Sacramento Kings G Tyreke Evans has won the NBA Rookie of the Year award, beating out G Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and G Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks. Evans had a spectacular rookie year, in which he averaged 20 points a game, to go along with 5.8 assists and 5.3 rebounds a game. Evans is only the fourth rookie to average at least 20 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds a game in his rookie season. Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, and Lebron James are the other three to do so.
While Evans put up the numbers to win the award, I don't believe he should have won it. I think the award should've gone to the rookie who has had personal success, in addition to team success. Evans and Curry didn't do anything to better their teams, and that was the ultimate goal. The Kings were contending for a while, but fell out of contention around January and February. The Warriors didn't contend at any point this season.
The award should've gone to Jennings. His Bucks are currently in position to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a home win against the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow. They are doing this without the services of G Michael Redd and C Andrew Bogut, their two best players. Jennings started off very hot, even scoring 55 points in a game against the Warriors back in November. However, his numbers dipped, and the Bucks dipped a little as well. However, they were able to get back on their feet and made it to the playoffs. Jennings was more deserving.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Mavs, Nuggets On Brink
After the Dallas Mavericks completed a deal with the Washington Wizards to acquire F Caron Butler and C Brendan Haywood, most NBA experts had the Mavericks, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Denver Nuggets as the three best teams in the Western Conference. However, for the Mavericks and the Nuggets, they will need to pull off a huge comeback just to get past the first round. The Mavericks lost to the San Antonio Spurs 92-89 in Game 4 to fall behind 3-1, and the Nuggets fell to the Utah Jazz 117-106 to fall behind 3-1 as well.
The Spurs victory was surprising because the big three were not sharp in Game 4. C Tim Duncan didn't play well on his 34th birthday, only scoring 4 points, after scoring more than 25 in the first three games. G Manu Ginobili and G Tony Parker combined for only 27 points, which usually leaves the Spurs in a bad predicament. However, G George Hill stepped up, scoring 29 points and connecting on 5 of 6 three-point field goal attempts. Game 5 is Tuesday in Dallas. The Spurs will have a chance to eliminate the Mavericks in Dallas then.
The Jazz got contributions from numerous players in their convincing victory over the Nuggets. F Carlos Boozer led them with 31 points, and G Deron Williams chipped in with 24 points. F C.J. Miles scored 21 points and G Wesley Matthews scored 18 points to help out as well. The Nuggets only got contributions from F Carmelo Anthony. He scored 39 points, but committed 9 turnovers. The rest of the Nuggets did not contribute at all, with G Chauncey Billups only scoring 14 points. The Jazz will have a chance to wrap up the series in Denver on Wednesday.
With the Lakers tied 2-2 with the Oklahoma City Thunder as well, the top dogs in the West don't look as convincing as they once were. All three teams have a legit chance of being eliminated in the first round, which will leave the West wide open for anyone to grab. If that scenario were to happen, the most logical choice for a Finals appearance would have to be the Spurs. They already have championship experience, and their bench and their defense has been solid all season. However, we'll have to see what happens in this wild ride that is the NBA Playoffs.
The Spurs victory was surprising because the big three were not sharp in Game 4. C Tim Duncan didn't play well on his 34th birthday, only scoring 4 points, after scoring more than 25 in the first three games. G Manu Ginobili and G Tony Parker combined for only 27 points, which usually leaves the Spurs in a bad predicament. However, G George Hill stepped up, scoring 29 points and connecting on 5 of 6 three-point field goal attempts. Game 5 is Tuesday in Dallas. The Spurs will have a chance to eliminate the Mavericks in Dallas then.
The Jazz got contributions from numerous players in their convincing victory over the Nuggets. F Carlos Boozer led them with 31 points, and G Deron Williams chipped in with 24 points. F C.J. Miles scored 21 points and G Wesley Matthews scored 18 points to help out as well. The Nuggets only got contributions from F Carmelo Anthony. He scored 39 points, but committed 9 turnovers. The rest of the Nuggets did not contribute at all, with G Chauncey Billups only scoring 14 points. The Jazz will have a chance to wrap up the series in Denver on Wednesday.
