| Playoff Association
By Shawn Plunkett April 17th, 2004 |
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This year's NBA Playoffs has some of the most intriguing story lines in recent memory. Will this be the year that the Timberwolves win a series? Shaq and Yao go head-to-head; New York- New Jersey play their own version of the Subway series; the Heat and Grizzlies actually made the playoffs; Carmelo led the Nuggets from 16 wins to a playoff birth; and has there ever been a better first round match-up than the Kings and Mavericks (free tip- take the over on these games). So it's time to stop talking about Kobe's legal troubles, the Jayson Williams' murder trial, and hating on Iverson, and get to the good stuff. Here is a preview of the 2004 NBA Playoffs along with some Fantasy Source tips to get your game on.
Minnesota Timberwolves (1) v. Denver Nuggets (8)
In a battle of superstars, Carmelo Antonothy brings his Nuggets to the Target Centre to face the Timberwolves and the Big Ticket Kevin Garnett. The Nuggets fended off two perennial playoff teams in the Trail Blazers and Jazz to get the 8 spot in the West. Without question the Nuggets earned the right to be thumped by the T-Wolves. Garnett is having such a phenomenal year that he has over-shadowed his fellow superstars Cassell, and Sprewell and black aces Szczerbiak and Olowokandi. Garnett leads this team in points, rebounds, steals and blocks. Seeing as how the T-Wolves will actually win a series, Garnett is a top fantasy pick. The only question is how far will they go considering their next probable match-up will be against the Sacramento-Dallas winner. Anthony will get you some points in the first round, and Andre Miller racks up assists and steals, but unless you are looking for a one-and-done player don't take any Nuggets.
Los Angeles Lakers (2) v. Houston Rockets (7)
This series may have the most intriguing match-up: Yao vs. Shaq. While Yao's popularity has over-shadowed the fact that O'Neal is the far better player at this point, it was Yao, not Francis, that led the Rockets in scoring this year, and has historically played the Big Aristotle tough. The Francis-Bryant match-up will be another interesting battle. Kobe's off-court issues combined with his on-court antics (including his refusal to shoot the ball following team-mates complaints of not taking good shots), make the Lakers as temperamental as Bryant is. This series hinges on Kobe, and whether he can play with the distractions, or more importantly play with his team-mates. If he wins the match-up with Stevie Franchise, so do the Lakers.
San Antonio Spurs (3) v. Memphis Grizzlies (6)
In another match-up of star centres, Pau Gasol will try his hand at slowing down Tim Duncan. While the Griz won the season series, look for Duncan, Emanuel Ginobili and Tony Parker to show their championship form. The interesting aspect of this match-up is Memphis coach Hubie Brown use of his bench. The Grizzlies go 10-deep, which can be seen as both a strength and weakness. This is also a match-up of different tempos. Memphis plays more of an up-tempo game than San Antonio, while the Spurs prefer a physical, half-court game. The tempo will dictate the series. If the Grizzlies can run, they have a chance. The problem is San Antonio probably won't let them. Neither team scored 100 points in any of their games this year. Memphis was in the top ten in League scoring without a player in the top 25 in scoring. Benches are good, but superstars are better. Duncan will put up good numbers in this series- he will have to.
Sacramento Kings (4) v. Dallas Mavericks (5)
It may not be a surprise if this series has less defence than a Globetrotters game. It is almost a shame, (especially for poolies) that these two exciting teams have to play in the first round. Dallas comes in hot, winning 8 of their last 10 games, while Sacramento has struggles- ironically the struggles began with the return of Webber. This series also showcases two of the Associations top scorers in Nowitski and Stojakovic, and two of the top point guards in Bibby vs. Nash. While Dallas added more punch with the additions of Walker and Jameson, the Mavericks continue to live and die by the big three: Nowitski, Nash and Finley. For Dallas to win Finley will have to outplay Doug Christie and Bobby Jackson. For Sacramento to win they will have to figure out a way to get Webber into the flow and chemistry that the team had prior to his arrival. The Kings are a better team with Webber, but they haven't played that way. Dallas will have to rid themselves of the playoff ghosts that continue to haunt them, but the exorcism may have to wait.
Indiana Pacers (1) v. Boston Celtics (8)
The Pacers has the best record in the NBA and looked defensively dominant at times. The Celtics made the playoffs simply because no one else in the East seemed interested in making it. The Celtics have Paul Pierce, which makes them dangerous. In response, the Pacers have Ron Artest, who can shut down any guard in the League, (Jordan is fortunate never to have played Artest). The Pacers bring back fond memories of Detroit's Bad Boys, but they do it with style. Artest's offence will never make people forget Isiah, but this is Jermaine O'Neal's team, and he can score in ways Rodman and Lambeer could never even fathom. The Celtics will have to hope that Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parrish are healthy. On second thought, they couldn't beat the Bad Boys either.
New Jersey Nets (2) v. New York Knicks (7)
The Subway series- the NBA version, may be more of a battle than most think. Kidd and Martin are injured, and Marbury is beginning to put his mark on this team. Allan Houston is hurt for the Knicks, which means Tim Thomas and Penny Hardaway will have to step it up in the scoring department. Kurt Thomas and Dikembe Mutumbo will have to step it up on the defensive end, while Richard Jefferson may have to shoulder a bigger load with all of New Jersey's injuries. Jason Kidd is without a doubt the MVP of the Nets and if he isn't healthy this could be a long series. If Martin and Kidd are fine, or at least play that way, MSG will have to settle for only two playoff games.
Detroit Pistons (3) v. Milwaukee Bucks (6)
This series pits the No.4 scoring team in the Association, the Milwaukee Bucks, against the second best defensive team, the Detroit Pistons. The late season addition of Rasheed Wallace is a guarantee that the Pistons do in fact have the best player named Wallace in the League. Ben and Rasheed are a formidable front-court, especially against the Bucks front-court of Gadzuric, Skinner, Joe Smith, and Keith Van Horn. The Pistons have depth and scoring at every position. If the Bucks have any chance, (which they don't), Micheal Redd will have to score alot against a tough Pistons D. The Pistons finished 26 games over .500, while the Bucks were even. This isn't a typical 3-6 match-up.
Miami Heat (4) v. New Orleans Hornets (5)
This may be the most competitive and most un-interesting series of playoffs. Baron Davis and Dwayne Wade are banged up. Jamaal Mashburn is out. The Heat are a young team led by a couple of rookies and outcasts Eddie Jones, Brian Grant, and Lamar Odom. The Hornets are fronted by possible MVP candidate Barond Davis and All-Star Jamaal Magloire. After that there isn't much to pick from without Mashburn. Both teams are middle of the pack on both ends of the floor. Both teams are downright awful on the road, but solid at home. The Heat's lack of a true centre may hurt them against Jamaal Magloire, but this series is still a pick 'em. The road team may not win a game in this dreadful series.
Picks
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