Post by sonnyblack on Jul 13, 2010 7:57:55 GMT -5
Western Conference Round 1 Preview
#1 Lakers (56-26) VS #8 Jazz (37-45)
Predicted Lineups:
Lakers:
C Shaquille O'Neal - Lakers fans hope his upcoming free agency won't affect his game in the Playoffs
PF Patrick Ewing - maybe the last chance for one of the leagues best centers to nab a ring
SF Clifford Robinson - his Playoff expierience with Portland will provide vital for these Lakers
SG Ron Mercer - the sophomore is anxious about his first postseason and the weak spot in this lineup
PG Kobe Bryant - the multidimensional shooting guard will man the point due to injuries
Jazz:
C Greg Ostertag - the "Star" on this team, can give Shaq a run for his money if consistent
PF Todd Fuller - one trick pony that wouldn't start on the majority of teams, can play sound defense
SF Larry Johnson - will have a tough time against his matchup as he is merely a shell of his former self
SG Bryon Russell - the only Jazz player who will have a matchup in his favour over the series
PG Chris Childs - nothing more but a system player, has disappointed since being traded to the Jazz
Key Matchup: Shaquille O'Neal VS Greg Ostertag
The Lakers have too many weapons for a standout key matchup, but if there is one it must be this. For the Jazz to even have a chance, it's up to "Tag" to take Shaq out of the game.
Hint: without Shaq, the Lakers lost their only game in this season series
Injuries:
Lakers PG Rod Strickland out for series
Lakers C Dean Garrett out for 5 days
Rod Strickland will likely miss the entire series, but the team has played strong to finish the season without him and closed it out with a 64 point win over the hated Celtics. Dean Garrett is just a garbage time player on this team so his injury won't affect much of the Lakers gameplan.
Season Series: 3-1 Lakers
It is a mistery how the Jazz could even win one game in the regular season, even without Shaq. This is hands down the matchup of the worst against the best of all playoff teams. I would even go so far that these Jazz are the worst Playoff team ever! And bare in mind that the Lakers would have easily won 60 games if it weren't for injuries. I think if the Jazz want to take a game or two, they need to bully Shaq into another injury as they did on Day 42.
Prediction: Lakers in 4
#4 Trailblazers (52-30) VS #5 Suns (45-37)
Predicted Lineups:
Trailblazers:
C Arvydas Sabonis - he will have it his way with Purdue chasing him around the perimeter
PF Brian Grant - his lack of D will barely be noticed as his matchup only shoots in case of emergency
SF Michael Finley - the former Sun likes to turn up his game in may but will miss a few games
SG Jerry Stackhouse - look for Stack putting on a clinic to promote himself for free agency
PG Terrell Brandon - consistency is his 2nd name even though he struggles from long range now and then
Suns:
C Will Perdue - with starters like him, I suppose the era of great centers is officially over
PF Dennis Rodman - it was suspiciously quiet around The Worm this year. Time to snap?
SF Robert Horry - Horry is known for big Playoff games to an extent where the fans expect it
SG J.R. Rider - the athletic guard is highly benefiting from being Kidd's running mate
PG Jason Kidd - some claim he's the best playmaker in the game, he has yet to prove it in the Playoffs
Key Matchup: Terrell Brandon VS Jason Kidd
I was going for the Horry-Finley matchup, but since Finley will miss some games the impact will be less. Watching 2 of the top 3 playmakers in the league going at each other should be the more interesting one afterall. If the Suns come out as the winner, Jason Kidd will have taken over the reigns as the leagues best point guard.
Injuries:
Blazers SG Stacey Augmon out for 5 days
Blazers SG Michael Finley out for 5 days
It will be interesting to see how the lack of depth on the wings caused by these injuries will affect the Blazers in the first couple of games. Luckily for them they have Jim Jackson just waiting for an opportunity to showcase his talents in extended minutes.
