Only Acceptable Heat Rant

I don't like the Miami Heat whatsoever. If you read my work on the NBA, you know that. But this is epic. Dan LeBatard did something along these lines for the New York Jets, but this is even better. He just comes at with line after line.  One word to say to you on this Friday... BAM!

-Charlie.

Robert "Tractor" Traylor Found Dead

Backboards around the world took a collective sigh of relief today when Robert "Tractor" Traylor was found dead in his Puerto Rican apartment.  The former Michigan grad and Milwaukee Buck was playing professionally for the Bayamon Vaqueros in Puerto Rico.  Team officials say that Traylor most likely died of a heart attack (he suffered from heart problems most of his career, even having heart surgery in 2005)

The Tractor was acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks in an infamous 1998 draft day trade with the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Dirk Nowitzki.  Traylor, known more for his waist line than basketball skill, struggled with his size and conditioning throughout his short NBA career and never developed into the player some thought he could be.

In his 7 year career Tractor played for four teams (Milwaukee, Cleveland, Charlotte, and New Orleans).  He averaged 4.8 points and 3.7 rebounds.

What If Dirk Played For The Milwaukee Bucks?

Jason McIntyre who is a fantastic writer for The Big Lead posted a question on Twitter yesterday afternoon about if people remembered that Dirk Nowitzki got traded on draft day. As a Milwaukee Bucks fan, I sure as hell do, the Bucks traded Nowitzki away for Robert 'Tractor' Traylor, that's like dealing Kate Upton for Kristie Alley. My buddy Bails pointed out that the Mavs were the only team who went overseas to scout Dirk so this trade was pretty much inevitable, but here is my question… why the hell didn't the Bucks scout Dirk? If you think about Dirk is perfect for Milwaukee. He is German and Milwaukee is a German-based city. The man would have had a beer named after him by the third year plus so many more endorsements from the Brew City.




Whenever we talk about these what-if situations, people always wonder if a player would be the same if he played elsewhere. My answer would be yes for Nowitzki because I truly believe he is a top 20 player of all time right now, and will climb up that ladder if the Mavs win the NBA Finals. I think a majority of the NBA teams could have drafted Dirk, and he would have been a great player. I believe 1998 was the last year that the Bucks picked in the lottery for a long time because Ray Allen hit his stride, Sam Cassell was brought in, and Glenn 'Big Dog' Robinson had already been in his prime at the time of drafting him. Nowitzki would not have any pressure in Milwaukee, and been allowed to grow in the first couple years. Let's also remember the Bucks missed out on Paul Pierce who was drafted a spot below Dirk, got to love the Bucks in the NBA Draft! 


If the Bucks kept Dirk, they would have easily been in the NBA Finals. The 2001 team that should have been in the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first place if it wasn't for David Stern playing the role of Vince McMahon guaranteeing the Philadelphia 76ers and Allen Iverson would be playing the Lake Show. It was a screw job, and everyone who watches basketball knows that. Sorry my rant is over about that, but Dirk would have played the four with a monster lineup that would have been the best team in the Eastern Conference. 


That team would have had Cassell-Allen-Big Dog-Nowitzki-Tragic Johnson with Tim Thomas coming off the bench as a vital sixth man. The other question I have, would Ray-Ray have played in Milwaukee for another 10 years? The naïve side of me that has purple jersey hanging in my childhood bedroom would like to think that could have been a possibility. To me, Dirk would have been the first basketball superstar the city of Milwaukee has seen in over 30 years. They had some great players in the 80s and in the 90s but no one at the level of Dirk. I do hope that Brandon Jennings or Andrew Bogut becomes that guy for a franchise that seems to be stuck in neutral.


The other side of this would be what if Dallas never got Dirk? I still think they find their superstar somewhere down the road because with Mark Cuban's money, they really were able to afford anyone. They might have kept Steve Nash and paired him up with another player. It's fun to play these sorts of games and wonder what if sometimes. Because these dreams will never be realities, rather just a wish that something better would have happened for your team. 

 
-Charlie.

