Western Playoffs Forecast

The Bestern Conference where 50 wins get you to playoffs and home court in the east. Here's the rundown.

Lakers vs. Thunder - The former Sonics return to the post season since their days in Seattle and it is no fluke, this team can ball and have a bright future ahead. Starting with MVP finalist young gun Kevin Durant the Thunder mix of youth and athleticism plus superb coaching by Scott Brooks, about the only thing negative is their inexperience. Not walk through by the Champs this year, OKC will more than be a handful unless Ron Ron can assert himself and do what he was brought to LA to do, stop scorers like Durant. Lakers are good enough to get by the young Thunder without Bynum if he's not ready, the late struggles of Fisher, Artest, Mamba and the season long lack of production from the bench are a concern though. Lakers are still very talented though and will wrap it up in six.

Mavericks vs. Spurs - The Texas two step, these two teams records mean nothing when they play each other. It should be a highly entertaining series and more than likely physical. The Spurs are healthier but not at full strength, the Mavs seem to have really adapted to the new faces. Anything less than the full 7 games would actually be shocking, the Mavs would love nothing but to dismiss their cross state rivals and though it seems the Tim Duncan era is slowly winding down, the Spurs still possess their version of the "big" three who can each have the ability to take over a game in various ways so they are more than capable of winning the series. It's a toss up, but I'm gonna go with the Mavs in 7.

Suns vs. Blazers - What do you know, the Suns earned a high seed without the power of diesel. I didn't expect the Suns to be this high at the beginning of the season, I did expect the Blazers to be among the top 5 teams, until the injuries started mounting. You have to admire the Blazers though, they have overcome injuries and offer no excuses, just play hard each night with who they got. With the uncertainty of Roy playing this series I believe the Blazers will fight valiantly but in the end will still bow down to the Suns is 6 games.

Tattoos vs. Jazz - Considered the two biggest threats to the champs, both were hindered by injuries but also to some bad losses to bad teams. As a result they get to play each other and the winner gets to face LA a round sooner than expected. Nothing against Adrian Dantley but I don't see the same swagger without George Karl. No paper I think Denver is superior especially if AK47 is not available, but without their general I don't see the Tattoos beating a Jerry Sloan team. Jazz in 6.

At the beginning of the season Lakers and Nuggets were the favorites to fight for the West Crown, if both win the respective series they'll meet in the second round instead. Who ever wins the Texas two step battle should advance to the West Finals against the Lakers who should beat OKC, and either Utah or Denver. If the Lakers have not healed though either first or second series is extended, they will give either Texas team to sneak up on them, especially the Spurs. The wild West is still very wild and I honestly don't believe any series can be considered an upset except for OKC and LA, only due to the OKC's inexperience, but with 50 wins in the tough west they are definitely not your traditional 8th seed.

Eastern Playoff Outlook

The real season begins, here are my thoughts on the Leastern Conference:

Crabs vs Bulls - With Bosh sidelined I'm glad the Bulls were able to sneak into the playoffs and not make it easy for the Crabs. On paper the Crabs are hands down the favorites and with Joakim Noah becoming Cleveland Most Wanted it makes for quality watching. Crabs are deeper and with more talent and no one should expect the Bulls to take the Crabs to 7 games like they did last year. The Bulls are a good defensive team though and should not go away quietly, but unless Crabs get hammered by injuries, there won't be an upset, Lebron just has too many weapons to help him out. Even if Bulls used their youth and speed to neutrilize the 2 Crab giants, Varejao can fill in nicely. Rose will get his numbers, Mo' cannot stop him, but he will need scoring help especially from Deng and Hinrick and for their bigs to win the hustle war, again Crabs just too loaded against Bulls. Crabs in 5.

Magic vs Bobcats - I keep reading that the Magic are the most prone to an upset. I beg to differ, unless Vinsanity shows what has kept him from the current elite and totally dissappears from the series. The 'Cats make their first trip to the post season and with Captain Jack now running with the underated Wallace they should be up for the challenge. The starting 5 match up nicely, but the 'Cats don't have a lot of the pine except for Chandler who will be vital against Superman. The Magic bench can explode for runs and may play the biggest factor in this series. I expect this to be a very entertaining series but MJ's boys don't have the fire power to upset the reigning East champs, Magic in 6.

