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The NBA thread

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East
1. Boston Celtics vs. 8. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have youth and a good point guard running the show, with dynamic players, but the Celtics are just too good, maybe in the future the Hawks can contend but not now. 4-0

4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5. Washington Wizards
LeBron will will his team to win, just like last year, the Wizards you could argue have a better team with Arenas, Butler, and Jamison, but LeBron is too skilled and he wants to get back to the finals. 4-2

3. Orlando Magic vs. 6. Toronto Raptors
Dwight, Turk, and Rashard is a great trio, they're rested and they will get the job done. Bosh is a great player and could cause some problems by opening the lane if he steps out since he is a legitimate 3 point shooter. 4-2

2. Detroit Pistons vs. 7. Philadelphia 76ers
Pistons have been here and done that, Billups and Hamilton is the best backcourt duo in the game, and even though AI is a great defender there is still no one there to guard Sheed. 4-1

West
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have so much promise, Kmart, Iverson, Melo, and Camby is one hell of a team on paper, but it seems the don't want to play defense at all. And you can't let the Lakers get free points, Gasol, Kobe, and Odom will drop buckets at will if you let them. If the Nuggets want to get into the elite, they need to play some defense. 4-1

4. Utah Jazz vs. 5. Houston Rockets
A group of ballet dancers could beat the Jazz on the road, even though Boozer, Okur, and AK-47 is better than Yao-less Rockets, I think T-Mac is going to will himself to win one finally. I think you need to look forward to T-Mac dropping 40 points a night, and probably at least 8-9 rebounds. Hes not going to lose this one, especially with homecourt versus the awful road Jazz. 4-3

3. San Antonio Spurs vs. 6. Phoenix Suns
There is no doubt in my mind, the Suns will win this, they want it so much more than the Spurs, and the way the Spurs have been playing recently doesn't bode well for them. The Spurs top scorer has been battling injury and he opens things up for the rest of the players, but when hes not on you can look forward to 70 point games for them. The only way I see the Suns losing this is if Amare punches Bowen in the mouth and gets suspended for the series. 4-1


2. New Orleans Hornets vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs are the Pistons of the West, they've been here before but have underperformed at times, or even underestimated their opponents. Dirk might not be 100%, but because Kidd is showing the trade was the right move, it might not matter. The Hornets have 0 experience and might not be ready to shine just yet, even with Paul playing lights out all season it was all for nothing until now. 4-2
 
East

1. Boston Celtics (4-2) vs. 8. Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta keep this closer than everyone thinks, and they have the offense to match up with Horford/Bibby/Johnson/Smith but the C's are just better. Perkins can take Horford no problem, Smith v.s KG is a good matchup but KG is a better, more experienced, and taller version of Smith, and Rondo can potentially lock down Bibby. Their team defense is better than the Hawks as well.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5. Washington Wizards (4-2)
On paper, the Wizards are a lot better than the Cavs. Their injury situation is a mess (while the Wizards, who have been injured all year, are getting healthy at the best possible time and are much deeper (Nick Young is like their 12th man) anyway), LeBron is nowhere near 100% and the Wizards are really, really fucking sick of the Cavaliers, whether its getting haxed out of a playoff series by BS superstar calls or the Cavaliers getting the full jockstrap treatment after losing 4-0 with about half their lineup missing.

The problem is that even a hurt LeBron gives any team a chance to win, and the Wizards have that whole "win when you shouldn't, lose when you shouldn't" thing going on. Also, I still don't trust Washington's team defense (which is really what makes a basketball team consistent) even though it is *way* improved from last season and I'm still scared Eddie Jordan might try to play Cleveland's big lineups small (which honestly never works). The boards will determine this series. Also, Washington needs to get physical. They aren't really that kind of team, but here's one big secret about LeBron (other than he travels a lot) - he doesn't really like a lot of contact. Hard fouls tend to make him pull up and take jump shots.

The idea that LeBron, just because of the trash talk, will "will the Cavs to win" is ludicrous. I am sick of people anointing him as if he does possess incredible mental toughness, can will himself to unstoppability, etc. Is he a great player? Yes. Is he the best player in the NBA? No. Is he a transcendent player? Not really; he had really one really great game last playoffs and everyone ran with that to make him seem that way.

