2012 NBA Playoffs - Eastern Conference Finals

People have all but declared the Boston Celtics chances of beating the Miami Heat dead after the Heat dominated the Celtics in Game 1. Boston fans cried about the referees and are hanging on to the hope that a fairly contested game will lead to better results. I lean somewhere in the middle. The Celtics will have to play out of their minds to beat the Heat four times, but I don't think this series will be a cakewalk for Miami.

#2 Miami Heat vs. #4 Boston Celtics

Boston has moved on to the Eastern Conference Finals despite Paul Pierce and Ray Allen struggling for the majority of the playoffs. Allen is dealing with nagging injuries and there has been some discussion of having him sit in this series. I find the chances of that extremely unlikely but right now Allen is a liability on defense and he isn't doing what he does best, hitting threes. Pierce labored through a 5-18 shooting effort in Game 1 and he has two of the better defenders in the league in Shane Battier and LeBron James guarding him. Dwyane Wade was having his way with Allen in Game 1, and I think the Celtics might have to give Allen some rest, and give Marquis Daniels some more time off of the bench. It would also help if Mickael Pietrus does more than take up space, like he did in Game 1.

The Celtics have a clear advantage at point with Rajon Rondo going against Mario Chalmers, and even on the bench with Keyon Dooling spelling Rondo and Norris Cole getting limited time off the bench for Chalmers. The Celtics will definitely miss the presence of Avery Bradley, who had really come on this season, especially on the defensive end. Rondo did score 16 in Game 1 but also had just 7 assists to go with 4 turnovers. That assist to turnover ratio will have to improve greatly. 

PF Kevin Garnett was the Celtics bright spot in Game 1 and has been playing very well in the playoffs. He put up 23 points and 10 rebounds and was basically the only reason the Celtics weren't completely blown out. He basically made Udonis Haslem useless in the game, as Haslem only played 15 minutes and contributed just 2 rebounds, scoring zero points.

Neither team is known for their post play, the Celtics through out such luminaries as Brandon Bass and Greg Stiemsma, while the Heat have Ronny Turiaf, Joel Anthony, and when he returns from his suspension Dexter Pittman. The Heat hope that Chris Bosh can return at some point during this series but all signs seem to indicate that the earliest he would be available is if the Heat make the Finals.

The Heat can look unbeatable at times, but at the end of the day, they really are just a two man team right now. That means they can also look just as vulnerable as they do invincible. It was clearly evident in their two losses to Indiana, so it's not like the Celtics are likely to get swept. They can definitely steal a couple games from Miami, maybe even Games 3 and 4 at home. However, they don't seem to have enough answers for slowing down James and Wade. They can do it well enough to be competitive but not well enough to win. The Heat will take down Boston in the playoffs for a second straight season and advance to their second straight NBA Finals.

Prediction: Heat over Celtics, 4-2

2012 NBA Playoffs - Western Conference Finals

The Spurs and Thunder have made it clear in these playoffs that they are leaps and bounds above any other teams in the Western Conference. The Spurs have yet to lose, while the Thunder have only lost once. I was once skeptical of the Spurs but how can you pick against a team that hasn't lost in 18 straight games? The Thunder showed that they could be beaten against the Lakers, and were lucky to escape with wins in two of the five games. That being said, can the Spurs Big Three keep up with the Thunder's much more youthful Big Three of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden?

#1 San Antonio Spurs vs. #2 Oklahoma City Thunder

Both teams are basically even in the major statistical categories. The Spurs have edges in assists per game and a slight edge in points allowed per game. Both teams have high scoring offenses, fantastic point guards, and effective big men. The point guard battle between the veteran Tony Parker and the young pup Westbrook will be a gem. Parker can score as he led the Spurs in scoring but likes dishing the ball more, as evidenced by his 7.7 assists per game. Westbrook is a shoot first point guard, which has been to the consternation of some at times. However, you can't argue with the success he had against the Lakers. That being said, it will be quite a step up in competition from Ramon Sessions and Steve Blake to Parker. When the teams have to go to their benches, the Spurs will have a major advantage with Gary Neal on the court against the aging Derek Fisher.

