2008-2009 NBA Preview: Northwest and Pacific Divisions

West

With the season already starting, we're just going to give some quick predictions.

Northwest
1. Utah Jazz
2. Portland Trail Blazers
3. Denver Nuggets
4. Minnesota T-Wolves
5. Oklahoma City Thunder

Pacific
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Phoenix Suns
3. Golden St. Warriors
4. Los Angeles Clippers
5. Sacramento Kings

2008-2009 NBA Preview: Southwest Division

West

1. San Antonio Spurs

It's not a good time to overlook the Spurs; every time they have been, they've turned heads and won a title. It's that time again, another odd numbered year (2009), and they've won their last four titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2007. The Spurs are loaded again with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, Bruce Bowen, and Michael Finley. Ginobli may be injured right now, but once he's back around December, he'll be healthier than ever.

2. New Orleans Hornets
The Hornets will be a very solid team again, especially with as tough of a division the Southwest is. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the league and is becoming a superstar. David West can bang it down low and hold his own vs. anybody else in the league. Tyson Chandler is a solid defender and makes the Hornets frontcourt just scary. Mo Peterson is a solid role player and Peja Stojakovic is their deadly three point shooter.

3. Houston Rockets

The top 3 of this division are so even and it will be a horse-race until the end. The Rockets look like a solid title contender this season, they're loaded with experience and some stars. If Yao Ming can stay healthy this season they'll be stellar. Tracy McGrady is their go-to scorer and add Ron Artest as a tough defensive minded player and someone who can rebound and put up points as well, is a terrific 3rd scoring option. PG Rafer Alston is a leader, but must concentrate on making better decisions. If the bench can step up, the Rockets can go deep.

4. Dallas Mavericks
Oh how the might have fallen... The x-factor will be Jason Kidd. He's lost a step and when he goes up against the better NBA point guards, this team struggles. They have a decent frontcourt with Dirk, Erik Dampier, and DeSagana Diop. Jason Terry must step up in clutch situations. He is a key scorer for them. But the big thing that has set this team back is defense, they just give up way too many points and they don't have enough consistent offensive firepower to go far in the playoffs. They may not even make the playoffs this season...

5. Memphis Grizzlies

Look for the Grizz to be improved from last season. They're a young team and Hakim Warrick, Rudy Gay, and OJ Mayo are solid young talents. I am very high on Rudy Gay, he will put up some good numbers this season. Mike Conley is developing into a pretty good PG, look out for him. This team won't be a playoff contender, but they will continue to get better as the season progresses.

2008-2009 NBA Preview: Southeast Division

East

1. Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard should only be better, even after a breakout season last year. The Magic have one of the better offensive teams out there with Howard, Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu, and Jameer Nelson. I really love their starting line-up (add in Michael Pietrus to the other four), especially in the mediocre southeast. The Magic should no doubt dominate this division.

2. Miami Heat

The Heat, yes the Heat will make the playoffs this year. I think this team will turn it around with a healthy Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion, and rookie Michael Beasley. We all saw what Wade did in the Olympics and I don't think it's out of the question that he's back to his old-self; he'll bounce back and regain his stardom Marion's been talked about being dealt, but that's only if they continue their woes from last season, which I don't think they will. Beasley should be able to step in right away and provide this team with a key 3rd scoring option.

3. Atlanta Hawks
I think the Hawks' 37 wins from last year is a sign of things to come. Look for the Hawks to be improved. They did lose Josh Childress, but they still have Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Al Horford, Marvin Williams, and Mike Bibby. This is a dangerous team and they give a lot of match-up problems for opponents with their versatile guards and forwards. Look for this team to be a legit threat this year.

4. Washington Wizards

This will be a down year for the Wizards with Gilbert Arenas and now Antwain Jamison out for sometime with injuries. Their loses will be felt drastically. Caron Butler will be their go to guy and he is battling some injury woes as well. Brendan Haywood is likely done for the season, which will be a big load for big men off the bench and DeShawn Stevenson. I am expecting the Wizards to miss the playoffs with all of their injury woes.

5. Charlotte Bobcats
This Bobcat team has shown flashes over the years and has been improving bit by bit. They have the make up of a potential playoff threat team, but it's just a matter of the coaching and roles players and the bench stepping up. If Emeka Okafor can stay healthy I think they could do some damage and move up the southeast standings. Jason Richardson looks primed for a big year and Gerald Wallace is a solid 3rd scorer for this team. Raymond Felton is also a solid PG; this team is fairly young and if they can get through the bulk of the season, watch out.

