Posted by:

DonnyCersado

| 11:05 PM ET  04.21 |

I just looked at my last blog post and realized that I haven't posted anything since about eleven months previous, but it's great to be back.  If all goes well I hope to give you a summary of the first round and a look at the second round following this, but we know how that went last time, leave me your thoughts and suggestions for my considerations!

 

LAL vs. OKC

I've got to admit I am pleasantly surprised by the success of this young Thunder team, at the beginning of the year you heard numerous reports on how OKC is going to be a major contender in the future, this year they've proved that they're a contender now.  The only problem is, the giant who stands in the way, the Lakers of Los Angeles.  Let's face it they're last year's champs, and the fact is there would be a big chance that they could come home to southern California once more.  Let's do the rundown here and now...

 

OKC                                                                       LAL

Russell Westbrook                                               Derek Fisher

Thabo Sefolosha                                                 Kobe Bryant

Kevin Durant                                                        Ron Artest

Jeff Green                                                             Lamar Odom

Nenad Krstic                                                         Pau Gasol

 

Russell Westbrook vs. Derek Fisher; D-Fish is old but he's major clutch, and along with KB you can always count on the Fish to sink the shot, a big plus for the Lakers, Russ is young, athletic, a soft touch, and a high flyer, let's face it though this is a phrase that could be used to describe most of the OKC starters

 

Thabo Sefolosha vs. Kobe Bryant; Bryant is an elite player, regardless, he'll have his hands tied up with the Swiss Thabo locking him up.  When it comes to one shot, who's the ball going to go to?  When the Lakers need a bucket, who's going to get the ball?  No doubt, it's going to Bryant and 99% of the time and 99% of the time he'll deliver.  Thabo is a high flyer who can score going to the bucket, but as far as an outside touch goes, its non-existent, all in all Sefolosha is a defensive player, and that's why he's guarding the one of the best players in the League.

 

Kevin Durant vs. Ron Artest; Durant is an explosive young player who can always go to the hole cause matchup problems and get to the line with ease.  With 10.2 free throw attempts per game he gets plenty of chances.  But with Artest on him he may struggle.  Artest may be aging, but he's still an incredible player, who I'm sure the Lakers are happy to have on their side this time in the first round of the playoffs (2009 Playoffs; Artest was playing for the Rockets who were without superstars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady) All in all if the Lakers want a chance at the second round once again, they're going to have to contain Durant, if they do that, they'll be just fine

 

Jeff Green vs. Lamar Odom; This matchup may not happen.  Let's discuss that.  The Lakers big man Andrew Bynum is a game-time decision for game one of the first round, and if that is going to happen, then the Lakers up there chance of winning this first round by about 30%, Lamar Odom however is no slouch either.  He's an athletic big man who has the size of a center (6-11) and the playmaking abilities of a point guard, and of course plays the forward position, against most teams he creates mismatch nightmares, Jeff Green however is well able and capable to contain him, however if Bynum plays and Gasol starts at the power forward position, then it's a big mismatch problem Gasol is a center sized player who plays the power forward position a 7-footer with a strong inside presence it will be troubling for the smaller frontcourt players to contain him.

 

Nenad Krstic vs. Pau Gasol; Again this is a possible game time switch with Bynum starting at center, but lets talk of Krstic vs. Gasol its obvious that Gasol is bigger faster and stronger, they're both the same size 7-footers around 270, and that's where the similarities end, Gasol is an all-star, Krstic is a nobody drafted 10^th overall 5 years ago by NJ and ended up playing overseas for a few years, coming back mid-season last year.  Whether it be Bynum or Gasol either shall dominant the middle over Krstic

LAKERS IN 5

 

 

DEN vs. UTA

Last year Denver was  a team that made it to the Conference Finals only to lose to the Lakers, the Jazz had a similar fate losing however to the Lakers in the first round.  Utah was also an 8^th seed who is another team who like the Thunder has exceeded expectations, I of course projected they would make it to the playoffs but a 5^th seed wasn't expected, but is a pleasant surprise, however a similar fate seems to wait the Jazz, an early exit in the first round this time to the Nuggets.

