It’s NBA play off time!!!

It’s NBA play off time!!!

Saturday 16th April

After a long 82 game season filled full of hopes and dreams, the real excitement of the play off’s is upon us. NBA fans will hope to watch their favourite team navigate their way through 4 action packed best of 7 game series on the way to becoming the champions….And showing off that ring!!!

Here’s a look at the 16 teams that made it.

 

THE FAVOURITES

 

CHICAGO BULLS

Regular Season Record: 62-20
Star Man: Derrick Rose
Main support: Luol Deng

The Bulls go into the play off’s with surprisingly the best record in the NBA. Some would say mainly to do with the dynamic skills of MVP contender Derrick Rose, who ended the regular season 7th best for points per game and 10th for assists. Others would also say due the all round contributions of Englishman Deng and Carlos Boozer, but many will pinpoint their supreme defensive abilities. They lead the league for opponent field goal percentage and sit 2nd for opponent goals against. The question is can they perform with the pressure of 6 time winners Jordan and Co hanging over them, and have they peaked too early with a long post season to come?

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Regular Season Record: 61-21
Star Man: Tim Duncan
Main Support: Manu Ginobili / Tony Parker

Some call the Spurs an old team, they may not be as quick and dynamic as in each of their 4 championship winning seasons, but they sure know how to win games. With the best record in the western conference, Frenchman Parker has really proved his worth alongside experienced Argentine Ginobili to rest the now 34 year old and considered to be one of the best ever Duncan, (who still is an integral part of this team) and still clock up the wins. Scoring is the key as they’re 6th in the league for points per game and 4th for field goal percentage. But do they have the legs to outlast the rest in a long series?

MIAMI HEAT

Regular Season Record: 58-24
Star Man: Dwayne Wade
Main Support: Lebron James

Never since Jordan re-signed for the Bulls has one team’s season been so scrutinised. The Heat has dealt with the pressure seemingly well, but its now that it all counts. Wade & James finished the regular season 4th and 2nd respectively in the scoring charts, along with Chris Bosh they make a formidable trio, and the reason why they’re 2nd in field goal percentage per game. What is also impressive is they also sit 2nd for allowing the least points for opponents and 6th in opponent points against. This was helped by impressive 3 point shooters Mike Bibby (7th in the league) and James Jones. The question is do they have enough on the bench to take them through those tough 7 games series, and has this season come just a bit too soon the this newly formed team?

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Regular Season Record: 57-25
Star Man: Kobe Bryant
Main Support: Pau Gasol

Even though they come into the play off’s with the 4th best record, make no mistake the Lakers are the team to beat, whoever stops them making it 3 championships in a row will certainly be contenders. They’re the favourites due to the obvious talents of Bryant who ended the regular season 5th in the scoring charts. But also have the reliable Spaniard Gasol (6th best rebound) who has played the most minutes for the Lakers. If you combine that with the talents and experience of Ron Artest, Derek Fisher, Lamar Odem & Andrew Bynum ( 6th in blocks) the Lakers will definitely take some stopping.

THE POSSIBLE’S

DALLAS MAVERICKS

Regular Season Record: 57-25
Star Man: Dirk Nowitzki
Main Support: Jason Kidd

The “Mavs” finished the season with the same record as The Lakers, but everyone has seemed to right them off already. It is bizarre considering the fact that Nowitzki continues to score freely (10th best points per game), and Jason Kidd sits 8th & 7th in assists and steals respectively. They will be helped with the scoring of Jason Terry & Shawn Marion, and the rebounding of Tyson Chandler (10th best rebounds). Problem is, even with their impressive record not sure they have enough in the locker for a long haul series win late in the play offs.

BOSTON CELTICS

Regular Season Record: 56-26
Star Man: Paul Pierce
Main Support: Ray Allen / Kevin Garnett

The Celtics have genuine championship potential, but are they now just a bit long in the tooth for another play off run? The big 3 of Pierce, Allen (2nd for 3 point shooting) and Garnett helped the Celtics lead the league in field goal percentage. This was backed up by the impressive Rojan Rondo who finished the regular season in 2nd place for assist’s per game. And 2nd for steals. Along with a hopefully fit Shaquille O’Neal, Boston can definitely not be counted out. This is also because they’re defensive masters, they lead the league in opponent points against, opponent assist, and sit joint second in field goal percentage against. Only problem is the mid-season trades which involved no less than 7 players has disrupted their rhythm, and they have ended the regular season in indifferent form.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

Regular Season Record: 55-27
Star Man: Kevin Durant
Main Support: Russell Westbrook

To the untrained eye the Thunder who finished 5th in points per game, are all about the heroics of MVP candidate Durant who leads the league impressively for points scoring. But to many others he has been adequately supported by Russell Westbrook, who sits 9th in the assist league and 4th in steals. Not to be outdone, Congo born Serge Ibaka has played his part and is 4th in Blocks and 8th in field goal percentage leagues. With youth on their side OKC are somewhat of a dark horse, what they lack in experience they make up for in energy and athleticism. They certainly have the ability and could well go all the way to the finals.

ORLANDO MAGIC

Regular Season Record: 52-30
Star Man: Dwight Howard
Main Support: Jameer Nelson

In Dwight Howard the magic have possibly the best centre in the game at the moment, performing at both ends of the court he sits 11th in scoring, 2nd in rebounds, field goal percentage, and 4th in blocks. The key will be his supporting cast though. The mid season trade brought in Turkoglu, and the vastly experienced Jason Richardson & Gilbert Arenas which many thought was a masterstroke move. Even though they lost Vince Carter the Magic look a way more stronger and balanced team going into the play off’s. They are 4th for allowing opponent points and field goal percentage. only time will tell whether this will be enough to take them as far as the finals, but it looks as though the Magic are building something special.