Closing Time: Andrei Kirilenko Channels His Inner-Birdman

(Props to Ball Dont Lie) Seriously, this might be the scariest thing I have seen since the Betty White Sex Tape (kidding, thank God). Like what the hell is that? Gotta love Russians though, just pour AK47 some vodka and give him this tat in full. I bet he didn't even move a muscle for this enormous tattoo. Another thought... he has to have mirrors on his ceiling because that's the only way, this makes sense. He can watch his tattoo give his 'I don't care if you sleep with other women' smokebomb wife the business. Obviously, I await the Chris 'Birdman' Anderson counter. Your move Mr. Birdman.

-Charlie.

Tell Tale Signs From Triple Overtime

Last night I thought it would be just a normal sports night with nothing going on and allow for my hiatus to continue from writing some lengthy posts.  Oh, how wrong I was as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Memphis Grizzlies in three overtimes last night 133-123. It was one of those games where there ended up being so many interesting story lines that came out of this game, and could define the rest of the NBA Playoffs.



The first thing the Tuesday Morning Point Guards have jumped on has been the lack of coaching that went on in this game, which made for a sloppy overtime period.  Now, I agree there were some horrific moments in this game, but when two teams play 63 minutes, it is obvious there are going to be a lot of flaws for us to nitpick.  Additionally, Lionel Hollins versus Scott Brooks is not like Phil Jackson versus Chuck Daly. Hollins made an obvious error by putting O.J. Mayo out there to foul when he had five, and don't even get me started with Mr. Brooks.

I tweeted yesterday that Brooks is the Ned Yost of the NBA.  The guy is absolutely clueless. There is no offense, and he has no idea how to manage his big guys. I understand Serge Ibaka's ankle is weak and had five fouls, but why did Ibaka only get in the game after Kendrick Perkins fouled out in the third OT?  It makes zero sense to me.  At least rotate him for defensive help, but BrooksYost babied his ankle way too much.  The other problem with Brooks' style is he forgot to tell Russell Westbrook to pass the ball.

Westbrook had 40 points, but it was a forced effort. He did not let the points come to him, instead Westbrook decided that he would have the ball at all times attempting to score each time down. He ignored the fact that he had Kevin Durant on his team who by the way, only shot 20 times compared to Westbrook's insanely high 33. Not to mention, Westbrook played six minutes less than KD making that number even more ridiculous.

The only fair defense of what happened last night would be Durant facing guys like Shane Battier and Tony Allen, two guys who are lock down defenders. Even so, I think KD can make things happen against those individuals. Durant not touching the ball for nine minutes is inexcusable. Westbrook's style of play reminded me of Allen Iverson or Stephon Marbury.  It was finally clear last night that Westbrook wants no part of being the second banana of this team.

I would like to see Westbrook dish it off to James Harden or Durant, and start to move around the court to create a better shot.  Westbrook has this theory about himself that he can do similar things to Derrick Rose, which he sure as hell cannot.  Oklahoma City isn't going to win a ton of games with Westbrook throwing up garbage at the rim. The worst thing about this all is that Brooks cannot handle these personalities so if this napalms on the Thunder, they will be split up like the Minnesota Timberwolves did back in the day when Marbury didn't realize his role of number 2.

-Charlie.

NBA Hypocrisy

Someone please tell me the difference between these two plays...

vs.

Wade gets a technical and succeeds in getting Pierce ejected.  Odom gets handed a flagrant 2, gets tossed, and probably will be suspended for the first game or two of next season.  Both players clearly put a shoulder into the chest of a guy setting a screen.  The only difference is that the Lakers were clearly out of that game.  The NBA continues to be plagued by terrible officiating. 

Are the NBA Playoffs Still Happening?

The NBA playoffs need a major face lift.  I remember two weeks ago when the entire sporting community was pumped up for the amazing ride ahead.  Fast forward to the present and the first round dragged on so long that the playoffs have seemed to take a backseat to the NFL draft/labor dispute and (I hate to say it) the NHL.  Commissioner Stern needs to give his playoffs a shot of 5 hour energy.  Before I lay out what I think needs to change about the NBA playoffs I'll be very clear; none of these changes will ever be implemented for the simple fact that they would most likely reduce television revenues.

In my opinion there are two big changes the NBA needs to adopt to keep the league in the forefront of the sporting community's collective minds.

1) Bring the first round back to 5 games.

Moving back to best of 5 series in the first round will keep the playoffs from becoming stagnant.  In the first round this year none of the outcomes would have been different if the series were played in just 5 games.  What is the value in playing a best of 7 series outside of increased TV revenue? 