Hawks vs. Bucks - The Hawks I thought were the elite team most likely to get upset, especially against the surprsing Bucks. The season ending injury to Bucks big man Andrew Bogut really hurts them though. With the Hawks making their third straight playoffs, they know how to play in the playoffs and with the addition of Jamal Crawford have many weapons to attack the short handed Bucks. Still the Buck may have enough to make it interseting, but the Hawks earned the 3 spot and will dismiss the deer. Hawks in 6.

Leprechauns vs. Heat - I keep reading the real Celtics will show up come playoff time, well it's here, can the real boys in green show up please. I don't see how Miami can hope to steal this series, on paper Boston is superior but lately have not played near their potential. Still I don't see a sweep, and expect Wade to have the highest point average when the series wraps up. It is vital for Celtics to take care of this series quick as they will need to be in good health and rested for their date with the Crabs in the next round. Leprechauns in 5.

The top four should advance with Crabs and Magic being the favorites to compete for the East crown. If Leprechauns have any pride left though they should not make it easy for the chosen one and the Big Whatever to advance, if not they will end the current "big" three era in forgettable fashion. Crabs seem to be on track to accomplish what they failed to do last year. Too early to say, too much can go wrong in the playoffs, so I'll wait for next round to make a full analysis.

Lotto Bound

Early gone fishin', some expected some not.

Detroit Pistons: Eight consecutive trips to playoffs end a good run for the Motor City, how good would they still be had they drafted 'Melo, you dropped the ball Joe.

The City Warriors: If they ever get healthy they'll be fun to watch and competitive, will Nellie be back? Outstanding back court future, free agent destination? Why not?

Houston Rockets: Would have made the playoffs in the east, nice looking young players but Scola, Battier, and the Great Wall have gotten into their 30s. still bright future and better than expected season.

Indiana Pacers: Will miss post season for the 4th straight year and things don't look to be improving for one of the least valuable teams money wise. Shame.

Los Angeles Clippers: Yet another team that looks good on paper and when healthy, if the Clipper curse doesn't hit Blake Griffin they should improve, but these are the Clippers.

Memphis Grizzlies: Would be on the east playoffs and probably put up a better challenge than the Bulls, great looking young players, and outstanding season by Zach Randolph. Only downside was losing Marc Gasol and Rudy Gay's free agent decision.

Minny T'Pups: The curse of KG continues, they have some nice looking players especially Love and Jefferson, just seems no one really wants to play there.

Brooklyn Nets: At least avoided being branded the worst team ever, still have a nice core, need to somehow bring it together. Brooke Lopez is their brightest spot.

New Orleans Hornets: Disappointing last 2 season, injuries have hit them hard, looking forward to get healthy and back on track, Peja needs to go.

New York Knycks: Last time the Knycks missed the playoffs this long was back in the 60s, the mecca of basketball seriously needs to be fun again, will they win the King Crab sweepstakes? I just don't see it, unless they pull a Boston '08 and build a team of short term commitments or the Crabs actually win it this year.

Philadelphia 76ers: Very disappointing, nice collection of talent, but apparently lack of leadership.

Sacramento Kings: Tyreke Evans is lock for ROY, unfortunately for them they play in the west and may be a couple of season before they dance back into the playoffs.

Toronto Raptors: Expected to make the playoffs and was wrong. Have we seen the last of Chris Bosh in Raptor land? If so, this should be the beginning of a playoff drought.

Washington Wizards: Started rebuilding and looking favorable, Agent 0 status is still uncertain, luck for them they're in the east where is still dominated by just four teams, some would say 2 or 3.

Weak Season Finish

Here an award summary on the last four games for the defending champs:

Lakers at T'Pups

Player of the Game: Pau Gasol, the only conistent Laker lately it seems.

X-Factor: Gonna give it DJ, who posted a career high 11 pts and played with high energy.

Should Have Been Benched: Fish no points, true only 20 mins, but 0/5 c'mon Fish!

Laker Hater: Ramon Sessions, highest point total in 2 months, hilarious, why don't these haters step up for the other contenders?

Overtime: Lakers clinched best record in the West for 3rd straight year. The Showtime Lakers of the 80's with current T'Pup coach Kurt Rambis did it for 8 straight seasons resulting in 6 Final appearances and four championships, only once (1990) they failed to reach the conference finals.

Lakers vs. Trailblazers

Player of the Game: LaMarcus Aldridge, filled in nicely as his team lost their star player.

