NBA Blog

So a couple of big playoff games start this weekend, and I need to give my series predictions.

Suns - Spurs - I see this as being one of the best series of the entire playoffs.  The Suns will try to run the Spurs to death, but the Spurs have the ability to slow the pace just enough (while allowing Parker and Ginobili) to get out and run.  The Spurs will win this one in 7.  (Man, I’m such a homer).

Warriors - Rockets/Jazz - For the record, I think T-Mac pulls an anti-Dirk and goes for at least 29 points to propel the Rockets into the second round.  If that happens, I think the Warriors have a puncher’s chance at beating the Rockets in 7 games.  Yao and Deke would become complete liabilities against the Warriors.  If the Jazz win tomorrow night, I see them beating the Warriors in 6.  The Jazz have enough versatile players, Kirilenko, Harpring, Giricek, Okur, and Brewer to get up and down the court with the wild lineups the Warriors will throw out there.  I hope this series happens, because it would be fun to see Baron Davis match up with Deron Williams.  They are eerily similar as far as how their games play out.  Both are big, strong, versatile points, but also have the ability to get out and run.  They can post up smaller guards and knock down big shots outside.  I think Baron is a much, much better defender, but I also think he may the best defensive point guard in the NBA.  Also, watching Al Harrington and Carlos Boozer duke it out would be exciting.  There are a lot of awesome match ups for that series.

Cavs - Nets/Raptors (Is it sad that it took me like 20 minutes to remember who the Heat were going to play?) - Sorry Raptor fans.  They cannot beat the Nets without both of their point guards.  I wish they could, but it won’t happen.  Bummer.  Anyway, the Cavs will beat the Nets in 5, and LeBron James should destroy the tandem of Carter-Jefferson.  The only way the Nets can win this series is if Lawrence Frank puts J-Kidd on LeBron.  Seriously.

Bulls - Pistons - Your guess is as good as mine.  This will be a long, low scoring battle.  I actually think the Bulls will pull this one out in 7, especially after Rasheed loses his cool in the physical series.  Ben Gordon should light it up with at least one 33+ point game.  Hinrich and Billups should be an awesome matchup as well.

As for Saturday, my early pick is Storm In May.  That may change after several tequila juleps (modified mint juleps in honor of Cinco de Mayo, I must pay homage to my hometown of San Antonio baby.)

Enjoy the festivities.

An exchange at the end of last night’s game (tribute to “The Warriors”):

Dirk (with teammates behind him): “You Warriors are good.”

Baron (with his crew standing proud on their home territory): “The BEST!” 

Fade to black.  Roll credits. 

Thanks for coming out Dallas.  We really enjoyed it.  Hope to see you soon.  No, seriously, you played hard and shouldn’t be ashamed.  You really put forth a solid effort.  And Dirk, don’t feel bad, I’m sure that plenty of MVP’s have laid stink bombs in the biggest game of the season, and 2-13 really is not that bad when you think about it.  You could have missed all of your shots.  It is a shame that I did not write something about this team’s flaws early in the season when they struggled out of the gates…oh wait.  (Yes, I always reserve the right to refer back to long-lost articles where I was actually correct.  When you have your own site, you can do the same).

Obviously, my disdane for all things Dallas Mavericks, including fans, players, uniforms, etc., made me thoroughly enjoy their historic series.  The only thing I can hope for now is a complete panic by Mark Cuban leading to the firing of Avery Johnson.  ‘The Little General’ belongs elsewhere, so I can root for him again.  I would have no problem seeing Avery coaching the Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Bobcats, or even the Seattle Sonics.  Let us keep our fingers crossed. 

Get ready for Derby folks.  I have not made a decision on who I will be choosing in the big race.   However, I will be in the infield tomorrow with the rest of the common-folk enjoying the festivities.  Mardi Gras at the track as some people call it (I really don’t know if anyone calls it that, but they should).  Enjoy the “greatest two minutes in sports” people.  I’ll be back next week.