Thoughts running through my mind as I wonder where Steve Francis
is going for vacation...
The playoffs are here! The playoffs are here! The playoffs are here! Aren't you excited? The playoffs are here!
(Hey, did you hear that the playoffs are here!?!)
Tomorrow marks the beginning of the second season. While fourteen teams are busy making plans to Hawaii and the
Bahamas, sixteen other teams are preparing for a chance at the coveted Larry O'Brien Trophy. Realistically, only a hand full
of teams actually have a chance, but the first round is always an exciting time. Ever since the league changed the first round
format from five games to seven, there have been fewer chances for an upset. That may change this year. With several teams so
evenly matched, we could see quite a few games go seven.
(Side note: Which would suit David Stern just fine. If it were up to him, the NBA season would end in August!)
Anyway, without further ado, here's a look at the first round of the playoffs, starting with the East.
(1) Detroit Pistons v. (8) Milwaukee Bucks
What an unfortunate turn of events for Michael Redd and the Bucks. After such a strong start, the Bucks faltered in the
second half of the season. And what do they get for their troubles? A one way ticket back home, because there's no way the
Bucks even get a game against the bad boys in Detroit. If you thought the Pistons were on a mission during the regular season
(a franchise high 64 wins), just wait until you see them in the playoffs. The Pistons are a like a diesel trunk and the
Bucks are, well, like an antelope standing in the middle of the road. We all know how that would turn out.
Prediction: Break out the brooms (Pistons in four)
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers v. (5) Washington Wizards
Lebron James makes his playoffs debut against Gilbert Arenas and the Wizards. Three seasons in and James is finally
able to get his team to the big dance (it's about time: Wade and Melo have been here twice. Heck, even Darko's been to the
playoffs and has a ring to show for it).
As much as I think the Cavs are ripe for an upset, I can't shake the feeling that this will be Bron Bron's coming out
party. He could easily average something like 34/8/7 throughout the entire series without breaking a sweat. The Wizards have no
one that can guard him, and don't play enough defense. Add in the return of Larry Hughes (to essentially take Caron Butler
out of the series), and the Wizards just don't match up. Arenas and Jamison will play lights out, but in the end, the Cavs
actually have more depth (which isn't saying much).
Prediction: Cavs in six
(3) New Jersey Nets v. (6) Indiana Pacers
This is by far one of the most intriguing, entertaining series of the playoffs. The Nets big three against the Pacers
big two and a half (I'm counting Stephen Jackson as a half). Pound for pound, these teams match up well. Neither really has a
center. The Pacers have the edge at power forward; the Nets have the edge at small forward and shooting guard. Realistically,
it's all going to come down to the point guard position (which, if Jamal Tinsley isn't healthy, becomes a moot point). I really
want to pick the Pacers here, but they don't have Ron Artest. Instead, they have Peja, a guy who turns into a really scared
kid in a haunted house during every playoffs. Unfortunately, I don't see this ending well for the Pacers. They're just too
banged up, Peja won't give them anything, and Vince Carter is just itching to get back to the conference finals.
Prediction: Nets in seven
(2) Miami Heat v. (7) Chicago Bulls
Yet another intriguing matchup. The Heat isn't exactly starting these playoffs at their best. Jason Williams and Alonzo
are coming in less than 100%, Shaq is still rounding into shape, and I think the Heat's confidence is a little low. On the
other side, you have a Bulls team that earned their way into the playoffs (and the luxury of avoiding the Pistons in round one)
with great shooting, solid defense, and great team chemistry.
But at the end of the day, this series belongs to Dwayne Wade. While Shaq continues to get ready for the real stretch
run (read: conference finals), the Heat just have too many weapons. While Gary Payton has lost a step or two (or three) on
defense, he's still a big time player come the playoffs. Antoine Walker, love him or hate him, is notorious for solid games in
the second season, and of course you have Wade. The key to stopping Chicago is slowing down Ben Gordon. I think the Heat
accomplish that goal and run away with this series.
Prediction: Heat in five
Now that we've looked at how the East will shape up in round one, let's take a look at the more wide open Western
Conference.
