Who's going to be the NBA Champion in 2008?

[michaeljohn]

Wide open season. Please vote and discuss.

[BackdoorJesus]

I'll always pull for los Lakers... :)

[michaeljohn]

This thread is 2 weeks old and quite dull, let's get it going to the potential it has! Certainly, this promises to be the most exciting playoff season ever to hit the NBA, with each of the 10 poll teams having a shot at the title....

Let's look at the east first. Logic will say the only teams with a chance are Boston and Detroit to make it to the finals. Who wants to count out LeBron James and his cast of nobodies? Detroit won't ignore them ever again!

Seriously, it looks like the Cavs will end up with the number 4 seed, playing into the Celtics bracket in round 2. So, the Pistons may miss them and face Boston in a "You pick 'em" eastern final.

As far as the west goes, whoever advances will look like a genius for the late season moves they may have made.

Arguably, Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Antonio made decent trades in the end. Houston is on a tear without Yao Ming. Utah is deadly at home. Pull a road upset, and they could win every series. New Orleans doesn't get much press, but they will have a say in the finals. They are a great road team....

The number one west seed is critical, to get an "easy" first round opponent. Ask Dallas about that last year when they faced Golden State, who may just be the number 8 seed again....I predict the best record in the west will be fortunate not to lose more than 24 games. Have a look at the schedule yourself and see, all face some tough road trips, and in the near future...

Anyway, the west is so close, no telling what the first round pairings will be. I say the west will win the finals, but that's my opinion. They will have a tougher playoff route which will strengthen them further. There can only be one emerging from the west, should be exciting to see who makes it!

[joerockhead]

Go Nuggets!!!!

[Axenos1]

I have watched exactly one half of one NBA game this season, that being the Celtics and Lakers, the one with all the hype. I am aware that the Rockets are on a tear, and I am aware that blockbuster trades have been made.

Maybe it's just me, but I feel like the NBA is irrelevant. College basketball is as popular as ever, but the NBA playoff run can't even get close to the amount coverage of the NFL Draft or MLB spring training. When your league's biggest drama is trumped by another offseason hype, you're in trouble.

I'm going to vote, because I believe it's important to have an opinion about everything, but I'm not going to pretend that I'm very interested in the final outcome.

Uhhh........Suns?

[michaeljohn]

well, thanks for your post. I know there are many non-NBA fans out there, but expect the band wagon people to be showing up come playoff time! Last year, there were perhaps 4 teams with a legit shot at it all. Dallas bowed out in the first round, Phoenix in the 2nd, and Detroit in the 3rd.

This year, the TV ratings will go through the roof!

I'll devote a little space to all the contenders, I wish someone would chip in with their opinions....

Phoenix Suns. Yep, they could be the next champs. They have had an exciting team since Nash joined them. 2 things elminated them last year, the suspensions at the end of game four versus San Antonio, and the cheating referee. However, forget all that. These guys are good, and they are hungry. Yeah, they have lost plenty of recent games since Shaq joined them, but they won't miss the playoffs. The "Big Aristotle" will be through in a season or two, but don't piss him off now! If they make it to the second round, they will have just as good of a shot as anyone to make it to the finals. If I were the Lakers, Spurs, or Mavs, I wouldn't want them in my bracket!

Shaq has had a great career. Winning a title with a 3rd team is exactly what he wants, and he just may get it before he retires. If not this year, he has another run in him starting with a good plan for him from game 1 of the new season. Oh, don't forget Nash, Stoudemire, and the rest of this fine team.

[canu]

S.A.Spurs again in 2008

[michaeljohn]

Houston Rockets: Everyone wrote them off when Yao Ming went down for the season with an injury...But they keep on winning, Winning streak is now at 20 games, and they could be in a tie for first in their division as soon as today; New Orleans at home leads San Antonio by 9 at end of 3rd quarter. NO will be a half game out themselves if they win this....

First question is, how far will this streak go? Knicks set a record in 1969-70 with 18 straight, Milwaukee broke that the next season with 20, and the Lakers torched that a year later with 33. All three teams won an NBA title the year of their streak. Plus, the Lakers of 1999-2000 won 19 in a row and also won a title. Based on this, Houston wins it all....

