Predictions!
The NBA has probably enjoyed its finest season since Magic, Bird and a young Air Jordan were dominating the league and bringing new fans by the day. I have to admit that we are starting to see players littered around the league that finally get it. What is it? Well, it is the ability to play the game at a fundamental level the game deserves. We are seeing players that actually care about their field goal percentage, teammates, winning and respecting opponents with honest and kind comments.
This is what has been missing. This is what the old school players have been criticizing. Finally we have a product again that allows you to sit down and watch a game and appreciate the way the players compete and respect the game.
Just take a look at the MVP candidates. How can you choose between Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett and LeBron James? All of those guys play the right way. All of them make their teammates better and they compete with effort and passion every night.
If you have not gotten my drift, just look at how competitive the Western Conference has been all year and although the East was not up to par prove to me that Philadelphia, Atlanta, Washington and Toronto are not worth watching and rooting for against the higher seeds.
This was the best season I have witnessed in a long time and I can’t wait for the postseason to get started. One warning: There will be no sweeps in the first round and we will have three lower seeds win.
Here are my picks for Round 1.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Celtics have been the best team all year in regards to consistency. I have always said individual defensive accolades are overrated. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen just proved my theory, because they have become defensive stalwarts in the tight team defense of the Celtics. It will be hard for the Hawks to win this series just based on the rapid fire offense of the Big Three. Plus Kevin Garnett is on a mission. But Celtics beware if you think this is a cakewalk.
The Hawks match up with you quite nicely with the likes of Joe Johnson, Al Horford and Josh Smith. I did not even mention one of the best clutch playoff performers in Mike Bibby. The Hawks have the firepower to win two games in this series and they will.
Projection: Celtics in six.
Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Pistons have been built for the playoffs for a long time and they always seem to use it to their advantage – except for last year against Cleveland. The key is Rasheed Wallace. The question is, will he or won’t he show up early in this series? If he does, the Sixers have no chance. But if he resorts to shooting 10 three-point shots a game… Well, this first-round series will venture to six games.
The Sixers are the most exciting team on the East Coast. They do it with speed and unselfishness and all the credit is pointed towards Andre Miller and head coach Maurice Cheeks. The play of youngsters Louis Williams and Thaddeus Young will be crucial for the Sixers in this series.
Projection: Pistons in five.
Orlando Magic vs. Toronto Raptors
The Magic were one of the most exciting teams before the All-Star break and then became very boring right after. Howard can dominate and should in this series. Hedo Turkoglu has become the go-to star and has not disappointed.
The Raptors have not lived up to expectations and injuries played a part. Chris Bosh better bring it big time if the Raptors want to upset the third seed. Key player in series is TJ Ford. He is virtually unstoppable when on a roll.
Projection: Magic in five.
Washington Wizards vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
This will be the most exciting series in the East. The Cavaliers defense better be air-tight, because if not they are in serious trouble. Also, LeBron will need some offensive help from at least two other Cavaliers – namely Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Daniel Gibson.
The Wizards, if healthy, might be the most dangerous offensive team in the league. If you don’t believe me, then go ask Boston. Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and Gilbert Arenas are a load and they will exploit Cleveland in this series and finally beat LeBron.
Projection: Wizards in six.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets
On paper, this series looks like it could be very competitive. But here is the problem: Denver doesn’t play good team defense. That is a serious problem when you face those 200 years of coaching experience on that Laker bench. The trio of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom will score in bunches and then allow role players like Derek Fisher to flourish with wide open shots.
The Nuggets have a chance in this series if they keep defensive focus for 24 seconds and Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony realize that they will not beat the Lakers by themselves. The Nuggets have some serious fire power in JR Smith, Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin if allowed to play. They can’t just stand and watch. I say the Nuggets will scare the Lakers and win two at home.
Projection: Lakers in six.
New Orleans Hornets vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Hornets are America’s team. They play great team basketball and have supreme confidence. Chris Paul is downright sick. He is the single reason why this team is even on the map right now. I love David West, Peja Stojakovic and Tyson Chandler, but the credit all falls in the lap of Paul and head coach Byron Scott. The Hornets have one negative and it will cost them… That is experience. Players that have never been to the playoffs think the experience talk is overrated, but the young Hornets will find out fast that it is not.
The Mavericks are still trying to find themselves since the Jason Kidd trade. They couldn’t have picked a better opponent to face. The experience of Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and Josh Howard will be too much. They will still need some stellar defense and rebounding from Erick Dampier, but I think they will find a way to upset the Hornets and move on to the second round. I personally will be rooting for the Hornets to prove me wrong.
Projection: Mavericks in six.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns
Here we go again! The Spurs are still the champion and the Suns understand that champions never beat themselves. The Spurs have fought hard through another long season and are now trying to conjure up some energy to make another I-told-you-so run to the championship. The problem the Spurs face is that historically they have never won back-to-back. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili will give the Suns fits as usual, but would that be enough to get it done?
The Suns are hungry, mad and determined to finally climb the Spur Mountain. They will get it done if Amare Stoudemire and Shaq stay out of foul trouble early and attack Duncan consistently to wear him down. Leandro Barbosa and Boris Diaw will have to score close to double figures off the bench thus negating Ginobili’s production. Steve Nash will have a great series and I think he will be the difference in the Suns finally eliminating the Spurs.
Projection: Suns in six.
Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz
Simple fact the Jazz don’t lose at home, so the Rockets better take care of home business against a terrible road team with a great overall record. The Rockets have bulletin-board material because they saw the Jazz virtually give up home court advantage to play them and avoid the Spurs and Suns. Tracy McGrady has to be lights out the entire series and the Rockets must dominate the offensive glass for second opportunities. Luis Scola will be the key to the series defending Carlos Boozer.
The Jazz should have mailed in their final game with the Spurs. They wanted the Rockets and they got them. Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer are the keys and do it extremely well every night. The Jazz will steal one game in Houston and win all three at home.
Projection: Jazz in seven.
- Petro Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 10:11 am
If Phoenix wins this series, it will have to be in 6. So I understand all the predictions for the Suns to win coming in 6 games. What concerns me about the Suns is that they may leave it all on the table to beat the Spurs and have nothing left for the 2nd round.
Note to Phx Suns - If you beat the Spurs in the first round, as great as an accomplishment as that may be, that does not equal a NBA championship.
Nick Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 10:28 am
Hmmm, interesting predictions. Not sure I agree; however, aside from a few Eastern conference matchups, each series is up for grabs. If the Raptors play like they’ve been playing over the past month or so, they’re done in 6. If they play like they know how (team ball and hit their perimeter shots), it’s Raps in 7.
Thanks.
N
Derek Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 10:33 am
How surprising, picking the Suns over the Spurs. Homerism at it’s best.
TheTruthSquad Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 10:37 am
I agree with you on the Spurs/Suns series but you left out one factor. The dirt bag conspiracy. If it appears the Spurs will lose, Pop will send in an assassin, just like he did last year. It will probably be Horry or some other lesser player who he can afford to get suspended for a few games. It could be Bowen but he is too smart to make it look intentional like Horry did. So, if the Suns can hold their cool this time they should win. However, the refs will have to keep an eye on Bowen because he is a sneaky dirty player.
benoit69 Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 10:42 am
suns will wipe the floor with the spurs
the spurs are stale where as the suns have an energy san antonio simply wont be able to match
i will be putting a lot of money on the suns beating the spurs and i am extremely confident
prediction: suns 4-2
mavs 4-3
jazz 4-1
lakers 4-3
celtics 4-0
pistons 4-2
wizards 4-3
magic 4-2
the jazz always get an easy run and they will demolish the rockets who will be extremely lucky to win more than 1 game, no chance in hell this series goes 7 games
the cavs blew it in the trade period sure it made them better (but not good enough) when they lose people will start ripping management real soon - no money under the table deal (pau gasol) lakers style so goodbye to lebron real soon
mister_g Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 10:47 am
good article. but i thought you said 2 lower seeds? but you mentioned 3 in your article , suns, wiz and mavs. i agree. those three upsets are also what i predicted.
benoit69 Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 10:58 am
eddie seriously pistons in 5 and celtics in 6 - thats a real bad call
the 76ers are better than you think and the celtics will demolish a worse team in the hawks
you must be selecting the pistons over the celtics for the east with those predictions - put down the pipe - the east is as finished as a 50 year old boxer coming out of retirement for the 5th time
CELTICS WIN THE EAST - the rest pissed from the yeast
Hoops D Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 11:19 am
Eddie you’re alrite on most of your picks, but I see the Celtics in five, 76ers stretching it to six, that’s good Nugget love, but HOLD on–the Mavericks are the same broken-down pony that got bounced in the first round last year and lo and behold the Hornets will sting them, the Suns will shine this year, and stop hating on the Jazz–they got this in fo. Bank it or ATM it–it’s like that.