THE OUTSIDERS

DENVER NUGGETS

Regular Season Record: 50-32
Star Man: Nene Hilario
Main Support: Danilo Gallinari / Arron Afflalo

Many expected the Nuggets to really struggle following the loss of Carmelo Anthony and Chancy Billups. But Surprisingly they have improved since the trade and lead the league in points and are 2nd for field goal percentage. Obviously this had a lot to do with Anthony & Billups, but since the new arrivals, Denver have a different team spirit, Led by Hilario (leads the league in field goal percentage) Gillinari, Afflalo and Wilson Chandler have all pulled their weight. The acquisition of Felton who is 6th in assists and 8th in steals could be a shrewd piece of business. the Nuggets team ethic and spirit could just be what takes Denver to the next level.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

Regular Season Record: 48-34
Star Man: Lemarcus Aldridge
Main Support: Wesley Matthews / Gerald Wallace

The Trail Blazers have gone somewhat under the radar during the regular season. Without making much waves they have plodded their way to a winning season and find themselves in the play off’s. They will have to improve on their scoring and support Aldridge who seems to be carrying them if they want to progress, but defensively they will give themselves a chance. They are 7th for allowing opponent points and 3rd in allowing opponent assist’s. These stats will be tested to the core if Portland are to even make it past the first round I suspect.

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

Regular Season Record: 46-36
Star Man: Chris Paul
Main Support: David West

The Hornets are another team who’s defensive capabilities far outweigh their scoring prowess. They are 5th in the league for opponent points per game, and hope to maintain this strength in the play off’s. Star man Chris Paul leads the league in steals but also impressively sits 4th in the league for assists. He is supported by David West who is by far the main points scorer, centre Okafar Emeka does pull his weight as always and is 3rd in field goal percentage, 9th in rebounds and 11th in blocks. Unfortunately points win games and I don’t think the Hornets score enough of them to progress in the play offs.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Regular Season Record: 46-36
Star Man: Zach Randolph
Main Support: Mike Conley / Tony Allen / Marc Gasol

If the Grizzlies are to progress in the play off’s, Zach Randolph (3rd in rebounds) will have to be on top of his game. They will also have to be well supported by Allen Conley and Spaniard Marc Gasol. To add to this they will also need small forward Rudy Gay to come back from injury. When all these factors work in their favour, they are a good team, that is proven as they are 6th in the league for field goal percentage. But unfortunately I doubt all these factors will come together and the Grizzles will probably fall at the first hurdle.

THE ALSO RAN’S

ATLANTA HAWKS

Regular Season Record: 44-38
Star Man: Joe Johnson
Main Support: Josh Smith / Al Horford

Atlanta are 9th in the league for allowing least opponents points per game, this stat is what solely dragged them through to the play off’s. Its not surprising as supporting duo Horford & Smith sit 11th & 18th in rebounds respectively. Horford also sits 5th in field goal percentage. Losing Mike Bibby to the Heat a player who is in the top ten for 3 point shooting, was/is a huge loss, nevertheless Joe Johnson continues to turn in some high numbers for the Hawks. Sadly I suspect this is as far as they will go, as they lack a certain cutting edge to take them into the next round of the play off’s.

NEW YORK KNICKS

Regular Season Record: 42-40
Star Man: Amire Stoudemire
Main Support: Carmelo Anthony

The Knicks have a deceivingly mediocre record coming into the play off’s and one that typifies their up/down season. Stoudemire continues to be a consistent scoring machine and is 6th in points per game. The mid-season acquisition of Carmelo Anthony (3rd for points per game) could just make all the difference. New York now have two supreme scoring machines and along with Billups experience and consistency, the Knicks are 2nd in the league for points per game. Only question is with Anthony and Billups only playing 20 odd games for them this season, is the cohesion there going into the play off’s? If it is then the Knicks can really upset a team or two.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Regular Season Record: 41-41
Star Man: Elton Brand
Main Support: Jrue Holiday / Andre Iguodala

Heading into the play off’s on an even wins and losses record, the 76ers don’t hold much confidence. Although they are 6th in the league for assists, I suspect that is as good as it gets for them. The loss to injury of point guard Louis Williams has hurt them a lot, and I doubt Brand can do it alone. The 76ers are a relatively young team, and even though I don’t see them doing anything this season, some shrewd trades, and keeping the youngsters together could well be a recipe for future success. This play off run will just be an experience for them.

INDIANA PACERS

Regular Season Record: 37-45
Star Man: Danny Granger
Main Support: Roy Hibbert

The pacers are the only team in the play off’s with a losing record, unfortunately this means they have to play the team with the best record. But getting to the play off’s was an achievement in itself as they are rebuilding. Unfortunately as they come into it on a losing streak, I don’t think that will change and they could get swept. Granger has led the team with determination and is in the top 20 of points scorers. Jamaican born Hibbert has also battled diligently in support but again this one will just be for the experience.

This entry was posted in Sporting News and tagged . Bookmark the permalink.

5 Responses to It’s NBA play off time!!!

  1. Hey! Your blog is totally awesome, I enjoy reading it since I founded it in google on the first place. But why you are so deep for other search queries? It’s really unfair. I recommend you to use ProChecker to improve your Google rankings (you can explore more about it clicking on the link in the URL field – it’s not a spam, of course, just a friendly advice). Please Keep writing! Best regards, Steve.

  2. Great article, very well written. I love reading peoples thoughts and views. U should submit your article at qateq.com

  3. asus laptops says:

    Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that.

  4. Lovely just what I was searching for. U should submit your article at qateq.com

Comments are closed.