NBA PLAYOFFS Round 2 Preview

The first round is in the books (as is Game 1 of the second round for both Boston/Miami and OKC/Memphis) and we're on to the Conference Semifinals.

In my playoff power rankings I touched on a few things that proved to be correct, and a few things I narrowly missed on. The Hornets did need Chris Paul to play other-wordly to beat the Lakers, and for two games he was just that. Unfortunately, they couldn't expect him to do that for the whole series and Los Angeles survived an ugly 1st round series. I also mentioned that everyone was loving Portland but I still had a feeling Dallas might have one more run in the tank...and it looks like they do. On the other hand I gave Indiana no chance to win a game against Chicago and they took two! Chicago doesn't look nearly as scary when Rose is shooting poorly. I also misread the ORL/ATL series in round one, despite the fact that my gut told me Orlando was really bad. I still don't believe in Atlanta much, but hopefully they can make the series with Chicago entertaining.

And with that...let's get into some series previews.


EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Chicago Bulls vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks

Indiana did exactly what any team should try and do against the Bulls - which is to try and contain Rose to long jumpers and trap him off of pick and rolls. They had some success, although Rose ultimately was too much to handle with his athleticism. Let's get this out there right now - you can't keep him away from the rim for a whole game unless he decides to do so. He isn't a high percentage shooter, and certainly wasn't shooting well against Indiana, but he still gets his points on layups, dunks and free throws when he's not going well. Keeping him out of the paint and off the line will be paramount to Atlanta's success. The Hawks will also want to keep a long arm in the face of Kyle Korver who was a big shot factory in round one. I normally hate on Korver pretty hard but he was big in round one, when no other Bulls were really stepping up.
Carlos Boozer can sometimes struggle against lengthy defenders like Horford and Pachulia, so it will be key for Noah to have a big series on both ends.

Bulls win if...Rose is Rose and scores and distributes. (I know sounds simple, but I really think that is all they need.)

Hawks win if...Rose continues poor shooting, or gets banged up and Joe Johnson starts earning some of that contract he got.

PREDICTION - Bulls in 5.



2. Miami Heat vs. 3. Boston Celtics

Game one is already in the books, and we know what happened there. Pierce came unraveled and Wade had a tremendous game as Miami jumped to an early big lead and never looked back.
Three things concern me about the first game for the Celtics.
1) Rondo lacked the aggression he showed through most of the NYK series. (Although to be fair, he was in foul trouble)
2) Jermaine O'Neal was nowhere to be found. (He was huge against Knicks and needs to be in this series. He should be tearing up Joel Anthony on both ends)
3) Lack of effort. All game long it looked like they were reaching for loose balls and grasping as Heat players as they got burned on D, instead of moving their feet and getting after it. After a long break they shouldn't come out like that - and you know Doc was on 'em about it. I don't expect that to last, but it needs to change fast.

Van Gundy and company made a salient point yesterday in that Miami has the most athletic perimeter in the league and the extra pass (something Boston usually does quite well) will be key in this series. And on defense they really need to stay home on James Jones and Mike Miller and get their rotations tighter.
Look for Miami to exploit their athleticism all series long and the drive and dish for three should be their main weapon of choice.

Miami wins if...Rondo can't destroy MIA PGs and Wade and James display great cohesion.

Boston wins if...They use their veteran presence to get under skin on Miami role players - and King James for that matter. (NOT reacting like Pierce did yesterday.)

PREDICTION - Boston in 7.



WESTERN CONFERENCE

2. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 3. Dallas Mavericks

Hard to believe but this is the first time in the "Dirk/Kobe" era that these two have met in the playoffs. It should be a great series both on and off the court, as I can't wait to see some Mark Cuban shenanigans and hopefully some firing back and forth between he and Zen Master Phil.
As I think about this series, I'm not really sure what to make of it. Part of me wants to think Dallas has a real shot - especially with the Lakers recent play and Kobe maybe a bit banged up and certainly getting long in the tooth. However, I just think LA has been doing this too long, and ultimately Kobe, Gasol, Odom and Bynum will be too much for Dirk and company. However, if Jason Kidd can exploit the PG position somewhat like Chris Paul - obviously in a much less dynamic fashion - and Jason Terry can shake loose for his patented big shots they might be able to pull it off. I think stealing a game 1 in LA would be a huge boost to the effort.