However, maybe they are peaking too soon? Or maybe they will just keep on winning! For the record, here is their schedule up to 34 wins in a row, if they can do it:


Friday, Mar 14 8:30 p.m. Bobcats
Sunday, Mar 16 3:30 p.m. Lakers
Tuesday, Mar 18 9:30 p.m. Celtics
Wednesday, Mar 19 8:00 p.m. @Hornets
Friday, Mar 21 10:30 p.m. @Warriors
Saturday, Mar 22 10:00 p.m. @Suns
Monday, Mar 24 8:30 p.m. Kings
Wednesday, Mar 26 8:30 p.m. Timberwolves
Sunday, Mar 30 1:00 p.m. @Spurs
Tuesday, Apr 1 10:00 p.m. @Kings
Thursday, Apr 3 10:30 p.m. @Trail Blazers
Friday, Apr 4 10:30 p.m. @SuperSonics
Sunday, Apr 6 9:30 p.m. @Clippers
Wednesday, Apr 9 8:30 p.m. SuperSonics

Tough home games against the Lakers and Celtics, and some rough road games. If they can keep the streak alive through the Spurs game, they just might do it. Who knows, stay tuned!

Houston is yet another team no one wishes to see in their playoff bracket!

[93crawler]

I gotta go for my Celtics, Garnett is healthy and looking better than ever, Pierce is always good, and when Ray Allen is knocking shots down, he's almost unbeatable. Surprisingly, their bench has surpassed everyone's (including my own) expectations. Rondo, though not a huge offensive threat every night, is really starting to come into his own. They'll definitely make it to the final four, but maybe not the finals. They still have a tendency to piss away games from time to time, when they should win them.

As far as the West, who knows, the west has always been better for over 15 years. I don't however, think the Spurs will be in the finals, maybe Dallas with the acquisition of Kidd, or the Lakers, or ?

[michaeljohn]

Boston Celtics: They managed 3 runs of championships, winning 11 of 13 under Bill Russel from the late 50's to end of 60's. They quickly put together a new team and won 2 in 6 seasons, from 1972-77. The Bird era soon followed, and they won 3 more from 1980-1992. (Last in 1986). Since then, they have been a non-factor until this year's offseason blockbuster trades, netting them Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to compliment Paul Pierce. They set the league on fire, and it is only the late season western roster changes that have taken away their thunder.

They should end up with the NBA best record which will grant them home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. They will get an easy first round, then chances are draw Cleveland in round 2. That could go easily too, or could be very tough. All depends on what LeBron James can do and generate from his teammates. Beat the Cavs, and get rewarded with the Detroit Pistons most likely in the east finals. I still call that a "You pick 'em" series.

If they advance, the finals should be great. As I pointed out in another thread, the NBA would like a Celtics/Lakers finals. For ratings, Dallas should do ok too as would Phoenix due to the Shaq factor. San Antonio would be a great series, and maybe their recent championships would "spur" interest and get good ratings. Besides, if San Antonio can ever get the "No Repeat" monkey off their back, beating Boston would be more satisfying than beating Detroit or Cleveland, and cement them as a dynasty instead of a wannabee. If Houston keeps on winning, that would be a great matchup too. That leaves New Orleans and Utah. Perhaps not as much interest, but if either of the latter two make it that far, they deserve it.

Celtics could probably beat any western team in the finals, or lose to them. Some they should have a better chance against than others, but it's all speculation. I don't think the Celtics will win it all this year. Their big three is hungry, but so are plenty of other teams, and they have talent too.

[MrEfrisk]

Ok. First GS will have to face either San Antonio or the lakers so theyll be done for. Phoenix is not looking too good. It will be the spurs vs the lakers in the west finals to determine the western team that is going to be in the finals.
Now for the east Im going with Boston to make it to the finals. Detroit will give them a very good series which will probably go seven games.
The Boston/ LA finals matchup looks very possible. During the season Boston won both games over LA but that was before Gasol came in. So it wont be that easy for Boston but I think they will prevail.

