In just over an hour the 2008 NBA Playoffs will begin. The word excitement does not even begin to describe the way I'm feeling right now. The games will be split over ESPN, ABC and TNT so check the schedule so you don't get lost. With that said, let's dig deep into the playoffs, eh?
EASTERN CONFERENCE
The East seems like a lock when you look at all the matchups, but these are the playoffs so hey, you never know. The Boston Celtics clinched the conference title weeks ago, and finished the season 66-16. And yes, like I have said several times before, the BOSTON CELTICS WILL BE THE NBA CHAMPIONS. The Pistons, Magic and Cavs have all had solid seasons and were all shoeins for this years post season play. Other than those teams the East has been very disappointing with many calling the conference the "junior varsity" when compared to the West's strong teams. Get this. three of the teams that made the playoffs have a record of .500 and below - Toronto, Philly and Atlanta. Yeah, about that... Anyway, here are your matchups:
(1) Boston Celtics [66-16] vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks [37-45]
EASTERN CONFERENCE
The East seems like a lock when you look at all the matchups, but these are the playoffs so hey, you never know. The Boston Celtics clinched the conference title weeks ago, and finished the season 66-16. And yes, like I have said several times before, the BOSTON CELTICS WILL BE THE NBA CHAMPIONS. The Pistons, Magic and Cavs have all had solid seasons and were all shoeins for this years post season play. Other than those teams the East has been very disappointing with many calling the conference the "junior varsity" when compared to the West's strong teams. Get this. three of the teams that made the playoffs have a record of .500 and below - Toronto, Philly and Atlanta. Yeah, about that... Anyway, here are your matchups:
(1) Boston Celtics [66-16] vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks [37-45]
The Hawks are a very young team. And by young I mean very young. Their players average is 24.8 years old and has 4 years of NBA experience. I'm happy for Al Horford who, in my book, is the Rookie of the Year. The Hawks are picking up steam though. They've made some good draft picks in Horford, Smith and Childress, and the addition of veteran PG Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson have been critical. Last season Hawks head coach Mike Woodson said that if the team made the playoffs he would shave his head. Apparently he's a man of his word because he is now BALD!! I love it! Going up against a seasoned (and I use that term gingerly because my boys are not old) like the Celtics will really test them. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are all over 30 years old. All three have reached the conference finals on their own but haven't gotten any farther than that. And these guys will tell you, the great record means nothing without that championship. The Hawks will have to be great on both sides of the ball and will have to try to combat the best defensive team in the league. I have my Cs sweeping the Hawks. KG missed a few practices before the playoffs started and word on the street is his wife Brandi just gave birth to their first child. CONGRATS TO THE NEW PARENTS! I hope the baby is happy and healthy, and I can't wait to see some pics! AAAWWWW!!(2) Detroit Pistons [59-23] vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers [40-42]
This is Detroit's 7th straight trip to the playoffs. Philly sucks and they haven't made the playoffs since '05. Andre Iguodala and Sam Dalembert are trying their best to support this team but it's not going to happen against the Pistons. The teams split the regular season meetings 2-2, but that means nothing in the postseason. As long as the Pistons stay focused they can knock Philly out easy. I know the Knicks beat the Pistons at the end of the season and while most called it a throw away game it's a little scary. The Pistons are a great team but I can say this matchup will not have me glued to the set or racing home to make sure I catch the games. Yawn, I'm not too interested...
(3) Orlando Magic [52-30] vs. (6) Toronto Raptors [41-41]
Two words - Dwight Howard. I'm lovin me some Superman!! He has a league best 61 double-doubles, and he was also the NBA leading rebounder, with 14 a game. Also expect at least 20 points and 2 blocks a game from the big man. Both the Magic and Raptors are great free throw shooting teams. I know we pay a lot of attention to Howard but some other guys put in work too. Hedo Turkoglu is one of 4 players EVER to average 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. The trade for Rashard Lewis is a great addition, and he and Jameer Nelson are can score. The Raptors are a great story as well. There's TJ Ford, who many of us thought would never play again after several neck injuries. He returned to the game a few months back and it's great to see him healthy. I loved watching him in college and any time he's fouled hard or moves too quickly my heart and stomach jump. It's fun to watch him when he's on but it's kind of unnerving. Jamario Moon traveled all over the world playing for the CBA, USBL and even in Mexico before he finally landed in the NBA. The 28 year old rookie is making the most out of his 1st year averaging a solid 8 points and 6 rebs. And of then of course, there's Chris Bosh who can put up 23 and 9 a game. The Raptors went 10-16 to finish out the regular season and Bosh missed 10 of those games with an injury. Both teams are solid from the line, but the rest - complete opposites. The Magic are the 4th best 3-point shooting team and the Raptors are the 3rd worst at defending opponents behind the arc. By the by, Bosh and Howard are good friends but haven't spoken since the Toronto/Orlando matchup was announced. It's not just a game folks! I have Orlando taking this one.