Los Angeles wins if... Gasol comes out of his hole and starts resembling the player that we saw in last year's playoffs and they dominate the glass.

Dallas wins if... Dirk plays huge all series and Chandler can make Gasol into a jelly donut like New Orleans did.


PREDICTION - Los Angeles in 6.



4. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 8. Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis took game one on the road in convincing fashion yesterday. It might be time to start believing in Memphis. They basically tore up a dilapidated San Antonio team, and have now taken the home court from Oklahoma City - who many saw as the best team in the West. Zach "Zebo" Randolph has been huge in these playoffs and the Grizzlies actually have a very 'OKC up-and-comer' type of feel about them. They are a fairly young team with nothing to lose and playing with a certain swagger. It also seems that Pau had his mojo stolen by his little brother, Marc Gasol who is playing as well as Pau is playing poorly.
On the other hand, if OKC can avoid panicking and another me-against-the-world type of game from Russell Westbrook they should still pull this series out.

Oklahoma City wins if... Durant gets off and Westbrook reverts back to his "Robin" ways and quits trying to play "Batman". (That's Durant's job)

Memphis wins if... Zebo keeps playing well and Durant gets shutdown by Tony Allen and the Grizzlie perimeter defenders.

PREDICTION - Oklahoma City in 7

Holy Shit, The Spurs Are On The Brink

That's the back of Tony Allen's head.

The Grizzlies, yea the Grizzlies are up 3-1 on the 1st seeded Spurs.

I never really believed in the Spurs to be honest. They limped into the playoffs, Manu Ginobili is injured (or what Tony Allen thinks faking it) and they are just getting old. What is kind of funny is the fact that Rudy Gay arguably the Grizzlies best player has been injured and gone for the year.

With the Lakers and the Spurs struggling in round 1, how crazy would it be if the Hornets and Grizzlies were in round 2. It would probably usher the Thunder into the championship.

I honestly didn't see the Spurs making it far in the playoffs, but maybe losing in round 1. I definitely didn't see.

Grizzlies Give Zach Randolph 4 Year Deal

"Hours after Zach Randolph helped the Memphis Grizzlies win their first playoff game, the franchise rewarded him with a four-year, $71 million contract extension that was agreed to Saturday night, according to league sources (ESPN)."

Back in his Trail Blazers days I really question Randolph, but he seems like he keeps out of trouble now, and has been so consistent every year that the Grizzlies had to keep him. With Gay, Randolph, and Gasol this team should be good for a long time, and if Ginobili can't play in this series he might just cause an upset. Either way I love what Memphis has done, and I think this is a great signing.

Grizzlies Can't Be Happy With Tony Allen

Things seem to be going well for Tony Allen in Memphis. He has the starting job now that Rudy Gay is out, and has been playing pretty well. Yet, I guess he still isn't all that happy...

“I’m a Celtic, but unfortunately, I wear a Grizzlies jersey right now,” said Allen, who was the only member of the Memphis starting five to receive a positive response from the Garden crowd during Wednesday night’s game. “It was a nice reaction. I liked it (WEEI).”

If I was a Memphis fan I would throw a fit over this. Where the fuck does he get off saying something like that after the Grizzlies gave him the contract he wanted and the playing time to go along with it? This is a guy who has already got in a fight with OJ Mayo. Now he is saying that even though he wears a Memphis jersey, he is still really a Celtic. That's called treason Mr. Allen.

As a Celtics fan, I have had a weird relationship with Tony. I hated him for a long time, then ended up really liking him for his tough play last season. These comments really mean nothing to me, but if Memphis is interested the Celtics should have an empty roster spot next season after I murder Troy Murphy.