[michaeljohn]

San Antonio Spurs: They are the defending champs, and that's worth something. However, their playoff history says otherwise. They have 4 championships in 9 years, 3 in 5 years, but have never repeated. To many people, this keeps them from dynasty status, they need to win back-to-back to claim that. Objectively, they won 2 titles in 5 yeras when they had David Robinson and Tim Duncan. They have won 2 titles in 4 years since the Admiral retired. Although they have the motivation to repeat, I just don't see them doing it, especially with all the power they need to go through in the west. If the playoff started today, they open hosting Phoenix, and if they win that, they face the winner of the Houston Dallas series, without homecourt against the Rockets. Win that, and face another grueling series from the survivor of the other 4 teams. Then the finals would match them up with Detroit or Boston most likely. This is one matchup that the east should prevail in. Detroit wants revenge for 2005, and Boston has had a great year and has the big three.

Another thing that hurts them is they more or less field the same team as last year, with the exception of Kurt Thomas who was brought in late for defense. Every year, champs tend to stand pat with their lineup and everyone else tries to adjust. I remember 1988. Lakers repeated, but not easily. They fielded the same lineup as the season before and even reduced Kurt Rambis' role, running a 7 man rotation. Every series went the maximum. They had to win 7 game series against Utah with the Mailman and Stockton, then Dallas. Detroit had 3-2 finals edge before succumbing. Sports Illustrated had a 3 page article on the finals, the last two devoted to the Pistons, touted as the team of the future. Indeed they did win the next two titles, stopped only by the Bulls, once Michael Jordan got some decent teammates in 1991....

Of course the playoffs don't start tomorrow, and as close as the standings are, who knows how things will end up for seeding. Both the Spurs and the Lakers face many tough games in the days ahead, and both could drop quickly in the standings.

As I said above, if they do win it all, this would be the year to do it because with all the great competition that would end all arguments about their place among the elite teams in NBA history. I just don't think they are a step above the pack, and the no-repeat jinx is a burden on them until, if ever, they lift it.

Still, the Spurs are someone no team wants to face early in the playoffs, and everyone hopes they don't end up in their bracket.

[r_joe]

i'd love to see the celtics win a championship...

[joerockhead]

For the West -
The Lakers look damn good, Houston is looking damn good (21 in a row now!), San Antonio is still a force.

Utah is GREAT at home, but not on the road.
Phoenix is Really good, but I think that Shaq was a bad idea. They will not make it.


My Nuggets are too inconsistent, and still in 9th (Damn it!)

The East also has several teams -
Detroit and Boston are both playing good solid ball
And Surprisingly Orlando is in the mix.
After that, no one in the East is worthy. Most likely Boston or Detroilet.


and overall - Hmmmmmm......................


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Lakers

[pphillips]

Lebron is gonna carry the cavs to the finals again

[michaeljohn]

Detroit Pistons: They seem on a collision course with an eastern finals matchup against Boston. I have already called this a "You pick 'em" series, and I stand by that. A few things are against them.
1) Coach Flip Saunders. I blame him for their last two series with Cleveland. They lost the second one and lost 3 straight in the first, falling behind 3-2 before rallying. The guy couldn't do jack shit in Minnesota in the postseason.
2) Although they have been in 5 straight eastern finals, they only made it past that twice.
3) Rasheed Wallace. He is moody and can be an MVP or a disaster. At least they rid themselves of the "Choker Supreme" Chris Weber.

A few things work well for them. They play deep, the bench gets lots of minutes and can help big time. Most of the unit has been together for a few years, they know each other. They were on top of the last Piston-Celtic rivalry some 20 years back. Chances are if they advance, they will get homecourt edge in the finals. They have just as good a shot as most west teams of winning it all this year.

[michaeljohn]

Dallas Mavericks: What a tragedy. They have been among the elite for years. First, Nowitzki and Nash powered them. Nash left. Over the years, San Antonio has their number. Last year, they put together an NBA best record and promptly choked in the playoffs. The year before they were up 2-0 in the NBA finals against Miami with a nice 4th quarter lead, lost it, and the next 3 games. Some people want to blame their coach, Avery Johnson. I don't. Some people blame owner Mark Cuban. I don't. I say they just need to win it all once to get confidence. However, their window may be closing. The late addition of Jason Kidd could help them, but they can't yet beat a team with a winning record since he joined. Hey, that's ok. As we near the end of the regular season, they still have time to get it in gear. Peak too early, and you lose your momentum. However, they need to get their act together now, or expect a quick exit from the postseason. Still, this team has the potential to go all the way. If they jell, they could just keep winning their series. Who wants them in the first round? Nobody.