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers [45-37] vs. (5) Washington Wizards [43-39]
I have the Cavs winning this one even though they faltered late in the season. They went 15-13 since the massive trade with the Bulls so you can chalk that record up to a new team trying to find their groove. And of course, we can all expect magic from Lebron James. King James has been battling back spasms, but let's hope that doesn't affect him down the stretch. I feel for the Wizards because their best players were injured for a good chunk of the season. Caron Butler missed some time with injuries. Gilbert Arenas has battled knee issues for years and missed 66 games this season. He just recently got back on the court and is coming off the bench averaging about 25 minutes per game. And yes Agent Zero is talking junk once again. "I'm an assassin. I get buckets. I know I haven't played in a long time, but the shot is still there, so when I come off that bench, there is going to be some trouble." I believe it. Deshawn Stevenson (is hot) called Lebron "overrated." I'm gonna have to disagree with you on that one dog. I know, sometimes people get a little emotional and say things to get their team and fans riled up but this one went a little too far with the comedy. Bron-Bron overrated? Never that. And there's some beef between these 2 teams, and it's the 25th time these 2 teams have played in the past 3 seasons. So what - maybe a fight or 2? Some suspensions? Y'all know me, I like the drama...
WESTERN CONFERENCE
I have the Cavs winning this one even though they faltered late in the season. They went 15-13 since the massive trade with the Bulls so you can chalk that record up to a new team trying to find their groove. And of course, we can all expect magic from Lebron James. King James has been battling back spasms, but let's hope that doesn't affect him down the stretch. I feel for the Wizards because their best players were injured for a good chunk of the season. Caron Butler missed some time with injuries. Gilbert Arenas has battled knee issues for years and missed 66 games this season. He just recently got back on the court and is coming off the bench averaging about 25 minutes per game. And yes Agent Zero is talking junk once again. "I'm an assassin. I get buckets. I know I haven't played in a long time, but the shot is still there, so when I come off that bench, there is going to be some trouble." I believe it. Deshawn Stevenson (is hot) called Lebron "overrated." I'm gonna have to disagree with you on that one dog. I know, sometimes people get a little emotional and say things to get their team and fans riled up but this one went a little too far with the comedy. Bron-Bron overrated? Never that. And there's some beef between these 2 teams, and it's the 25th time these 2 teams have played in the past 3 seasons. So what - maybe a fight or 2? Some suspensions? Y'all know me, I like the drama...
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Well, we just have to watch and see. The race has been tight all season, with rankings that seemed to shift almost daily. That was especially the case over the last few weeks with three teams fighting for the 7 & 8 slots. The Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors are all great teams and it was possible that this this could be a year where a 50-win team could be left out of the Playoffs. That wasn't the case though because the GSW were knocked out of the playoff picture with a 48-34 record. They had a great run last season but not this time around. Too bad so sad. Shall we continue?
(1) Los Angeles Lakers [57-25] vs. (8) Denver Nuggets [50-32]
This is a 1 vs. 8 unlike any I've ever seen. Los Angeles had 57 regular season wins compared to Denver's 50. A few players have proven themselves worthy of the MVP award and Kobe Bryant is definitely one of them. 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists - yeah, def MVP caliber. The acquisition of Pau Gasol really put the Lakers over the edge, and he's pulling in almost 19 points a game. The Lakers are 22-5 since Gasol joined the team. He’s starting in place of the injured Andrew Bynum, and while initial reports were that he would be ready during the playoffs, it’s looking as though he’s not going to play in the 1st round. Frankly, it’s not as if the Lakers really need him since Gasol has filled in nicely. Gasol made it to the playoffs when he was with Memphis, but his record is a sad 0-12. I'm sure he would love to make up for lost times. I’m expecting these to be high scoring games because we’ve seen what these 2 teams can do. Earlier in the season the Nuggets racked up 168 points in a single game and they are the 2nd highest scoring team in the league averaging 110.5 ppg with the Lakers not too far behind at 4th with 108.6. And let's not forget that Allen Iverson has won the scoring title 4 times in his career. Denver PF Nene missed several months after having surgery to remove cancer from his testicle. Now, word on the street is that he’ll be out for a few more games after straining his groin. Damn, he's really not lucky in that area huh?