With the Lakers tied 2-2 with the Oklahoma City Thunder as well, the top dogs in the West don't look as convincing as they once were. All three teams have a legit chance of being eliminated in the first round, which will leave the West wide open for anyone to grab. If that scenario were to happen, the most logical choice for a Finals appearance would have to be the Spurs. They already have championship experience, and their bench and their defense has been solid all season. However, we'll have to see what happens in this wild ride that is the NBA Playoffs.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Spoelstra Decides Not To Foul
F Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics gave the Celtics a 3-0 series lead with his game-winning jumper over the Miami Heat to give them a Game 3 road win. The Celtics now have an opportunity to wrap up the series in Miami on Sunday. The big issue, however, was Heat coach Erik Spoelstra's decision to not foul with a foul to give. Spoelstra allowed F Dorell Wright to guard Pierce straight up, where Pierce was able to milk the clock on an isolation play and get off a good shot. Spoelstra has stated that it's on him that the Heat didn't foul.
With a foul to give, Spoelstra should've told his team to foul. That would've disrupted Pierce's ability to milk the clock, and forced the Heat to inbound the ball with less time on the clock. Had Wright fouled Pierce with around 4 seconds to go, the Celtics would've had to inbound the ball again and run another set play with a lot less time on the clock, which would've forced them into a hurried shot.
However, this loss cannot completely be blamed on the Heat's failure to foul in that situation. The Heat played a good game, but they let the Celtics hang around the entire game. At one point, the Celtics were up 8 in the 4th quarter until the Heat made a run. If the Heat were a little sharper on defense, they would've gotten the win.
Now it's a situation of whether the Heat will give up the game in Game 4 and just start their vacations a little earlier. This also might factor into G Dwyane Wade's decision to stay with the Heat beyond next year. The Heat clearly don't have enough on their team to win a championship. It'll be interesting to see where Wade goes next year.
With a foul to give, Spoelstra should've told his team to foul. That would've disrupted Pierce's ability to milk the clock, and forced the Heat to inbound the ball with less time on the clock. Had Wright fouled Pierce with around 4 seconds to go, the Celtics would've had to inbound the ball again and run another set play with a lot less time on the clock, which would've forced them into a hurried shot.
However, this loss cannot completely be blamed on the Heat's failure to foul in that situation. The Heat played a good game, but they let the Celtics hang around the entire game. At one point, the Celtics were up 8 in the 4th quarter until the Heat made a run. If the Heat were a little sharper on defense, they would've gotten the win.
Now it's a situation of whether the Heat will give up the game in Game 4 and just start their vacations a little earlier. This also might factor into G Dwyane Wade's decision to stay with the Heat beyond next year. The Heat clearly don't have enough on their team to win a championship. It'll be interesting to see where Wade goes next year.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Magic, Spurs Take Game 2
The Orlando Magic beat the Charlotte Bobcats 92-77 in Game 2, in another game that was never really close. The Bobcats started off terribly, only scoring 3 points in the first 8 minutes of the game. During that same time, they committed six turnovers. The Magic were up by 20 at the end of the third quarter. G Stephen Jackson's 27 points was not enough, and the Bobcats have to go back home down 2-0. However, they're going back home to an anticipated electric building that is seeing their franchise in the playoffs for the first time. Charlotte isn't new to the playoffs, as they saw the Charlotte Hornets in the playoff countless times before they moved to New Orleans.
The San Antonio Spurs evened up their series against the Dallas Mavericks by handling them from start to finish. The Mavericks never led in the game, and the Spurs lead was as big as 20 at one point. F Dirk Nowitzki scored 24 points, but only connnected on 9 of 24 field goal attempts. C Tim Duncan scored 25 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, and G Manu Ginobili scored 23 points. F Richard Jefferson broke out of his slump, scoring 17 of his 19 points in the first half. The series now moves to San Antonio, where the Spurs now have home-court advantage.
Obviously, Bobcats coach Larry Brown's message didn't get across to his team. Brown told his team that the Magic were playing around with them in Game 1. The Magic seemed as if they were having fun in Game 2 as well. The Bobcats have to figure out how to effectively guard C Dwight Howard, as C Theo Ratliff and C Nazr Mohammed had problems with him in Game 2. As for the Spurs, I expected this series to be the most competitive series in the playoffs. These two teams are rivals, and both would like to beat the other team.
Mark Cuban sparked new interest in the rivalry by saying that he hated the Spurs. This has probably sparked the Spurs performance in Game 2, as they were solid throughout. The Spurs will be sure to keep their mouths shut, so the Mavericks don't have to look for any bulletin-board material from them. As for the Bobcats/Magic series, this is easily the worst series of the playoffs. Both teams aren't that fun to watch, and it's clear the Bobcats aren't ready for the playoffs. They'll probably learn from this and come back next year with a better idea of how to execute.
