Eastern Conference Playoff Preview

I'm going to be previewing the playoffs and the matchups indivdiually. I will do the Eastern Confrence today, and the Western Conference tommorrow. (Stats for last 5 games).

(1) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks

Can JJ lift his team to a victory over the Celtics?

Why the Hawks Will Win: The Hawks are capable of defeating the Boston Celtics. When you have an all-star player in Joe Johnson (20.0p, 3.2r, 5.2a) and a great defender who's capable of scoring in Josh Smith (19.2p, 8.2a, 3.0a, 1.8b), they can win some games for the Hawks. Smith is this team's X-factor because he's able to play and guard 4 positions. If the Hawks can go into him early and try to get KG or Kendrick Perkins in foul trouble, then the Celtics would have to rely on the bench to carry them. Add a playoff-tested point guard in Mike Bibby (13.6p, 4.8r, 4.6a) and an impressive rebounding rookie in Al Horford (11.2p, 10r, 2.6a) , the possibility of an upset over the best team in the East is not so bleak.

Why the Celtics Will Win: Boston has exceeded everyone's expectations this season. Most experts had them pegged as 48-52 win team. Well, it shouldn't have been that hard to realize that a team with 3 potential future hall-of-famers wouldn't be this good. Kevin Garnett (16.5p, 8.0r, 54 FG%) has been nothing short of amazing, and his defensive ability and leadership qualities has been crucial to this Boston team. Paul Pierce (15.8p, 52 fg%, 55 3p%) , even though leading the team in points, has been the second banana to KG. That doesn't mean he's bad but just the Celtics have him to be second speaks wonders to this team's success. Rajan Rondo (12p 5.2r, 6.2a) and Leon Powe (13.3p, 5.3r, 60 fg%) are going to be critical to this team going past the elite teams.

Matchups

PG Rajan Rondo vs. Mike Bibby
Adv. Atlanta
SG Ray Allen vs. Joe Johnson
Adv. Atlanta
SF Paul Pierce vs. Marvin Williams
Adv. Boston
PF Kevin Garnett vs. Josh Smith
Adv. Boston
C Kendrick Perkins vs. Al Horford
Adv. Atlanta
6th Man James Posey vs. Josh Childress
Adv. Atlanta
Bench Boston vs. Atlanta
Adv. Boston
Coach Doc Rivers vs. Mike Woodson
Adv. Boston

My Prediction: Celtics in 5


(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Washington Wizards

Can Agent Zero unfoil King James's gameplans?

Why the Cavaliers Will Win: LeBron James. James had one of the most amazing seasons the NBA has seen in recent times and he is more than capable of leading a team to a playoff series. The Cavs also have been a defensive team that can shut a team down to below 90 points and are known to get their fair share of rebounds. Shutting down Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison will be important for Cleveland's frontcourt so Ben "Brick Dunks" Wallace and Zydrunas Illgauskas have a lot to handle. If they can force the Wiz to rely on someone on in the Big 3 and get Big Z more touches, the Cavs will be looking to advance to the next round.

Why the Wizards Will Win: Washington has dealt with major injuries that could have pushed this team out of playoff contention. Fisrt, Gilbert Arenas got injured, thenCaron Butler started going down with nagging injuries. Not with some time to heal, this team is a very healthy and dangerous. Whenever you have Agent Zero coming off the bench and Antwan Jamison having his best season yet, Washington is a tough beat. The Wizards know that James is going to get his points but they need to focus on Big Z and force him to make contested mid-range shots. If Deshawn Stevenson can backup his mouth and Andray Blatche bring his athleticism, The Wizards should have an easy time beating the Cavs.

Matchups

PG Delonte West vs. Antonio Daniels
Adv. Washington
SG Devin Brown vs. DeShawn Stevenson
Adv. Washington
SF LeBron James vs. Caron Butler
Adv. Cleveland
PF Ben Wallace vs. Antwan Jamison
Adv. Washington
C Zydrunas Illguaskas vs. Brendan Haywood
Adv. Cleveland
6th Man Anderson Varejao vs. Gilbert Arenas
Adv. Washington
Bench Cleveland vs. Washington
Adv. Washington
Coach Mike Brown vs. eddie Jordan
Adv. Washington

My Prediction: Wizards in 6

(3) Orlando Magic vs. (6) Toronto Raptors

This may be the only way the Raptors would be able to contain Dwight.

