While the first game of the second round (Nuggs vs Mavs) is still in the balance, I thought I better nail these predictions.
Lakers vs Rockets
The Blazers would have been more interesting because the Lakers have a bizarre inability to get it done in Portland. The Rockets are physical and playing extremely well, but the Lakers just survived a team on-par with Houston for physicality (Utah), and besides, I get the feeling LA haven’t even begun to stretch their legs. Stay tuned for a Q&A with Lakers fan Don from With-Malice for more thoughts on the Lakers-Rockets series.
Prediction: Lakers in 6
Nuggets vs Mavs
This is the highlight of the second round for me. Arguably the two most in-form teams in the playoffs, two teams that love to run and play uptempo, and a lengthy list of characters (Birdman, Terry, JR Smith, Barea) and legitimate superstars (Dirk, Kidd, Melo, Billups) to keep you entertained. Everything you could possibly want in a playoff series. I’m so torn between these teams, to the point where home-court advantage is probably the deciding factor. Plus, as a Pistons fan I’m kind of rooting for Chauncey.
Prediction: Nuggets in 7
Cavs vs Hawks
Just a bad match up for Atlanta. During the Heat series I watched Bibby do an excellent job on Wade at times, but he’s too small for Lebron, and while Evans/Johnson are far more athletic they’re also too small. Josh Smith seems like the next logical option but he doesn’t do one-on-one defense. You thought Lebron was big against Detroit? He’ll go one better on this series. I think Joe Johnson could light up enough for the Hawks to win one game, but that’s it. Atlanta showed me very little in the first series – teams that get blown out three times in a series by Miami don’t exactly earn my vote of confidence.
Prediction: Cavs in 5
Celtics vs Magic
I am a little perplexed why so many people are tipping the Magic in this series. I think they’re reading a little too much into the exhaustion factor after the battle of Boston-Chicago – you put the Celtics in their home building and let me tell you, any emotional or physical fatigue becomes irrelevant. That Boston crowd is like a 6th man. Kendrick Perkins has stepped up his play enough to make me think he will keep Dwight occupied, while the Boston bench look like they’re just starting to get their swagger after that Game 7. Rashard Lewis presents a bit of a match up problem – I admit KG would have been handy there. But let me tell you the other reason I find it hard to choose the Magic – I have seen them collapse and choke in far too many big playoff games before (mostly against Detroit), and Boston are completely the opposite – they raise their game in pressure situations. I just can’t go against guys like Pierce, Ray, Rondo and Doc Rivers down the stretch of a close game. I just can’t.
Prediction: Celtics in 7
For the record, only Portland got in the way of a 100% success rate for my first round predictions. Damn you Portland!
Tags: 2009 Playoffs, second round predictions
Similar posts:
- Breaking Down the First Round out East
- NBA Playoffs on Australian TV
- Breaking Down the First Round out West
- Playoff Diary 2009 - Day 1
« « Previous Post: Day 15 – Exhale
» » Next Post: Lakers-Rockets Q&A with Don from With Malice
0
Andrew Bogut (MIL)
Patrick Mills (POR)
6 Comments until now.
I am one of those people who are tipping the Magic
the Celtics are riddled with injuries, not just KG. And you saw yourself in the first round, Pierce doesn’t exactly look 100%. Contrast that to the Magic who have their best players all fit and ready to go. i think the Magic will steal one of the first two, my whole prediction is based around that. otherwise I can’t see them winning 4 of 5 against Boston.
i agree with everything, except I’m gonna say Nuggets in 6 and Celtics in 6.
Nuggs looked really good today against Dallas, despite Dirk being on fire early. Denver just have way too many weapons. like you said a couple of days ago rob, they have pretty much all the championship ingredients you need. their defense was great today,
gee rob, bibby atlanta’s best defender? your average atlanta fan will say the opposite. marvin would be guarding lebron if he plays (underrated defender) otherwise its mo or joe.
atlanta may have been blown out 3 times but they blew out miami 4 times and thats the more important number
yeah, what I actually should have said – and what i meant – was that Bibby did an excellent job at times against Wade, when Joe/Mo seemed ineffective. think i might add that disclaimer in – that is the power of being the editor
But i am basing it on pretty much on that. after all, exactly how many Hawks game were broadcast back home during the regular season? 1? 2?
i believe 1 game was shown, but it may have been 0 i honestly don’t remember. i just watched live streams whenever i could or downloaded chinese broadcasts of the games which were sorta funny. shintu lahhoha BIBBY!
I hope the magic win, although i would like to see Le bron smoke the Celtics.
I hate the Celtics more and more every time i see them….so many players on that team irritate me.
I can’t see the hawks winning a game but i guess anything can happen.
I think nuggets will win in 6 at most but my guess is 5.
And i hope the nuggets drop the Lakers eventually.
Would love to see Le Bron Vs Kobe in the finals if only to see the Laker’s lose.
Comment!