Contenders, Pretenders, and Sleepers for the 2014 NBA Playoffs

The NBA is a league where in the playoffs the better teams wins most of the time. So the low-seeded upsets we all love in the NCAA are far and few between around this time of year. This makes it easier to pick the Contenders but definitely proposes a difficult choice as to who the Pretenders and hardest of all the Sleepers are of the NBA playoffs.

Contenders- Excellent chance of at least reaching the Conference Finals
Pretenders- Slim chances of making it much further than the 2nd round
Sleeper-Potential to make a deep run

Miami Heat

How can you not pick the back-back defending World Champions led by the 2nd best player in the world. Yeah, I said it. LeBron James has officially lost his title as best player in the world. I know that LeBron will turn on the switch for the playoffs and show us all why he's truly the best in the world but as of now that honor goes to Kevin Durant. If you didn't know, the Heat's playoff success correlates to the health and good play of Dwyane Wade. But would I be crazy to say that the Heat's x-factor is actually one of the other role players for Miami. Ranging from starter Chris Bosh all the way to the Birdman or the return of Greg Oden. The Heat are a bunch of veterans with playoff experience who should have no problem breezing through the soft Eastern Conference. In fact, Charlotte probably poses the toughest threat for the Heat. Call me crazy but the Heat struggle mightily against big men and this is exactly what the Bobcats have in Al Jefferson. I think the Heat win the series 4-2 and advance to the easier of the 2nd round matchup against the Raptors. From there they get either the slumping Pacers or the anemic offense of the Bulls. It appears that Miami is heading back to the Finals.

San Antonio Spurs 

The Spurs are such a boring team to watch. They out coach you, wear you down, and then just flat out beat whoever they're playing. They are good every year and somehow when Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green both go down with injury they don't blink an eye on their way to best record in the league. Meanwhile, they sit Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, and Tim Duncan throughout the season while calmly posting a 38-14 conference record. They even lucked out with the 1st round matchup against the Mavericks. This will take less of a toll on them than the gritty Memphis team that the #2 seeded Thunder will face. In the next round, the Spurs would get a matchup with either the Trail Blazers or Rockets, two teams that prefer not to play defense. A formula that we've seen not work in the playoffs year after year. Their is no doubt that the Thunder will be the toughest matchup for the Spurs as San Antonio was 0-4 vs. OKC this season.

Oklahoma City Thunder
I know I just picked the 3 favorites to win the title as my contenders. But that's the way it is in the NBA. The best teams just tend to win the games because unlike the NCAA tournament's one win and you move on, the teams must win 4 of 7 games, a system in which the better teams usually wins out. The Thunder will have the hardest road to the NBA Finals though. They get no reward for finishing 2nd in the West. OKC will have to match up with a Grizzlies team that finished 7th in the West because of injuries. With Gasol and Randolph at full strength, this Memphis team is more of a 4 or 5 seed. Don't forget that Memphis went to the Western Conference Finals last season. I believe OKC wins in 6 or 7 which could wear them down throughout the playoffs while the other contenders are looking at sweeps or 5 game series. OKC then would most likely see a face off with a Clippers team who was fighting with OKC for that 2 seed until the last game of the season. It is crazy to think that with all the publicity the Thunder got this season, they could have been a 3 seed entering the playoffs. The first 2 rounds for the Thunder could theoretically be tougher than a Western Conference Final with the Spurs whom they've owned so far this year. But I'm not going to say that facing the best team in the league is easier than playing anyone else. We all know how good KD is. The success of the Thunder relies on Westbrook's willingness to share the ball as well as the play of the big men. Serge Ibaka has been struggling this season while Kendrick Perkins has been a nightmare. If the OKC big men rise to the occasion, I believe the Thunder will be World Champions.

