The defending champs, Boston Celtics worse nightmares were realized when it was announced that they will be missing their starting Center, Kevin Garnett for the entire post season.
Will Kevin Garnett be this year's Willis Reed?
Most of the talking heads have written the Celtics off now. One thing that is for sure is that they will match up against probable Rookie of the Year candidate, Derrick Rose & the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.
Kevin Garnett missing the playoffs is obviously the biggest storyline right now going into the playoffs so I will just run down each first round match up.
Western Conference Can Kobe win his first title without Shaq this summer?
#1 Lakers Vs #8 Utah Jazz: Utah Jazz have struggled on the road this season(15-26). Having to go against a Lakers team whos focus is only on one trophy, it wouldn’t matter who the Lakers met in the 1st round. Lakers in 5 games.
#2 Denver Vs #7 New Orleans: The trade with the most impact this year was easily Chauncy Billups to Denver for Allen Iverson to the Pistons. Being a long time Detroit Pistons fan, my stomach churned when I heard about this. Denver also hasn’t been out of the first round of the playoffs since they drafted Carmelo Anthony. Billups’ veteran experience will lead the Nuggets past the Hornets. Denver in 6.
#3 San Antonio Vs #6 Dallas: This is a good match up. If this were 2005, this would be a great match up. Two teams who have peaked but still play hard and with a lot of talent. With Manu Ginobli out for the Spurs, the Spurs are going to have to have great games from Tim Duncan and Tony Parker each night. Spurs in 7.
#4 Portland Vs #5 Houston: I think this is the most intruiging match up for the Western Conference. It is nice to see Portland back in the playoffs. Brandon Roye is unstoppable at times and he has great help from Travis Outlaw & Joel Pryzbilla. Tracy McGrady still hasn’t made it out of the first round of the NBA playoffs and won’t be there to help his team due to injury. Ron Artest can cause Roye trouble. Portland in 7.
Eastern Conference Can Lebron rise to the top?
#1 Cleveland Vs #8 Detroit: It is what everyone wants, a Lebron, Kobe final. Some may say that after seeing what the Cleveland Cavs have accomplished this season, much like UNC this year, they are destined. These two teams couldn’t be more opposite. The Cavs have played great ball this year and have been performing as a team. Pistons GM, Joe Dumars, got greedy and traded his team leader and 2004 Finals MVP Chauncy Billups for Allen Iverson. They are paying for their mistakes right now. Cavs in 5.
#2 Boston Vs #7 Chicago: With Kevin Garnett out for the playoffs, it could hurt them but I think they will manage to get out of this series without getting too beat up. Celtics in 5.
#3 Orlando Vs #6 Philadelphia: Phil Jackson was recently asked on The Dan Patrick Show who would he pick first when assembling a team. Jackson said he would take Dwight Howard without question, states its a “big man’s game.” Who am I to go against a hall of fame coach. Magic in 5.
#4 Atlanta Vs #5 Miami: Dwayne Wade has everything to play for. You know he will be playing at his best. I am guessing he would love to show the fans and critics and MVP voters alike that he is worthy for contention. Wade performs best under pressure and with a strong Atlanta Hawks team, you can bet the pressure will be there. Josh Smith for the Hawks is a beast, Joe Johnson is a shooter along with Mike Bibby. With the Hawks giving the Celtics a scare last year in the first round, you can bet they are looking to advance this year. Hawks in 6.
Who ya got? Let me know, leave a comment.
