Friday Fire: Who Advances to the Second Round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs?
Time to take it to the next level. Suckas better get their own identity…
As much as a dream match up Cleveland and Los Angeles could be, we gotta get there first. There are first round clashes that begin what is sure to be a great NBA playoffs. All this LeBron James is gonna win it all stuff is totally irrelevant at this juncture. Keep on talking and Beans is gonna jump through ya TV set as glass falls wet and freezing like the ice he’s about to receive in June. I’ll have a Orlando/Philly playoff preview on SLAM later on, but for the hear and now? My predictions follow the schedules.
Lets talk for we did it like that, now we do it like this…
WESTERN CONFERENCE
L.A. Lakers vs. Utah
Game 1 – Sun. April 19, Utah at L.A. Lakers, 3 p.m., ABC/ESPN Radio
Game 2 – Tue. April 21, Utah at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 – Thu. April 23, L.A. Lakers at Utah,10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 4 – Sat. April 25, L.A. Lakers at Utah, 9 p.m., ESPN/ESPN Radio
Game 5 * Mon. April 27, Utah at L.A. Lakers, Time TBD
Game 6 * Thu. April 30, L.A. Lakers at Utah, Time TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 2, Utah at L.A. Lakers, Time TBD, TNT
Too much triangle. The Jazz are a team I just don’t understand. They have mad talent, power, shooting, defense…but can’t win on the road. What’s up with that? Bynum is gonna beast anyone in front, draped on or sitting by eating popcorn. Get it done Lamar. This is your time bruh. Get it. Beans won’t have it easy, but Lakers in 5.
Denver vs. New Orleans
Game 1 – Sun. April 19, New Orleans at Denver, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 2 – Wed. April 22, New Orleans at Denve, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 – Sat. April 25, Denver at New Orleans, 1 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 – Mon. April 27, Denver at New Orleans, Time TBD
Game 5 * Wed. April 29, New Orleans at Denver, Time TBD
Game 6 * Fri. May 1, Denver at New Orleans, Time TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 3, New Orleans at Denver, Time TBD
This match up is one I would love to cover. The key is how Chauncey Billups performs against a much younger (and hungry) point guard in Chris Paul. CP3 is surely disappointed in his team’s season performance but that’s all immaterial now. Tyson Chandler has missed too many games to be effective and the Hornets need his interior defense to get this done. David West will be the player we all know he is. Carmelo will score but why is he happy with just being mediocre? When will he man up and take his star high and have some sun fun? That being said, I’m still going with the Hornets in an upset.
New Orleans in 6.
San Antonio vs. Dallas
Game 1 – Sat. April 18, Dallas at San Antonio, 8 p.m., ESPN/ESPN Radio
Game 2 – Mon. April 20, Dallas at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 – Thu. April 23, San Antonio at Dallas, 8:30 p.m., NBA-TV
Game 4 – Sat. April 25, San Antonio at Dallas, 4 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Tue. April 28, Dallas at San Antonio, Time TBD
Game 6 * Fri. May 1, San Antonio at Dallas, Time TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 3, Dallas at San Antonio, Time TBD
Co Co knows I’ve tried to bury the Spurs all season. Not surprised greatness somehow always seems to get it done but not this year. Teefs are mad long bruh…mad long. The Spurs seem like they’ve been around since Chief was chiefin’ the chief. Great coaching and a business like family approach is what gets them by. Just too many games. Where’s the Dirk scrutiny? What are you gonna do Josh and Jet? Manu Ginobli’s absence will kill the Spurs offensive continuity but not in this series.
Spurs in 6.