Pretenders

Indiana Pacers 

The Pacers could not have started the year any better nor could they have finished it any worse. It is crazy to think that the #1 seed in the East could be considered a Pretender but the way Indiana is playing it makes sense. The key to the Pacers deep run last season was the excellent play of Roy Hibbert who this season has been virtually non-existent. Throw in the fact that Lance Stephenson has been taking late game shots instead of Indiana's best player Paul George and you have a recipe for disaster. Fortunately for the Pacers they play in the East so they should be able to advance through the 1st round but I would not be surprised if Chicago beat them in the 2nd round.

Portland Trail Blazers/ Houston Rockets 

The Trail Blazers and Rockets get grouped into the Pretender category together because of their 1st round matchup. While one team has to advance, I believe whoever that may be will lose in 5 games to the Spurs. The Trail Blazers burst out of the gates this year similar to the Pacers only to realize that it's a marathon not a sprint. They have an unbelievable young core and with a good offseason could be considered a Contender next season. For the Rockets, it all boils down to Dwight Howard. Ever since his departure from Orlando, he has been a different player. In addition, he is always hobbled with injuries. James Harden is an excellent player but he isn't good enough to carry the Rockets past a deep Spurs team especially with the under performance of Chandler Parsons.

Sleeper

Chicago Bulls 

My sleeper comes from the East by way of the Chicago Bulls. The two things that frighten me bout Chicago is there lack of scorer without Derrick Rose but more importantly the heart/hustle aspect of the playoffs. To touch on the latter, The Bulls play with unmatched passion and intensity throughout the Regular Season. But as we so often hear about teams like the Heat is the ability to turn on the switch in the playoffs. My question is, is the switch already on for Chicago? Can the Bulls take it up a notch? It is hard to imagine they can but I'm never going to doubt Joakim Noah nor coach Tom Thibodeau. Joakim Noah played like an MVP this season and a team with a spectacular defense always has a chance in the playoffs. Add in the fact that they get the Pacers rather than the Heat in the 2nd round. The Bulls inability to score at times could be problematic but they definitely have the pieces to at least reach the ECF or potentially make it all the way to the Finals.

NBA Mock Draft Picks 6-10

Here goes my next 5 selections for the mock draft.

Disclaimer: Many sources have said that the Cavaliers are probably going to pick Nerlens Noel Number 1 overall. With that being said, I'm still sticking with my pick and hoping they select Otto Porter.

To recap the Top 5 as predicted by Sportacular Sports
1. Otto Porter
2. Trey Burke
3. Nerlens Noel
4. Ben McLemore
5. Victor Oladipo



6. New Orleans Pelicans 

The newly named Pelicans have one piece set. That's their big Center from Kentucky, Anthony Davis, who they selected with the first overall pick last year. He didn't quite live up to the hype but produced a solid first year. In an attempt to build on their team, the Pelicans can get better in a lot of places. I actually like their backcourt in Grevis Vasquez and Austin Rivers. I think it might be smart to hold on to Eric Gordon because he can fill the stat sheet but it might not be a bad idea to move him for some role players. So, I think the Pelicans might be set...for now..with the guards and will try to solidify their front court. While this forward from UNLV may go at 3 to the Wizards, the Pelicans will gladly select ANTHONY BENNETT with the 6th overall selection. Bennett can possibly develop at the 3 position but also bang with the bigs down low when needed. He is a nice versatile option that will help build this young team.

7. Sacramento Kings

Wow, did the Kings have a season in flux last year. First off, they didn't know where they'd be playing next season. Next, they were just awful. And finally, they traded their top draft pick from last year's draft in Thomas Robinson. The Kings, for some reason, are terrible. They actually have some pieces that you would think could place them at least in the middle of the West. Demarcus Cousins, even with the character issues, is a stud center. Tyreke Evans is electric. And the bench players can fill it up from outside. The Kings, I believe are going to take another big man to compliment Cousins down low and take away some double teams. Their man will be ALEX LEN out of Maryland. Residing from Maryland, I watch Len play often and I personally would hate this pick if I were a Kings fan. Len plays soft down low and can't really dominate a game. He's being purely picked by potential and will enter the season recovering from a broken bone in his foot. Nevertheless, the Kings grab Len with the 7th selection.