 

DEN                                                                       UTA

Chauncey Billups                                                                Deron Williams

J.R. Smith                                                              Ronnie Price

Carmelo Anthony                                                               Andrei Kirilenko (IR)

Kenyon Martin                                                    Carlos Boozer

Nene                                                                       Mehmet Okur

 

I'm not going to thoroughly discuss each and every matchup.  Chauncey vs. Deron lets face it Chauncey is a veteran with plenty of playoff experience and a ring with the Pistons in 2004, of course if you know the NBA, you know that a lot of rule changes occurred during the offseason before the '04 season and it favored the style the Pistons played back then and allowed them to capture a ring.  Early last year the Pistons traded Billups for Iverson, a move that allowed them to have a stable and better teammate in Chauncey.  If Chauncey is in top form the Nuggets can play past the Jazz and deep into the playoffs.  J.R. Smith vs. Ronnie Price I don't really know who's starting at SG for the Jazz but the better offensive player will always be Smith because his an offensive workhorse and a real threat from anywhere on the floor.  Carmelo vs. Andrei, Andrei is actually out for the first round, which certainly weakens the Jazz, as Kirilenko is there leading shot blocker and a defensive machine and without him there chances of making it out of the first round goes down by about 50% especially because he would have matched up with the offensive powerhouse of Carmelo Anthony who has been hot all season and makes big shot after big shot for the Nuggets, often overlooked, Melo has certainly come  into his own to this season and pushed the Nuggets to a 4^th seed.  Kenyon vs. Carlos this is one of the biggest pluses for the Jazz besides of course the point guard position.  Boozer is a great power forward who crashes the boards hard on both ends of the floor and is both offensively and defensively solid.  Martin is coming off a few month injury that he's just recovered from, and will have trouble because of the talent of Boozer.  Although Martin is usually a big problem for great offensive players a real defensive force, but this injury may hinder this.  Lastly Nene vs. Okur, the first game of the first round happened earlier today and Mehmet went down with, by reinjuring his Achilles and the timetable hasn't yet been set, Nene is always strong and powerful quick and nimble a force defensively and offensively, he's a truly great center and will give the Jazz trouble but with Boozer down there he won't as effective.  All in all this series will be interesting to see how it plays out, though I can say with almost no doubts that the Nuggets will be moving on to the second round.

NUGGETS IN 5

 

 

PHO vs. POR

Phoenix, Phoenix, Phoenix, that is the team that will move on as the roll past the Roy-less Blazers in the first round.  Without B. Roy Portland doesn't stand a chance of moving on to the second round.  The Suns have been on a roll these past few months and with a nucleus around Nash and Stoudemire this young Blazers team will have trouble with these recent red-hot Suns. 

 

PHO                                                       POR

Steve Nash                                            Andre Miller

Leandro Barbosa                                                Rudy Fernandez

Grant Hill                                              Nick Batum

Amare Stoudemire                              LaMarcus Aldridge

Robin  Lopez                                        Marcus Camby

 

