2012-13 NBA Finals - (1) Miami vs (2) San Antonio

James and Duncan chat in '07 after the Spurs sweep the Cavs.

The Miami Heat are fresh off of a 7-game, 12-round, 13-inning series against the Indiana Pacers. Not only was it long, but grueling both mentally and physically. They're battered, but battle-tested and ready to seize the opportunity of a life-time.

The Spurs are coming off of a 9-day layoff after dismantling the Memphis Grizzlies precisely and tactically. They're well-rested, well-prepared and they've beaten Lebron James in the NBA Finals before.

But Lebron is a different player now. Not to mention he's playing alongside one of the best 2-guards to play the game in Dwyane Wade and the versatile Chris Bosh. They've been here before and they've come out victorious.

But so have the Spurs. 4 times actually; and this core group has never lost. They're all about capitalizing on moments like this. With Tim Duncan at 37 years young, it could very well be his last shot at claiming one more ring to cement him as the greatest power-forward of all-time.

Wouldn't the Spurs love to send him off that way? And wouldn't Lebron hate to never get another shot at Tim and this era of the Spurs in the finals?

Buckle up.

Keys to Victory – Turnovers
Both Miami and San Antonio are extremely efficiency clubs. They're both smart, well-coached and have great ball handlers. Miami thrives off the turnover and San Antonio doesn't give up the ball freely. That means that turnovers will be huge in impacting this series.

X-Factor – Greg Popovich
If there's one coach who can come up with a strategy to subdue the 4-time MVP, it's Greg Popovich. Lebron has one of, if not the highest basketball IQ in the league -- and he's on the floor. Popovich is the maestro that has to orchestrate a strategy to best limit what the Heat's big 3 will do. They have the personnel. Can they deliver the goods?

Prediction – Miami in 7
It's fitting that this was easily the most difficult series to pick thus far this playoffs. Miami's ability to cause turnovers and defensive havoc should give the Spurs all they can handle. The Spurs style of play is one that keeps defenses on their heels, regardless of athletic prowess.

But I believe that when a driven individual is scorned, he never forgets. And the energy, effort and will power that is the result of that memory can have significant impact on the outcome of a confrontation -- especially on a basketball court.

We're in for a good one.

NBA Playoffs | Western Conf | Conf-Finals | (1) Miami vs (3) Indiana

This series may seem underwhelming with the Pacers being what we recognize as a “small-market” team. But three of the four remaining contenders meet that criterion. For most, it’s still a foregone conclusion that Miami has this series in the bag. Last year, they were able to handle Indiana without Chris Bosh most of the way. Not to mention the Pacers are without Danny Granger. But I have an inkling that the Pacers may have something more to say about that.

Keys to Victory – Battle of the Boards
Miami’s biggest weakness is their vulnerability down low. Indiana is the best in the league at getting second chance points. They love to crash the boards and pound the ball down low with West and Hibbert. They’ll need to dominate (not just win) the battle on the glass.

X-Factor – Paul George
I don’t mean to put the entire series on one guy, especially considering how team oriented the Pacers are -- but George will need to transform from All-Star to superstar to give the Pacers a real shot at dethroning Miami this year.

Prediction – Miami in 6
I don’t think this series will be anything but amazing. The Pacers won the season series and that’s probably in the back of Miami’s mind. The Pacers are hungry, scrappy and tough. However, the Heat are hungrier, more skilled and well, just better.

NBA Playoffs | Western Conf | Conf-Finals | (2) San Antonio vs (5) Memphis

<basketballschedule.net >

The Spurs finished off a tired, yet resilient Golden State Warrior team in 6 games. The contest seems to have been just the shock they needed to wake them up after their walk-through of a series versus the Lakers. Memphis on the other hand has scratched and clawed their way to a place I can’t imagine too many people predicted they might be – except perhaps newly minted VP of Basketball Operations, John Hollinger. The Grizz are rugged, whereas the Spurs have been much more graceful in their approach. Which team will be able to impose their will?