(obviously, the wiz are my favorite team and i fucking hate lebron so my opinion is biased)

3.Orlando Magic (4-1) vs. 6. Toronto Raptors

The East is really underrated in terms of good matchups, considering that you have two bona-fide rivalries here. The Magic imo are the better team, and the Raptors imo have been overrated all season. People have been expecting this to be somewhat close, but it won't be. Nobody, and I mean nobody on their team can defend Howard. They don't match up well at all with Lewis or Turkoglu. The Raptors have way better guards (well, Ford + Calderon >>>>>> Nelson + Dooling, but Bogans v.s Parker is a push imo, Bogans is a better defender than Parker will ever be)

Bosh will get his, but Bargs is going to be a non-factor, and as long as they can stay out on the shooters, Orlando will be fine.


2. Detroit Pistons (4-2) vs. 7. Philadelphia 76ers

I love Philly, and Detroit can sometimes struggle with athletic teams like Philly, but Detroit's too good in terms of defense, they're too deep (1-12 probably the deepest team in the NBA)they're too consistent, they've been too tested to blow it against the 76ers. They also know that they can't get complacent, having seen what happened last year. Louis Williams might give Detroit issues, but he's still young so you can't rely on him like that. Iggy will play Hamilton tough because of his quickness and overall proficiency on D, but overall, Detroit is just better.



West

1. Los Angeles Lakers (4-0) vs. 8. Denver Nuggets

If it was Golden State, I'd give them a shot. But it's the deeply flawed Denver Nuggets, who might possibly have the worst defense in the NBA, two awful ball-hogs in Anthony and Iverson, and no point guard. That is a recipe for disaster, especially against LA. Kobe will average 35-40 a night. No chance.

4. Utah Jazz (4-2) vs. 5. Houston Rockets

The Rockets are a good team, and if they had Yao I might be inclined to take them. But without the raw emotion that they had during the 22-game run, they just don't match up with the Jazz well, especially since they don't have home court. I don't see the Jazz losing a game on their own court at all in the playoffs. Williams will terrorize Houston, though I think Houston can match up pretty well with Boozer. The Jazz defense is excellent, and I'm looking for Kirilenko to be the game-changer he's capable of being. The Jazz are a bad road team but I'll give them one on the road for the 4-2 win.

3. San Antonio Spurs vs. 6. Phoenix Suns (4-3)

Is this a true upset? Honestly, the West has been so ridiculous that you can't really call any of these matches upsets. Anyway, Shaq + Amare is an amazing frontcourt combo, and the Spurs don't really have anything for either of them. Yes, neither are great defenders, but they can still make an impact, and it's not like Duncan will get 50 on them. San Antonio has actually become a bit more perimeter-oriented in recent years with Manu + Parker. One thing's for sure, this will be a great series, no question. It will be intense, physical, rough, etc. There will be quite a few technicals as well. This will be a seven-game series, but I think the Suns pull it out.

2. New Orleans Hornets vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks (4-2)

I sort of agree with Loki - we're starting to see the Mavs we've expected for the past 3 years or so. The problem is that I really doubt that Kidd can guard Paul, and the key to stopping the Hornets is to lock down Paul - without him, the rest of the supporting cast just doesn't have it. Obviously that's easier said than done, but that's the gameplan. I'd actually have your longest, quickest defender on Paul, try to disrupt his rhythm. Other than that, if Dirk does have his game back, if Kidd can provide the playoff leadership they traded for, I'll take the Mavs.
 
I'm far too tired to put any thought into this atm, so i'll just make my picks and leave.

East
1. Boston Celtics vs. 8. Atlanta Hawks

4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5. Washington Wizards

3. Orlando Magic vs. 6. Toronto Raptors

2. Detroit Pistons vs. 7. Philadelphia 76ers

West
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8. Denver Nuggets

4. Utah Jazz vs. 5. Houston Rockets

3. San Antonio Spurs vs. 6. Phoenix Suns

2. New Orleans Hornets vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks
 
West:
Los Angeles Lakers (5 games)
Utah Jazz (6 games)
Phoenix Suns (6 games)
Dallas Mavericks (7 games)

East:
Boston (4 games)
Detroit (5 games)
Orlando (6 games)
Washington (7 games)
 
Predictions:
Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta has talent, but Boston will be extremely determined to win.
4-0

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards
Rooting for Washington to win, but I'm concerned about Arenas and Butler's health. Cavaliers will probably win in six, unless Lebron's back spasms flare up and make him miss some time. 4-2

Orlando Magic vs. Toronto Raptors
If Toronto wasn't playing so horrible the last month, I would have said this was going to 7 games. Orlando is playing really well, and Toronto won't be able to stop Superman. 4-1

Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers have been playing really well, but Detroit is just too good. The only way the Sixers can win this is if Hamilton misses some games and/or Detroit's bench is a non-factor. 4-1

LA Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets
For those saying Denver has horrible defense remember that Golden State had even a worst defense (even if not my much). The Nuggets rank 3rd in assists, with Iverson contributing 7 of those. However, they have played pretty bad against the Lakers this season, getting blown out two times in LA and winning once at home. I think Denver will give them a good fight, but without any good D they won't be able to win the series. I expect some high scoring games! 4-2 (hope I'm wrong, rooting for Denver!)

Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets
Well, this is the same match up as last year when the Rockets also had home-court advantage and Yao, yet the Rockets still lost. I want the Rockets to win, but the Jazz are just too good for them. 4-1

San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns
I think this is the year Phoenix beats San Antonio. They have proven that with Shaq in the lineup they can beat the Spurs. I expect a lot of drama and close games! 4-3

New Orleans Hornets vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs experience will probably be the deciding factor here. However, I don't expect the Hornets to go down without a fight. 4-3
 
THE (L)EAST

(1) Boston Celtics vs (8) Atlanta Hawks

Maybe if Atlanta had Chris Paul, and even then....nahhhh (sorry to all the non-existent hawks fans !).

Celtics in 4

(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (5) Washington Wizards

Well considering Washington is the dumbest team in the history of civilization, this should be pretty easy. But seriously, that trade really did make Cleveland worse. I think the Wiz are playing their best ball right now while Cleveland struggled down the stretch. Both of these teams really don't like each other so I'm expecting this to be a very physical, intense series. I just think this is the year Washington breaks through.

Wizards in 7

(3) Orlando Magic vs (6) Toronto Raptors

Like Ancien Regime said, who the hell is gonna guard Howard?? Everyone but Bosh is soft and Bosh really can't afford to get into foul trouble. Along with that, Toronto really struggled down the stretch. That said, Toronto can be hard to beat if their shots are falling so I think they can take a couple of games.

Magic in 6

Spurs in 7

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

As much as I like the Sixers, they've basically got no shot. They're here a few years too early thanks to the cesspool that is the East. Nobody except Andre Miller has much playoff experience and it's gonna be tough for the youngins like Louis Williams and Thaddeus Young to do much against the grizzled playoff vets on the Pistons. Philly might steal a game since Detroit likes to mess around and play down to their opponent sometimes.

Pistons in 5
 
Eh, I'll just do R1 for now. Not that these just reflect my feelings, not weird statistics or anything:

West

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs (8) Denver Nuggets

I personally don't like either team, but the Lakers are ranked higher than the Nuggets for a reason. Not much to say here.

(2) New Orleans Hornets vs (7) Dallas Mavericks

I'm giving this one to the Hornets instead of the Mavericks. They're gonna run out of steam.

(3) San Antonio Spurs vs (6) Phoenix Suns

Unless the Spurs just start attacking Suns players on purpose (or cheat again), Suns have this one in the bag. Shaq is just wonderful to have against Duncan.

(4) Utah Jazz vs (5) Houston Rockets

Eh, I like the Jazz, and the Rockets are without Yao Ming anyways.

East

(1) Boston Celtics vs (8) Atlanta Hawks

Yeah, if the Hawks beat the Celtics here, talk about one of the greatest upsets ever.

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

Pistons I think have the only real chance of beating Boston, as they're the only really good team in the East besides them.

(3) Orlando Magic vs (6) Toronto Raptors

Didn't even know the Raptors made it this far...anyways, the Magic will beat them. Unlike their Miami counterpart, they don't fall apart the next year.

(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (5) Washington Wizards

As much as I like Washington and Gilbert Arenas, I think the Cavaliers'll win because of Lebron James alone; he alone will force his team into the next round probably.
 
First round predictions

Western Conference
Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets in 5

The Lakers have become one of the best teams in the league this year, finally having someone who can score down low for the first time since Shaq left town. Odom's been playing well since the Gasol trade now that he's the third option and the Laker offense.

I can see the Nuggets taking a game or two though. They can play good defense if they want to, but they just have never been conistent on that end of the floor. Melo and AI can each explode for 30 or 40 on any given night though and they can probably have the Nugs steal a game or two.

Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Hornets in 6

Honestly, this could go either way but I'm picking Dallas because of their playoff experience and their depth. The Hornets' best players are playing in just their first playoff series in their careers; The Mavs have playoff-hardened vets in the starting lineup and on their bench. The Mavs have a deeper bench than the Hornets and it will come to their advantage come grind-it-out games.

San Antonio Spurs vs Phoenix Suns in 6

Honestly, had those bullshit suspensions not been handed out last year, I could see Phoenix beating the Spurs. The Suns, at times, seemed to be relying more on their defense than their offense to beat the Spurs and it was actually working. Had they not lost Amare and Diaw in Game 5 they would've won that game.