Portland vs. Houston
Game 1 – Sat. April 18, Houston at Portland, 10:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 2 – Tue. April 21, Houston at Portland, 10 p.m., NBA-TV
Game 3 – Fri. April 24, Portland at Houston, 9:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 – Sun. April 26, Portland at Houston, 9 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Tue. April 28, Houston at Portland, Time TBD
Game 6 * Thu. April 30, Portland at Houston, Time TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 2, Houston at Portland, Time TBD, TNT
Tracey McGrady won’t have to shoulder the load this time out because he won’t be playing. Houston better watch out because if they don’t they’ll get punched in the mouth with their own defensive hand. This Portland team is loaded. They go at you in waves with serious long lean and athletic talent that belies their years. Something tells me Ron Ron just ain’t having it. Look for Aaron Brooks and underrated talent, Von Wafer to have fun competing with their age old peers to offset Portland’s savvy professionalism in the back court. Is Greg Oden ready for Yao? Nate McMillian did his thing this year and must get Coach of the Year consideration. Shame though because his squad gets bounced in the first round and that’s crazy.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Cleveland vs. Detroit
Game 1 – Sat. April 18, Detroit at Cleveland, 3 p.m., ABC
Game 2 – Tue. April 21, Detroit at Cleveland, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 3 – Fri. April 24, Cleveland at Detroit, 7 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 – Sun. April 26, Cleveland at Detroit, 3:30 p.m., ABC/ESPN Radio
Game 5 * Wed. April 29, Detroit at Cleveland, Time TBD
Game 6 * Fri. May 1, Cleveland at Detroit, Time TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 3, Detroit at Cleveland, Time TBD
This won’t be as easy as most think. How the hell are you going to count out a team that has been one of the most successful teams in the league the last 6 years? Yeah Chauncey is back home in Denver but Rip, Tayshaun and Both Teams Play hard will not go quietly. They haven’t been right since LeBron 26′ed them, but pride is the name of Detroit Love. The Cavaliers have to put up or shut up after funnin’ and clownin’ the league into pregame halfcourt underhanded submission with sick precision that was a little surprising. Think back to the preseason, did any of you really think the Cavs would be this good?
Liar!
Cavs in 6.
Boston vs. Chicago
Game 1 – Sat. April 18, Chicago at Boston, 12:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 2 – Mon. April 20, Chicago at Boston, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 3 – Thu. April 23, Boston at Chicago, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 4 – Sun. April 26, Boston at Chicago, 1 p.m., ABC
Game 5 * Tue. April 28, Chicago at Boston, Time TBD
Game 6 * Thu. April 30, Boston at Chicago, Time TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 2, Chicago at Boston, Time TBD, TNT
Black Pharoah is possibly (which means most likely) out for the entire playoffs. What a blow after leading his team with his heart and ground down Minnesota Nice soul. But hey, Boston stil has the Jesus Truth getting to the rack or bombing lasers from KG’s ticker. The Bull Wonder Derrick Rose is poised for Chi Town greatness with a cast of young talent and the murderous instinctive Ben Gordon. John Salmons was a great pick up and seems to have found his spot to showcase his all around skill set. Too bad, but there’s always next year.
Boston in five.
Orlando vs. Philadelphia
Game 1 – Sun. April 19, Philadelphia at Orlando, 5:30 p.m., TNT
Game 2 – Wed. April 22, Philadelphia at Orlando, 7 p.m., NBA-TV
Game 3 – Fri. April 24, Orlando at Philadelphia, 8 p.m., ESPN2
Game 4 – Sun. April 26, Orlando at Philadelphia, 6:30 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Tue. April 28, Philadelphia at Orlando, Time TBD
Game 6 * Thu. April 30, Orlando at Philadelphia, Time TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 2, Philadelphia at Orlando, Time TBD, TNT
On SLAM later.
Atlanta vs. Miami
Game 1 – Sun. April 19, Miami at Atlanta, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 2 – Wed. April 22, Miami at Atlanta, 8 p.m., TNT
Game 3 – Sat. April 25, Atlanta at Miami, 6:30 p.m., TNT
Game 4 – Mon. April 27, Atlanta at Miami, Time TBD
Game 5 * Wed. April 29, Miami at Atlanta, Time TBD
Game 6 * Fri. May 1, Atlanta at Miami, Time TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 3, Miami at Atlanta, Time TBD
This is the series that’s most intriguing in my opinion. Doug Collins said in the teleconference Dwyane Wade reminds him of Mike in ’88. If that happens then Cleveland is in trouble once again and Craig Ehlo is gonna have nightmares once again. Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers will be key for that to happen. Mike Bibby and Josh Smith will do what they do, Al Horford will continue to rise but for ATL to move on Joe Johnson will have to realize he’s just as good as anyone in the League. Will he offset Flash’s offensive strato power?
Uh…no.
Miami in 7.
If First Round series are completed in six (6) games or less, the conference semifinals may move up to begin on either Saturday, May 2 or Sunday, May 3.