90 Grizzlies, 87 Celtics

I don't think they played that bad last night but the end of the game execution may have been the worst I have ever seen a Doc Rivers coached team perform. Being down one with plenty of time left Rajon threw up a floater that missed. Then Mike Conley sunk 2 free throws pushing the game to 3. During the next Celtics possession somehow the ball got into Big Baby's hands and he heaved up a 3 with 7 seconds left. This was the most confusing shot, normally the Celtics are really good at staying poised and making the extra pass and they panicked. After the miss, Marc Gasol got the rebound and we fouled him and he gave us an extra opportunity by missing both free throws. We called the timeout and advanced the ball to halfcourt. We got the ball to Pierce 10 feet behind the line and he just didn't get an appropriate look and missed the last second shot.

We were our own worst enemies last night.

Just a very frustrating loss because we shouldn't have lost this one.

Grizzlies @ Celtics Preview

Both teams are riding 2 game winning streak, both teams are 6-4 in their last 10 games. Yet their season are so very different. The Celtics are battling for the #1 seed in the East, while the Grizzlies are trying to hold on for last place in the West.

Memphis got terrible news yesterday that Rudy Gay will not return at any point this season. If that didn't hurt their playoff hope enough, coming into the Garden where the Celtics are 29-6. Plus the Grizzlies have not played well against Boston, because if they lose tonight that would mean they have been swept by the Celtics 3 of the last 4 seasons.

The Celtics have looked like shit lately, right up until the 2nd half of the game against the Knicks. Doc called out the team for being soft, and he wasn't far enough. The Celtics were letting guys get to the hoop way to easy, which was also affecting their perimeter defense. In the 2nd half against the Knicks the Celtics put the clamps down. The question is can they start doing it night after night?

I have said it before and I'll say it again. It's all about Rondo. When he plays like he did last game (10+ points, 10+ assists, 5+ rebs, and a couple steals) the whole Celtics team plays better. When Rondo get penetration suddenly Paul Pierce becomes 10X the player, then when he has to go iso and run the offense. KG is obviously much better, because he gets open looks in the low post. And the list goes on and on.

Rondo started to show that explosiveness he had earlier in the season. If he has it again tonight the Celtics will kick the shit out of this team. If he doesn't you could see a token "trap" loss. The time for those types of losses are over.

Celtics win 108-95
Tommy Award: Rondo
Game starts at 7:30pm on CSNNewEngland

Rudy Gay's Season Comes To An End

"The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that Grizzlies swingman Rudy Gay (shoulder) will miss the remainder of the season. Gay received a second opinion from a doctor that recommended season-ending surgery. Gay was hurt on Feb. 15 and has already missed five weeks with the injury. “I’ve never really been hurt. I’ve never had anything shut me down,” Gay said. “There’s really no brace or anything I can wear to make it better. I have to have the surgery (CBS Sports).”

Grizzlies have moved Tony Allen, which will help pick up the slack defensively, but the Grizzlies will miss Gays offense. Right now, the Grizzlies have a 2 game lead for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. This could come down the wire, as the Rockets have been playing real well lastly, winning 4 straight and 7 of their last 10. You have to wonder if this news will deflate the Grizzlies, but whoever makes it in the Spurs will take care of very quickly.

TOP 25 UNDER 25 - #11 Rudy Gay

RUDY GAY - Small Forward, Memphis Grizzlies
via here
From the land of basketball obscurity we have Rudy Gay, a terrific wing player who has really started coming into his own as a dynamic NBA player. Gay's nightly highlights and impressive numbers are often lost to the average basketball fan. But for those who follow closely he is highly regarded as one of the league's best young talents. Unfortunately, it looks like he'll be swimming in the waters of the Bermuda Triangle for some time, because he signed a 5 year deal with Memphis this past off-season.

Growing up in Baltimore (quietly becoming a basketball hotbed - Gay, Durant and Melo all from that area) Gay was considered one of the best young talents in the country. He was a national AAU standout, the Baltimore area player of the year and a McDonald's All-American as a senior, averaging 21 points 9 boards and 3 blocks per game. From there he went on to play ball at UConn under coach Jim Calhoun. This was not very well received in college basketball circles, after Gay had expressed an interest in playing for Maryland but ultimately chose to go with the Huskies. There was some degree of connection between his AAU coach and UConn, and the school even paid $25,000 to play his old AAU team. That's neither here nor there.