A season later,they dealt for Shaq, possibly with the Spurs in mind as the Spurs have beaten them twice in the Suns last three playoff appearances. Shaq always plays in another level during the playoffs as we've seen throughout his career and can probably kick his play up another notch this postseason. If the Suns do win here, the decline of the Spurs is in sight.

Utah Jazz vs Houston Rockets in 7

Yea, I'm picking against my favorite team. The Jazz will probably take Game 1, a game which Houston will have no Rafer Alston in addition to no Yao Ming.

The Rockets have shown, though, that they can still play with the best of them even without Yao Ming and T-Mac has shown he can carry the team in the regular season but can he do it in the playoffs?

Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks in 4 games

I like Atlanta's talent pool but Boston is built to contend now. Atlanta's ending the playoff appearance drought but they won't be ending their playoff wins drought this year.

Detroit Pistons vs Philadelphia 76ers in 5

The Sixers made one heck of a playoff push and instead of sitting in last place in the East like some experts predicted, Philly is going to be in the playoffs.

The Pistons are just the much better team though but the Sixers talented lineup can probably eke out a win.

Orlando Magic vs Toronto Raptors in 7

I see the Orlando Magic as a darkhorse to come out of the East this year but the Raptors are a pretty tough match-up. Orlando and Toronto will probably have a hard time defending each other's offensive games.

Orlando can't stop Toronto's pick and roll game with Chris Bosh, but neither can Toronto stop Dwight Howard down low. Both teams also have a lot of shooters.

This should be an entertaining match-up and there wouldn't be much surprise to me if the Raps end up winning.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Washington Wizards in 6

The Cavs made a bad deadline deal. Trading bad bloated contract for another bad bloated contract and losing some depth in the process. The Wizards, meanwhile, have gotten healthier when it means the most. The Wizards can probably pull a couple of upsets in the playoffs. If they can get to the second round, I can see them possibly threatening the Celtics with the way they've matched up against them even though they were hurt for most of the year.
 
ok you guys have until 12:30 to make any further predictions. anyone who has partially completed picks can still get points but only for what they picked.

Have no idea what I'm talking about? Read up about 15 posts.

list of who's in right now:

Bulblax
SpaceFlare
Loki
Mizuno
Ancien Regime
zerowing

People who just picked the west:

Aeroblacktyl
Zenigame
DFA (also didn't do 1 # of games)

People who picked everything but didn't put # of games:

Shinryu
Judgement
Moot
ck

People who just picked the finals:

General Tso
unceunce
 
Celtics > Hawks in 4
Pistons > Sixers in 6
Raptors > Magic in 7
Cavs > Wizards in 5

Lakers > Nuggets in 6
Hornets > Mavs in 7
Suns > Spurs in 7
Jazz > Rockets in 5
 
Gilbert is my boy. He's fucking legit. God I can't even type..

*watching*


edit// this game is pretty intense.. and wow, i hate the cavs so much. Just certain players get under my skin.

C'mon Jamison, you're sick! He's everywhere. And Butler, defensive beast.
 
Celtics > Hawks in 4
Pistons > Sixers in 6
Raptors < Magic in 6
Cavs < Wizards in 6

Lakers > Nuggets in 5
Hornets < Mavs in 6
Suns > Spurs in 6
Jazz > Rockets in 6
 
I just learned from an ESPN article that Kevin Pittsnogle played for the D League in Austin this year O_O How did his career go so wrongly?

Wizards seemed to just have lost all their energy after that 11-0 run...but they rushed back to take the lead! Although now it is tied at 84.
 
Lebron James always get's hax to go for him
Click to expand...

technically, no, unless you count our entire team going cold at the worst possible time.

honestly, we don't know when to pass up open threes, Jamison should have driven the open lane on those
 
Stevenson was just.. horrible really. My hax comment was just a joke. But yeah, our shooting droughts came at the worst possible time.

But here's a good stat for everyone.

The away team that wins game 2 wins the series about 62% of the time.
 
actually, i wasn't going to bitch about the refs, but you know what, i'm going to bitch about the refs

20 more FTs. And even though we could have drove more, we outrebounded Cleveland and had more points in the paint.

something like 5-10 is fine, consider we did settle for a lot of Js, 20+ is too big to be ignored

in any case, while the trash-talk hyped me up for the game, in reality, it just made us look stupid and unprofessional
 
Ii'm going nuts.

Dude.. Steve Nash is a straight out baller. And I give Shaq a lot of credit, man.

FUCKKKKKKKK


and yes.. i hate the spurs.. fucking old boring team


LMAO @ Tim Duncan. God, what a fagggg.
 
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