When the playoffs first started no one was talking about Miami vs Philly or the Lakers vs the Hornets.  Outside of Boston - NY the entire basketball community was already looking forward to the potential drama filled conference semi finals.  Why drag out the first round and risk losing the excitement of your fan base?

2) Cut out the off days

The biggest issue I have the with NBA playoffs is that they take soooo damn long.  Basketball was in the air two weeks ago and the league fails to capitalize on that excitement.  These teams play back to back games consistently throughout the season, why can't they do that in the playoffs?  The NBA needs to move back to the time where the only off days were travel days.  There's no reason that these teams need a day off between every single game in the playoffs. 

I want to see the NBA regain its glory and popularity.  These changes need to be made to keep fans excited and into the playoffs.

NBA Semifinals Predictions

The NBA Playoffs have been terrific so far.  Every series had one or two nail biters, we have a Cinderella team, and a couple great series to look forward to in the upcoming weeks. I myself misfired on the Portland-Dallas series, Orlando-Atlanta series, and of course, Memphis-San Antonio. I thought the Grizzles would give them a series, but I didn't expect them to win the series.  

Eastern Conference  

1.) Chicago versus 5.) Atlanta- I am personally surprised to see the Hawks playing in the second round, and hopefully, they will give a better effort this season compared to past years.  Not having Kirk Heinrich will definitely hurt them because the guy has been a catalyst on offense, but he is just another body to guard Derrick Rose on defense. I think the Hawks' big men could make a difference, but Rose will once again be too good to stop on a nightly basis.  Chicago in six. 

2.) Miami versus 3.) Boston- Some please explain to me how Boston can look completely dead in the last two months of the NBA season, and now look like an entirely different team?  I feel like Ashton Kutcher should come out of hiding and tell me I have been Punk'd.  So many interesting story lines in this series, whether it's LeBron vs. Boston, Chris Bosh v. Kevin Garnett, old crown vs. new royalty. Remember how Michael Jordan took down Detroit finally after two unsuccessful tries?  That's what LeBron needs to do with Boston to take that next step, or this season is a complete failure plus we have to reevaluate LeBron's ceiling in the NBA. I expect a knock down drag out fight in each game with LeBron finally coming up big in a clutch moment.  Miami in seven 

Western Conference 

4.) Oklahoma City versus 8.) Memphis - The Grizzlies and Thunder find themselves in a new position, the second round. Zach Randolph will have to find ways to score against the twin towers of Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka.  I think this has to be Russell Westbrook series for the Thunder to win. In my opinion, Kevin Durant will not have much success against Tony Allen who is a top notch defender, and Westbrook will be forced to put this team on his back for at least a couple games.  This will be a very competitive, exciting series.  Oklahoma City in six 

2.) Los Angeles versus 3.) Dallas- The Lakers seemed to find their swagger in games five and six  against New Orleans, and Dallas did the same thing against Portland. It's unreal we haven't seen a Kobe Bryant vs. Dirk Nowitzki series, and I can guarantee we will have one game where both of the guys will just go absolutely bananas trading buckets with each other.  I will also tell you Pau Gasol is going to have a hell of a time with Tyson Chandler, same goes for Andrew Bynum.  Shawn Marion will need to find his old defensive self because the Mavs might be some trouble with who is guarding Kobe.  Even though Boston-Miami has a chance to be great, I think this will be the best series of them all. Los Angeles in seven. 

First game starts at noon tomorrow, should be special.

-Charlie.

NBA Bracket Challenge Update

NBA Bracket Challenge	Quarterfinals	Semifinals	Conference Finals	NBA Finals	Total Points
Easy E	32				32
Mike Sant	32				32
Mitzy	27				27
Charlie	26				26
Bertus Rocky	26				26
Jordan T	25				25
Patrick	25				25

Well folks here is an update on the NBA Bracket Challenge, if you forgot the rules here they are.  If someone feels I messed up the math, let me know. I will be making my predictions for the semifinals, which will be very good

-Charlie.

DOY: Kobe Bryant

I missed this dunk watching hockey last night. The Black Mamba just destroyed Emeka Okafor, I mean destroyed him. Kobe hasn't done this to a player in a long time.  Also the secret to last night's victory was Kobe not shooting as much, but shhh don't tell anybody.

-Charlie.

