The Lakers have home court, and as we've seen, they appear to turn it on when needed. I've underestimated Denver all year, but even so, I see the LA express sweeping the first two, splitting in Denver, and then finishing it back home. Lakers in 5.
As for Cleveland - holy moley. Will Orlando win a game? Their defense has been terrific, so I think so - but only one. Cleveland in 5, and the NBA gets its Kobe-LeBron finals matchup.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
second round picks
I actually forecast the upsets of Houston and Dallas in the first round, but didn't register those picks here, so let's put it on the record. First, a final first-rounder: I forecast Atlanta to win, and with game 7 coming up, I'll stick with that if Horford plays. If Big Al can't go, I think Miami will squeeze out a win. It won't matter for the second round, as the Cleveland LeBrons resemble a juggernaut, though they will get more resistance this round than the basketball version of the disaster in Detroit put up in round 1. The Pistons and Hornets both were embarrassing, although at least no Hornets quit before the playoffs even began (thanks for helping your rep, AI). Cleveland over Atl (or Miami) in 5.
The Orlando Magic will miss Courtney Lee, but unless KG magically gets new knees, it won't matter; Orlando over Boston in 5. Out West, things remain more interesting. Denver got a lay-down from the Hornets and still lost a game, and I have a feeling J Kidd has one last playoff run left; Dallas in 6. And now the real shocker: I really like this Houston team, and despite the Lakers winning all 4 in the regular season, they were hardly blowouts. I see an epic battle, and with Bynum limping, Yao will be tough to stop for the Lakers. I see a 7th game and another 5-24 performance by Kobe as he sulks into the offseason yet again - Rockets in 7!
The Orlando Magic will miss Courtney Lee, but unless KG magically gets new knees, it won't matter; Orlando over Boston in 5. Out West, things remain more interesting. Denver got a lay-down from the Hornets and still lost a game, and I have a feeling J Kidd has one last playoff run left; Dallas in 6. And now the real shocker: I really like this Houston team, and despite the Lakers winning all 4 in the regular season, they were hardly blowouts. I see an epic battle, and with Bynum limping, Yao will be tough to stop for the Lakers. I see a 7th game and another 5-24 performance by Kobe as he sulks into the offseason yet again - Rockets in 7!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Trade Chris Paul? Yes.
The New Orleans Hornets are in a world of hurt; they tried to trade Tyson Chandler for financial reasons at midseason, but the trade was nullified because of a bad toe. And so they still have Chandler's massive contract while their best player, Chris Paul, will get a massive raise beginning next season. With their ugly playoff exit, it appears clear that the Hornets need to revamp their roster and cut costs, and CP3 is their only major asset.
Hence, I believe they should deal Paul and Chandler to Portland for several young (cheap) players, including Greg Oden, and start over. Portland would do the trade because they would immediately become a serious title contender, starting Chandler, Aldridge, Batum/ Wright, Roy, and CP3.
Here's a link to the full trade:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=cmayoz
Hence, I believe they should deal Paul and Chandler to Portland for several young (cheap) players, including Greg Oden, and start over. Portland would do the trade because they would immediately become a serious title contender, starting Chandler, Aldridge, Batum/ Wright, Roy, and CP3.
Here's a link to the full trade:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=cmayoz
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