Yesterday, you read my and BaldwinP’s thoughts on how the Western Conference playoffs shake out. Here is the rest of our conversation about the Eastern Conference, who takes it all and which players win awards.
clarity83: Yeah. So, East?
BaldwinP?: Miami-Bucks 4-0.
clarity83: No question.
BaldwinP: I mean, that series will be embarrassing. The Bucks have only won 5 of their last 17 games. They’re waiting to sack their coach, let Jennings and Ellis go and rebuild. And they’re probably still kicking themselves over trading away Tobias Harris- putting up All-Star numbers in Orlando FFS- for Reddick, who will leave in free agency.
Sorry Bucks fan, your team has completely screwed this season since the All-Star break. (Should that be Bucks fans, or is there only one?)
Anyway, New York v Boston.
clarity83: I have at least two friends that are Bucks fans, so there’s that. I’m going to have to go with Knicks just based on record. (If for no other reason than I haven’t paid much attention to the East since I’m not in Chicago anymore.)
BaldwinP: Everyone is all “Boston are so tough.” “The playoffs are different” and all, and that’s true, but seriously, New York is really good (hurk) and Boston not so much. 4-1. And at least one double technical on Melo and KG.
clarity83: Yes, please.
BaldwinP: Indiana-Chicago. Which, no matter how it goes, will be UGLY basketball.
clarity83: Agreed. My Eastern Conference loyalties lie with the Bulls.
BaldwinP: In theory it could be Indiana-Atlanta. Both Atlanta and Chicago seem to be tanking games to avoid being in the 4-5 slot and getting Miami in the 2nd round. But at the moment Chicago seems to be tanking it better. Wildcard: Derrick Rose decides to come back. Even playing off the bench. He’s been scrimmaging since FEBRUARY. He’s fit.
clarity83: Yeah, that was my question – Does Rose come back or not?
BaldwinP: If he does I say they win. If he doesn’t I say they lose. Indiana has been wobbly lately, but the Bulls have killed themselves to get here. And it was only a few weeks ago people were talking up the Pacers as challengers to Miami. I think they can find that form again.
There will be at least one “Nate Robinson goes berserk and wins the game single-handed” moment though for the Bulls. Nate Robinson playing for Tom Thibodeau has been hilarious.
Nets-Atlanta I’m almost tempted to say “who cares?” but the Nets have been quietly getting on with business the last couple of months. Deron Williams has been healthier and it has shown.
clarity83: Who cares is right. Atlanta fans are notoriously terrible.
BaldwinP: In my mind I am imagining Bots replying to that either by being totally offended or saying you’re absolutely right. Not sure which.
clarity83: Probably both. Does any of it matter though? I mean, I think the Heat are on their way to a repeat Finals appearance.
BaldwinP: Well, I agree… I mean, we could say Heat over Nets, New York over whoever and then Heat over NY 4-2 and be right. Analysis not really required. Maybe it will be Heat over Pacers 4-1 instead. Not sure. But it WILL be the Heat.
clarity83: 100% agree.
BaldwinP: I predict the Heat over the Thunder in the Finals too, but I would.
clarity83: You would. I say if it’s Heat/Thunder again, I go with the Thunder.
BaldwinP: I was actually more confident last year. Last year the thing people missed with the top teams in the West was they weren’t even in the top 10 defenses. So I figured if the Heat could score on the Celtics and Pacers they could score on The Thunder easier, and I was right… but this year the Thunder and Spurs have top tier defenses. Although the Heat offence is better than last year too.
Look for ESPN to suddenly “discover” that change in defenses around about game 2 of the Finals. To finish off, rapid-fire- who do you have the major awards, MVP etc?
clarity83: LBJ for MVP because the media loves him and can’t stop talking about him. But beyond that, I haven’t a clue.
BaldwinP: Are you suggesting that you would pick someone else for MVP if you had a vote? CONTROVERSY!
clarity83: Always. I am not a fan of LeBron
BaldwinP: boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
clarity83: Ah, well, what do you expect? I know the dude is talented, but he knows he is and he ACTS like he knows he is. Not even close to being humble about it.
BaldwinP: Like MJ or Kobe is humble about it.
clarity83: I never said I liked them either.
BaldwinP: I think you have to have that kind of confidence to be that good. Or even to be, say, Nate Robinson or Nick “Swaggy P” Young.
clarity83: Ok, what about you? Who gets what award?
BaldwinP: LeBron MVP, JR Smith 6th man of the year, Joakim Noah defensive player of the year. Spoelstra coach of the year (not biased!) No idea about most improved, maybe Larry Sanders to give the Bucks fans a reason to live.
clarity83: Alright, very good.
BaldwinP: Also the Bucks have been sending people actual childrens’ blocks to campaign for Larry. I mean, that’s awesome. Because he’s soo good at blocks, you see.
clarity83: Ha!
And that’s all folks. BIG thanks to my collaborator, BaldwinP, on this! The playoffs start tomorrow.
Image: Flickr
