NBA Playoffs Predictions

With the Bucks now done for the 2008 NBA season, Wisconsin fans will now be turning their attention to the Brewers and the NFL draft. But, believe it or not, there are many people left in this state (our from your state, if you're not from the Badgerland) that enjoy the NBA with or without the Bucks. I know, it's hard to believe, but it shouldn't be. Say what you want about how NBA players don't play defense or about how selfish they are, I just won't be listening. This was one of the best NBA season that I've ever seen, and definitely the best since Jordan left. And now, the most anticipated NBA playoffs in recent memory are just days away, so what better chance than now for me to offer my projections on how the first round will shake out? That is, if you're interested.

Western Conference

#1 Lakers vs. #8 Nuggets
This is clearly not the matchup the Nuggets were looking for, as our friends at Fire George Karl have suggested. The Lakers are going to walk all over the Nuggets in this one, as they are playing truly inspired basketball and seem to be on a mission to win the NBA Finals. (And yes, I do realized I've been using the word inspired a lot lately). Kobe, Gasol, and the rest of the Lakers may be beatable, but not in round one. Lakers in 5.

#4 Jazz vs. #5 Rockets
This could be one of the more entertaining series of the playoffs. The Rockets have been actually playing better since Yao went down, but the Jazz are playing just as well as anybody. I just read Simmons' MVP column and found myself agreeing with him on many points. Personally, I'd like to see Kobe win the MVP, but he's got a point that Garnett has been the most "valuable". Second, he sees a breakout playoffs for Deron Williams, which is very likely. Even more likely when the Jazz win in 6.

#3 Spurs vs. #6 Suns
A lot of the TV guys right now are saying how it's an outrage that the Spurs and Suns are matched up so early on in the season. I say it's awesome for two reasons. One, we don't have to wait any longer to watch what will be a great series. Two, I hate the Spurs and wan't them out as quick as possible. I hate them for the same reason everyone else does, they are "boring". They don't have "the look". Maybe I don't hate them, but I'm never excited to watch them. Nevertheless, they are an exceptionally good basketball team, and will probably be too much for the Suns. I'm still in the minority that like the Shaq trade for the Suns. However, a first round matchup against the Spurs? Talk about being in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Spurs in 7

#2 Hornets vs. #7 Mavericks
The Hornets have been one of the feel good stories of the 07-08 season, and were just one game shy of the number one seed in the West. However, this is a matchup that may favor the Mavs. Even though the Kidd trade is basically an all or nothing manuever, it has given the Mavs a new sense of purpose this year. However, the Hornets are the best team that nobody is watching, and I'm going to stick with the higher-seeds and say it's Hornets in 6.

Eastern Conference

#1 Celtics vs. #8 Hawks
The Celtics finished the season 66-16. The Hawks finished the season 37-45. The difference between the number one and number eight seed in the West is seven games. Between the Celtics and the Hawks, it's 29. TWENTY NINE GAMES! That's a big deal, right? The Hawks are lucky to be there, while the Celtics might be the best team in the league. Celtics in 4.

#4 Cavaliers vs. #5 Wizards
Really, this is just a matchup of who is going to lose to the Celtics, but at least it will be entertaining. I guess either team could potentially run with Boston and knock them out, but I just don't see it. Last year, LeBron made it to the finals with essentially nothing around him. This year, he's a got some pieces that may have been enough to put them over the top. But, it's a year too late for the Cavs, Wizards in 6.

# 3 Magic vs. # 6 Raptors
It's time to be honest with you. I haven't watched many Magic games or Raptors games. I think the Raptors are going to win this season, but I couldn't tell you why. So, lets go with Raptors in 7.

# 2 Pistons vs. # 7 Sixers
The Pistons are very similar to the Spurs, if you think about it. They've both been dominant teams in this league for about the same amount of time. They both play excellent defense. They both have a ton of roleplayers that fit in perfectly with their teams. Yet, many consider them boring as well, and are rooting against them. Meanwhile, the 76ers are young, played some good basketball to earn a playoff spot, and have gained some fans in the process. This could be a good series, but it won't be. Pistons in 5.

Not the most educated or detailed analysis, I'll agree with you on that. I might as well just picked these series by the color of their teams jerseys, or by the matchup of their mascots. Yet, going off instincts, that's what I'm going with. Also, I think we're headed towards a Lakers / Celtics finals, which will help bring back any old-time NBA fan that still hasn't been willing to adapt to the current version of the game. Either way, it's going to be quite the ride.

NBA: Where awful blogging happens.