Keys to Victory – Defending the 3-pt Line
The Grizzlies have been pretty superb at defending everything thus far in the playoffs. However, the types of teams they’ve been defending in the first two rounds are most dangerous with ball-in-hand. The Spurs are most dangerous when the ball never touches the ground -- and they’ve been hot from 3 for a while. The Grizz will need to cool them off to come away on top.

X-Factor – Mike Conley
The Big-3 for San Antonio has been Ginobili, Parker and Duncan for quite some time. It’s a tried and true formula. We know what to expect. The Grizzlies have had their big-2 truly clicking throughout this playoff run – Z-Bo and Marc Gasol. If Conley can elevate his game like he did (and beyond) against the Westbrookless-Thunder, I think I’d give them a good shot.

Prediction – San Antonio in 7
As I stated up front, the Grizzlies are going to fight. It’s what they do. My big question-mark for them is whether or not they’ll be able to score enough points to keep pace with San Antonio. The experience of Pop. The savvy of Manu. The speed of Parker. And the Tim Duncan-ness of Tim Duncan. Seems too big of an ask for the Grizz in my humble opinion.

NBA Playoffs | Western Conf | Semi-Finals | (2) San Antonio vs (6) Golden State

Image Credit: <sports.yahoo.com>

Round one for the Spurs was almost like a warm up. The Lakers didn't test their will or push them to their limit. Fortunately, the Spurs are full of veteran leadership that's been there before. With Greg Popovich at the helm, coasting through round one isn't such a bad thing.

On the other hand, the Warriors were battle tested against a Nuggets team with a chip on their shoulder. They battled through injuries to their two stars Stephen Curry and David Lee and came out stronger on the other end. I can't emphasis enough how instrumental Mark Jackson has been in leading one of the youngest teams in the league through the playoffs.

This isn't necessarily a match up of age and experience versus youth and immaturity, but it might feel like it for Game 1 in San Antonio. The lights get brighter in round 2.

Keys to Victory – Health
Tony Parker is getting his step back after suffering an ankle injury late in the season. Duncan and Ginobili are well rested. Thiago Splitter should return for game 1. For the Warriors, David Lee is likely out for the remainder of the series. Stephen Curry and Andrew Bogut are hobbled. As the playoffs goes on, the key players spend more time on the floor. The team that’s able to do that in this series should have quite the advantage.

X-Factor – Steph Curry’s Ankle
Of the four remaining playoffs series, this has been the toughest to pick. That’s because of Stephen Curry. When healthy, he’s as dangerous an offensive threat as there is. He commands extra attention. It doesn’t benefit you to go under or over the pick and roll game the Warriors are capable of playing. And he needs to be watched like a hawk off the ball. But when Steph isn’t 100%, he’s defendable. We aren’t exactly sure what he is right now.

Prediction – San Antonio in 6
This feels a little bit like a different Spurs team than the ones in previous years. They’re a different team than the one that lost to OKC after leading 2-0 or in the first round to the Grizzlies. Tim Duncan is younger somehow. Parker is getting back to mid-season form. Leonard, Green and Ginobili are energized. It  just feels a bit like the experience of San Antonio might win out against this time.

NBA Playoffs | Eastern Conf | Semi-Finals | (1) Miami vs (5) Chicago

Photo Credit: <Jumpshot.sg>

I can’t think of many people (including myself; not including Chicagoans) who thought that the Bulls would make it out of round 1 against a Brooklyn Nets team making its inaugural playoff debut. However, nobody said that they wouldn’t make it a fight. Turns out they won that fight—the first ever game 7 road win in franchise history.

There’s no denying that the Bulls are up against a fight in an elevated weight class against Miami. Fresh off of the announcement of the 4th MVP for Lebron James, putting him in a class of legends, Lebron recently stated that “he doesn’t know his own ceiling”. That's scary considering how efficient he was this past season.