2008-2009 NBA Preview: Central Division

East

1. Detroit Pistons

This team still has a shot at winning a title because of their veteran core still intact. Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace, Richard Hamilton, and Tayshaun Prince can still get it done and keep this team a championship contender. Rodney Stuckey and Jason Maxiell are up and coming studs and can fill the void off the bench. Look for the Pistons to contend with the Celtics again for east supremacy.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

Obviously any team with Lebron James is going to be a playoff contender, but this year the Cavs could upend the Pistons for first place in the division. But a lot will depend on Lebron's supporting cast; Mo Williams is an underrated PG who can help lead this team and complement Lebron. This team is very good in the frontcourt with Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Ben Wallace, and Anderson Varejao, but the problem is that's all they have inside. They need more depth up-front. Second round playoff finish isn't out of the question again.

3. Indiana Pacers

Look for the Pacers to be improved this season. Look for them to make the playoffs. They don't have a straight up superstar, but Danny Granger is close to it. Granger is an underrated player averaging nearly 20 ppg last season. Mike Dunleavy can shoot and score and complement Granger very well. T.J. Ford is looking for a new beginning after years of injury, I think he's found a new home in Indy. The bench isn't that bad either, Jarrett Jack is a good guard and Roy Hibbert could be a key player down the stretch. This team will turn heads this season.

4. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls were terrible last season with all of the hype and talent they have. But it seems like the chemistry isn't there. Ben Gordon continues to complain about money and playing time; and it seems everybody else has been under performing. Look for Derrick Rose to take over at PG for Kirk Heinrich sometime during the season. We all know Luol Deng, Kirk Heinrich, Ben Gordon, and Andres Nocioni have gotten it done before. The talent is there, it's just a matter of executing, coaching, and egos.

5. Milwaukee Bucks

This should be an interesting season for the Bucks. They finally have a playmaker that compliments Michael Redd well in Richard Jefferson. Luke Ridnour is a great addition at PG. If Andrew Bogut stays healthy he could be a big factor. But the problems lie at the defensive end and up-front. They don't have much depth or scoring for that matter off the bench. They need someone to step up to help out Redd, Jefferson, and Ridnour.

2008-2009 NBA Preview: Atlantic Division

East

1. Boston Celtics

They're the defending champs and still have the playmakers to get it done once again. The "Big 3" are back and should be the favorite to win it all. After what Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen did last season there's no way you can question their age. The Celtics play the best defense in all of the NBA and it truly showed last season. It wasn't just all the "Big 3", PG Rajon Rondo stepped up and made plays. Kendrick Perkins is a capable presence at center but if his shoulder doesn't get any better they can still play Leon Power or Garnett there. Tony Allen and Bill Walker could contribute off the the bench. It should come down to defense and the role players if the Celts wanna win another title.

2. Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers can definitely contend with Boston in the Atlantic. They picked up Elton Brand over the off-season and he is as healthy as he's been since being injured from the beginning. Look for Andre Igoudala to improve even more, he has tremendous upside and is truly becoming a superstar. Andre Miller is the veteran PG that they need to help them get over the top. Thaddeus Young is young but should improve. Philly should also have a solid bench lead by Willie Green, Reggie Evans, and rookie Marreese Speights. Look for the Sixers to be improved this season. 50 wins is not out of the question.

3. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors have the potential to be one of the top teams in the league. They have a dominant front court in Chris Bosh and newly acquired Jermaine O'Neal. Jose Calderon is a solid PG and Anthony Parker can shoot the trey, but the one thing that this team lacks is bench depth.

4. New York Knicks
Isiah Thomas gone... check. New coach that will get this team in the right direction... check. Stephon Marbury gone... no check. Knicks will make the playoffs this year... no check. There's no doubt this team has the talent but they've lacked the coaching and chemistry. Now with Mike D'Antoni at the helm they can definitely turn it around. Zach Randolph, Eddy Curry, and Jamal Crawford can get this team to compete again.

5. New Jersey Nets

This looks as a rebuilding year for the Nets after trading Richard Jefferson over the summer and are now looking to deal Vince Carter. Gone are the veteran superstars of this team, other than Vince Carter (for now). If Carter isn't gone before the season starts, he'll be gone somewhere throughout the season. But this is still a very formidable team with Yi Jianlian, Josh Boone, Bobby Simmons, Devin Harris, and Sean Williams. But all in all, look for this to be another down year as the Nets look to rebuild.

NBA Playoff Thoughts

Here's some playoff thoughts thus far from an ordinary guy:

-The Spurs-Lakers series is closer than it indicates. In game 1 if the Spurs hit a few more buckets and make one or two more defensive stops, they steal game one.

