Of course our individual games against the spread picks will be posted daily and may or may not align with my thoughts here….but with that disclaimer out of the way here’s my high level look at the NBA Playoffs as they get started on Saturday.
1st – I’ll say it again. They are too long! Teams can actually play at the same time as another game – the league won’t crumble. I get that the TV deal pays the bills but the NBA Playoffs have become way too made for TV.
In the East it is really starting to look like a one horse race. Which isn’t really a race at all I guess.
Cleveland looks really, really good. LeBron is simply outstanding and nearly unstoppable right now. An improved and confident supporting cast makes this team the team to beat as they have the experience of last season behind them as well. Their one weakness may be lack of depth but if they don’t need the depth they’ll be okay and in the Finals.
The only real threat to Cleveland is Boston but with Garnett hurting and possibly out for the entire playoffs the Celtics have an uphill battle to survive to the Cleveland series and will struggle to handle the confident Cavs. However – remember this and don’t under estimate it – Champions die hard. They will be a tough out even with some issues.
As far as I’m concerned the East discussion ends there.
In the West it might end even sooner.
The Lakers are scary good. They have depth and they have Kobe. Maybe I’m just dreaming about a Kobe vs LeBron finals (like most NBA fans – including the commissioners office and TV stations) but the Lakers are clearly the best team in the Western Conference.
The Lakers toughest opponent will be themselves – despite being the better team than everybody – they do have some unlucky matchup concerns potentially before the finals and could stumble if they aren’t focused. And that’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility for this team. The Spurs maybe get a bit of the champions die hard love but this team is banged up and old.
So it appears a pretty safe bet that we will in fact see the Lakers vs Cavaliers in the Finals. Can’t wait.
April 18th, 2009 -
Nice preview. I’m going to have agree with you because the Cavs & Lakers look too good to make it to the Finals.
I feel the best series to look forward in the first round will be the Blazers/Rockets match up. Portland are well known for their youthful and high octane offense while the Rockets will rely on a more conversative game with seasoned veterans.
Overall the 2009 season is expected to be the most exciting ever in recent years and I can’t wait for it to began. For me personally as an Albiceleste supporter, things are not looking good but we’ll just have to wait and see.
Oh yes! I’ve also published my own version (not really mine but a friend name Dave from the NBA Round Table) and would like you to give us your view as well.
April 18th, 2009 -
Hi,
Not sure that this is true:), but thanks for a post.
Have a nice day