At shooting guard the Spurs now start Danny Green but Manu Ginobli still receives pretty significant playing team. Both are very good shooters and can hit shots from just about anywhere. The Thunder also have two successful shooting guards in Thabo Sefalosha and Harden. Much like the Spurs rotation, Sefalosha starts over Harden, despite Harden being the better player.

The matchup to watch will be how the Spurs defend Durant. Will they trust rookie Kawhi Leonard to guard him, or will Stephen Jackson see an increase in minutes. Duncan or DeJuan Blair won't be able to keep up with Durant, so it will be Leonard and Jackson's responsibilities to do what they can to not allow Durant to go off every single game.

The post battle will be Tim Duncan and Boris Diaw against Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins. Duncan labored through a tough regular season but has looked like the Duncan of old thus far in the playoffs. He will have his hands full going against bruisers like Ibaka and Perkins. Diaw plays only for his defense and Tiago Splitter has been seeing more and more time off of the bench. Nazr Mohammed sees some playing time off the bench for the Thunder.

Both teams are excellent, but the Spurs are just a little better. They have a fantastic coach and play so well and flawlessly as a team. Nothing seems to rattle them and they have the perfect mix of veterans and younger players. As I said above, you can't pick against a team as hot as the Spurs right now. The Thunder's time will eventually come but for now the Spurs will take one step closer to adding to their already sparkling legacy.

Prediction: Spurs over Thunder, 4-2

2012 NBA Playoffs - Western Conference Semi-Finals

It took seven games and nearly blowing 3-1 series leads but the teams from LA survived and are now ready to start the Western Conference Semi-Finals. The Lakers fought off a resilient Nuggets team, while the Clippers went to Memphis and earned their first game seven win in franchise history. Now facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers will be underdogs in the playoffs for the first time since the 2008 Finals against the Boston Celtics. No one is going to the give the Clippers much of a chance against the Spurs, partially because of how dominant the Spurs have been this year, and also because, it's the Clippers.

#1 San Antonio Spurs vs. #5 Los Angeles Clippers

I'm not sure anyone outside of San Antonio or Utah saw the Spurs make quick work of the Jazz in the First Round. The Spurs barely had to break a sweat and will be well rested for a weary Clippers team. It also helps that Spurs have tremendous depth and can go eleven deep. The two most fun matchups to watch in this series will be the point guard battle between Tony Parker and Chris Paul, and the young stud Blake Griffin versus the old, wily veteran Tim Duncan.

The Clippers have the pieces to match the Spurs in those areas and can cancel out and maybe even have the advantage over the Spurs in those departments. However, for the Clippers to win their bench will have to play like they did in the final quarter of Game 7 against Memphis for them to have a chance. Expecting that kind of consistent offensive production out of their bench for the majority of the series probably will be too much to ask for.

A huge advantage for the Spurs will be at shooting guard where Manu Ginobli and former Tar Heel Danny Green will face Randy Foye. The Clippers definitely have missed Chauncey Billups presence since he was lost for the year due to injury and it will be even more apparent in this series. Inside DeAndre Jordan figures to do well against Boris Diaw, but Duncan can also slide over and guard Jordan if need be.

To the Clippers credit they have pretty much lived up to the expectations placed on them once David Stern handed them Chris Paul. I have been weary of the Spurs most of the season because I haven't forgotten how they dominated the regular season last year and then were pushed over by the Grizzlies. But with the ease the Spurs eliminated the Jazz, I believe this team has found the right mix of new fresh legs, to go with their longtime big three to be one of the best teams in the NBA. Also, coaching in this series will probably play a huge part as Greg Popovich will coach circles around Vinny Del Negro. I think the Clippers can at least take one at home to avoid being swept, but they aren't in the Spurs league.

Prediction: Spurs over Clippers, 4-1


#2 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #3 Los Angeles Lakers

As I mentioned above this is unfamiliar territory for the Lakers. Even when Dallas swept them last season that was quite a shock to many as the Lakers were pretty heavily favored. In this series against the Thunder I can't find anyone picking them to take this series. OKC swept the defending champion Mavericks but they were really only dominant in one of those games. The most talked about early subplot of this series will be James Harden versus Metta World Peace. World Peace returned from his suspension for elbowing Harden in Game 7 against Denver and played very well and was one of the major reasons the Lakers were able to win the game. Hopefully, World Peace doesn't do anything stupid and just plays his game because he definitely helps the Lakers cause. His main focus will have to be on guarding Kevin Durant and trying to stop one of the best players in the game from taking over the series.

With the addition of Ramon Sessions at the trade deadline the Lakers at least have a point guard that will stand a chance against Russell Westbrook. Their old point guard, Derek Fisher is now a backup for the Thunder and will try to gain some revenge on the Lakers for holding on to him for about two years too long. It will be Thabo Sefalosha and Harden's jobs to guard Kobe Bryant. Bryant will have to remain confident in his teammates, no matter their struggles as the Thunder are too good of a team for Bryant to try to do it all himself.

That is where Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum come into play. When those two play at their peak the Lakers are unstoppable. However, they almost seem to be like women who are around each other and eventually find their periods syncing up. I know that isn't a pleasant analogy but Gasol and Bynum tend to play well at the same time, like when they were monsters on the glass in Game 7 against Denver, and poor at the same time, like they did in the Game 6 blowout loss to Denver. They can't afford to take any games off. While the Lakers size could dominate the Nuggets, they won't be able to do that against Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins. The Thunder won't have to throw double teams like the Nuggets did as they have guys who can guard them face to face.

This series will take center stage in the Conference Semi-Finals and with good reason. You have tons of superstars, a budding rivalry with the drama between World Peace and Harden, and the young, upstart team trying to take out the old guard of champions. For LA to have any chance they have to steal at least one of the first two games in Oklahoma City. So tonight and Wednesday's games will be crucial. I think the Lakers time has passed though and the Thunder have grown up a lot since the bunch that lost to LA in the playoffs two years ago. It will be a very fun series but I think the Thunder will defeat the Lakers and even do it on LA's home court.

Prediction: Thunder over Lakers, 4-2

2012 NBA Playoffs - Eastern Confernce Semi-Finals

While the Semi-Finals in the Western Conference remain unsettled, the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals tip off this weekend. The Philadelphia 76ers were able to take advantage of a decimated Chicago Bulls team that was missing Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah for the majority of the series. They will now face the Boston Celtics who got past the Hawks in six games. The other matchup features the heavy favorites out of the East, the Miami Heat taking on the up and coming Indiana Pacers.

#4 Boston Celtics vs. #8 Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers have gotten past the first round of the playoffs for the first since 2003. While their fans can be happy about that, they should also know that they stand no chance in hell of beating a healthy Boston team. The Sixers could barely get by the Bulls, who were without their leading scorer and rebounder. They have a few nice players, but no one great, especially to match Boston's big four.

The Celtics were able to recover from a Game 1 loss to Atlanta, then win without the suspended Rajon Rondo in Game 2, and controlled the series from that point on. While not the players they were once were, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen can all still come up big as Garnett showed in pouring in 28 points in Game 6 to close out the Hawks.

The Sixers will be leaning on Jrue Holiday and hoping he can stop Rondo from going wild and dictating things with his passing. They will also need Spencer Hawes to play big down low and get consistent scoring from Andre Iguodala.

Both teams ranked towards the bottom of the league in scoring but play tremendous defense. Expect to see a lot of scores in the 70s and 80s in this series. Philly will find that when they actually have to play a healthy team, even if that team is mostly old as dirt, the going will be too tough for them.

Prediction: Celtics over 76ers, 4-1

#2 Miami Heat vs. #3 Indiana Pacers

This series should be far more interesting and competitive than the Sixers/Celtics series will be. The Heat made easy work of the Knicks in five games, while the Pacers bounced back from a shocking Game 1 loss, to knock out the Magic in five. Indiana has gone mostly unnoticed this season due to not having a superstar but they finished the regular season with just four less wins than the Heat.

The Heat are better than the Pacers offensively and defensively, but what may keep the Pacers in the series is their edge on the glass. Their big center Roy Hibbert could have a huge series going against Udonis Haslem. Haslem isn't a bad player but he will definitely have issues with Hibbert's size. Like against the Knicks, the Heat will be lucky to be facing a team that doesn't have a dynamic point guard. George Hill of the Pacers is adequate but isn't a difference maker. Danny Granger will be expected to do the bulk of the scoring for Indiana, while Tyler Hansbrough, and Darren Collison will be expected to provide a lift for the team off the bench. David West will have to contend with Chris Bosh, while it will be Granger's responsibility to at least try to control LeBron James.

