06-07 Playoff Predictions

[Axel]

So about 10 games in we kind of have a picture as to which teams will be contenders and which will not, so I wanted to see where you guys thought each team would place at season's end. Here's my list of teams and I also included some reasoning behind each one...

Eastern Conference

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Cleveland is off to a great start this season, and looks to improve upon last years playoff success. Perhaps the biggest reason they will finish amongst the top is the traditional good health of Lebron. Pending any injuries, the Cavs should win their division, and place #1 in the East.

2. New Jersey Nets - The Nets are in easily the weakest division in the league, and should definetly get a top 3 seed. Because of the health problems of Miami, they'll likely finish above the Heat, and could compete with Cleveland for the #1 seed.

3. Miami Heat - Shaq is injured again. This isn't surprising though, as it has happened nearly every season since his final year with the Lakers. If Shaq get back and command double teams mid season, the Heat should scrape out #1 in their division and good enough for 3rd in the East.

4. Orlando Magic - The Magic are young, athletic, and deep. Arroyo and Nelson are great at the point, and Dooling provides a lot of energy off the bench. Dwight Howard could be the best big man in the East, and Darko will shine as soon as Brian Hill takes Tony Battie off the starting lineup (how the hell is he a starter??)

5. Chicago Bulls - The Bulls are much improved this year, but have a lot of questions still. Will they get any interior scoring? How long will it take to get all the new players acclimated? Depending on how long it takes for Skiles to work in the new players could be the biggest factor in where the Bulls place this year, but early on it appears that could take awhile.

6. Detroit Pistons - This year's biggest question is without a doubt the Pistons. They've had flashes of brilliance, but mostly disappointment. Nobody really knows how good this team is without Big Ben because he was never injured in his with the team. The Pistons appear to be a mediocre at best defensive team in his absence, and a poor rebounding team. If they're going to finish in top 3 of the conference, they're going to have to outscore people, which could be a challenge.

7. Milwaukee Bucks - Michael Redd has been amazing thus far in the season, but the Bucks have came up on the short end of the stick a few times early on. They are a better team than their record shows, and will be a tough team all season.

8. Indiana Pacers - It's the same story every year for the Pacers. Will they stay healthy? Jermaine O'Neal has struggled scoring early on, and really the season is dependant upon his health. It's essentially a given that Tinsley will be injured at some point in the season, making the Pacers a mediocre team in a bad conference.

Just missed the cut:

Washington Wizards, Charlotte Bobcats


Western Conference

1. San Antonio Spurs - The Spurs always play the best in the regular season, but the question is whether or not they can beat a younger, quicker team in the playoffs. If/when they play a healthy Phoenix, Dallas, or Utah team in they playoffs this year, it could be another disappointing season for the Spurs, reminescant of Devin Harris' exploiting them last season.

2. Phoenix Suns - The Suns are off to a shaky start thus far, but inevitably, they will win their division. Amare appears to be back from his injury, and Barbosa has been stellar early on. They've improved their bench, and will not have to rely on a 6 - 7 man rotation this year. Nash is always consistant, and will be a stablizing force for Phoenix. The biggest question for Phoenix is Boris Diaw. Will he be able to coexist with his new teammates? If he can be as productive as last season, the Suns will be a major player this year.

3. Utah Jazz - The Jazz are off to the best start this year, but will it last? One thing is for sure, the Jazz will be in the playoffs this year, as they are in the weakest division in the western conference. A 3rd seed is probably the most realistic for the Jazz. If they can stay healthy, they'll be a difficult team to contend with in the playoffs. Remember last year, they swept the Pistons in the season series, with little offense, and all defense. This year they've improved their offense ten fold, and still have that hard nosed Jerry Sloan mentality. The Jazz are fundamentally sound, and shouldn't collapse midseason.

4. Dallas Mavericks - After a slow start, the Mavs have started to heat up, and look to improve on last seasons success. This season will probably be a repeat of last years, with the Mavs finishing with a better record than their seed, but regardless, they are a solid 4th seed.

5. Los Angeles Clippers - The Clippers have essentially the same roster as last year, but are still a solid team. The fate of the Clippers lies in the hands of Shaun Livingston. If he improves through the season, the Clips will be a tough team all year, if not, they'll simply be a middle tier team in the tough western conference.

6. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets - Chris Paul has been great, and this year he has some help. Peja has provided some offensive punch the Hornets lacked last season, and they drafted very well. They will a solid team all year long.

7. Houston Rockets - The Rockets are the biggest question in the western conference. They have enough talent to be one of the top 4 teams, but injuries are always a problem for T-mac and Yao, and will probably be again this year. If they can be healthy for the playoffs though, they could knock out an unsuspecting top ranked team.

8. Golden State Warriors - This years surprise team, and probably not on most playoff prediction lists. With Don Nelson at the helm, the Warriors will be a much improved team. Under Mike Montgomery, the team lost many close games on some botched play calling in the final minutes, and inevitably gave up once they fell out of the playoff race. They have a great talent in Monta Ellis, who is a MIP candidate already. The Warriors will emulate the Dallas Mavericks of old, putting up a ton of points and not playing a whole lot of defense. They should have a solid regular season, but like the Mavs, fall short in the playoffs.

Just missed the cut:

LA Lakers, Sacramento

[CMJ3]

I think its way too early to predict this, many things could go wrong for any team. You would have a better prediction near the end of January to the start of February to who is looking the most promising.

[theflash02]

No way bro.. It's just a prediction.. It wouldn't hurt.. Mine would be:

For the East:

Cavs
Bulls
Pistons
Pacers
Wizards
Nets
Heat
Bucks
Magic

For the West:

Lakers
Clippers
Mavs
Spurs
Jazz
Hornets
Rockets
Suns

[Flash 3]

No way bro.. It's just a prediction.. It wouldn't hurt.. Mine would be:

For the East:

Cavs
Bulls
Pistons
Pacers
Wizards
Nets
Heat
Bucks
Magic

For the West:

Lakers
Clippers
Mavs
Spurs
Jazz
Hornets
Rockets
Suns

That is the worst list I have seen in my life.

[nets4life]

what have you got against theflash02?

[Martti.]

[East.]

1. Detroit.
2. Chicago.
3. Cleveland.
4. Miami.
5. Indiana.
6. Orlando.
7. Milwaukee.
8. Washington.

[West.]

1. San Antonio.
2. Phoenix.
3. Dallas.
4. Houston.
5. Denver.
6. Utah.
7. New Orleans.
8. LA Lakers.

[Flash 3]

what have you got against theflash02?

Nothing. The list is soo unrealistic its stupid.

[Fitzy]

well there his predictions not yours

[slavezero23]

-[EAST]-
1. New Jersey - one the best starting five in the league, carter getting better and added some exciting rookies coming off from the bench will be enough to put them on the top spot
2. Miami - the core of the team still intact plus their championship experience and of course dwyane wade
3. Detroit - detroit is still a powerhouse team even without big ben -- they still have billups, hamilton, prince, and wallace
4. Chicago - with the addition of ben wallace the team will certainly give them added defensive power
5. Indiana - the addition of harrington will definitely provide them some energy and offensive power and will take off the load on jermaine o'neal
6. Cleveland - the king will again carry this team
7. Washington - gilbert arenas is impressive this season and the addition of deshawn stevenson as their defensive stopper will help them go through the playoffs
8. Milwaukee - michael redd has been amazing this season and with the help of bogut and villanueva they're certainly go to the playoffs

-[WEST]-
1. San Antonio - still a powerhouse team with duncan, ginobili, parker and their defensive pester bowen
2. Phoenix - one of the favorites to enter the nba finals, with amare coming back again and leandro barbosa having a great season
3. Dallas - their finals experience will be a plus and of course dirk nowitzki
4. Utah - with the way they are playing right now especially carlos boozer i think they are on their way back to the playoffs
5. Denver - the addition of jr smith will definitely give them a lift this season and will give carmelo some space on the offensive end
6. La Clippers - still a solid team from last year lead by cassell and brand
7. La Lakers - with bryant having a spectacular season last year nearly upsets the suns and i think kobe will once again carry his team back to the playoffs
8. Houston - with tmac coming back, yao having an impressive season and the addition of battier will help them climb into the playoffs

[Tupik]

East :

1) Detroit.
2) Cleveland.
3) Miami.
4) New Jersey.(But with less wins than Chicago)
5) Chicago.
6) Orlando.
7) Washington.
8) Toronto.

