NBA Playoffs Round 2 Preview

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers  vs.  (4) Boston Celtics
Prediction – Cavs in 5

**Rd 1 Predictions**
Cavs in 4 (won in 5)
Heat in 7 (not even close)

--Lebron James is on a mission. The King has won 2 straight MVP’s but now he needs to win an NBA Championship. He knows that he can’t truly be called the absolute best player in the game when Kobe’s been to the mountaintop and he hasn’t. You saw it in his eyes in the Bulls series. The Akron Hammer basically averaged a triple double and dominated every aspect of every game. It would’ve been a sweep if Derrick Rose wasn’t as incredible as he is. Quick tangent. I was talking to Rob Kurz last night (played for Golden State and Cleveland and just signed with the Bulls) and he told me that Derrick Rose is the most athletic person not named Lebron he’s ever seen on a basketball court. He guaranteed me that Rose will be the best PG in the NBA within 2 years. Back to my point – the Celtics are a very good team and seem to be clicking at the exact right time. They rolled Wade’s Heat without a problem. I really didn’t think they had it in ‘em, as I predicted they’d lose. They’ll bring everything they have in an attempt to knock off the King, but it just doesn’t matter. Lebron is too good and he has the teammates this year to help him. Not even Rondo, Pierce, Allen and KG at their very best can do anything about it. Sorry Simmons and the rest of you spoiled Boston fans.

(2) Orlando Magic  vs.  (3) Atlanta Hawks
Prediction – Magic in 7

**Rd 1 Predictions**
Magic in 5 (won in 4)
Hawks in 5 (won in 7)

--Figured both teams would win pretty handily in Round 1. I was right on with the Magic, but the Hawks struggled their way through a 7 game series with Milwaukee. I think that’ll come back to haunt them in this one. They showed how talented they are in games 6 and 7 of the Bucks series, but they never shoulda let Milwaukee take a 3-2 lead playing without their best player, Andrew Bogut. Now they have to deal with Dwight Howard and his band of 3-point shooters. If Horford and Josh Smith can get Dwight into foul trouble like the Bobcats bigs did in the first round, Atlanta will win this one. I don’t see Dwight letting that happen. He will pick his spots, play smarter, and not take dumb fouls like he did against the Bobcats. Jameer Nelson is on fire, Rashard Lewis is doin’ his thing, and at any moment Vince Carter could catch fire although he’s a big pussy and probably won’t. Definitely an entertaining, exciting series that I’m looking forward to. As good as Atlanta can be on some nights, I’ll play it safe and go with the Magic. When it comes down to it, they’re the better team and they have the best player on the court. Playoffs usually come down to that.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Los Angeles Lakers  vs.  (5) Utah Jazz
Prediction – Lakers in 6

**Rd 1 Predictions**
Lakers in 5 (won in 6)
Jazz in 7 (won in 6)

--For the third straight year the Lakers meet the Jazz in the Western Conference Playoffs. Two years ago they lost in 6 and last year they only made it to 5. How unlucky could a team and coach be? Jerry Sloan is one of the best coaches in the history of the NBA, but he was unlucky enough to run into Jordan’s Bulls in 2 finals and now Kobe’s Lakers 3 straight years in the playoffs. The Jazz look great right now. Their leader Deron Williams has claimed the title of Best Point Guard Alive. Rose, Rondo, and Westbrook are great up-and-coming guys. Steve Nash is still unbelievable. And Chris Paul is obviously right there. But Deron is currently playing at another level. It’s rare to even see him hit the rim anymore. He’s too smooth. Kobe, Pau, and the Lakers, however, are too deep and too talented. They had a little trouble with the Thunder who came within half a second of pushing LA to a game 7, but I actually think that woke the Lakers up. They’re pissed now (By the way, the Thunder are soooo good and sooo cool, I almost wish I was from Oklahoma City. Almost). Anyway, Deron will have a great series and may push the Lakers to 7, although I think 6. I just can’t see him being able to carry this team past the most talented team in the NBA. What Deron should really be worried about is his sidekick Carlos Boozer leaving this summer.

(3) Phoenix Suns  vs.  (7) San Antonio Spurs
Prediction – Spurs in 7

**Rd 1 Predictions**

Suns in 5 (won in 6)

Mavs in 7 (wrong)

--These long time foes meet yet again in a huge series. Seems like not too long ago that the Suns were on their way to winning an NBA Championship when Bruce Bowen and Robert Horry stepped in their way. And by stepped in their way I mean provoked Amare Stoudamire to leap from the bench and get suspended for the deciding game. That was bullshit by the NBA. David Stern should still be ashamed of himself for that decision. As for this year’s meeting, it has the potential to be another great one. Nash and Amare have this Suns team firing on all cylinders. They really look as good as ever. Kerr’s probably kinda happy he didn’t move Amare. Jared Dudley and Channing Frye have elevated their games this year and Robin Lopez surprisingly turned into a nice little role player for them. However, like the Mavericks just found out, you can NOT ever count out the San Antonio Spurs. Pop, Duncan, Manu, Manu’s giant nose-bandage, and Tony are too good and too experienced. There’s a reason they wear 4 championship rings (3 for the younger guys). The Mavs kinda shit the bed, which is always nice to see out of a Dallas team, but these guys definitely won that series more than the Mavs lost it. George Hill looks like an all-star PG and Duncan is always ready to put up a 20-20 when called upon. The difference maker though – Manu. The Suns won’t have an answer for him.