Playoffs start tomorrow…
What’s up with Dirk’s face in this picture?”
…so I better get my picks going:
I’ll start with the Eastern Conference because, well, because they start first.
- Pistons (1) Vs Magic (8)
Man, I really want Grant Hill be successful in the playoffs, but it’s not going to happen against Chaunch, Rip and ‘Sheed. Also, the playoffs is when Tayshaun Prince remembers that he could be a dominate player on offense. It’s crazy that he doesn’t during the regular season, but it’s fun to see it happen in the playoffs. Pistons in 5 (gotta give Hill one game)”- Cavs (2) Vs Wizards (7)
Cavs did a great job of getting to the 2 spot, because everyone wanted to face Washington sans GA and Butler. There’s not chance in this series for the Wizkids. Cavs better win this in 4, so they can rest up for the rest of the playoffs where they won’t have to worry about the Heat, Bulls or Pistons until the Conference Final. Cavs in 4- Raptors (3) Vs Nets (6)
Grudge match for the Raptors, but really they could easily lose this series. The Nets have been playing some pretty bad basketball recently, but Lil’ Frank will get them in line, and hopefully there won’t be any injuries. This is going to be a long series. Get those passports ready. Nets in 7- Heat (4) Vs Bulls (5)
Best series by far in the East (maybe in the whole first round), and even though the Bulls are the lower seed they have the home court due to a better record. Slick Riley, The Diesel and The Flash all talked about how this team is built for the playoffs and how they can flip switches and get things done, yadda yadda yadda, but I think they’re too banged up, they haven’t played consistent basketball and the Bulls are going to destroy Dwayne Wade. Bulls are going to win this, and they should - they can be a great offensive and defensive team. Bulls in 6.
All in All, I think that the Eastern Conference Final is going to be between the Cavs and the Pistons with the Pistons dominating in 6 games. Here comes Mo-town!
The Western Conference is definitely going to be the most intriguing conference for the playoffs (though that’s how it’s been for a while now). We have the Southwestern flavor with the Suns, San Antonio and Dallas (might as well throw in Houston too). We have the rivalries, whether it is be between players (Kobe and Raja), coaches and organizations (Don Nelson vs The Mavs), or between players and refs (Tim Duncan and all the refs).These should all be hard fought battles in all the series (we hope so as Warrior fans). Speaking of the Warriors, here are our picks.
- Mavs (1) Vs Warriors (8)
It was such an emotional roller coast for us Warriors fans. Many have been waiting a long time for the playoffs, many didn’t believe it was going to happen, but it did. I know a lot of people are making a big deal about how the Warriors swept Dallas this year 3-0 in the regular season, but come on, the playoffs is a totally different animal. It’s encouraging to know that the W’s have a playoff proven coach in Don Nelson, and we all know that everyone on the team has some fire to do well. Who knows, maybe J-Rich will go re-donk-ulous and put up 50 a night a la Kobe style and the Warriors win the series? As a rational person, I’m saying that doesn’t happen and the Warriors lose in 6 ( I know I should put 5, but hey, I’m still a fan). Mavs in 6.- Suns (2) Vs Kobe (7) errr… Lakers (7)
I don’t think the Suns are going to let the Lakers get a jump on them like last year. They have smarter defenders, better outside shooters, and you know that Amare has been craving the playoffs since he went Monster-Crazy nearly 3 years ago. So I’m saying the Lakers get only 1 game out this series, and that’s because Kobe drops 120 points in one game. Just saying, it doesn’t look good for La-La Land and Jacko. Suns in 5.- Spurs (3) Vs Nuggest (6)
I think the Nuggets can win a championship, but it’s not going to be this year. I think they could totally do it next year if they continue to play the way they were at the end of the season. But they need more time together and they need a higher seed in the playoffs. The Spurs are just going to pommel them. The Nuggets will put up a fight, but they’ll still be out in 7. Oh and another thing, please get rid of those horrible weird blue on light blue alt jersey. They are horrible! Spurs in 7.- Jazz (4) Vs Rockets (5)
Same situation as the Heat and Bulls, with the Jazz having the higher seed, but the Rockets having home court. To be honest I have no clue how this is going to shape up. Sloan and Van Gundy are a wash, Boozer, Ak-47 (even though he was crap this year), Mehmet Okur, Yao, Deron Williams, D-Fish, T-Mac, Battier, Skip-to-my-loo are all good players. Man this could be a grind of a series. I have no clue. Let’s go with the great wall of China if nothing goes wrong with a toe or a back. Rockets in 7
This is going to be a tough year for pretty much all the Western Conference teams, but I think it’s going to come down to 2 teams and probably no surprise: Mavs vs Spurs. Another Texas show down. The Suns also have a really good chance. If they can come out of the Lakers series early, they can get Nash enough rest and maybe even some for Amare. But deep down, it’s going to be a Texas Show down. And who comes out on top? I’m thinking: Tim Duncan’s crew. That’s right, Mavs won’t even make it to the finals this year. Ouch for the best regular season team (again), Cuban better hurry up and buy the Chicago Cubs, because he’s never going to win a championship in Dallas. Maybe Cuban and Jerry Jones can start a club of owners that spend a lot and don’t have a ring to show for it (well in recent years for Jones).
So a Pistons Vs Spurs final. Sort of a yawner right? Yeah, I think so too.
The winner? Does it really even matter? Well if you think so:
