07 Playoffs

[Matt]

Miami - Chicago is the hardest to predict. It all depends on
1. Wade....how effective can he be on both ends of the floor?
2. no matter how great Wade can perform, Shaq HAS to step out on the P&R
3. Miami needs a 3rd scorer every game

[cheater1034]

Miami - Chicago is the hardest to predict.

Definitely.

I pick miami in 7 games. Chicago needs more of a post presence to beat miami. Chicago is a outside shooting team and have barely any post game and they will not be a team to go far in the playoffs until they establish a post game.

Cleveland vs New Jersey

The two weakest teams left in the playoffs meet head to head. I think New Jersey has much more depth. Cleveland has Lebron. I can see either team winning, but I'll take Cleveland strictly on the home court advantage.

I don't think the cavs are the weakest team left in the playoffs in the east

This is a team better than detroit when they actually try. Cleveland has LeBron, but they also have sasha who can do everything(great year for him, 8-11 last night with 21 points), they have hughes (bad year, but in the playoffs last year he did great - he's not a point guard though), they have Z (if he can do something unlike last year he'll be a force), Gooden (good year for him, if he keeps it up we're good), Varejao off the bench (he was good last year, but this year he is much better defensively and offensively he can put the ball on the floor), Gibson off the bench (Very talented rookie), and they have the guys like Donyell, ira newble, damon jones, and eric snow who will provide some help off the bench.

cleveland swept san antonio this year and they either swept houston or went 1-1 i forget. but cleveland has a lot more than lebron this year, last year all they had was lebron.

[Jackal]

Don't be silly, last year they had the refs too.

[Mayerhendrix]

yessss... new jersey vs. toronto

really could careless who wins.. on one hand, you got my favorite point guard in the league in jason kidd -- then there's canada's team. i still think jersey is gonna pull off the 'upset' though.

Vince Carter's motivated enough to torch his old team, and Jason Kidd is a great defensive player who can shut down Anthony Parker. Without Krstic, it leaves NJ more vulnerable to Bosh's offensive attacks, but we'll still pull off a win in 6

[ratni96a412]

THE WARRIORS ARE BACK!! 13 YEARS OF WAITING ARE OVER; WOOHOO!!

Anyways, I know we'll probably lose to D-Town, but the thought of the matchup is just mouthwatering! It's been soooo long; I don't even care who we face.

Hoping for some great nights starting this weekend!

[Raps13]

I agree 100%, I am looking forward to the playoffs. some great matchups here.

4 vs 5 - miami vs chicago will be a great series.
3 vs 6 - Toronto vs new jersey will be a great series (i personally pick NJ because of their experience and toronto's young lacking experience)
2 vs 7 - cleveland vs washington, i personally dont think washington has a chance.
1 vs 8 - detroit and ??? - detroit will win

The east has a couple good matchups.

The west looks like a lot better 1st round matchups (dallas vs gs will be a good series )

Call me bias, call me a homer i dont care but I don't agree with that. Look at guys like Rasho,Mopete, and Martin. All of them have been to the playoffs and know what it takes to win in them. Also look at our europeans, Garbo (even though he's not playing),Bargs, and Parker have all been through the ringer in Europe. Granted, it's not the NBA but the experience is the same: travelling, best of 7's, etc. An advantage of playing in Europe that these guys have over curren NBA'ers is the travel. These guys could be playing games in 3 or 4 different countries over the same amount of days.

The series will be tough, but you don't win close to 50 games on a fluke. Toronto takes it, 4-2

[Lamrock]

I really wanted Washington to get the sixth seed. Here are my predictions.

Dallas 4-2 Golden State - There is so many reasons why Golden State would be the favorite, but Dallas won 25 more games than them this season. Sure, Golden State swept the season series and have Nellie as their coach, but Dallas is too deep and talented to lost in the first round.

Utah 3-4 Houston - Utah isn't playing great, but I believe they will give the Rockets a run for their money. I'm saying Rockets though since they are better and have HCA.

San Antonio 4-1 Denver - Remember in 2005 when Denver narrowly took Game 1 vs. San Antonio, then SA took the next 4? Well, Denver may have a stronger back-court, and will win a game, but the Spurs have the longest streak of making the playoffs in the NBA,and in the end, they will probably win it all this year.

Phoenix 4-1 Los Angeles - Kobe is explosive, and after last year, this series should be heated. Kobe will lead them to 1 win, but with a healthy Amare, we won't be seeing any upsets.

Detroit 4-1 Orlando - Detroit is the best team in the East, Orlando doesn't even have a winning record. However, Detroit blew a game vs. Milwaukee last year, and Howard is good enough to help force a 5th game, but nothing more.

Miami 4-3 Chicago - This is the second hardest series to pick. Chicago has a better record, and is a great team. However, the Heat are defending champions, and have tons of playoff experience. In the battle of Big Ben v. Shaq, the Diesel will tie the career series at 2.

Toronto 4-3 New Jersey - The toughest match to judge. Though New Jersey has tons of playoff experience, they have nobody to contain Bosh. Still, Carter will be very hard to contain. Toronto has a great roster, and despite inexperience, I think they will win in 7 thanks to Home court Advantage.

Cleveland 4-0 Washington - The only sweep; no Arenas or Butler = no talent. Cavs will destroy them. Case closed.

[Indy]

All these series have an interesting side story to them. Cleveland/Washington, Miami/Chicago, Phoenix/Orlando, San Antonio/Denver and Detroit/Orlando are all either re-matches or have had interesting playoff series between them in the last few years. Remember when Orlando was up 3-1 over Detroit a couple years ago and TMAC said it felt good to finally be in the second round, only for Detroit to win 3 straight?

Utah and Houston had some serious battles during the Malone/Olajuwon years. Dallas has been smacked around by Golden State last year, and of course Vince is going back to Toronto. Should be interesting, even without my boys.

[Anthony15]

Dallas - Golden State

GS is an exciting team, but inexperienced in the playoffs, Dallas will take it in 5.

Utah - Houston

Utah has been struggling lately and I don't like it, even tho they finish higher then Rockets, Houston gets home field advantage, Rockets in 6

SAS - Denver

Aww, as a Nuggets suporter, I'll say Nuggets in 7 But seriously, anything can happen, if AI goes on another level and we can get outside game going, it can be tough game series for Spurs.

Suns - Lakers

Lakers are injured, Kobe can turn it up and make it interesting, but Suns are a good offensive team that will respond, Suns roll in 5

Detroit - Orlando

Dwight and Jameer will pull a win, but thats all Detroit in 5

Miami - Chicago

Miami will squeeze in the second round in 7, very intersting though with Wallace vs Shaq and Hinrich + Gordon vs Wade

Nets vs Raptors

Raptors are doing great, but inexperienced, first playoffs for Bosh and a few other Raps, but they'll make it interesting, im taking Nets in 6 maybe 7

Cleveland - Washington

Without #0, Wizards will win 0, sweep.

[Andrew]

I don't think any playoffs could really be considered boring given it's an elimination tournament with the championship ultimately on the line, though some years have certainly been more predictable than others. I agree there's a nice blend of subplots with all the rematches and a couple of teams finding their way back into the playoffs for the first time in a few years (or thirteen, as the case may be) but last year's playoffs saw a lot of entertaining games and the most overtime periods of any postseason in NBA history. I expect this year will be a lot of fun as well.

Guess it's time to throw out some predictions for the first round.

Pistons over Magic 4-1

I have a feeling the Magic will edge out a close victory at home but that'll be it. I don't think they'll be blown out in all Detroit victories but I can't see them giving the Pistons much of a scare. Good to see Grant Hill back in the playoffs, the fact he's going up against his former team is a nice subplot as well.

Cavaliers over Wizards 4-1

The Wizards still have Jamison and their pride, so I expect they'll take one game on sheer guts and effort. The Cavaliers are just two strong for a depleted Washington team to handle though and they have great momentum heading into the postseason. The Cavs take this matchup for the second year in a row.