The San Antonio Spurs evened up their series against the Dallas Mavericks by handling them from start to finish. The Mavericks never led in the game, and the Spurs lead was as big as 20 at one point. F Dirk Nowitzki scored 24 points, but only connnected on 9 of 24 field goal attempts. C Tim Duncan scored 25 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, and G Manu Ginobili scored 23 points. F Richard Jefferson broke out of his slump, scoring 17 of his 19 points in the first half. The series now moves to San Antonio, where the Spurs now have home-court advantage.
Obviously, Bobcats coach Larry Brown's message didn't get across to his team. Brown told his team that the Magic were playing around with them in Game 1. The Magic seemed as if they were having fun in Game 2 as well. The Bobcats have to figure out how to effectively guard C Dwight Howard, as C Theo Ratliff and C Nazr Mohammed had problems with him in Game 2. As for the Spurs, I expected this series to be the most competitive series in the playoffs. These two teams are rivals, and both would like to beat the other team.
Mark Cuban sparked new interest in the rivalry by saying that he hated the Spurs. This has probably sparked the Spurs performance in Game 2, as they were solid throughout. The Spurs will be sure to keep their mouths shut, so the Mavericks don't have to look for any bulletin-board material from them. As for the Bobcats/Magic series, this is easily the worst series of the playoffs. Both teams aren't that fun to watch, and it's clear the Bobcats aren't ready for the playoffs. They'll probably learn from this and come back next year with a better idea of how to execute.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Hawks, Celtics, Suns, Lakers Win Game 2
Out of all the Game 2 victories from last night that was of any importance, it was the Phoenix Suns victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The Suns lost home-court advantage, so it was important for them to come out strong to get a victory. They did just that, winning 119-90. G Jason Richardson had 29 points, and G Steve Nash had 13 points and 16 assists. F Martell Webster led the Blazers with only 16 points. Game 3 is Thursday night in Portland.
The Boston Celtics made a statement by blowing out the Miami Heat without F Kevin Garnett. Garnett was suspended for Game 2 because of an elbow he threw that connected with Heat F Quentin Richardson in Game 1. The Celtics won 106-77, with big contributions from F Glen Davis and G Ray Allen. G Dwyane Wade was the lone bright spot for the Heat as they head back to Miami down 2-0.
The Atlanta Hawks dominated the Milwaukee Bucks, beating the 96-86 to take a 2-0 series lead to Milwaukee. The Bucks have continued to show they can't generate enough offense without C Andrew Bogut. Coach Scott Skiles has to figure out what's going to work for the Bucks. G Brandon Jennings and G John Salmons has to get their offense going in order to win a game in this series. I don't think the Bucks will win a game, and that's because of the loss of Bogut.
The Los Angeles Lakers escaped with their Game 2 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. F Kevin Durant scored 32 points, and G Russell Westbrook chipped in 19 points. After a lackluster performance in Game 1, G Kobe Bryant scored 39 points to lead the Lakers over the Thunder. C Pau Gasol scored 25 points as well. The Thunder came very close, with F Jeff Green missing the three-pointer as time expired. Game 3 is Thursday night in Oklahoma City, which is sure to be electric.
The Boston Celtics made a statement by blowing out the Miami Heat without F Kevin Garnett. Garnett was suspended for Game 2 because of an elbow he threw that connected with Heat F Quentin Richardson in Game 1. The Celtics won 106-77, with big contributions from F Glen Davis and G Ray Allen. G Dwyane Wade was the lone bright spot for the Heat as they head back to Miami down 2-0.
The Atlanta Hawks dominated the Milwaukee Bucks, beating the 96-86 to take a 2-0 series lead to Milwaukee. The Bucks have continued to show they can't generate enough offense without C Andrew Bogut. Coach Scott Skiles has to figure out what's going to work for the Bucks. G Brandon Jennings and G John Salmons has to get their offense going in order to win a game in this series. I don't think the Bucks will win a game, and that's because of the loss of Bogut.
