NBA Conference Finals 2010

NBA Playoffs 2010 Conference Finals
At least one of my previous predictions was right (Celts in 6). Who would’ve thought the other three teams would’ve won in 4 straight. I’m disappointed with the Spurs, or should I be giving more credit to the Suns? I thought the Spurs had what it took.. But I guess I was wrong.
What team is hotter than the Magic? 8-0 in the playoffs, and on a 14 game-win streak? That’s incredible.

Eastern Conference

2. Orlando Magic vs 4. Boston Celtics
I think Charles Barkley is kickin himself in the foot right now, saying “I should’ve stayed with Orlando to win the Eastern Conference Finals.” It is too late…The Cleveland Cavaliers were knocked out by the Celtics last night. I don’t know if the Celtics are trying to shut their doubters or if they’re really playing like they said they would.. It reminds me of the playoffs 4 years ago, when the Spurs won the championship after being named the 6 seed. Everyone wrote the Spurs and Celtics off, but they’re winning. The only reason I doubted them was because of their play against the Heat (Heat almost won 3 of the 5 games). Anyways, I do not know about this match to be honest. If the Magic want to win, they’ll need to stop Rondo. Something that the Cavs couldn’t do, thus resulted in a loss. If the Celtics want to win, it depends on how far Rondo can lead the team.

What do I expect? Well, both of the teams have Finals appearances in the last two years. The Magic have Dwight Howard, maybe Rondo’s kryptonite. Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis cancel out Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. I think the Celtics will pull it out again, in 6. If not, the Magic will win in 5 or 7.. Home court means a lot to the teams in the playoffs. But then again, the Celtics took two in Cleveland. Celtics do have Rondo .. the differencemaker

Wildcard: RONDO!!!!!

Result: Celtics in 6… Orlando in 5 or 7

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers Vs 3. Phoenix Suns

All I hear are critics say, “Phoenix max potential is Los Angeles playing at their worst.” Now, I don’t necessarily agree with that, I do believe Los Angeles will take Phoenix out. In the game count, is where I don’t know exactly. Remember, Los Angeles couldn’t hang with the Thunder…So I expect Steve Nash, to have the same impact that Rondo has on the Celtics. If the Lakers want to win, they’ll need to stop Nash. If the Suns want to win, they’ll need to play big and stop Pau and Bynum. Look for Amare to have trouble in the paint..

I believe the Lakers will win. They will win in 5..maybe 6.. The possibility of the Suns beating the Lakers, I would say, is similar to what the Celtics did to the Cavs. They’ll need Kobe to trip as hard and bad as LBJ.

Wildcard : Leandro “the Blur” Barboso

Result: Lakers in 5.

On another note, my rule book needs to get trimmed down.. I think there is a difference between Rules and Common law.. so I'll be looking to change that.. Finals are here, so I don't expect to be doing anything but studying until Tuesday Night.  Woot Woot.

Even though Finals are here, I expect to watch Robin Hood this weekend.  Robin Hood was my favorite movie (with Kevin Costner).  We'll see if it's as good as that one.  I expect it should be, saying Gladiator was such a great movie.

On another note, I got rid of Facebook.  It will be for a good while.  Maybe all of summer, or forever.  Rule number 10: Social networking is not the solution. Haha
Anyways, If you want good mixes, check out www.babyyu.com. This guy is off the hook..

The Conference Finals

Well, series were tied 1-1 on both the East and West sides.  Last night, the Lakers beat the Nuggets to go up 2-1.  

It's kind of heart breaking after watching over and over, Lebron tie up the series with the 3 point dagger at the end of game 1.  I think that shot alone will change the entire series.  The Orlando Magic would've had a 2 game lead in the best of 4 match up.  Half way there, with home court advantage, all taken away in that last 1 second shot.  AMAZING.   I don't really mind LbJ so for him to hit his first playoff game winner was pretty impressive.  