Why the Magic Will Win: Orlando has been the Eastern Conference's most under-appreciated team after winning 52 games in the regular season. With an improving dominant Shaq-like force in Dwight Howard, the Magic will be a tough team to beat. Howard has made a transition into being a 20-10-2 guy and he's a lock to get at least 3 dunks a game. The Raptors have no one who can guard him and Orlando also have two great swingmen playing beside Dwight. Rashard Lewis has not quite lived up to expectations but if he can provide quality 3-pt shooting, that would open up other's people's games. Hedo Turkoglu has been nothing short of spectacular. He has been their go-t guy in the fourth quarter and almost became a 20-6-5 guy. If Hedo plays like himself and Jameer Nelson can start playing more consistent, the Magic will advance to the next round.

Why the Raptors Will Win: If Dwight Howard is the domiant force in the East, then Chris Bosh has been the slient assain with the deadly mid-range game. Bosh, a 4-time all star, has played great against the Magic, averaging 33.0p, 7.5r and 3.0a in the 2 games he played. But Toronto was only 1-1 in those games. But the reason could have been Jamario Moon not playing in one of those games. Moon who is an athletic freak of nature, could potentially pose a threat to Orlando. But the two biggest X-factors could be Rasho Nesterovic and T.J. Ford. Rasho (15.8p, 6.7r, 57 fg%) has been playing like one of the best centers in the NBA. He provides a big body and a player who has a great shooting touch. Ford (13.5p, 7.3a, 53 fg%), is a very streaky player. One game he'll give you 23 and 8, the next game 5 and 5. If can push the tempo and penetrate to the hole for easy baskets, Toronto will be looking to upset Orlando.

Matchups

PG Jameer Nelson vs. T.J. Ford
Adv. Toronto
SG Maurice Evans vs. Anthony Parker
Adv. Toronto
SF Hedo Turkoglu vs. Jamario Moon
Adv. Orlando
PF Rashard Lewis vs. Chris Bosh
Adv. Toronto
C Dwight Howard vs. Rasho Nestorovic
Adv. Orlando
6th Man Keith Bogans vs. Jose Calderon
Adv. Toronto
Bench Orlando vs. Toronto
Adv. Toronto
Coach Stan Van Gundy vs. Sam Mitchell
Adv. Orlando

My Prediction: Magic in 7

(2) Detroit Pistons vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers

Can Rip take his team over A.I.'s Sixers?

Why the Pistons Will Win: Detroit has been the top team to beat in the Eastern Conference for the past 6 years. The Pistons went 7-2 in the month of April, even though most of the playing time went to the reserves and the starters got some much-needed rest. Not only does Mo-Town possess one of the game’s stingiest defenses (holding opponents to just 90.1p and a 43.0 fg%) but they get it done on the other end with an unstoppable inside (Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess)/outside (Rip Hamilton, Chauncey Billups, Tayshaun Prince) scoring attack. With Rodney Stuckey and Jason Maxiell coming into their own rhythm, 76ers need to dig deep in their bag of tricks. Look for Sheed to dominate Philadelphia's lack of big men and the Pistons advancing to the next round.

Why the Sixers Will Win: Andre Miller and Andre Igoudala have combined to lead this ultra-athletic team to the playoffs for the first time since 04-05. Iggy (18.0p, 5.6r, 5.4a, 3.2s) has been playing at an all-star level all season and brings a great perimeter defense this team needs. Miller is capable of scoring against any point guard and looks to embrace the matchup against Chauncey. Coach Mo Cheeks have got these player to play at an incredible pace to show how fast and talented this team. With young players like Louis Williams and Thaddeus Young, and battle-tested veterans like Samuel Dalembert, this team could pull a Cleveland over Detroit.

Matchups

PG Chauncey Billups vs. Andre Miller
Adv. Detroit
SG Richard Hamilton vs. Willie Green
Adv. Detroit
SF Tayshaun Prince vs. Andre Iguodala
Adv. Philadelphia
PF Rasheed Wallace vs. Reggie Evans
Adv. Detroit
C Antonio McDyess vs. Samuel Dalembert
Adv. Philadelphia
6th Man Jason Maxiell vs. Louis Williams
Adv. Detroit
Bench Detroit vs. Philadelphia
Adv. Detroit
Coach Flip Saunders vs. Maurice Cheeks
Adv. Detroit

My Prediction: Pistons in 5

Game Predictions

As any sports fan would, I like to guess on which team will win in upcoming games. Tonight, we have a heaping slate of 11 games. I also have 4 fantasy teams in the playoffs, but that's a different story. Here are my predictions (with comments, somewhat)

