Continued NBA Playoff Predictions

The second round of the NBA playoffs commence tonight, here are my thoughts on each series.

Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic

Unfortunately for the reigning NBA champions, the road to a repeat only gets more difficult in Orlando. Coming off one of the greatest playoff series, in any sport, against the upstart Baby Bulls, Boston is going to have to dig really deep if they want to keep their championship hopes alive. Orlando proved they could win without Dwight Howard (And actually looked better running the court) so the series doesn’t hinge on one player. That said, Boston will have to find a way to stop Howard because Chicago lacked a big man of his caliber. Despite Boston having to turnaround so quick, I think they have enough gas in the tank to put up a good fight. Orlando is a good young team and this could be the best series of the remaining four.

Pick? Boston in 7.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Atlanta Hawks

King James will be named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player this afternoon in front of his teammates as his high school alma mater in Akron this afternoon. The 24 year old is the third youngest MVP in the league and only coming into his own in his sixth NBA season. Cleveland is fresh and playing as a team better than anyone left. I really don’t see anyone in the East that can challenge them.

Pick? Cleveland in 5.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets

I think the Lakers are the best team in the NBA. I think they have too much offense for any team to handle if they’re playing well. If Houston wants to win this series, and I really think they can, they need to do two things very well. Yao Ming needs to get easy buckets and the ball often. If the Lakers are rough with Yao and he struggles to get easy buckets, Houston has no chance. If Yao controls the offense for Houston, they will be in the hunt. Secondly, Houston needs to play Ron Artest and Shane Battier as often as possible. Both are physical and scrappy defenders who can slow and frustrate LA’s potent offense. If Houston can get an opening win tonight it will go a long way for their shot of victory in this series.

Pick? Los Angeles in 6.

Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets

I love Mark Cuban and I love Dirk’s playoff game, but I really don’t think Dallas is going to be able to overcome Denver for a win in this series. It can be argued Dallas got lucky in round one but that’s too easy, they’re a very good team, but they just don’t look like they have the game left to stay with Denver. Denver isn’t a great team, but they just look fresher and more in sync than Dallas does. Go Mavs, but this is looking like a Nuggets win.

Pick? Denver in 6.

I think a lot of times in playoff sports, the opening rounds always outweigh the finals because teams are fresh and real magic can happen (Think of that Bulls-Celtics series). LAts year’s NBA finals were an exception with the Lakers and Celtics and I think this year’s finals will indeed outweigh the opening rounds. It is rare when it happens but memorable when it does. Cleveland and Los Angeles are on a collision course. I don’t see any other team capable of beating either. I think LA will handle Denver in 5 or 6 in the Western finals and I think Cleveland can beat Orlando or Boston in 4 or 5  games in the Eastern finals.

Lebron vs Kobe. Fans are begging for it. The NBA is begging for it. Advertisers are begging for it. A finesse offensively explosive Lakers team with Kobe, Bynum, Odom, and Gasol versus the LeBrons. A team of improving role players led by the single greatest force in the NBA since Mike. It could be a finals talked about for generations and I think it is going to happen. And when it does, LA in 6. Just too good.