The Los Angeles Lakers escaped with their Game 2 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. F Kevin Durant scored 32 points, and G Russell Westbrook chipped in 19 points. After a lackluster performance in Game 1, G Kobe Bryant scored 39 points to lead the Lakers over the Thunder. C Pau Gasol scored 25 points as well. The Thunder came very close, with F Jeff Green missing the three-pointer as time expired. Game 3 is Thursday night in Oklahoma City, which is sure to be electric.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Cavs, Jazz Get Game 2 Victories
After cruising to a Game 1 victory, the Cleveland Cavaliers had a little trouble getting past the Chicago Bulls in Game 2. However, they were able to get past the Bulls, beating them 112-102. The Cavaliers were carried by F Lebron James 40 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. If there was any game the Bulls were going to steal in Cleveland, it was Game 2. The Bulls made it interesting last year against the Boston Celtics, losing in 7 games. However, this isn't the mediocre Celtics teams without F Kevin Garnett. The Bulls might take Game 3 or Game 4 at home, but the Cavaliers will close them out in Game 5.
The Utah Jazz did what they had to do, despite not having C Mehmet Okur and F Andrei Kirilenko. They beat the Denver Nuggets 114-111, which tied the series at 1. G Deron Williams scored 33 points and dished out 14 assists in the win. While many people think the injury to Okur is terrible for the Jazz, it benefits F Carlos Boozer a lot. He is now able to be a natural forward, instead of being on the block with Okur on the perimeter. However, the Jazz success ultimately depends on Williams, and he got the job done. Now the Nuggets have to go to Utah and win a game. It's possible, but it's going to be hard.
The Cavaliers aren't really playing hard enough against the Bulls because they are the least of their worries. The Cavaliers probably won't have much to worry about in the next round either, having to play either the Boston Celtics or the Miami Heat. They should be able to sweep both of them. The Eastern Conference Finals will be the biggest issue if they play the Orlando Magic again. Meanwhile, the Jazz now have the opportunity to win all of their home games and win the series. I still think the Nuggets will get one back in Utah, and eventually win in 7.
The Utah Jazz did what they had to do, despite not having C Mehmet Okur and F Andrei Kirilenko. They beat the Denver Nuggets 114-111, which tied the series at 1. G Deron Williams scored 33 points and dished out 14 assists in the win. While many people think the injury to Okur is terrible for the Jazz, it benefits F Carlos Boozer a lot. He is now able to be a natural forward, instead of being on the block with Okur on the perimeter. However, the Jazz success ultimately depends on Williams, and he got the job done. Now the Nuggets have to go to Utah and win a game. It's possible, but it's going to be hard.
The Cavaliers aren't really playing hard enough against the Bulls because they are the least of their worries. The Cavaliers probably won't have much to worry about in the next round either, having to play either the Boston Celtics or the Miami Heat. They should be able to sweep both of them. The Eastern Conference Finals will be the biggest issue if they play the Orlando Magic again. Meanwhile, the Jazz now have the opportunity to win all of their home games and win the series. I still think the Nuggets will get one back in Utah, and eventually win in 7.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Lakers, Magic, Mavs, Blazers Win Game 1
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder kicked off Sunday's Game 1s, and it wasn't as interesting as people expected. It was a defensive struggle for both teams, as the Lakers came out on top 87-79. G Kobe Bryant and F Kevin Durant, who are both in the top five in scoring, struggled shooting the ball. Bryant had 21 points, on 6 of 19 shooting. Durant was worse, only connecting on 7 of 24 field goals. He finished with 24 points. Game 2 of the series is Tuesday night on TNT.
The Orlando Magic beat the Charlotte Bobcats 98-89 in the their Game 1 matchup. Even though the Magic went to the NBA Finals last year, they did lose Game 1 of their first round matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers last year. They ended up winning that series in six games. G Jameer Nelson scored 24 of his game-high 32 points in the first half, and the Magic held a 22-point lead before almost blowing it. F Gerald Wallace led the Bobcats with 25 points and 17 rebounds. Game 2 is Wednesday night on TNT.
In what probably was the most interesting game and series of the day, the Dallas Mavericks beat the San Antonio Spurs 100-94. F Dirk Nowitzki was unconscious on the floor, scoring 36 points on 12 of 14 shooting. F Caron Butler contributed 22 points and G Jason Kidd scored 13 points and dished out 11 assists. C Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 27 points, and G Manu Ginobili scored 26 points. G Tony Parker scored 18 points off the bench. Game 2 is Wednesday night on TNT.
The last game of the night saw the first road team in the playoffs get a victory. The Portland Trail Blazers beat the Phoenix Suns on the road 105-100 to steal home-court from the Suns. The Trail Blazers are playing without star G Brandon Roy, who underwent surgery earlier in the week for a torn meniscus. G Andre Miller stepped up and scored 31 points, and F LaMarcus Aldridge scored 22 points in the win. G Jerryd Bayless scored 18 points off the bench to help the Blazers to victory. G Steve Nash led the Suns with 25 points, and F Amare Stoudemire scored 18 points in the loss. Game 2 is Tuesday night on NBA TV.