On the other side, the Lakers beat out the Nuggets.  It's still impressive that all of the Conference Finals games have been pretty darn close.  It's pitiful to see the Lakers and Kobe beat out the Nuggets, especially after watching the Birdman terrorize the Lakers defense.  Anyways, this one like Game 1, got away from the Nuggets.  And now they're on the brinks of falling behind 3-1 if they can't stop Kobe .  

Round 2 playoffs

Done Series

Man have the NBA Playoffs sure heated up.  So my predictions are obviously not as correct as they could've been.  Cleveland went undefeated against the Pistons, ending the 6 year Conference Finals Appearances for them.  San Antonio lost to Dallas in 5, but I suppose it was predictable knowing that Manu wasn't going to be participating in the playoffs.  Yeah, I didn't know that, or else I think i would've picked Dallas.  San Antonio isn't really any offensive threat besides Tony Parker and Tim Duncan.  Tony Parker had 31 in one half though, which was kinda tite.  Too bad they still lost.  Kobe Bryant and the Lakers proceeded, who would've doubted..They got my predictions right. haha New Orleans has failed me, making my second wrong pick... I guess I underrated the Birdman, Big Shot Billups, JR Smith, and Carmelo.  I think the huge X factors for them is the Birdman and JR.  Stop them, and I think you have a good shot in winning the series.   

Denver Vs Dallas.  That's an interesting match up, but I don't think Dallas will do very good against the heavily stacked and experienced Nuggets.  Besides playing in Mile High Denver, the Nuggets have a better chemistry than the Mavs.  Chauncey Billups seems to be the factor in this game, as he and Jason Kidd go at it for the 100th time.  Both are extremely gifted and well experienced point guards that have different games.  If put together, I'd say they'd be the ultimate point guard.  Clutch shooter, great passer with a basketball IQ of 1000.  This series will be a good one, but I think Denver in possibly 6.  Sorry, I've never supported Dirk Nowitzki or Mark Cuban..

Man can you believe the Rockets finally made it out of the first round? The funny thing is that it's a "TMAC" to be stuck in the first round.. Ironic thing is that Tmac got out of the first round, and he didn't even play.  Hmmm that says something about TMAc or it's just the luck of the straw.  Anyways, the series is over and I'm sure Portland will be fighting next year.  They're probably really disappointed in themselves saying they had home court advantage at the number 4 seed.  I can't believe Ron Artest said Brandon Roy is the hardest guy to guard in the NBA, even including Lebron, Dwyane, and Kobe.  Kinda funny, but then again, Ron Ron is always saying something stupid.  Anyways, now it's the Rockets Vs the Lakers.  

So since Ron Ron's quote about Brandon Roy, it seems to be an "easier" match up for Artest.  Maybe it's cause Brandon Roy is young and more athletic, running a lot more than Kobe.  But either way, he's gonna have to guard Kobe now.  We'll be sure to listen for new quotes from Ron Ron about how unguardable Kobe is. I think it's because Ron Ron underestimated the quickness and overall game of Brandon Roy.  I know we all have.  Especially since Ron Ron has played Kobe way more times than Roy.  Anyways, this match up will be a great one, but I see the Rockets falling short because the lack of firepower they have.  Like 2k9, I see the match up of the Lakers vs anyone is almost unfair. Their bench is so deep, it reminds me of the Kings in 2004.  Yeah that bench was super deep.  Remember when we had, Hedo, Bobby J, Gerald Wallace, Keon Clark, Anthony Peeler, Jimmy Jackson, and I dunno.  Basically our bench could've been the starting line up.  This year, Shannon Brown has stepped up.  Vujachic is a pure shooter when he's hot.  Powell has strength in rebounding, Farmar is an extremely quick point guard.  And Lamar Odom or Andrew Bynum off the bench.  Man that's deep.  I say Lakers in 6 especially since Yao Ming will have a handful with three different type of bigs.  Maybe if they had TMAC it'd be a great matchup, but then again, maybe the Rockets are better without em.  

