2010 NBA Playoffs - Chicago Bulls

Eastern Conference First Round

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers (61-21) vs. #8 Chicago Bulls (41-41)

The Chicago Bulls waited until the last night of the regular season to finally assure themselves a playoff berth. Their reward? The best team in basketball this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers are of course led by the best player in basketball, LeBron James.

The Bulls have dealt with injuries, General Manager John Paxson and Coach Vinny Del Negro fighting each other, the fact that Vinny Del Negro is their coach, and still made the playoffs. It helps that they play in the decidedly weak Eastern Conference but hopefully when they get the right coach in place next season they can finally make some noise.

The Bulls are led by stud PG Derrick Rose, who led the team in scoring and assists. Much to my surprise C Joakim Noah has become a force. When he was out injured the Bulls lost 10 straight, once he returned is when they were able to right the ship and sneak into the playoffs. SF Luol Deng is the Bulls only other real offensive threat besides Rose.

The Cavaliers are James and then some other pieces. Sure those pieces aren't bad but without James the Cavs would not be nearly as dangerous. He is the reason the Bulls have almost no chance of winning this series. One aspect that will be interesting to watch is how smoothly C Shaquille O'Neal is able to get back into the lineup after missing two months. The Cavs didn't really seem to miss him and almost looked better offensively without him. This isn't anything that should affect them against a .500 team like the Bulls, but against the Magic, who many expect them to face in the Conference Finals, it could be a problem. The Cavs addition of PF Antawn Jamison seems to have been a success so far, while watching PG Mo Williams and Rose square off will be fun.

The Bulls surprised many by giving the Celtics a ton of trouble in the First Round last season. However, that Bulls team was better than this one, and that Celtics team was considerably worse than this Cavs team. I think the Cavs sweep the Bulls with relative ease, and the Bulls kick Vinny Del Negro to the curb.

Prediction: Cavaliers over Bulls, 4-0

Below are my complete predictions for the First Round of the NBA Playoffs.

Eastern Conference

#1 Cleveland over #8 Chicago, 4-0

#4 Boston over #5 Miami, 4-3

#3 Atlanta over #6 Milwaukee, 4-1

#2 Orlando over #7 Charlotte, 4-1

Western Conference

#1 Los Angeles over #8 Oklahoma City, 4-1

#4 Denver over #5 Utah, 4-2

#3 Phoenix over #6 Portland, 4-3

#2 Dallas over #7 San Antonio, 4-2

2010 NBA Playoffs - Los Angeles Lakers

Western Conference First Round

#1 Los Angeles Lakers (57-25) vs. #8 Oklahoma City Thunder (50-32)

The Lakers come limping into the playoffs and get to face the upstart Thunder in the First Round. The Lakers have been a slightly above .500 basketball team since the All-Star Break and star Kobe Bryant has been dealing with a myriad of injuries. They have also been without C Andrew Bynum who got his yearly injury. It is expected Bynum will return for the series, but his effectiveness remains questionable.

The Thunder are tied with the Milwaukee Bucks as the most surprising team in the NBA this season. After an awful 23-59 season a year ago, the Thunder improved by 27 wins this season. SF Kevin Durant has become the best scorer in the league and one of the most exciting players. But he isn't the only young superstar the Thunder have. PG Russell Westbrook, F Jeff Green, G James Harden, and backup PG Eric Maynor, along with Durant are all 23 or younger. This is a team that has a tremendous upside and will be championship contenders in about a year or two.

Although they won't be matched up on each other often all eyes will be on the battle between Bryant and Durant. This series has the potential to be the most exciting series in the First Round. The Thunder will definitely be competitive with the Lakers, but the experience factor is heavily in the Lakers corner. The Lakers will miss Bynum's presence if he isn't effective, but Pau Gasol can more than make up for it against a Thunder team that has an injured Nenad Kristic as their best big man. The Thunder definitely have the edge at point guard with Westbrook being much better than Derek Fisher. However, just about every point guard is better than Fisher at this point in his career and that hasn't slowed the Lakers down before.