X-Factor: The Camby Man. Marcus Camby continues to age well and contribute quietly, he pulled down 17 boards and swatted away four shots.

Should Have Been Benched: The Lakers reserves were awful AGAIN, but Ron Ron was bad all by himself, 3/10 shooting, no FTs, 3 rebounds, 3 turnovers, WTF, this was against a M.A.S.H. unit, jeez.

Overtime: Kobe remained 12th on the all-time scoring list, if he averages at least 20 pts and plays at least 81 games, he will move into 6th place, behind Shaq, Wilt, MJ, the Mailman, and Captain Hook Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kings at Lakers:

Player of the Game: Pau Gasol, 2 rebounds short of a double double, but 28 pts on 12/15 shooting.

X-Factor: Tie between Shannon Brown who filled in for Mamba and chipped in 24 pts, and The Machine was oiled and greased and finished with a season hight 13 pts.

Should Have Been Benched: Lakers starting frontcourt, 51 combined minutes, 2/11 combined shooting, 7 turnovers, 13 rebounds, but LO had 10 of them, pathetic showing.

Laker hater: Francisco Garcia took one more shot than the last 2 combined games, but he made double the amount of the last 1 combined games. Hater.

Overtime: The Broken Machine hit double figures for only the 3rd time this season, down from 16 last year, and 25 in his breakout 2008 season, which by the way was a contract year, coincidence? His 3 pt shooting % is lowest since rookie year and in the last 2 seasons combined has less 3 pointers made that the 2008 season, he also scored only 12 less point in 2008 than the next two seasons. The Machine? no that name no longer fits.

Lakers at Clippers:

Player of the Game: Steve Blake finishes with a triple double against the JV unit.

X-Factor: The whole Clipper team who came out and competed and embarrassed the reigning champs who showed no interest in playing.

Should Have Been Benched: Ron Artest continues his struggles for the second straight game, 1/7 shooting and only 17 minutes, the playoffs don't begin fast enough.

Laker Hater: I've seen Steve Blake burn the Lakers with his outside shooting no matter what uniform his wearing, but a triple double? Are you kidding me? He actually had more rebounds than Lamar, no joke. Will he ever get another one, doubtful, but then again there is plenty weak teams, if he ever gets another triple double I will wear his teams colors every time he plays the Lakers.

Overtime: I don't care for stars taking days off towards the end of season although I understand the injury risk. Back in '90 Rat Riley rested his starters except for Iron Man A.C. Green on the last game vs. the Blazers, fans and opponents were irate and gave the Lakers a pounding on a meaningless game. Less than a month later the Lakes starters again were resting, but this time the whole Lakers staff joined them as they had just been eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in 5 games on their own home court. Yes that extra time did wonders didn't it? I hope all this extra time off for Bryant pays off.

The real season now begins.

Tonight's Action

13 games tonight some with playoff importance, others as scalpers' night off. Here's the rundown.

Knycks at Magic - The reigning East Champs have really nothing to play for except for momentum so I won't be surprised if some of the regulars sit it out, the Knycks, well, they're still trying to wine and dine King Crab. Magic SHOULD win, but with little significance, it's a toss up.

Buck at 76ers - Feel For The Deer. Bad luck for the Bucks who lost their big man, still should be fun to watch who ever they play, good future ahead. Sixers win.

Raptors at Hawks - Speaking of bad luck, the Raptors probably will miss the post season due to the latest injuries to their staring front court, most fans I think would rather see Bulls at Crabs anyway. Hawks still playing to avoid King Crab and company in the second round. Hawks win.

Wizards at Leprechauns - Any game Boston plays I hope they lose, I'm hoping for too much though, but as disappointing as Tommy's boys have been, I wouldn't be surprised. Celtics win.

Pacers at Crabs - This is a meaningless game really, again maybe just to keep momentum, Crabs win regardless.

Pistons at Heat - Heat are just playing to see who gets to beat them in the first round, they keep winning they face Celtics or Hawks instead of sure beat downs by the Magic and Cavs. Heat win.

Jazz at Hornets - Did you know, Hornets have not won a game since beating the Lakers, haters. Jazz are playing for top seeding so should come with a strong game, Jazz win.

Lakers at T'Pups - LA should clinch West title, but at this point of the season, nothing will surprise me, it be nice to secure the west though, Minny should be no contest even without Kobe and Bynum. Lakers SHOULD win.