All of the Game 1s on Sunday were close, which gives hope to the losing team. The Trail Blazers certainly benefited for being the #6 seed and playing the Suns because the Suns aren't that strong of a team. The Trail Blazers have a legit chance of winning this series. The Spurs also have a legit chance of winning, but that hinges on the bench play. However, the Spurs have arguably the toughest matchup in the Western Conference playing a deep Mavericks team. This series could go the distance.
The Orlando Magic beat the Charlotte Bobcats 98-89 in the their Game 1 matchup. Even though the Magic went to the NBA Finals last year, they did lose Game 1 of their first round matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers last year. They ended up winning that series in six games. G Jameer Nelson scored 24 of his game-high 32 points in the first half, and the Magic held a 22-point lead before almost blowing it. F Gerald Wallace led the Bobcats with 25 points and 17 rebounds. Game 2 is Wednesday night on TNT.
In what probably was the most interesting game and series of the day, the Dallas Mavericks beat the San Antonio Spurs 100-94. F Dirk Nowitzki was unconscious on the floor, scoring 36 points on 12 of 14 shooting. F Caron Butler contributed 22 points and G Jason Kidd scored 13 points and dished out 11 assists. C Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 27 points, and G Manu Ginobili scored 26 points. G Tony Parker scored 18 points off the bench. Game 2 is Wednesday night on TNT.
The last game of the night saw the first road team in the playoffs get a victory. The Portland Trail Blazers beat the Phoenix Suns on the road 105-100 to steal home-court from the Suns. The Trail Blazers are playing without star G Brandon Roy, who underwent surgery earlier in the week for a torn meniscus. G Andre Miller stepped up and scored 31 points, and F LaMarcus Aldridge scored 22 points in the win. G Jerryd Bayless scored 18 points off the bench to help the Blazers to victory. G Steve Nash led the Suns with 25 points, and F Amare Stoudemire scored 18 points in the loss. Game 2 is Tuesday night on NBA TV.
All of the Game 1s on Sunday were close, which gives hope to the losing team. The Trail Blazers certainly benefited for being the #6 seed and playing the Suns because the Suns aren't that strong of a team. The Trail Blazers have a legit chance of winning this series. The Spurs also have a legit chance of winning, but that hinges on the bench play. However, the Spurs have arguably the toughest matchup in the Western Conference playing a deep Mavericks team. This series could go the distance.
Cavs, Hawks, Celtics, Nuggets Win
The first day of the NBA Playoffs was kicked off with the Cleveland Cavaliers beating the Chicago Bulls 96-83. The Atlanta Hawks proceeded to take care of business against the Milwaukee Bucks in the next game, beating them 102-92 in the next game. The Boston Celtics overcame a big deficit to beat the Miami Heat in a game with testy exchanges. The Denver Nuggets capped off the night by beating the Utah Jazz 126-113.
The Cavaliers were certainly supposed to win this game, and they are expected to sweep the Bulls. However, the Bulls did show a little fight, falling far behind but cutting the huge deficit to 7 at one point. Game 2 of that series is on Monday night. The Hawks and the Bucks seemed more lopsided than what I thought, but it's clear the Bucks are going to struggle to find points with the absence of C Andrew Bogut. G Brandon Jennings did a great job of stepping up, scoring 34 points in the loss. Game 2 of that series is Tuesday.
The Celtics victory over the Heat was the most talked about game of the day, mainly because of what took place during the final minute of the game. F Kevin Garnett and F Quentin Richardson got into a testy exchange, with Garnett sending an elbow to Richardson's face. Garnett was immediately ejected for the incident. F Glen Davis, C Jermaine O'Neal and F Udonis Haslem among others was also involved. F Paul Pierce injured his arm on the play when everything occurred. Game 2 of this heated series is Tuesday.
The Nuggets and Jazz were pretty even throughout the entire game, but the Nuggets took control late and never looked back. The big blow came in the first half, when Jazz C Mehmet Okur left the game with an apparent Achilles injury. He didn't return to the game and his status for the playoffs was left in question afterwards. F Carmelo Anthony scored 42 points in the win. Both teams square off for Game 2 on Monday.
