I’m going to try my hardest not to mention a certain team that had one of the worst collapses in NBA History. With that said, let’s get to the matchups!
Eastern Conference
#1 Miami vs. #8 New Jersey
-As long as Shaq is healthy, the Heat should be fine. There’s just no way that New Jersey can match up to the frontcourt of the Heat’s. Vinsanity Carter has been playing out of his mind, but so has Dwayne Wayne Wade.
Pick: Miami
#4 Chicago vs. #5 Washington
This will be a very entertaining series. It’s a shame that Curry can no longer play for the Bulls, as well as Deng, and that should be enough for Washington to move to the next round. Larry Hughes is healthy and playing great, and Washington (Golden State East) – with Jamison, Hughes, and Arenas should be able to move to the next round. If the Wizards had Earl Boykins there's no telling how far they could go.
Pick: Washington
#2 Detroit vs. #7 Philly
-This will be the series when everyone realizes that Webber is completely useless defensively. Iverson’s been playing great, but the Pistons have too many ways to just punish the 76ers.
Pick: Detroit
#3 Boston vs. #6 Indiana
-Why do these 2 teams keep playing each other? It seems like its every year at this point. Coach Carlisle has his guys playing great. If O’Neal and Tinsley come back, the Pacers should win this one. In addition, Reggie Miller has found the fountain of youth of late, averaging near 20 ppg.
Pick: Indiana
Miami vs. Washington – Miami – It’s been a great ride for the Wizards (and the heartbroken Golden State Warrior fans), but they will just be out of their league at this point.
Pick: Miami
Detroit vs. Indiana – If you ever expected a media circus, this will be the series! I’m expecting that by game 3, all games will move into the “Steel Cage” format. There’s no other way to keep everyone safe. It would be great- players chasing loose balls, crashing into the cage. Now, the ultimate question- “Is Ron Artest allowed to watch the game from the stands?”. Ultimately, I’m going with the Pistons.
Pick: Detroit
Miami vs. Detroit – The matchup everyone wants. But in the end, Never doubt Shaq. Unless he’s injured (which apparently, he is at the time I’m writing this!).
Pick: Detroit
Western Conference
#1 Phoenix vs. #8 Memphis –
Oh yeah. Run-n-gun Phoenix marches in as the top seed. It’s very exciting. I had them as a surprise team to make the playoffs- but never to be this good.
Pick: Phoenix
#4 Dallas vs. #5 Houston
The Mavs actually figured out a decent rotation and have been playing some great ball. I wonder if more teams will create a semi-internship for prospective coaches, like they did with Avery Johnson. I'd sign up for that. I still don’t think that Houston has figured out how to use Yao appropriately.
Pick: Dallas
#2 San Antonio vs. #7 Denver –
This might be the most intriguing series. Denver has been the best team in the league since hiring George Karl. The funny thing is, the Spurs have a knack for drawing teams that will give them problems, like suddenly having the Lakers in the 2nd round last year. I’m assuming that Duncan will find a way, though I’m extremely tempted to go with Denver. Boykins.
Pick: San Antonio
#3 Seattle v. #6 Sacramento
This is the series no one wants to see. Seattle just hit the wall the last couple of months and has not been playing that well. Meanwhile, Sacramento has tons of injuries. I’m not sure who will have anything left. I’m sticking with Ray Allen in a contract year.
Pick: Seattle
Phoenix vs. Dallas
This will be an incredible series - Steve Nash versus his old team. In addition, these 2 teams have been playing great and both play fast-paced offensive-minded games. I really don’t think that Dirk will be able to handle guarding Amare. If it wasn’t for Lebron, Amare would be hyped more than anyone else in the league.
Pick: Phoenix
San Antonio vs. Seattle
This is the series where everyone will be wondering how Seattle won 52 games without any frontcourt depth. There’s just no way Seattle could survive this matchup, short of them shooting 50% from the 3-point land like they did for the first 3 months of the season.
Pick: San Antonio
Phoenix vs. San Antonio
All season long, the Spurs have just manhandled the Suns because they just wear down Nash by making him run through a lot of picks. Then, Nash is out of energy on the offensive end. It’s strange how other teams don’t watch game film. There's talk of Nash winning MVP but the man can't play defense at all.
Pick: San Antonio
NBA Finals
San Antonio vs. Detroit
Yes, I’m sticking with my pre-season pick. Ultimately though, I’m going with Duncan, Parker, and Manu. I’m expecting Larry Brown to retire during Game 2, and then the Pistons will lose out the series. The hardest thing about this pick- the Spurs surviving the 1st round against the Nuggets!
Pick: San Antonio
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3 comments:
I'd have to agree with your picks. I think Indy will beat Boston because, as many have pointed out, Doc Rivers is a shitty game coach and has no idea what to do. Carlisle knows what's up and he's going to crush Boston in 5 games.
Also, in a perfect world, the Rockets would beat the Mavs just because Yao is so likeable. I hope it's a competitive series because I really, truly can't stand anyone on the Mavs including their owner and their fatty, dimwit former head coach.
Spurs-Motown final seems like a good bet. I'm going Motown only because I am not 100% convinced that Timmy is healthy and ready for the 2 months of playoffs coming up.
I'm all aboard the Goldberg pick train. I agree that the most intriguing matchup of the first round is Denver v. San Antonio. Don't be suprised if Denver upsets Los Spurs to see them in the NBA finals.
I also agree with Mo that there's absolutely nothing good about the Mavs (except their new coach, the dimintuitive general - Avery Johnson..respect the short people.
Mikey, it goes without saying that Avery Johnson is a sympathetic character. He's about the only thing associated with the Mavs that doesn't incite the gag reflex.
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