West :

1) San Antonio.
2) Dallas.
3) Phoenix.
4) Houston.
5) Denver.
6) Utah.
7) LA Lakers.
8) LA Clippers.

[Matt]

Cavs
Bulls
Pistons
Pacers
Wizards
Nets
Heat
Bucks
Magic

The list is soo unrealistic its stupid.

i agree, having 9 teams qualify is a bit unrealistic

4) New Jersey.(But with less wins than Chicago)
5) Chicago.

then NJ must be 5 not 4

[Zoom]

The season is still early... but I guess here are mine:

West

1. Jazz - They're on a winning pace but I don't think they will end up coming lower than second... Definitely the best in their division, depends if they can stay at the top of the conference though.

2. Houston - I was going to pick the Spurs but San Antonio has the toughest schedule going away in the second half of the season. I think Houston will win their Divison...

3. LA Clippers - Perhaps this is their year. Undefeated at home so far.. if their away record improves... (Too early to tell once again...)... They can easily take out the Pac Divison

4. San Antonio - I think their schedule will hurt them down the stretch...

5. Dallas - Slow to start off the season but should be dangerous during the playoffs.

6. Lakers - Yeah, I will probably get flamed but this is what I think. The Lakers will be healthy come December... then we will build a decent record with all our home games. Then we will surprise a ton of people during the final stretch of multiple away games.

7. Phoenix Suns - It will take a while before the team is playign with Amare at their best... I say give them another month before they look the same as their old selves...

8. New Orleans - Will make the playoffs only just...

It's all about staying healthy... if you stay healthy, you're staying alive in the West. Simple as that.

Golden State - Just miss the cut

Sacramento - Read above

Memphis - Just had to mention these guys.. sucks for them that Pau is injured

East

1. New Jersey - I like their team... There's not much I can say about them...

2. Orlando - They look scary and what's not to like about their team?

3. Detroit - In a phase of transistion and should start to come through any moment now...

4. Cleveland - I think it's cause I'm a hater... maybe, maybe not... I dont see them winning the Central Divison

5. Chicago - Ben Wallace needs to score... somehow...

6. Miami - The defending champs are in for a tough year

7. Atlanta - Doing surprisingly well at the start but expect this team to make the postseason for the first time in a long time...

8. Washington - Is it me or is Gilbert Arenas dangerous only in every second game this season?

Indiana - I snubbed them last time... I did it again... sorry Indy.

New York and Toronto - I would love these guys to make it but... A) If your fans don't want you in, what's the point? and B) Toronto isn't off to the best start... at least my prediction of starting slowly was correct... wonder if they will finish strong like I said...

Philadelphia - As I've said before... I think AI and the guys will start well but will crumble come All-Star Weekend...

[CMJ3]

I'm not sure who will make the playoffs atm but i got a strong feeling the finals will be between Cleveland and San Antonio. I think Cleveland could probably edge them out aswell but i think the Spurs will win the title one last time for TD.

Possible playoff seeds

West
1- San Antonio - Remain so consistent and have kept that core for a while
2 - Clippers - Better team than last year and will finish quite strong
3 - Suns - I think they will build better chemistry and turn into the 05 Suns.
4 - Dallas - They will be up there again and will probably make the Semi's
5 - Jazz - At the moment they are looking good lets hope they hold up.
6 - Lakers - They look a better team but wont go too far
7- Sacramento - Martin, Bibby and Artest are meshing perfectly
8 - Houston - I think they will drop off near the end and see the firing of JVG hopefully.

Possible 8th Seeds -
Hornets - Don't think they can get over the hump for some reason
Denver - Will most likely tank to get a good draft pick and rebuild hopefully

East
1 - Miami - They will finish the season strongly and make the playoffs
2 - New Jersey - When RJ returns they are dangerous
3 - Cleveland - Will have an awesome season with Lebron winning MVP
4 - Orlando - Should have a better season but a bit unpredictable
5 - Detroit - Won't go anywhere and cause the Dynasty to split again
6 - Chicago - If Wallace brings his A game then Watch Out!
7 - Washington - Placed on the back of Gilbert Arenas they will make the 8
8 - Indiana - If JO is healthy they will do alright

Possible 8th Seeds
Toronto - Full of young players might build chemistry but more for next season
Atlanta - Will probably become inconsistent but still might have a chance

[Axel]

No love for the Warriors? Has anyone else watched them this year? They've been absolutely blowing people out, with Troy Murphy on the bench. Monta Ellis is putting up huge numbers, and Baron Davis has been taking good shots this year. Biedrins has really come on this year too.