The Cavaliers were certainly supposed to win this game, and they are expected to sweep the Bulls. However, the Bulls did show a little fight, falling far behind but cutting the huge deficit to 7 at one point. Game 2 of that series is on Monday night. The Hawks and the Bucks seemed more lopsided than what I thought, but it's clear the Bucks are going to struggle to find points with the absence of C Andrew Bogut. G Brandon Jennings did a great job of stepping up, scoring 34 points in the loss. Game 2 of that series is Tuesday.
The Celtics victory over the Heat was the most talked about game of the day, mainly because of what took place during the final minute of the game. F Kevin Garnett and F Quentin Richardson got into a testy exchange, with Garnett sending an elbow to Richardson's face. Garnett was immediately ejected for the incident. F Glen Davis, C Jermaine O'Neal and F Udonis Haslem among others was also involved. F Paul Pierce injured his arm on the play when everything occurred. Game 2 of this heated series is Tuesday.
The Nuggets and Jazz were pretty even throughout the entire game, but the Nuggets took control late and never looked back. The big blow came in the first half, when Jazz C Mehmet Okur left the game with an apparent Achilles injury. He didn't return to the game and his status for the playoffs was left in question afterwards. F Carmelo Anthony scored 42 points in the win. Both teams square off for Game 2 on Monday.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
NBA Playoffs Start Today
The NBA Playoffs start today, with four games coming on today and four games coming on tomorrow. The playoffs will kick off with a matchup between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers on ABC. The Cavaliers are the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference and have the best record in the NBA. The next three games, which are on ESPN, are between the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and Boston Celtics, and Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets.
The playoffs will continue on ABC and TNT tomorrow with four more games, with three of them coming from the Western Conference. Tomorrow's slate of games kicks off with the Oklahoma City Thunder facing the Los Angeles Lakers on ABC. The Lakers are the #1 seed in the Western Conference. The next three games on TNT are matchups between the Charlotte Bobcats, making the playoffs for the first time ever, and the Orlando Magic. The San Antonio Spurs will face the Dallas Mavericks, and the Portland Trail Blazers will face the Phoenix Suns.
Clearly, the more interesting matchups are coming from the Western Conference. With the exception of the Trail Blazers/Suns matchup, all Western Conference matchups are must watches. One series in the Eastern Conference I'll be watching is the matchup between the Bucks and the Hawks. The Bobcats/Magic series may be interesting as well, depending on the Magic's three-point shooting. The Celtics should trash the Heat, and the Cavaliers should do the same to the Bulls. The Celtics aren't that good anymore, but they were blessed with a matchup against the Heat, who have no one but Dwyane Wade on their team.
The only first round upset that I could predict are the Spurs beating the Mavericks and the Jazz beating the Nuggets. Although that isn't likely, the Spurs have been very impressive with the teams they've beaten late in the season. The Mavericks also struggled a bit after their 13-game winning streak was snapped in March. The Jazz are also a tough challenge for the Nuggets, especially with George Karl most likely not being there. The Nuggets weren't really impressive late in the season, but the Jazz haven't been impressive on the road. That will be a matchup to watch out for.
The playoffs will continue on ABC and TNT tomorrow with four more games, with three of them coming from the Western Conference. Tomorrow's slate of games kicks off with the Oklahoma City Thunder facing the Los Angeles Lakers on ABC. The Lakers are the #1 seed in the Western Conference. The next three games on TNT are matchups between the Charlotte Bobcats, making the playoffs for the first time ever, and the Orlando Magic. The San Antonio Spurs will face the Dallas Mavericks, and the Portland Trail Blazers will face the Phoenix Suns.
Clearly, the more interesting matchups are coming from the Western Conference. With the exception of the Trail Blazers/Suns matchup, all Western Conference matchups are must watches. One series in the Eastern Conference I'll be watching is the matchup between the Bucks and the Hawks. The Bobcats/Magic series may be interesting as well, depending on the Magic's three-point shooting. The Celtics should trash the Heat, and the Cavaliers should do the same to the Bulls. The Celtics aren't that good anymore, but they were blessed with a matchup against the Heat, who have no one but Dwyane Wade on their team.
The only first round upset that I could predict are the Spurs beating the Mavericks and the Jazz beating the Nuggets. Although that isn't likely, the Spurs have been very impressive with the teams they've beaten late in the season. The Mavericks also struggled a bit after their 13-game winning streak was snapped in March. The Jazz are also a tough challenge for the Nuggets, especially with George Karl most likely not being there. The Nuggets weren't really impressive late in the season, but the Jazz haven't been impressive on the road. That will be a matchup to watch out for.
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