I am not a fan of predictions (mostly because I am never right), but I figured that I should have my first round predictions written down in the off chance that I am right, I have proof.  Here are my picks for the first round.

Western Conference

San Antonio-Memphis – I mentioned this on Twitter last night and again this morning, but after looking at the defensive numbers, I am so surprised that Memphis tanked to get the Spurs.  The Grizzlies are a bad defensive team when it comes to stopping ball handlers coming off of screens and spot-up shooting (25th and 22nd in PPP allowed respectfully).  That is the Spurs’ offensive game plan this season.  This one could get ugly.

Official prediction - San Antonio in 4

Los Angeles-New Orleans – The Lakers’ defensive strategy is to give up the midrange jumper for the ball handler coming off screens.  That is what Chris Paul does the most and what he does the best.  I expect him to have a big series (including going for 30+ at least once), but that won’t be enough and the Lakers will take this one.

Official prediction - Los Angeles in 5

Dallas-Portland – Up until I looked at these two team’s offenses in depth, I think I would have picked Portland to win this one.  However, Portland’s offense is so poor against the zone (which is really surprising), that I think Dallas will be able to run their zone defense and hide their poor/aging defenders.

Official Prediction - Dallas in 6

Oklahoma City-Denver – I love what Denver has done this season since the trade of Carmelo Anthony, I really do, but I just don’t think the Nuggets will be able to beat Oklahoma City.  So much of their offense is designed around Nene drawing double teams (at least the most effective aspects), that with Perkins defending Nene successfully, I think the Thunder take away a lot from Denver

Official Prediction - Oklahoma City in 5

Read more…

At the end of each day, I am just going to put a recap thread up where you can find all of the day’s posts to make it a bit easier.

Here is what we looked at for the upcoming Mavericks-Blazers series:

• Offensive Breakdown

The playoffs start today!  Predictions coming next!

At the end of each day, I am just going to put a recap thread up where you can find all of the day’s posts to make it a bit easier.

Here is what we looked at for the upcoming Spurs-Grizzlies series:

• Offensive Breakdown

The playoffs start today!  Predictions coming next!

Taking a quick break from out playoff previews, I was working with ESPN’s The Association in the background when something caught my attention. Ray Allen talking about shooting mechanics. When this came on, I had to stop what I am doing and watch. It is just 90 seconds worth of video, but it is so awesome that I had to post it here (credit goes to the amazing jose3030 for posting the original video where I pulled it from)

Amazing. If you are learning the game or are still playing, you need to watch this over and over.