A LEGEND IS BORN II

[hova-]

| PF: R Gay | SF: L James | SG: R Fernandez |
| PF: J Smith | SF: T Prince | SG: M Ginobili |

I like this one

Zach Randolph as C? Lucky that Aldridge is not too tough to contain as he is too soft. The Cs are really bad in the East. Dalembert, Olowokandi, Randolph, Thomas, Hunter. There seems to be only Dwight and maybe Horford who can do some damage.

I'm just not good enough. (slap in my face )

[Fresh8]

I'm just not good enough. (slap in my face )

Suck it up.

[kibaxx7]

Rooting for Miami

[Valor]

Boston: C: M Olowokandi |

You are not serious

Rooting for Miami

Me too since my beloved Bulls are not in the playoffs

[Martti.]

Miami's gonna win it all. Unless you stop them.

[dare]

Agree with all the other guys, Miami will win it, James will cry like a baby.

[Fresh8]

Rooting for Miami

They got a good team. It's prob not their strongest in terms of star power seeing that in the first year they had Wade, Beasley, and Gordon... but they have gotten a better supporting cast and the team is performing really strong!

Boston: C: M Olowokandi |

You are not serious

Rooting for Miami

Me too since my beloved Bulls are not in the playoffs

1. Yes, Kandi man has a lot of upside. Didn't you know?

2. Bulls sucked.

Miami's gonna win it all. Unless you stop them.

Nah, a Western Conference team will win it all. And I have a feeling Detroit is going to make a fairytale run to the NBA Finals.

Agree with all the other guys, Miami will win it, James will cry like a baby.

He always cries like a baby.

[Fresh8]

NBA Playoffs: First Round
NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Previews At-A-Glance

Join ESPN.com’s Woody Hannes in this quick series-by-series preview to get up to speed with the NBA playoffs before they begin. Click on the links to read more about the series you are interested in.

1. Portland Trailblazers (55-27) vs 8. Minnesota Timberwolves (43-39)

Team Rotations
Portland: C: G Oden | PF: C Boozer | SF: B Roy | SG: B Gordon | PG: S Nash | J Bayless
Minnesota: C: A Jefferson | PF: K Love | SF: A Nocioni | SG: S Jackson | PG: M Bibby | M Miller

Series Breakdown The Timberwolves have a very tough task of even winning one game against the Portland Trailblazers. Last year’s NBA finalists stormed back to finish the season with a NBA-best team record and are in stunning form coming into the playoffs. Ben Gordon has fit in well after the team traded away Martell Webster.

Balanced scoring and a lockdown defense from the Blazers is what makes this team so tough to beat. Steve Nash said, “We’re channeling the Detroit Pistons from a few years ago. We’ve got guys who could be All-Stars on other teams but we’ve decided to put the team first and try to win this championship.” Read More…

Woody’s Prediction Portland in 4

2. New Orleans Hornets (49-33) vs 7. Los Angeles Lakers (45-37)

Team Rotations
New Orleans: C: T Chandler | PF: D West | SF: J Wright | SG: M Webster | PG: C Paul | P Stojakovic
LA Lakers: C: A Bynum | PF: P Gasol | SF: K Bryant | SG: J Carter | PG: J Farmar | R Stuckey

Series Breakdown It’s pretty hard to fathom that the LA Lakers stand any chance against the New Orleans Hornets. With Chris Paul running the point, the Hornets are just too tough to stop. It will be interesting to see how good they will be after falling to Seattle last postseason in a sweep in the second round. As a result, the Hornets could not defend their crown and so they are motivated this time around to get back to the Finals.

“We believe that we can win it all again,” Paul says, “We have a lot of self-belief.” The Lakers are led by veteran Kobe Bryant and a formidable frontcourt of Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. The key for LA is to stop Paul and it looks unlikely that will happen any time soon as the team has always struggled to guard quick PGs. Read More…

Woody’s Prediction New Orleans in 5

3. Denver Nuggets (48-34) vs 6. Golden State Warriors (46-36)
Team Rotations
Denver: C: Nene | PF: L Kleiza | SF: C Anthony | SG: JR Smith | PG: C Billups | B Jackson
Golden State: C: A Biedrins | PF: B Wright | SF: C Maggette | SG: M Belinelli | PG: M Ellis | L Nixon

Series Breakdown The Denver Nuggets have been one of the favorites to win it all this season but their season has not been the smoothest sailing one. Injuries, fatigue, and the resulting lack of form has dropped this team to just 48 wins and the third seed; when many thought the side was capable of 60 wins. Entering the playoffs, starting SG and second leading scorer Andrew Watson is sidelined with a strained Achilles.