Gay had a tremendous career at UConn, becoming Freshman of the Year, both in the Big East and nationally. As a sophomore he was a Naismith Award finalist and led UConn to a 30-3 record. You may remember that team as the one who lost to George Mason on their way to a miraculous Final Four run. Following that season, Gay entered the draft and was taken 8th overall by Houston and then traded along with Stromile Swift to Memphis for Shane Battier. (Even though Battier is a jack-of-all-trades, I think Houston might like that one back.)



His rookie season was a bit of a struggle, as he only scored 10.8 points a game. But as a 2nd year player he took off putting up a gaudy 20 points a night to go with 6 boards, as the Grizzlies best player. He was runner-up to Hedo Turkoglu for Most Improved in the NBA that season. Since then, Gay has been one of the best small forwards in the NBA, putting up consistent numbers right around 20 points and 6 boards a game. He is a very effective shooter, and has even improved on those numbers this season. Currently he's shooting at a 47% clip from the floor and just a hair under 40% from three. He's not necessarily a one-sided player either, bringing nearly 2 steals a night to go with just over one block per contest.

He has also proven to be pretty clutch when it matters.


Gay is the 5th best power forward in John Hollinger's efficiency rankings. But he is in tremendous company behind Lebron, Durant, Melo and Pierce, and ahead of Danny Granger. Among leading forward scorers he's the top three point shooter.

It is a shame that such a talent has to be wasted on a joke of a franchise like the Grizzlies, and doesn't get to play for Boston where he belongs. Ok...I'm joking, but seriously, Gay is a player that doesn't get the national recognition he deserves. His list of accomplishments isn't long, but when you play on such a bad squad that is understandable. Much like other players on this list, I wanted to shine some light on a very bright young talent that doesn't get much love.



When you play the same position as Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant you're not going to get much love in the All-Star voting. However, at 24 years old Gay's best seasons are still ahead of him. And who knows? He may just find his way out of Memphis and onto a good team. Memphis fans (are there any?) are hoping that's not the case, but it would be good for Gay, and good for fans of the NBA.

Rudy Gay Dislocates Left Shoulder

"Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay will miss at least four weeks with a left shoulder injury, a potentially serious blow to Memphis' playoff chances. Gay suffered the injury in the second quarter of Tuesday night's 102-91 win against the Philadelphia 76ers. An MRI Wednesday showed a partial dislocation of the shoulder (CBS Sports)."

Huge blow to Memphis playoffs hopes, as they are currently tied for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference (with Utah). Gay was averaging 16.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game over his last 10 games.

Gay was given a big contract recently and a lot of people wondered if he was worth the price. His stats across the board are up from last season, and he is still only 24 years old, so I think he will only get better.

Memphis is really going to miss Gay while he was out, and this could put some pressure on O.J. Mayo to be a more offensive threat. He has just returned from suspension and this could prove to be an important couple of weeks for Mayo, who is looking to define his role on this team. Well, that's if he isn't traded first.

OJ Mayo Suspended For 10 Games

OJ Mayo has had a pretty tough year, 1st he gets moved to be a 6th man, then Tony Allen whoops his ass, and now he's suspended for steroids.

He claims that it's an over the counter drug and that what tested positive, but I don't get that. How as a professional athlete do you not do research in what you are putting into your body. I know the Grizzlies are getting sick of the former 3rd overall pick, so you have to wonder if those trade whispers will get louder as the deadline approaches.

Oh, So That's What Tony Allen Has Been Up To

"Yahoo! Sports is reporting that Grizzlies guards O.J. Mayo and Tony Allen got into a fight on the team's charter flight Monday after a card game.

According to the report, which cited unidentified sources, Mayo owed Allen money following the game and became increasingly angry toward Allen when asked to settle the debt. Several players eventually had to separate the teammates (ESPN)."