Pacers coach Frank Vogel has already started the talking by saying the Heat were the biggest floppers in the league. That will be sure to raise the ire of James and Dwyane Wade. In basketball, you usually need at least one superstar to win a championship and that is what will be the downfall of Indiana. They are well coached and have a bunch of good players but they don't have that player that can be "the guy" in crunch time. A team without superstars is not going to beat a team with two of the best players in the league in a seven game series. The Pacers will make life difficult for the Heat, but ultimately the Heat's stars will be too much.

Prediction: Heat over Pacers, 4-2

2012 NBA Playoffs - Western Conference, First Round

The Spurs finally appeared dead after being shocked in the First Round of the playoffs last season by the Memphis Grizzlies. It seemed to be a sign that after four championships, the run of the Spurs big three was finally ending. It appeared even more likely this season with a lockout shortened year, that meant little to no days off between games. Instead, the Spurs once again persevered and finished tied with the Bulls for the best record in the league. They join a wide open Western Conference playoff race, where you could conceivably make an argument for any of the eight teams to have a chance to win the Western Conference championship. The defending champion Dallas Mavericks have struggled most of this season but they still have most of the major cogs of that championship team, so anything is possible with them.

First Round

#1 San Antonio Spurs (50-16) vs. #8 Utah Jazz (36-30)

The Spurs big three led the team in scoring this season, with Tony Parker leading the way, averaging 18.3 ppg. Manu Ginobli was hurt for most of the season and only played 34 games but will be ready for the playoffs. Tim Duncan is not nearly the player he once was but still remains effective, especially on the glass where he averaged 9 rebounds per game. SG Stephen Jackson was nice pickup in a trade from the Bucks, while DeJuan Blair, Kawhi Leonard, and Matt Bonner have been the most reliable players for the Spurs, leading them in games played this season.

The Jazz enter the playoffs playing their best basketball of the season. They feature one of the best offenses in the NBA, but are not a good defensive team. C Al Jefferson carries the team and is finally back in the playoffs after a long absence. Along with PF Paul Millsap they form a formidable combo inside for the Jazz. Derrick Favors is another big inside presence the Spurs will have to deal with. The Jazz are weaker at guard, where PG Devin Harris struggled through one of his worst seasons. SG Gordon Hayward has improved his play in his second year, and has taken on a larger supporting role this year.

Some people seem to really be buying into the Spurs but I remain skeptical. They had a strong season last year and were bounced from the playoffs right away. However, I don't think this Jazz team plays good enough defense to slow down the Spurs scoring. I also think Harris is going to get eaten up by Parker and let the Spurs move on to the next round.

Prediction: Spurs over Jazz, 4-2

#4 Memphis Grizzlies (41-25) vs. #5 Los Angeles Clippers (40-26)

The Grizzlies managed to carry over the momentum they got from last year's playoffs and now will host a First Round playoff series against the Clippers. SF Rudy Gay and C Marc Gasol played and started in every game but one for Memphis. Last year's playoff star, PF Zach Randolph missed the majority of the year with injuries but is back for the playoffs. SG Tony Allen increased his scoring, while remaining one of the best defensive players in the league, his backup O.J. Mayo was the only Grizzlies player to play in all 66 games. They also have Gilbert Arenas decaying knees on the bench.

The Clippers received a ton of hype once David Stern gift wrapped them PG Chris Paul, but they were unable to win their division and nearly saw their coach, Vinny Del Negro get fired. Paul and Blake Griffin shoulder the scoring load, while SG Nick Young, whom they brought over from Washington was expected to help with that, but has struggled since joining the Clips. They get strong inside play from C DeAndre Jordan, while PF Kenyon Martin hasn't been quite what they were hoping they were getting. SF Caron Butler is a shell of his former self and had a terrible season shooting the ball.

This should be a competitive, highly entertaining series, but ultimately, I think the Grizzlies defense is far superior to the Clippers. Despite the Clippers being better offensively, the Grizzlies will disrupt the Clippers rhythm on offense and take the series in six.