Gary Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 11:21 am
Im with you in almost all of the predictions, but i think the Rockets are going to win their series against the Jazz.
And also i think the Nuggets can win theirs too… I just dont see it happening. But they sure can.
Im rooting for the Rockets and Mavs in the West and Celts and Magic in the East.
Kingsblade Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 11:37 am
Petro:
You have a good point about the Suns leaving too much on the floor against the Spurs, but luckily the west is full of nothing but tough matchups. I don’t think anyone is going to get through the first rould without leaving a lot on the floor. That should leave everyone on more or less equal footing for round 2.
The key will be less about how quickly teams can end their series. Leaving more on the floor but winning in 5 or 6 is much better than not working quite as hard and winning in 7.
Michael Bennett Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 11:37 am
Of course, I’m going to have to disagree with you about the Cavs/Wizards series. I think the Cavs are better than last year, especially on defense. Cavs in 5.
I think Celtics WILL sweep, or win in 5 at most. They easily beat teams in the end of the regular season with the Big 3 on the bench. And, that’s the ticket. Remember everyone’s concerns at the beginning of the season about 1) Celtic’s PG (Rondo) and 2) Celtic’s bench. Players like Powe, Cassell, Eddie House and James Posey are playing great. They actually have a really good/deep bench, and the PG position looks better than most teams in the Playoffs.
I’m hoping for a Denver over Lakers upset, but I don’t think it will happen. But, if Sports Illustrated and George Karl are right, then they could do it. That will be the West’s most exciting series.
eddie Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 11:47 am
Benoit 69
nice response, other than telling me im on drugs. i have never been there pal. ummmm which tells me maybe thats your problem —-lol
watch the series and then tell me something.
rockberg Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 11:50 am
I disagree with two of the predictions: Suns over Spurs and Washington over Cleveland.
1- Washington doesn’t have the experience and they don’t have the Lebron. That combination is too much for them. I like Washington’s Caron Butler and Arenas, as well as an amazing budding superstar (Nick Young whom Eddie Johnson surprisingly didn’t mention). They’re are a well rounded team and will make trouble but their future is far better than their present. However, they don’t have enough. Experience is what they need more of. Cleveland in 7.
2- Suns/Spurs: Spurs are old and on their way out but they are still a force in the play-offs. I know Suns are still smarting from losing the series they should have won last year. However the Shaq trade is going to work to their disadvantage against the cunning, seasoned, calculating Spurs. I look for early foul trouble for Shaq against Parker/Manu/Duncan (in that order). Suns don’t play a consistent enough defense and Spurs do. Suns offense now relies too much on Amare in the absence of Marion, while Spurs spread it. And I think the big man move that the Spurs made (Kurt Thomas) is going to work better for them than the one the Suns made (Shaq). If the Suns had kept Marion they would have gone past the Spurs who are a year older than last year and less athletic. The Suns lost themselves that advantage by making themselves equally older and less athletic when they threw away Marion. Spurs in 7 very entertaining games. Just about all 8 first round series this year are going to be fun to watch but this is THE series to watch. The coaches will be making one move after another. It’ll be epic, and it’ll be very exciting.
eddie Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 11:50 am
Derek
are you a Spurs fan? if so would you consider yourself a homer? the Suns won the season series 3-1 and blew the Spurs out twice in the last two games. So am i using homerism or facts?
SunsFreak Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:06 pm
Yo Petro,
Eddie never said that beating SA equated to a championship. However, if the Suns do win it all, they’ll look back at this series and say that was the hardest one of them all. Additionally, overcoming that obstacle in the very first round will propel their confidence to astronomical levels for the rest of the way.
Bryan Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
Just wanted you to know, u said the Jazz win one in
Houston and three at home. With that said thats a total of 5 games, yet u have Jazz in 7??? Do the math right if your hating on my team that did the impossible and win 22 straight games this year.
Al Bundy Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:11 pm
How about these picks.
Was- in 7
Phx- in 7
Dal- in 6
Hou- in 7
Orl- in 7
LAL- in 6
Det- in 5
Bos- in 5
Marco Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
im pretty sure it wont just be the suns who will be leaving it all out in the first round in the west.
each team regardless of rank will have a hard time against their opponent as if it was already the second round, and quite possibly the 3rd round.
i stilll think the nuggets can beat the lakers though..
or at least hope they can.
eddie Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
Bryan ok lets look at my math.
Houston wins first two
Jazz win second two
Houston wins game 5
Jazz win game 6
Jazz win game 7 in Houston!
all i said was that they would steal one i did not say when, but then again if you did your math it was obvious the game would be 7.
I picked the Jazz and i am hating. calm down and do your math!
bwill Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:32 pm
The lakers are to win the title if bynum comes back.
Kingsblade Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:34 pm
Bryan:
I assume that Eddie means he thinks the Jazz will win game 7 in Houston. That would be all 3 at home and one in Houston…or 7 games as some like to put it.
Even if they win one in Houston earlier than that it would still have gone to 6 games since game 6 is their 3rd home game, so I have no idea where you are pulling the number 5 from. (Your ass I guess…)
Check your own math genius.
Steven Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
Magic in 5? No way they even win the series much less dominate the Raptors like that
Raptors in 6
Porky Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
Hawks win 2 against the Celts? Absurd. It will be a sweep. Unfortunately the STUPID predictions above will be forgotten as soon as Round 2 begins. Bottom line- who cares about anyone’s predictions.
Bryan Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:50 pm
Eddie, you said the jazz, and I quote, “win all three at home”. Now you are saying Houston wins one at Utah from your response. Get your prediction straight. Other than that, I do always enjoy your columns and appreciate your time here in Houston. (I think the jazz will win too, but I’m still a Rockets homer!)
louis Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:50 pm
real basketball fans know that the playoffs are different than the regular season. spurs will win series against suns. don’t care how
the regular series games went/playoffs are different. i love how
you guys have counted the spurs out…….
Michael Bennett Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:50 pm
Who cares about anyone’s predictions??? Porky - If you get ‘em wrong, these bloggers will remind you the entire next season. Example - me.
Here are my First Round predictions:
WEST
(1) Lakers over (8) Nuggets in 6 games
(4) Jazz over (5) Rockets in 6 games
(6) Suns over (3) Spurs in 6 games
(7) Mavericks over (2) Hornets in 5 games
EAST
(1) Celtics sweep (8) Hawks
(2) Pistons over (7) 76ers in 5 games
(3) Magic over (6) Raptors in 7 games
(4) Cavaliers over (5) Wizards in 5 games
Shaq, Shaq, Shaq is back, back, back. He’ll free up Amare to average 25 and 10 in that series and Amare will be the series MVP. Shaq will add 18 and 10 per contest.
Dirk and Kidd will be unstoppable like the final game of the season. I think they might be the scariest team in the Playoffs… except for the Celtics.
LeBron will average (almost) a triple-double against the Wizards, and Wally Szczerbiak will step up on offense, hitting 50% of his threes, and Big Ben will return to Playoff form, averaging 12 rpg, 2 blocks and 2 steals.
So, the Conference Semi-Finals will look like this:
WEST
(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (4) Utah Jazz
(6) Phoenix Suns vs. (7) Dallas Mavericks
EAST
(1) Boston Celtics vs. (4) Cleveland Cavaliers
(2) Detroit Pistons vs. (3) Orlando Magic
Bryan Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:51 pm
To kingsblade: I got 5 from Utah winning one of the first two games in houston and all 3 At home. Thats where I pulled it from, not the bum. But thanks for clearing it up….i guess.
