The mother of all battles for the league’s ultimate prize of being crowned as the 2009 NBA champions is finally on. The eight match-ups for the first round had already been determined. It’s a wide-open race and anything can happen in the so-called “second season”.
Herewith are the respective best-of-seven first round series and as well as this writer’s predictions:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (#1) VS. DETROIT PISTONS (#8)
This is gonna be a one sided affair. LeBron James is having his best season so far in his young pro career and he is enjoying it to the max, thanks to Mo Williams. The Pistons are no longer a threat in the post-season.
Season Series: Cavaliers 3 Pistons 1
Prediction: Cavaliers, 4-0
BOSTON CELTICS (#2) VS. CHICAGO BULLS (#7)
Now that Kevin Garnett is a doubtful starter not only for this series but maybe for the rest of the play-offs, the men in green will be hard pressed to retain the NBA title. But still, do not ever under estimate the heart of a champion. The young Bulls had a shot in scoring a 1st round kayo.
Season Series: Celtics 2 Bulls 1
Prediction: Celtics, 4-3
ORLANDO MAGIC (#3) VS. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (#6)
Rafer Alston had ably filled the void left by the injured Jameer Nelson in the backcourt. The mere presence of Dwight Howard would just be too much to bear for the upstart Sixers crew.
Season Series: Magic 3 76ers 0Prediction: Magic, 4-0
ATLANTA HAWKS (#4) VS. MIAMI HEAT (#5)
This will be a humdinger of a series. Both teams are evenly match man-for- man. Dwyane Wade is the x-factor and may be the difference in the end.
Season Series: Hawks 3 Heat 1
Prediction: Heat, 4-3
WESTERN CONFERENCE
LOS ANGELES LAKERS (#1) VS. UTAH JAZZ (#8)
The Lakers look formidable this time around with the return of center Andrew Bynum. The Jazz on the other hand is always dangerous at this time of the year. Great coaching battle between Phil Jackson and Jerry Sloan.
Season Series: Lakers 2 Jazz 1
Prediction: Jazz, 4-3
DENVER NUGGETS (#2) VS. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (#7)
The Nuggets are the revelation of the regular season wars finishing a surprising second placers behind the Lakers in the powerful Western Conference. But still, that would not be enough to propel them past the opening round of the play-offs. The Hornets are a battle-scarred team during the post-season. Watch out for the battle in the backcourt between Chauncey Billups and Chris Paul.
Season Series: Nuggets 2 Hornets 2
Prediction: Hornets, 4-2
SAN ANTONIO SPURS (#3) VS. DALLAS MAVERICKS (#6)
The Spurs can easily be considered as the heavy favorites in this series but with Manu Ginobli injured and out of the play-offs, the Mavericks can pull out this one. Back-to-back post season of frustrations is enough for Mark Cuban’s franchise. This might be their year.
Season Series: Spurs 2 Mavericks 2
Prediction: Mavericks, 4-3
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (#4) VS. HOUSTON ROCKETS (#5)
According to a lot of NBA pundits, nobody wants to meet the Blazers in the opening round. The Rain City outfit is full of young spirits and potential. Without Tracy McGrady, center Yao Ming and the Rockets will find it difficult to get past the opening round.
Season Series: Rockets 2 Trail Blazers 1
Prediction: Trail Blazers, 4-2
*****
Enjoy all the NBA play-off action on Philippine TV. Basketball TV (BTV) will have daily live games with replays on primetime. Three live games a week can also be seen on C/S9 on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. ESPN will cover a game or two during Saturdays and Starsports a game during Fridays.
The best time of the year in the NBA is truly here.
Sadly put, I'm a die-hard Phoenix Suns fan and a certified Kobe-hater. So, who am I rooting for in the 2009 NBA Playoffs? I'll be on Mike Brown's Cavaliers's bench all the way! I can feel the time has come for the King to begin his reign. With your 4-0 prediction over the Pistons in the first round, I believe, there's nothing to argue here. So, for Caloy's Portland TrailBlazers and Mareng Leah's L.A. Lakers, I would only say, try your luck next year. :)
ReplyDelete