NBA PREDICTIONS

NBA Predictions

I feel that the..

Houston Rockets will get passed the first round of the playoffs this season, with the great addition of Steve Francis, Mike James, and Luis Scola (only to name a few). They brought a legit Power Forward in Luis Scola, and brought depth into their bench; adding more firepower even with their starters on the bench.
Boston Celtics won't have a remarkable season, but this is a team with 2 potential Hall of Famer's [Ray Allen & Kevin Garnett] in the NBA, and a seasonal Veteran / All-star [Paul Pierce]. They will click on all cylinders in the playoffs though. This is a team thats not here to fool around. These 3 players come from 3 different teams in the NBA that ranked near the bottom in the league. They are hungry for a championship ring.

New York Knicks will double their win/loss ratio from last season with Curry and ZeBo [Zach Randolph] in the post. Not only do they have two future dominant front court players, they have a deep backcourt in Stephon Marbury, Quentin Richardson, and Jamal Crawford.

Washington Wizards are a true underdog team. Gilbert Arena's has proven himself to be among the greats in the league. He has proven himself with a 60 point game against the Lakers in which Kobe Bryant himself couldn't contain him. Kobe even had a few negative words about Gilbert's amazing performance. Along with a healthy Caron Butler and Antwan Jamison, I feel the Washington Wizards may have what it takes to be a force in the playoffs. Glibert Arena's has also guaranteed a victory over the Boston Celtics in the season opener.

Utah Jazz are a team that no one looks at to be a force in the NBA. People don't see that this Utah team looks to be that of a smaller San Antonio team. They have inside dominance in Boozer and Okur (a man that can step out and hit the three ball also). Then they have one of the most talented Point Guards in the league in Deron Williams. When you talk about the Utah Jazz you can't go without talking about Andre Kirilenko, a defensive master-mind who has averaged about 2 bpg (blocks per game) since he has been in the league. As long as Carlos Boozer stays healthy I can see this team fighting for a 4th or 5th seed.

Phoenix Suns won't be as dominant this season like they were the past couple seasons. Phoenix Suns have played without Amare Stoudamire and have succeeded to do so, for a period of time, but what do you do when one of the best Forwards in the league (Shawn Marion) wants out? With Amare out with arthroscopic knee surgery and Marion wanting out, who does the Phoenix Suns look to? Grant Hill? A player way past his prime, that can only get you 20-25 minutes every other night? Raja Bell? A set shooter with a hot temper? The only person that can step up for the Phoenix Suns is Steve Nash, and he's been doing his since he's been in the league.. but it takes 5 to win a game. Steve Nash may have some highlight passes, but who do you pass to when your two post players are M.I.A?

NBA PLAYOFFS:
EAST. The 8 teams to advance to the NBA Playoffs are (my prediction on seeds also) :

1. Boston Celtics
2. Detroit Pistons
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
4. Toronto Raptors
5. Chicago Bulls
6. Washington Wizards
7. Orlando Magics
   
8. Miami Heat / New Jersey Nets

Falling short from the playoffs:
New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers

West. The 8 teams to advance to the NBA Playoffs are (my prediction on seeds also) :

1. Dallas Mavericks
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Houston Rockets
4. Utah Jazz
   
5. Phoenix Suns
6. Denver Nuggets
7. Los Angeles Clippers
   
8. Los Angeles Lakers

Falling short from the playoffs:
Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings