NBA Playoffs Update

Cleveland 4 Detroit 0
A pundit said that because Detroit knew they couldn't win a championship, they wouldn't try, resulting in a sweep. He was right. LeBron seems extremely focused and has a look in his eye that is scary for the rest of the league.

Atlanta 3 Miami 2
Wade is so good that if he plays well, the Heat most likely win. But he also dominates the ball. He plays like Kobe did when the Lakers would make the bottom half of the playoff table and lose in the first round. Wade shows flashes of being a decent facilitator, but he just doesn't get his teammates involved enough. As a result, if he struggles or is not healthy, the Heat lose.

The Hawks are a consistent low post scorer away from being an elite team. After playing the Celtics tough last season, should they advance here, they'll likely lose against the Cavs. But it will be an invaluable experience and another step in the right direction for Atlanta.

Boston 3 Chicago 2
Without Garnett, Boston is a team that barely makes the playoffs. Rondo has been truly impressive. He does it on both sides of the floor and is starting to knock down outside shots. Ray Allen has struggled for much of the playoffs over the past two seasons. Pierce is extremely hit or miss, just as he was last season. Right now, his claim to be the league's best player is laughable. The Bulls best player is a rookie, Derrick Rose. That's why I thought the Bulls were the only team the Garnett-less Celtics could beat in the playoffs.

Orlando 3 Philadelphia 2
Don't anoint Dwight Howard just yet. He's improving. He shouldn't have been the defensive player of the year, but he is an excellent shot blocker. He is an athletic force down low on either end of the court. But he can't yet take over a meaningful game. I'll rephrase that, maybe he can, but he hasn't. Do you think Shaq or Duncan would allow this pesky 76er team to hang in there? Of course not. Howard also doesn't pass the ball well at all. Orlando relies too much on the three point shot. But, should they get by the 76ers, they'll have a favorable draw to make the conference finals.

The 76ers are an intriguing young team. Atlanta leapfrogged them since last season, but those two might be part of the elite in the East soon. The Sixers still need another piece and they have some trade bait in Elton Brand.

Los Angeles 4 Utah 1
Utah doesn't match up well with the Lakers. If they can stay healthy, they still have a decent team for next season. It's amazing that they just can't win on the road. The Lakers are still the favorite to win it all.

Houston 3 Portland 2
Portland doesn't match up well with Houston. This has been a good experience for a very young team and they should be a perennial playoff team for a while. However, they need to strengthen the point guard position and find someone who can score at the rim if they want to be an elite team. Houston is better without McGrady.

Denver 4 New Orleans 1
I feel vindicated thanks to this series. I've been praising Billups for years now. He's clearly a top 5 player in the league. If Carmelo and Smith can score consistently, they might even give the Lakers a run for their money, should they advance that far. I've cautioned people against calling Chris Paul the best point guard in the league just yet. He's very good, but let him grow into being the best.

Dallas 4 San Antonio 1
The Spurs have become arrogant in the construction of their team and it bit them. Mason didn't play for the Wizards until half the team was injured; now he's a starter for the Spurs? Their bench is shamefully old. Having a couple of grizzled veterans is helpful (Brown and Cassell on Boston last year), but the Spurs take it too far. Duncan and Parker are two top 10 players. But you need 5 guys who give you something when they're out there. Ginobili is a flashy scorer off the bench, but honestly, he's overrated. The Spurs use him perfectly and he's the perfect fit, but that he's so important is really a testament to the quality of Duncan and Parker.

Dallas has 4 really good players. If one or two are down, they have people who can step up their game. Parker and Duncan are better than anyone on the Mavs now, but you need a third scorer and role players who can actually give you production.