(1) San Antonio Spurs v. (8) Sacramento Kings
The other day Ron Artest said on ESPN that he felt the Kings were going to win the championship. That alone should tell
you just how crazy Ron Ron is. Anyway, someone should have told him that he's playing the defending champs on the first round.
While the Spurs don't look as dominate as last season, they are still the Spurs.
I do think the Kings could steal a game or two in this series (especially at home), but at the end of the day, for the
Spurs, much like the Pistons, these are just filler games until the finals.
Prediction: Spurs in five
(4) Dallas Mavericks v. (5) Memphis Grizzles
I can't understand why the Grizzles don't get enough credit. Over the past two seasons they've had very solid seasons.
Last year they didn't have nearly enough veteran leadership to prepare them for the playoffs. This year they have Eddie Jones,
Bobby Jackson, and Damon Stoudamire (albeit on the bench). They have a totally inspired Pau Gasol, who's made beards fun to
wear again. And they have a very good coach in Mike Fratello.
So why won't they beat the Mavs? Well, it's simple. They don't have a go to guy. As good as
Mike Miller and Shane Battier are, they can't take over a game. Neither
can Jones who's more effective as a third or fourth banana. The Mavs have Dirk, Terry, and Howard, not to mention Stackhouse
off the bench. The Mavs are just too deep and the Grizzles are one superstar away from contending. Until then, it's lights out
in Memphis.
Prediction: Mavs in five
(3)Denver Nuggets v. (6) Los Angles Clippers
Wait, the Clippers are in the playoffs? When did that happen? With all of these MVP discussions going around, why
doesn't Sam Cassell get enough credit for what he's been able to do with this team? Sure they have a great deal of talent
(Elton Brand, Cuttino Mobley,
Corey Maggette), but we all know the history of the Clippers and just
how bad they've been. Cassell has come in and given this team some swagger. Now they're ripe for a playoff run, especially
with home court advantage against Denver.
(By the way, here's why the NBA is so confusing. After splitting each conference into three divisions, it would clearly
make since that all three division winners would get home court in the first round. Unfortunately (especially for the Nuggets),
only the top two division winners get home court. That stinks for the Nuggets who, although they won their division, don't get
home court because the Clippers have a better record. Then again, had the Nuggets done their job and won enough games during
the regular season, we wouldn't even be having this discussion and I wouldn't have just wasted a minute of your life...so,
there's that...anyway, back to the column.)
I probably won't watch a minute of this series live, given the West coast time zone, but I'm sure I'm going to miss a
pretty good series. I hope Melo comes up big and the Nuggets win a game or two. In the end, however, (and I can't believe I'm
going to say this), I'm going with the Clippers.
Prediction: Clippers in six
(2) Phoenix Suns v. (7) Los Angles Lakers
Now here's the main event of round one. Steve Nash v. Kobe Bryant. MVP candidate versus MVP candidate. Run and gun
versus well, run and gun. This series is a lot closer than many people realize. The Suns have no front court and no one to
contend with the likes of Lamar Odom and Kwame Brown (yes, that Kwame Brown). And oh yeah, they have Kobe Bryant. On the flip
side, the Suns have way too many shooters and the Lakers don't have enough quality players to close out on them.
The key to this series will be whether or not the Suns can get out in the open court. If the Lakers can make it a half
court game, they have a chance. But if Nash is able to get out on the break and has shooters running with him on the wings,
this will be a very short series. The Lakers just have to keep the games close; then give the ball to Kobe and get out of the
way. It's that simple. Call me crazy, but I think the Lakers can slow them down (especially at home), steal a game or two that
they shouldn't win, and Kobe takes them to round two and we're treated to the much anticipated, "Who's the best in Celebrity
Land" matchup between the Lakers and Clippers.
Prediction: Lakers in seven
See you in round 2.
Kevin Anthony Jones is a contributing writer for MagicPride.t35.com. He is an instructional designer and technical
writer in his real life and won't bore you with the details. He writes articles every chance he gets and although he's never
busy, there is such a thing called writers block. If you'd like to contact KAJ, send your E-mail's to
bigsmooth7@gmail.com.