* If necessary
All games, except those televised by ABC Sports, are available to be televised locally.
Why are these dudes singing instead of playing (Thanks Star Child)?
Mizzo:
Busy, busy.
I don’t see Miami beating Atlanta – unless Miami gets a great deal more than they’ve been getting from Jermaine O’Neal. Wade cannot do it all by himself and the Hawks have the type of youth, strength and body types to force Wade to work for his points. Atlanta can actually afford to put Joe Johnson on Wade and ask him to play chest-to-chest until the series is over. If Atlanta does that and JJ is up to the challenge, that will place a great deal of pressure on 2 ROOKIES. Joe shouldn’t try to match Wade in scoring — or even shut him down…just focus on staying in his jersey…every step of the way. If Chalmers and Beasley perform like most rookies, they’ll have two good games at home; and average to sub-par games on the road. If that happens, I like ATL — even though I don’t like ATL. ATL in 5.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Cleveland swept the Pistons. The Pistons are all SMOKE and MIRRORS. 39 wins in the East — in that division is proof positive that they’re done. Folks can blame AI if they like, but this plays as if they forgot how to win. Time to blow up the franchise and get a new look.
I agree on Boston-Chicago and I like Orlando to dispense with Chicago fairly easily. This series could actually be a coming out party for Rafer Alston. No one is talking about him much. The focus is on Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard. As talented as D Rose is, I don’t believe he’s going to run roughshod over Rafer for an entire series. I think the pride kicks in — and a guy who was very clutch in Houston demonstrates once and for all that he can play in this league.
Gimme some Magic in 5.
In the West, I like Portland.
Portland has always been among the toughest arenas to play in the postseason. The Blazers usually have good teams, but they’ve only had 3 “great” teams since ’77. Two of those squads were fatally flawed with post-season self-destruct buttons. Drexler’s squads were coached by Rick “Oh, No!!! It’s the Post-Season” Adelman and featured Kevin Duckworth in the middle. The team that crashed and burned against the Lakers is really for the poster child for “WTF!!!??!?!” This team plays with the saavy and cool of the 1977 team. They’re not mature enough yet, but they have all the pieces: ball-handling, shooting, dribble-drive guys, size, bulk, speed, quickenss and youth. Tick tock — and goodnite Houston.
BTW — Nate has a Black Mustard Cool (while channeling the late Jimmy Valvano — remember?) and is a leader of men. You don’t really want to play these guys. Nate reminds me of Mike Tomlin – profiles in Quiet Power. Look out. You heard it here first.
Denver – New Orleans is tough to call — but I feel you on CP3. Thing is, CP’s game seems to be partly contingent on his ability to punk the opposition’s point guard. You ever notice how that doesn’t work against Utah? Yeah, me too. I suspect the same thing will happen againt Chauncey. He’s not as old as Jason Kidd — and he has more, tougher, nastier help than JK5 could summon in Dallas. Exhibit A: Kenyon Martin. Denver in 6.
Utah’s gotta be thinking — DAYYUM, DAYYUM, DAYYUM. I agree. C’ya!
I totally agree on San Antonio, though I could see Dallas folding its tent before Game 6.
I think Denver could get past New Orleans and Dallas may beat the Spurs.
I agree with Mizzo on Detroit….I think those cats have a little too much pride to be rolled just that easily. But I agree with Temple 3 on N’awlins. Denver might not play enough D, but they have Chauncey Billups now and they seem to have found a formula for success, to some degree. THis year they’ve been funnin’ and gunnin’ and somehow, it’s worked, whereas seems the previous three or four years it’d work some of the time. I think Chauncey is that ballast, the balance that keeps heads cool amid the thin air in Denver. That said, I don’t see them going beyond the first round. I don’t see MIA winning either. Too much depth in ATL and as T3 says, all JJ has to do is stay with him. Yeah, DWade’s going to get his, but if JJ gets enough at the other end, it won’t matter. Also as T3 says, MIA is young. I don’t think #3 can lead this team – as impressive as Chalmers and Beasley are – past ATL without a serious, serious upgrade in performance from J.O.
I got Denver over NO in 6.
San An over Dallas in 7.
Boston over Bulls in 6.
Cleveland over Detroit in 6 (and the pistons gonna give the cavs a tough battle too).
