1.Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs. Chicago Bulls (8)
So you think this could be one-sided? As with last year, think again. This match rains down with stars that are wanting and hungry for a good fight.
The Cavaliers In: Oh, Cleveland, why do I have to mention you without removing (or bleeping) the name LeBron James? But then, accept it or not, James (and his hunger to prove something) is the key to their playoff victory. With a talented supporting cast composed of Shaq, Antawn Jamison, and Big Z, it would be sure that they will bring everything on.
The Bulls In: Derrick Rose, with a stronger squad, I think that you have to have something for this playoff season. Last year, it was the Celtics, and for this year, it's the Cavaliers. Challenges have indeed piled up for the Bulls, so it's a big question mark for these guys (and for Vinnie del Negro's future as well). However, individual strengths flourish like Rose, Kirk Hinrich (whose shooting has become useful lately), and their big man Joakim Noah. So if they have the time and effort to bring everything together as a package, they might get away with this one.
What Could Be: As much as we want Rose to become the underdog star of the show, LeBron's gang might be stronger than expected. Cavaliers in 4.
2.Boston Celtics (4) vs. Miami Heat (5)
Regular season just turns out to be challenging once unexpected and uncontrolled factors come into play. Let's see how these two teams fare up against each other as they deal with their shortcomings.
The Celtics In: The question of the gas tank running out of fuel would be the challenge that the triad of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett will face. Recently, Boston has lost its power and dominance in the East, and seem to be in the waning years. Can they still hold out for at least one more championship run? Or will they go E and break down?
The Heat In: Dwyane Wade is more than ready for this playoff series. All throughout the season, the Wade's Heat, with the help of big men Michael Beasley and Jermaine O'Neal, have proven themselves as a contender, but breakdowns and badly executed plays brought them down in the rankings. Now placed in the middle of the Conference, they have to show that they can reach the top.
What Could Be: Boston may still have one last wave left, and they could tire out Dwyane Wade and force them home. Celtics in 7.
3.Atlanta Hawks (3) vs. Bucks (6)
Ah, the fountain of youth flowing over and giving us great NBA action. With these two young teams on the way to a seven-game series, expect outstanding athletic plays and intense game-winning shots.
The Hawks In: Atlanta's young guns went on a roll after winning several straight games against top teams, including against L.A. and Orlando (who would forget the Josh Smith last-minute alley oop?). Full of energy and passion, the Hawks are more than prepared to face anyone blocking their path to the Finals, determined to prove that in the course of several years of development, their guys have learned something.
The Bucks In: It's real bad news that their top center Andrew Bogut will not be able to play for the rest of the postseason, and this requires a lot of adjustments. Add to that Michael Redd's lack of presence for most of the season, which really did not help Milwaukee at all save for the development of rookie sensation Brandon Jennings. As usual, fresh skill in the form of BJ has to have some experience backcourt back up through John Salmons and Jerry Stackhouse. Still, this proves that Milwaukee can be an intimidating team
What could be: With an almost all-star line up, the Hawks would get this one, leaving a very tired Brandon Jennings. Hawks in 5.
4.Orlando Magic (2) vs. Charlotte Bobcats (7)
A newcomer and a repeater could make things interesting out in the East. These two teams have set out to prove something, but the question remains: so who goes out victorious?
The Magic in: Just like their Western counterparts the Lakers, Orlando has returned with a few roster modifications. Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, and Rashard Lewis are back again, but help came in for them in Jason Williams and, of course, Vince Carter. With a more hyped up offense (and Dwight Howard), it is positive that they will return to the NBA Finals.
The Bobcats In: Talk about success after six years and an ownership by Michael Jordan. Gerald Wallace and the rest of the 'Cats can now drop the "newcomers" label. After six long years of gearing up and developing their team, the Bobcats have now earned a playoff spot under coach Larry Brown. But then, this is no time for celebration, for they have to bring all of their strength and regular season experience to get past this challenge.
What Could Be: A great improvement this season for the Bobcats, but they would not be able to topple down Dwight Howard and the rest of the hungry Magic. Orlando in 5.
No comments:
Post a Comment