Lakers SF Ron Artest will have the tough task of defending Durant. While Artest won't be expected to completely stop Durant, he will have to make life difficult for him. Lakers PF Lamar Odom could have a huge series for the Lakers and has always been the X factor for them. When he plays to his capabilities the Lakers are nearly unbeatable.

The Thunder should definitely make Lakers fans nervous but they still have a ways to go before they can legitimately have a chance of knocking off the champions. I expect most of the games to be close, and the Thunder to steal a game at home, but the Lakers will march on.

Prediction: Lakers over Thunder, 4-1

NCAA Championship Game - Indianapolis, Indiana

#5 Butler (33-4) vs. #1 Duke (34-5)

It is the championship game no one expected, the Butler Bulldogs, just 6 miles from their campus, taking on the mighty Duke Blue Devils.

Butler got by Michigan State 52-50 on Saturday, to earn their first trip to an NCAA Championship game. Somehow they won despite having one of their best players, Shelvin Mack on the bench for most of the second half, and also while shooting just 30%. It was an ugly game and an ugly win, but none of that matters now.

On the other side was Duke, which completely manhandled West Virginia 78-57. Duke's big three of Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler, and Nolan Smith combined for 63 of the Blue Devils 78 points. Duke shot lights out and completely decimated what had been a fantastic West Virginia defense.

Butler might be without F Matt Howard on Monday after he suffered a mild concussion in the game on Saturday. That would make what is already a tall task even harder. However, one area the Bulldogs can match up with Duke, where most teams can't, is there guard play. Gordon Hayward and Mack will need to play well and go toe to toe with Scheyer and Smith. Butler F Willie Veasley will have to play tough defense and try to frustrate Singler.

As soon as Duke got done crushing West Virginia on Saturday night, my first thoughts were that there was no way they were going to beat Butler by less than 10. They have the size advantage, they are far better offensively, and Butler just got done somehow winning a game where they went without a basket for ten minutes. Then I started watching the Final Four post-game segments and everyone was picking Duke. One thing I have learned in my 20+ years of watching sports is that when the media is all on one side, the opposite has a tendency of happening. No one is giving Butler a chance in this game, but remember, no one gave Butler a chance against Syracuse, Kansas State, or Michigan State. I could be boring and pick Duke to win like everyone else, or I could be a renegade and call Butler to pull off the upset. I have no real logical reason for taking the Bulldogs, but I have been wrong before, who cares if I am wrong again?

Prediction: Butler 60, Duke 58

The 2010 Final Four - Indianapolis, Indiana

For the second straight season the Final Four will feature
a true home team. The Butler Bulldogs will be playing just five minutes from their campus on Saturday. The only reason it is even remotely surprising that Butler has made it this far is because they are in the Horizon League. They have been a Top 20 team for virtually the entire season and have won 24 straight games. Michigan State is back in the Final Four for the sixth time in twelve seasons. West Virginia has reached the Final Four for the first time since 1959, and the Duke Blue Devils (booooooooooooooooooooo) are back after a six year drought.

#5 Michigan State (28-8) vs. #5 Butler (32-4)

Some will argue that the Spartans got a lucky road to the Final Four, but you can't argue with their success. Every game has been a nail-biter for the Spartans, starting in the First Round against New Mexico State, followed by the buzzer beater against Maryland in the Second Round. Against Northern Iowa in the Sweet 16, Michigan State came from behind to win, and then squeaked by Tennessee in the Elite 8.

Butler started off the tournament by whipping UTEP, and then coming from behind late to beat Murray State in the Second Round. No one gave them a chance in the Sweet 16 against Syracuse, but the Bulldogs dominated the game. They also dominated Kansas State for most of their Elite 8 game, and now find themselves in their first Final Four ever.

