Playoffs? Playoffs? Well we ain't talking about practice

I've been quiet over the past few days even with the basketball world heading toward its most commercial and most competitive portion. I went to the Wizards finale against the Pacers. What a disaster. I'd analyze that game, but doing so is utterly worthless. Neither team was in playoff contention. The Wizards continued their auditions for next year and the Pacers continued to wallow in mediocrity. Pacers fans must like some of what they've seen over April, but it's too little, too late.

Now that playoffs have begun, I'll give my better late than never take, which, I'd like to think is better than our newest contributor's.

Eastern Conference

Cleveland Cavaliers (1) v. Chicago Bulls (8)
Chicago is scrappy enough to win a game if the Cavs lose focus, but in all likelihood, a couple of big wins by Cleveland will sap Chicago's energy (even Joakim Noah's). This will be over in four with a distinct lack of Ben Gordon heroics.

Orlando Magic (2) v. Charlotte Bobcats (7)
If these teams were better matched in talent, this series would be a fantastic coaching clinic. As it is, the Bobcats were heading toward another poor season until they traded an injured defensive expert Raja Bell for Stephen Jackson. Before the season began, the Bobcats swapped Emeka Okafor with Tyson Chandler. Mid-season, they acquired Jackson and, at the deadline, Tyrus Thomas. Chandler didn't help all that much by spending 31 games on the bench. Nazr Mohammed stepped in and Larry Brown's defense clicked. If the Bobcats can force double coverage on Gerald Wallace and get Dwight Howard in trouble, they can pull off more than a win in this series. The worst thing Larry Brown could do is to try to get Vince Carter in trouble. Vince Carter can lose this series (and any) for Orlando and at this point in his career, he is more likely to lose a game for his team than win a game. Either way, seeing the league's two best defenses make rotations that make you swear they each are playing a 6th man on D will be worth it.

Atlanta Hawks (3) v. Milwaukee Bucks (6)
Somehow, magically, Scott Skiles has taken the Bucks and made them fantastic. Unfortunately, a big part of this renaissance has been due to one Andrew Bogut. Bogut suffered a season ending injury so the Bucks lack their offensive big and will rely on John Salmons and rookie Brandon Jennings. This won't be enough unless the Hawks make some serious defensive mistakes. The Hawks are prone to defensive mistakes, though. The Hawks win this by scoring in the paint. Brandon Jennings will put on an amazing set of performances along with one of the coldest shooting nights in playoff history. This series has the chance to be the most entertaining, pitting defensive stalwarts against a highly efficient offense. Atlanta in 5 with Atlanta already leading 1-0.

Boston Celtics (4) v. Miami Heat (5)
Miami is again a five seed but facing Boston, who beat them three times this year. This series will prove what everyone already knows: Miami is Dwayne Wade and if Wade is off, Miami is out in 4. But, Wade won't be off by much and Miami will play solid defense. The problem for Miami is that Boston plays pretty damn solid defense as well. This series could go either way, but somehow, Doc Rivers will outcoach Spoelstra while Wade continues to not have the sidekick he needs in Jermaine O'Neal. This series could go to 7, but I'll say Boston in 6 with two instances of Paul Pierce returning from injury to help with a win. The first game in this series had one such instance as well as a Kevin Garnett ejection (not 'Sheed!). During Boston's championship season and last season, KG appeared to be an assistant coach as much as a defensive linchpin. This year, however, he's limped through as a shell of himself - not only has his quickness not come back, his ability to control teammates and opponents is lacking.


Western Conference

Los Angeles Lakers (1) v. Oklahoma City Thunder (8)
Voila, courtesy of Bobby.

Dallas Mavericks (2) v. San Antonio Spurs (7)
This division rivalry will be fun to watch, but with five games separating them during the regular season, near identical paces, near identical offensive and defensive efficiencies, and a dearth of injuries, I just can't see this not being a seven game series. The problem is that I have no idea who wins this. Manu Ginobili will erupt. Dirk Nowitzki will erupt. I hate to think that the Spurs' decade of greatness is over, but it probably is. And if the Mavs don't win it all, will Cuban blow up the team? Dallas in 7.

Phoenix Suns (3) v. Portland Trailblazers (6)
This series is bad for basketball fans. The Blazers have been absolutely killed by injuries to key players this year. Now, their star is out for the series. Brandon Roy had arthroscopic surgery the other day. If Portland advances, Roy may play again this season. Portland has been Cool Hand Luke getting up every time they're knocked down by Dragline. Every single time. It's getting hard to watch, let alone comprehend. I just don't see a hero in waiting for the Blazers against these Suns - not Marcus Camby, not LaMarcus Aldridge, not Andre Miller, and not Jerryd Bayless. The luck and hunger needed for that just isn't going to happen. Plus, Phoenix could win it all this year. They're peaking at the right time and despite losing Robin Lopez, the Suns will win this in 6.

Denver Nuggets (4) v. Utah Jazz (5)
The feel good story is that George Karl comes back from cancer treatment in the second round and coaches the Nuggets all the way to victory in the Finals over Carmelo's friend LeBron. Of course, that would be much more likely if the Nuggets weren't going against the tenacious and physical Jazz. Jerry Sloan's team is banged up, but so are the Nuggets. This series could go to 7 games or interim head coach Adrian Dantley could implode and the Jazz win in 6. A key to this series is whether Chauncey Billups takes each game as his to win or shares the ball with people not necessarily named Carmelo Anthony.



I love the second season that is the NBA Playoffs, but wow do I hate the commercials that aren't related to Old Spice.