Nash and Miller two seasoned veterans going head to head both accomplished floor generals, that know how to get out of the first round and go on and on in the playoffs.  The far superior is an obvious, the Canadian Nash is like a fine wine getting better and better with age and became the oldest player this year to lead the league in assists (11+).  Andre Miller is playing well this season because he's once again playing for a contender, the Sixers last year gave him no motivation, but he's been revitalized this season, and he's going to need to be at his best form, because without Roy these Blazers need major help.  Barbosa/Richardson vs. Fernandez whether it be Barbosa or Richardson starting for the Suns, both are going to see extended minutes and both are going to need to be at top form both are very similar to Fernandez in talent, all three can hit the three, all three are very athletic, Barbosa has a speed advantage over anyone he goes against, but Fernandez is no slouch.  Grant Hill vs. Nick Batum, let's face it Hill is old but there has to be some sort of fountain of youth in Phoenix, because like Nash he's been playing better than he has in years and was quoted earlier in the year saying "I've seen myself doing things this year that I haven't done in years" and that's what he'll need to propel the Suns to round 2, Batum is a youngster that I don't know much about, as far as I know he was put into the starting lineup when Outlaw and Blake went to the Clippers for Camby.  Stoudamire vs. Aldridge, both of these guys are big, athletic, and young.  Crazy to think that just a few short months ago the Suns were trying to trade him away, lucky they didn't because he's played his best basketball of his career since the trading deadline.  Amare brings an intensity to the table that is usually unmatched.  Though the one thing you always hear about is his lack of defensive intensity.  He's all about the offensive numbers and doesn't care to play both ends of the floor.  He'll need to shut down Aldridge and Camby down low if the Suns want to move on.  Aldridge is young and talented, and an A effort will be needed from him as he will be there main frontcourt player to score, because let's face it Camby is a presence on only one end of the court.  Lopez/Frye vs. Camby this is an obvious mismatch and if I were the Blazers coach (McMillan) I would be putting Camby on Amare to contain his offense and matchup either Aldridge on the Suns less talented Lopez or Frye (Lopez may be out because of injuries but if the Suns make it to the second round there is a possibility of him coming back).  Lopez is no real offensive or defensive threat but he gives the Suns a certain amount of size mismatches and the fact is that since Lopez has been thrown into the starting lineup the Suns have been on a roll as of late.

SUNS IN 6

 

DAL vs. SA

Dallas is the far superior team looking merely at statistics.  The Spurs have faltered all season long and the fact that they landed in a 7^th seed is surprising because of the caliber of team they are, or once were, but the fact of how they've been playing all season it is a surprise they even made the playoffs.  With Dirk and Kidd leading the charge the Mavs will take this series but the Spurs are going to put up a noble fight.  For the second season in a row the Spurs will not make it out of the first round, for only the second season in over a decade.

 

DAL                                                       SA

Jason Kidd                                            Tony Parker/George Hill

Caron Butler                                         Manu Ginobli

Shawn Marion                                     Richard Jefferson

Dirk Nowitzki                                       Antonio McDyess

Brendan Haywood                             Tim Duncan

 

Jason Kidd vs. Parker/Hill

Both Kidd and Parker are seasoned vets, obviously Kidd is a bit more, and is certainly no longer a kid.  Jason's recent offensive resurgence is pushing the Mavs to past the first and certainly first and second rounds of the playoffs.  I think it has been a combination of things that have made this year's Mavs a two-seed only behind the powerhouse Lakers.  When the Mavs got Butler and Haywood for Howard among others, was a deal that has certainly pushed the Mavs to a whole.  But back to Kidd and Parker/Hill, I haven't followed the Spurs to closely this year and I was baffled to see that Poppovich was debating starting either Parker or Hill in this first round of the playoffs only because he wasn't sure if Hill could play.  So either Parker has played like **** this year or Hill has broken out to stardom.  Whatever the case may be the advantage at the point guard has to be to the Mavs.

 

Caron vs. Ginobli

I don't know whether it will be Ginobli starting or Mason, and who will therefore be coming off the bench.  Both are talented players but Butler has been a real player this year.  Like Haywood he has found himself playing for the Mavs and has himself finally back with a contender, after a disappointing 08-09 season with just 19 wins without superstar Arenas in the nation's capital I'm sure he's glad to be lending his services to a winning ball club.  He also attributes his great play this year to kicking his Mountain Dew drinking habit.  All in all the Mavs have another advantage in the two guard slot.