(2) New Orleans Hornets [56-26] vs. (7) Dallas Mavericks [51-31]
With the Dallas, Denver and Golden State fighting for those last 2 spots, any negative play could knock a team completely out of contention. That’s what I thought when Dirk Nowitzki went out with the most awkward fall, spraining his ankle and knee at the same time. Regular people would need at least 6 weeks to recover from a high ankle sprain but Dirk was back after missing just 4 games. The guy is unbelievable! Dallas is trying hard to forget about last year’s playoff after they had an unbelievable season finishing 67-15, best in the NBA. Then, somehow someway they were knocked out of the first round by the Golden State Warriors: the 1st time ever a 1 seed had lost to an 8. You know who else is unbelievable? Chris Paul. (Check me and CP3 in the pic!!) He’s averaged a double double, 21-11, and 2.7 steals in the regular season during a turnaround year for Hornets. He's quick, he can handle the ball well, and he can shoot from anywhere on the court. All of this makes him one of the top candidates for MVP. I'm not mad at that but y'all know who I want to win. Do I even have to say it?! KG baby! Let me also say that I know TOO many people who don't watch college sports but love the pros. I have very little respect for those people (when it comes to sports) because they miss out on a players growth, or in some cases regression. Not EVERY college game is exciting but dude how could you have missed Michael Beasley, Kevin Love and Derrick Rose!?!?! I just don't get it. ANYWAY! Tyson Chandler’s having a breakthrough season after several mediocre years in the NBA. Not everyone is a KG, Kobe or Lebron. I'm a big believer in the college basketball system and I think Chandler would have benefited from going to college - even for at least 1 year. That new rule was a godsend - force these young bucks to do at least 1 year. I can't get a real job without a college degree and these kids are makin milliones!?!?! I'm not bitter y'all, I swear! You can credit a lot of that to CP3 and his ability to read the court, find the open (or soon to be open) man and pass the ball. I'm not sold on the Mavs but I love a "Cinderella Story." I got the Hornets, who's with me?!!
(3) San Antonio Spurs [58-24] vs. (6) Phoenix Suns [61-21]
The Suns traded Shawn Marion and Marcus Bansks for seasoned veteran Shaquille O'neal, a move that was either the smartest acquisition or the dumbest one ever. The Suns figured they could beat any team in the East but said they needed a big man to help them get past the Spurs in the West. Well damn - what a 1st round matchup! Big Man (Duncan) vs. Even Bigger Man (Shaq-Deezy). Amare Stoudamire has averaged more than 29 points since the Big Cactus (ha!) has been in Phoenix, but the team is 13-11. Shaq draws the double team to free up Amare, or any of the other shooters on the team, and he wears down the D. The Suns have Steve Nash who averages 16.9 points per game and 11.1 assists. Tim Duncan is a perennial All-Star, and Manu Ginobili and Frenchie (AkA Tony Parker) are quick and high flying. The Spurs have really taken advantage of the international market with Manu and Frenchi, and also Fabricio Oberto. And y'all know I can't ignore a Nigerian - shout out to my Nigerian-American buddy Ime Udoka - 3-point specialist! Let's not forget Mr. Clutch himself, Robert Horry. You can always count on him to make at LEAST one play - and that single play will win the game. I have faith in Horry - and his uncanny ability to appear out of nowhere and rescue a franchise. The Spurs are an excellent team but they lack excitement. They're like that guy that you know you should date that's crazy nerdy, boring, great job, with mad good credit that will always be there for you but you're never ready for. Instead I'm - I mean other women - are more interested in dating the bad boys, criminals, serial cheaters, etc. We can always count on the Spurs, but you're never really pulling for them to win. Sad right?! But these nice guys (sans Bruce Bowen - you dirty bastard!) do not finish last. They've won the championship every year the finished the regular season as conference champs - 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007. They weren't con champs this season but never underestimate the power of the playoffs! The Suns and the Spurs both play physical. Lest ye not forget (whoa where did the biblical talk come from!?!) the Western Conference semifinals of last year. Steve Nash got bitched slapped, almost bled to death on the court, melee ensued, players got suspended, etc.