DOY: Darrell Arthur

A lot of things to like about this video:  1.) The great block by Darrell Arthur  2.) The hustle by Arthur allowing him to bang on Tiago Splitter  3.) Whoomp There It Is still being played in an NBA arena.  I am not ready to say this is the end of the San Antonio Spurs, but we are getting pretty damn close.

-Charlie.

Brandon Roy Responds

Wow. It's been a while. As you can see, the noose of the spring semester is tightening for most of us, including yours truly, but I'll take some time to talk about what happened last night in Portland.

After the Portland TrailBlazers dropped Game 3 to the Dallas Mavericks in Oregon, the frustration of star guard Brandon Roy was obvious and almost boiling over. The three-time all-star and former rookie of the year, played just eight minutes Wednesday night and was beginning to question where he fit in with Nate McMillan's squad.


What a difference Game 4 made for Mr. Roy.



The Blazers were down by as much as 23 points in the third quarter after missing their first 15 shots of the second half, and the game seemed all but over. Then, as fate would have it, Roy got going. After having just six points on 1-3 shooting in the first three quarters, he shot 8-10 in the fourth, racking up 18 points in the process. The Blazers as a team shot 75 percent from the field in the fourth, completing one of the greatest playoff comebacks of all-time. The 18 point deficit to start the fourth is good enough to be tied for second on the all-time playoff comeback list.

Roy put da team on his back.

The Mavericks have a pretty strong history of playoff nightmares, and this will haunt Dirk and the boys at the very least until Monday when Game 5 takes place in Dallas. ESPN's Chris Mullin said it best, they need to get a win to get this loss behind them. Unfortunately for the Mavs, the Blazers now have a guy that can close at the end of these of games in Brandon Roy.

You have to feel great for Roy. He's been hampered by possible career-ending knee problems for the last year after being rushed back for the playoffs last year after that emergency arthroscopic knee surgery. Roy did not play well in the 2010 post-season and that carried into this season. Roy missed some significant time this year and that was the reason why many questioned if such a bright star had burned out far too early.

Hopefully after last night, a guy with as much talent as Roy will start to get back on track. It'd be a shame to have a guy that is so unassuming and humble go to waste.

-Mitsy

Observations From An Average NBA Fan

Since we are moving to the lower seed locations, I thought I would give a bunch of quick hitters with some links about the different series. I have watched bits and pieces of every series therefore I am as much of an NBA expert as Lindsey Lohan is an expert with sobriety.

Dallas-Portland 

-I wanted to start with this series because it has made me feel like an idiot. I jumped on the bandwagon with everybody else about how the Trail Blazers would beat the Mavericks for a variety of reasons (Dirk postseason struggles, younger role players, Greg Oden's penis (still funny, no?) But it's clear to me this upset will not happen. Reasons...

1.) Brandon Roy is destroying team chemistry- All sorts of reports are out about Roy being unhappy and when chemistry is off, it takes a special team to win just one series. Also it takes a special coach to do manage an unhappy team, Nate McMillan isn't cutting it. 

2.) Jason Kidd is obviously drinking from the fountain of youth right now. He is playing like did in New Jersey in the first two games, best I have seen him in years. Random question but why does Jason Kidd's child never get shown anymore? Another one, does the kid still have a giant f-----' head?  

3.) If Dirk collapses another 2-0 lead, things need to be discussed about his career, but I doubt the German will allow to happen, I will be shocked if it goes more than five.  

Boston-New York 

-A very exciting series so far where the Knicks failed to close in game one worst than I do on a regular Friday night in Eau Claire and Melo became a pseudo-Cleveland LeBron in Game 2. 

-So far, it's good to see Boston mailed in the last two months of the NBA season. Totally night and day team, I can see why my dad hates the NBA. This reason alone would drive me away.    

-Carmelo Anthony had one of the worst performances by a superstar in recent memory for Game 1, and followed it up with one of the grittiest performances playing with scrubs like Bill Walker, Toney Douglas, and Jared Jeffries.

-Of course, I have to travel when Game 3 gets underway on Friday.  It will be an absolute mad house in Madison Square Garden, and I doubt the Celtics win this game.   

New Orleans-Los Angeles 

-Chris Paul reminded everyone including me that if his Brandon Roys excuse me his knees are feeling okay, he is the best point guard in the league. CP3 looked differently in round 2 with the multiple defenders on him, curious to see how he responds in the following game. 

