Eastern Conference Crystal Ball
I wrote these predictions in August, and I’m sticking to them.
In scoring 29 of his team’s final 30 points en route to 48 points and a decisive Game 5 Eastern Conference victory over the Pistons, LeBron James ushered in the greatest NBA playoff performance since Michael Jordan’s legendary “flu game” in 1998. Even better, you can log on to Youtube and watch a condensed version of the carnage whenever you need be reminded why you love this game. Though they haven’t made much off-season noise, the Cavs, with their one mega star and consistently good team defense, pose just as good a threat to get back to the Finals as any other team in the conference. In fact, I’m going to go out on a limb and be the only person to pick them to repeat as conference champions. I’m not picking them because I’m trying to be different. I’m picking them because doubting LeBron is never a good idea, especially with the King’s renewed focus and jumpshot.
The Celtics will contend, but I don’t see them making it to the finals. Too many health/depth (hepth?) concerns.
The rugged, balanced Chicago Bulls, led by Argentinean crash-test dummy Andres Nocioni and the blossoming Luol Deng, should contend.
The Pistons and Heat, though playoff-bound, are too old to truly turn back the clock. It doesn’t help Detroit’s cause that Flip Saunders, a coach who has never been able to find the clutch, still sits in the driver’s seat.
If healthy, the Wizards, Nets and Raptors will play semi-attractive ball and round out the East’s top 8.
Off season acquisitions Zach Randolph and Rashard Lewis will put up numbers for the Knicks and Magic respectively, but neither will prevent his team from failing to make the postseason.
The Bucks, Hawks, Bobcats, Sixers and Pacers will comprise the basement and jockey for lottery position.
12 Responses to “Eastern Conference Crystal Ball”
Oct.31 at 11:57 am
H to the izzo says:
Are we getting Last Week in La Ligas at all this year,Jake?
Oct.31 at 12:04 pm
Jake Appleman says:
No, Izzo. Sorry, I don’t have the time.
Oct.31 at 12:08 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Izzo, if I may pick up Jake’s slack and offer a truncated version of L.W.I.L.L.: A bunch of little dudes with bad haircuts fall down a lot and occasionally kick a ball in a net. Ole Ole Ole…
Luton v. Everton in the Carling Cup tonight — THAT’s what I call football.
Oct.31 at 12:10 pm
H to the izzo says:
I was actually randomly offered tickets to that game,Ryan.If you manage to re-introduce the concord and get a flight over they’re yours
Oct.31 at 12:20 pm
white hot eboy says:
Jake, you really want to stick with the Cavs? To quote, “You’re braver than I thought”.
Oct.31 at 12:30 pm
Chief says:
Don’t doubt the Knicks, I think that town is getting a real basketball team again. And screw Boston, Jersey and The Raptors look way better than them. KG playing against CB4 is only gonna make him better.
Oct.31 at 12:34 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Tempting, except that I promised myself not to die in a fiery airplane crash this year. I do hope to be in the sunny Northwest of England at some point in the spring, though. I’ll keep you posted.
Oct.31 at 1:53 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
jake, youre a funny guy, picking the cavs to go to the finals again. you do realize they had a bye to the ecf? and sheed was on point about the lebron/league stuff. although flip is a horrible coach. nets or celts will win the east.
Oct.31 at 1:53 pm
BETCATS says:
Cats will be the 10th seed at L-EAST
Oct.31 at 2:01 pm
white hot eboy says:
BET, why are you here? Or are you an imposter?
Oct.31 at 7:12 pm
BETCATS says:
i do my free time when not doing my website
Nov.1 at 6:44 am
Slobodan Chutzpah says:
I have no idea why people are sleeping on the Raps. I have seen four or five of their preseason games and they are looking very impressive. They don’t really lack anything; they have the best point guard tandem in the game as well as the best front court in the East. Yes, I said it: Bargnani is going to make the leap this season, and it won’t take him too long to get better than the already formidable Chris Bosh. People will sleep on them at their peril; I can see them winning the East.