Bulls at Nets - Bulls will get closer to getting dismissed by the Crabs with a win and a sure Raptor loss, second night of a back to back though, toss up, Bulls haven't been that strong this year.

Suns at Sonics - Damn, I miss the boys in Emerald city. The game of the night both teams still have a shot at a top seed or fall all the way to face the Lakers in the opening round, should be an awesome game with 2 team playing well. OKC wins.

Bocats at Rockets - Playoff bound MJ's boys can still avoid the big 2 in the East, will have a tough time getting a needed win vs. the lotto bound but tough minded Rockets.

Grizzlies at Spurs - Spurs still have a shot at getting one the 3 remaining top seeds, this is a must win against a non-playoff team especially without great sophomore Gasol. Spurs win.

Mavericks at Blazers - Another game with seed placing implications Mavs playing for top seeds, Rip City playing to avoid LA in the 1st round. 2nd best game of the night, it's gonna be close, toss up.

Lakers Miss Chance to Steal One Without Mamba

Currently the Denver Tattoos are on track to meet the Champs in the Conference Finals, unless they stumble on a skid the remaining 4 games and fall all the way to fourth seed, then they'll be meeting in the second round, intriguing. The West map is a mess, with everyone but the Lakers being affected with a single game's outcome, playoff atmosphere is awesome. With the Lakers only needing one game to secure the west, ol' Mamba took the day off yesterday and joined 'Drew on the injured bunch. Zan Master started the "Machine" in his place, WTF, hey he's got 10 titles, I reckon he knows a thing or two about winning, so if Sasha is starting so be it. How that work? On the plus side Lakers bench scored 25 points, best production in a while, of course super sub J.R. scored 26 all by his lonesome. As soon as I head Bryant wasn't playing I thought Phak! a blowout, but then LA had a kind of body language, that made me feel otherwise, alas I was wrong, it was no ass whupping and I was very pleased with the effort but the Champs still came out short. Combined with missed opportunities, both Gasol and Farmar(twice) missed chippies, and bad decisions, Brown stripped JR and threw the ball away in a controversial decision that probably decided the final outcome. It was a bad call by Shannon Brown though, he should of hung on to the ball, the replay showed the refs made the right call, I think so at least. As much as I questioned Fish's bone head decision, keep in mind that before the did go to Gasol and he turned it over. Last but not least, versatile Lamar got his boards but only contributed 5 points on 1/5 shooting. I was glad they didn't give up though and wonder if they scored a mind game victory against the Tattoos in hanging with them without two of their vital components.

Player of the Game: Melo, 31 pts on 20 shots, stayed aggressive and answered Ron Ron's challenge and stuffed Fisher's shot to secure the win.

X-Factor: Denver's 3 point shooting. Nuggets made 11/25 treys including 5 from JR and 1 huge one by Melo to tie in the 4th.

Should Have Been Benched: While Lamar rebounds help, his lack of offense hurt the Lakers, the team needs him to be aggressive can't count how many time this is addressed each season, it is the key factor that has kept him from being a perennial All-Star, his inconsistency. Lackluster performance by LO.

Laker Hater: Yes, JR can score in bunches and he and Jamal Crawford are the clear front runners for 6th man of the year honors. Even so he had not scored over 25 pts in 8 games and reached only 1 time in over a month, plus the fact the he has made it clear he don't think too high of the Lakers earns him the Hater tag this day.

Overtime: JR Smith became the Nuggets all-time 3 point bomber passing small guard Michael Adams, he did it 14 games less that Adams and 179 less attempts, not bad, as mentioned, JR Smith can flat out shoot the three.

Possible First Round Matchup

While I would love for the Spurs to be eliminated by the Lakers, as long as they have Timmy they will always be a threat. Of course in the West any match up is an upset in the making, do there's really no preference, all LA has to do is win their home games and is back to the Finals. The spurs came in without Eva Longoria's hubby, and lost sophomore George Hill early, led the Lakers at half-time, then embarrassed them in their own building, in a 19 point rout. WTF! I don't know what the hell happened, that wasn't the Lakers, that was an half-ass attempt to look like a contender. With only 3 players in double figures the Spurs hit the rewind button and clamped down defensibly and held the Chumps to 40% shooting. For the only time this season I did not see the end of the game, too disgusted with the effort. Welcome back Luke, I suppose.

