HRR Playoffs Predictions
Let's start with the Rockets - Jazz series. Last season, I correctly predicted the Jazz would defeat the Rockets in 7; so, let's see if I can be right once again...
#4. Utah Jazz vs. #5 Houston Rockets
HRR Prediction: Jazz in 6.
Why?
No Yao Ming. Yes, Luis Scola and Carl Landry make a difference; but, did you miss what I wrote -- "No Yao Ming." Rick Adelman replaces Jeff Van Gundy; so the offense should flow better. Scola and Landry are quick and can provide scoring and rebounding; but, Tracy McGrady is banged up. Rafer Alston is injured. Bobby Jackson is banged up.
In last year's playoff match up, Utah's Andrei Kirilenko cried about his role (or lack thereof) in the series. Well, AK's role is set this time around. Carlos Boozer; Deron Williams; Mehmet Okur; Paul Millsap; Kyle Korver; Matt Harpring, et al.
Rebounding. Rebounding. Rebounding.
The Jazz can win one game (at least) in Houston; I don't believe the Rockets can win in Utah. Period.
The rest of the 2008 NBA Playoffs
Western Conference
#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #8 Denver Nuggets
HRR Prediction: Lakers in 5.
Why?
The Nuggets play no defense at all. Period. AI (Allen Iverson) and 'Melo (Carmelo Anthony) will score a lot of points; but, Kobe, Pau Gasol and the rest of the Lakers have too much firepower for the Nuggets to contain.
#2 New Orleans Hornets vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks
HRR Prediction: Mavs in 6.
Why?
Chris Paul had a fantastic '07-'08 regular season; and, he may have an outstanding playoff series; however, I have doubts the rest of his teammates will rise to the challenge versus the Mavs. Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, and Jason Terry don't want to bow of the playoffs in the first round two years in a row. The Mavs will find a win to advance.
#3 San Antonio Spurs vs. #6 Phoenix Suns
HRR Prediction: Spurs in 7.
Why? The series is a toss up. The Suns acquired Shaq to beat the Spurs. Well, the Suns will beat the Spurs in this series. 3 times. Just not 4 times. The Spurs' bench is getting older; but, guys like Michael Finley; Brent Barry; Fabricio Oberto will do just enough to lighten the load on the Spurs' Big Three of Tim Duncan; Tony Parker; and Manu Ginobli.
To steal a phrase from a famous wide receiver "Get your popcorn ready."
Eastern Conference
#1 Boston Celtics vs. #8 Atlanta Hawks
HRR Prediction: Celtics in 4.
Why? Get real. The Hawks are a young team with some talent; but, KG; Paul Pierce; and Ray Allen are on a mission. The schedule makes this series longer than it will be.
#2 Detroit Pistons vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers
HRR Prediction: Pistons in 5.
Why? Despite Philly's ability to run and gun in the open court, a focused and motivated Pistons team could sweep the 76ers. Rasheed Wallace will help determine which Pistons' team will show up in this series. Detroit's depth is young and not playoff tested; so, it will be interesting to see how many minutes the "Zoo Crew" gets in this series.
#3 Orlando Magic vs. #6 Toronto Raptors
HRR Prediction: Magic in 6.
Why? The key to the series should be three-point shooting. The Magic live and die by the 3; so, if the 3s are falling, the Magic will roll. Toronto's Chris Bosh has battled a nagging knee injury the last part of the season. The Magic will dare T.J. Ford to beat them from the outside. Dwight Howard will be a beast in the series; but, he needs to shoot better than 50 percent from the foul line.
#4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #5 Washington Wizards
HRR Prediction: Cavs in 7.
Why? When Michael Jordan ruled the NBA, it was common knowledge to "never tug on Superman's cape". Well, in the year 2008, LeBron James is King James; and, the Wizards' Gilbert Arenas has called out the King. Uh oh. Yes, LeBron has battled back spasms. Yes, Ben Wallace has battled back spasms. Yes, the Wizards are healthier than the previous two times they played the Cavs in the playoffs. But, as long as LeBron is able to play, he'll find a way to carry the Cavs into the second round.