Prediction: Grizzlies over Clippers, 4-2

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder (47-19) vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks (36-30)

The Oklahoma City Thunder are many people's favorite to come out of the West and also win the NBA title. They seemingly have it all, one of the best point guards in the league in Russell Westrbook, perhaps the best player in the game in Kevin Durant, and a shot blocking, defensive presence inside with Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins. It is not known yet how long they might be without James Harden, who is still recovering from a concussion due to a Metta World Peace elbow. One area that might be their weakness is their lack of depth.

The Mavericks lost some key players from their championship team, such as Tyson Chandler, DeShawn Stevenson, and Jose Juan Barea. They had the failed Lamar Odom experiment, and just never really seemed to mesh this year. Dirk Nowitzki saw his numbers take a dip this year from his career average, while Jason Terry and Shawn Marion also had disappointing seasons. The Mavericks have a strong inside presence with Brendan Haywood and Brandan Wright, so they will be able to muscle up with Ibaka and Perkins. Last season they were able to overcome the disadvantage they had at point guard with Jason Kidd going against Westbrook, and they will hope that Delonte West can provide some strong minutes off the bench.

This is not the same Mavericks team that knocked off the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals last season. The Thunder are also a year older, better, and more mature. Dallas will fight hard to defend their title but they have never played like a team capable of defending their title this season.

Prediction: Thunder over Mavericks, 4-2

#3 Los Angeles Lakers (41-25) vs. #6 Denver Nuggets (38-28)

After a slow start the Lakers ended up having a pretty nice season under first year coach Mike Brown. However, their draw against the Denver Nuggets will not be easy. If the Lakers had stuck with Derek Fisher at point guard they would have had no shot at making any noise in the playoffs. The pickup of Ramon Sessions from Cleveland was huge and gives them a point guard who can do things both offensively and defensively. The Lakers interior presence of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum is unmatched in the NBA. Bynum had a career year, playing in virtually every game he was not suspended in. Gasol has always had his toughness questioned but he has been a part of two championships, so its not like he hasn't shown he can play tough when needed. The Lakers count on Matt Barnes and Steve Blake to provide valuable minutes off the bench. They will be without Metta World Peace for at least the first six games of this series. A few weeks ago that wouldn't have meant too much but Peace had started playing his best basketball of the season.

Despite dealing with a myriad of injuries, the Nuggets were able to win 38 games and finish 10 games over .500, one of George Karl's best coaching jobs. The maturation of PG Ty Lawson continued this season and he led the Nuggets in scoring and assists. His backcourt mater SG Arron Afflalo had a career season and is part of a vicious backcourt for Denver. Danillo Galinari is finally healthy, while Al Harrington had one of the best seasons of his career. C JaVale McGee, a joke in Washington, has played well since coming to Denver and has managed to avoid being the butt of any more jokes.

The Lakers are middle of the road both offensively and defensively, while the Nuggets were the highest scoring team in the league, but one of the worst defensive teams. I think homecourt will be the difference in this series. The Lakers were one of the best home teams in the league and I think they can hold serve at home. However, they struggled on the road all season, and I think the Nuggets will win their games at home. I expect it to go seven games, with the Lakers prevailing.

Prediction: Lakers over Nuggets, 4-3

2012 NBA Playoffs - Eastern Conference, First Round

The same eight teams that made the playoffs out of the Eastern Conference last season are back this year. The order has changed as none of the first round matchups are rematches from last year. Like last season, the Bulls and Heat are the favorites in the East, with some thinking the old guard of the Celtics might be able to make one final run. The first round of the NBA playoffs is usually devoid of upsets, and I expect that trend to continue this season.


First Round

#1 Chicago Bulls (50-16) vs. #8 Philadelphia 76ers (35-31)

The Bulls should not take the 76ers lightly, even with Philadelphia's late season swoon that dropped them to the 8th seed. The Sixers have given the Bulls fits when they have played the last couple of seasons. However, the Bulls confidence is sky high after winning 50 games during the strike shortened season and doing it for huge stretches of the year without their best player, PG Derrick Rose. Rose should be ready for the playoffs but Bulls fans have to be nervous about how rusty he might be after missing so much time with a litany of injuries. John Lucas and C..J Watson were able to manage the team in Rose's absence, while other players like Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, Taj Gibson, and when he actually played, Richard Hamilton all stepped up. The Bulls have tremendous depth and that should serve them well in the playoffs.

