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.

End of the Regular Season

The NBA's regular season is coming to an end and seeing as the last time I posted it was around the All-Star game, that means I have been lazy.... True.

In the Eastern Conference there have been major changes. The Bulls (54-20) are the #1 seed, the Celtics (51-22) are crawling to the finish line and lots of trade action has seen many of the rosters re-shuffle. Throughout all his change the Cleveland Cavaliars (15-59) are still the worst team in the Association and the Heat (52-23) are still as erratic as Emile Heskey.

Meanwhile in the West, San Antonio (57-17) are still the best team in the League and the Dallas Mavericks (53-21) achieved their 11th straight season of 50+ wins. Kevin Love's seeminlgy never-ending streak of Double-Doubles came to an end at 53 and Jerry Sloan resigned as Head Coach of the Utah Jazz (36-39) after an amazing 23 seasons there.

The trade deadline came on 24th February and with that came some monster deals. Carmelo Anthony was traded to the NY Knicks (37-38) along with Chauncey Billups and most of NY's roster going the other way to Denver (45-29). With many expecting the Knicks to surge up the East and the Nuggets to plummet down the West. Not the case. Since the trade the Nuggets are 14 and 3 whilst the Knicks are 9 and 12. Did it take the Denver Nuggets nearly 7 seasons they maybe better without one of the best players in the League? Kendrick Perkins was traded form Boston to the OKC Thunder. Why? Perkins' presence is possibly one of the biggest intangibles in the league. He has made Oklahoma City a much bigger team and more of a threat in the off-season.

With only about 6 or 7 games left for each team until the end of the 82, my metaphorical money for the Championship is on the top 3 seeds from each conference. The Bulls, Celtics and Heat from the East and the Spurs, Lakers and Mavericks from the West. I believe it to be that tight this year.

Derrick Rose, LeBron James and Dirk Nowitzki are my front runners for MVP honours. Blake Griffin has to win the Rookie of the Year, even though he has been a bit over-hyped. The most improved player is nailed down on Kevin Love. Coach of the Year in my opinion is Tom Thibodeau of the Chicago Bulls, he would get Rookie of the Year for me, that is if Coaches were allowed to win it. The best I can hope for the Raptors (20-54) is that we get the best Draft pick possible come June time.

I will try not to be lazy and update this more throughout the Playoffs and with other posts as well....promise.