Also, in game 4 the Spurs could have won this one too. The Spurs just couldn't get over the hump. Poor shot selection when they had a chance to tie or go ahead. Plus, Brent Barry easily got fouled by Derek Fisher at the end.

I am an advocate for refs not deciding games, mainly at the end, but man this was a blatant foul. The Spurs could easily be the ones up 3-1, but you have to give Kobe his dues, he is finally winning without Shaq (No pun intended).


-The Celtics will win the NBA Finals. Sorry Detroit fans, but there is no way you will win any more games in Boston. The Big 3 are just unstoppable there and the fans are right there behind the Celts. Boston just seems to be on their game when they're at home. Now that they have shown they can at least steal a game on the road I think they can top the Lakers (or Spurs for that matter).

-I am finally enjoying the NBA Playoffs for the first time in probably 6 years. Although I am a Spurs fan and it is great to see them win it all, but in all seriousness I have not enjoyed watching the NBA at all since they left NBC and stopped playing defense. But I have to give the players, top teams, and even David Stern some credit for the enjoyable 2008 season and the playoffs. The NBA hasn't had this quality of play in a longtime.

Western Conference Finals Preview

Once again the Spurs and Lakers meet in the playoffs. Although they haven't played since 2004, there's been some great match ups between the two and the winner usually ends up winning the NBA Finals.

Both teams have combined to win seven of the last nine championships, the Spurs won in 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007 and the Lakers won from 2000-02. They lost in the NBA Finals in 20o4 to Detroit.

This one should be a dandy once again. The Lakers are a different team then the past few years. Kobe Bryant is his normal self and he finally has teammates that can back him up and trust. This Laker team has been the most impressive team thus far in the playoffs. They've been so consistent and they're getting balanced scoring night in and night out.

As for the Spurs, they've been a little inconsistent. The first two games against the Hornets they looked lost. But in game 7 they looked like their old championship selves.

This should be a great series, which I am expecting to go seven games.

Analysis

Frontcourt
The Lakers are deep and talented with Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Vladimir Radmanovic, Luke Walton and Ronny Turiaf. Pau Gasol can hold his own down low against Tim Duncan, plus he can score and help Kobe out on offense if he's off his game. Odom must be consistent offensively if the Lakers want to win this series. The Spurs forwards play great defense. Tim Duncan can take over a game anytime and Kurt Thomas has done the little things whether it's defense or rebounding. But the Spurs are not as deep here as the Lakers.

Backcourt
The Lakers are solid in the backcourt with MVP Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, and Jordan Farmer. They're fast and can score. The Spurs are loaded in the backcourt, Manu Ginobli doesn't even start for them. Tony Parker is so clutch when it counts most, especially in the playoffs, Michael Finley provides depth and some scoring, and Bruce Bowen is the defensive stopper and can occasionally knock down the three ball. With the Spurs talent and depth here, I will give them the advantage in this department.

Coaching
This is pretty much a toss-up. Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich know what it takes to win, especially championships. Coaching in this series is going to come down to in-game adjustments. You know both coaches will have specific plans on how to stop each other's best players in Kobe and Duncan, but it's going to come down to adjustments, which I think Popovich is a mastermind when it comes to this. I'll give the Spurs a slight advantage here.

Prediction:
This should be a great series. NBA fans are in for a great Western Conference Finals. I expect each and every game to be a hard-fought, defensive, down to the wire battle. I really like the Lakers individual talent and offensive game, but the Spurs have all the intangibles. Their defense has been very good thus far and they seem to always play as a team. Plus, you have to give credit to Gregg Popovich, he always has them ready and prepared. I'll take the Spurs in seven.

NBA Playoff Predictions

Sorry this is a little late but I still wanted to get an NBA Playoff post in. Here's some brief playoff predictions.

Western Conference

LA Lakers over Denver Nuggets in 7
Too much Kobe and Gasol down low

Houston Rockets over Utah Jazz in 6
Rockets play great defense and Luis Scola has filled in great for Yao Ming

San Antonio Spurs over Phoenix Suns in 6
It's tough to beat the Spurs in a 7 game series. Too much defense, team play, and Duncan and Parker for the Suns.

New Orleans Hornets over Dallas Mavs in 7
The Hornets are for real and Chris Paul won't let their chances slip away.

2nd Round
LA Lakers over Houston Rockets in 6
Kobe will keep Tracy McGrady in check

San Antonio Spurs over New Orleans Hornets in 6
I'll take Duncan and Parker over Paul and West

Western Conference Finals
San Antonio Spurs over LA Lakers in 7
Once again, I'll take team basketball and defense over Kobe and Co., plus it always seems Tony Parker brings it in the playoffs.

