2007 NBA PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

 

 

I've been lax with the NBA section this season due to me being a moron but now it's coming up to playoff time, it's a good time to revive things. We know what this is about, 16 teams, 8 in the East, 8 in the West. On the road to the NBA title won last year by the Heat! When things get to this stage, in the words of one NBA player a few years back "we'd play with a beachball!". From here on in, the regular season counts for nothing and everyone knows it. So what's gonna happen in the first round?

EAST

Pistons vs Magic: Well there was only going to be one team picking up the number one seed in the East this season and that was the Pistons. For the Magic's part, well they're being welcomed back to the post season for the first time since '03, needing a late winning run to make it there. Grant Hill has overcome injury trouble to become a factor again for Orlando, pairing up with Dwight Howard and so the Pistons are sure to have another think coming if they're planning a sweep. Even I have to say that they'll probably win this one in 6 though.

Cavs vs Wizards: A rematch of the rumble from last year which the Cavs won in 6. The Cavs had a similar quality regular season to last year, the only reason they've been given a higher seeding on this occassion is due to a change in the regs. The Wizards on the other hand, only have a slightly worse record than last year their number seven seeding reflecting the number of hot teams elsewhere in the Conference. Cavs still have the class to take this tie, and I'll say in five.

Raptors vs Nets: The Raptors have not only returned to the playoffs for the first time since '02 but sucsessfully took the Atlantic division for the first time in a history going back to '96. Slight problem, they're up against a New Jersey side led by Vince Carter, their star player last time they were in the post season. The '07 Raptors have Allstars of their own, notably Chris Bosch but to be honest the fact that this side took the Atlantic title means that the rest of the division should be embarrassed. Home advantage will allow the Raptors to put up a fight but I'll still say Nets in 6.

Heat vs Bulls: Another rematch from last year. The Heat won 4-2 on that occassion but a year is a long time. The defending champions may have scooped the Southeast division title but their regular season was very hit and miss and the Bulls have certainly improved their consistancy and are certainly capable of blowing the Heat out on an offday. I'd be surprised if the Bulls did win this one but I also can't see the Heat winning this in less than 7.

WEST

Mavs vs Warriors: Well Dirk and crew have been the Western team that's been taking names all season and the last time the Warriors were in the playoffs, the year was 1994 and they were able to call on the services of a young Latrell Spreewell as well as Chrises Webber and Mullin, the '07 lineup doesn't have that level of quality. This generation of Warriors can claim to be the regular season bogey team of the Mavs though but in would be insanity to bank on them winning a playoff series though. Mavs in 5 if I'm feeling generous to the California side.

Suns vs Lakers: Not only is this another rematch of an '06 first round series but the two protagonists in question have the exact same seedings(the Suns having again scopped the Pacific division title)- which really says all you need to know about both teams. Last time out the Suns won in 7. Has anything changed? Well Kobe's been dunking on everyone's heads as an individual this season but his back up crew vs Steve Nash's? I can't see history not repeating itself, right down to the Suns winning in seven games again.

Spurs vs Nuggets: Now this could be tasty. The Spurs are the Spurs. Duncan's been class, his back up crew have been solid as always. These guys know what they're doing and the Nuggets were certainly busted by them in the regular season. However this is a Denver team with Allen Iversen which means that combined with Carmelo Anthony, the Spurs will have a fight on their hands. Greater playoff experience will win the series though, Spurs in 6.

Jazz vs Rockets: Neither of these teams were in the playoffs last year yet the Jazz scooped the Northwest division despite having no individuals really stand out. The Rockets? Well they've got Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming and a disasterous 05/06 that they'll want everyone to forget about, if they haven't already, though the Jazz themselves haven't made the playoffs since John Stockton bowed out in '03. Rockets to win this one though homecourt advange probably means they'll need six to do it.

So, how would things play after that?

CONFERENCE SEMS

Pistons vs Heat: Rematch of last year's Eastern Conference final and I'd be tempted to call this a virtual conference final this time out. I'd root for the Heat but I suspect "Detroit basketball" would win this time, even if it was in 7.

Cavs vs Nets: Very tough to call. Cavs would have homecourt advantage though. I'll go Cavs in 7

Mavs vs Rockets: Tasty, but the Mavs know their way through the playoffs now. In 7 though.

Suns vs Spurs: The Suns would have homecourt advantage but as much love as I have for Steve Nash, the world "Spurs" keeps repeating in my head. Let's say in 7 though.

CONFERENCE FINALS

Pistons vs Cavs: I would root for the Cavs but the Pistons would do the business. In 6.

Mavs vs Spurs: How am I meant to call this one? Mavs would have home court advantage but Spurs would have more hunger...but it's the Mavs who's been dominating the regular seaon. Mavs in 7.

NBA FINALS

Mavs vs Pistons: Mavs would have homecourt advantage and play better basketball. Dirk gets to pick up a ring. Mavs in 6.

Now, let's see how dumb Matt G is.

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