Conference Finals time. No Cupcakes. No Mercy. All the series are expected to be hard fought, close matches. So what are the keys to both?
Lakers v. Nuggets
1. Bynum in Cross Hairs
Scanning through the all of the previews the biggest mystery seems to be Andrew Bynum. When he's playing well he gives LA a needed interior defensive presence, dominates the interior offensively and frees up Gasol. When he's off he's somewhere between a non-entity and a foul machine.
2. Guarding Kobe
For those that have forgotten LA swept Denver in last year's playoffs. One of the main reason's was a complete and total lack of anyone that can guard Kobe. Nobody. They were throwing Martin and some fan from seat 3B at one point. Now Kobe hasn't exploded for a giant point output in awhile but given his free reign it'll be a mega-bust for the Lakers if he doesn't.
3. Melo Time to Shine
Somewhere along the way Carmelo Anthony seems to have fallen to second tier among the games young superstars. D-Wade, Lebron, heck Chris Paul have all had their playoffs moments...but not Carmelo. The equalizer to Kobe's offense is Melo's offense. Can he rekindle his NCAA glory days and put the Nuggets on his back? Can Melo put himself on (back?) the NBA superstar watch list?
Mighty Prediction: Lakers in 7
Cavs v. Magic
1. Z's Outside Shot/Lebron's Points in the Paint
These two issues are more inter-related than one would realize. When the L-Train penetrates the Cavs offense is nearly unstoppable and when he fails...it stalls out pretty bad. The interior of Orlando's D is manned by Dwight Howard...probably the one defensive force left in the playoffs that can counter Lebron. HOWEVER if Big Z can hit the outside shot, Howard will be forced away from the basket, and thereby leaving Orlando wide open to King James slash attack (which I believe is BBBABA)
2. Rafer Madness
Rafer Alston has done a yeoman's job in replacing all-star Jameer Nelson at the point. In Game 7 against the Celtics he hit the 3s and caused dribble penetration. With Alston hitting the 3, Orlando has 4 legitimate 3 point shooters - basically dooming any defensive efforts. Will Alston play the the part of random Cleveland Dream killer?
3. Superman at the Foul line?
To beat Orlando, Howard needs to limited by a single guy, Orlando needs to be cold from the offensive , or the Cavs have to put together the greatest defensive speed rotation seen to man. The most likely of these scenarios for Cavs success is keeping Howard away from the blocks with one man. The Cavs have waves of big bodies to foul Howard and if Cavs hit the panic button it might be Hack a Howard to the rescue
Mighty Prediction: Cavs in 7
**Added Bonus
To give a little love to the NHL.....
I'm (sadly) picking the Red Wings over Blackhawks. The Red Wings have too much experience and simply seem unstoppable this postseason. It'll be an important lesson for the Blackhawks to learn but as the Bulls learned sometimes experience is too much to overcome.
I'll also go with the Penguins over Hurricanes. Pittsburgh young team is experienced and clicking and hopefully a Stanley Cup rematch against the Red Wings will result in the Trophy being back in Super Mario's hands again.
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