2012 NBA Playoffs

Here we are then, after a shortened season due to the Lockout, the 2012 NBA Playoffs are upon us. The top seeds in each Conference remain the same as last year, with Chicago and San Antonio topping the rest and setting up matchups with Phillie and Utah respectively. Meanwhile outside the playoffs the Toronto Raptors finished with a record of 23-43 which is an improvement on last year.

Kevin Durant took the scoring title for the third season in a row after passing Kobe Bryant near the end of the season. He led his Oklahoma City team to 2^nd in the West and a match up with the defending champs the Dallas Mavericks. With another year of experience behind them it the Thunder should advance to the finals and stop the Mavs at the first hurdle.

Jeremy Lin and LeBron James

Last year’s losing finalist and most people’s tip for this year the Heat have first round series against the New York Knicks. The Knicks were languishing outside the playoff spots until Stanford graduate Jeremy Lin exploded on to the NBA scene and won the heart of the world. Game 1 tips off tonight in Miami. LeBron James, the front runner for this year’s MVP will be looking to add a ring to his multiple MVP trophies and this year seems as likely as any.

LA was the place of revolution this year. The Clippers and Lakers both made the playoffs and the Clipper were leading the Lakers until Kobe Bryant decided that he was having none of it gave his Lakers the 3^rd seed and a series against the Denver, with the Clippers picking up the 5^th albeit only 1 game behind their rivals.

Memphis a team who surprised many this time last year finished the season string over taking the Clippers and drawing level with the Lakers with 41 wins. Rudy Gay was their catalyst putting in 19 PPG; he did however have a deep supporting cast in Marc Gasol, OJ Mayo, Z-Bo and floor general Mike Conley. The Grizz will be looking to cause major problems in the West play-offs stating Sunday night against the Clippers.

After months of upset in Orlando with Dwight Howard and Stan Van Gundy the Pacers will be looking to knock off a jaded Magic team as quickly as possible. The Pacers picked up the 3^rd seed, very quietly going about their business, while the 4^th and 5^th seeds Boston and Atlanta may be looking at the prospect of a 7 game series because I can see very little difference between them, Rajon Rondo will decide whether the C’s advance or go out in the first round this year.

My prediction for the 1^st round will bring progression for the; Bulls, Heat, Pacers and Celtics. While over in the West, The Spurs, Thunder and Clippers will advance and I fancy the Nuggets to beat the Lakers in 6.

LeBron James will be looking to finally get himself a ring, His quest is laid out in front of him and it all begins tonight in South Beach.

Where Amazing Happened

Chris Paul signed for the Clippers

So at long last the start of 2011-2012 NBA Season is creeping into sight. At times through the early autumn it looked like there was not going to be a season at all, due to the NBA Lockout. During the lockout, teams could not trade, sign players, and they could not access NBA team facilities, trainers or staff. Some players signed contracts to play in other countries, mostly in Europe and Asia including Deron Williams and San Antonio Point Guard Tony Parker, both have since returned to their teams. The lockout officially ended on December 8 and the pre-season tipped off on December 16. Due to the Lockout causing some of the season to be cancelled, teams will now play 48 conference games and 18 non-conference games in a 66-game schedule. The season will begin on Christmas Day.

Although a little bit delayed, the trade and free agent frenzy did not disappoint. Rumours of Dwight Howard to the Lakers were quelled. Portland talisman Brandon Roy retiring early due to injuries. Trade rumours of Chris Paul heading to both LA teams, eventually he was traded to the Clippers with two future second round picks, with Guard Eric Gordon, forward Al-Farouq Aminu, Center Chris Kaman and a first-round draft choice going to New Orleans. Richard Hamilton signing for the Bulls. The Lakers lost Lamar Odom to Dallas who also signed Vince Carter. The Lakers signed Troy Murphy and Josh McRoberts. And the Raptors signed nobody of any use.

Christmas Day will see a number of blockbuster games begin the season. A rematch of the 2011 Finals as Miami faces Dallas. East number 1 seed from 2011 The Bulls visit the Lakers. And the Knicks with new addition Tyson Chandler host Boston at Madison Square Garden. The late game sees Golden State face the rejuvenated Clippers squad with Paul, Billups and Griffin at the helm.

An interesting pre-season exhibition game took place last night between the Clippers and Lakers. A resounding 114-95 win for the Clippers shows that the Lakers may not have bragging rights in Los Angeles come April 28 when the Play-offs start. The Raptors will have a very good chance of getting the number one draft pick this year. And I believe whoever wins the East will take the Championship, Miami or Chicago.

Is a change of power coming in LA? Will the Heat get to the Finals again? Can Dallas go back-to-back? Or will the veterans of Boston or San Antonio give it one last go? Answers to all these questions will start to be discovered on 25^th December.