40 Games..40 Nights Round 2

The first round of the NBA Playoffs are in the books and there was not too many surprises, other than the young Chicago Bulls giving the world champs all they could handle. I went perfect in the 1st round (check earlier post predictions) and I think I have the 2nd round figured out as well. Check out my pics and let me know if you see things differently.

Cleveland -VS- Atlanta

This will either be a competitive homestand for each team or a blowout sweep by the Cavs. The new MVP of the NBA LeBron James, will have his team geared up at home and I don't see the Hawks winning a game in Cleveland. However, the Hawks are in rhythm after beating the Heat and could possibly, possibly catch Cleveland napping in Game 1. But, that's not going to happen. Its hard to ignore how well the Hawks play at home, and I do believe they can win 1 if not 2 in Atlanta. Josh Smith has been huge at home (20ppg) and awful on the road (11.0) so we will see how he adapts to this series. Joe Johnson will be the key to getting the Hawks going out of the gate, and if he gets hot from the 3 point line this could be an interesting series.

Prediction: 4-2 Cavaliers

Boston -VS- Orlando

The NBA's Defensive POY Dwight Howard looks to lead his Magic Men past the champs. Can they do it? Umm, I'm going to say NO! The Magic have a good team, and they have pushed themselves into contention in the East with their record alone. However, the Boston Celtics are on a roll (Ray Allen) and the role players such as Scalabrine and Big Baby are growing up fast. The playoffs are all about match ups and there are two key ones to watch. With Courtney Lee out for the season, JJ Reddick will be the starting 2 guard that will have the task of cooling down Ray Allen. Nuff said. The second match up is Glen "Big Baby" Davis on Rashard Lewis. This could go either way, because Davis has size wight on Lewis, but Rashard likes to step out on the perimeter so Davis will have to adjust his game. Rondo and Skip will be an interesting match up and also Hedo Turkoglu and Paul Pierce is another one to watch. I don't see the Magic beating the Celtics at home, and look for a KG sighting somewhere near the middle of this series..mark my words he will return.

Prediction: 4-3 Celtics

Los Angeles -VS- Houston

Why Ron Why? Why did you say "Brandon Roy is the toughest player I've ever guarded" Hmm Really! Well there is this guy named Kobe Bryant who takes everything to heart, and I'm sure he heard those comments. Not only was that directed at him Ron gave him a challenge by saying "He's the only player to ever score 40 on me." Well guess what, you want it you got it. The Lakers are no longer a 1 man band and should beat the Rockets in 5 games. One big key for the Lakers will be the health of Andrew Bynum whom they will need to help stifle Yao Ming in the paint. Kobe will get his, but how well will reserves Shannon Brown, Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, and Trevor Ariza play? The games will be competitive and sometimes chippy, but it will live up to the hype.

Prediction: 4-1 Lakers

Dallas -VS- Denver

Its time for people to start taking the Nuggets as serious contenders for the title. They play excellent defense and their offense is one of the best in the league. Carmelo Anthony is emerging as a star in the media while leading his team into the semi's of the Western Conference Playoffs. I like the Nuggets (as if you can;t tell) to not only beat the Mavs, but also rival the Lakers in the Conference Finals. J.R Smith is a lights out shooter, meaning he can shoot lights out, or shoot you out. Lol. That will be something Coach George Carl will have to monitor closely, but its a great commodity coming off the bench. Chauncey Billups will be the floor general in this series as everyone seems to relish their role on this team. Denver swept the season series 4-0 and I only have them losing 1 game. Sorry Dallas.

Prediction: 4-1 Nuggets


Peace,
Agent34