Eastern Conference
Boston over Atlanta in 5
KG, Pierce, and Allen will dominate the Hawks

Washington Wizards over Cleveland Cavs in 7
Gilbert Arenas is back and I don't think the Cavs will make another run this year.

Toronto Raptors over Orlando Magic in 7
I had to pick some kind of upset. Raptors were here last year, Magic weren't.

Detroit Pistons over Philadelphia in 5
Pistons have the best defense in the league

2nd Round
Boston Celtics over Washington Wizards in 7
I think Arenas, Jamison, and Butler can take it to 7 games but the Celtics have too much fire power in the end.

Detroit Pistons over Toronto Raptors in 6
Pistons have been here before

Eastern Conference Finals
Boston Celtics over Detroit Pistons in 7
This should be a great series. Both teams play great defense but I still like the Celtics' overall talent.

NBA Finals
San Antonio Spurs over Boston Celtics in 7
I'm gonna stick with my gut and my pre-season prediction. This is like last year where everybody was doubting the Spurs and they won it out of no where. They still have Tim Duncan and Tony Parker and Bruce Bowen can still shut people down. As always, team basketball and defense usually prevail in the NBA.

2007 NBA Predictions

West

Northwest

1. Denver Nuggets

A very talented team is poised to make a run at an NBA Championship. This team is ready to compete with San Antonio, Dallas, and Phoenix. Carmelo Anthony is one of the best scorers and players for that matter, in the NBA. If Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin can stay healthy, I have a feeling they will be one of the best.

2. Utah Jazz

Deron Williams is looking to be a great PG in this league and is surrounded with some pretty good talent. As long as Carlos Boozer stays healthy they should be a contender. But they also need more consistent play from Andrei Kirilenko.

3. Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is a very young team and should be playing for next year. With Greg Oden out, LaMarcus Aldridge will have to pick up the slack in the middle. Jarrett Jack is still an iffy point guard. Brandon Roy is a solid player, but I think they are another year away from being a good team.

4. Seattle Supersonics

They lost Rashard Lewis, their main scoring threat. It will be interesting to see how Kevin Durant performs. I say give him a year to build some mass before he becomes a key player for the team; but hey I've been wrong before.

5. Minnesota T'Wolves

I think the Wolves benefited a lot with the Garnett trade. They got some great young talent to help the franchise out, but it may take two or three seasons to get the franchise back on the map.

Pacific

1. Phoenix Suns

I feel this is the most talented team in the NBA. They will obviously be one of the best again. Steve Nash will put up amazing stats. Shawn Marion is Shawn Marion. Amare Stoudemire should be 100% after the off season. Boris Diaw was out of shape last season and wasn't impressive at all; he could be a key for them to make the Finals.

2. Golden St. Warriors

The Warriors are looking for even more after a solid playoff run last season. Baron Davis can hold his own now and is a great point guard. Monta Ellis turned a lot of heads last year. Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington were two other important parts in the playoff run as well. With balanced scoring and good defense, I expect this team to keep surprising people.

3. Los Angeles Lakers
As long as you have Kobe Bryant on your team you will always be a playoff contender. Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, and Derek Fisher will look to provide Kobe with help again. But the main component here is Andrew Bynum; Will he live up to what Kobe expects of him?

4. Los Angeles Clippers

The play of Corey Maggette and Cutino Mobley will be huge if they want to make the playoffs. I also think Al Thorton will start and be a great attribution to the team. It's just too bad this team doesn't have Elton Brand.

5. Sacramento Kings

This team is getting rather old and they probably should look to adding some younger talent soon.

Southwest

1. San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are my favorite to win the title again and continue the dynasty. Tony Parker is just a dazzling play maker and Tim Duncan is the best big man in the league still. They're a championship team because of their defense and most importantly they play as team, unlike most NBA teams.

2. Dallas Mavericks

Avery Johnson has done a great job on the defensive side with this team. They had a letdown losing to the Warriors in the playoffs. Dirk will finally try to lead this team to a championship.

3. Houston Rockets
It's too bad the Rockets play in the best division. They would probably win any other division in the league, except for probably the Pacific. Rafer Alston is a good point man and can make the plays when needed. Tracy McGrady is a stud. They have the ingredients to win a title with a good point man, and shutdown defender ( Shane Battier), a dominating big man (Yao Ming), and a long range shooter in Luther Head.

