The first two rounds of the NBA playoffs produced the most exciting first-round series of all time in the epic Bulls vs. Celtics clash, but two second-round series went to game seven before ending anti-climactically. With the favorite squad from each conference still remaining, as well as two upstart squads that haven’t made it this far in the playoffs in recent memory, it might be hard to predict what will happen in the conference championships. Actually, it’s not, and everyone can see we’re destined for the Lakers vs. Cavaliers in the finals. But before the Kobe Bryant/LeBron James hype-machines go into overdrive for that final clash, let’s take some time to talk about the two teams they’re going to beat on their way to the NBA Finals.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic
Dwight Howard is a dominant force that looks destined to reign as the NBA’s supreme center for the next decade. Still, he’s an offensive liability that the Magic have proven to play better without. That’s not to say that Howard should be pulled from the game or that the Magic have a better shot if he starts throwing elbows or jumping over little people and gets suspended. Any games the Magic are able to win in this series will be because of Howard. The most photogenic big man since Gheorghe Muresan in ‘My Giant’ can will his team to victory, either by commanding the post and putting up a huge double-double or drawing attention that allows Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis to hit some open threes. Any team with ‘Skip To My Lou’ is a sentimental favorite for all And-1 fanatics, but James took the leap from being just the guy nobody could stop, to being the guy that nobody could stop and the guy that can stop anybody. The Magic have a puncher’s chance to make this a competitive series, particularly since the Cavaliers seemed better equipped for the Celtics due to the defending champions’ injuries and the bloodcurdling anger they bring out in anyone who doesn’t smell like feet. However, James knows that he is on the doorstep of not just a title, but also possible history with an undefeated playoff run still intact. If Jameer Nelson returns to form after injury next season and Howard is able to add some type of shot that doesn’t actually require his hand touching the rim, this team will be a contender for years. This just isn’t one of those years.
Joe goes with: Cavaliers in four.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets posted the biggest victory of the entire postseason in their crippling first-round demolition of the New Orleans Hornets, delivering the entire franchise a giant setback. The fire they demonstrated against Dallas ‘mdash; as well as the momentum and feeling of destiny that still linger after a shot like Carmelo Anthony’s game-winning basket at the end of game three ‘mdash; makes this team far more interesting than anyone would have predicted. The Nuggets are no longer dealing with the unique chemistry issues that come with having Allen Iverson on the team. The trade of Iverson for Chauncey Billups gave Denver a leader, a more fluid offense and a guy who is almost as ugly as Sam Cassel, which can come in handy when you’re going out late at night in Colorado. Furthermore, the trade opened up more opportunities for J.R. Smith, Nene, Kenyon Martin and the incredible Chris ‘Birdman’ Anderson, who have all made strong contributions in the paint following Marcus Camby’s dumping. The Lakers gave nearly everyone in L.A. an ulcer when their series with the Rockets went to seven games despite the
loss of Yao Ming. However, just as quickly as everyone forgot about how Kobe used to get booed in Denver mercilessly because of his previous Rocky Mountain legal troubles, Lakers fans dismissed any concern and proclaimed they never worried about that series outcome. After a clutch game-one win ‘mdash; including a Pippen-esque play by Trevor Ariza that cemented his status with Derek Fisher as the savviest players on the entire Lakers roster ‘mdash; the team and city are feeling overly confident. And that’s always a bad thing. Except that the Nuggets, the only team that even noted badasses like Chuck Norris, Jack Bauer, Vince from Sham-Wow and Pootie Tang would fear, feed off any sense of self-doubt. With focus, the Lakers should be able to beat the Nuggets like a red-headed stepchild, but as any ginger-killer can attest, those soulless bastards always have a way of sneaking up on you.
Joe goes with: Lakers in six.