-Pau Gasol isn't really helping the whole argument that 'Europeans turn to jelly when the postseason roles around'.  WE NEED MORE BLACK SWAN PAU!   

-In case you are wondering, I am still recovering from Aaron Gray's 12 point performance in Game 1. I still don't know how that's possible in the NBA.   

-Interesting article here about Lamar Odom if his reality show influences his pro career. I will say this when I may have channel flipped to the Kardashian Network also known as E!, Lamar does seem soft on these shows.  Also you know these players give him shit for that, no doubt about it.  

Indiana-Chicago 

-Derrick Rose is so far proving why he is the NBA MVP.  Rose has done some magical things on the basketball court in the first two games, and disappointed Game 3 is on NBATV instead of TNT because Rose is a primetime event whenever he is on television.  

-Tyler Hansbrough being meaningful in the NBA Playoffs means Tim Tebow will be starting an NFL Playoff game in the near future. Don't know why I feel that is a comparison, but eff it, my blog, my thoughts,  might have forgot to gargle mouthwash  

-You all know nobody puts baby in the corner, you also should know nobody leaves an open white guy (Kyle Korver) in the corner.  

Memphis-San Antonio

-I wish they showed more Grizzlies games on TV because they are likable team with guys like Zach Randolph, Mike Conley, and the Great Khali on their team. Definitely got a good vibe from the Grizz. 

-It's clear that this Manu's team, not Tim Duncan's. The Spurs would be up 2-0 heading to Memphis if Manu plays in game one. 

-Please for the love of Ari Gold stop calling Matt Bonner 'the Red Rocket'. I don't think he would like to share a nickname with a slang term for a dog's penis.   

Oklahoma City-Denver 

-Surprised to see my supposed favorite series down this low?  I am too. It's like going to a party expecting a ton of hot girls and just seeing dudes hanging around, talking about all the bangable girls who might come over but never do. Don't get me wrong, Game 1 was very fun and exciting to watch plus the Nugs got screwed so that's always good fodder, but last night's game did nothing for me.  

-This is probably the coolest article you will read all week.  Big ups to Kendrick Perkins respecting the bloggers out there. Does this also mean there is hope to be drinking buddies with Tony Plush this summer in Milwaukee?   

Philadelphia-Miami 

-The Heatles looked back on track after a horrible first quarter in Game 1.  Ever since then, the Heat have imposed their will on the young Sixers. 

-My one dream is Mike Bibby will miss 10 consecutive threes so resident Heat fan Brett will throw the remote through our large TV. It's dream that we all can hope for!  

-I don't think the Villain has been crossed this bad since Mr. Rainmaker did it in countless times in Ohio State practices.  

Atlanta-Orlando 

-...............................................uh.......   

-Shit. Sorry that's me flat lining as I could care less about these two teams

Hopefully, the next two games provide me with enough material to keep attempting witty jokes.  Also big thanks to Quickish for some of the articles I linked, it's cool site worth keeping in your favorites.  

-Charlie. 

College Basketball At Its Finest

I enjoy good basketball, whether it's at the pro or college level.  Recently, the college basketball experience has felt watered down because of the consistent one and dones by the best players.  People always create what if's scenarios with guys like Kevin Love, Kevin Durant, Greg Oden, John Wall, Derrick Rose, just to name a few.  With the impending NBA lockout, those 'what if' dreams are becoming a reality.



Jared Sullinger of Ohio State said the day of his Sweet 16 defeat to Kentucky that he would be back, which is horrible news for the Big 10.  Despite being suspended for the first five games, Perry Jones, a projected top five pick decided to come back to Baylor. Jones is a classic example of guy who needed to come back, so I am excited to see him progress next year.  Harrison Barnes from North Carolina is the latest player to stay another year of college. Barnes is joined by his mates John Henson and Tyler Zeller likely translating to the preseason number one spot. The chance for college basketball to see one of its best years in a long time is very good.  There will be so many good teams already without even putting any of the talented freshman in the discussion.

This is a positive sign for college basketball even if all three of these heavy hitters wouldn't be back if an NBA lockout wasn't on the horizon. Although I still believe the NBA should do something similar to Major League Baseball where they allow kids from high school to enter the draft, but if they do not hire an agent, they can go to college. The best example of this is the Brewers drafted Nomar Garciaparra and Jason Giambi, both out of high school, but they decided to go to college. Additionally once a player is locked in to college, they should have to stay two years. I can only hope that people will reconsider the one and done decision.