#4. Utah Jazz vs. #5 Houston Rockets
HRR Prediction: Jazz in 6.
Why?
No Yao Ming. Yes, Luis Scola and Carl Landry make a difference; but, did you miss what I wrote -- "No Yao Ming." Rick Adelman replaces Jeff Van Gundy; so the offense should flow better. Scola and Landry are quick and can provide scoring and rebounding; but, Tracy McGrady is banged up. Rafer Alston is injured. Bobby Jackson is banged up.
In last year's playoff match up, Utah's Andrei Kirilenko cried about his role (or lack thereof) in the series. Well, AK's role is set this time around. Carlos Boozer; Deron Williams; Mehmet Okur; Paul Millsap; Kyle Korver; Matt Harpring, et al.
Rebounding. Rebounding. Rebounding.
The Jazz can win one game (at least) in Houston; I don't believe the Rockets can win in Utah. Period.
The rest of the 2008 NBA Playoffs
Western Conference
#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #8 Denver Nuggets
HRR Prediction: Lakers in 5.
Why?
The Nuggets play no defense at all. Period. AI (Allen Iverson) and 'Melo (Carmelo Anthony) will score a lot of points; but, Kobe, Pau Gasol and the rest of the Lakers have too much firepower for the Nuggets to contain.
#2 New Orleans Hornets vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks
HRR Prediction: Mavs in 6.
Why?
Chris Paul had a fantastic '07-'08 regular season; and, he may have an outstanding playoff series; however, I have doubts the rest of his teammates will rise to the challenge versus the Mavs. Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Josh Howard, and Jason Terry don't want to bow of the playoffs in the first round two years in a row. The Mavs will find a win to advance.
#3 San Antonio Spurs vs. #6 Phoenix Suns
HRR Prediction: Spurs in 7.
Why? The series is a toss up. The Suns acquired Shaq to beat the Spurs. Well, the Suns will beat the Spurs in this series. 3 times. Just not 4 times. The Spurs' bench is getting older; but, guys like Michael Finley; Brent Barry; Fabricio Oberto will do just enough to lighten the load on the Spurs' Big Three of Tim Duncan; Tony Parker; and Manu Ginobli.
To steal a phrase from a famous wide receiver "Get your popcorn ready."
Eastern Conference
#1 Boston Celtics vs. #8 Atlanta Hawks
HRR Prediction: Celtics in 4.
Why? Get real. The Hawks are a young team with some talent; but, KG; Paul Pierce; and Ray Allen are on a mission. The schedule makes this series longer than it will be.
#2 Detroit Pistons vs. #7 Philadelphia 76ers
HRR Prediction: Pistons in 5.
Why? Despite Philly's ability to run and gun in the open court, a focused and motivated Pistons team could sweep the 76ers. Rasheed Wallace will help determine which Pistons' team will show up in this series. Detroit's depth is young and not playoff tested; so, it will be interesting to see how many minutes the "Zoo Crew" gets in this series.
#3 Orlando Magic vs. #6 Toronto Raptors
HRR Prediction: Magic in 6.
Why? The key to the series should be three-point shooting. The Magic live and die by the 3; so, if the 3s are falling, the Magic will roll. Toronto's Chris Bosh has battled a nagging knee injury the last part of the season. The Magic will dare T.J. Ford to beat them from the outside. Dwight Howard will be a beast in the series; but, he needs to shoot better than 50 percent from the foul line.
#4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #5 Washington Wizards
HRR Prediction: Cavs in 7.
Why? When Michael Jordan ruled the NBA, it was common knowledge to "never tug on Superman's cape". Well, in the year 2008, LeBron James is King James; and, the Wizards' Gilbert Arenas has called out the King. Uh oh. Yes, LeBron has battled back spasms. Yes, Ben Wallace has battled back spasms. Yes, the Wizards are healthier than the previous two times they played the Cavs in the playoffs. But, as long as LeBron is able to play, he'll find a way to carry the Cavs into the second round.
posted by Kris Gardner @ 6:21 PM
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