It doesn't sound like this will be an on going problem, but you have to think Mayo has got to be pissed of that he is coming off the bench. Everyone made such a big deal out of him after his rookie year, and since he has been good, but not great. I hated Tony Allen for most of the time he was with the Celtics, until last year when I started to have a lot of respect for him. I still think he should've stayed, but I understand that he wanted to do more with his career. Yet, it really hasn't worked out he is only averaging 5.7 ppg, 1.1 asts, and 2 rebs a game. I feel like he could've easily done that here, and been on a Championship caliber team.

Mayo missed the next game due to "illness", but I have heard rumors that it was the team that made him sit out.

Really Tony?

Here are his comments:
" "Ultimately, it was the way [the Grizzlies] embraced me, the way they reached out to me and let it all out," said Allen. "They let me know I was needed. In Boston, I was kind of overshadowed by those guys -- Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Here's a ball club that's on the rise and a lot of guys can make names for themselves. It's a coming out party for a lot of guys on this team."

"I don't mind embracing the [defensive] role, but there is more to my game; let's not get that twisted," said Allen. "Whatever I can do to win ballgames -- if that's just passing out Gatorades or flashing towels or giving somebody a high-five, I'm willing to do that."

Does he not know that he will be overshadowed by OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay? I'm really disappointed in this reaction by him, because it goes to show how selfish he actually was. Tony is a serviceable scorer and a great perimeter defender and that's it. If he is leading the team in scoring ever, it's probably not a good thing.

The crazy thing is that if he was looking for more playing time, he probably would receive it in Boston with all of the old bones guys. He actually also changed Bostons opinion of him last year, and would have looked at as a James Posey type of guy that could do no wrong.

Either way, I hope he can live up to his words, because I'm skeptical.

Also Rajon Rondo has something to say about Miami:
“They should be good, but they ain’t done nothing yet.”
Fact, Fuck LeBron.

Grizzlies Make A Really Gay Move

Rudy Gay landed the first max deal of the summer while LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the rest of the star-studded free agent class mulled over offers from NBA suitors. Gay agreed to a five-year contract on Thursday that will pay him more than $82 million to stay with the Memphis Grizzlies.

I am really surprised about this. I knew people would be getting overpaid, because of all the teams with cap space, but I thought it would happen after Lebron/Wade/Bosh, ect all signed. Gay is a great player, but I don't see him as a "max" type of guy. Maybe I am just being bitter, because I really wanted him on the Celtics, but to me the Grizzlies really overpaid.

Grizzlies 111 Celtics 91

I learned 2 things from this game.

1. Memphis is for real and I would hate to run into this team in the playoffs.

2. The Celtics are in a lot of trouble.

I know, I know. You can't question the Celtics on this site, but at what point and I allowed to push the panic button. The Celtics seems like they never even showed up for this game scoring 12 points in the first quarter. They looked tired, and once again their big men (KG/Perk) played like shit racking up only 10 points and 11 boards. Can someone explain how these two great players have had their asses handed to them from players like Blatche, McGee, Randolph, Bogut...sure they are "good", but they aren't great and they aren't on Championship teams.

"The disappointing thing about tonight and other games is our lack of offense is dictating how we play defense," Rivers said. "They get an offensive rebound and make a 3, and you can see the heads hanging again. ... We just didn't seem like we had the fight to fight through that."

I love you Doc, I really do, but what the fuck? "We didn't seem like we had the fight to fight through that"...That is your fucking job! Nothing Doc has done this season has impressed me. The team seemed to buy into him 2 years ago, but since then I feel there has been inconsistent effort at best.

The key here is that the Celtics do have enough time to right the ship (19 games), but it won't happen with this kind of effort. Yes, I know they are old, I know they are injury prone, but I believe it is far beyond that and this team just don't have the heart to do anything right now.

Also on the upside Rudy Gay (who will be a Celtic next year) had 28 points and is a beast.

Celtics Vs Grizzlies Preview

Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! the Celtics are fucked tonight. They lost yesterday to the Milwaukee Bucks, and they lost to the Nets and almost lost to the Knicks and Wizards. They shouldn't even touch the court tonight, or for the rest of the season. They are done, their bench isn't that great, they are old and don't let me even get started on Rasheed Wallace. This franchise is doomed.....