Boston and the Magic.. Well I guess the best playoff series in history was in the first round, so it's hard to say if it'll get any better in this series.  Of course the Magic are a 3 point shooting team that relies on mostly perimeter shots.  Like all season, if the shots ain't fallin, they ain't winnin.  The Celtics on the other hand, might be too tired to compete with such a run and gun offense.  I know that they're struggling a little bit too on the offensive side with little help outside Paul "the Truth" Pierce, and Ray Allen.  Eddie House needs to step up, alongside of Mikki Moore and Stephon Marbury.  Big Baby Davis and Kendrick Perkins are also a great one two punch to contain Dwight Howard, but foul trouble will be an issue.  Courtney Lee will be a factor if he comes back from his sinus injury caused by Dwight Howard in the Philly Matchup.  Another key factor is if Dwight stops throwin Bow's against the opponents and teammates.  I know everyone wants him to play like Shaq, but that one elbow against Samuel Dalembert was just wrong.  Anyways, this will be a good match up, but I see the Celtics on top in possibly 6 or 7.  Funny, all the second round series are six or seven games.  Except.....

The Hawks and Cavs.  Hmm I'm disappointed that my rookies on the Heat couldn't help Dwade and Udonis in game 7.  So with the Hawks playing the Cavs, I see this ending in a hurry.  Maybe the home crowd will give the Hawks a boost, but then again, the Cavs home crowd gives the Cavs a 2-0 start.  I think the Cavs are very deep and have exceptionally well chemistry.  The Hawks don't have home court advantage so if they don't win in Cleveland, game over.  I don't even see it getting that far though, saying the Cavs have the MVP Lebron James.  Yeah, unfortunately Lebron will take the MVP this year instead of Dwade, but props to him cause he had a great year as well.  Lebron is everything to the Cavs like DWADE so it's gonna be tough for the Hawks to stop him.  Josh Smith is the only one on the Hawks that can stop LBJ because he has the athleticism and body to keep up with Lebron.  But even if he stops Lebron from scoring, Lebron is such a quick big man and passer that it'll be hard to stop his penetration and dish.  Also Lebron is so smart that he knows where the open man is at all times when he's doubled.  Josh Smith couldn't even guard Dwade, so I can't possibly see Josh Smith stopping LBJ for four games let alone one.  Anyways, I say Cavs in 4.. or 5.  Either way, Hawks have no chance... Kinda like how the Rockets have no chance against Kobe. .  

The NBA playoffs!

Ah yes! It’s the middle of April.! And guess what that means…no no no.. Schools not out. Almost, but not quite. It means taxes are over and it’s time for the NBA Playoffs! Yezzir! Lets start with the Eastern Conference since I’m on the side of the coast. East.

First match up is Cleveland Vs Detroit. I would like to think that Detroit has the talent and capabilities of upsetting the Cleveland Cavaliers, but in order to do so, they’re going to need two-road victories. This season, the Cavaliers were an astonishing 39-2 at home, meaning the Pistons will have to upset the Cavaliers not once, but twice since they’re the 8th seed. It’ll be hard to say whether or not the Pistons will show up and play this weekend. And even so, it’s doubtful that Allen Iverson will play. Even so, it’ll cause uncomfortable chemistry within the team, so I say he’s out. I’m not the biggest Lebron James fan, but that man is simply a beast. I think he’ll do whatever it takes to get to the Finals this year, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he has one of the biggest post season outbursts. Cleveland 4-0

Second Match up is Boston and Chicago. I don’t think Boston will go seven games like they did last year. I doubt they’ll even go six. I am confidently saying the Boston Celtics will come back to post season form from last year, with KG coming back from his injury. It might hurt the chemistry, and it might cause some discomfort with the rotation, but I think it’s safe to say that the Bulls won’t be an upset. Celtics 4-1.