[michaeljohn]

New Orleans Hornets: Chris Paul is generating his own MVP supporters, and his team once again has the best record in the west, at least on tiebreaks as of now. These guys weren't successful before, and sudenly they are in the thick of the hunt. Cinderella does live, and with recent wins versus the Spurs, Lakers, and Rockets, they are on a roll. Their remaining schedule is tough, and who knows how it will play out. They play very well on the road as well. Get them homecourt advantage for at least 2 rounds, and they could make the NBA finals. Who wants to play them first in the playoffs? Pick your poison among them and the others!

[michaeljohn]

Cleveland Cavaliers: It all hinges on LeBron James, naturally. However, at some point, his teammates are going to have to chip in. Their recent acquisitions haven't helped all that much, and Ben Wallace isn't up to his old abilities. Their biggest problem is they aren't in the Detroit Piston's playoff bracket, they should get the Celtics in round 2. However, they would play them eventually even if they can slip by Detroit again, so might as well play them early. Theoretically they have a shot to win it all, but they will have to pull 3 huge upsets to do it. LeBron, are you ready for this challenge? I think so, I just don't think it will happen.

[michaeljohn]

Utah Jazz: They have a shot, but it isn't as significant as the other teams have. First, they haven't really improved their team from last year. They made it to the fnals because they didn't have to face the Mavericks in round 2. Impressive against Houston and Golden State, they really had no chance with the Spurs in the western finals. Their best trump car is their home record, only 3 losses. Don't lose at home in the playoffs, and get a split on the road where they don't have homecourt advantage, and they advance. Can they do it? Many teams wouldn't mind them in round one, but not so without the homecourt edge.

[michaeljohn]

Los Angeles Lakers: What are they doing tied for the western conference lead? Kobe was asking to be traded in the off-season, and they didn't really upgrade their unit with a blockbuster trade last summer. They had eyes on Kevin Garnett, but he got away. That trade would have cost both Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum. As would any other big transaction for a superstar. So, no trade and Bynum came into his own, and instead of looking like a first round exiter from the playoffs, the Lakers became a contender. Then, the trade for Pau Gasol really helped. Yeah, Bynum is out another 2 weeks, and Gasol is day to day, but the Lakers should do well for the homestretch of the regular season. After tonight's tough matchup in Utah, Lakers are home for most of their games.

The Gasol trade builds for the future, but they have a shot this year. Who wants to play them first in the playoffs? Once again, nobody. Especially since no one knows how much better the Lakers may become when Bynum returns.

[michaeljohn]

Go Nuggets!!!!
I don't give them a chance at winning it all, but their chance to make the playoffs has gotten better. Dallas is now 0-8 against teams with winning records since Jason Kidd joined, and Dirk Nowitzki is now down about 2 weeks.

[assyrian]

I know Bulls have gotten off on a bad start and the management is bad i still think that they have a good chance at the number 8 spot. If they dont make it i am going for the nuggets.

[one_oh_one]

celtics

[joerockhead]

NUGGETS!!!!!


Yeah!!!!

[thecowboy]

Entered my token vote for the Pistons. Not that I give a crap :mstad:


Go Wings!!!

[michaeljohn]

I wish this thread had more participation, then I would too. My predictions for first round matchups:

East:
Boston over Atlanta in 5
Detroit over Philadelphia in 5
Orlando over Toronto in 5
Washington over Clevelan in 6

West:
Los Angeles over Denver in 5
Dallas over New Orleans in 6
San Antonio over Phoenix in 7
Houston over Utah in 7

Upsets: I picked 2 above, Washington and Dallas. Sorry LeBron, you get a first round exit. For Phoenix to have a shot, they need one of the first 2 in San Antonio, otherwise, forget it. This is my opinion, feel free to offer yours, thanks.

[onlyalad]

The Lakers are going to win it all. They have been the best since Gasol, and Bynum could come back in the 2nd round. That would make them even better.

[joerockhead]

Nuggets will take it to 7 and shock the world!!!

Then the Avs will Beat Detroit!!!

But if I had to get only one, it is the Avs!!! I hate the Deadwings!