We know the Bulls won’t make this an easy series for Miami. But everyone is wondering if Derrick Rose will return to the floor and give the Bulls a punchers chance at eliminating the defending champs.

Keys to Victory – Rebounding and second chance points
The Miami Heat are extremely efficient; especially Lebron James. In the first round, he averaged 24 ppg, 8 rpg and 7 apg, while shooting 63% from the field. (Who is this guy?) The Bulls will need to score a lot to keep pace with Miami regardless of their defensive prowess. To do that, they’ll need to dominate the battle of the boards to keep things competitive.

X-Factor – Tom Thibodeau
Although Erik Spoelstra is a phenomenal (and underrated) coach, Tom Thibodeau is cut from the same cloth as Doc Rivers. If there’s a coach who understands how to get the most out of his players, it’s Thibbs. Oh, and he knows defense.

Prediction – Miami Heat in 5
Without Rose, it’s improbable that a battered Chicago Bulls can take down a well-rested defending champion Miami team. No doubt Derrick Rose can change the complexity of this series with an appearance. But even with him on the court, it would be tough to fit such an integral part of the offense into the Bulls system this late in the game.

NBA Playoffs | Eastern Conf | Semi-Finals | (2) New York vs (3) Indiana

Image Credit: <knicksbricks.com>

The Knicks narrowly avoided a game 7 and potential first round disappointment against the Boston Celtics. We all knew that the Celtics would be no walk in the park, but when you take a look at the roster of both respective teams the series should have ended much sooner.

The Pacers are different, but extremely similar to the Celtics – in all the ways that make this series tough for the Knicks. They’re tough like the C’s, but they’re also young. They have trouble scoring like the C’s, but their star Paul George is emerging rather than fading. They defend like the C’s and they’re actually healthy unlike the previous Celtics opponent -- save Danny Granger (get well soon).

The Knicks will need to match the intensity that the Pacers will throw at them for all 48-minutes if they want a series win. The Pacers don’t take nights off.

Keys to Victory – The Battle in the Paint
The Knicks have often played small ball in these playoffs with Carmelo Anthony at the power forward. Against a front line of Roy Hibbert and David West, that doesn’t really allow for the Knicks to do that without suffering on the boards, and potentially putting Melo at risk of foul trouble. Navigating the series from inside out will be huge for both the Knicks and Pacers.

X-Factor –  Steve Novak
The Pacers clog up the paint, defend the pick and roll and rebound the basketball. On most occasions, their perimeter defense is sound as well. But amidst dealing with Carmelo Anthony, someone like Steve Novak can play a big role in stretching the floor and opening things up for other scorers.

Prediction – Indiana Pacers in 6
If this series were to go seven games, I might be compelled to pick New York. A game 7 in Madison Square Garden would be a lot for Indiana to overcome. But I don’t think it will go that far.

NBA Playoffs | Western Conf | Semi-Finals | (1) Oklahoma City vs (5) Memphis

Image Credit: <philly.com>

The Grizzlies are no joke. I didn’t see a team without a real "superstar" (i.e. Lebron, Kobe, Durant, Duncan) advancing against Chris Paul and the Clippers. Turns out the Grizzlies are the Denver Nuggets of defense – with this year’s Defensive Player of the Year, Marc Gasol, at the helm (debatable).

There’s no denying the Thunder are “short-staffed” without Russell Westbrook, but they’ve been able to weather the storm and find scoring and leadership from Reggie Jackson and Derek Fisher. But there’s no denying this series will be an up-hill battle for Durant and the Thunder. 

Lionel Hollins has done a fantastic job thus far in these playoffs. Scott Brooks will have to find a way to match him strategically for the Thunder to advance.

Keys to Victory – FT Shooting

In a series that will be as close-knit as this one, ever point counts. Both teams will need to savor each basket, especially those that come with the clock stopped without a defender in front of them.

X-Factor –  Serge Ibaka

My pick for defensive player of the year was Serge Ibaka. If he’s able to take Gasol’ s winning the award personal and make an all-star impact on both ends, it should significantly help OKC.