 

Marion vs. Jefferson

For the third time in three comparisons the Mavs will take the small forward position.  Marion isn't a superstar anymore but he is still a great defensive force, can hit the occasionally shot from anywhere on the floor, is athletic, and big.  Jefferson was supposed to be the offseason acquisition of the summer, but has failed to meet up with expectations due to what he calls a failure to integrate himself into the Spurs system.  This I feel is one of the main reasons behind the Spurs recent struggles this year.

 

Nowitzki vs. McDyess/Duncan

Whether it be Duncan starting power forward or McDyess the Spurs will have trouble containing the big German as he was back into the MVP rankings for the first time in awhile and over 30, much like Duncan his best years have gone yet much like Nash and Hill of the Suns Dirk has found new life and with new teammates he should be able to take the Mavs deep this year.  Duncan is dwindling but he's still got game and McDyess would have no shot in defending Dirk.  Duncan is a perennial all-star and MVP candidate.  However this year was the first time in his entire career that he wasn't top ten in the MVP race, but can you blame the guy he's getting old.  Sure he lost a couple pounds over the offseason but that won't help the fact that he's old.

 

Haywood vs. McDyess/Duncan

Haywood much like Butler has found new life in playing for a contender, and McDyess will have trouble in containing big Haywood.  Duncan would obviously have an easier time defending him.  McDyess is old, and it's obvious that after this season the Spurs are going to have to tear it down and start anew.  These guys sucked this year and with the majority of the starting lineup over the age of 30 the future of the Spurs looks mighty dim.

 

MAVERICKS IN 7

 

CLE vs. CHI

This series is quite clear cut, the Cavaliers are going to steamroll the Bulls, and there's nothing the Bulls can do about it, if they're lucky they'll snag one at most.  The Cavs have been a dominant force for the second season in a row and with the addition of Shaq to their frontcourt, have been okay, but you know come playoff time the big man is going to be on a mission to get a ring for the king and another for himself.  The Cavs should make a trip at least to the conference finals.

 

CLE                                                        CHI

Mo Williams                                         Derrick Rose

Delonte West                                        Kirk Hinrich

LeBron James                                      Luol Deng

Antawn Jamison                                  Taj Gibson

Shaquille O'Neal                                  Joakim Noah

 

Mo vs. Rose

Although Williams has been huge for the Cavs since he came to them through FA a few seasons ago, D-Rose is an all-star and will be for years and years to come, and in turn, has become the new face of the franchise, the first players since Pippen and Jordan left the windy city.  Mo is a great player who can fire away from long range and take it inside but he knows how to be the point guard and give his teammates the ball, but when need be he can elevate himself to a whole nother level.  The same goes for the young Rose.  However for Rose it's different he doesn't have the kind of options that Mo has, passing to Deng, Hinrich, or Noah isn't as reliable as LeBron, Jamison, and O'Neal.  If the Bulls have any chance of winning and those chances are below a 1% level then Derrick Rose will be the Bull to lead his team to the second round.

 

West vs. Hinrich

Delonte West and Kirk Hinrich have a lot in common.  They both spread the floor for their teams and can bury shots from deep.  However the better player has to go again to the Bulls, Hinrich is someone who is going to lock up the other teams guards and not allow them to do the things they want to do.  This is the practically the same Bulls team that took the Celts to 7 games last year when they didn't have KG, but they of course had Gordon, Thomas, and Salmons last season, so maybe this isn't even close to the same team last season, but with the improved play of both Rose and Noah these guys may not have the pieces to get out of round one this season but these guys look good for the future.

 

LeBron vs. Deng

LeBron is the reigning MVP champ once more for a second season, and it's his second of many.  The fact is LeBron could play with a team of high school ballers and still beat the Bulls, when he needs to he can turn on the heat and when that happens he's unstoppable.  Deng is coming off yet another injury, and he's only ever been an okay player, and that seems to be the look for the future for him.  Deng is only ever going to be a mediocre player.  LeBron is the best of the best and with him leading the charge the Cavs could go all the way.