CHILL4LIFE Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
I just want to let everybody know, don’t sleep on my cavs. Don’t be a hater. The cavs will be ready for the wizards.
eddie Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
Bryan
the Rockets have home court advantage my man. wake up!
Raj Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
May be not be an ex-NBA baller but have enough basketball knowledge to predict the first round outcome..however, as the adage goes on ‘No body can predict the future’ just giving it a shot ala Eli Stone
East
—–
celtics 4-1
pistons 4-2
Cavs 4-3 (would go either way)
magic 4-2
West
——
Spurs 4-3 (would love to see Suns win this series but..)
Hornets 4-3 (would go either way)
jazz 4-2
lakers 4-2 (Denver makes playoffs but as always loses in first round)
lbntl, Miss Warriors Vs Lakers..it wd have been a BLAST !!
Bryan Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 1:02 pm
Eddie, the playoffs in the first round go, 2games to homecourt, 3 on the road, and two to homecourt. Wake up and look at what you wrote. I guess former NBA players egos dont let them admit to being wrong. Thanks for your response and the losing seasons you brought us in Houston.
Bryan Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 1:07 pm
Eddie, your original response was correct, your 2nd response was wrong. You said Houston wins game 5, which is actually in Utah (which you said the Jazz wins all their home games). I was just bustin your balls. Sorry.
Note: I would put my money on the Jazz winning the championship. Go Rockets!
GQ Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 1:13 pm
I truly hope the Lakers don’t dissapoint me this post-season. Yes, we are spoiled out here in LA but anything less than a west conference will be a failure to us. I really like what you said about Kobe, Gasol, and Odom scoring in bunchs as oppossed to indivisual scoring. If those 3 think in terms of their collective totals I think we will be ok.
Eddie Odums Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
I think all the lack of experience talk with the Hornets is overrated! What all these so called analysts are neglecting to mention is the fact that while NOH is a young and playoff inexperienced team, our leader…..aka the coach is not! I know you all have heard that if you kill the head you destroy the whole body, well it also works the other way, if your head is strong the body will be strong. Our head has been to two NBA Finals, and guess what, he knows Jason Kidd very well. Do you really thing Coach Scott will not have NOH ready and focused?? I got news for everyone, the Hornets have gotten no respect all year, yet they continue to prove people wrong. DAL cant play with us and we will show the world beginning this weekend, just watch and see and remember you heard it from me first. NOH winning in 5 games, haha we should sweep them to really make people believe! At this site:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=playoffpredictions-080418
Mr. Hollinger gives many examples of teams that came from nowhere with no experience to make noise in their first playoff appearance. It happens! All this no playoff experience talk is pointless. Get your popcorn ready cause we gonna sting the western conference and run through DAL, then beat PHO or SAS, and who knows from there but be assured, we will be in the conference finals. I’M OUT! GO HORNETS!!!!!!!!!
Miguel Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
BRYAN, you are not as knowledgeable as you think.
The Playoffs in the first round go 2, 2, 1, 1, 1… NOT 2 at home, 3 road, and 2 home.
Please come down from the cloud you’re on and feel free to reference NBA.com (perhaps you’ve heard of the site?)
Also, How can you put your money on the Jazz and then say GO ROCKETS!
Stop the crazy talk and realize that the best TEAM in the league screams, DEEEEEEEEeeeeeetroit Basssketbaaaall!!
Jacob Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 1:41 pm
EDDIE! celtics in 6? they beat the hawks 3-0 with an average margin of victory over 12-13 points… does that count for anything?
Jacob Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
bryan.. it goes
in houston, in houston, in utah, in utah, in houston, in utah, in houston..
god your stupidity makes my head hurt. look at the schedule.
The Professor Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
Mr. Eddie Johnson,
I know somehow you will pick the media darling Suns, just like most people perhaps in the media. I don’t have anything against the Suns, I like the, but I do think that the Shaq trade was still a mistake. Marion can defend Parker and not get into foul trouble, while Shaq could easily get into fouls through a cutting Manu or Tony or a post up move by Tim Duncan. The Spurs have always been hated in the NBA, because of their goody too shoes, humble, modest, and sportsmanship. Bowen was never cocky about his playing style nor Duncan opens his big mouth and belittle people like Shaq. The Spurs just play fundamental basketball so the Suns do not have enough to beat the Spurs. The Spurs are too disciplined regardless if they are hated by the media, they are unselfish, ego-free, and works the ball and let everyone gets touches. Duncan may be almost 100 pounds lighter and 2 inches shorter than Shaq, but he has schooled a much more dominant Shaq before. Plus, Barry, Finley and Bowen are dangerous outside, with Parker and Manu’s penetration and Duncan’s underrated defense. Bowen will clog Nash, while Udoka will hit his threes. The Spurs are four time champions, and each season, most analyst always choose Phoenix, including when the Suns had 64 wins or so, yet the Spurs almost swept them. I don’t believe the Suns can beat the Spurs, and the Spurs will finally make guys like you (with all due respect) accept the facts that the Spurs is just a better team. But it won’t stop a thing if they win the championship again, guys like you will pick the Suns again next year. Sooner or later, haters will have no choice but to accept the Spurs as a dynasty.
Eddie Odums Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 2:09 pm
I think all the lack of experience talk with the Hornets is overrated! What all these so called analysts are neglecting to mention is the fact that while NOH is a young and playoff inexperienced team, our leader…..aka the coach is not! I know you all have heard that if you kill the head you destroy the whole body, well it also works the other way, if your head is strong the body will be strong. Our head has been to two NBA Finals, and guess what, he knows Jason Kidd very well. Do you really thing Coach Scott will not have NOH ready and focused?? I got news for everyone, the Hornets have gotten no respect all year, yet they continue to prove people wrong. DAL cant play with us and we will show the world beginning this weekend, just watch and see and remember you heard it from me first. NOH winning in 5 games, haha we should sweep them to really make people believe! At this site:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=playoffpredictions-080418
Mr. Hollinger gives many examples of teams that came from nowhere with no experience to make noise in their first playoff appearance. It happens! All this no playoff experience talk is pointless. Get your popcorn ready cause we gonna sting the western conference and run through DAL, then beat PHO or SAS, and who knows from there but be assured, we will be in the conference finals. I’M OUT! GO HORNETS!!!!!!!!!
bballer Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 2:19 pm
surprise surprise eddie, phx will win. i’m not disagreeing but i would have been surprised if you didn’t pick phx. i’ll let you in on a secret. phx will lose to dallas in the next round. i’m picking a lal vs. dallas western conference finals.
as for the raps vs. orlando - raps in 6. tj ford will carry the team and people will have to rethink trading him over the summer.
eddie, why doesn’t colangelo like traditional centres and scoring wing men. after joe johnson left, he didn’t pick one up. as for centres, you know the deal. he is doing the same in toronto.
David Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
Please take the chip off of Phoenix’s shoulder. If anyone really thinks that Pop sent Robert Horry in to “take out” Nash, knowing full well that there would be 2 guys off the bench and be suspended, then he’s in the wrong business. He should be picking stocks and buying lottery tickets.
What else is lost is that while the Suns did lose game 5, they were at full strength and pissed off for game 6 and the Spurs were minus Horry. If they were the better team last year then they had the opportunity to win game 6. They didn’t. All teams get bad breaks. The Spurs had one 4 years ago with the .4 shot. They had a chance to go into LA and win that game 6. They lost. They were not the better team.
The Suns might be the better team this year. Marion was always ineffective against the SPurs — that’s why they let him go for Shaq. Plus the stability of Grant Hill makes them a lot better than last year.
If they beat the SPurs this year, it’s because they’re the better team this year, not because they lost last year. Get over it.
Should be a fun series.
Metin Kirhan Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 3:37 pm
When I check the predictions I see no real surprise and upset at all. But in my opinion anything can happen in the West and I won’t be surprised if Denver beat them in seven.