Prediction – Oklahoma City Thunder in 7

The Grizzlies are a “grind-it-out” kinda team, and this series is going to be a grind. It’s just the kind of series Kevin Durant will need to take his game to the next level.

NBA Playoffs | Western Conf | Rd 1 | (1) Oklahoma City vs (8) Houston

The basketball Gods granted us this glorious match up where James Harden finds himself in a rematch against the team that didn't want to pay him superstar money. As it turns out, he’s very much a superstar caliber player.

Photo Courtesy: <www.playmakeronline.com>

Durant and company likely knew this when they let him go. However, they had no control over how the scenario would play out. Now, what I believe is a weaker Thunder team, is up against a developing and dangerous Houston Rockets squad.

Keys to Victory – Foul Trouble
If the Rockets can keep some of the stars from the Thunder on the bench and off of the court, they've got a good chance to steal a few games in this series.

X-Factor - Thabo Sefalosha
James Harden and Jeremy Lin will cause serious trouble for the Thunder if they can get to the FT line like they have been so far this season. If there’s one person that should be accustomed to Harden’s slippery style, it’s Sefalosha. He played against him in practice every day the past couple years and should have a few nuances of his game figured out.

Prediction – Oklahoma City Thunder in 6
At the end of the day, Durant is the best player on the court. I’m hard pressed to believe he would follow up a finals appearance with a 1st round exit – but anything is possible.

NBA Playoffs | Eastern Conf | Rd 1 | (1) Miami vs (8) Milwaukee

Photo Courtesy: <www.bleacherreport.com>

Brandon Jennings said he wants the Heat in round 1. Monta Ellis believes he is the same caliber player as Dwyane Wade. Many might disagree, but the Bucks have actually played the Heat really well this season.

However, in the playoffs there is a totally different level of play. Whether or not the rest of the Bucks are equally as confident is yet to be seen. Miami is hungry and prepared for the playoffs and a run at a second championship. It’s really all they've been playing for all season long.

Keys to Victory – Back Court Play 
Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings is certainly a formidable back court. Chalmers / Wade & Allen / Wade (to close games), are not particularly easy match ups either. The guards will dictate the pace of the game, and pace will be important. If Ellis / Jennings can get hot, they can at the very least make things interesting.

X-Factor – Defense
If it’s one thing Miami excels at, it’s defense. The Milwaukee Bucks – not so much.

Prediction – Miami Heat in 4
Monta Ellis might think he’s on the same tier as the likes of Dwyane Wade, but I think the swiftness with which this series ends will remind him that he isn't.

NBA Playoffs | Western Conf | Rd 1 | (2) San Antonio vs (7) L.A. Lakers

Photo Courtesy: <www.tumblr.com>

The Lakers made good on Kobe’s promise that the Lakers would be in the playoffs, even without the Black Mamba being present for the last 2 games. According to Pau Gasol, he was present in spirit.

But Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Kawai Leonard will be present physically. That poses much more of a problem for the Lakers.

We have yet to see if Mike D’Antoni has figured out how to use his two 7-footers effectively for a stretch. And without Bryant to carry the torch, it’s going to be an uphill battle for the Lakers.

Keys to Victory – Penetration
If Tony Parker is healthy, which we think he is, who is going to stop him from sucking in the Lakers defense and kicking it to the effective San Antonio shooters? The Spurs shoot is a lot; efficiently. The Lakers will need to control the penetration and prevent open three-pointers.

X-Factor – Steve Nash
If Steve Nash is able to play at his best, he makes everybody better. Earl Clark isn’t just Earl Clark anymore. And Howard and Gasol’s game can be elevated.

Prediction – San Antonio Spurs in 6

The Lakers made a great second half rally to make themselves relevant this season. I didn't see them beating OKC or San Antonio with Kobe Bryant, it’s definitely not going to happen without him.