8. Detroit Pistons

Like the Kings, the Pistons actually have a few nice pieces. After a decade of dominance, Detroit has been awful for the past few years. With Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe, the Pistons will look to strengthen their guards. Which is why I think they'll take MICHAEL CARTER-WILLIAMS out of Syracuse. MCW, as they nickname him, is my pick for the steal of the draft and possibly the best player in the entire draft class. Yeah I said it. Carter-Williams stands at an enormous 6-6 for a point guard and has tremendous vision. In a draft class lacking in star power, I think Carter-Williams could be the guy. It may take him a few years to develop a more consistent jump shot but I believe he has the ability to be great. The NBA is becoming more dependent on athleticism than basketball skills this day and age and that is exactly what MCW presents.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves

The T-wolves are just never healthy. They have guys like Kevin Love (all-star) and Ricky Rubio but they never ever seem to be on the floor together. Kevin Love, when healthy, is actually one of the best big men in the league. He gets the team 20 and 10 every night and can even stretch the floor with a trey ball. Rubio is the same but different. He obviously is a point guard who is an excellent facilitator. But he has two problems. He can't stay healthy and he has no one to facilitate to. Therefore, Minnesota will look for a strong wing. So for the second straight pick, a long name will be selected. KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL-POPE out of Georgia. He fits the team's need and can knock down the deep ball. Pope has great potential but will he fill out is the question.

10. Portland Trailblazers

As the draft progresses, we see that the better teams have the better pieces. The blazers have Rookie of the Year, Damian Lillard, big man LaMarcus Aldridge, and a bunch of other solid complementary pieces. I think Portland has two options at the number 10 spot. First, they could go for another big man and push Aldridge to the 4 or select a big wing like the Timberwolves a slot before. If Minnesota does select Caldwell-Pope then I believe the Trailblazers go big man at #10. So, in the final pick of today's mock draft, the Portland Trailblazers select CODY ZELLER out of Indiana. This may be a reach at 10 but my argument for why this is a reasonable pick is this. The scouts and critics say Zeller should stay an extra season at Indiana to develop his game. While I totally agree with this, Zeller is still going to be able to develop his game in the pros. So essentially he may be wasting a year in the NBA but that doesn't mean he won't be a great player when he does become fully developed. Only about a quarter of all NBA drafts have an impact on their team in their rookie season. So I think Zeller will develop into an energy guy who can aid the team.

NBA Mock Draft- Picks 1-5

The NBA Draft is a month away, June 27th, and now that the lottery process (very confusing) has been completed, I will be doing my first ever Mock Draft in any sport. So, here we go!

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

For the 2nd time in 3 years, Dan Gilbert (Cavs owner) sent his son to the draft lottery and his good-luck charm claimed the Number 1 overall pick. After securing their franchise player, Kyrie Irving, this draft seems much different than 2 years ago. This draft presents, in my eyes, only one immediate superstar. Ben McLemore out of Kansas I think will have the most immediate impact, yet for the Cavs he doesn't fit their needs. With Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters in the backcourt, the Cavaliers really need a wing that can space the floor with shooting but then playing lock down defense on the other end, this is why I believe the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall pick will select Georgetown's Otto Porter.

2. Orlando Magic 

The Magic actually owned the best chances at owning the number 1 pick but much like their season, they lost it to the Cavs. But fortunately for the Magic, I don't think Porter would have been their guy anyways. The Magic don't have much anywhere but they are mostly lacking a point guard. With Jameer Nelson way past his prime, the Magic are going to select the top Point Guard in the draft, Trey Burke from Michigan. This is a scary pick in my mind. I love Burke, as a Michigan fan, but his draft stock has sky-rocketed purely because of a tournament run. This may or may not be a fair judge on Burke but this is a high-risk high-reward pick for the Magic. For an analogy, imagine if Joe Flacco's pass hadn't sailed over Rahim Moore's head in the AFC Divisional round. Does Flacco really get the $20 Million he earned after claiming a World Championship? No one knows, just like no one knows where Burke would have been drafted if he doesn't hit a 30 footer to tie the game against Kansas in the tournament. Just saying.