The Sixers are led in scoring by PG Lou Williams, who actually plays behind fellow PG Jrue Holiday. Andre Iguodala saw his scoring numbers plunge this year, but his assists and rebounds were above his career average. PF Elton Brand isn't the scorer he used to be but he can still play good defense, and he along with Spencer Hawes can cause problems for teams in the paint. Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young provide the Sixers with some scoring off the bench.

This series will be a defensive slugfest, as neither team is proficient on offense but both are fantastic defensive teams. I think Rose trying to reintegrate himself into the lineup will cause the Bulls some problems in this series and allow the Sixers to make it interesting. Ultimately though the Bulls are too good to lose four game to Philadelphia.

Prediction: Bulls over 76ers, 4-2

#4 Boston Celtics (39-27) vs. #5 Atlanta Hawks (40-26)

The Celtics were expected to fall by the wayside this season with their big three of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett supposedly being too worn down to deal with the fast paced schedule of the lockout shortened season. They started off the season very slowly, but following the All Star break they seemed to be a new team and climbed all the way up to the fourth seed and another division title. The Celtics were one of the worst scoring and rebounding teams in the league but with Rajon Rondo running the point, his play along with their fantastic defense has elevated the Celtics to title contention. PF Brandon Bass has played well, and the biggest surprise of the season for the Celtics was the emergence of SG Avery Bradley and his hard nosed defense.

The Hawks are where they seem to be every season, right in the middle of the pack, with the talent to win a First Round series, but not the talent to any further. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith are still the team's main offensive output, but still will disappear during stretches of games. PG Jeff Teague took a huge leap this year, doubling his career scoring average. The Hakws also have the corpses of Tracy McGrady and Jerry Stackhouse taking up minutes but not doing much else. They will be without Al Horford for this series, as they have been for all but 11 games this year.

This will be another defensive series and one that I expect home court will play a major role. Despite having the lower seed, the Hawks get homecourt advantaged based on finishing with a better record. I think home court will be served for most of the series, but come the decisive Game 7, the battle tested Celtics will win in Atlanta and move on.

Prediction: Celtics over Hawks, 4-3

#2 Miami Heat (46-20) vs. #7 New York Knicks (36-30)

This is the most anticipated series of the First Round in the Eastern Conference. For the Knicks sake hopefully that means more than last season, when they were supposed to give the Celtics trouble and instead were swept. The Knicks were up and down all season, their season falling off a cliff to start, before Jeremy Lin and Linsanity emerged and seemed to save Mike D'Antoni's job. Then Carmelo Anthony returned from injury, the team struggled and D'Antoni resigned. Following that, both Lin and Amar'e Stoudemire were hurt, and Anthony carried the team and got them into the playoffs. Stoudemire is back now, and while Lin is not expected to play in this series, they have to feel good about Anthony playing his best basketball since joining the Knicks last season.

The Heat and their Big 2 1/2 are still the focal point, while the rest of their guys are pretty much garbage. They still lack a point guard that can take over a game or even be much of a factor. They also remain weak at center where Joel Anthony and Ronny Turiaf get the bulk of the time. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are still both incredible and good enough themselves to carry the Heat far in the playoffs. The Heat also remain a strong defensive team and throw that in with the seventh best offense in the league and they are tough to beat, despite having no depth.

I think the Knicks will live up to the hype in this year's playoffs and provide a memorable series against Miami. This series certainly doesn't lack star power and it will basically come down to which team's superstars outplay the other team's superstars. I like James and Wade over Anthony and Stoudemire.

Prediction: Heat over Knicks, 4-2

#3 Indiana Pacers (42-24) vs. #6 Orlando Magic (37-29)

This is the series that will likely be relegated to NBA TV. Despite having the 5th best record in the NBA the Pacers are still under the radar, and the Magic will be without their superstar and top notch whiner, Dwight Howard for the entirety of the playoffs. The Pacers have six players that average double figures in scoring, with SF Danny Granger leading the way with 18.7 ppg. PF David West's scoring is down but he is playing well heading into the playoffs and has some playoff experience. C Roy Hibbert is one of the most improved players in the league and with the absence of Howard give the Pacers a huge advantage down low. Darren Collison got injured and then lost his starting point guard job to SG George Hill, who limits his turnovers better than Collison did.

