Millions,
I’m always surprised by how few basketball threads I see round these parts and have long operated on the assumption that Dopers don’t really give a shit about the Naismithball. That said, if you’re out there—and there must be a couple, right?—I figured we could get a playoff thread going, make some picks, shake our heads sadly at the demise of the Pistons—whatever.
Who’s with me?
I used to be a big fan in the late 70’s & 80’s, but basically the game just isn’t enjoyable for me to watch anymore.
I hear that a lot. I’m 28, so I grew up in the Jordan era, followed by the hateful Laker era. This year’s playoffs, actually, figure to be pretty drab. Two teams outclass the league and will almost certainly be seeing each other in the Finals (Cleveland/LA); the NBA is salivating at the thought of Kobe/LeBron. Which is to say: this probably isn’t the year where I’d say, “Come on John. Give it one more try.”
That said, LeBron is groin-grabbingly good.
Go CAVS
Looks like KG may not make it back this year. The way the Bulls are playing the Celtics could have a tough series ahead of them, though I think they’ll win. All the injuries have put a bit of a damper on things this year, which is too bad. I was anticipating a competitive playoffs, but I think everything is set up for Cleveland to waltz into the Finals. Round 2 in the East will be very interesting, with a potential LeBron/Wade matchup (though I think Atlanta will beat Miami in 7 games), and Orlando and Boston likely to meet up. Despite Garnett being out, I don’t necessarily think Orlando will have an advantage if Turkoglu is still out. Paul Pierce can still carry the Celtics, while I don’t think Dwight Howard has proven he can put that team on his shoulders.
Round 1 in the West will be interesting. I think Dallas could be a dark horse. They managed to get a favorable matchup with San Antonio, and I think they can match up with either Denver or NO. I’m not sure what to make of Portland and Houston. Both could give the Lakers a tough series in round 2, but LA is going to the Finals.
Cavs over Lakers in 7.
RNATB predicts:
Magic knock off Cavs in Eastern Finals, then get destroyed by Lakers in Finals.
East: With no KG, I’m thinking the Bulls have a legit shot too, not to mention they’ve been playing splendidly for the past three or four weeks. I could easily see it going 6 or 7 games and, because the playoffs are no fun without an upset, I’m going Bulls in 6 (because I don’t think they could take a game 7 in Boston, KG or no).
I’ll take Miami over the Hawks, though will admit I don’t really know much about Atlanta’s team. Wade’s been, well, ridiculous. I don’t see him losing in the first round.
Cavs waltz over Detroit in 4, maybe 5 games. Detroit is horrible this year.
I’d’ve probably taken the Bulls over the Magic, but I’m taking the Magic over the 6ers in six games. Sam Dalembert is totally outclassed and, though the Magic have kinda been stinking up the joint recently, I think they still get to the second round, at least. Turkey-glue might be hurt though, and that reduces those chances pretty significantly.
Let’s do the West.
Suddenly Utah is terrible (I mean, they lost to the Warriors—my favorite team, weep for me—when the Warriors had 7 guys in uniform, none of which would start on 90% of NBA teams…in Utah.) In other words, it’s a wrap. I’d be surprised to see Utah take a game. Plus, they’re soft suddenly and I don’t think you beat the Lakers unless you rough 'em up.
Don’t see the Spurs losing to Mavs, Manu or no. Tony Parker will evicerate Jason Kidd for 7 games; SA closes out at home.
I can’t believe I’m picking Houston & Denver to make it out of the first round, but I am. Hornets lost to those same horrible Warriors—actually went to that game—and they looked terrible. And though the Blazers are good, I think Houston can shut them down. Plus, Oden & the Vanilla Gorilla can’t handle Yao. And Artest/Battier can shut down Roy.
That’s how I see it, at least.
ETA Oh, yeah: Cavs over Lakers in 6.
The Vanilla Gorilla
That’s fantastic.
I’ve never been a basketball fan but I feel like I’m part of the Cleveland Sports Fan Experience (which is remarkably similar to getting kicked in the balls on a regular basis) so I take some interest in the other Cleveland teams. I’ve been watching some NBA games over the last 2 or 3 years trying to pick up on the strategy but it’s still mostly a mystery to me.
The whole city is pretty desperate to get out of the 45 year title drought, but we have a long and illustrious history of choking away championships we should’ve won. Let’s see what happens this year.
We don’t really need Hedo. We’ve got a ton of players who can shoot three pointers, but only one that can play inside. If we lost Howard, we’d be in big trouble.
I’m content with Detroit’s impending demise this year. It was all a salary cap move anyways.
MOIDALIZE: I wish I could take credit, but alas, cannot. I actually like Pryzbilla—I just refuse to call him anything else.
Other favorites:
True—I’d just argue he’s better than Rashard, so I think you need him. But Dwight Howard will devour the 6ers, foul-trouble notwithstanding.
McGrady was Me-Mac for his last year and a half in Orlando.
Steve “Stevie Franchise” Francis became Stevie Franchisekiller.
Grant Hill earned a bunch of nicknames here but I can’t repeat them in mixed company.
I don’t think he’s better, necessarily, but he is much more effective in the fourth quarter, which is where the team has been best this season. They’re something like 49-1 when leading with 5 minutes left.
No way. The NBA wants LeBron in the finals. They’ll find a Tim Donaghy to ref those games.
So he’s like the anti-Mike Dunleavy. I wasn’t fully aware of this. Dwight needs some post-moves so they can go down low at the end of games. That’s really my only gripe about the dude though. He’s incredibly fun to watch.
They are still playing Basketball? Wasn’t the Final Four over last month??? 
He’s got a post move.
I seriously wonder sometimes if he’s going to dunk the ball and the defender clinging to his arm.
Or concuss himself on the rim. No KG means Orlando’s probably seeing Cleveland in the ECFs. That should be a good series (though I’m pretty confident they’d lose it).
Orlando swept the Lakers, Spurs and won 2 outta 3 against cleveland (with their only loss being on two very questionable calls at the end of the game for the cavs). Turkoglu’s injury is only a twisted ankle and apparently Lewis was ready to go last game. I don’t think they could have gotten past a healthy Boston without home court, but as it stands right now i can see them winning it all. Or at least making it a 7 game series against the Lakers, i forgot Jameer practically carried us in those Laker games.