EAST
Celtics in 5 (They will keep it tight from the beginning)
Detroit in 6 (Playoff experience…)
Cavs in 7 (Lebron factor)
Orlando in 5 (Dwight-Hedo-Lewis are too much for the Raptors)
WEST
Denver in 7 (If they fully concentrate in defense)
Utah in 5 (The Jazz will cut it short)
Suns in 7 (Nail-biter… Suns are hungry, determined and motivated)
New Orleans in 7 (Anything can happen in this one. Hard to predict…)
Mike27 Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 3:39 pm
I dont have much to say, except for one thing….
the Hawks dont stand a snowballs chance in Hades of winning one game against the Celts. I’m not a Boston fan by any stretch, but come on, Eddie. Do you really think the Celtics, led by the iron will of Kevin Garnett, will relinquish ONE game to a team that wasnt even close to sniffing the .500 mark during the season? Sure, the Hawks have some young (albeit) unproven talent….but KG surely will fire his team up to the point that they will have plenty of rest by the time the second round starts. He’s not playing around this year, and his teammates use his energy as a conduit to fuel their own passions. Dont underestimate the power of one.
Paul Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
I whole-heartedly agree with almost everything you said but I have a few disagreements. 1.) I think New Orleans will win but I’m glad you’re secretly rooting for them also.(I’m from Chicago but I’m still biased towards the Hornets) CP3 is my pick to be one of the players who always seem to explode during the playoffs ( like Rip & Billups in 2004 & Wade in 2006) & Julian Wright should have a big part in the series if the Hornets were to totally outplay the Mavs. 2.) I think that in addition to Raja & Diaw,Grant Hill (hasn’t played like he did in the 1st half of the season) has to also show up in order for the Suns to beat the Spurs…Other than that I think that you’re right on with your predictions & assessments of the regular season/playoffs & even if you’re off on a couple win/loss totals we’ll see your chosen teams advance….I’m only 22 but I think you were a great player/shooter, Pistol Pete is my favorite player of all time b/c I feel like I play like him, & I might’ve missed it but who is your MVP? Kobe or CP3?
Paul Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 3:46 pm
oh & I forgot to mentions that all of the 4/5 matchups will be great & that the Raps are a team who I think can have a chance to upset in the East…Although I wouldn’t be surprised at all if any team had an upset over anyone in the 1st round,West or East…
Don Dada Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 3:53 pm
BRYAN
Man you are definitely not an NBA Insider. Look at the schedule and take some rest !
Magwire Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 3:53 pm
Just one thing, Raptors will not lose to Magic. Orlando has a lot of holes in their roster, especially the PG. I do not think Jameer Nelson or Arroyo can defend Ford penetration or Calderon pick and roll, on the other hand, Bosh is too fast and too dynamic to be stopped inside by Howard. If Rasho is solid as he ended the season, Orlando will not have many problems inside and I do not think they can win this series from the perimeter.
Raptors in 6 or 7
Magwire Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 3:54 pm
Just one thing, Raptors will not lose to Magic. Orlando has a lot of holes in their roster, especially the PG. I do not think Jameer Nelson or Arroyo can defend Ford penetration or Calderon pick and roll, on the other hand, Bosh is too fast and too dynamic to be stopped inside by Howard. If Rasho is solid as he ended the season, Orlando will have many problems inside and I do not think they can win this series from the perimeter.
Raptors in 6 or 7
Tony Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
Eddie-
I agree with Bryan, you are a clown.
That whole Jazz/Rockets prediction is what happened last year. Is that where you are getting it from ?
And how the hell do you think Boston loses a game to Atlanta ? You on crack man ?
Don Dada Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 4:06 pm
Tony
Atlanta will MAYBE win Game 4 at home but the two teams play at such a different level that I would be very suprised if it really happens.
SKY Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 4:12 pm
Suns will win if:
1. Amare stays out of foul trouble
2. LB shoots 47%+ from the field
Don Dada Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 4:29 pm
Metin Kirhan Said
Denver in 7 (If they fully concentrate in defense)
In NO WAY can Denver beat LA in a best of 7 series. LA has too much firepower on offense and Denver has one of the worst team defense in the entire league. Denver’s defense will slightly improve throughout the series to win a maximum of 2 games .LA in 6 (worst case scenario)
Matt Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 4:32 pm
EJ-
I saw you at Chipotle a while back and didn’t want to bother you, but I wanted to tell you you’re the best color commentator on television in my opinion. I think you are one of the great teachers of the game when you are calling it, and it’s made our fan base well educated basketball fans. People here still don’t know when to clap at Diamondback games!
Even if I weren’t a Suns fan, I really like the fact that a majority of the sports media aren’t giving us a shot. The confidence level seems higher to me than the past 3 years. I love how we can play in the half court now, I just wish we could play better ‘on ball’ defense.
Matt Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 4:40 pm
And for all the Haters-
Eddie is the only guy I’m aware of that had the stones to take Golden St. over Dallas last year. Not sure how many of you wimps would have taken that one.
How many guys do you know who played almost 2 decades in League? He might have some credibility there. I’d role to Vegas with his picks.
Mike27 Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 4:45 pm
I would be absolutely shocked if the Suns lose this series. I know that’s funny, considering they are playing the world champs in the first round…..but Phoenix is built for war this year. I’m not gonna lie…I was one of the thousands who scoffed and guffawed when Kerr pulled the trigger on the Shaq trade. But I have to give the proverbial props where props are due; they’re ready for San An.
Let’s not forget, if it weren’t for the biggest shot in Horry’s career (the Bill Goldberg-esque Spear on Nash that sent him flying into the stands, scattering drinks and hot dogs everywhere) last year, then the Suns would have been on their way to Phoenix, hosting Game 5 with a full roster and the series tied at two games apeice. And seeing how that game went down to the wire WITHOUT their big man, I can only surmise they would have gone back to S.A. with a 3-2 advantage and ultimately won the series in 7. With Shaq in the equation, provided he can stay out of foul trouble, I see them winning this series in 6 or 7.
Anthony Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
Is Denver really that good? Seems like most here would like to see Denver win.
Pol(Spain) Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 5:11 pm
The final:BOSTON-LAKERS
Mike27 Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
nah, everyone just hates Kobe….and the Lakers in general. As the almighty Emperor Palpatine once said, “the hate flows through them.”
Tasos Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
I always enjoy reading your articles, New Orleans can get pass Dallas and Suns haven’t conviced my yet.
Martin Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 5:43 pm
Hi Eddie. I like how you predict the success of Suns every year giving ‘indisputable’ arguments why it will be so. And how you are wrong again and again.
Anyway, I really wish Suns to win a championship this year, so nevermind…
(and take my previous comment with a humour)
eddie Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 5:59 pm
Spur fans—remember last year when i said the Suns would win. You pointed at head to head advantage the Spurs had. Now i say the Suns will win and you ignore the 3-1 advantage Suns this year.
argggggggggg lol
katino Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 6:01 pm
Dirk and the Mavs don’t have it in them.
Come playoff time and LeBron will take over.
T-mac won’t make it through the firts round once again…
But the biggest question is who will win the Suns-Spurs dual? Will it be the experience of the champs or the hunger of the suns?
Anyway, here are my predictions:
Celtics over the Hawks in 5
Pistons over the 76ers in 5
Magic over the Raptors in 6
Cavs over the Wizards in 7
Lakers over the Nuggets in 6
Hornets over the Mavs in 6
Suns over the Spurs in 6
Jazz over the Rockets in 5
See ya in the second round, or maybe not….
Shotime Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 6:07 pm
Due to the fact the raptors rarely appear on american television i can understand the fact that most people have no respect for them. The raptors will win the series in 6. Orlando has not been in a funk all season, and its happened to the pistons in the past where you just break down as a team and by the time the problem is fixed you’re out on the links.
Davidguy Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 6:09 pm
Noway are the rockets beating the Jazz 3 games, I dont even think they will win one…
The cavs will probably beat the Wizards who are bad defenders, although it may be a long series.
And I dont think the hawks will win more than a game.
Jim Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 6:15 pm
The suns will beat the spurs in the first round. The trade will benefit the suns in this series because they will have a dominant center and a dominant power forward in the game at the same time. Amare’s production has gone up since Shaq has gotten to phoenix Shaq’s playoff experience will help the suns out as well.