Lakers over Utah in 6 (the refs at Utah are no joke and you know they are gonna dedicate some of those utah home games to their old owner miller)
Orlando over sixers in 7. The big monster Howard is gonna kill dalembert (sp?).
Portland over Houston in 7 (I will be happy too, because I am tired of these Rocket fans here in Dallas talking about how they are a better team without T-Mac).
Miami over Atlanta in 6. (D-wade goes 80s jordan on them in the series. Avgs. 35 ppg).
Oh and Rose is the sh^%……….and folks were and still are swearing Ricky Rubio is better then Rose.
Man they need to leave that crack alone.
Also Temple I think that Deron matches up so well with CP3 is because he is just as good plus he is even bigger then him.
CP3 will dominate the match up between him and Billups. But the difference will be Nene and bird man. The Chandler isn’t healthy and the bird man has been playing like a mad man on defense and on the boards.
Plus Peja is a shell of himself and is pretty much useless at this time in his career. Carmello can eat his @ss up plus rest on defense when guarding Peja.
Man Carmello might avg. 30 in this series easily. Now add JR smith when he is on the court with Carmello. The Hornets have no one to guard both.
My heart tells me Denver in 5 or 6. But I just want it to go 7 games. Anyway it will be an old school western shootout.
Also TC and Temple. Watch my boy Beasley, if he gets 30 + minutes this series he will avg. 20ppg and 8 rebs.
He will be the X-factor……trust me.
Another thing its now or never for Yao to show that he is a truly dominate center and not just a good one.
If he lets Aldrige, Oden and Presbilla (sp?) punk him out). Like he has let players like Dampier, Kirilenko (sp?) and Okur do to him in previous years then the fans and media need to come down on his head just as hard as they have come down on Mcgrady.
There is no reason Yao shouldn’t dominate the boards and the paint in this series……….no more excuses.
Rose is freaking unreal.
How about my man Rose…..damn. Honestly can’t say I’m surprised though. THis whole notion of poise in AMerican pro sports is vastly overrated. WHen you’re young, you don’t realize what you have to lose. You don’t know what it’s like to fail. Additionally, some folks are just wired to strap ‘em on when it’s game time…..and that is definitely D Rose. Man, and this Portland Houston series will be a doozy. Damn. It is on like donkey kong.
** Derrick Rose’s debut performance in Boston is not surprising to me, and I pick Chicago to beat the Celtics in six games, 4-2. There was something about Rose’s ‘perfect’ performance that makes me believe that the Bulls can pull this off, and Ben Gordon is capable of having a big night shooting the basketball. Ray Allen has pulled disappearing acts before during the playoffs and it seems like after his 1 for 12 performance, it is happening again.
** Houston has the size and shooting to beat the up and coming Blazers. Ron Artest is more durable and mentally tougher than McGrady and if the Rockets are up 3-1 on someone, I believe Rockets will be able to get past the first round in the Yao era. And the Rockets’ supporting cast of Von Wafer and Carl Landry will be instrumental as well.
** Bron Bron pretty much had his way with the Pistons, and it seems the Cavs have figured out the Pistons and this series look like it will be over in five games.
** Orlando should beat Philly. The Magic can really shoot the ball, and Dwight Howard is a force.
** The Hawks should win in six games, but with Dwayne Wade anything can happen. I think Flip Murray will be an X-factor in this series. Don’t be surprised if Murray exceeds Bibby in minutes played in this series. For whatever reason, Bibby has been pedestrian versus the Heat. And if Bibby starts turning the ball over and can’t shoot from the outside EARLY, Bibby may have a shorter night. I am little worried about Michael Beasley. He is a very capable player, but Josh Smith and Marvin Williams have play up to their first round draft status and their potential. Marvin and Josh are veterans and shouldn’t be deemed as ‘young’…. Marvin has to fight his passive-aggressive nature on the court–especially as a three point shooter and Josh has to fight his emotions and resist pouting with the refs. Both of these guys are capable of shooting the three and if they are successful in doing that, the Hawks become a more dangerous team.
And for Marvin, its a big series for him and also for the aging Mike Bibby… if they both want to get an extension in the offseason, they MUST SHOW UP AGAINST MIAMI…
Wade can win a game by himself on the road or in Miami, but I will say Atlanta in six games
**