3. Washington Wizards 

The Wizards have a similar backcourt to the Cavaliers, in that they possess John Wall and Bradley Beal, two very strong guards. Also like the Cavs, they lack that wing player that is an integral part to the team. From my studying, I feel that the Wiz are leaning towards Antony Bennett. He's a 4 man out of UNLV currently recovering from injury. This is a perfect fit for both players but I feel that at number 3, Kentucky big man, Nerlens Noel, might be too good to pass up. So my prediction for Washington will be, if they don't trade back a few spots to grab Bennett, they'll settle for Noel. And when I say settle, I'm saying they'll gladly select the player with the biggest upside in the draft.

4. Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats were not the main laughing stock of the NBA this season which is an improvement from the year before but holding the #4 pick usually means they didn't have a great season. I'll keep this prediction short and sweet. The Bobcats have Kemba Walker and Kidd-Gilchrist, need a 2 man. Ben McLemore is a 2 man. Perfect fit, no brainer, biggest superstar in the draft, book it. The Bobcats franchise will be ecstatic if McLemore falls to them at #4.





5. Phoenix Suns 

With the final prediction of my first Mock Draft, the Phoenix Suns have a lot of options. They could really use a player at any position which is why I think they'll take the best player remaining on the board in Victor Oladipo out of Indiana. While Oladipo may be a 3 year project, the least he'll do in his rookie season is lock down your top guard and bring highlight plays. The Suns actually are in the worst position out of any of these top 5 teams amazingly but I think Oladipo can help the healing process.

LeBron James- Are We Witnessing Greatness?

LeBron James-Are We Witnessing Greatness? 

If you haven't heard, LeBron James claimed his 4th MVP in the last 5 years officially Sunday afternoon. James averaged 27 ppg, 8 rebounds a game, and topped that off with 7 assists per contest. LeBron led Miami to the number 1 overall seed in the East, was obviously the key component of their 27 game win streak, and guided the Heat to a 1st round sweep over the Milwaukee Bucks. That's just a short statistical recap of James' unbelievable MVP season which is far from over.

James received 122 of the 123 1st place votes. Not really sure who had anyone else in the top spot...
Anyways, with James winning his 4th Most Valuable Player trophy in the past half-decade, the question must be asked is he the greatest or will he be the greatest?

Me personally, have never cared for LeBron after his shenanigans in leaving Cleveland but as a sports fan I would be doing a disservice to not at least respect him. LeBron James does not belong in the sport of Basketball. He is a physical specimen that the game has never seen before and quite possibly might never see again. He can guard your Point Guard one possession, than battle down low with your 7 footer the next. He can take the inbounds and run your offense one possession, than take you down into the post the next. He's a 6 foot 8, 250 pound machine which is why as sports fans we must appreciate what we have.

James in Cleveland had no supporting cast which is why he had to score 40 points a night for them to compete. Now that he has the talent around him like Jordan had we can see that he can truly do it all. He's the most powerful dunker in the league but can also hit the deep 3. The reason I'm writing this post tonight is to understand what we truly have in LeBron James. In your lifetime, you will never see another player like this which is why I think it's important to appreciate his greatness.

Now the most ridiculous part about LeBron James. How high is his ceiling? As I predict, the Heat will cruise, yes cruise, to their 2nd straight title with Bron Bron casually leading the way. But the crazy thing is, will he get better. Like most players in their prime, they gradually get better and it's a scary thought to think that Mr. James could be a more dominating force than he already is.

With all this being said, and we much more could be, I think their are still many but very possible goals for LeBron to reach before he is declared the Greatest of All Time.

Win a Title without another Star player (Dwyane Wade)- I understand that MJ won it with Pippen and Shaq with Kobe, but because of the way he left, the critics will never let that go until he does it himself.