Season Series: Tied 2-2
Time for the Blazers to live up to their potential. They lost the last 2 matchups against the Suns and are missing their top scorer to start the series, but in terms of pure talent they are still the clear favourite. However you can never underestimate anyone on the same team with Jason Kidd, especially Playoff vets like Horry, Rodman and Purdue. At the end of the day I expect the deeper and more talented team to come out as the winner of this close battle.
Prediction: Blazers in 7
#2 Spurs (51-31) VS #7 Nuggets (38-44)
Predicted Lineups:
Spurs:
C David Robinson - dont be surprised if The Admiral averages 30 point per game for the series
PF Tim Duncan - found his form quickly in the last 2 games after an injury-riddled season
SF Sean Elliott - he should ge plenty of open looks playing against the undersized Richmond
SG Rex Chapman - probably the worst player starting for anyone in the entire Playoffs
PG Avery Johnson - with Duncan and Robinson banging inside he doesnt have to score alot. Good!
Nuggets:
C Danny Fortson - defending his by 4" taller counterpart will not be easy for the sophomore
PF Antonio McDyess - he is looking to break through into the top tier of PFs in the league
SF Mitch Richmond - the Spurs are not the quickest team so why not exploit it with a SG at SF?
SG Chauncey Billups - can take over a bunch of the scoring if Richmond struggles against Elliott
PG Nick Van Exel - has become less selfish since fighting Billups for the starting spot at the point
Key Matchup: Tim Duncan VS Antonio McDyess
McDyess reportedly has a max offer on the table from the Nuggets and he can show in this series why he is worth it. Not as fundamental but more athletic than his counterpart Tim Duncan he might give the latter tought time in this series, especially on the defensive on. Watching these two burying jumpers from 15 feet and displaying solid foorwork around the basket will be a delight for any true basketball fan, especially in a head-to-head matchup.
Injuries:
None
Season Series: 3-1 Nuggets
This is really a tough one to pick. San Antonio has the 2 best players on the floor but little else to show for while the Nuggets are loaded with players who could be 2nd or 3rd options on alot of teams. The Nuggets have plenty of depth in the post to throw bodies at the Spurs' twin towers as well. Considering the difference in depth and the outcome of the regular season, I predict the only upset in the Western Conference 1st Round to happen in this series.
Prediction: Nuggets in 6
#3 Kings (53-29) VS #6 Rockets (38-44)
Predicted Lineups:
Kings:
C Vlade Divac - the best passing center in the league will take one his predecessor in Olajuwon
PF Chris Webber - the former 1st overall pick will dominate this series. D-O-M-I-N-A-T-E!
SF Lamond Murray - doesn't have to score alot, but can in bunches. Can he contain Pippen?
SG Eddie Jones - wouldn't be surprised if Jones will guard Pippen for long stretches to wear him down
PG Mookie Blaylock - this guy would have been a regular All Star if it weren't weak scoring
Rockets:
C Hakeem Olajuwon - he can keep Divac off the block but must give 110% to limit his passing
PF Charles Barkley - just a shell of his former self he needs double teams against Webber
SF Scottie Pippen - as an All League defender Pippen will provide the necessary help defense
SG Michael Dickerson - will have to run like Reggie to get open looks against Eddie
PG Brent Price - a true weakness in this lineup and maybe the reason that the Rockets are so low
Key Matchup: Vlade Divac VS Hakeem Olajuwon
It will be a treat to see Divac and Olajuwon feed dish after dish to their teammates from the high post. I expect to see them alot in pick and rolls, and whoever can guard the other one better is likely to come out of this as the matchup winner. Because if you don't your help defenders man will be waiting to get that dagger pass through the zone.
Injuries:
None
Season Series: 3-1 Kings
We all know that the Rockets play their best ball after May, but their poor performance in the regular season is giving me second thoughts. Their entire Hall of Fame frontcourt is 33 or older, with Pippen being the only one who is still close to his prime form, although already on the decline. Slow it down is the motto for these old gents, but even if they do the Kings still have that amazing halfcourt game initiated by Divac and Webber from the post.