NBA Playoffs | Eastern Conf | Rd 1 | (3) Indiana vs (6) Atlanta

Photo Courtesy: <www.zimbio.com>

Personally, this is one of the least exciting playoff series for me. But it actually has some potential to be entertaining. The two teams match up really well and Atlanta is considered an underdog in this series – which often brings out the best in competitive individuals.

The Hawks have the ability to stretch the floor with shooters like Korver and Lou Williams. They also have the ability to defend the perimeter with the likes of Stevenson and Dahntay Jones.

So what’s going to be the deciding factor?

Keys to Victory – Post Play
The match ups down low in this series are intriguing; Horford and Smith versus Hibbert and West. Winning the battle on the glass and with scoring down low will be a big deal.

X-Factor – Frank Vogel
One of the most underrated coaches is the NBA is Frank Vogel. Well coached players do well under pressure. If the objective is to beat the top teams in the later rounds, you need to have poise.

Prediction – Indiana Pacers in 5
The Pacers have an emerging star in Paul George. Even without Danny Granger, I think it’s safe to say the Pacers will get past Atlanta.

NBA Playoffs | Western Conf | Rd 1 | (4) L.A. Clippers vs (5) Memphis

Photo Courtesy: <funnyclips.com>

This match up was one of the most entertaining match ups in all of last year’s playoffs. It’s a classic offense v. defense match up. Behind the lead of Chris Paul, the Clippers rallied from down 20+ points to show what they’re capable of.

Without Rudy Gay, everyone assumed the Grizzlies chances had essentially been squashed. They surprised everyone with their play down the stretch and find themselves with one of the top scoring defenses in the league.

Keys to Victory – Turnovers
The Grizzlies play phenomenal defense. But surprisingly, the L.A. Clippers are first in the NBA in forcing turnovers. If they can get easy buckets against a strong defense in Memphis, they have a great chance to win the series.

X-Factor – Jamal Crawford
Crawford is an easy pick for the X-Factor as he’s a starter quality player that comes off of the bench. It’s tough to account for such a talent in your second string rotation.

Prediction – L.A. Clippers in 6
With Chris Paul’s hyper-competitive spirit and the overall improvement of the Clippers game, I can’t imagine them falling to a team that I feel has taken a step back 1 year later.

NBA Playoffs | Eastern Conf | Rd 1 | (4) Brooklyn vs (5) Chicago

Photo Courtesy: <espn.go.com>

All things considered, the Bulls have had a phenomenal season. Injuries have hindered their chances to give them any real shot at a title. With the most recent development of Joakim Noah potentially being unavailable for round 1, it puts the Bulls in an even more precarious spot.

Brooklyn started the season hot, cooled off, and started peaking again at the right time. With Jay-Z sitting court side for the NBA playoffs, it should be an electric atmosphere in the Barclays Center.

Keys to Victory – Dominating the Paint

The one thing that Chicago has been able to hang its hat on was its defense and rebounding abilities down low. Brooklyn takes those advantages away from them with their size. They have big guards talented big men as well.

X-Factor – Derrick Rose

If D. Rose decides to return, the adrenaline and energy alone will carry the Bulls past round 1. If not, you’re left with Nate Robinson, captain of the irrational confidence all-stars (to quote Bill Simmons) and Capt. Kick Hinrich to defend a back court of Deron Williams and Joe Johnson.

Prediction – Brooklyn Nets in 7

I agree with Michael Wilbon that it's best Rose doesn't make his anticipated return this season. There's too much to lose, and if he doesn't feel he's ready, there's no use forcing it. Considering I don't think Derrick Rose will return to the court, I think Brooklyn will take this series in the 7th game -- where home court advantage matters.

NBA Playoffs | Western Conf | Rd 1 | (3) Denver vs (6) Golden State

Photo Courtesy: <sports.yahoo.com>

In discussing the potential of this match up with a co-worker, he joked that the average score for this series would be around 145-150. I actually wouldn't be surprised if it did indeed look something like that. It’ll be fast and exciting and there will be no defense.