On the other side of the token, NBA Draft might be the worst thing on television since Outsourced. The only thing to be excited for is where Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker get drafted, but that's about it. The scary thing for NBA teams is guys like Tristan Thompson of Texas, and the two Kentucky players-Brandon Knight and Terrance Jones have yet to commit to the NBA Draft. We have a diluted draft right now, but it could get a lot worse if these guys decide to stay.  Most college basketball fans can only hope.  

-Charlie.

DOY: Nene Times Three!

Casualties for Nene's dunks last night: Nick Collison, Serge Ibaka, and Kendrick Perkins. It's too bad the Nuggets couldn't get the win last night, but Nene definitely put on a DOY show.  The man is a beast.  

-Charlie.

Charles' Bracket Challenge Entry

I liked Mitzy's format therefore I gave the old copy/paste look to mine....

Eastern Conference                                                                    Western Conference

               

First Round:                                                                                First Round:

Chicago beats Indiana 4-0                                                             San Antonio beats Memphis 4-1

Miami beats Philadelphia 4-1                                                         Lakers beat New Orleans 4-1

Orlando beats Atlanta 4-1                                                             Portland beats Dallas 4-2

Boston over New York 4-3                                                          Oklahoma City beats Denver 4-2

Second Round:                                                                           Second Round:

Chicago beats Orlando 4-1                                                           OKC beats San Antonio 4-2

Miami beats Boston 4-2                                                               Lakers beat Portland 4-2

Conference Finals:                                                                    Conference Finals:

Chicago beats Miami 4-3                                                             OKC beats Lakers 4-3

NBA Finals

Bulls over Thunder 4-1: The true testament to how successful the World Championships were this summer with the two stars playing in the NBA Finals. 

-Charlie.

Mitsy's NBA Bracket

Eastern Conference                                                                    Western Conference

               

First Round:                                                                                First Round:

Chicago beats Indiana 4-1                                                             San Antonio beats Memphis 4-3
Miami beats Philadelphia 4-2                                                         Lakers beat New Orleans 4-0
Atlanta beats Orlando 4-3                                                             Portland beats Dallas 4-2
New York over Boston 4-3                                                          Oklahoma City beats Denver 4-3

Second Round:                                                                           Second Round:
Chicago beats Atlanta 4-2                                                            OKC beats San Antonio 4-2
Miami beats New York 4-3                                                         Lakers beat Portland 4-3

Conference Finals:                                                                    Conference Finals:
Chicago beats Miami 4-2                                                             OKC beats Lakers 4-3

NBA Finals

Hate to say it but Bulls over Thunder 4-2

-Mikko

NBA Playoff Bracket

Round 1

1. Chicago Bulls vs. 8. Indiana Pacers: Bulls 4-0

4. Orlando Magic vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks: Magic 4-2

3. Boston Celtics vs. 6. New York Knicks: Celtics 4-3

2. Miami Heat vs. 7. Philadelphia 76ers: Heat 4-0

1. San Antonio Spurs vs. 8. Memphis Grizzlies: Spurs 4-1

4. OKC Thunder vs. 5. Denver Nuggets: Thunder 4-2

3. Dallas Mavericks vs. 6. Portland Trailblazers: Blazers 4-3

2. Los Angels Lakers vs. 7. New Orleans Hornets: Lakers 4-0

Round 2

1.Chi vs. 4. Orl: Chi 4-2

2. Mia vs 3.Bos: Bos 4-3

1. SA vs 4.Okc: SA 4-3

2. LAL vs Por: LAL 4-2

Conference Finals

1. Chi vs 3. Bos: Chi 4-3

1. SA vs 2. LAL: LAL 4-2

Finals

1.Chi vs. LAL: LAL 4-3

The season ends in tears for me, yet again.

NBA Eastern Conference First Round Predictions

We are on to the Eastern Conference where I think for the first round, it's much more easier to pick and feel most of the series will not be long lasting in my opinion. I actually hope there are no upsets because the second round will be absolutely bananas. If you missed the Western Conference picks, you can check those out here.