(4) Utah Jazz vs. (5) Houston Rockets [55-27]
Yao Ming hasn't played since January. Tracy McGrady has never won a playoff series, going 0-6 in the first round. I'm sure those 2 facts are pounding in the minds of Rockets' fans even though they went on an unbelievable 22 game win streak towards the end of the season. But how does that translate in the post season? It doesn't! The Rockets have had some guys step up and really play big for them including Rafer Alston, Carl Landry and Chuck Hayes. Dikembe Mutombo is starting in place of the injured Yao, is back up to his old blocked shot, finger wagging ways. You gotta love it. Rafer Alston will probably miss the first 2 games with a strained hamstring which could be critical in the Rockets game because a PG is necessary. But these guys are going up against a tough opponent in the Utah Jazz. Deron Williams is one of the best point guards in the league, and AGAIN I refer to his college game. He played the same role when he was at Illinois in 2005 when the Fighting Illini made it to the NCAA Tournament Championship game but lost to UNC. I was at Northwestern University at that time, one of the Big Ten schools, and I was able to watch him live. (Luther Head too but he doesn't play a pivotal role with the Rockets. But former teammates now facing each other - it's great!) Speaking of teammates, Carlos Boozer and Shane Battier were great college players at Duke, and have both really emerged as great NBA players with the Jazz. AND these 2 teams played at the very end of the regular season, with the Jazz smackin the Rockets 105 - 96. I know I said earlier regular season records mean nothing in the playoffs but momentum is a son of a bitch. I can push you one way or another and right now, the Utah Jazz have it. We'll see if they can capitalize.
This is a 1 vs. 8 unlike any I've ever seen. Los Angeles had 57 regular season wins compared to Denver's 50. A few players have proven themselves worthy of the MVP award and Kobe Bryant is definitely one of them. 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists - yeah, def MVP caliber. The acquisition of Pau Gasol really put the Lakers over the edge, and he's pulling in almost 19 points a game. The Lakers are 22-5 since Gasol joined the team. He’s starting in place of the injured Andrew Bynum, and while initial reports were that he would be ready during the playoffs, it’s looking as though he’s not going to play in the 1st round. Frankly, it’s not as if the Lakers really need him since Gasol has filled in nicely. Gasol made it to the playoffs when he was with Memphis, but his record is a sad 0-12. I'm sure he would love to make up for lost times. I’m expecting these to be high scoring games because we’ve seen what these 2 teams can do. Earlier in the season the Nuggets racked up 168 points in a single game and they are the 2nd highest scoring team in the league averaging 110.5 ppg with the Lakers not too far behind at 4th with 108.6. And let's not forget that Allen Iverson has won the scoring title 4 times in his career. Denver PF Nene missed several months after having surgery to remove cancer from his testicle. Now, word on the street is that he’ll be out for a few more games after straining his groin. Damn, he's really not lucky in that area huh?
(2) New Orleans Hornets [56-26] vs. (7) Dallas Mavericks [51-31]With the Dallas, Denver and Golden State fighting for those last 2 spots, any negative play could knock a team completely out of contention. That’s what I thought when Dirk Nowitzki went out with the most awkward fall, spraining his ankle and knee at the same time. Regular people would need at least 6 weeks to recover from a high ankle sprain but Dirk was back after missing just 4 games. The guy is unbelievable! Dallas is trying hard to forget about last year’s playoff after they had an unbelievable season finishing 67-15, best in the NBA. Then, somehow someway they were knocked out of the first round by the Golden State Warriors: the 1st time ever a 1 seed had lost to an 8. You know who else is unbelievable? Chris Paul. (Check me and CP3 in the pic!!) He’s averaged a double double, 21-11, and 2.7 steals in the regular season during a turnaround year for Hornets. He's quick, he can handle the ball well, and he can shoot from anywhere on the court. All of this makes him one of the top candidates for MVP. I'm not mad at that but y'all know who I want to win. Do I even have to say it?! KG baby! Let me also say that I know TOO many people who don't watch college sports but love the pros. I have very little respect for those people (when it comes to sports) because they miss out on a players growth, or in some cases regression. Not EVERY college game is exciting but dude how could you have missed Michael Beasley, Kevin Love and Derrick Rose!?!?! I just don't get it. ANYWAY! Tyson Chandler’s having a breakthrough season after several mediocre years in the NBA. Not everyone is a KG, Kobe or Lebron. I'm a big believer in the college basketball system and I think Chandler would have benefited from going to college - even for at least 1 year. That new rule was a godsend - force these young bucks to do at least 1 year. I can't get a real job without a college degree and these kids are makin milliones!?!?! I'm not bitter y'all, I swear! You can credit a lot of that to CP3 and his ability to read the court, find the open (or soon to be open) man and pass the ball. I'm not sold on the Mavs but I love a "Cinderella Story." I got the Hornets, who's with me?!!
