After 82 grueling games in the regular season, we are now entering the next phase of the 2008-’09 NBA season. After the smoke was cleared, only 16 teams remain standing out of the 30 participating ballclubs. This is the door to the promise land. This is the NBA PLAYOFFS!
We’ll now analyze the different pairings from the two different Conferences and we’ll breakdown each teams’ strengths and weaknesses and come up with a projected finish.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1 Cleveland vs. 8 Detroit
This is indeed the year of King James. Lebron guided the Cavs to its franchise best finish at 66-16 and the leagues second all-time best at home with 39-2. The Cavaliers is Lebron’s team, but other players are stepping in. Mo Williams is the 2nd best scorer of the team at 17.8 ppg. while shooting a respectable 43% from beyond the arc. The big men average 20 rebounds a night and should be the main concern of the Pistons. Meanwhile, one of Detroit’s bright spots is its scoring. At least 5 players are scoring in double figures led by Rip Hamilton. But the question is who’ll stop Lebron? Prince must keep an eye on him everywhere just to slow down Brons production. Predicted finish, Cleveland 4-1
2 Boston vs. 7 Chicago
It seems the play-offs is now over for the defending champs. Kevin Garnett’s shoe is too big to fill and that could pose a major problem for the C eltics. Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe and Glen Davis should re-assert their might with the absence of the Big Ticket. Pierce will still be the anchor while Allen and Rondo are expected to extend their helping hand. The Bulls however finished the regular season at 41-41 record. More worse, they played below 50 % at road. But the entrance of Salmons and Miller energize the slumping Bulls. Plus the active play of rookie sensation Derrick Rose, the Bulls are still poise to dethrone the Celtics right here in the first round. Predicted finish; Boston 4-3
3 Orlando vs. 6 Philadelphia
The league premier big man Dwight Howard will take center stage but the supporting cast is a bit questionable. Hedo Turkoglu is out with a sprained ankle while Jameer Nelson already missed 40 games. With this, Rashard Lewis and Rafer Alston might feel the pressure to deliver down the line. The Sixers on the other hand, surprise many by advancing to the play-offs even without new addition Elton Brand. Igoudala spearhead the young core of the Sixers with Andre Miller and Thaddeus Young providing extra help. The biggest question is, can Dalembert hold his own against Superman? The answer is a big NO. Predicted finish; Orlando 4-1
4 Atlanta vs. 5 Miami
The Hawks started the season strong but faltered along the way. That led to the acquisition of veteran pointguard Mike Bibby. Joe Johnson will continue to torch the net with the help coming from guys like Al Horford and Josh Smith. The leagues leading scorer Dwayne Wade is expected to carry the Heat. But the real key is how his teammates especially Haslem, Beasley and Moon could relieve the pressure off the shoulders of D-Wade. If these guys can be a threat in offense, double teams on Wade will be lessen. This series will be close and anything can happen. Predicted finish; Miami 4-3
WESTERN CONFERENCE
1 L.A. Lakers vs. 8 Utah
Reigning league MVP Kobe Bryant is expected to lead the Lakers to the next round what with a bunch of dependable teammates lurking over. Gasol, Odom and Bynum are all averaging almost 10 rebounds a night. Veteran guard Fisher is still reliable in cluth. More importantly, Phil Jackson doesn’t loss his Zen touch on the team. If theres one thing going the way of the Jazz, it’s their all-time record against the Lakers. The Jazz enjoyed an n 11-5 playoffs record though they never met in the first round before. Deron Williams will quarterback the team while Boozer, Okur and Kirilenko will give the Lakers trio a run for their money. Add to the mix their reliable reserves like Millsap and Brewer and the match-up become more intriguing than ever. Predicted finish; Los Angeles 4-2
2 Denver vs. 7 New Orleans
The Nuggets unexpectedly finish the regular season at 2nd place over-all (West). Many still doubt their game but don’t tell that to Chauncey Billups. The savvy guard was the anchor of the champion team Detroit Pistons when he was still playing at the Palace. His stocks went higher teaming up with superstar Carmelo Anthon y, the teams leading scorer at 22.8 clip. But for me the two biggest factors are the improved plays of sixth man J.R. Smith and big man at the middle Nene. But the biggest hurdle is a little man named Chris Paul. NBA’s no.1 pointguard continue to dazzle the fans with his uncanny leadership of the Hornets. New Orleans may not be as successful as last year but the entrance of tested veteran James Posey and the resigning of Tyson Chandler will still make the match-up more exciting. Predicted finish; Denver 4-3
3 San Antonio vs. 6 Dallas
It’s again a battle of Texas teams. San Antonio had the home court advantage against the Mavs but their home record is not as sweet as ever. Add to the fact that they finished the season just 4 games above the Mavericks. Making the matter more worse is the absence wingman Manu Ginobili. The load becomes heavier now on the shoulders of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. Dallas on the other hand, finished quite strong in the regular season winning 7 of their last 10 games. Thanks to former league MVP Dirk Nowitzki, who is again the focus of defense by the Spurs. But don’t forget Jason Terry and Josh Howard who can put on a show if the need arises. But then again, it’s a battle between two of the best forwards in the NBA. Predicted finish; Dallas 4-3
4 Portland vs. 5 Houston
Two weeks going to the final stretch of the regular season, the two occupied the reverse position. But the Blazers had a huge 6 game winning streak while the Rockets lost their last game. Brandon Roy is again on the spotlight with the help coming from everywhere. LaMarcus Aldridge, dubbed as the next franchise player, must bring his A-game into the play-offs war. Outlaw, Batum and Pryzibilla will have hands full containing the Great Wall. But the biggest surprise must come from the former no.1 pick Greg Oden. Without Tracy McGrady, the Rockets need the production of Ron Artest, the teams’ resident slinger. But the real deal will be Yao Ming. The other best center in the NBA, has become more offense oriented without sacrificing his defense. Predicted finish; Houston 4-2
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