[michaeljohn]

Let's see...I picked Washington and Dallas and they are on the ropes now, both down 0-2 and headed home to try to recover. Do or die time for them, make it a seires or go fishing. Detroit down 0-1. I picked them too, but losing at home shows they need to wake up. Most interesting series in Spurs/Suns. Phoenix now has their backs to the wall down 0-2. I don't think they can recover, but what do I know? Utah just may sweep, the other series' have no surprises as of yet...

[joerockhead]

Well hell, at least they are playing.

My Nuggets are DONE!

Mellow admitted QUITing, and said the whole team did, including the Coaches.

Oh well, the team is done and out. Well, they will be after tonight.

Good luck to Kobe!

[michaeljohn]

Well, the 1st round is coming to a close, but yet it isn't. The top two seeds in the east are showing they are beatable, and if they survive, whoever they play next will be looking to exploit their weaknesses. Sorry Boston and Detroit, you won't be winning it all this year.

The next NBA champ will come from the west. It has a chance to set round two pairings tonight. I guess everyone wants a Lakers vs. Spurs conference finals, but they both have to win to make that happen. Round 2 will not be easy for any of the 4 teams. Round two looks to be a classic, don't count any of the final 4 west teams out!

[michaeljohn]

Well, Dallas and Phoenix go fishing, they're out. 4 series over and I picked 3 correctly, I thought N.O. would lose. Not bad, but not good. Spurs did a great job with Phoenix, now get to play New Orleans...I'll hold my second round picks until the brackets are completed.

[joerockhead]

I have to root for Kobe's Team. That man is damn good, and when he gets pissed, he is better.

Mellow is a Punk!

[michaeljohn]

Ok, time for round 2 picks, even though one series is still going. I got 4 of 7 right and only one did I have the actual number of games played correct. Looks like I may end up dead even for my preliminary round choices. Some of my earlier reviews have changed, I think differently in a few cases.

Boston just may lose to the Hawks. Gang Green is showing they don't have what it takes to be champions. A series expected to be a sweep is now extended to 7 games? Atlanta would have finished 12th in the west! Let's look a bit at the Celtic pretenders...The big 3 never won a thing before, neither did Doc Rivers. There is a reason why, they can't perform in the postseason. 66-16 doesn't mean a thing now, except that to beat Boston, a team must win in Boston. It will be done sooner or later. You know the whole east is going to be prepared from what they have witnessed and will be studying.

So, East:

Cleveland over Boston or Atlanta in 6

I'm going to pick against Boston no matter who they play. They are done for, sorry Gang Green, you suck. Now the whole nation knows it.

Detroit of Orlando in 6

West
San Antonio over New Orleans in 7
This will be one hell of a series. San Antonio needs to win at least one of the first two games in NO. Don't be surprised if it happens, and NO steals homecourt edge right back. SA looks old, and NO is new to all this. If NO starts 2-0 they should win it. However, we'll just have to sit back and watch.

Lakers over Utah in 5
I don't see this going 7, but it could. Lakers could lose HC edge right away. However, the depth of the Lakers is an advantage that will pull them through.

Anyway, what do I know? Make your predictions if you wish!

[michaeljohn]

well, let's see. Only team in the driver's seat is Detroit, up 3-1. In the rest, the pressure is on the home team to return to their winning ways. New Orleans vs. San Antonio seems headed for 7 games. Lakers could have won both games in Utah but didn't. Now, they could win or lose this quickly. Boston still can't win on the road, and no team has ever won a title unless they won at least 3 road games. C'mon, Atlanta and Cleveland wouldn't have even made the playoffs in the west and the Celtics are fit to be tied. If LeBron gets his shit (shot) together and goes medeival on their asses, Boston is done in 6, just as I picked. So far, one close game in Boston, one blowout. Look for the Cavs to send Gang Green home soon. Boston is an embarrassment to the league. I don't know why they get all this hype, most current fans weren't around when they last won it all....

Stay tuned, and add your comments, please!

[michaeljohn]

Well, things are clarifying a bit now....6 teams left.

In the west, Lakers will host the winner of San Antonio vs. New Orleans, game 7 to be played Monday.

In the east, Detroit will play the winner of Boston vs. Cleveland, game 7 to be played Sunday.