The Spartans have been battling injuries throughout the tournament, including missing leading scorer G Kalin Lucas. However, in his place G Durrell Summers came up huge against Northern Iowa and Tennessee, averaging 20 points per game. F Raymar Morgan needs to step his game up a bit as he has been wildly inconsistent, although that has pretty much always been the story with him. The Spartans biggest strength is that you never know who might step up and play big for them. Forward Draymond Green is capable of coming off the bench and providing a spark, as is guard Chris Allen.

G-F Gordon Hayward and G Shelvin Mack are the Bulldogs biggest threats. Hayward is a legitimate NBA prospect, while Mack has played fantastic in the tournament, scoring points, grabbing rebounds and dishing out assists. F Willie Veasley had a quiet game against Kansas State, and will be needed to pick up his scoring against the Spartans.

This game should be a great defensive battle. The Bulldogs haven't allowed more than 59 points in any tournament game. If that happens again Saturday their miracle run will continue. With that being said, I am finally learning that it is not wise to pick against Tom Izzo in March. Somehow, someway his teams find ways to win. There is no doubt he will have them prepared, and also ready to take on what will essentially be a road game. I think the Bulldogs might be a little distracted by the big atmosphere, and the pressure that will come with playing at home. The Spartans will be in the Championship game for a second straight year.

Prediction: Michigan State 65, Butler 58

#2 West Virginia (31-6) vs. #1 Duke (33-5)

Duke seemed destined to make the Final Four when the brackets were released a few weeks ago and sure enough they did. They crushed Arkansas Pine-Bluff in the First Round, and had little trouble with California in the Second Round. Purdue hung around for a bit in the Sweet 16 but then Duke cruised. Duke's toughest game came against Baylor in the Elite 8. Baylor's athleticism was almost too much for Duke to handle and definitely would have been last season. However, Duke got big rebounds when needed, played suffocating defense and squeaked out a win.

West Virginia's tournament run started inauspiciously, falling behind Morgan State 10-0 in their First Round game. However, since then the Mountaineers have been close to dominate. They came back to crush Morgan State, then controlled their Second Round game against Missouri. Washington gave them some trouble in the Sweet 16 but the Mountaineers still ended up winning by 13. Then in the Elite 8 the Mountaineers took down big, bad Kentucky by a final of 73-66, although the score makes the game seem much closer than it really was.

The Blue Devils success this year is pretty easy to understand. They are a great offensive team, with their three headed monster of Jon Scheyer, Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler. Plus, they are one of the best defensive teams in the country. Size had been the biggest problem for Duke over the last few years but now they can match up with anyone because of C Brian Zoubek's improved play, and the emergence of Miles and Mason Plumlee. Singler had an awful game against Baylor, shooting 0-10. A year ago Duke wouldn't have been able to overcome that, but now they have the number of weapons necessary to be a championship team.

The Mountaineers are led by forwards Da'Sean Butler, Devin Ebanks, and Kevin Jones. As I suspected the Mountaineers haven't missed G Darryl Bryant yet, because Joe Mazzulla has been able to step in and fill his shoes. I don't think the Mountaineers can count on another 17-point effort from Mazzulla, but they don't even really need that. As long as he provides a steadying presence, and dishes the ball to the forwards, those guys can handle the scoring load.

These teams met two years ago in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. Some of the players are the same, and it was a game that West Virginia took control of late. I am biased as hell against Duke but I think the Mountaineers are legit. I worry about their guards hanging with Scheyer and Smith but I just can't pick Duke to win.

Prediction: West Virginia 71, Duke 68

Carolina Blue - 2010 NIT Championship

#4 North Carolina (20-16) vs. #3 Dayton (24-12)

I haven't written much about North Carolina this year, because, quite frankly, there hasn't been much to say. They sucked for most of the season and after losing to Georgia Tech in the ACC Tournament, I was hoping that meant this awful season was ending. Instead, the Heels got a #4 seed in the NIT Tournament. I was thinking Carolina might win their home game against William & Mary but beyond that was expecting a quick exit. Instead Carolina reeled off back to back impressive road wins at Mississippi State and UAB to book a trip to Madison Square Garden. Then on Tuesday night, in the Semi-Finals, Carolina came from five points behind late to send the game to overtime against Rhode Island. The Heels were able to just barely outlast the Rams in overtime, winning 68-67.