Nets over Raptors 4-2

It's hard to pick against Toronto because they've really turned it around this year and they'll have the homecourt advantage. However, I think the Nets' triumvirate of Kidd, Carter and Jefferson will get the job done in six games. Similar to the Pistons/Magic series, Carter vs Toronto is going to be interesting.

Bulls over Heat 4-2

Yes, I'm picking against the defending champions and in favour of my favourite team. It's an unapologetic Homer pick in some respects but the Bulls do have homecourt advantage and a 3-1 series edge on the Heat during the regular season including a blowout victory in the season opener. If the Bulls are on their game then I believe they can do it and I hope they can pull it off. Not exactly a safe pick I know but I'm sticking with it. Go Bulls.

Mavericks over Warriors 4-1

I'm tempted to call this one a sweep but given the way the Warriors have had the Mavericks' number throughout the regular season I think they'll take at least one game from the league's best team. I would never rule anything out but an upset would be very surprising to say the least.

Suns over Lakers 4-2

I don't think the Suns are going to let the Lakers get up 3-1 as they did last year. With Amare healthy and the Suns playing 60 win basketball I don't see them bowing out of the playoffs in the first round. Kobe alone should be able to squeeze out two wins for the Lakers but they just don't have enough weapons to go knock off a team like the Suns just yet.

Spurs over Nuggets 4-2

If the Nuggets keep adding pieces and remain healthy, I like their chances at being a contending team in the future. However, I don't think they're going anywhere this year because the Spurs are already a team capable of making a strong run at a championship and are poised to do so again this year. Melo, AI and co should take a couple of wins from the Spurs though, perhaps evening the series at two games a piece but I like the Spurs in a pivotal game situation more than the Nuggets.

Rockets over Jazz 4-2

A lot of people seem to be down on the Jazz and I too think the Rockets will advance but I expect Sloan's team will challenge Van Gundy's squad and take a couple of games along the way.

[---]

Heres my predictions.

EAST:

(1) Detroit vs (2) Orlando
Detroit wins, 4-2

Playoff experience and just having better players gets Detroit the win here. I do think the Magic can win 2 games, but it will be very close. I just can't see anyone who can guard Dwight Howard and seeing its his first playoff appearance - he wont wanna be heading home any time soon.

(2) Cleveland vs (7) Washington
Cleveland wins, 4-1

LeBron should dominate and Antawn Jamison will have no answer for the Cavs. Washington may pull one out at home or maybe even two if Caron Butler somehow return but I don't see it happening. I give the Cavs one off game resulting in an upset but the Cavs win the rest of the way.

(3) Toronto vs (6) New Jersey
Toronto wins, 4-3

I think Toronto will barely scrape out with a win here in game 7. They should pull it out because, a) Chris Bosh and b) The intense emotion returning tothe playoffs after so long and taking on none other than Vince Carter in the first round. Look for Anthony Parker to be a big X factor in the series. Can Jason Kidd keep up with TJ?

(4) Miami vs (5) Chicago
Miami wins, 4-3

This is all competely dependant on Dwyane Wade. If Wade doesn't come in and played to the level he was at before getting injured, the Bulls move on. The Bulls are a great defensive team and can stamp out pretty much any attack Miami will throw at them. Ben Wallace helps on stopping Shaq. If Wade doesn't return and play well enough, Bulls win 4-3 or 4-2. I give Wade the benefit of the doubt here though.

WEST:

(1) Dallas vs (8) Golden State
Dallas wins, 4-2

Golden State should give them some problems but Dallas will be moving on. Golden State has 0 players capable of guarding Dirk Nowitzki (like most teams). Al Harrington is quick for a big but he is also an undersized big and I expect Dirk to have no problems. Nellie knows this team and the fact that they have given trouble to Dallas before should allow them to win a couple of their home games.

(2) Phoenix vs (7) Los Angeles
Phoenix wins, 4-1

No answer for Amare = no second round. Kobe may put on a spectacular performance to win one game basically on his own but thats all that should happen barring Amare going down. They could win 2 games if they relegate Stoudemire to the bench with foul touble. Kobe will put on a show but it will only last 5 games.

