Steve's playoff predictions checkup
DETROIT vs. ORLANDO
Pistons in four. Got it.
I just didn't see how the Magic could match-up with Chauncey Billups at point guard, and I thought the Pistons' experience against young center Dwight Howard would be a factor.
CLEVELAND vs. WASHINGTON Cavaliers in four. Got it.
Late-season Injuries to Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler ended the Wizards' postseason chances, although the games were more competitive than I expected. That could be bad news for Cleveland in its upcoming matchup against New Jersey (probably) or Toronto (possibly).
CHICAGO vs. MIAMI
Bulls in seven. Got the winner, missed the flavor of the series.
I thought Miami would show a little more heart, but the Heat could not handle the Bulls' quickness or offensive prowess and ended up getting swept.
TORONTO vs. NEW JERSEY
Raptors in seven. It's still possible, but unlikely.
Chris Bosh has not dominated the way I thought he would against the size-challenged Nets, who can finish off the Raptors by winning Game 6. I'm guessing that's what will happen, especially if T.J. Ford isn't 100 percent.
DALLAS vs. GOLDEN STATE
Mavericks in five. It's still possible, after Dallas' miraculous rally in the final three minutes of Game 5, and I imagine the Warriors are kicking themselves for squandering a nine-point lead and not eliminating the Mavs when they had the chance.
For some reason, I think Golden State ends up regretting it and Dallas finds a way to win Games 6 and 7. Underdogs get only a few chances to become the Big Dog and the Warriors' best opportunity might have been Game 5.
PHOENIX vs. L.A. LAKERS
Suns in five. Extremely likely.
The Lakers' only win came in Game 3, when Phoenix played without much emotion or energy and still nearly won. The Suns will wrap up the series tonight in Game 5 and then get ready for what should be a scintillating conference semifinal against San Antonio.
SAN ANTONIO vs. DENVER
Spurs in five. Extremely likely.
San Antonio has won three straight after dropping Game 1. The Spurs took the Nuggets' best shot in Games 3 and 4 at the Pepsi Center and still managed last-minute victories that put them in complete control of a series that has been closer than it now looks.
HOUSTON vs. UTAH
Rockets in seven. Likley.
I just don't think Houston can beat the Jazz in Game 6 on Thursday night and I think the Rockets play too much defense to allow Game 7 to get away from them at the Toyota Center. That said, there will be tremendous pressure on Tracy McGrady to be the difference-maker if the grind-it-out series comes down to one final wrestling match. Can T-Mac do it?
- Steve Luhm
Pistons in four. Got it.
I just didn't see how the Magic could match-up with Chauncey Billups at point guard, and I thought the Pistons' experience against young center Dwight Howard would be a factor.
CLEVELAND vs. WASHINGTON Cavaliers in four. Got it.
Late-season Injuries to Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler ended the Wizards' postseason chances, although the games were more competitive than I expected. That could be bad news for Cleveland in its upcoming matchup against New Jersey (probably) or Toronto (possibly).
CHICAGO vs. MIAMI
Bulls in seven. Got the winner, missed the flavor of the series.
I thought Miami would show a little more heart, but the Heat could not handle the Bulls' quickness or offensive prowess and ended up getting swept.
TORONTO vs. NEW JERSEY
Raptors in seven. It's still possible, but unlikely.
Chris Bosh has not dominated the way I thought he would against the size-challenged Nets, who can finish off the Raptors by winning Game 6. I'm guessing that's what will happen, especially if T.J. Ford isn't 100 percent.
DALLAS vs. GOLDEN STATE
Mavericks in five. It's still possible, after Dallas' miraculous rally in the final three minutes of Game 5, and I imagine the Warriors are kicking themselves for squandering a nine-point lead and not eliminating the Mavs when they had the chance.
For some reason, I think Golden State ends up regretting it and Dallas finds a way to win Games 6 and 7. Underdogs get only a few chances to become the Big Dog and the Warriors' best opportunity might have been Game 5.
PHOENIX vs. L.A. LAKERS
Suns in five. Extremely likely.
The Lakers' only win came in Game 3, when Phoenix played without much emotion or energy and still nearly won. The Suns will wrap up the series tonight in Game 5 and then get ready for what should be a scintillating conference semifinal against San Antonio.
SAN ANTONIO vs. DENVER
Spurs in five. Extremely likely.
San Antonio has won three straight after dropping Game 1. The Spurs took the Nuggets' best shot in Games 3 and 4 at the Pepsi Center and still managed last-minute victories that put them in complete control of a series that has been closer than it now looks.
HOUSTON vs. UTAH
Rockets in seven. Likley.
I just don't think Houston can beat the Jazz in Game 6 on Thursday night and I think the Rockets play too much defense to allow Game 7 to get away from them at the Toyota Center. That said, there will be tremendous pressure on Tracy McGrady to be the difference-maker if the grind-it-out series comes down to one final wrestling match. Can T-Mac do it?
- Steve Luhm
9:28 AM
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