My guess at this stage is a Lakers vs. Pistons finals. My predicitons on the remaining semi series given above.

[michaeljohn]

Well, Celtics just outed the Cavs. Cleveland made it close, it was down to the last minute, and they had a chance to take the lead late but missed a 3 ball. Problem for Boston is, they are very vulnerable at home, and now they play a great team, Detroit. I would say Pistons in 4, but let's just call it Pistons in 6.

[93crawler]

Isn't Billups (spelling?) out with an injury, he's a major part of that offense. Did you see what kind of game Pierce had, no one on the Pistons team will be able to defend him. I say Celtics in 6, they need to be able to win at least one on the road right? Incredible game today though, Lebron scoring close to 50, and pierce with over 40. I agree, the Celtics haven't exactly lived up to the hype in the post-season, but they've still had one of the best one year turn arounds in league history.

[michaeljohn]

Billups will play and says he's 100%. Interview was broadcast at halftime.

[michaeljohn]

I have looked around the internet and most people are picking Detroit to beat the Celtics. Even at ESPN, the sportswriters are in the Piston majority:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs

Of course, that's their opinion, as we are all entitled to state our own. Have a look at how ESPN predicted San Antonio's first two series. If New Orleans wins tonight, they are way off again on the Spurs!

[canu]

Looking for the Spurs to pull out a really big one tonight.....Go Spurs!!

[MrEfrisk]

dammit.

Ok scratch New Orleans from the list so now its up to the Lakers to beat these dam spurs. Go lakers!

[canu]

Spurs win 91-82 will face the LA Lakers going to be a great series


GO SPURS!!

[michaeljohn]

Lakers and Pistons will both win their series in 6 games.

[canu]

:dunno: what went wrong in first game Spurs and Lakers all I know is
that the Spurs had a 20 point lead late in the 3rd qtr and blew it,IMO
series will go to a game 7 and Spurs will win back in L.A.

[michaeljohn]

Well, Lakers will win tonight and have a great shot at getting a split in San Antonio. They were close do doing that with Utah. No use letting SA back in the series. The 20 point comeback is nothing new to the Lakers in their playoff history, been doing that for years. I still say Lakers in 6, maybe less now...

Detroit stole HCA from Celtics, as expected. Now, Boston gets to try to win a road game if they want to hang around and play longer....Detroit in 6.

[michaeljohn]

Lakers now up 3-1, Pistons and Celtics tied up at 2-2. Whoever wins game 5 of the east should prevail, but the way those teams are, who knows for sure. Lakers should close out the Spurs in 5.

[michaeljohn]

http://garyhoeffler.com/images/spursfshing051706.jpg

Lakers win, 100-92. Spurs still don't have their dynasty, never won a back-to-back. Now a new one will start for the Lakers methinks....

Lakers over east in 6 is my first guess. What's funny is if LA does win, Lakes will have 4 championships in 9 years, just as the Spurs had.

[canu]

Well my Spurs lost I kinda thought it would be the last game tonight Lakers are
alot younger team,I'm now going for Boston in the end,two great young teams
will be a great series,I say Boston will take it 4-2

[michaeljohn]

Well my Spurs lost I kinda thought it would be the last game tonight Lakers are
alot younger team,I'm now going for Boston in the end,two great young teams
will be a great series,I say Boston will take it 4-2
no hard feelings to you, if I seem cocky, just rubbing it in the face of another member here who has gotten very cocky with me about the Lakers vs. Spurs. He won't participate in this thread though, lol.

One thing I tell people who liked SA and now root sgainst Lakers is, if the east wins it all, they were destined to and would have beaten SA had they advanced. Room on the Laker bandwagon for everyone!

[MrEfrisk]

Gj lakers! Western conference champs!

Looks like Boston will end up winning the east because of Hamiltons injury. Lakers should win in 5 if playing Boston because Boston has trouble winning on the road in these playoffs.

[michaeljohn]

Well, Celtics actually didn't have to go 7 games....Lakers and Celtics finals...

What will happen:

First 2 games in Boston, split, series tied 1-1
Next 3 games in LA, Lakers win 2 of 3.
Back to Boston, Lakers close out Celtics in 6.

This happened in 1985. It will happen again.