NBA Playoffs 2009-2010 First Round Matchups
Playoffs got underway this weekend.
All are best-of-seven series-
Western Conference
Lakers (1) vs. Oklahoma City (8)
The strain on Kobe to carry a team that was supposed to lean more on Ron Artest and Lamar Odom has been evident down the stretch. The health concerns of Andrew Bynum will likely increase the burden on Bryant. For the Thunder to have a shot, they will need to have Russell Westbrook step up as it is likely that Kevin Durant will be slowed from the attention showered on him by the Lakers D.
Sunday: Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers, 3 p.m.,
Tuesday: Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 22: L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 24: L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m.
x-Tuesday, April 27: Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers, TBD
x-Friday, April 30: L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City, TBD
x-Sunday, May 2: Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers, TBD
x-if necessary
Denver (4) vs. Utah (5)
The spirit of the Nuggets in the form of injured Kenyon Martin and ill coach Karl will have to substituted with more energetic performances from Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony. Utah has their own injury issues with Carlos Boozer and Andrei Kirilenko not close to being100%.
Sunday: Utah at Denver, 10:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Utah at Denver, 10 p.m.
Friday, April 23: Denver at Utah, 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 25: Denver at Utah, 9:30 p.m.
x-Wednesday, April 28: Utah at Denver, TBD
x-Friday, April 30: Denver at Utah, TBD
x-Sunday, May 2: Utah at Denver, TBD
x-if necessary
Dallas (2) vs. San Antonio (7)
It is football or basketball that is number one in Texas? Can Tony Parker get into playoff mode after the long absence? Adding Shawn Marion to the steady mix of Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd will be tough for San Antonio to overcome.
Sunday: San Antonio at Dallas, 8 p.m.
Wednesday: San Antonio at Dallas, 9:30 p.m.
Friday, April 23: Dallas at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 25: Dallas at San Antonio, 7 p.m.
x-Tuesday, April 27: San Antonio at Dallas, TBD
x-Thursday, April 29: Dallas at San Antonio, TBD
x-Saturday, May 1: San Antonio at Dallas, TBD
x-if necessary
Phoenix (3) vs. Portland (6)
Steve Nash is the gun, but Amare Stoudemire is the bullet that can kill Portland’s title hopes if he continues his strong play from the second half. Marcus Camby has been a terrific pick up for the Blazers who will no doubt miss Brandon Roy.
Saturday: Portland at Phoenix , 10:30 p.m., ESPN
Monday: Portland at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 22: Phoenix at Portland, 10 p.m.
Saturday, April 24: Phoenix at Portland, 4:30 p.m.
x-Monday, April 26: Portland at Phoenix, TBD
x-Thursday, April 29: Phoenix at Portland, TBD
x-Saturday, May 1: Portland at Phoenix, TBD
x-if necessary
Eastern Conference
Cleveland (1) vs. Chicago (8)
Nothing short of a title is what faces Cleveland. LeBron could very well bolt if that doesn’t happen, but Shaq has been there before, and despite being more successful recently going short in their lineup, the Cavs will need the Big Fella clogging the paint should they reach the Finals. Bulls’ youngsters Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah will not go away meekly.
Saturday: Chicago at Cleveland, 3 p.m., ABC
Monday: Chicago at Cleveland, 8 p.m.
Thursday, April 22: Cleveland at Chicago, 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 25: Cleveland at Chicago, 3:30 p.m.
x-Tuesday, April 27: Chicago at Cleveland, TBD
x-Thursday, April 29: Cleveland at Chicago, TBD
x-Saturday, May 1: Chicago at Cleveland, TBD
x-if necessary
Orlando (2) vs. Charlotte (7)
Charlotte’s defense is stout and isn’t the question here. It is getting points. That is where former Warrior star, Stephen Jackson comes in. Though making an ill-advised return from injury in last year’s NBA Final, this time ‘round Orlando will fully depend on the playmaking skills of Jameer Nelson.
Sunday: Charlotte at Orlando, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Charlotte at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 24: Orlando at Charlotte, 2 p.m.
Monday, April 26: Orlando at Charlotte, TBD
x-Wednesday, April 28: Charlotte at Orlando, TBD
x-Friday, April 30: Orlando at Charlotte, TBD
x-Sunday, May 2: Charlotte at Orlando, TBD
x-if necessary
Atlanta (3) vs. Milwaukee (6)
In Atlanta, Jamal Crawford is the man, the sixth man, and perhaps the best in the league with that role. Coach Scott Skiles has done a remarkable job, but these are the playoffs and Milwaukee, a team lacking both Andrew Bogut and Michael Redd, will do well to take a pair of games from Atlanta. But then again, these are playoffs and stranger things have happened.
Saturday: Milwaukee at Atlanta, 5:30 p.m., ESPN
Tuesday: Milwaukee at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 24: Atlanta at Milwaukee, 7 p.m.
Monday, April 26: Atlanta at Milwaukee, TBD
x-Wednesday, April 28: Milwaukee at Atlanta, TBD
x-Friday, April 30: Atlanta at Milwaukee, TBD
x-Sunday, May 2: Milwaukee at Atlanta, TBD
x-if necessary
Boston (4) vs. Miami (5)
Losing seven of ten entering the playoffs, the Celtics are suddenly looking their age. Their key will be Rondo igniting Allen, Pierce, Wallace and Garnett with his energy at both ends of the floor. For Miami, Wade won’t be able to carry the load and it is time for Michael Beasley and Jermaine O’Neal, at least in spurts, to shoulder some of the punch.
Saturday: Miami at Boston, 8 p.m., ESPN
Tuesday: Miami at Boston, 8 p.m.
Friday, April 23: Boston at Miami, 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 25: Boston at Miami, 1 p.m.
x-Tuesday, April 27: Miami at Boston, TBD
x-Thursday, April 29: Boston at Miami, TBD
x-Saturday, May 1: Miami at Boston, TBD
x-if necessary
