Hello my six followers, here are some first round picks, just in time for the first round to start:
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
1 San Antonio vs. 8 Memphis
Ginobili being hurt makes this one a little more interesting. I actually think the Griz have a chance to push this one to six or seven especially if Manu isn't back for a few games, or not playing at 100%. Memphis has a decent defense with Tony “Kobe stopper” Allen and Marc Gasol as a pretty good shot blocker and without Manu on offense the Spurs might have a little trouble scoring.
Pick: Spurs in 5, Memphis puts up a good fight, but they have less experience and will be out-coached in addition to being a worse overall team.
2 Lakers vs. 7 New Orleans
It looks like Bynum will be back and that means the Lakers are in the best position they could be in. If Kobe and Pau Gasol catch Steve Blake's chicken pox and miss some time then I'll reevaluate.
Pick: Lakers in 5, much better team, but their inconsistency might show up when the get up a couple games and allow the Hornets to grab a game.
3 Dallas vs. 6 Portland
I said it before, and I'll say it again. “So tempting to pick the upset with the new look Blazers who have won 63% since they got Gerald Wallace, but if it weren't for a 2-9 stretch from Dec. 28th to January 17th, they'd be the one seed right now. The Mavs are first in assists per game and I think too many people are underrating them, Dallas in 6” (Englehart 4/5/11). Yes. That's a direct quote folks. Sticking too it. Portland will definitely push them pretty far though.
The pick: Dallas in 7. Great series.
4 Oklahoma City vs. 5 Denver
Once again, very tough series, don't know who to pick. Both teams have crazy home court advantages. Denver because they have the altitude and great fans and the OKC fans were incredible in the playoffs last year, giving them quite the advantage at home against the Lakers. Based on that, the Thunder should win 4-3, but we'll see. They also have more experience in the playoffs and playing together, with Perk brining them championship experience. Still, Denver has a ton of weapons and more depth.
The Pick: Nuggets in 7. Deep down I think the Thunder will probably win, but I'm picking all the better seeds so I'll go with Denver because I think it's pretty much a toss-up.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
1 Chicago vs. 8 Indiana
Interesting fact I just saw, the Pacers had the worst attendance in the NBA. That's basketball country, come on people! Anyways, Chicago is just so good and Indiana is so average. Still, they were a pretty good home team and beat Chicago once at home. I think they could maybe do it again. Maximum of once. They had a pretty horrendous and worst in the playoffs 13-28 record on the road. I don't even see them coming close in Chicago.
The Pick: Bulls sweep.
2 Miami vs. 7 Philadelphia
I love this Philadelphia team. Which is the opposite of how I feel about this Heat team. Philly is gonna be good very soon, but not quite yet. Still, I think they could give the Heatles more trouble than people think. Andre Iguodala could give Le”Betard”Bron some serious headaches, and a frustrated LeBron could spell trouble for Miami. The 7'1 Spencer Hawes could spell trouble for Miami down low.
The Pick: Miami in 6, Philly might even get one on the road from the fair-weather Miami fans.
4 Orlando vs. 5 Atlanta
Atlanta is 14-26 against teams above .500 this season. That's the second worst of all playoff teams ahead of only Indiana. Bottomline is they won the games they should have won and struggled against good teams. Not a good formula for the playoffs. The Magic absolutely smoked the Hawks in the playoffs last year and even though they have their new look, they still have their coach and general core, and Jason Richardson is a much better scorer than Vince Carter was while he was busy folding under pressure in the playoffs last season.
The Pick: Orlando in 5
6 New York Knicks vs. YOUR BOSTON CELTICS
Saved the best for last. I've been hearing a bunch of people trying to sound smart, pick the upset, take the Knicks. Well I am absolutely not buying this one bit. Yeah, the Celtics have limped into the playoffs and the Knicks are playing pretty good basketball, but look at the facts. Boston in 4-0 vs. New York this year, its not even worth comparing the level of playoff experience these two teams have, and Boston didn't use any of their starting five, or Delonte West, Nenad Krstic or Jermaine O'Neal in beating a decent amount of the Knicks team the other day. The Celtics just have so much more depth than the team that had to trade half their roster to get Carmelo Anthony. And I still don't understand why they bought out Ronnie Brewer? Was he really not worth using off the bench?
The Pick: C's in 5. The Knicks only chance is if they take game one or two and catch the Celtics sleeping, if the Celtics get going see ya later New York. However, Boston has been waiting for the playoffs to start again since June 17th of last year.
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