 

Jamison vs. Gibson

I don't know exactly what was going through Vinny Del Negro's head when he decided that he didn't want Tyrus Thomas to be one of his everyday starters and instead gave the job to rookie Taj Gibson, and later approved the trade of Thomas to the Bobcats for virtually nothing in return.  I don't know much about Gibson, you'd  think if as a rookie he took a starting spot from a seasoned veteran he must be a pretty good player, but I'm not so sure.  Jamison obviously came to the Cavs just a few short months ago, and since he's been a real force for the Cavs, giving them a ton of depth in their frontcourt.  Partnered with Shaq Jamison is a great player who can spread the floor for the Cavs and open up the lane for a driving LeBron and the mighty Shaq.

 

Shaq vs. Noah

We've talked about Shaq's motivation come playoff time and there isn't a doubt in my mind that with this big man occupying the middle for the remainder of the playoffs he's along with the Cavs are going to be a hard team to beat.  Noah is a great player and is although it's taken him a bit of time to develop he's coming into his own and should be a great player in the future as far as these playoffs the Bulls will have to wait for a few more years to be real contenders.  Noah is a great defensive presence especially, but when you go up against a guy who has 3 inches and well over 100+ pounds on you and can score from a variety of angles in and around the hoop with a strong attack to the bucket, that's a hard monster to contain, even for the best defenders in the league, which Noah isn't.

 

CAVALIERS IN 5

 

BOS vs. MIA

This will be a great series, both teams are contenders for the championship, and it should be an incredible matchup.  But let's be frank without D-Wade scoring 40 points it's impossible for the Heat to pull out a win, and in the playoffs everyone is playing for a chance to move on and that means defensive pressure is ever so high, I'm sure his offensive numbers will be impressive, as per usual, but with Allen, Rondo, KG, and Pierce leading the charge the hopes for the Heat look dim.

 

BOS                                                        MIA

Rajon Rondo                                       Mario Chalmers

Ray Allen                                              Dwayne Wade

Quentin Richardson                            Paul Pierce

Michael Beasley                                  Kevin Garnett

Jermaine O'Neal                                  Kendrick Perkins

 

RR vs. Mario

Rondo is an ever improving player with skills that translate to wins for the Celts, he makes plays on both ends of the floor, some things that go unnoticed, but help in the final outcome of the contest.  Rondo is good on the defensive end especially who can ball hawk and get key steals.  Mario was replaced earlier in the season when Alston signed on to the Heat and became the starting point and since problems arose with Rafer he got his starting spot back, he plays excellent defense, but his offensive game is nearly non-existent.  Rondo is obviously the superior and more experienced point here.

 

D-Wade vs. Ray

Ray is good as usual, but he's getting old, so who knows how he'll hold up in the playoffs, it shouldn't be something the Celts would have to worry about in round one, but if they move on, fatigue/stamina could become an issue.  Anyway, Ray is obviously one of if not the best shooter in the game, however Wade should be able to cover him easily.  Wade is a great defender and an offensive talent with the ability to create opportunities for not only himself, but also for his teammates, however the problem is who can he create opps for that will put the ball in the bucket?

 

Q-Rich vs. the Truth

This is not even a contest, Pierce is the far superior player on both ends of the floor.  Quentin is a player that got traded around so many times that he was practically homeless for the entire summer.  No one wanted him until Wade insisted they keep him because he was one of his buddies, unlucky for the Heat!  Paul will work him up and down the floor, and this is one position that the Celts need to take full advantage of.

 

Beasley vs. KG

The vet known as the Big Ticket, has been  okay this season compared to some of his previous years.  Let's face the fact that he is getting older, and the window of opportunity for the Celts lies on Allen, Pierce, and KG they're all getting older, and since Allen's contract is gone next year and that means he could leave along with it, so this needs to be the Celts year, and if that is going to happen the Celts will need big help from their big man-The Big Ticket.