Monta Ellis:

17.5 ppg
52% FG

[Cornerthree]

1)Cleveland
2)Miami
3)New Jersey
4)Detroit
5)Chicago
6)Indiana
7)Washington
8)Orlando

1)San Antonio
2)Phoenix
3)Utah
4)Houston
5)Denver
6)L.A. Lakers
7)L.A. Clippers
8)New Orleans

[theflash02]

No love for the Warriors? Has anyone else watched them this year? They've been absolutely blowing people out, with Troy Murphy on the bench. Monta Ellis is putting up huge numbers, and Baron Davis has been taking good shots this year. Biedrins has really come on this year too.

Monta Ellis:

17.5 ppg
52% FG

i agree..but i think the warriors still need the certain spark..but i think they won't get to the playoffs..sad coz i would really like BD to be seen in the playoffs..

By the way..has BD ever been to the playoffs before?

[Oznogrd]

theflash, yes BD has been to the playoffs before back with the hornets. He alone shooting 3's got them i believe to the second round where they lost to d-wade's heat in d-wade's first year.
Axel-i have no faith in the warriors because of last year. The first 2 months of the season or so they were the best team in the league and then crumbled heavily. I see they changed head coaches, but i'm not sure if it was a coaching error. Hopefully they do well because i'm a Davis fan from his hornets days. I just dont see them keeping it up

[Axel]

Illini,

I felt the same way about the Warriors till they got Don Nelson as a head coach. Honestly, I thought Mike Montgomery was the worst coach in the league last season. They lost a ton of close games, and came out of time outs in the last minute only to get a 24 second violation or sit on the ball and heave up a crappy 3pt shot at the last second. I think Don Nelson has the credentials and the experience to get this team to the playoffs... they certainly have the talent to.

[Zoom]

Monta Ellis is quickly proving to management perhaps J Rich isn't going to be the face of the franchise...

But I think the West is too deep for the Warriors to make it... they may slip through under the radar though.

[theflash02]

you guys are right..the warriors last season started really strong and burned after a few runs or so..i think it should've been a coaching mistake..i wish it was..i'm a big baron davis fan myself when he was still in the hornets..but i couldn't see his games back then coz i was still in high school and i haven't applied for nbatv yet that time...all i could see was the highlights..

i agree with Zoom..the west is too deep..

[Oznogrd]

Flash man, highlights is all you need. You should've known BD played on the hornets and lost to the heat in the playoffs even if you didnt watch the actual games...hell i only watched like 3 minutes of that series. Not having it on tv isnt really an excuse. Boxscores/newspapers/online resources were still around then.

[theflash02]

well..illini..in our country they don't show much NBATV..Its just these days that NBA is shown here in our country..I don't read the newspaper that's why i never knew the Hornets even made the playoffs..I just saw the recent BD that's where i began to love him..

[emi_b7]

Mine is:
East
1-Cleveland
2-Miami
3-New Jersey
4-Chicago
5-Detroit
6-Washington
7-Orlando
8-Indiana

West
1-San Antonio
2-LA Clippers
3-Denver
4-Dallas
5-Phoenix
6-New Orleans
7-Utah
8-Houston

[Indy]

theflash, yes BD has been to the playoffs before back with the hornets. He alone shooting 3's got them i believe to the second round where they lost to d-wade's heat in d-wade's first year.
Axel-i have no faith in the warriors because of last year. The first 2 months of the season or so they were the best team in the league and then crumbled heavily. I see they changed head coaches, but i'm not sure if it was a coaching error. Hopefully they do well because i'm a Davis fan from his hornets days. I just dont see them keeping it up

Get you're facts straight illini!! In D-Wades rookie year the team that knocked them out in the second round was the Pacers.

[Oznogrd]

yeah indy, the pacers knocked out d-wades heat, i was talking about who knocked out the Baron Davis led hornets, but my mistake, the Hornets went down in the first round...i'll research next time. my bad. thanks for making me go look it up