Of course making the NIT Championship is bittersweet for the program and its fans. Carolina plays to win National Championships, not NIT Championships. However, I have to admit I have been just as passionate about these games as I would have been any NCAA Tournament games for Carolina. At least now the team can have a somewhat decent feeling going into next season, and the thoughts of a quick turnaround for Carolina don't seem so crazy.

The Heels will try to make an interesting bit of history. If they defeat the Dayton Flyers they would become the first team to ever win a National Championship and then an NIT Championship in back-to-back seasons. The Heels will definitely be tested by the Flyers. To get to the NIT Championship game, Dayton won at home against Illinois State, then won road games at Cincinnati and Illinois, before defeating Mississippi at the Garden. Their most prominent player is F Chris Wright, who is a bit of a YouTube sensation for his powerful dunks. G-F Chris Johnson doesn't have the name recognition of Wright but he was huge in the Semi-Final win against Mississippi. He finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 4 steals.

The Flyers can play suffocating defense and if they force the Heels to make a lot of turnovers then they will likely be cutting down the nets. The Heels have always had trouble avoiding turnovers, even during their dominant seasons under Roy Williams. Larry Drew III will have to make good passes and try to control the tempo. As much as I have railed on Drew, he has played very well during the NIT Tournament. Seniors Deon Thompson and Marcus Ginyard will have to continue to provide the leadership, while Will Graves, and Tyler Zeller will need to continue their improved offensive play. The Heels will be looking for F John Henson to have a much better game than he did against Rhode Island. Another key will be the Tar Heels defense. Carolina has played exceptional defense in the last two games. They can't allow Dayton get to their average of 70 points and expect to be able to win.

I won't be buying any NIT Championship shirts if the Heels are victorious but it would be an accomplishment I think the team should be proud of. I expect another tough game for Carolina, but much like they did Tuesday night, they will somehow find a way to win late.

Prediction: North Carolina 64, Dayton 60

March Madness 2010 (Midwest and South Regions) - Sweet 16 and Elite 8

The Sweet 16 continues Friday night and features more Cinderella's and a couple of teams used to being at this stage. Northern Iowa took out my pick to win it all, Kansas and ruined brackets across the country. St. Mary's or Team Australia knocked off Villanova, while Baylor and Purdue surprised many by getting to this point. Duke, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Tennessee have gotten this far often over the years and will be looking to meet their fans expectations of reaching a Final Four.

Midwest Regional Semi-Final

#6 Tennessee (27-8) vs. #2 Ohio State (29-7)

These teams met in the 2007 Sweet 16 where the Vols had a huge lead before collapsing late to the Buckeyes. Both teams can have many different weapons that have to be accounted for. For Ohio State, it starts with G-F Evan Turner, and continues with guards William Buford and Jon Diebler, as well as G-F David Lighty. Lighty was there for that 2007 battle, as was Vols F-C Wayne Chism.

The Vols counter with Chism, G Scotty Hopson, and guards J.P. Prince, and Bobby Maze. Tennessee and Ohio State are about equal offensively, but the Buckeyes have a slight edge defensively. Turner played alright last weekend but will need to limit his turnovers for the Buckeyes to have hopes of making it to Indianapolis.

This game will be a lot like the 2007 battle and should come down right to the finish. I think Turner is a superstar and will make big plays at the end of the game, carrying Ohio State to victory.

Prediction: Ohio State 70, Tennessee 66

South Regional Semi-Final

#10 St. Mary's (28-5) vs. #3 Baylor (27-7)

Gaels C Omar Samhan became a household name last weekend with his dominating performances against Richmond and Villanova. Another force inside for the Gaels is F-C Ben Allen. The Gaels just don't have bigs though, they have a lethal guard combination in Mickey McConnell, and Matthew Dellavedova.

