Kobe vs. Lebron?
 

2010 NBA Playoffs Preview

With the 2010 NBA Playoffs right around the corner, here’s some predictions on which team spills champagne in June, and the 15 other squads taking early vacations. Even though playoff spots are still up for grabs, some educated guesses (NBA League Pass) can be made to determine which clubs season stops at 82 games.
 
For all the “I’d die for my team” Cavs and Lakers fans thinking this prediction will end with Kobe vs Lebron jackin’ shots for jewelry (plus back to back puppet commercials), you might want to click that button shaped like a house and go home. True, Lebron is a cyborg and Kobe is not human, but without Tim Donaghy blowing premeditated whistles and David Stern hopefully not chasing chee$e the NBA is “Where upsets happen.”
 

 
Tim “Ghost Foul” Donaghy
 
 
 
 
Ok let’s head to the East…
 

Cleveland Cavaliers

 
Lebron’s Bang-A-Thon
 
The Cleveland Cavaliers hold the best record in the NBA (47-14), are the 1st seed in the East, and have superstar but soon to be free agent Lebron James running the show. Some sports analysts believe the Cavs found the missing puzzle pieces to get King James a ring. The problem is future hall of famer Shaquille O’neal went down with a surgery needing hand injury against the Celtics and is out 2 months.
 

 
Cleveland traded away there other big guy Zydrunas Ilgauskas (who more than likely will re-sign to the Cavs March 22nd) for Antwan Jamison. Twan adds some offense when his offense shows up, but doesn’t seem to fit well in the Cavs system so far. Also, with the current rotation Anderson Varejao is losing minutes since the trade. Varejao’s energy, hustle, and defense is a big part to the Cavaliers success.
 

 
Antwan Jamison going for 12 in his Cavs debut… 0 for 12

 
Cleveland has the best record, but struggled mightily (3 losses) against Stephen Jackson and the Bobcats, who they may face in the 1st round. If Shaq returns mid-series in the playoffs will it be too late? Can Big Z help L.J. stop Boston’s Big 3?

Boston Celtics

Rajon Rondo
Boston might be having its worst season since the Big 3 was built. They lost to the New Jersey Nets. Some say the Celtics are aging, they aren’t the same team that won a championship, and Ray Allen lost his Jesus ShuttlesWORTH.
 

 
In reality, Boston is still the team in the East to beat. With 37 wins and 21 losses they may not dominate the standings but can dominate the playoffs. Throughout the regular season Boston has taken a few falls here and there, injuries included, but they aint fell off.
 

 
Rajon Rondo has really stepped his game up this year, and Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce should both be healthy come playoff time. The Celtics are a veteran team and know how to win. Also, new addition Nate Robinson adds instant offense off the bench, making Boston a tough team to beat.

Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks are doing way better than many expected (38-21). They’ve been a thorn in the side of Celtics pride the whole season. A key to the wins ATL has piled up is the excellent play of Jamal Crawford. Coming of the bench averaging 17.3 points he is a frontrunner for 6th man of the year. With Mike Bibby, Joe Johnson, Al Horford, and Josh Smith in your starting 5, it shouldn’t be a surprise they’re doing well. Expect the Hawks to continue they’re tough play in the playoffs.

Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard dominates the paint snagging boards and throwing block parties. The Magic’s problem is putting up points on the other end. Shipping Hedo Turkgolu after a trip to the 2009 Finals may not have been the best move. Rashard Lewis and Janeer Nelson can get baskets but neither are players that can take over a game when needed. Vince Carter is an all star player one game and below average the next. Orlando is still a good team but not quite as good as last year.

 
let’s catch a flight out West…
 

Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe game winner #789398348
 
With a regular season record of 46 wins and only 15 losses, the Los Angeles Lakers are a very close 2nd for the leagues best record. When the playoffs end the defending NBA champions want to be 2nd to none. Phil Jackson with the stone face, The “Black Mamba” slithering the baseline, Andrew Bynum in the paint, and Pau Gasol right outside the key. The Lakers were made to win titles. Not title. TITLES. But, with heavy competition in the West can they repeat?
 

 
No team has won more than one ring in a row since the 2001-02 season, and it was… the Lakers. With the best closer in the game in Kobe Bryant, L.A. is the hardest team to beat in 7 games (but not unbeatable).
 

Phoenix Suns

Steve Nash at Chuck E Cheese
 
After missing the playoffs last year, the Phoenix Suns re-emerged this season on fire again. Leading the league in points per game and 3 point percentage, it isn’t a question if the Suns can score. Phoenix who has been criticized in the past for not playing defense is now playing D. With 2 time M.V.P. Steve Nash quarterbacking and Amare Stoudemire staying put after the trade deadline, the Suns are a dangerous team.
 

 
Nash is hands down the purest shooter and playmaker in the league. Grant Hill adds skill and veteran leadership to the team, while Channing Frye and Jared Dudley are 3 point hitmen. Amare Stoudemire is just a beast.
 

 
Former 6th man of the year Leandro Barbosa should be returning in time for the playoffs to add to the Suns offensive arsenal. When the playoffs begin, look for the Suns to rise.
 

Denver Nuggets

 
The Denver Nuggets are another team that can assasinate the scoreboard. Their floor leader Chauncey Billups is a sharpshooter, while Carmelo Anthony is a born scorer. J.R. Smith is inconsistent at times but can still erupt on any given night. Chris “Birdman” Andersen is the energy and hustle for the team night in night out.
 
While Denver’s head coach George Karl battles cancer, the Nuggets are preparing to battle for a ring. They’re an excellent defensive team but seem to struggle offensively when Melo and “Big Shot” Billups are off the court. They need players like Kenyon Martin, and Ty Lawson to step up their offense when the playoffs start.
 

Dallas Mavericks

 
The Dallas Mavericks are the NBA’s hottest team right now. Since adding Caron Butler to their roster after dealing away Josh Howard the Mavs are 8-1. With the best shooting big men in Dirk Nowitzki and a hall of fame bound Jason Kidd running point Dallas has a lot to look forward to. Jason Terry and 5’8 6’0 J.J. Barea add high energy offense right off the bench and make Mark Cuban’s Mavericks a difficult to defeat.

 

2010 NBA Playoff Predictions

 

 

2010 NBA Champions: Phoenix Suns
 
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