“We’ve got to step up in his (Watson) absence,” team captain Carmelo Anthony stated, “We have what it takes to get to the NBA Finals but we need to have the whole team healthy, fit, and fighting.” The Nuggets face another up-tempo scoring machine in the Golden State Warriors, which should shape as the most intriguing matchup in the first round. The Warriors aren’t fancied by many but it is undeniable that they could surely prevail in an old-fashioned shootout out West. Read More…

Woody’s Prediction Denver in 6

4. Los Angeles Clippers (46-36) vs 5. Seattle Stealth (46-36)

Team Rotations
LA Clippers: C: C Kaman | PF: A Stoudemire | SF: A Thornton | SG: E Gordon | PG: R Alston | R Davis
Seattle: C: A Bogut | PF: D Lee | SF: K Durant | SG: R Bell | PG: J Kidd | R Wallace

Series Breakdown The LA Clippers were led by rookie PG Ray Lliach all season, so his absence courtesy of a broken hand will hurt them a lot. Luckily, the side has veteran Rafer Alston replacing him which should minimize the impact of losing Lliach. Amare Stoudemire has had a great first season in LA and is enjoying his time here; the Clippers became relevant again after trading for the All-Star PF.

The Seattle Stealth are the hottest squad entering the playoffs but have had major issues with winning on the road. The team holds the best home record in the league but they missed home court advantage on a tie breaker in this series. Kevin Durant, the NBA leading scorer, has put in another career season and should be well supported by All-Star Andrew Bogut and veterans Jason Kidd, Raja Bell, and Rasheed Wallace. However, that may not be enough to get this team to the second round.Read More…

Woody’s Prediction Los Angeles in 6

[dare]

pretty much obvious that the Clippers/Stealth match-up will be in favor of the Clippers, I predict that Stealth will win in 5, and the Lakers will upset New Orleans

[Mark.]

Sweet analysis dude, loving this woody fella's writing. Go Magic to upset the East.

[hova-]

Very nice writing again. I find it interesting how the Warriors and Nuggets have not changed their teams at all. Minny has a nice team. The Trail Blazers must be careful imho.
The Stealth will have no bigger problems except defending Amare (if he has the right shot tendency on this team), he can kill guys inside, I'm not telling any news there.

[Fresh8]

pretty much obvious that the Clippers/Stealth match-up will be in favor of the Clippers, I predict that Stealth will win in 5, and the Lakers will upset New Orleans

Yeah I don't think LA can beat the Hornets. Hornets have a great team!

Sweet analysis dude, loving this woody fella's writing. Go Magic to upset the East.

Woody is the man.

Orlando won't get past first round though.

Very nice writing again. I find it interesting how the Warriors and Nuggets have not changed their teams at all. Minny has a nice team. The Trail Blazers must be careful imho.
The Stealth will have no bigger problems except defending Amare (if he has the right shot tendency on this team), he can kill guys inside, I'm not telling any news there.

Clippers have lots of good shooters. I'm not very good at defending the three in this game.

[The X]

NBA Playoffs: First Round
NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Previews At-A-Glance

Join ESPN.com’s Woody Hannes in this quick series-by-series preview to get up to speed with the NBA playoffs before they begin. Click on the links to read more about the series you are interested in.

3. Denver Nuggets (48-34) vs 6. Golden State Warriors (46-36)
Team Rotations
Denver: C: Nene | PF: L Kleiza | SF: C Anthony | SG: JR Smith | PG: C Billups | B Jackson
Golden State: C: A Biedrins | PF: B Wright | SF: C Maggette | SG: M Belinelli | PG: M Ellis | L Nixon

Series Breakdown The Denver Nuggets have been one of the favorites to win it all this season but their season has not been the smoothest sailing one. Injuries, fatigue, and the resulting lack of form has dropped this team to just 48 wins and the third seed; when many thought the side was capable of 60 wins. Entering the playoffs, starting SG and second leading scorer Andrew Watson is sidelined with a strained Achilles.