 

O'Neal vs. Perkins

O'Neal is obviously the far superior player here.  He's taller, bigger, and a bigger presence on both ends of the court.  He imposes his will on players at the defensive end especially.  Jermaine is a 15+ year vet, and his skills are obviously not as sharp as they once were, but he'll need to play at another level this series and hold down the middle and contain KG especially.  Perkins is young but he's big and he hits the boards hard, he plays good on both ends, but he plays his best on the defensive end.

 

CELTICS IN 6

 

ATL vs. MIL

This is a 3^rd (ATL) vs. 6^th seed (MIL).  The Bucks have been a real surprise this season.  Their  supposed face of the franchise (Michael Redd) appeared in hardly over a dozen games before once again going down with another season ending injury.  Brandon Jennings, Andrew Bogut, and the most recently acquired John Salmons have lead to an unexpected season that has lead them to their first playoff appearance in quite some time.  Atlanta has also been a surprise, a four seed last year that lost to the Cavs in round 2, have become much improved with Johnson, Smith, and Horford leading the charge, along with Crawford coming off the bench to become sixth man of the year, and lead to his first playoff appearance in his near decade long career.

 

ATL                                                        MIL

Mike Bibby                                           Brandon Jennings

Joe Johnson                                          John Salmons

Marvin Williams                                  Carlos Delfino

Josh Smith                                            Luc Richard Mbah a Moute

Al Horford                                            Kurt Thomas

 

Bibby vs. Jennings

Brandon Jennings was a rookie of the year candidate this year, but a more impressive Tyreke Evans and Stephen Curry were given more props, playing for teams that didn't even make the playoffs (Kings and Warriors).  Jennings had quite a few impressive games early in the season, when he had something to prove, to all the doubters that he could be an effective player in this League.  Bibby is a seasoned vet that had many runs through the playoffs with his old Kings teams that went head to head with the Lakers in the 90's.  It's obvious that Bibby's past his prime, but he can still be an effective player and is a great point guard for the Hawks.

 

Johnson vs. Salmons

Joe Johnson is one of the most underrated players in the League, and has been huge for this Hawks team, hitting big shot after big shot all season long.  Salmons has bounced around the past couple seasons, playing for the Kings, Bulls, and now for the Bucks.  I'm sure about now the Bulls are missing the play and talents of Salmons who is another underrated player, who has put up great numbers since coming to the Bucks 20+ppg.  This should be a great matchup and both players are capable of going off for big numbers every game.

 

Marvin vs. Delfino

Marvin is a young player who is a seasoned vet at the same time.  A player who has yet to meet up with expectations is still a solid player and provides good play on both ends for the Hawks, but inevitably is simply a role player.  Carlos Delfino play overseas the past few years and came back this year to play for the Bucks.  He's not an especially gifted player, but he plays well on the offensive end and can hit shots when called upon.

 

Smith vs. Mbah a Moute

Mbah a Moute is another young player who is still improving his overall game.  He is especially great on the defensive end, and should be a fixture on a number of All-Defensive teams for years to follow, and should give Smith a run for his money.  Smith is a great player on both ends.   You've heard reports all year long about how he's improved his game and has stopped launching threes and has instead attacked the rim more aggressively and has become a great player.  If you know about Smith you also know he is a great presence on the defensive end, blocking shots and playing lockdown D on other big men.

 

Big Al vs. Thomas

Horford is a great young player, like most of the players for the Hawks.  He plays much bigger and physical then his dimensions a 6-10 center.  However the Hawks caught a break when Bogut got a break (broken arm) in his arm.  Kurt Thomas is an old player who can play both ends but is nothing special all in all.  With Bogut the Bucks had a much greater chance at moving on, without him this one will last but five games at most.