Stats within last 3 games

Charlotte at Toronto
These two teams had a recent matchup against each other on Mar. 31, which had the Raptors defeating the Bobcats 104-100. The Bobcats played wonderful, but Chris Bosh playing like his usual superstar self was too much for Charlotte. But the X-factor for this game will be Jamario Moon. Moonshine has been playing well(12p, 6r, .78% fg) and should have another big game.
Winner:Toronto
Philadelphia at Atlanta
The Hawks have been the hottest team in the East and could be looking at their first postseason berth in 8 years. Their opponents, the 76ers, have been the surprise of the East this season. With Mo Cheeks getting the young players under control and Andre Miller has been one of the best point guards in the East (18.7p, 10a, 2s). I see Iguodala shutting JJ and leading his team to victory.
Winner:Philadelphia
San Antonio at Utah
This is going to be the game of the day. You have to marquee 20-10 power forwards in Carlos Boozer and Tim Duncan. Then you have two premier point guards in Tony Parker and Deron Williams. Then you have Manu coming off the bench for the Spurs and Memo playing as a great third option for the Jazz, this is going to be one hell of a game.
Winner: San Antonio
Golden State at Memphis
Baron Davis and the Warriors could have a problem playing against the fast-offense Grizzlies. Davis has been playing more like a 2-guard (20p, 5r, 2s), while Gay has elevated him offense (24.3p, 5.3r, .60% fg). Add the emergence of their 3-headed point guard monster (Lowry, Crittenton, and Conley) and I see an upset coming.
Winner:Memphis
New York at New Orleans
Chris Paul has just been phenomenal for the Hornets. He is a legitmate top-3 MVP candidate, could become the first player ever to average 20+, 10+, and 3+, and he's only 22. He's has helped David West and Tyson Chandler play at all-star levels. He's shooting at a near .50% fg clip and looks to set New Orleans back on the map. O, and New York sucks monkey titties.
Winner:New Orleans
New Jersey at Detroit
With Rip looking to sit out this game, Detroit might take a light-hearted approach to this game. Nevertheless, look for Tayshaun Prince (11.7p, 6.7r, 4a) to have an important role in playing New Jersey. Vince Carter has stepped up his game since the Jason Kidd trade (31.3p, 7.3r, 5a, .52% 3pt), and Devin Harris (20.7p, 7a, .91% ft) has provided a bright spot towards the future with his increased play. I see New Jersey taking advantage of this situation.
Winner:New Jersey
Miami at Washington
Chris Quinn has been playing out of his mind (15.7p, 5r, 7.7a, .43% 3pt), but it doesn't change the fact that this Miami Heat is better than any D-League team. I except Gilbert to have his "breakout" game against these scrubs.
Winner:Washington
Indiana at Milwaukee
Indiana has the potential to better themselves, whether they make the playoffs or not. Jermaine O'Neal is back and he's crucial to this team being a playoff team down the road. With Danny Granger (21p, 7r, 1b) and Mike Dunleavy (16.3p, 2.3a, .41% 3pt) having breakout seasons, it should help them in the future. Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva have formed up to be a formidable duo in the paint. Look for Milwaukee to sneak out with a win.
Winner:Milwaukee
Minnesota at Phoenix
Not even worth comments. Amare and Shaq will overpower Big Al to an easy win.
Winner:Phoenix
Houston at Seattle
Another one that will be easy to predict. Kevin Durant has improved on a monthly basis (24.3p, 1b, .50 fg) but his team should be gearing up for this year's draft. I see Carl Landry having a big game against this soft team and leading Houston to victory.
Winner:Houston
Dallas at LA Lakers
Kobe vs Dirk. J-Ho vs Odom. Gasol vs Kidd. With these three marquee matchups, who will be the role player to step up. Look no further than Ronny Turiaf (5.3p, 4.3r, 2.3b) He should be able to get some playing time thanks to Dallas's lack of a post defensive presence. Look for Kobe and the Lakers to beat the Mavs in what should be the second-best game of the day.
Winner: LA Lakers

