of view. This is a unit that has defined itself separate of Agent Zero these past months, and now all of that may be shaken.

2008 Playoff Forecast: 1st round KO, as Mr. James attempts to reclaim the crown he gave away last year. Washington ownership lets Gilbert leave. No parade in the District.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James' playoff ceiling has officially been removed. After singlehandedly dismissing the entire Eastern Conference last year, anything is possible.

Strengths: The Boy who would be King. 30 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists a game. Need I say more?

Weaknesses: A team that has the single most naturally talented basketball player in the world has a negative point differential on the season. Reason? Defense and supporting cast. Big Z has shown promise, but injuries have slowed Ben Wallace from returning to underrated/overrated form of 3 years ago. On paper, the two deep doesn't look bad at all, but then you realize that you think this because Daniel Gibson went crazy last spring. Don't count on he or Delonte West to duplicate that.

2008 Playoff Forecast: They go as LeBron goes. If they want to keep him from running to Jigga in a few years, Cleveland better throw him a parade.

3. Orlando Magic

I LOVE this team...if this was last year. While Rashad Lewis hasn't had the impact his price tag would demand, the unit as a whole has developed from the jump into a real contender in the Least. Building an efficient offense around Dwight Howard, who has proven to be more mature than you may realize by rising to the public challenge Stan Van Gundy laid down earlier this year.

Strengths: Interior presence and outside shooting. Howard's development as a passer has been the most impressive and impactful aspect of this season as Turkoglu has been lights out all year. The team plays extremely well together, and just seems to get things done.

Weakness: One year too late.

2008 Playoff Forecast: Following a tough Toronto series, they fall in an absolute war against Detroit in 6 games, since the two teams split 4 close games this year.

No parade joke, sorry.

2. Detroit Pistons

Lather, rinse, repeat. Every year these guys are in the mix, and every year, certain problems tend to rear their ugly heads. But, they have proven the toughest, most consistent team in the Conference, and this year is no different.

Strengths: You've heard it all before. Their mental toughness and ability to adjust to different styles of play allow them to confuse and wear down any opponent. Except, I guess, LeBron James.

Weaknesses: This anti-Flip thing has gotten way out of hand. No one listens to him anymore, and this team is an implosion waiting to happen. Plus, this is a team that has a history of utilizing the dreaded 'on-off' switch against teams they feel are beneath them.

2008 Playoff Forecast: Surviving to face the final team on this list, they are summarily dismissed in 5 games. Parade for firing Flip Saunders, bringing back Larry Brown!

There, I bounced back.

1. Boston Celtics

Wire to wire, the single best team in the NBA all year. Pick your conference, home and away, this has been the dominating team of the 2007-2008. The Boston Three Party has run over everyone else's favorite team all year, but they should give us hope: a couple of shrewd free agent signings, and our team too could go from the outhouse to the penthouse in a year.

Strengths: Everything. Their better is better than your better. Rebounding. Clutch shooting. Playmaking. They do it all. Plus, Kevin Garnett's effect on their defense has created the most dominant defensive team today too.

Weaknesses: Who takes the last shot in crunch time? Garnett has habitually shown aversion to doing so, and if Sam-I-Am is on the floor, will he give up the ball?

2008 Playoff Forecast: I see an O'Brien Trophy in their future. And a really big parade.

April Fools?

In what I thought was an elaborate, and not very funny, April Fool's joke, the New York Knickerbockers announced Tuesday that Don Walsh had been hired to replace Isaiah Thomas as team president.

It wasn't a joke.

My hat is off to James Dolan to finally cutting ties with Zeke. This man has killed an entire basketball league and he threatened to do the same in New York. I know this was a great move, getting him out of the Knick organization all together. Wait, what's that? He's still coach?

What does he have to do at this point? Kill the mayor? Burn down MSG?

And I'm not even a Knicks fan...

I Really Hate Mondays

Okay, so yesterday my iPod crapped out, forcing me to dig through old boxes to find my long unused cds...

On the plus side, I did find out that my car has a six disc changer in it...Peaks and valleys my friends, peaks and valleys.