The most glorious month of basketball is upon us, so get your brackets out! Oh wait, that’s March Madness. The time of year when actual basketball players are found and teams actually play defense. The time of year when players do not fight fans, make obscene comments toward referees or have therapists, like Ron Artest.
But the Madness is over, and now we have to settle for prima donnas hustling only on offense. It is called the NBA Playoffs. To be honest, not all players in the NBA are divas. The likes of Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Blake Griffin, Dwight Howard and Rajon Rondo give me hope that it’s still worth paying attention to the league. Although Griffin is not in the postseason, I am still watching. So without further ado, here are my 2011 playoff predictions.
Eastern Conference
Bulls vs. Pacers: The No. 1 team in the East and the NBA is playing one of the hottest Eastern Conference teams in the league. The Bulls have the possible MVP right now, but the team-first Rose could care less, which makes him even more valuable. The Pacers are young and boast a talented squad, but Rose has that Jordan-esque pep in his step. I’ll take the Bulls in five.
Heat vs. 76ers: The Monstars of the NBA are going to take their first shot at winning it all in their first season together against the 76ers. Who is going to guard LeBron? Maybe Andre Iguodala? But who will guard Dwyane Wade? Jrue Holiday? Although Chris Bosh is sure to disappoint if the game is tight in the closing minutes, I have the Heat taking the series in five and Philadelphia almost pushing it to six.
Celtics vs. Knicks: Even though the Celtics look shriveled up with a fork in them, I do not believe the Knicks will overwhelm them. Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire are a worthy duo, although Stoudemire now has a reduced role thanks to Mr. Big Shot, Chauncey Billups. The Celtics will figure out a way to tap into their fountain of youth and escape in six games. I also guarantee Stoudemire will draw four technical fouls and Anthony will try to sucker punch Ray Allen.
Magic vs. Hawks: Last year, this playoff series was a joke. The Magic won by an average of 20 points, but I do not see that happening now. This series will be more competitive, but I expect the Magic to finish it off with a dominant game five and six. Therefore, Magic in six.
Western Conference
Spurs vs. Grizzlies: Spurs fans are concerned, as their veteran team looks as if it will disintegrate in a matter of minutes. However, the Grizzlies are still not good enough to win this series, and the Spurs — banged up or not — will take it in six.
Lakers vs. Hornets: Andrew Bynum is playing hurt, but come on, when is he not? Kobe Bryant is still a Laker, and Chris Paul cannot do it all by himself. Until Sunday, I expected Los Angeles to get out the brooms and sweep New Orleans.
Mavericks vs. Trail Blazers: This could possibly be the most even series aside from the Nuggets and Thunder, but I will get to that one next. The Mavericks seem to disappoint their fans every year. There is no way a team that wins 50 games a season for almost a decade should not have a ring by now. With that in mind, I like the Blazers in seven.
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