Playoffs thread

[Pedro Cerrano]

Just a few thoughts on the playoffs:

-Can't believe the Lakers swept the Nuggets. I knew Denver would play almost zero defense and the Lakers would have no problem scoring 100+ each game, but I figured at least one of those games the Nuggets would go off and simply outscore the Lakers. Didn't happen and now LA will be very well rested for the second round against most likely Utah. They will need it.

-The Hawks are looking like a future contender. Beating Boston twice, albeit at home, really showed me something. Josh Smith is a monster and Al Horford will be a future super-star. Bibby is a fine PG right now, but if they can obtain a top PG to go along with Johnson, Smith and Horford, look out Eastern Conference.

-Dallas and Phoenix are gonna get blown up real soon, starting with the head coaches. It's not really fair given that they played San Antonio and New Orleans, but neither team has looked really good in their respective series (save for one game).

-Raptors and Magic -- yawn, although I now think Orlando will beat Detroit. Speaking of the Pistons...

-If they don't get their heads out of their butts they won't have to worry about beating Boston in the East Finals, Orlando can beat them despite their back-court issues.

Anyone that wants feel free to add their observations or comment on mine...

[Flip217]

I'm just astounded that the Hawks won again. I thought they'd roll over and play dead while Boston cruised to the finals.

No love for the Sixers? Understandable - they've just caught Detroit napping a couple times, which is something the Pistons seem to do quite a bit, and one of the reasons I really don't like that team.

[MikeAD]

It was awfully nice to see the Mavericks get eliminated tonight by the Hornets.

The Mavs have been overrated for years and Im always glad to watch them lose :D.

The Lakers are looking great right now. I know the argument that maybe the East wins it (Celtics) becasue they will be better rested, but unless its the Lakers vs. the Hornets in the Western Finals, it could be a 5-game series win for LA, and I think they win it all. Well I guess the Spurs would be tough too, but you have to think whoever comes out of the bottom of the bracket is going to be tired. The Spurs and Hornets will probably go 6 games and I can't see Utah not losing in 5 to LA.

That is unless the Wizards can come back from 1-3. Then they will win it all :D

[Sports Guy]

Speed, youth and athleticism...Boston better watch themselves or they will be out on Sunday.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Speed, youth and athleticism...Boston better watch themselves or they will be out on Sunday.

Eh, I think playing at home in a game 7 will be too much for the Hawks to overcome, but I fully feel that the Hawks will be among the Eastern Conference elite within the next 5 years. Their plethora of young talent is to be admired. Imagine if they had taken CP3 or Deron Williams instead of Marvin Williams in that draft?!?!?!

Still, I'll be pulling for Atlanta. I'd hate to see LeBron face the #8 seed rather than the #1 but my hatred for all things Boston (sports teams) forces me to root for the ATL.

Can these young guys win the biggest game of their lives on the road? We'll see...

[mweb]

Lakers in the Western Conference Finals!!!!! Other than the game 4 OT, Kobe has been terrific in the playoffs.

[O's84]

Spurs and Lakers, West Finals.

I'm sure the Lakers will be favored but I'm going to go with the Spurs in 6.