(3) San Antonio Spurs [58-24] vs. (6) Phoenix Suns [61-21]
The Suns traded Shawn Marion and Marcus Bansks for seasoned veteran Shaquille O'neal, a move that was either the smartest acquisition or the dumbest one ever. The Suns figured they could beat any team in the East but said they needed a big man to help them get past the Spurs in the West. Well damn - what a 1st round matchup! Big Man (Duncan) vs. Even Bigger Man (Shaq-Deezy). Amare Stoudamire has averaged more than 29 points since the Big Cactus (ha!) has been in Phoenix, but the team is 13-11. Shaq draws the double team to free up Amare, or any of the other shooters on the team, and he wears down the D. The Suns have Steve Nash who averages 16.9 points per game and 11.1 assists. Tim Duncan is a perennial All-Star, and Manu Ginobili and Frenchie (AkA Tony Parker) are quick and high flying. The Spurs have really taken advantage of the international market with Manu and Frenchi, and also Fabricio Oberto. And y'all know I can't ignore a Nigerian - shout out to my Nigerian-American buddy Ime Udoka - 3-point specialist! Let's not forget Mr. Clutch himself, Robert Horry. You can always count on him to make at LEAST one play - and that single play will win the game. I have faith in Horry - and his uncanny ability to appear out of nowhere and rescue a franchise. The Spurs are an excellent team but they lack excitement. They're like that guy that you know you should date that's crazy nerdy, boring, great job, with mad good credit that will always be there for you but you're never ready for. Instead I'm - I mean other women - are more interested in dating the bad boys, criminals, serial cheaters, etc. We can always count on the Spurs, but you're never really pulling for them to win. Sad right?! But these nice guys (sans Bruce Bowen - you dirty bastard!) do not finish last. They've won the championship every year the finished the regular season as conference champs - 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007. They weren't con champs this season but never underestimate the power of the playoffs! The Suns and the Spurs both play physical. Lest ye not forget (whoa where did the biblical talk come from!?!) the Western Conference semifinals of last year. Steve Nash got bitched slapped, almost bled to death on the court, melee ensued, players got suspended, etc.(4) Utah Jazz vs. (5) Houston Rockets [55-27]
Yao Ming hasn't played since January. Tracy McGrady has never won a playoff series, going 0-6 in the first round. I'm sure those 2 facts are pounding in the minds of Rockets' fans even though they went on an unbelievable 22 game win streak towards the end of the season. But how does that translate in the post season? It doesn't! The Rockets have had some guys step up and really play big for them including Rafer Alston, Carl Landry and Chuck Hayes. Dikembe Mutombo is starting in place of the injured Yao, is back up to his old blocked shot, finger wagging ways. You gotta love it. Rafer Alston will probably miss the first 2 games with a strained hamstring which could be critical in the Rockets game because a PG is necessary. But these guys are going up against a tough opponent in the Utah Jazz. Deron Williams is one of the best point guards in the league, and AGAIN I refer to his college game. He played the same role when he was at Illinois in 2005 when the Fighting Illini made it to the NCAA Tournament Championship game but lost to UNC. I was at Northwestern University at that time, one of the Big Ten schools, and I was able to watch him live. (Luther Head too but he doesn't play a pivotal role with the Rockets. But former teammates now facing each other - it's great!) Speaking of teammates, Carlos Boozer and Shane Battier were great college players at Duke, and have both really emerged as great NBA players with the Jazz. AND these 2 teams played at the very end of the regular season, with the Jazz smackin the Rockets 105 - 96. I know I said earlier regular season records mean nothing in the playoffs but momentum is a son of a bitch. I can push you one way or another and right now, the Utah Jazz have it. We'll see if they can capitalize.
I know you guys'll be like me - glued to the TV and expecting miracles, blowouts, best of 7s, suspensions, violence, etc.
I CANNOT WAIT!!
I don't want to say he's not coming back at all this season, but the playoffs are just around the corner. Initial reports are saying he'll be out at least 2 weeks, but he has both a "mildly" sprained left knee and a "moderate" high left ankle sprain. And we all know that (dreaded)