“We’ve got to step up in his (Watson) absence,” team captain Carmelo Anthony stated, “We have what it takes to get to the NBA Finals but we need to have the whole team healthy, fit, and fighting.” The Nuggets face another up-tempo scoring machine in the Golden State Warriors, which should shape as the most intriguing matchup in the first round. The Warriors aren’t fancied by many but it is undeniable that they could surely prevail in an old-fashioned shootout out West. Read More…

Woody’s Prediction Denver in 6

Yep, I'd have to concur with Woody's thoughts that the series will be high scoring, intriguing & closer than expected. I'm expecting a letdown from the boys (much the same as we did with Jazz last season). This one could go the whole 7, but hoping we wrap it by game 5, as the longer this series goes, the more dangerous & confident that the Warriors will become.

[Valor]

I expect you to kill the Clippers Sit, do not disappoint me

[Fresh8]

NBA Playoffs: First Round
NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Previews At-A-Glance

Join ESPN.com’s Woody Hannes in this quick series-by-series preview to get up to speed with the NBA playoffs before they begin. Click on the links to read more about the series you are interested in.

3. Denver Nuggets (48-34) vs 6. Golden State Warriors (46-36)
Team Rotations
Denver: C: Nene | PF: L Kleiza | SF: C Anthony | SG: JR Smith | PG: C Billups | B Jackson
Golden State: C: A Biedrins | PF: B Wright | SF: C Maggette | SG: M Belinelli | PG: M Ellis | L Nixon

Series Breakdown The Denver Nuggets have been one of the favorites to win it all this season but their season has not been the smoothest sailing one. Injuries, fatigue, and the resulting lack of form has dropped this team to just 48 wins and the third seed; when many thought the side was capable of 60 wins. Entering the playoffs, starting SG and second leading scorer Andrew Watson is sidelined with a strained Achilles.

“We’ve got to step up in his (Watson) absence,” team captain Carmelo Anthony stated, “We have what it takes to get to the NBA Finals but we need to have the whole team healthy, fit, and fighting.” The Nuggets face another up-tempo scoring machine in the Golden State Warriors, which should shape as the most intriguing matchup in the first round. The Warriors aren’t fancied by many but it is undeniable that they could surely prevail in an old-fashioned shootout out West. Read More…

Woody’s Prediction Denver in 6

Yep, I'd have to concur with Woody's thoughts that the series will be high scoring, intriguing & closer than expected. I'm expecting a letdown from the boys (much the same as we did with Jazz last season). This one could go the whole 7, but hoping we wrap it by game 5, as the longer this series goes, the more dangerous & confident that the Warriors will become.

Wholeheartedly agree.

I expect you to kill the Clippers Sit, do not disappoint me

Will be tougher than you think.

Have played two games now. Both very close.

[Fresh8]

NBA Playoff Predictions
Get Your Tips In, Earn Points, Your Virtual Player Reaps The Benefits

Get your tips in guys for each playoff series and earn points that you will be able to use on your virtual player in this Association! Please participate even if your player has not appeared in this Association because it will be worthwhile. All rewards will be announced at the completion of the Postseason.

How This Works?

The playoff matchups will be posted in a series-by-series playoff preview. You will then be given some time to post your predicted outcome of each series. Don’t forget to choose the winner and amount of games won by each team.

Scores will be accumulated and posted prior to the commencement of the next round.

What Implications Does It Have For You?

All the points accumulated, no matter if you finish first or last, will be able to be used on your virtual player. How that will happen will be explained at the completion of the postseason.

And if you do not have a virtual player part of this association, don’t forget that there are still spots available for additional rookies in future Draft Classes!

Note: To prove that your players do get better with your participation, just look at Martti whose player became an All-Star in his second season. The X's player keeps getting more consistent while Carter's Ray Lliach was a contender for ROY after improving before the season began! Valor and Lamrock both did well last season and their players are locks to be top 5 talents in their draft class

Scoring System

General Scoring

If you pick the winner of the series - +10 Point
If the winner has a worse record than their opponent - +5 Points
If you correctly pick the amount of games won by each team - +5 Points

Bonus Predictions

Before the first round begins, pick:

The teams contesting the NBA Finals
The eventual champion
Pick the Finals MVP

If this happens, you will receive 10 points for each correct guess but you lose 5 points for every incorrect guess. Therefore, you can potentially earn 40 points but can also lose 20.