Prediction: Kings in 5
#1 Lakers (56-26) VS #8 Jazz (37-45)
Predicted Lineups:
Lakers:
C Shaquille O'Neal - Lakers fans hope his upcoming free agency won't affect his game in the Playoffs
PF Patrick Ewing - maybe the last chance for one of the leagues best centers to nab a ring
SF Clifford Robinson - his Playoff expierience with Portland will provide vital for these Lakers
SG Ron Mercer - the sophomore is anxious about his first postseason and the weak spot in this lineup
PG Kobe Bryant - the multidimensional shooting guard will man the point due to injuries
Jazz:
C Greg Ostertag - the "Star" on this team, can give Shaq a run for his money if consistent
PF Todd Fuller - one trick pony that wouldn't start on the majority of teams, can play sound defense
SF Larry Johnson - will have a tough time against his matchup as he is merely a shell of his former self
SG Bryon Russell - the only Jazz player who will have a matchup in his favour over the series
PG Chris Childs - nothing more but a system player, has disappointed since being traded to the Jazz
Key Matchup: Shaquille O'Neal VS Greg Ostertag
The Lakers have too many weapons for a standout key matchup, but if there is one it must be this. For the Jazz to even have a chance, it's up to "Tag" to take Shaq out of the game.
Hint: without Shaq, the Lakers lost their only game in this season series
Injuries:
Lakers PG Rod Strickland out for series
Lakers C Dean Garrett out for 5 days
Rod Strickland will likely miss the entire series, but the team has played strong to finish the season without him and closed it out with a 64 point win over the hated Celtics. Dean Garrett is just a garbage time player on this team so his injury won't affect much of the Lakers gameplan.
Season Series: 3-1 Lakers
It is a mistery how the Jazz could even win one game in the regular season, even without Shaq. This is hands down the matchup of the worst against the best of all playoff teams. I would even go so far that these Jazz are the worst Playoff team ever! And bare in mind that the Lakers would have easily won 60 games if it weren't for injuries. I think if the Jazz want to take a game or two, they need to bully Shaq into another injury as they did on Day 42.
Prediction: Lakers in 4
#4 Trailblazers (52-30) VS #5 Suns (45-37)
Predicted Lineups:
Trailblazers:
C Arvydas Sabonis - he will have it his way with Purdue chasing him around the perimeter
PF Brian Grant - his lack of D will barely be noticed as his matchup only shoots in case of emergency
SF Michael Finley - the former Sun likes to turn up his game in may but will miss a few games
SG Jerry Stackhouse - look for Stack putting on a clinic to promote himself for free agency
PG Terrell Brandon - consistency is his 2nd name even though he struggles from long range now and then
Suns:
C Will Perdue - with starters like him, I suppose the era of great centers is officially over
PF Dennis Rodman - it was suspiciously quiet around The Worm this year. Time to snap?
SF Robert Horry - Horry is known for big Playoff games to an extent where the fans expect it
SG J.R. Rider - the athletic guard is highly benefiting from being Kidd's running mate
PG Jason Kidd - some claim he's the best playmaker in the game, he has yet to prove it in the Playoffs
Key Matchup: Terrell Brandon VS Jason Kidd
I was going for the Horry-Finley matchup, but since Finley will miss some games the impact will be less. Watching 2 of the top 3 playmakers in the league going at each other should be the more interesting one afterall. If the Suns come out as the winner, Jason Kidd will have taken over the reigns as the leagues best point guard.
Injuries:
Blazers SG Stacey Augmon out for 5 days
Blazers SG Michael Finley out for 5 days
It will be interesting to see how the lack of depth on the wings caused by these injuries will affect the Blazers in the first couple of games. Luckily for them they have Jim Jackson just waiting for an opportunity to showcase his talents in extended minutes.