The spurs have yet to beat the suns with Shaq in the line-up and I think it has a lot to do with Duncan. In previous seasons players have been able to kill the suns inside, but with Shaq and Amare in the middle, Duncan has been less effective against the suns. He’s a combined 15-40 from the field (under 38 percent) against Phoenix since they’ve acquired O’neal and I feel that will be the difference this year.
Whover said losing Marion would hurt the suns in this series… Are you serious? Marion would always vanish in the spurs series and while he was able to defend parker was he really doing a great job? Parker killed the suns in previous years driving to the basket. A year or two ago he was among the league leaders in points in the paint. I just feel like the advantages the spurs have had in the past are now in the suns’ favor.
David Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
Eddie,
Didn’t Cleveland beat the Spurs last year in both regular season games?
pepboan Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
Copy and Paste from Eddie: “We are seeing players that actually care about their field goal percentage, teammates, winning and respecting opponents with honest and kind comments.”
Then, what about Tj Ford. He doesnt fit in this premises at all. He’s as selfish as Gays, Reeds -earlier Kobe- and other overrated players (thanks to American Media and its little point of view of team basketaball were jumping is a great quality)
Raptors will try to make bussiness with TJ, maybe that’s a strong reason for giving him his selfish minutes (also in order to prevent a mocking-crying tantrum from his side)
I agree with NIck, they can make it in 7, palying as a team.. tha means ignoring Tj’s temper tantrum and future trades.
LAvs Celtics… that’s a revival, pal!!
Dre Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 7:05 pm
Suns aint winning.
devin Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 7:41 pm
The nuggets can light it up, and play some rediculously good defense if they concentrate, and just do it. I don’t understand why people on here are pretending like they are incapable. At the beginning to the middle of the season, their defensive rating was in the top ten in the league. Martin, and Camby are both great defensive players, and there are other very versatile players on the team.
J.R. Smith is probably the best player off the bench in the league.
I think what the series will come down to, is the AI/Kobe match up.
Whatever happens It will be really fun to experience. It’s a new golden age for the nba.
Michael Bennett Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 7:46 pm
I think it’s a Suns vs. Celtics Finals. The Suns are going to be unstoppable in the Playoffs with Shaq. They’re the best 6th seed I’ve ever seen.
Rashidi Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 7:54 pm
Boston and Detroit will sweep.
These are veteran teams. Al Horford is a rookie going up against Kevin Garnett. Boston’s big three have been preparing all season for this.
Nevermind that Boston is deeper and Atlanta has absolutely no bench to speak of after Josh Childress. Bibby and JJ are going to have to play close to 48 minutes every game for them to even have a chance each game.
Philly just doesn’t have enough firepower. They have LeBron-lite in Iggy but they can’t hit the 3pt shot and Detroit’s suffocating defense will use that to their advantage. Even LeBron needed shooters like Gibson to play well against Detroit.
Rashidi Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 7:56 pm
The Rockets will also be without Rafer Alston at the start of the series which will likely put them into a hole they can’t dig out of.
Drew Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 8:05 pm
Cavs will beat the Wizards… Eddie Johnson should stick to m0lesting kids, because he obviously doesn’t know $hit about the NBA.
g Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 8:20 pm
suns and wizards!!! finals! wait for it! exciting series.
Ovais Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 8:48 pm
Eddie,
I agree with you on all your picks save 2:
The Raptors and New Orleans will take their respective series’ in 6. I guess those are bold predictions but it’s all posted here and we’ll see what happens.
Enjoy the playoffs, guys!
Have not played their brand of basketball all season Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 9:06 pm
I HEAVILY disagree with the Magic vs Raptors prediction. If Orlando wins, it will NOT be easy. The Raptors are always underlooked; I understand they have been so inconsistent this year, but they have great matchups against the Magic. Nesterovic can effectively guard Howard, no one can guard Bosh, and there is no way that Orlando matches the Raptors at the point (TJ Ford/Jose Calderon). I think Raptors in 6.
Guillermo - Hong Kong Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 10:28 pm
Predictions are predictions. They are personal choices and can go wrong because the commentators are not the players or coaches right now playing in the games. And the games are decided by the squads playing. A good example is the weather forecast. Even though the observatory gathers pile of data about the weather, surprising storms can turn up right in the next second. I can’t stand people being rude when they find others predict not in their ways! If you don’t agree, just tell us your predictions and convince the others with facts.
Kingsblade Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 10:31 pm
Bryan:
I’m sure it’s already been said a few times here, but please look at a schedule. I guess you really did pull the number 5 out of your ass.
Guillermo - Hong Kong Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 10:38 pm
I know that the Spurs will be a different team entering the Playoffs and excel in champion manner. They will play great.
And the fans can say Suns is not gonna to win that 1st round series based on the fact that the Suns have never been able to climb and surpass the Spurs Mountain. That’s fine!
But if you say that the 3-1 (all) and 2-0 (with Shaq) record doesn’t matter, that matters!
Guys, be rational!
How can say the regular season record doesn’t matter AT ALL when your team is the losing team and say the matchup number REALLY counts when your team is the winning team?! Be consistent with your argument!
john Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 10:48 pm
the raptors are not going to win, all they have is bosh, and a bunch of soft white guys on they team, and andrea bargnani what a bust, he can’t even help himself, none the less help bosh team. i hope they get swipe.
Guillermo - Hong Kong Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 10:52 pm
I do think the Pistons will knock out the 76ers early because of their lack of experience though they are more athletic.
Detroit has been playing very well and has a deep, deep, deep bench with plenty of weapons. The 76ers cannot match with that supporting cast.
And again, like SAS, DET plays at a different level come playoff time.
Kent Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 11:06 pm
I quite agree with you man on your predictions, especially with the ones in the West and most of the Easdt ones. I think the Raptors if they play the way they know and the way they play,though, last season, they might get a good chance at maybe upsetting the Magic and they really wanted to avoid the Pistons and wantes this matchup, so I beleive it to be a more competitive series than what you’ve predcited.
Guillermo - Hong Kong Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 11:10 pm
The Hawks have a as good starting roster as the Boston on paper. Bibby, Johnson, Smith, Horford are all proven assets. But there are two problems with Atlanta.
First, chemistry. Since the acquisition of Mike Bibby, they couldn’t improve with greater consistency, losing games that they should have taken with ease (e.g. finale at Charlotte).
Second, bench. The second unit of the Celtics is no kidding (Posey, House, Powe, Davis, Cassell). The Hawks can’t handle them only with Childress and Zaza.
If the Hawks play in a good rhythm with their athleticism, they can have some games with Boston.
Alejandro Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 11:24 pm
I quite agree with you man on your predictions, especially with the ones in the West and most of the Easdt ones. I can’t see whasoever Atlanta beating Boston man, not even winning a game in that series. The Hawks are a sqaud full of youngsters with no or little playoff experience, the only guys that have lots of playoff experience and know how to play in this type of intensity in that team are Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby, from that wild Laker-King series from 2002. Then by the way, I think if the good Raptors show up and play the way they know, they got a pretty good chance of getting this series. They have a stronger point guard combinantion, no doubt than the Magic and Chris Bosh can do more stuff thean Dwight Howard. He can make long-range shots and even triples if he wants too, where Howard only socres under the basket and within the perimeter. If Bosh takes advantge of this and forces him to go outside and wear him out thorughout the series, then it will end in a playoff series victory for the Raps.
Ben Said,
April 18, 2008 @ 11:58 pm
yeah I agree with all of your predictions Eddie
As for all of you spurs fans who still think you can beat the suns, since they dont have shawn marion who is a good defensive player and now have shaq who might get into foul trouble here and there. Shawn marion averages like 10ppg against the spurs, because most of his points come from driving to the basket. He is a good rebounder for forward but he is only 6 ft 7 and only good guarding players up to his size. Thats why the suns got killed by good pf/c before the trade. Shaq is over 7ft and has a good lowpost game. He could allow amare score and rebound as much as he want while guarding duncan. Then there is grant hill who shoots really good from the field. If bowen guards nash, then hill might be free to score all he want. If he plays really good, then it would be hard to not guard him.