Compete in the Dunk Contest- One of Jordan's most iconic moments is his Free Throw line dunk in the Dunk Contest. All LeBron has to do is show up and he'll win.

Hit the Big Shot in the Big Game- This final task would seal the deal for me. Michael Jordan's most famous moment is sinking a game winner in Game 6 of his last Finals with the Bulls. LeBron's whole career has been down played because he has been missing the "clutch factor". While James seems to be finding his confidence late in games, he still needs that Iconic Moment to be the best to ever play the game.

NBA Playoff Predictions- Sportacular Sports

I know all you NBA fans won't want to hear me say this, but I'm a College Basketball fan at heart. With that being said though, as I scanned the NBA Playoff matchups, I got a little giddy. In most first round matchups, the 4-5 and 3-6 games are of most interest but this season the 2-7 games are actually pretty intriguing.

Heat vs. Bucks
The Miami Heat have been by far the most dominant team all year. They have the best player in the world right now in LeBron James and his sidekick Dwyane Wade ain't that bad either. Throw in the knock down shooters off the bench and the playoff experience of the Heat veterans and you have a clear favorite. While I don't think the Bucks have any chance of taking down Miami, this series could be entertaining based off the fact that the Bucks can shoot the ball. They have Brandon Jennings, Monta Ellis, JJ Redick, and Ersan Illyasova to stretch the floor. Add Larry Sanders to protect the rim and I think this series goes farther than expected. Miami in 6.

Thunder vs. Lakers
If Kobe Bryant were playing in this series, I think it goes 7. Without their leader and top scorer the Lakers, you would think, should pose no threat. But think about this team without Kobe. They still possess the top 1-2 punch in the league between Howard and Gasol. L.A. has a 2 time MVP point guard in Steve Nash and the surprising play of Earl Clark to help them out. The Lakers aren't terrible without Bryant they're just not good enough to beat OKC. Thunder in 5.

Knicks vs. Celtics
Wow. A 2-7 matchup between two historical power houses. While NYK has only won one playoff game in the past 11 years, they are still always at the center of the basketball universe. Carmelo Anthony is blazing hot right now and so are the Knicks. After a promising start to the season, the Knicks slid a little but are now right back at the top. For the Celtics, they'll obviously be without their top Point Guard Rajon Rondo, but am I really going to doubt Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Shocker. Upset Alert. Boston in 6. (Melo please prove me wrong)

Spurs vs.Warriors
No one under 85 years old on this earth enjoys watching the San Antonio Spurs play. They aren't exciting, they play good defense, and they just win games. But if you are looking for some exciting basketball in a Spurs game, check out this kid Stephen Curry. He became big after he took Davidson to a magical Elite 8 run in his college days and hasn't stopped since. Curry can explode for 50 at any moment. I believe he's the best pure shooter in the game right now and he isn't afraid to fire. Golden State has plenty of decent players, David Lee, Klay Thompson, and Harrison Barnes. I think the Warriors win a few games, call it a season, and continue to build on their young team. Spurs in 5.

Pacers vs. Bulls
Unfortunately for basketball fans, it appears that Derrick Rose will NOT be returning this season. While I think it is the RIGHT decision, it's not going to make Bulls fans happy. With Rose, the Bulls can compete for an NBA title. Without him they'll fall in 7 to the Pacers. The Bulls will be happy to match Indiana's physical play, which has been deemed the way to beat the Heat. The Pacers are the favorite right now to take down the Heat if any team can do so but a grueling 7 game series with the Bulls won't help. Once again, Pacers in 7.

Nuggets vs. Rockets
This without a doubt will be your most exciting playoff series. If you like points, like most people do, your going to get a ton in this series. Denver and Houston both prefer to play offense and put up big numbers rather than lock each other down. Just check their last game on April 6. 132-114? Even for NBA standards that's a lot of offense. James Harden could be the deciding factor in the series but I think the Nuggets have too much depth. We'll have to watch and see how the loss of Gallinari hurts Denver in this series. For now, Nuggets in 5.