Keys to Victory – Rebounding & Defense (what?)
That being said, the team that is able to put together the most stretches of good defense and limit second chance opportunities for the other team will put themselves in the best position to win.

X-Factor – Stephen Curry
Many people forget how big of a BIG TIME player Stephen Curry was back at Davidson because we haven’t seen him in a playoff atmosphere since college.  With the absence of a real superstar from the opposition, his impact will be multiplied.

Prediction – Golden State in 6
As I told a friend the other day, stars shine the brightest in the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Nuggets don’t have that one guy to count on down the stretch.

NBA Playoffs | Eastern Conf | Rd 1 | (2) New York vs (7) Boston

Photo Courtesy <www.usatoday.com>

It would be understatement to say that the city of Boston has had a rough week. Although in the end, the bad guys were apprehended and now we can begin the healing process. I’m relieved for everyone that was impacted. In the same vein – within significantly less dire circumstances – the Boston Celtics had a rough season. Hampered by injuries throughout, Boston never truly found its stride.

New York on the other hand found a rhythm once they lost one of their best assets in Amare Stoudemire for the season. After reeling off a 13-game win streak down the stretch and Carmelo Anthony wrapping up his first ever scoring title, the Knicks enter the playoffs clicking on all cylinders.

Keys to Victory – 3 Point Shooting
The winner of this series will go to the team that can best cover and knock down the 3-pt shot.

X-Factor – Tyson Chandler
One of Tyson’s greatest strengths is his ability to tap out offensive rebounds and create second shot opportunities for his team. In a series where 3-pt shooting will be paramount, I think he’ll have a profound impact.

Prediction – New York Knicks in 7
The Celtics, as they always do, will give a valiant effort. Although, I think it falls short versus Carmelo and co. It might be time to close this chapter in Boston Celtics history.

Quest for the Best: 2011-12 NBA Playoff Predictions – NBA Finals

Well, we're here now.

I must say I didn't expect one of these teams to be here--that team being the Oklahoma City Thunder. It sort of felt like the year the Spurs would get back to the finals. (And given the circumstances, I might have picked them). But considering way back in February, I thought the finals would be OKC versus Miami I'm not surprised it turned out this way. I'm no oracle, though--a lot of people thought this match up was forthcoming.

Picking a winner is a much more difficult decision, though.

OKC is young, fast, and talented. Although their total team age is probably one of the league's youngest, they do have savvy and experienced veterans in Derek Fisher and Kendrick Perkins on the roster. Durant is the best pure scorer in the league. Even though Westbrook is streaky and unpredictable, he's explosive. Then of course you have Serge and Thabo, a few defensive stoppers and the Thunder's X-Factor, James Harden. In this series, with all the other match ups in this series somewhat balancing out, I think the Thunder will go as he goes in this series.

And then there's Miami.

James is coming off arguably his most impressive Conference Finals yet--then again, that could be the vividness effect at work considering we just "witnessed" it. (Pun intended). Bosh is well-rested, Battier and James Jones have begun to Heat up and Chalmers is playing with confidence. Erik Spoelstra, who is likely one of the leagues most underrated coaches likely has quite a few tricks up his sleeve, too. On Miami's end, of course Dywane Wade will be the key decider in closing out the finals and sealing the deal.

A lot of factors that people don't always place top of mind--turnovers, made FT's, offensive rebounding, etc--will play a factor, but this series will come down to poise. Whichever team has the most of it, gets the prize. I think that team will be Miami, in 6 games.

Thanks for reading.

Quest for the Best: 2011-12 NBA Playoff Predictions – Conference Finals

As Skip Bayless said last night on Twitter prior to the Spurs, OKC game--"The NBA playoffs are about to start". I honestly thought the Lakers and Bulls (caveat), would've put up more of a fight, but nevertheless, here we are. Some familiar faces, and some fresh faces. Some teams have hall of fame coaches. Each team has multiple champions. Every team has future hall of fame players. So I guess it's only right that these four teams meet in the middle.