JJ Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 12:09 am
The last two years the big knock on the Spurs has been that they are “old.” Now the Suns have a 36 year old center, a 35 year old small forward, and a 34 year old point guard, all starters… and I’m supposed to believe this is their year? I just can’t see them winning 3 straight western conference series against the likes of San Antonio, New Orleans, or the Lakers.
eddiesucks Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 12:10 am
are you a Spurs fan? if so would you consider yourself a homer? the Suns won the season series 3-1 and blew the Spurs out twice in the last two games. So am i using homerism or facts?
so if the wizard and boston will play in the first round the wizard will actually beat boston coz they sweep boston in the regular season,,,,crap
heyhey06 Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 12:49 am
Bitter people like the truthsqad can’t even tell the truth in their name.
Get over last year loser and move on.
Rob Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 12:55 am
76ers will cause the biggest upset in the playoffs. Andre Miller is having the best season of his career. 76ers are goin to make some noise!
LotusMan Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 1:02 am
Ok, Eddie. Here’s what I think:
Boston in 5, not 6. Celtics best in the league this year, and Hawks are happy just to be in the playoffs. Plus, Celtics have the depth, and after a strong starting 5, Hawks are thin.
Pistons in 5, agreed.
Raptors in 6 over Magic. Sorry, Eddie, but TO is a better team than the Magic. Bosh will have a monster series, and will negate Howard’s rebounding with superior scoring.
Cavs in 6, for one reason only, his name is Lebron James.
Lakers in 5, not 6. See above, his name is Kobe Bryant.
Hornets and Mavs is a tough one, but I’m picking Hornets in 7 because of CP3 and the season they have had.
Spurs in 7 over the Suns due to home court advantage, and because Duncan will come to play. Phoenix is good, but they are unproven.
Jazz in 5 or 6, certainly not 7 games against an injury-decimated Rockets team.
There ya go, EJ, let’s see who is right!!
pogi Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 1:18 am
celtics will probably sweep or win in 5 games unless doc allows garnet and co. to play limited minutes to keep them fresh for the 2nd round where they will face either cavs or wiz, which will be very tired because they rely too much on offense. i believe cavs will still beat the wiz, i can’t fathom lebron allowing his team to lose. if he could carry his team to reach the finals last year, ain’t no way he’s going to allow a first round exit. i also expect tor vs orl to go 7 games and it could go either way. i have the same expectations from the west as yours.
ras Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 2:15 am
this is the most exciting playoffs ever, especially in the west. these are my predictions:
- celtics in four
- pistons in five
- magic in six
- cavs in seven
- lakers in six
- hornets in seven
- suns in seven
- jazz in six
lexo Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 2:47 am
Eddie….big fan!
Do you think the Jazz will stand a chance against the Lakers in the second if Bynum comes back healthy….I’m a jazz fan in L.A. and I am getting loads of sh*t from the co-workers…GO JAZZ!
Ishmael Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 3:37 am
Eddie is the best commentator out there. Actually responds to blog comments. Unlesss some a-hole is pretending to be Eddie and using that name, and constantly using the 90’s era e-slogan “lol”. Lots of laughs, seriously, should be banned from the internet. Yet, somehow, it works with Eddie. He’s old school. He’s manly. It makes sense.
Toronto… must be a great city… cosmopolitian, yet stil small-towny, all the fans aren’t gorged with self-entitlement like LA or NYC… and small-towny because nothing’s beaten you out of your dorky naiivete. Raptors have a shooters chance at Orlando.
Rek Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 4:10 am
I think the Suns will really have a big big chance of upsetting the Spurs. Although I would love to see this matchup at the Western conference finals, the matchup may prove to be draining for both teams and whoever the opponent of the winner of this series will really have an advantage especially in terms of having fresh legs and emotional edge. The match-up will surely be a great one, but whoever is the winner in this eries, both coaches will be worry if they will have some gas left in the tank for the second round.
The Sixers have a chance of upsetting the pistons if the Iguodala/Miller combination would be at it’s best in the seven game series. The bench however would be the x-factor as pistons now enjoys a very young and Atlethic team who can really contribute to their cause in any given night. But the Sixers is also a very flexible team in terms of defense and as well as offense (7th most defensive team in the league, and 14th offensive team in the league)
But I really would love to see the trash-talking of the Cavs-Wizards game due to the fact that the Wizards are under the radar in their series matchup. Agent Zero will be a focal point in the offensive attack by the wizards off the bench and will likely be the x-factor especially if he will takeover games. LBj, will get his scoring output with no problems, but the problem is if his teammates will deliver when they are needed to in the big stage.
The Hornets-Mavericks series will show that CP3 is ready to take over the reign of Kidd’s supremacy as the exemplary model of a classic point guard. However, the Mav’s core is very intact and has gone through playoff battles(even though they’re used to choking in the important games in their lives) will be a very interesting feature in the series. But don’t discount the Hornets yet of their chances of advancing to the next round, Peja’s leadership combined with the playoff dominance of Bonzi Wells may help the cause of the big three of the hornets; CP3, David West and Tyson Chandler.
hey ya Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 4:17 am
i dont agree with the dallas beatting noh predictions dallas was the same team last year that ended the season on a high note and many ppl guessed were on their way to the finals but the 8th seed goldenstate warriors stunned them which i predicted so need i add noh is a better /stable /organized team than the warriors was last year and lets not put all the hope in kidd being the saviour in this series n dirk nowitzki will flop n not play to his ability once again in the playoffs
predictions
washington over cleveland in 6
raptors over orlando in 7
hey ya Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 4:24 am
suns and spurs can go either way but i think we all should account for spurs is every yr in the playoffs a different player would step up during the last playoffs tony parker played superb n his best basketballl of his life n this yr in the regular season manu ginobili is play remarkable out of this world basketball i predict manu ginobili will tear down n unload for 2 plus 40 point games even perhaps 50 if that happens in which he was doing all yr long how will the suns defeat the reigning champs? but this series can mos def go both ways
Buc Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 4:44 am
The Hornets are a great home team, the Mavs are a bad road team, the Hornets have home court advantage, the Mavs needed Jason Kidd/Jason Terry each to score 20+ just to win the other day… yet people think the Mavs are going to take the series?
L-O-L.
Jax Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 4:48 am
i’ll go straight to the NBA Finals : Utah Jazz versus Orlando Magic, Jazz in 6!
Melvin Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 5:12 am
http://basketballnonsense.blogspot.com/2008/04/experience-vs-youth-dallas-vs-new.html
oops! I dont really argue but i think its stupid to say that celts-hawks series would go in six! comeon man, celtics can even finish it in three..
hornets, I love them so I feel they would triumph.. this is cp3’s year and this is hornets year!
hey ya Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 5:24 am
hawks will consider themselves victorious if they make it out this series with 1 win. The odds r stacked against the hawks im all in with a sweep against the hawks anyday
hawks, sixers, rockets
last yr with yoa ming they had no luck against the jazz this yr without yoa ming will be a sweep
Luke Gibbons Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 5:52 am
For the Spurs to win it all again this year they will all their series in 7! And they will be… Suns-Dallas-Lakers then the Celtics.
suns Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 7:09 am
the spurs are afraid to hurt the suns cause they know shaq will hurt them give them elbows even more and flair especially at their bigs!
suns Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 7:10 am
FLAIL and swing
Duann Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 7:43 am
Eddie,
As an ex-NBA baller, you should know that head-to-head in the regular season is moot if the teams’ rosters are not at full strength due to injury.
This was the case in this series and lest you forget, the Spurs were also without the services of Brent Barry, a critical bench player…and the first loss they were without Tony Parker. These two players can change the dynamic of any game, particaulrly Parker since he’s a starter and one of the best young PGs in the league.
So, let’s not read too much into head-to-head. As you know, the playoffs start a new season and old things are passed away.
Also the argument that the Spurs have not won back to back titles is absolutely the WEAKEST artgument for predicting a Suns win. Spurs in 7. They are the champs. Its too bad that you and others can’t give them the respect they have earned and deserve.
