Rip This Joint

And then there were four… It’s Conference Finals time in the NBA and I just can’t contain my excitement (not really). Actually, I think we have the potential to see two good series’ after the “Lebacle” that was round 2. In round 2 we saw three sweeps and only about 4 exciting games. There were some great individual performances, but its probably not a good sign for the NBA when one of the standouts is delivered by Goran Dragic, an unheralded sub for the Phoenix Suns, while others (Joe Johnson, most notably) saw their value plummet quicker than a mortgage controlled by Goldman Sachs. With all that here is how I see the Conference Finals breaking down, you may want to take notes if you’re a gambler and bet the opposite cause my predictions have been sub par thus far

Eastern Conference

Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics

- After 2 rounds I can safely say I still don’t know how good the Orlando Magic are and that’s largely due to the competition they have played thus far. However, we do know that Magic are 27-3 in their last 30 games, so there is no question they are playing their basketball of the season as well. I am pretty sure this series will answer all our questions

- The Celtics put up a decent fight last against the Magic in the 2nd round, especially coming off that 7 game war of a series with the Bulls and playing without Kevin Garnett. So, they are more than capable of beating Orlando

- Rajon Rando was probably the best player on the floor in any uniform against Cleveland in the 2nd round.

- Which Vince Carter will show up is the million dollar question or do the Magic even need to him advance. Stay tuned


Predcition-

Magic in 7



Western Conference

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns

- Andrew Bynum’s knee will be a huge factor in this series, because if he can play solid minutes for the Lakers then that will present match-up nightmares for the Suns

- The Suns need to push tempo in this series and hit their 3’s if they have any shot to beat the Lakers, which means they have to pound the glass and use their perceived mismatches on defense to their advantage on the offensive end. For example: Channing Frye being able to draw out Gasol or Bynum from the lane to spot up or open it up for Nash.

- He is older than dust and hated by every Mormon, but goddamn if Derek Fisher is not clutch. He is a bald, shorter, and lefty version of Robert Horry.

- Jason Richardson presents an interesting match-up for Ron Artest because of his speed. If Richardson can outplay Artest and have a break out series then Los Suns have a chance.


Prediction

Lakers in 5


I just wanted to put something before the games started, so this was a little on the light side, but I still plan on doing a running diary for one game during the Conference Finals and I really want to write something about Steve Nash. We’ll see if and when that happens. Until then Go Blackhawks (where is out preview Phat Joe?)

The soundtrack for this post was provided by The Rolling Stones