4. New Orleans Hornets

With the return of Chris Paul I am expecting them to make the playoffs. Tyson Chandler has improved and is great on the defensive side. David West is a force inside. Luis Scola will probably be rookie of the year. Peja Stojakovic will be a big part in how this team fares. Also, a good bench should improve their playoff chances.

5. Memphis Grizzlies

They weren't a good team at all last year. A healthy Pau Gasol will help. But they need more help then that.

Western Playoff Predictions

Suns over Hornets
Spurs over Warriors
Nuggets over Jazz
Rockets over Mavs

Suns over Rockets
Spurs over Nuggets

Spurs over Suns

NBA Finals

Spurs over Celtics

The Spurs are back to back for the first time ever because of 3 things; Defense, Coaching. and team play.

2007 NBA Predictions

East

Atlantic

1. Boston Celtics

Yeah, so have you heard of the new and improved Celtics? They are now a team that has 3 superstars and should lead them deep into the playoffs. Those 3 are Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce. They're mixed with veterans and young talent, but the PG position could be a problem; Can Rajon Rondo handle the job of being the point man everyday in this league?

2. New Jersey Nets

The Nets have a very good perimeter game with Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson. But the question is will their big men be able to stay healthy? If Nenad Krstic can do that he should be able to put up some eye-catching numbers; I feel he is a very underrated player.

3. Toronto Raptors
The Raptors made the playoffs last year and their playoff hopes are still very strong. Chris Bosh is leading the way and Andrea Bargnani should impress. I think their bench was a big reason why they made the playoffs and if they can produce again I don't see why they shouldn't be back.

4. New York Knicks
The Knicks looked a lot better towards the end of last season. Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph up-front will be a stellar combo. If Stephn Marbury, Jamal Crawford, and Quentin Richardson can put up consistent numbers and play they could make some noise.

5. Philadelphia 76ers

A very inexperienced team in Philly. They're about two stud playmakers away from being a very good team again. Andre Igoudala is starting be one of those playmakers. He picked up the slack after Iverson left averaging 18.2 PPG and 5.7 APG and RPG.

Central

1. Detroit Pistons

Still should be one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference obviously. Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, and Rasheed Wallace are still their same old selves. The defense needs to be improved if they want to be a championship team again.

2. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls should be a big threat again. They are a very young and talented team. I think Joakim Noah was a great pick to help up-front with Ben Wallace and Tyrus Thomas. The guard play should be one of the best in league with Kirk Heinrich, Ben Gordon, and Luol Deng.

3. Cleveland Cavs

The Central can be argued as one of the best divisions in the NBA. It's too bad I have the Cavs this low after making the NBA Finals. Lebron James will put up MVP-like numbers again. Daniel Gibson is an up and coming NBA point guard and if Larry Hughes can stay healthy they'll have another vital scoring option.

4. Indiana Pacers

This team no doubt has a lot of scoring threats. Jermaine O'Neal will look to lead this team to the playoffs, but it will be very tough fighting for a position with the Pistons, Bulls, and Cavs. Danny Granger is another scoring option for Indiana. All, they need is the bench to contribute better and they could be a good team.

5. Milwaukee Bucks

They're a mixed team with young and old players. Michael Redd will be a top scorer in the league again but I don't think they have enough depth to move up in the division.

Southeast
1. Washington Wizards
I really think this team could have gone deep into the playoffs had Gilbert Arenas been healthy. They can no doubt score but if they want to contend for a title then they need to pick it up on defense. As long as Arenas stays healthy I believe the Wiz will make a run.

2. Miami Heat
Once Dwayne Wade comes back this team will be one of the best in East again. Shaq lost some weight, which should help his own cause and possibly put his numbers back up a bit. Also, Ricky Davis was a great addition to help fill in for Wade while he's out. Davis will be one of the best sixth mans in the league.

3. Orlando Magic

The Magic are a young and up-coming team. With the addition of Rashard Lewis it's just what they were looking for, a top-notch scorer to help out Dwight Howard. The play of Hedo Turkoglu and J.J. Redick will be key in the teams success.

4. Atlanta Hawks
This team has a lot of potential, maybe they can put it all together for a whole season; if they can do that they could possibly make a run at the playoffs.

5. Charlotte Bobcats
Pretty young team, they do have Jason Richardson to help with the scoring, but in the long term run I don't think it was what this franchise needed.

Eastern Playoff Predictions:
Celtics over Raptors
Pistons over Nets
Wizards over Cavs
Bulls over Heat

Celtics over Bulls
Wizards over Pistons

Celtics over Wizards

Come back tomorrow for the Western Conference Preview.