Season Series: Tied 2-2
Time for the Blazers to live up to their potential. They lost the last 2 matchups against the Suns and are missing their top scorer to start the series, but in terms of pure talent they are still the clear favourite. However you can never underestimate anyone on the same team with Jason Kidd, especially Playoff vets like Horry, Rodman and Purdue. At the end of the day I expect the deeper and more talented team to come out as the winner of this close battle.
Prediction: Blazers in 7
#2 Spurs (51-31) VS #7 Nuggets (38-44)
Predicted Lineups:
Spurs:
C David Robinson - dont be surprised if The Admiral averages 30 point per game for the series
PF Tim Duncan - found his form quickly in the last 2 games after an injury-riddled season
SF Sean Elliott - he should ge plenty of open looks playing against the undersized Richmond
SG Rex Chapman - probably the worst player starting for anyone in the entire Playoffs
PG Avery Johnson - with Duncan and Robinson banging inside he doesnt have to score alot. Good!
Nuggets:
C Danny Fortson - defending his by 4" taller counterpart will not be easy for the sophomore
PF Antonio McDyess - he is looking to break through into the top tier of PFs in the league
SF Mitch Richmond - the Spurs are not the quickest team so why not exploit it with a SG at SF?
SG Chauncey Billups - can take over a bunch of the scoring if Richmond struggles against Elliott
PG Nick Van Exel - has become less selfish since fighting Billups for the starting spot at the point
Key Matchup: Tim Duncan VS Antonio McDyess
McDyess reportedly has a max offer on the table from the Nuggets and he can show in this series why he is worth it. Not as fundamental but more athletic than his counterpart Tim Duncan he might give the latter tought time in this series, especially on the defensive on. Watching these two burying jumpers from 15 feet and displaying solid foorwork around the basket will be a delight for any true basketball fan, especially in a head-to-head matchup.
Injuries:
None
Season Series: 3-1 Nuggets
This is really a tough one to pick. San Antonio has the 2 best players on the floor but little else to show for while the Nuggets are loaded with players who could be 2nd or 3rd options on alot of teams. The Nuggets have plenty of depth in the post to throw bodies at the Spurs' twin towers as well. Considering the difference in depth and the outcome of the regular season, I predict the only upset in the Western Conference 1st Round to happen in this series.
Prediction: Nuggets in 6
#3 Kings (53-29) VS #6 Rockets (38-44)
Predicted Lineups:
Kings:
C Vlade Divac - the best passing center in the league will take one his predecessor in Olajuwon
PF Chris Webber - the former 1st overall pick will dominate this series. D-O-M-I-N-A-T-E!
SF Lamond Murray - doesn't have to score alot, but can in bunches. Can he contain Pippen?
SG Eddie Jones - wouldn't be surprised if Jones will guard Pippen for long stretches to wear him down
PG Mookie Blaylock - this guy would have been a regular All Star if it weren't weak scoring
Rockets:
C Hakeem Olajuwon - he can keep Divac off the block but must give 110% to limit his passing
PF Charles Barkley - just a shell of his former self he needs double teams against Webber
SF Scottie Pippen - as an All League defender Pippen will provide the necessary help defense
SG Michael Dickerson - will have to run like Reggie to get open looks against Eddie
PG Brent Price - a true weakness in this lineup and maybe the reason that the Rockets are so low
Key Matchup: Vlade Divac VS Hakeem Olajuwon
It will be a treat to see Divac and Olajuwon feed dish after dish to their teammates from the high post. I expect to see them alot in pick and rolls, and whoever can guard the other one better is likely to come out of this as the matchup winner. Because if you don't your help defenders man will be waiting to get that dagger pass through the zone.
Injuries:
None
Season Series: 3-1 Kings
We all know that the Rockets play their best ball after May, but their poor performance in the regular season is giving me second thoughts. Their entire Hall of Fame frontcourt is 33 or older, with Pippen being the only one who is still close to his prime form, although already on the decline. Slow it down is the motto for these old gents, but even if they do the Kings still have that amazing halfcourt game initiated by Divac and Webber from the post.
Prediction: Kings in 5
2000