Miami's Nightmare Season

Let's face it, no one saw this coming. Between the Chicago Bulls not making the playoffs and New Orleans leading the West, this is the biggest surprise of the 2007-08 NBA season. Could you imagine the looks on Miami Heat fans when they realized that a team with Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal not only wouldn't make the playoffs, but be dead last in the Eastern Conference? THE EASTERN CONFERENCE!!! Pat Riley knew at the beginning of the season that this team just doesn't have it in them, so he decided to make changes. The first changes were before the season, and the Heat received the following:
(o7-08 averages)
Ricky Davis
6'7 195
29 yrs old
9th Season
$6,819,000
(13.5PPG, 4.2RPG, 3.2APG)

Mark Blount
7'0 230
32 yrs old
7thSeason
$7,901,040
(8.4RPG, 3.8RPG, .47 FG%)

The faces of mediocrity

The Heat gave away the following:
Antoine Walker
6'9 245
31 yrs old
11th Season
$8,329,640
(8PPG, 3.7RPG, .32 3PT%)

Michael Doleac
6'11 262
30 yrs old
9th Season
$3,120,000
(2.4PPG, 2.1RPG, .47 FG%)

Wayne Simien
6'9 250
25 yrs old
3rd Season
$997,800
(N/A)

"Isolate, so I can make a four-point play"!

Also throw in a future first-round draft pick (top 14 protected in 2008) and a second round pick from Miami. Now if you're just looking at it by stats, you can easily say that Miami won this trade. But they gave up three expiring contracts for one and they took in Blount's terrible contract. Not only that but this was supposed to cover up the weakness at SF and bring more firepower off the bench. Well, its safe to say that it didn't happen. And I won't even mention the Shaq-Marion that dealt the final blow to this terrible team. Let's just look at the current rotation now.

(stats over the last five games)
PG Chris Quinn (13.4PPG, 5RPG, 7.2APG, 2.6SPG)
SG Daequean Cook (13.6PPG, 4.2RPG, .400 3PT%)
SF Ricky Davis (12.6PPG, 5.8RPG, 4.6APG, .440 3PT%)
PF Earl Barron (4.8PPG, 3.4RPG, .275 FG%)
C Mark Blount (5.6PPG, .8BPG, .424FG%)
--------------------
PF Joel Anthony (7.0RPG, 2.8BPG, .500 FG%)
PF Stephen Lasme (5.6PPG, 4.4RPG, 1.0BPG)
PG Blake Ahearn (1o.1PPG, .318 3PT%, .918 FT%)
C Alexander Johnson (4.4PPG, .412 FG%)

The next White Chocolate?

What you see is not their practice squad, but their actually team. Quinn has been the lone bright spot for this team as he has been easily the best player on the team but is more of a 3rd string point guard on a good team. Cook has not live up to his expectations being a starter because coach Pat Riley wants to see more all-around game from him. Davis hasn't done anything to prove that he can win being a starter and is more than likely not going to be on this team next season. Blount and Barron have been rebounding enigmas and combine for a whopping 6 rebounds over the last 5 games. I don't see Barron back and this team is stuck with "I'm a terrible shooting guard in a frail center's body" Blount. With this team, the best rebounder is the 6-9 undrafted rookie Anthony. The team needs to work on his offensive game but he has a great defensive ability to block shots. The same goes for Lasme, who plays out-of-position as a PF. Lasme needs to work on his perimeter game and offensive awareness. (Bonus that he's from UMass, because any player from Massachusetts is alright with me). Ahearn and Johnson are probably heading to the D-League. Ahearn hasn't shown his shooting touch that made him torch the D-League for 45 points in a game. Johnson, who played last year for the Memphis Grizzlies, hasn't really been at full strength but he has some upside. But when your 3rd string players are your best players, that's how you know you're a bad team. They have had 12 consecutive games where they have had less rebounds. And the only times where they have won was against Milwaukee twice. They need to address this issue with importance because Marion could opt out, Udonis had knee surgery, and Zo could retire leaving them a mess at the big men position. I would use the open 15th spot (Kasib Powell was waived) to look at a big man from the D-League. I am in love with Rod Benson, (13.4PPG, 12.1RPG, .523 FG%) but other options include Chris Alexander (11.3PPG, 11.2RPG, 2.0BPG), Marcus Campbell (12.4PPG, 8.2RPG, .533 FG%), and Jelani McCoy (10.8PPG, 7.7RPG, 3.2APG, 2.1BPG, .706 FG%). Don't let McCoy's number sway too much because he was called up from the Nuggets earlier this season and couldn't play at an uptempo pace. The Heat have a lot of work to do, but with a healthy D-Wade, Udonis, Dorrell Wright, and a top pick in this year's deep draft, the future could be heating up.