Other

If you come first in the competition - +50 Points
If you come second in the competition - +25 Points
If you come third in the competition - +10 Points

An example of how to vote will be posted below this post.

[Fresh8]

How To Make Your Predictions
An Example Of How To Submit Your Predictions For the First Round

Note that this is for the First Round only. Please follow this template! Thank you.

First Round Predictions

Portland win 4-0
New Orleans win 4-1
Denver win 4-2
Los Angeles win 4-2

Miami win 4-0
Cleveland win 4-1
Detroit win 4-2
Boston win 4-3

Bonus Predictions

The teams contesting the NBA Finals: Portland v Miami
The eventual champion: Portland
Pick the Finals MVP: Brandon Roy

I will not be giving points to people who do not predict properly.

[dare]

First Round Predictions

Portland in 6
L.A Lakers in 5
Denver in 6
Seattle in 6

Miami in 4
Cleveland in 5
Washington in 6
Boston in 7

Bonus Predictions

The teams contesting the NBA Finals: New Orleans v Miami
The eventual champion: Miami
Pick the Finals MVP: Dwyane Wade

[Mark.]

First Round Predictions

Portland win 4-0
New Orleans win 4-2
Denver win 4-3
Seattle win 4-2

Miami win 4-1
Cleveland win 4-2
Detroit win 4-2
Orlando win 4-3

Bonus Predictions

The teams contesting the NBA Finals: Portland v Cleveland
The eventual champion: Cleveland
Pick the Finals MVP: Lebron James

[Valor]

First Round Predictions
Eastern Conference
Miami Win 4-0
Cleveland Win 4-2
Washington Win 4-3
Orlando Win 4-3

Western Conference
Portland Win 4-0
New Orleans Win 4-2
Denver Win 4-3
Seattle Win 4-1

Bonus Predictions
Teams contesting the NBA Finals: Miami vs New Orleans
Eventual champion: New Orleans
Finals MVP: Chris Paul

[kaiser_kobe]

First Round Predictions

Blazers win 4-0
Lakers win 4-3
Nuggets win 4-2
Stealth win 4-3

Heat win 4-0
Cavs win 4-2
Pistons win 4-2
Magic win 4-3

Bonus Predictions

The teams contesting the NBA Finals: Stealth v Heat
The eventual champion: Stealth
Pick the Finals MVP: Durantula

I want it to be a fairy tale ending

[The X]

First Round Predictions

Portland win 4-2
New Orleans win 4-1
Denver win 4-3
Stealth win 4-2

Miami win 4-0
Atlanta win 4-2
Detroit win 4-2
Boston win 4-3

Bonus Predictions

The teams contesting the NBA Finals: Portland v Miami
The eventual champion: Portland
Pick the Finals MVP: Steve Nash

[hova-]

First Round Predictions

Portland win 4-2
Lakers win 4-2
Denver win 4-1
Stealth win 4-1

Miami win 4-0
Cleveland win 4-1
Washington win 4-3
Boston win 4-2

Bonus Predictions

The teams contesting the NBA Finals: Stealth vs Cavaliers
The eventual champion: Stealth
Pick the Finals MVP: Jeff Green ... okay ... KD


Good luck in the playoffs, man!

[|)e8*]

First Round Predictions

Portland win 4-0
New Orleans win 4-2
Denver win 4-1
Seattle win 4-2

Miami win 4-0
Cleveland win 4-3
Washington win 4-3
Boston win 4-3

Bonus Predictions

The teams contesting the NBA Finals: Cleveland vs Portland
The eventual champion: Cleveland
Pick the Finals MVP: LeBron James

[Martti.]

First Round Predictions

Portland win 4-0
New Orleans win 4-2
Denver win 4-1
Seattle win 4-3

Miami win 4-0
Cleveland win 4-1
Detroit win 4-3
Boston win 4-2

Bonus Predictions

The teams contesting the NBA Finals: Portland v Miami
The eventual champion: Miami
Pick the Finals MVP: D-Wade