Player of the Game: GIN-O-BILI!! I am not a fan of this cat, but he had a hell of game torching LA for 32 points while making it look easy. Phak!

X-Factor: Keith Bogans only scored 6 points but almost fouled out, harassing Mamba when he was on the floor.

Should Have Been Benched: I may just have to change this title to "Should Not Even Dress" LA's bench scored a whopping 4 points, are you kidding me? Four total points! That is just plain pathetic, 2/15 shooting combined. Sasha was 0/3 in just 6 minutes, so much for giving him a chance, the bench seriously needs to step it up.

Laker Hater: Keith Bogans played over 20 mins for the first time in 3 games, and while it doesn't show on the box score, his effort of the defensive end provided a big lift to Spurs, he hasn't been too consistent this season and picked a hell of time to be productive. Hater.

Overtime: One more win by the Lakers will secure home court advantage in the West. Crabs have secured through the playoffs, not that it that it helped last year. Fact, in the last decade only 4 teams who had the #1 seed went on to win it all. You can go back two decades and it's only 8. Eight of 20 champions had the #1 seed, so home court is overrated, a true champs can win anywhere. Want more prove last 3 decades 14 champions had the #1 seed, still under 50%

Lakers Beat Jazz End Skid

A perennial West nuisance the Utah Jazz will always be thorn on the Lakers collective ass, so long as Jerry Sloan or one his proteges coaches them. I respect the Jazz even admire them, but despise them when they play LA. I expected a close physical game and was shocked when the Champs started running them off the floor, only to allow them back in typical fashion. The follow up to Stockton to Malone, Booz and Williams did their part with each getting a double double, but got little help from their teammates. Even so, the Jazz still outscored LA's by 2 as they just continue to slide further, while Luke won't fix the problem, at least they're getting closer to full strength, but playoffs are near, no time to adjust.

Player of the Game: Lamar Odom, will probably never be selected as an All-Star, but no doubt has the talent, when Lamar plays to his abilities the Lakers are almost unbeatable. 11/14 shooting including 3/4 treys, plus his usual 10 rebounds, way to go Lamar.

X-Factor: See above. Again when Lamar becomes that 3rd All-Star, Lakers win.

Should Been Benched: I hate to continue picking on Shannon Brown, but his play has been terrible, unlike Sasha, Brown gets the minutes, but insists on playing outside, use your gifts dammit, and play some D. 3/11 shooting in 25 minutes! Fail.

Laker Hater: None this game, while Booz did have 18 rebounds, he does have the ability and with no help he stepped up as an All-Star should.

Lakers End Road Trip 2-3

Since the days I started following the NBA there I seen and enjoyed many great players and teams. Other than the Lake Show the one team I have consistently like regardless of their personnel has been the Atlanta Hawks. The one time I almost boycotted them was when they traded one of my all time fave the Human Highlight Film 'Nique Wilkins. I am very glad to see them back in the mix after so many miserable seasons and hope Joe resigns in the summer. Having said that I expected a loss and since I also like Atlanta except when they play LA, it wasn't too depressing, the way they dominated though was frustrating to watch. The Hawks bench stomped who ever was playing for the champs after they started out strong and looked to steal one from Atlanta. Superb game by the Hawks and lousy way to end the road trip, the Lakers are missing defensive assignments, still relying too much on jump shots when they have 4 good post players even without Bynum. The bench is killing them though Farmar had a decent game and helped cut the lead, but that's it, no one else steps up, where's the broken machine? Give him a chance to harass Crawford and Evans, he starts playing like crap take his ass out, but give him a chance at least, at least he tries to play defense, slow foot Morrison can't do it. Walton Bynum, get healthy!!

Player of the Game: Former Laker Mo' Evans with 18 pts off the pine taking it to his former team, on just 7/9 shooting and some tight D.

X-Factor: Mo' Evans again, Joe and Jamal Crawford had their usual games but when someone other than the regular 6 else steps up the Hawks are tough to beat, in this case Mo.

Should Have Been Benched: Shannon Brown continues to struggle 1/5 shooting and little else, he is constantly getting beat off the dribble and it's hurting the team, you don't have to score to contribute if shot is not going find another way to help.

Laker Hater: For the second game in a row, the Lakers bench got clobbered by the opposition, Both Mo and Zaza had better than usual games, but I'll give this on to Zaza due to getting a double double for the first time in over a year, 2/10/09 vs. the Wizards.