Third Match up is Orlando and Philadelphia. I think to me it’s a rare surprise that Philadelphia is the 6th seed. I’ve seen the team play live this year, and I can say that they’ll go as far as the Andre’s take them. Yes, Miller and Iguodala. I think they will be an early exit though against the Magic, simply because they can’t compete with Dwight Howard and the 3’s. Stan Van Gundy is a veteran post-season coach, so I think that will have a lot of effect on the outcome. Orlando 4-0

Fourth Match up is Atlanta and Miami. This is probably the best match up I’m excited to watch. Dwyane Wade is my boy, and I believe he has more in his closet. All year long, the Miami Heat have been doubted. And thus far, they’ve proven they can play. And I know that people believe shutting down Dwyane Wade will shut down the whole team. But Dwyane Wade is so good that even if you try to shut him down, he can simply contribute with the assists, steals, and blocks. I think he’ll have an exceptionally great post season this year because this is his comeback season from all the injury and doubters. Wade loves to be the underdog, so don’t be shocked when I say. Heat 4-2.

Western Conference- This conference maybe the hardest postseason to predict because the records were so close that each and every playoff team beside the Lakers had to play to the end to get seeded. I think this postseason, higher seeds have higher potential of winning.

First Match up is the La Lakers Vs Utah. This is like the Cleveland –Detroit Match up. The Jazz have the potential and talent of upsetting the Lakers. They have AK 47, Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Mehmet Okur to match up with Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum. The only left out man is Kobe Bryant, one of the best in the Game. They also have a veteran head coach, Jerry Sloan. But it’s going to take a lot of hot hands and effort to upset this Lakers team. Kobe is very hungry to get back to the Finals this year. They also have one of the more talented rosters and good court chemistry this year. I really don’t favor the Lakers, but I think they won’t allow an upset. Lakers 4-1

Second Match up is Denver and New Orleans. Who would have ever thought Denver would’ve been second. Those who believed in Chauncey “Big Shot” Billups did. This match up will be a good one, with the results being simply unpredictable. I wouldn’t be surprised if either team won. It comes down to who wants it more, and who has the hotter hand. J.R Smith is simply a pure shooter who can shoot lights out. I don’t see anyone on the Hornets stopping him or Camelo. But like the Nuggets, the Hornets have some pure shooters as well. It matters if Peja and James Posey come to play or not. And it also matters if Tyson Chandler is healthy. I am a huge CP3 fan so I’m gonna have to go with the Hornets. Hornets 4-2

Third Match up is San Antonio Vs Dallas. This match up is kind of up in the air too. I know that both of these teams are the older ones that have been in the playoffs for consecutive years. The underdog is Dallas, although I’m not a fan. I still think the Spurs are deeper and better overall. I say the leadership of Tony Parker and Tim Duncan, along with their experience will lead them far. Manu Ginobli and his health is key vs Jason Terry and the Dallas bench. I guess overall, it just depends on whose bench plays better. This is the 6th man match up. San Antonio 4-1

Fourth Match up is Portland Vs Houston. This is a match up that is simply about who has the hot hand. Portland is a very young team with little playoff experience. Brandon Roy is the leader of this group, so however far he takes them is how far they’ll go. If he has off games, Lamarcus Aldridge can score. But remember, Houston is a defensive nightmare with Yao in the middle, Ron Artest and Shane Battier on the perimeter. But on the opposite, the Rockets have little offensive game even with the help of Rick Adelman. I’d say that if Yao Ming is taken out of the team, it’s hard to say how much Ron Artest can do. But then again, Ron Ron is a fighter, and he’s gonna go down swinging. I hope he enjoyed me serving that sushi to him back in Sacramento, and hope that it’ll take him further than the first round. Rockets 4-2.

This weekend, the playoff’s are underway. It was fun watching March Madness this year for the very first time in my life. College play is fun, but I’m more of an NBA guy. So this postseason will be very enjoyable for me. Dwyane Wade and Cp3 are both back in the playoffs, so I’ll be watching them the most.