Getting real: NBA Atlantic Division preview
Thursday, November 1, 2007
If you've somehow missed all the NBA previews--or are simply jonesin' for more--top bloggers helped We Rite Goode boil the season down to a few catchy soundbites that can be used to impress at cocktail parties or keggers. After you've read our methodology here, Meanwhile, every team in this preview post--save one--has hopes of the playoffs. Yes, we must be discussing the Atlantic division.
1. Boston Celtics
Steve Weinman, Taking it to the Rack
Forget what they need to do; here's what they will do: 57 wins, tops in the East, but sadly, they will be defeated in the Eastern Conference Finals when they run out of timeouts in the third quarter in successive losses in the final two games of the series.
Reasoning: You really need me to say it? Doc. Rivers.
2. Toronto Raptors
Marcel Mutoni, Slam Online/FanHouse
Forget what they need to do; here's what they will do: Barring serious injury to Bosh or Bargnani, this team will win 45-50 games in the East and cruise into the post-season.
Reasoning: I truly believe - due to reasons stated above - that making the Playoffs for the Raptors is a given in 2008; what they do once they get there (and who they face) is where the real test begins. They should be able to snatch second place in the Atlantic division (first will go to Boston), and once the dust settles, they'll be one of the top 5 five teams in the suddenly-relevant East.
3. New Jersey Nets
Thum Chee Hang, Hooplah Nation
Forget what they need to do; here's what they will do: Win less than 41 games and prove John Hollinger correct. Lottery time = OJ Mayo?
Reasoning: Rj and J Kidd land themselves into injury land agan, Krstic's recovery rate is slower than the word slow. Slow start just like the past few seasons.
4. New York Knicks
Mike K., Knickerblogger.net
Forget what they need to do; here's what they will do: The Knicks will probably win 37 games and miss the playoffs as Zach Randolph & Eddy Curry escort opponents to the hoop. In an overcrowded roster Lee is barely able to match his minutes from last year, Balkman becomes lost on the bench. And Jerome James uses up a roster spot for 200 meaningless minutes.
Reasoning: New York has the Statue Of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Wall Street, and the U.N. We have museums, a million restaurants, and an efficient mass transit system. We're not on any major fault lines, there are no active volcanoes near by, and we rarely have hurricanes or tornadoes. God has to find some way to punish us.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Jon Burkett, Passion & Pride/MVN Basketball
Forget what they need to do; here's what they will do: 30-34 wins, miss the playoffs and lose the draft lottery, no beard for Korver, Lou Williams plays 18-24 minutes, Alan Henderson signs several 10 day contracts, and Iguodala averages 19-20, 5, 5, 2 and misses out on an all-star berth.
Reasoning: Billy King is still the general manager. It has a trickle-down effect throughout the organization. This is an evaluation year for everybody. The question then becomes, who is making the evaluation? The fans can be harsh in Philly. It will be another trip to mediocrity for the Sixers.
Labels: Boston Celtics, FanHouse, Hooplah Nation, MVN Basketball, NBA preview, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, SLAM Online, Taking it to the Rack, Toronto Raptors
posted by Crucifictorious @ 15:20,