(3) San Antonio vs (6) Denver
San Antonio wins, 4-2

Experience and defence prevails in this. The tandem of AI-Carmelo should be enough to win 2 games especially with AI back in the playoffs and actually having a supporting cast. This one could get interesting quickly though, but if AI-Melo do their thing the rest of the Nuggets need to step up (particularly the bigs) if they wanna go anywhere in this series.

(4) Utah vs (5) Houston
Houston wins, 4-2

Close, but Yao Ming will be the main factor in this series. Yao should be able to dominate anything the Jazz throw at him, and double teams ill only help Tracy McGrady get going. T-Mac should be able to say its good to be in the second round this year, I just think Houston have the better team in this matchup. The PG spot worries me though, but Tracy McGrady's playmaking skills this season have somwhat covered up that hole.

EDIT:

After RealGM's contest on who was the best player to start a franchise with and all the Canadiens stuffing it with Bosh votes, resulting in a win for Bosh, this doesn't suprise me:

[Abctest123]

Man oh man, the media in Toronto will probably blow something completely out of portion for the Raptors-Nets series. If NJ wins, they'll start saying how Bosh is complete garbage compared to Carter, and if Toronto wins, headlines will probably be like "Vince who?" or stuff, and I think Raptors fans will have had enough of the Carter hate after I guess "taking it to him."

For predictions:
Dallas 4-2 Golden State - Dallas will have to work in this series, as Golden State has given Dallas a lot of trouble, but they'll pull it out. There's a reason Dallas has the best record.

Utah 2-4 Houston - I think Utah will play OK, but not their year to go deep yet IMHO. As long as nothing completely random happens to Houston, T-Mac will finally get to play in the second round.

San Antonio 4-1 Denver - SA will run the show for almost the whole series, the only thing Denver will win in this series is one game and number of highlights

Phoenix 4-2 LA Lakers - Lakers win two of the games by shutting down everyone else (well everyone except Amare), forcing Nash to be the scorer or give it to Amare, with the two LA wins being Amare's off nights.

Detroit 4-1 Orlando - Orlando is lucky to even get one win out of this. Though I do like to see how Dwight matches up against a great defender like Rasheed (personally haven't seen the two of them play against each other)

Miami 3-4 Chicago - Like what everyone else has said, toughest to choose, I pick Chicago for no apparent reason, just a crapshoot of a pick, though I have a feeling Antoine Walker will have more than one absolute horrdendous shooting nights (0-8. 1-10 etc.)

Toronto 4-3 New Jersey - NJ is hot going into the playoffs, though the lack of post presence for NJ is what will hurt them. Yes, Raptors will struggle against Carter, but Toronto's depth stepping it up when Bosh isn't getting it done will be key, where as if Toronto's team defense causes Carter to have a bad shooting night, there isn't really anyone other than Jefferson. Though I do think Jason Kidd will teach TJ Ford a lesson in this series.

Cleveland 4-1 Washington - Washington gets one win at home, whether it be Game 3 or 4. Nothing else.

[Matt]

Don't be silly, last year they had the refs too.

BURN!!!!!

I just can't see anyone who can guard Dwight Howard

alleyoops, and put back dunks aside, Rasheed Wallace can handle Dwight. Howard will face 2,3 defenders because the Magic can't shoot. I don't see a 20ppg player that much of a threat to win 2 games.

[Jugs]

I still cant believe the Raptors made the play-offs IN THE TOP FOUR.

Dallas 4-1 Golden State - Only cos Goldent beat them during season that they'll get one win. If it was any other bottom of the seeds team the mavs would pwn.

Utah 3-4 Houston - I'd love for the Jazzdogs to win (okur+boozer = my man love. hey shut up i bandwagon a lot) but Rockets are gonna take this. FUCK ALL MAC FANS.

San Antonio 4-2 Denver - Once again I'd love Melo to win this series but you cant beat the oldies.

Phoenix 4-3 Los Angeles - I foresee a repeat from last year...... but this time they have Amare and Kwame is like the gay.