 

HAWKS IN 5

 

ORL vs. CHA

Charlotte is a good team, but Orlando is the better team.  Charlotte has made their first playoff appearance since coming into existence in 2004?.  Orlando is a team with a dominant big men, good guard play, and multiple players able to spread the floor to open the lane for DH and he can dominate the middle to create looks for them.  Charlotte has played great thanks to forwards Jackson and Wallace and the hope to lead their team past a heavily favored Orlando team.

 

ORL                                                       CHA

Jameer Nelson                                      Raymond Felton

Vince Carter                                         Stephen Jackson

Matt Barnes                                         Gerald Wallace

Rashard Lewis                                     Boris Diaw

Tyson Chandler                                   Dwight Howard

 

Jameer vs. Felton

Jameer is a great player with many different talents and attributes that he brings to the table for the Magic.  He is beginning to understand that when the team needs him to score and when they need him to make the extra pass, and the better he becomes at that, the better the Magic will play.  Felton is a guard who has never lived up to expectations much like Marvin Williams or Darko Milicic.  There is still a chance for him to become a great player but he'll need to work hard over the offseason, that won't help the Cats this season however.

 

Vinsanity vs. Jack

VC is a good player who is extremely athletic player who has been great for the Magic this season, and has filled in for Turk quite well.  He adds athleticism and yet another player who can spread the floor for the Magic.  Jackson is a player with many "faces" he is someone who is hard to figure out.  Complaints, a bad rep, altogether a solid ball player.  To think if the Warriors had traded him to the Cavs how it would've affected the Cats, Wizards, and Cavs.  Jackson is a good ball player who without him the Cats probably wouldn't have made the playoffs.

 

Barnes vs. Gerald

Barnes is in the lineup for his defensive capabilities.  Though he's most known for his defensive prowess, he's also able to hit the long ball like many of the Magic players, and he should be able to give either Jackson or Wallace a hard time on both ends.  Wallace was a first year all-star this year, his ninth year in the League, Wallace is the only Bobcat who is still a member of the inaugural and original team of the 04-05 campaign.  Since Okafor's departure to New Orleans Wallace has been quoted in saying that since he's been gone I've been able to grab a lot more boards.  At 6-9 Wallace's athleticism is a key to his stellar play on both ends of the court.

 

Lewis vs. Diaw

Lewis is a great player, 6-10 and yet another Magic baller who can drain the long ball and spread the floor.  Lewis' high release is beautiful and is near impossible to swat down unless Goliath has suddenly become an NBA center.  Sidenote: Goliath was only about 6-6, but the idea that he was a giant is the key to this analogyJ.  Anyway, Diaw is a player who came over from the Suns and has been a great addition to the Cats organization at the two forward spots.  He is someone who can also spread the floor with his great shooting, but came play 2, 3, 4, and possibly even 5 if needed.  He can handle the ball like a guard, but post up like a big man, a great player for any ball club.

 

DH vs. Tyson

Dwight has continued his reign as the Defensive Player of the Year, leading in blocks, rebounds, yaddah, yaddah, yaddah.  An MVP candidate once again, he hopes to lead his team to yet another NBA Finals matchup.  DH is a great player for the Magic squad, because as previously stated, his team spreads the floor, leaving the middle open to him, and if they pack in, then DH will make them pay in the middle, much like Shaq for this year's Cavs team.  Tyson was traded from NO to CHA for Okafor, and has played the center position.  When the deal happened, an NBA analyst stated that this was a meaningless trade a big man for a big man, I personally believe that Okafor is the better player, even though NO didn't make the playoffs, but that was because of Paul's injuries.  Tyson has had motivation issues, and I've also heard analysis' stating that he's never developed a great inside game because he skipped college and went straight to the NBA from HS, all in all DH should take Tyson to town!

 

MAGIC IN 6

 

This is the my forecast for the NBA Playoffs, lengthy, but that is just my attention to detail and my need to include everything I could possibly think of.

 

If you've made it this far I'm proud of you, Congrats, and Thanks

 

Donny Cersado (NBA analyst)