The battle to watch will be Samhan against Bears F-C Ekpe Udoh. If Udoh can limit Samhan than the Bears will have a great shot at winning. Like the Gaels, Baylor has fantastic guards as well. LaceDarius Dunn and Tweety Carter (great names), are fantastic at scoring, dishing, and in Dunn's case even rebounding.

I am very tempted to take the Gaels in this one and probably would if I hadn't already picked Baylor in one of my brackets to make the Final Four. I don't think Samhan will be shut down but I think the Bears have the slight advantage in guard play, which will be enough to get the victory.

Prediction: Baylor 77, St. Mary's 71

Midwest Regional Semi-Final

#9 Northern Iowa (30-4) vs. #5 Michigan State (26-8)

G Ali Farokhmanesh is the Panthers fourth-leading scorer, but after hitting game winning baskets to beat UNLV and Kansas, he is now their most famous player. The Panthers best player is C Jordan Eglseder, who led the Panthers in scoring and rebounding. Guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe is the Panthers leading assist man and also averages a little over 10 points a game.

The big story for the Spartans will be how they will respond to playing a full game without G Kalin Lucas. They also have another injured guard in Chris Allen, and it is not known how much he will play in this game.

The Spartans showed great resolve in overcoming these injuries to defeat Maryland on Sunday. However, I think a full game without Lucas will be too much for the Spartans to overcome against the Panthers. I like the Panthers to continue their Cinderella march to the Elite Eight.

Prediction: Northern Iowa 66, Michigan State 63

South Regional Semi-Final

#4 Purdue (29-5) vs. #1 Duke (31-5)

Once the Boilermakers lost Robbie Hummel for the season any thoughts of a Final Four seemed dashed. That seemed even more true when against Minnesota in the Big Ten Tournament they were held to 11 points in the first half.

However, Purdue showed great resilience last weekend, getting by Sienna and a very good Texas A & M team. G E'Twaun Moore and C JaJuan Johnson will have to play at an extremely high level for the Boilermakers to have a chance against Duke.

The Blue Devils looked very good in the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. The biggest difference between this year's Blue Devils and last years is the emergence of Greg Zoubek. Zoubek will be challenged by Johnson and his effectiveness will likely be limited. However, Duke can overwhelm the Boilermakers with Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler, and the usually overlooked Nolan Smith. I just think the Boilermakers can't score enough to keep up with Duke.

Prediction: Duke 75, Purdue 63

On Sunday, I like Ohio State to end Northern Iowa's dream season in the Midwest Regional Final. In the other game, I like Baylor to upset Duke, and advance to their first Final Four since 1950.

March Madness 2010 (East and West Regions) - Sweet 16 and Elite 8

What an incredible start to the 2010 NCAA Tournament. There were upsets and buzzer beaters galore, everything a college basketball fan could want. It will be tough for the second weekend of the tournament to live up to the first, but the potential is definitely there. The Sweet 16 tips off in Salt Lake City, and Syracuse.

West Regional Semi-Final

#5 Butler (30-4) vs. #1 Syracuse (30-4)

The Orange have been one of the most impressive teams in the tournament thus far, blitzing Vermont and Gonzaga. Butler hasn't lost since December 22nd, winning 22 games in a row in the process. They crushed UTEP in the first round and survived a scare from Cinderella Murray State in the second round.

Syracuse is likely to be without F Arinze Onuaku for this game, but that didn't seem to phase them much in the first weekend. F Wes Johnson had a fantastic game against Gonzaga and will make the Orange almost impossible to beat if he keeps playing at such a high level. G Andy Rautins was on fire from beyond the arc and will have to be accounted for by the Bulldogs.

Butler will try to slow down Syracuse's fast tempo offense, and limit their opportunities. Butler gave up just 59.8 points per game this year, and neither UTEP or Murray State were able to break the 60 point mark when playing them. The Bulldogs best player is G-F Gordon Hayward, but it was G Shelvin Mack that really carried the Bulldogs in the first weekend.