Detroit 4-0 Orlando - Sweep, but Dwight will score like 40 per.

Miami 2-4 Chicago - Miami please dont repeat.

Toronto 4-2 New Jersey - I'd take Bosh over VC/Kidd/RJ any day.

Cleveland 4-0 Washington - Gilby and Butler are out injured yea?

[Axel]

I'm amazed so many people are picking against the Raptors. Obviously you haven't seen them play.

Much better supporting cast and a deeper team. Toronto has the home court advantage, which for them is a major one. ACC is a tough place to play. New Jersey has never been stellar in the playoffs, reaching the Finals when the East was at its lowest ever. Last year they bombed out in the playoffs when everyone said they would surely upset Miami and the semis. Mediocre this year, with injuries galore. Sorry, but Mikki Moore, can't guard Bosh, and Collins is such an offensive liability as well as too slow to keep up with Bosh.

This pick is like everyone picking the Mavs. Why are the Mavs the favorites for so many people? Experience seems to be a common answer. Experience at what? Choking?

[Andrew]

Last year they bombed out in the playoffs when everyone said they would surely upset Miami and the semis.

I wouldn't say everyone made that prediction; a lot of people picked Heat vs Pistons in the ECF last year.

This pick is like everyone picking the Mavs. Why are the Mavs the favorites for so many people? Experience seems to be a common answer. Experience at what? Choking?

I would assume experience in a playoff atmosphere and deep runs that have yielded several series wins over the past few years, appearances in the Conference Finals, coming within two games of winning it all last season and a roster that includes established players either in the midst of or approaching their prime as well as seasoned veterans who have more than a couple of playoff games under their belt. They had the best regular season record and looked impressive on the way to achieving it. It's hardly a guarantee but if you have to pick one team to win it all then based on those factors the Mavericks aren't a bad choice.

[Matt]

i'd still pick SAS as the favs to win it.....Dallas are too mentally fragile and none of their 3 players (Terry, Dirk, Howard) has ever been accused of being clutch. Losing 4 straight in the NBA Finals is just embarassing.

[diddy]

on East i'd looking at:
Miami - Toronto, hope Mia get the win at 6! (i wanna detroit out early )

on West:
Warriors - Dallas - very interresting (Go Warriors!!!)
and i would love to c at west conf. Houston and Utah! give my man AK-47 - Russian homee - a title! joking - Miami will repeat!!

[Scotty]

Wow looks like everyone is feeling that Miami v Chicago is the closest matchup and will likely go to 7, i picked Miami in 7 on the NBA.com prediction game thingy

[---]

FUCK ALL MAC FANS

For that one comment I am now hoping Houston goes all the way just so I can rub it in.

Toronto 4-2 New Jersey - I'd take Bosh over VC/Kidd/RJ any day

You don't love VC no more?

[Jugs]

All Mac fans are like teh gay.

Vince Carter is still my sex toy but Bosh is mmmmm nice.

[YoG!]

Dallas 4-2 Golden State - I really think that GSW has a good team and good talent. This is going to be an exciting series but still the Mavs will win pretty easily.


Utah 2-4 Houston - I like the rockets and to me they seem like one of the Championship contenders. Utah played amazingly this year but won't make it to the 2nd round.

San Antonio 4-3 Denver - Best first round matchup in my opinion. Denver plays very well lately and SA is just good.

Phoenix 4-2 Los Angeles - It's going to be really onsided allthough I really am a laker fan:(

Detroit 4-0 Orlando - Sweep

Miami 4-3 Chicago - The reigning champs are going trough in the playoffs because of experiance.

Toronto 3-4 New Jersey - Kidd and Carter are going to be one hell of a duo

Cleveland 4-1 Washington - Gilby and Butler are out injured yea?

[---]

All Mac fans are like teh gay.

How can you not like Tracy?



Oh... thats right. 30 PPG 6RPG 6APG on 51.2 FG% and 42 3PT% against Portland this year with a fucked back. Sorry bout that.

[Matt]

How can you not like Tracy?

there's the fact that he played for stats....

[---]

Well, and be a Vince fan at the same time.