Wait a second that isn't right at all.

That's what other DC writers want me to say, however, those faggots can keep their skepticism to the comment section.

Tonight the Celtics look to bounce back from a tough loss against Andrew Bogut and the Bucks. The Grizzlies aren't good, but they have some decent talent on their squad. Rudy gay, OJ Mayo, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are all good players and can explode at any time. The Lineups are:

PG M. Conley R. Rondo
SG O. Mayo R. Allen
SF R. Gay P. Pierce
PF Z. Randolph K. Garnett
C M. Gasol K. Perkins

The key to this game is K.G, Perk, and Sheed vs Gasol and Randolph. Big guys recently have been eating us up whether it be Andre Blanche or Andrew Bogut. This is a little concerning to me because other than Rondo, our best defensive players are Perk and KG. Another concern is Paul Pierce's inconsistent play, he has totally disappeared in some games recently but like any good shooter, he will eventually snap out of this funk.

KG and Pierce have a great game and Perk holds Gasol to 7 points.

Celtics: 100- 87
Tommy Award: KG

Iverson/ Grizzlies Split After 3 Games

Way to go Chris Wallace. I don't understand the signing in the first place. Didn't Allen Iverson know that he was going to be a role player? Didn't someone talk to him before putting the ink to the paper? I went on a rant about Iverson before so I don't want to repeat myself before, but his past two seasons have really tarnished his legacy for me. I don't know if he can get passed his ego and sign with a contender at this point, but he will definitely sign with a team when they get desperate.

Allen Iverson To Retire

I don't know who to put the blame on for this one, the Grizzlies for signing him or AI. Iverson had a major problem being a role player in Detroit, so what did they think was going to happen when they tried to make him a 6th man in Memphis. This pains me because I love Iverson and believe he was a top 25 skill in NBA history. However, he has tarnished his reputation dearly the past two years with his selfishness. If he actually took a second and looked at his game, he would realize he isn't the player he used to be and he would be an awesome 6th man. But his own ignorance is killing his chances to succeeding in the NBA.

Iverson To Grizzlies

This is a perfect fit for Allen Iverson who proved last year he can't play team ball. This will make Iverson the star for the Grizzlies and he will put up his 28 points a game because everyone else sucks on the team, and this will put a couple more asses in the seats in Memphis.

Iverson is literally on his last legs and he isn't like many players who want to win a championship, he is a player that still wants his minutes, points, stats. I hate to shit on AI, because he is one of my favorite players of all time, but last year in Detroit and how he acted really left a sour taste in my mouth.

Grizzlies Make Offer To Iverson

"Allen Iverson twittered again Wednesday, saying the Grizzlies have made him an offer -- and Memphis says it's true. Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace told ESPN.com Wednesday night that negotiations between the sides have heated up to the point where the Grizzlies have made their first formal offer. "We're heading into the home stretch before the season, and we have had interest in Allen all summer," Wallace said. "We've been in touch on a fairly consistent basis and had dialogue with his agent, Leon Rose, since the beginning of free agency (ESPN)."

Iverson is all washed up, and is looking for 1 more contract before retirement. Don't get me wrong I actually think he'll have a good year with the Grizzlies, because he is at his best when he is the focus of the team. This is perfect for him, because he sucks on good teams...

Clippers Looking To Sign Iverson

"The makeover of the Los Angeles Clippers may include a former scoring champion. The Clippers may be prepared to offer their full mid-level exception of $5.8 million on a one-year contract. The Grizzlies are reportedly willing to offer something in the same neighborhood, but the Heat are thought to be interested in paying him less than half of that figure (ESPN)."

I think the Clippers should stay away from this guy, unless they are planning on trading Baron Davis. If they were to sign him it would mean less playing time for Eric Gordon who should be the future for this team. There are some rumors that the Clippers are in talks to send Davis to the Blazers, but nothing official. Anyways, I don't think Iverson has much left in the tank, but if he wants to be able to make one last run at a Championship then he should look to the Heat as his best shot. If he goes to the Grizzlies then he is just looking for one last pay day.