Celtics vs Lakers

The match-up that everyone's been waiting for since 87'. Kobe vs Allen/Pierce. Garnett vs Odom/Gasol. Celtics vs Lakers.

This is going be an amazing series to watch. When Allen was with the Sonics, Kobe seemed to always bring out the best in Allen when the Sonics and Lakers played each other. Allen seems to have finally found his stroke and Pierce seems to be getting his rhythm back.

Celtics won't be able to contain Kobe, but they'll be able to contain the role players with their defense. Question is, Kobe can guard either Allen or Pierce, but who guards the other?

I don't think this Lakers (Kobe, Gasol, Odom, Fisher, and who?) team even comes close to matching the talent level of 87' Lakers (Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Green, Cooper, Scott, to name a few).

Expect this to go seven games as the Celtics add another Larry O'Brien Trophy to their trophy case.

Conference Finals

Since my predictions for round 2 were so money (half-sarcasm), I'm predicting the NBA Finals match-up too.

Detroit vs Boston - Boston in 7
Boston needs to figure out how to win on the road, if that wasn't obvious enough. No way they win this series with The Truth and Shuttlesworth shooting the way they shot in the Cleveland series. Look for Shuttlesworth to step it up against the other UConn star.

LA vs San Antonio - LA in 6
San Antonio is getting old and their experience isn't gonna help them against Kobe and crew. Duncan could have match-up problems with the quicker/younger Odom and/or Gasol.

This sets up an NBA Finals match-up of the Lakers vs the Celtics renewed Big 3. Bringin back memories of Magic vs Bird.

Plus I just wanna see what new J's Ray wears.

Let's talk Playoffs

Never too late to enter the game. Even though some Seattlites might have written off the NBA all together, here are some predictions and quick thoughts on each match-up.

Boston vs Cleveland - Boston in 6
Cleveland, not enough depth. Celtics have a very productive bench. Celtics don't have a guy who can match-up with King James, but the C's play great team defense. They rank near, if not at, the top of all defensive categories.

Detroit vs Orlando - Detroit in 6
As amazing as Dwight Howard is, he has no post game. Detroit, another great defensive team, will limit the amount of 2nd chance points for Dwight and keep him out of the paint.

LA Lakers vs Utah - LA in 5
I still don't think Kobe deserves the MVP. Not taking away his great year, but you'll hear why I think that later. Gasol and Kobe, also Lamar, have made an almost unstoppable combo, and I don't see the Jazz doing anything to disprove that.

New Orleans vs San Antonio - NO in 7
The Hornets are the team, who I believe have the league's MVP in CP3 (must be the shoes). Gasol helped take the Lakers to the next level, not Kobe. If you think the Hornets win 15 games this year w/o Paul, I would say you're crazy. Anyway, Tony Parker is getting beat by his own game this series. Not to mention the Hornets stepped up their defense in the playoffs.

There's round 2 for you. Come by the shop and share your thoughts.