Nets vs. Hawks
Finally, we've reached the 4-5 matchups and I'm sad to say I'm not as intrigued as the games above. Don't get me wrong both these series should go no shorter than 6 or 7 games but I actually don't think they will. The Nets have a younger looking Deron Williams right now paired up with ex-Hawk Joe Johnson. While I don't think the Nets can compete for the title, they're making a step in the right direction. The Hawks have a Josh Smith who is a great player but would rather be playing somewhere else. I say Brooklyn in a sweep. 4 to zippo.

Clippers vs. Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have held their own since trading their Superstar Rudy Gay before the deadline. Although they have held their own, I don't see them holding up in the playoffs. In a rematch of last year's first round matchup (Clippers in 7), I see Chris Paul calmly leading his team to the next round. If the Clippers do move on, I'm very excited to see the high flying LAC squad against the light it up Thunder team. Clippers in 5.

Thank you guys for reading (if you made it this far) comment below your predictions.

#PrayForBoston

NBA Hot News-LeBron, Rose, and Parker injury updates

NBA Hot News-Injury updates

In the past few days there have been many interesting stories to cover and Sportacular Sports will now break them down.

Miami Wins 15 in a row but how's LeBron?
The Miami Heat are absolutely on fire right now. After their 97-81 defeat over the Timberwolves tonight, the Heat have extended their franchise record winning streak to 15 games. While this is quite a feat, the bigger story is how LeBron James knee is holding up after the scare Sunday against the Knicks. On an attempted alley oop, James landed extremely awkwardly on his knee but did not leave the game to much surprise.

 He actually performed better from that point on totaling 15 more points and leading a come from behind victory over New York at MSG. LeBron's knee appeared fine in tonights game against Minnesota as he scored 20 points while adding 10 boards. His partner in crime, Dwyane Wade, picked up the "slack" with 32 points himself as the Heat cruised to a victory. With question before the game, answers were given and LeBron appears to be perfectly fine.






Derrick Rose-The Return?

Could we possibly see a return from Chicago Bulls all-star Derrick Rose in the coming days? While Rose appeared on the Chicago bench for the first time this season, my guess would be no but I believe it is very possible we could see the 2011 MVP back this season. Two questions need to be answered during Rose's recovery process. Does DRose trust the surgery and everything that has gone into it. With a knee injury, more than half the battle of coming back, especially for a quick player like Rose, is trusting that the knee will hold up. This leads up to the next question, is it worth the risk for Rose to come back in a season where Miami is unstoppable? While Rose could make the Bulls a Championship Contender, will he even be the same player coming off a torn ACL. Rose relies on his quick cuts and extreme athletic ability to be the dynamic player he is. I believe Derrick Rose will return this year but when is the question Check Rose's progress in him dunking in a pre game warmup. This is a great sign for the Bulls and all basketball fans as DRose is one of the best players in the league to watch.

Tony Parker sidelined up to 4 weeks-What does this mean for San Antonio?



Tony Parker is the most underrated player in the NBA not only at the Point Guard position but in the entire league. What he means to the Spurs is incalculable. Parker went down with a broken ankle against the Sacramento Kings leaving him on the bench for about 4 weeks. The Spurs lead the West and it would not surprise me one bit if San Antonio relinquishes their 3 game lead over the Thunder in the coming weeks. With that being said, the Spurs aren't going to care what seed they are, they are the classy vets who are just going to win games. When it comes playoff time, Parker will be ready to go and Ginobli and Duncan will be rested. While the Spurs might lose their lead in the West, this could be a blessing in disguise as backup Point Guard 2nd year vet, Corey Joesph could get some useful experience for the postseason. I think the Spurs will be just find come playoff time. 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat

Sportacular Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder (21-5) vs. Miami Heat (18-6)

The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Miami to face the Heat in a rematch of last years NBA Finals. After winning an MVP and NBA title last season LeBron has returned this season on the same mission. Win an NBA title. Oklahoma City has showed no sign of slowing down even after the James Harden trade. Kevin Durant has been a superstar and Russel Westbrook's shot selection has been good enough. Owning the top record in the league, Oklahoma City faces a tough test on Christmas Day.

Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder come into this matchup winning 4 out of their last 5. Their recent
10+ game winning streak just ended but their are no signs of slowing down. Russel Westbrook is having his best career season averaging 9 assists and 2 steals a game. The Thunder look to end their 9 game road losing streak on Christmas Day.

Miami Heat
LeBron James said this week, "It's not my job to lead the league in scoring." He included he believes he could indeed but prefers being a team player. In mentioning that, James has scored 20+ points in all 24 games this season. In addition, LeBron hasn't committed a foul in 6 games. Whether or not that is favoritism from some referees, James has been on a tear this season. As I said earlier, LeBron is looking to be back in the NBA Finals again this season.

Prediction;
The two top players in the league will be going at it back and forth. The one element that separates the two is LeBron's defensive presence. That factor combined with home court advantage will lead to a Heat victory.

Final Score:
Heat-106 Thunder-100

Sportacular Sports Los Angeles Lakers Season Debut

Are the Lakers in trouble?

Last night, the NBA season opened with three major story lines. Rookie of the year Kyrie Irving defeated the Washington Wizards without John Wall, LeBron James and company recieved their Championship rings in a win over the Celtics, and the Dallas Mavericks traveled to L.A. to face the new look Lakers.

To much surprise, the Mavericks won the game 99-91 spoiling Steve Nash and Dwight Howard's first regular season game in a Laker uniform. This defeat comes after an 0-8 pre season which Kobe Bryant didn't participate in.


Unlike the Lakers, the Mavericks new additions, Darren Collison and Elton Brand, meshed well with their new team. Veterans Vince Carter and Shawn Marion filled in nicely for Dirk Nowitzki, each scoring 11 points. Dirk should be out for about 6 more weeks after his knee procedure went smoothly a few weeks ago. In his absence, the Mavericks will use a team approach with rookie Jae Crowder seeing time in Nowitzki's place.

Back to the Lake show. The new Laker's motion offense better involve more time for Steve Nash with the ball. Nash had only 7 points and 4 assists in 34 minutes of play. In Phoenix, Nash always had control of the ball which is why he was so dominant. It should be interesting to see what adjustments L.A. makes to give Nash more freedom to run the offense. On a bad foot Kobe Bryant had 22 points and he should get better as the season progresses. Kobe's shooting numbers should increase with more attention on Nash and Howard.

The biggest expectations though come from the addition of the top center in the league, Dwight Howard. Everyone that works in the NBA business has already crowned the Lakers Western Conference Champions. Next they've set them a date with Miami in the Finals. With this talent, who could think otherwise. When LeBron left for South Beach the same expectations were created only to be let down in a Finals loss to the same Mavericks. So you ask, what should we expect?

Your expectations should be that this Lakers team will win its 17th NBA title in Los Angeles. Why? I see two major differences in this team. First, is the big man presence that Howard brings that Miami has always lacked. Last night, the Lakers best player was indeed Pau Gasol, 23 points 13 rebounds, who is an All-Star that will see more open looks than any All-Star in NBA history. Pau can match up with Chris Bosh inside with Dwight free to defend the paint against James and Wade slashing to the basket. Not only will Dwight be key defending the paint but should be dominating against the Heat down low. 
Finally, I believe the Lakers will win the title, unlike the Heat, because of the differences between LeBron and Kobe. While LeBron might be showing more will to win, everyone knows the greatest competitor in the league is Kobe. When that Heat team reached the 2010 Finals, Lebron faded away as he choked away the Title to an under matched Mavs team. If Kobe Bryant every disappears in an NBA Finals, well he won't, it's that simple. So yes indeed, there might be some early season problems meshing together but come May and June expect the Lakers to live up to expectations and win the NBA title.