West
Oklahoma City Thunder v. San Antonio Spurs

I can't lie--I couldn't pick the winner of this series until the closing seconds of the 1st quarter when Ginobili drained a fall-away three-pointer with the buzzer going off. I always pegged the series to be at least 6 or 7 games, but every time I said out loud "Spurs in 7" or "Thunder in 7", I felt uncertain. It's an uncertain pick all the way around, but when I saw that shot go down it reminded me of a key in this series. Whomever performs the best overall and at the right moments between Ginobili and Harden will earn a trip to the NBA Finals. At that moment, I was reminded that Harden is still 22, and Ginobili is still one of the best players this league has to offer. Oh, not to mention Greg Popovich.

San Antonio Spurs in 7

East
Boston Celtics v. Miami Heat

The Boston Celtics are on their last hoo-rah! This is it for "The Big 3 + Rondo". (Just sounds better than the big 4. If everyone's big, no body's big). Rondo has gained a ton of my respect, despite lack of ability shoot with Ray Allen on his team in practice for the last ~5 years. His bravado alone has been impressive.

But then there's the issue of Wade--playing his role of Batman admirably as expected. Will he keep it up? I think so. But how much does Boston want retribution on their last journey as one? Certainly more than they're willing to speak about.

Bosh or no Bosh--I actually think Lebron wants a ring more than anybody. The monkey on his back is a full-grown gorilla at this point. Maybe Wade and company can help him pry it off.

Miami Heat in 6

Quest for the Best: 2011-12 NBA Playoff Predictions – Semi-Finals

The conference semi-finals are here--and if the first round was at all a sign of things to come, this round is going to be insane.

West
San Antonio Spurs v. Los Angeles Clippers
Game 7 against the Grizzlies ended with Chris Paul closing the 4th quarter with four bench players--(Reggie Evans, Eric Bledsoe, Kenyon Martin and Nick Young). The Clips wrapped up the series after a historic rally from down 24 with 8 minutes left. All the while, CP3 had a hip flexer, Blakey Blake with a hyper-extended knee, Caron Butler with a fractured hand and Billups on the sidelines. Impressive series against a gritty Memphis team.

But then there's the Coach of the Year, Greg Popovich and the savvy, still extremely talented Spurs--Parker, Duncan and Ginobili. There's no denying they're on a mission, either. Deeper than ever before, and with a major coaching advantage (in my humble opinion), home court advantage should be the final difference in this series.

Oklahoma City Thunder v. L.A. Lakers
Unless OKC meets Miami in the finals, this just might be the best playoff series this season.

Oh, the storylines.

Perkins back again versus the team that took the Celtics' Championship hopes away back in '09. James Harden versus Metta World Peace (MWP) after their "encounter" earlier in the regular season for which MWP was suspended for 7 games. An angry (assumed) Kevin Durant after losing out to Lebron for MVP--he's got something to prove. Not to mention all the Laker storylines, with Kobe's legacy, Bynum's attitude and Gasol's toughness. And oh, Derek Fisher is playing against the Lakers in a playoff series.

East
Boston Celtics v. Philadelphia 76ers
This series could very easily be over in 4 games. I'm predicting five because the Celtics are old, (even though Rajon Rondo doesn't think it matters).

...It should've been Chicago...They could've been contenders...they could've been somebody.

Miami Heat v. Indiana Pacers
Lets get on with it already...

Well, lets give Indiana some credit first. They're pretty good. Hibbert and West is the kind of match up down low that could give Miami some trouble--but this is Wade, LBJ, Bosh and company. Save any injuries on Miami and this series should end accordingly in 5 games or so.

West			East
(1) San Antonio	V	(5) L.A. Clippers	(4) Boston	V	(8) Philadelphia
San Antonio in 7			Boston in 5
(2) Oklahoma City	V	(3) L.A. Lakers	(2) Miami	V	(3) Indiana
Oklahoma City in 6			Miami in 5

Thanks for reading.