Baron Davis Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 8:21 am
suns will surely get rid of the spurs……i promise!!@
my predictions:
East
C’s 4-0 Hawks
Pis 4-1 Sixers
Magic 4-1 Raps
Cavs 4-2 Wizs
West:
LA 4-1 Nuggets
Hornets 3-4 Mavs
Spurs 2-4 Suns
Jazz 4-2 Apollo 13s
Justice Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 8:30 am
Your predictions are great but I do not agree with the mavs-hornets matchup.I believe that the Hornets will be playing real men’s basketball while fighting against the mavs.
Therfore, the bees in 6
Thanks for your nice predictions. I like it a lor.
Let’s go, CP3,DWest, Tyson and Peja!!
Carnell Johnson Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 9:40 am
Eddie,
You already know how I feel about your beloved Suns. I will say this, this is their best chance to beat them. However, I feel not only you Eddie, others on this board are underestimating the Hornets. I see the Hornets winning the Dallas series, and should your beloved Suns come out of the Spurs series, the Hornets will beat them in 6!!!! I’m as confident in this as I was last year, of your Suns not being able to win the title. Nothing will change this year, Suns will end this season with an empty trophy case again, and The Mercury will continue to own the only Championship banner in Us Airways Center!
Jim Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 10:27 am
Carnell, you could be right. I think the suns would have trouble against a great distributing point guard like Deron Williams, Jason Kidd or Chris Paul then they would against a great big man.
With Shaq and Amare in the middle they can definately hold their own against duncan, and the better question is how will the spurs stop Amare on offense? Duncan will have to be on shaq leaving amare all day to pick and roll against… Fabricio Oberto? KT? Either way, Amare is one of the best offensive big men in the game and he’s going to have his way with san antonio’s defense.
Unlike in previous years, the suns have other players who can create offensive production. Gordan Giricek and Grant Hill are two guys that can go out and create their own shot. Last year Barbosa was one of the only guys other than Nash and Amare that could do that. James Jones was a solid perimeter shooter, but he couldn’t create a shot or hit a mid range shot for his life. I just feel like the suns have too many weapons. Whoever said the suns were too old, give it a break. 3 guys in rotation are old, but they’re all playing great ball, and they’re all experienced vets.
They’re the most balanced team the suns have taken to the playoffs since getting Nash. They’ve got veteran leadership and a solid 8-9 man rotation (that’s all D’antoni will play anyway). They are no longer the soft suns team that San Antonio has beaten up inside in previous seasons. They are no longer the 4 man team they were during Nash’s first year in phoenix. They have one of the best PG’s in the game hands down, two dominant big men, several solid shooters and playmakers like Barbosa and Hill to keep the opposition on it’s heels. Just think the suns have a great chance to take the spurs in the first round.
Dave Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 11:40 am
This is a reply to a post maybe halfway up from “Pepboan” about TJ Ford.
First thing’s first, EJ I agree with almost all of the picks. I’m rooting for the Suns over the Spurs but I’m not sold that it will happen. I think the Hornets get over Dallas because it will take another year and some personnell moves before J-Kidd fully integrates with them. And I’m a Raptor fan so I think the Raps CAN beat the Magic, but I’m not holding my breath for it.
OK, about TJ Ford. People in Toronto have been completely tossing this guy under the bus. For one, the guy is one of the only guys on the roster who can create his own shot. We have a great set-up team, but if Bosh’s jump shot doesn’t fall to keep his defenders tight, we need another guy to break people down. This doesn’t make him selfish, this makes him a weapon. He also came out and said, “I tried to come off the bench, and when I did I played like hell and I forced everything way too much.” He came out and said, “I’m better as a starter, my ego also tells me I’m a starter in this league.” We’re blessed in Toronto to have a Jose Calderon who said, “No worries, take my spot, we know I can play with the starters OR the subs, so just take it.” The man has an ego, he’s a pro athlete. I’m an intramural player with a bum knee and I still have an ego — you almost HAVE to in order to compete and have confidence to make plays. I don’t see how this is a bad thing and how this makes the guy selfish.
Look at it this way, if you combine the two of them you have one starting point guard who plays 48 minutes, gets something like 22 points, 6-7 boards, and 15 assists. If you trade TJ and sign someone else you have Jose as your starter (who is a GOOD starting guy) and then hopefully another rotation guy doing 15-20 minutes of spot duty. Which would you rather have, though?
Dave Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 11:43 am
Just wanted to clarify something before someone laughs my ass outta here:
I said we have a great set-up team, meaning catch-and-shoot or set-plays. We have good personnell who, at least last year and at the beginning of the season, can execute once they’re in position. This doesn’t mean we have a GREAT team, I’m a fan, but of course the Raps are not Pistons,Celtics,Spurs, etc…
Cheers
-Dave
koly tenguela Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
spurs in 7 ( experience and defense won championships, that’s what they are all about)
celts sweep atlanta
pistons in 6 ( it could have been a sweep but they always play down to the level of competition and always have trouble against ultra athletic players)
raptors in 7
mavs in 7
lakers in 6 ( too bad the nuggets have no discipline and defensive commitment)
jazz in 5 (well coached, disciplined and yao ming is not there)
cavs in 7
Celtics-spurs in the finals, celtics in 6 (3 future hall of famers, a potential future allstar point guard, home court advantage and a good bench will prove to be too much for the spurs)
Finally there’s hope again for the knicks, isiah is out of town with the 18 million dollars dolan still owed him. I’m wondering if he’s proud enough for leaving by himself (by negotiating a settlement) and keep his dignity or stay in this awkward situation.
Chris Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
In the west, each series is going to come down to who wants it more…
I think that is going to be reflected most in the Suns/Spurs series. The suns want this more, especially after what happened last year. San Antonio is solid and well coached, but a fired up Suns squad will be just too much to handle.
Suns in six.
Chris Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 1:12 pm
Baron -
I agree with your prediction, but I think the Wiz will win that series, possibly Cavs in seven.
frank Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 3:36 pm
only two disagreements here eddie.
celtics will sweep
lebron will singlehandedly beat the wizards in 6
Michael Bennett Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
Wow, frank, way to post AFTER the game today. You bozo.
todd Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
Really? You’re picking the Suns over the Spurs? I didn’t expect that!!!
I expect the Suns to be worn down first with just a 7-man rotation. And I know Popovich will find a way to exploit Shaq in the middle.
As for the Rockets-Jazz series, I don’t know why a lot of guys are expecting it to go 6 or 7 games. I know the Jazz are a bad road team, but I’m still picking them in 5.
Lakers will sweep the Nuggets. Aside from the 3 position, the Lakers match up really well with the Nuggets. And Kobe would want this to end early.
Cleveland will beat Washington in 6 games. I’ll bet my rights to visit hoopsyhpe.com on this. lol.
Jake Mills Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 5:57 pm
Wizards in 6?
Ha, dont doubt those cavs!
Casey Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 7:24 pm
Wow Eddie your Suns will have a hard time recovering from that game. If they would have lost in a blowout it would not have been a big deal. Will they recover?
Roj Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 7:56 pm
Raps have more overall depth I think the Orlando may be in for a suprise…I hate to agree with Nick V.
Irv B. Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 8:04 pm
Sorry Eddie, if Coach Dan is NOT giving Skinner important time when Shaq or Amare sit, then The Spurs will gutcheck the Sons out. Boris CANNOT get it done!
nelly Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 9:32 pm
Alright for all you rookies out there that want to be schooled on how it’s “really going down?”..listen up!
-EAST-
1.Boston is going to sweep the hawks - i hate the Celtics, but i know when to give respect when its due.
2.Orlando will win it in 6 - i feel like Toronto has at least 2 games in them.
3.Detroit will win in 5 - the Sixers are good, but the Pistons are great! nuff said
4.Cleveland will sweep the Wizards! - this is the only prediction im shaky on..only because i feel the Wiz can win at least one, but they get no love due to Stevenson’s immature comments.
-WEST-
1.Los Angeles will win it in 6 - the Nuggets 2 wins will be blowouts though.
2.Hornets will win in 6 - I’m not really sure Dallas knows how to win yet.
3.Phoenix in 5 - they will lose the first game, then win 4 in a row.