The Magic may actually be pleased to be without the drama that Howard gave the team all season. With him out, the scoring load will be primarily taken over by PF Ryan Anderson. Anderson had a career year, and he can score both inside and out. SF Hedo Turkoglu will be back from his eye injury, and the Magic hope that the recent hot play of SGs Jason Richardson and J.J. Redick will continue. PF Glen "Big Baby" Davis will also to have a tremendous series, to make up for the absence of Howard.

The Pacers showed signs of their emergence in last year's playoffs when they gave the Bulls all they could handle in the First Round. This year, I think they take the next step and win a playoff series, helped by the Magic being without one of the best players in the league in Howard.

Prediction: Pacers over Magic, 4-2

NCAA Basketball Championship Game - New Orleans, Louisiana

#2 Kansas (32-6) vs. #1 Kentucky (37-2)

It is Bill Self vs. John Calipari, and no it is not 2008, it is 2012. Like in 2008, Self is leading his underdog Kansas Jayhawks, while Calipari is coaching the favorite, except this time his team is Kentucky and not Memphis. This is a rematch from November 15 when Kentucky manhandled Kansas, 75-65. Both teams have vastly improved since then, so don't put too much stock into that result.

Kentucky got Louisville's best shot but were able to hang on to a 69-61 victory. The Wildcats shot uncharacteristically poorly from the free throw line, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist struggled but they still found ways to win.

Kansas put in what has become a typical performance for them in this Tournament. They played an awful first half, then played like a completely different team in the second half, rallying to defeat Ohio State, 64-62. Thomas Robinson led Kansas with 19 points and Jeff Withey dominated with 7 blocks.

Kentucky is clearly the best team in college basketball and if they play even average should defeat Kansas. However, if they play closer to the level they played Saturday against Louisville this game will become exciting. A better team would have beaten Kentucky and it is a shame Ohio State choked away their game against Kansas because I believe they are a team that could take down the Wildcats. I don't think Kansas can afford another slow start and expect to be able to come back against Kentucky. They have to play more like the Kansas team that came strong out of the gates against North Carolina in the Elite Eight.

The matchup to watch tonight will be Anthony Davis against Thomas Robinson, perhaps the best and second best players in the country. Their first matchup was basically a stalemate, Robinson was able to get rebounds but didn't score much, while Davis did a little bit of everything. You don't get to see many battles of big men anymore, so this will have an old school feel. Withey will also guard Davis at times but I think Kansas has to try to stick Robinson on Davis to match his athleticism. Tyshawn Taylor was the leading scorer for Kansas in that game, but his recent play suggests an encore performance is unlikely. He has shot poorly throughout the Tournament, and had just 10 points and 5 turnovers against Ohio State. Kansas guard Travis Releford doesn't always get talked about but his steady play is a major reason Kansas has gotten this far. If the battle of the big men becomes a wash then the game will come down to Taylor, Releford, and Elijah Johnson versus Darius Miller, Marquis Teague, and a player that killed Kansas the first time Doron Lamb. Kansas isn't very deep as the only two that usually get off the bench are G Conner Teahan, and F Kevin Young. Neither will do much scoring and Young plays for his defense. Terrence Jones and Kidd-Gilchrist have the size to take advantage of some matchups the Jayhawks will throw at them and I wouldn't be surprised if they both have big games. Especially Kidd-Gilchrist who will want to atone for his struggles in the Final Four.

The difference in this game may end up being the three. Kansas shot just 34% from three point land this season, while the Wildcats shot 38%. Also, Kentucky is just more talented and deep than Kansas and I think that will eventually overwhelm the Jayhawks. I think Kansas will come out playing well and give themselves hope, but then at around the ten minute mark in the second half, they will begin to fatigue and that is when Kentucky will take over the game. Calipari will finally have his national championship and the Wildcats will be champions for the first time since 1998.

Prediction: Kentucky 69, Kansas 59