NBA 2010 Playoff picks

 

The NBA playoffs start this Saturday and they should be a real delight, with so many big games early in the brackets.  Let’s take a look at the matchups and how I think they work out.

Cleveland Cavaliers v Chicago Bulls- LeBron and company get to play the Bulls. Shaq comes back, so the big body will clog it up again.  This was the big prize for Chicago for making the playoffs.  I hope they understand, Mr. James will be playing again now, so their 109 –108 win on 4/8, really didn’t mean a whole lot in the scheme of how this matchup will likely end up. Despite the fact Chicago has no one who can come close to guarding him.

Cleveland in 5

Orlando Magic v Charlotte Bobcats-Orlando has a lot of talent.  For the most part, they dominated Charlotte during the season, winning the season series 3-1.  They got Vince Carter for now…this is the moment, to have that 2^nd big scoring threat who can create his own shot, and knock down open jumpers. I don’t see Charlotte giving much fight against the Magic.

Orlando in 5

Atlanta Hawks v Milwaukee Bucks-Interesting matchup.  John Salmons has been fire since coming to the Bucks, scoring 20 a night for them, and rookie of the year candidate Brandon Jennings keeps them moving along.  Andrew Bogut has been more than capable in the middle. Atlanta, the explosive team that we have watched grow for the last 3 seasons is here. Now let’s see what they can do. The Hawks have great guard play and this team doesn’t turn the ball over much, we can see if the Bucks can disrupt their rhythm.

Atlanta in 6

Boston Celtics v Miami Heat-Upset alert right here. The Celtics magic may be running out. A few years ago, when this team was put together, they did exactly what I thought they would do..win the title.  They were built for the quick fix. Now, not so much. They are older and exhausted. They can’t offensive rebound to save their life, and the Heat come in red hot. KG needs to step it up, he has been anything but the KG of “old” (no pun intended). The green guys struggle at home, if Miami wins a game there, this could be trouble.

Boston in 7

LA Lakers v OK Thunder-The matchup everyone is stoked about.  And with good reason. Now with Coach Phil Jackson running his mouth about the free throw attempts Durant gets, we will see what kind of calls come along in this game. By the way, Kobe was taking 10+ free throws per night just a few years ago Phil, did we forget that? Should be a fun matchup, I have a feeling KB vs KD will live up to the hype. I’ll buy into it!

LAL in 7

Dallas Mavericks v San Antonio Spurs-The Mavs, a serious contender to run at the title face their arch nemesis the Spurs. This may be the Spurs final run, very comparable to Boston in my opinion. Not a young team by any means, with a great veteran core.  The Mavs can win the close game; they have been money all season long.  Interesting battle of the benches here. Jason Terry and Manu Ginobli.  Who will spark the most for their teams?

Dallas in 6

Phoenix Suns v Portland Trailblazers-Offense vs defense matchup.  Phoenix scores like no bodies business. And the Blazers have quietly put together a very good defensive team, especially with the addition of defensive guru, Marcus Camby. Phoenix can blow it open fast, being a great 3 pt shooting team, with 4 legit 3 pt shooting threats.  That may be a deciding factor in the series. Or if they go cold, it can turn bad for them in a hurry.  Portland losing Brandon Roy in first round changes everything.

Phoenix in 6

Denver Nuggets v Utah Jazz-The battle of the “what ifs?” What if all the injuries these teams faced, didn’t happen?  Would either one be in a higher seed?  I think so. Denver is bad on the road, which will certainly play a factor here. Deron Willams in playing at a nother level now.  He has become the premier PG in the NBA today.  He can score, pass, and control a game from beginning to end.  Carmelo lights them up, when he plays. Denver’s guard play will be pivotal.

Denver in 6