4.Houston in 7 - probably the most underrated series, but will end up being the “nail-biter”
FINALS PREDICTION - PHOENIX SUNS VS BOSTON CELTICS
kooner Said,
April 19, 2008 @ 9:44 pm
Spurs will beat the suns if they can control nash, then phoenix cant run any offensive. i got spurs over phoenix thats a bad prediction. Lakers will win the west. and pistons win the east. and with a healthy bynum lakers win 4-2 if not healthy then they still win but 4-3.
prediction:
spurs 4-3
mavs 4-3
jazz 4-1
lakers 4-1
celtics 4-1
pistons 4-1
cavs 4-3
magic 4-2
Damaging Said,
April 20, 2008 @ 1:09 am
Predictions:
First Round
EAST
1.Boston 4-0 8.Atlanta
4.Cleveland 4-2 5.Washington
3.Orlando 4-1 6.Toronto
2.Detroit 4-2 7.Philadelphia
WEST
1.Los Angeles 4-1 8.Denver
4.Utah 4-2 5.Houston
3.San Antonio 2-4 6.Phoenix
2.New Orleans 3-4 Dallas
Second Round
EAST
1.Boston 4-1 4.Cleveland
2.Detroit 4-2 3.Orlando
WEST
1.Los Angeles 4-2 4.Utah
6.Phoenix 4-2 7.Dallas
Semifinals
EAST 1.
1.Boston 4-3 2. Detroit
WEST
1.Los Angeles 4-3 6.Phoenix
Finals
Boston 3-4 Los Angeles
I found out that it is gonna to be LA’s year!!
jared Said,
April 20, 2008 @ 3:11 am
Hey Bryan..I think you might wanna apologize to Eddie. Take a look at this http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/series?series=uthhou the series is a 2,2,1,1,1 format..not a 2,3,2…
michael espinoza Said,
April 20, 2008 @ 4:43 am
are people really that stupid in picking the suns over the spurs! the suns have never beaten the timmy duncan lead spurs in a playoff series…EVER!
so what if the suns won the regular season series…ask bronbron and the cavs what good it did them when they beat the spurs both times in the regular season last year.
what you people don’t understand is that coach pop never reveals his whole bag of offense and defensive schemes during the regular season against any team. you can hoot and holler about how the suns beat the spurs twice with shaq but you keep forgetting that timmy has always been able to beat shaq at his best, timmy is the greatest powerforward to ever play the game.
who the hell are you people calling old? timmy just turned 32, manu’s 31 and parker is 25. bruce bowen might be 37 but he’s probably the most physically fit player in the nba. you people are a joke…go ahead and pick the suns but you’ll be disappointed again. any idiot can pick a team in six or seven games…all it’s saying is that you have no confidence in your team or your pick.
spurs in 5…after showing the suns how real true champions win basketball games in game one the spurs defense will stiffen up and the pace of the games will slow down and be ugly low scoring wins for the spurs.
people stop trying to compare the suns and spurs and trying to allow the suns to ride the coat tails of the four time nba champions, the suns can’t even hold the jocks of the spurs let alone compete at a real championship level. the wavwrecks tried to ride the spus’ coat tails for the past 5 years now look where they’re at…nash is getting old and shaq will be done for his career after this series is over and won’t have anything left for next year after a first round exit this year. so get your kleenex suns tissues out and be prepared to use them quite often just like last year…but hey you can always talk about how the suns beat the spurs in the regular season series…have a banner made and cherish it like it actually means something because that’s the closest the suns will ever get to winning anything that really matters.
Jim Said,
April 20, 2008 @ 9:24 am
THe spurs needed Amare, Shaq and Diaw In foul trouble, an off night for nash (in regulation), missed layups by diaw, missed dunks by shaq, a three second call in 2OT, Amare fouling out, Duncan’s first three pointer of the year and two other buzzer beaters just to beat the suns by a point at home. Everything went right for your spurs and they still hardly won. The suns will come out and trounce san antonio next game.
I mean really, when tony parker and Tim Duncan start making threes, it’s not an everyday thing. This game the spurs will probably make a field goal before 5 minutes left in the first quarter. Duncan looked bad at the beginning of the second half when Shaq and Amare were both in the game. Suns in 5 or 6
Kingsblade Said,
April 20, 2008 @ 11:25 am
michael espinoza:
Do you take everything so personally? Breath….
nino Said,
April 20, 2008 @ 12:20 pm
Spurs in 5! When manu and td and eva’s boy steal game 2 in Phoenix, the suns will break down mentally and start rethinking the Shaq trade which was probably the best move they made to control TD (unless he gets to early foul trouble).
I cant wait for the suns players and fans to start complaining about flopping (like they dont have raja bell) when SA gets their 1st back to back titles.
1 down 3 games to go.
nino Said,
April 20, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
Remember Horry for 3 from Ginobli a few years back. Timmy for three..!!!
THe spurs does what it takes to win playoff games. THats the difference between the two teams right now not talent. Champions make it happen, just ask ginobli when fisher canned that out of bounds 3 a few years back to crush the spurs’ spirit in that playoff series. You gotta beat the champs to be the champs! Suns out in 5!
antipop Said,
April 20, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
Greetings to Eddie Johnson, the greatest shooter to ever play in my country (Greece), and one of the best in the NBA! Nice read! I root for the team that’s coached by the other great shooter who played for the team I support - Byron’s New Orleans.
JJ Said,
April 20, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
Look at the replays on youtube of Duncan’s 3 pointer: Shaq follows Ginobili on the pick and then when Manu passes back to a wide open Duncan, Shaq takes one step in his direction and stops. He’s standing about 8 feet from Duncan with his arms at his sides, not doing anything. At this point there are 4 seconds left in the game. Most guys defend against halfcourt shots with more intensity than this. Sure, Duncan isn’t a 3 point specialist, but still he is a professional basketball player. If lots of regular guys at the YMCA can make wide open threes, there’s no good reason to be surprised that a 2 time league MVP with 4 rings can also do it.
Regardless of what happens this year, there is a very good and very clear reason why the Spurs have 4 championships and the Suns have none. Coach D’Antoni requests defense from his players, while Coach Popovich demands it from his squad.
JJ Said,
April 20, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
I know all of you Suns fans will keep saying the Spurs are old and boring, and so I will continue to say that the Suns, with all their great talent, simply don’t play intelligent defense. Why is the smaller Nash guarding Ginobili? Mistake #1. Why does Shaq follow Ginobili into the paint? If Ginobili makes the basket, the Suns are still up by one, with the ball, and only 3 or 4 seconds left in the game… Mistake #2. Then Shaq just gives Duncan the open shot. Mistake #3. You guys can yell “luck” and “unlikely” all you want, but the fact is that on the most important inbounds play of their season so far, the Suns made three fundamental mistakes, and that is why they lost the game.
SpanishNationalTeam Said,
April 20, 2008 @ 5:01 pm
Pau Gasol just finished his first playoff game as a laker. His numbers: 36 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 blocked shots. I remember a couple of months ago when Eddie Johnson said on this blog that Gasol had “no heart” and that he “sucks.” Maybe now you will re-evaluate him as a guy that was frustrated to be with a Memphis franchise that was more concerned with cutting payroll than it was with winning. Maybe you’ll want to re-evaluate Manu Ginobili while you’re at it. Your anti-euro bias is crazy.
Arthur Said,
April 20, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
First of all, the Suns will not beat the Spurs. Eddie is a homer for Phoenix and everyone, including himself, knows that.
No way Washington beats Cleveland.
The Lakers will not lose to Denver twice. Denver plays some of the worst defense I have ever seen.
Teams that do not have Euros will not win. So its the Spurs, Lakers or Jazz. The Suns will fold like they always do…not even a real champion like Shaq will be able to carry a bunch of whiny little kids to the title.
Zane Said,
April 21, 2008 @ 11:15 am
Everyone always seems to sleep on the Spurs come playoff time, you think you might learn your lesson by now.
They rest Duncan basically the entire regular season each year and still nearly finish at the top of the West, and then unleash him in the playoffs where he is at his best… no matter what, each year they find a way to win in clutch situations and that is what the playoffs are all abo