Butler will not be intimidated by Syracuse and can hang with the Orange. However, Syracuse has way more talent and that will win out in the end.

Prediction: Syracuse 73, Butler 65

East Regional Semi-Final

#11 Washington (26-9) vs. #2 West Virginia (29-6)

The Huskies have won 9 games in a row and have restored some respect back to the Pac-10 by making it to the Sweet 16. The Mountaineers are just as hot, winners of 8 in a row, but trouble is looming for them. They lost starting guard Darryl Bryant for the rest of the season to a broken foot he suffered in practice. Luckily for the Mountaineers they have depth at that position, and should be able to seamlessly slide in Joe Mazzulla to the starting lineup.

The big names for the Mountaineers are Mr. Clutch, Da'Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks. The Huskies counter with F Quincy Pondexter and G Isaiah Thomas. The big question in this game will be what will win out? West Virginia's bruising, physical style of play, or the Huskies fast-paced run and gun type of play.

I think Washington is peaking at the right time and will hang around in this game. However, I feel like West Virginia has been undervalued for most of the season and is right up there with the elite of college basketball. They will punch their ticket to the Elite 8.

Prediction: West Virginia 72, Washington 68

West Regional Semi-Final

#6 Xavier (26-8) vs. #2 Kansas State (28-7)

Xavier has been one of the most consistent programs in the country over the last couple of seasons. They go through coaches like crazy but keep finding ways to still be playing in the second weekend of the tournament. Kansas State has remained under the radar for most of the year but thanks to tremendous guard play from Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente they are definite national title contenders.

The Musketeers most well known player is G Jordan Crawford, who famously dunked on LeBron James over the summer. His back court mate Terrell Holloway can't be overlooked, so the battle between the Musketeers guards and the Wildcats guards will be the main storyline for this game.

The Wildcats have some bangers on the inside as well. Forwards Jamar Samuels and Curtis Kelly will likely give Xavier fits. They both can score, rebound, and play tremendous defense.

These teams are almost identical in points per game and points allowed per game. This might be the best game of Thursday night, although it is likely to get overshadowed by Cornell/Kentucky. I expect a close game, with the Wildcats guards making enough plays late to carry them to the Elite 8.

Prediction: Kansas State 75, Xavier 72

East Regional Semi-Final

#12 Cornell (29-4) vs. #1 Kentucky (34-2)

This will be the game that will have most of America's attention on Thursday night. The ultimate underdog Cornell against big, bad Kentucky. The more I think about this game the more it is reminding me of when George Mason took on UCONN in the Elite 8 in 2006. Like Mason, Cornell will be playing close to home and could have a slight home-court edge. Also, like that Mason/UCONN game Cornell could probably beat Kentucky one time in one hundred games, and that one time may be Thursday night.

Cornell has been shooting lights out thus far, and that led them to rout both Temple and Wisconsin. Senior Ryan Wittman is their best player and like most of his teammates a great shooter, shooting 47% on the season. Cornell also has a big man who can play, in C Jeff Foote.

The Wildcats are led by their three fantastic freshman, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, and their one veteran, Patrick Patterson. I think people have gotten a little too excited over Kentucky. They did crush their first two opponents but East Tennessee State and Wake Forest aren't exactly a murderer's row.

This should be a fascinating game to watch. Cornell's only chance will be if they can continue to stay hot shooting wise. I think the crowd will be a major factor, and at some point Kentucky's inexperience will cause them problems. However, I just think Kentucky has too much talent to lose to Cornell.

Prediction: Kentucky 75, Cornell 67

Saturday, I see the guard tandem of the Wildcats leading them past the Orange and putting them in the Final Four for the first time since 1964. In the East Regional Final, I think the young Cats will get coach John Calipari to another Final Four, when they defeat West Virginia. It remains to be seen whether this Final Four will actually stay on Coach Cal's record.