NBA Conference Finals Preview

The theme of the Conference Semi-Finals was sweep. That was what happened in three of the four series. The Lakers were hardly challenged by the Jazz and the Suns exorcised some demons by not only beating the Spurs, but sweeping them without too much trouble. It will be interesting to see the Lakers-Suns matchup as they come in equally rested and playing hot. The Magic were the most impressive of the three teams completing sweeps as they thrashed the Hawks by close to 30 points a game. The only series that was competitive was probably the one with the most drama and storylines around it. The big 3 and the now big 4th member, Rajon Rondo, were matched up against LeBron James. James was still looking for his first title while the Celtics were healthy and on a mission to get back to the Finals and show that they could of and should of repeated in 2009. In the end, the team beat the player as LeBron James could not come up when needed and when he did his teammates were no where to be found as the Celtics bounced the King and his mates in 6. Overall, I I have gone 10-2 in the playoffs. Now we will find out who will battle it out for the championship. A Boston-L.A. matchup could reappear while Phoenix and Orlando want their first title.

Eastern Conference Finals
2) Orlando Magic vs 4) Boston Celtics: The last two Eastern Conference champions meet for the right to go the Finals this year. The Magic have run through both the Bobcats and the Hawks; sweeping both. While the Celtics dismissed Dwayne Wade and the Heat in 5 and LeBron James and the Cavaliers in 6. Rajon Rondo has become a star in these playoffs for the Celtics and will be a dual threat against the Magic. One might wonder how the Magic will react to adversity after getting to this point with such ease. Will they play aggressive enough? Will they come out flat with the extra rest? The Celtics might be an older team, but they are still savy and have a few role guys coming off the bench. The Magic still use a simple Howard in the post and shooters on the wings approach that could become troublesome in a tough game. The Celtics have grinded out some tough ones and looked impressive while the Magic have not done anything but beat up on inferior talent. The Magic won the season series 3-1. The Celtics were one of the best road teams and a win in either or both Game 1 and/or 2 might give them an extra advantage. Don't expect a sweep here for the Magic. PREDICTION: CELTICS IN 6

Western Conference Finals
1) Los Angeles Lakers vs 3) Phoenix Suns: Both the Lakers and the Suns were too much for their respective opponents. Anytime the Jazz made a run, the Lakers erased it and held off a couple late victories for the Jazz. While the Suns caught a tired and injured Spurs team that ran out of gas and had little answer for Steve Nash or Amare Stoudamire. How well Nash can continue to move the ball will be of major importance for the Suns. Stoudamire will be challenged inside by Pau Gasol and at times by Andrew Bynum. Kobe Bryant is starting to turn it up with a 5th ring becoming a closer reality. This one should go longer than 4 as both have shown a lot of promise especially the Suns, who are one of the hottest teams since January 1st. The Lakers won the season series 3-1. If Kobe can get a good game or two from Ron Artest and Lamar Odom; it will be tough to knock out the Lakers. PREDICTION: LAKERS IN 6

Unfortunately the games were not that great overall in the Conference Semi-Finals. Expect that to change here. All four teams are hot and hungry and should provide us with an actual series or two. But from what I've seen thus far, we might see the 12th meeting in the Finals between the Celtics and the Lakers. Some might want to see either the Suns or Magic, but the non-fan might be more inclined to see a basketball rivalry that goes back to the 1960s.