And they’re back!!
After a lockout that threatened the 2011-2012 season, the NBA is back and we’re ready to hoop it up!
The season will be shortened from 82 to 66 games (something that should maybe become a permanent change going forward,) and it looks like even with 16 games lopped off the schedule, this season will be more interesting than most. Some burning questions…
-Can the Dallas Mavericks repeat, especially missing defensive specialist Tyson Chandler (who signed with The Knicks)?
-Will the Heatles learn from their Finals implosion against the Mavericks and turn into the unstoppable behemoth they were supposed to be last year, even though they STILL don’t have a great supporting cast? (you know shit is gonna get real in a second if LeBron or D. Wade gets hurt.)
-Can Chris Paul turn the Clippers into a contender, and will they finish with as good a record (or a better record!!) than the Lakers, who are reeling from the loss of Lamar Odom and will have to deal with an injured (and distracted) Kobe Bryant–in addition to new couch Mike Brown?
Make sure you’re checking out Jay and Marc’s podcast!
Eastern Conference
Jay’s Picks
Playoff Seeds:
1. Chicago Bulls
2. Miami Heat
3. Boston Celtics
4. New York Knicks
5. Orlando Magic
6. Atlanta Hawks
7. Indiana Pacers
8. Philadelphia 76?ers
Last Place:
Charlotte Bobcats
Better this year:
New Jersey Nets
New York Knicks
Worse this year:
Charlotte Bobcats
Boston Celtics
Finals Pick – Chicago Bulls
Marc’s Picks
Playoff seeds:
1. Chicago Bulls
2. Miami Heat
3. New York Knicks
4. Boston Celtics
5. Atlanta Hawks
6. Indiana Pacers
7. Orlando Magic
8. New Jersey Nets
Last Place:
Toronto Raptors
Better this year:
New Jersey Nets
New York Knicks
Worse this year:
Charlotte Bobcats
Boston Celtics
Finals Pick – Miami Heat
Western Conference
Jay’s Picks
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Dallas Mavericks
3. Memphis Grizzlies
4. Los Angeles Lakers
5. San Antonio Spurs
6. Los Angeles Clippers
7. Denver Nuggets
8. Portland Trailblazers
Last Place:Sacramento Kings
Better this year:
Los Angeles Clippers
Minnesota Timberwolves
Worse this year:
Los Angeles Lakers
Phoenix Suns
Finals:
Dallas Mavericks
Marc’s Picks
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Dallas Mavericks
3. Memphis Grizzlies
4. Los Angeles Clippers
5. Los Angeles Lakers
6. San Antonio Spurs
7. Denver Nuggets
8. Portland Trailblazers
Last place:
Sacramento Kings
Better this year:
Los Angeles Clippers
Minnesota Timberwolves
Worse this year:
Los Angeles Lakers
New Orleans Hornets
Finals:
Memphis Grizzlies