1.) Chicago Bulls v. 8.) Indiana Pacers- This brings back memories of the late 90s with the great Bulls-Pacers playoff matchups where they fought down to the wire. Sadly that will not happen this season. No one can guard Derrick Rose on the Pacers, and the Bulls have enough defensive weapons to keep up with Danny Granger and friends. Hopefully fans show up for Game 3, the Pacers are currently last in the NBA in fan attendance, ouch. Ugly series though, don't expect a ton of scoring.  Bulls sweep.

4.) Orlando Magic v. 5.) Atlanta Hawks- The rumblings have begun that the Hawks gave up on another coach, and I hope that's not true for their fanbase. If I am Joe Johnson or Al Hortford, I want to make a statement in the first game after getting embarrassed by the Magic last season. I am throwing a big elbow, or putting someone on their ass to show this year is different. But the crazy thing is I think the Hawks don't care once again therefore the Magic are going to make quick work of the Hawks.  Orlando in five.

3.) Boston Celtics v. 6.) New York Knicks- A very excited series, and I look forward to Game 3 at Madison Square Garden in a couple days because it will probably be the best atmosphere in the first round. Originally, I said the Knicks would beat the Celtics in six games and was ready to stick to my word. But after listening to Bill Simmons' podcast where six, count them six NBA analysts said there is no chance this will happen, I started to get nervous. I hate to go against my word, but it's hard not to trust the C's even with their struggles. I do think this will be a slugfest that goes the distance.  Celts in seven.

2.) Miami Heat v. 7.) Philadelphia 76ers- The Heat played very well in the final month, and I think they might be hitting their stride at the right time. The Sixers played inspired all year under Doug Collins, and I see them winning one game in the city of Brotherly Love due to the good play of Andre Igoudala.  But the Sixers do not have the talent to keep up with both Dwyane Wade and LeBron James on a nightly basis. Heatles in five.  

-Charlie.

NBA Western Conference First Round Predictions

On Saturday, the NBA Playoffs begins. I am pretty excited to say the least. Someone who is not...my dad. He would probably make some snarky comment about the NBA like 'well now they will actually start to play.' I hope he watches in the upcoming months because I feel the playoffs will be very special. The worst thing about having a successful playoffs this year is there will be lockout for the upcoming season. Trust me, I have already ordered Fox Soccer Channel for next year to enjoy a new sport. Let's get it on with the picks.

1.) San Antonio v. 8.) Memphis- I believe the Grizzlies are going to give the Spurs some trouble in this series. Zach Randolph has played like an All-NBA player, and has the ability to wear down Tim Duncan throughout a seven game series. But the matchup between Mike Conley versus Tony Parker because the Frenchman can break him down and embarrass Conley. Also the Manu Ginobili injury could be the biggest unknown storyline if he is out for more than one game. Parker will be the difference maker for the Spurs.  San Antonio in five  

4.) Oklahoma City v. 5.) Denver- For me, this is the most exciting series of the first round.  Oklahoma City with the best young talent in the NBA mixed with the And-1 streetball feel of the Nuggets, consider me sold.  Kevin Durant came on strong in the final three weeks, and Kendrick Perkins added more than anyone of us really understand.  The Nuggets played tremendously after the Carmelo Anthony trade, and they have a new feel to their team. The Nuggs have a ton of difference makers, but do they have the one guy who can put the team on his back? I don't think so.  Close, fun series, the Thunder take in six.  

3.) Dallas v. 6.) Portland- This is the popular upset pick right now.  It is like an NCAA Tournament First Round game where everyone is riding the mid-major completely forgetting about the powerhouse. Dirk Nowitzki has played great all year, but we all know that one player cannot win a series. In my opinion, I would let Dirk go off for 40 a game, and cut off everyone else.  Tyson Chandler has been great for the Mavs, but Marcus Camby is like the older version of him therefore they cancel each other out.  Also  don't be surprised if Dirk's defense gets exposed once again by LaMarcus Aldridge.  Rip City in six.   

2.) Los Angeles Lakers v. 7.) New Orleans- See this what I hate about the NBA. We get these series with very public teams playing opponents that I could give two shits about meaning we have to endure all four or five games they play against each others. I am still wondering how the Hornets found themselves into the playoffs. With David West out, Pau Gasol will have a monster playoff series propelling them to an easy series. I will give the Hornets a pity win because I am nice. Lake Show in five. 

-Charlie.