Luka’s Corner

In the Playoffs, there are amazing performances each year (not to use the NBA slogan). Whether it be incredible team play or eye-popping dominant performances by the game’s stars, there are always those must-sees. Going back to the team play of the Boston Celtics last year and that of the San Antonio Spurs the year before that or the individual play of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James the past two years, the postseason truly is a special time for basketball fans. Here are this year’s things to watch out for:

Dominance of Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers

Like the C’s and Spurs the past two years, look for the Lakers and Cavs to continue the superior team play that is necessary to win on the biggest stage. The stage is set for the two best teams in the league to show just how deep and talented they are.

The Attempt at a Green Repeat

Despite the loss of their vocal leader and defensive stopper, the Celtics will try to build upon their championship year last season and reach the Finals once again. Doc Rivers and the Boston coaching staff have preached the meaning of the word "ubuntu" and how to deal with adversity. There is no greater adversity than the loss of Kevin Garnett.

Individual Rivalries

The big talk will be about the potential Kobe vs. LeBron duel in the final round, reminiscent of the Larry Bird vs. Dominique Wilkins duel or Michael Jordan vs. Magic Johnson/Charles Barkley/Larry Bird. But do not forget other individual battles, such as Brandon Roy vs. Ron Artest or Dwyane Wade vs. Joe Johnson in the preliminary round.

Emergence of a Superstar

Every year, there is a chance for a star on the verge of becoming a superstar to make a name for himself on the biggest stage. Like LeBron against Detroit in ‘07 or D-Wade in ‘06, look for a player like Brandon Roy or Carmelo Anthony to emerge as not only a rising star, but a true superstar. In this discussion, Dwight Howard’s name must also be mentioned because he has the tools around him to make a deep postseason run.

The Last Stand of the Alamo

With its aging roster and the injury to Manu Ginobili, this is San Antonio’s last shot at the title. If the Spurs have any chance to upset the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers, Tony Parker will have to have a phenomenal postseason.

Offense vs. Defense

In virtually all previous Playoffs, the team that could stop the other team from scoring won in the end. This season, both the Lakers and Cavs have shown they can score at will, but it will be the team that can defend that will emerge victorious. Do not expect an offensive battle deep in the Playoffs.

Any Chance for an Upset?

I do not see any major upsets happening, but, as in all sports tournaments, watch out for the lower seeds. A team like the New Orleans Hornets or Philadelphia 76ers could potentially make some noise in the postseason. Any team with a superstar who could go off (like Chris Paul) or an athletic team who plays a up-and-down style (like the 76ers) could upset a higher seed. Just ask Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks what happened with Baron Davis and the Golden State Warriors in ‘07.

Battle of the Big Men

Remembering Shaquille O’Neal’s postseason run in the early portion of the decade, this tournament could prove to be run by the centers of the league. It is time for both Yao Ming and Dwight Howard to make names for themselves when it really matters. Also, look for the Lakers to dominate with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

The Last Hurrah

For those aging superstars who have already made a name for themselves in the postseason, this year could be their last run. Do not be surprised if this is the last time you see a Kobe Bryant or Tim Duncan at the biggest stage, as they are getting up there in years.

Home Court Advantage

If home court will prove to play as big a role in the Playoffs as predicted, do not be surprised that a team riding that momentum on their home floor makes some noise. For example, a team like the Portland Trailblazers or Denver Nuggets could surprise some with their play at home. Just remember the Boston Celtics last year.

Following up my picks for the 1st round, here are my picks for the Eastern and Western Conference Finals, as well as the Finals in June:

Eastern Conference Finals:

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics (Cleveland in 6 games)

The home-court advantage on Cleveland’s side, loss of Kevin Garnett, and explosiveness of LeBron James will prevent the C’s from repeating as champions. Paul Pierce cannot carry the load of both guarding LeBron (due to the departure of James Posey) and scoring in the place of KG, despite his previous success against LeBron. Boston is yet to prove that it can win in Cleveland, which I do not see happening this year either. Lastly, the addition of Mo Williams will be enough to catapult the exuberant Cavaliers into the Finals for the second time in three years. However, be sure that the defending champs will give LeBron and company all they can handle.

Western Conference Finals

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets (Los Angeles in 5 games)

Denver will pull out a victory in Denver, but the Nuggets’ explosive scoring will fail them in a series of such magnitude against a team that has proven it can lock other teams down. I do not see Carmelo Anthony outplaying Kobe Bryant, who is motivated to win that elusive championship without Shaquille O’Neal. I also do not see Nene and Kenyon Martin outplaying the likes of Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. The only clear advantage Denver has is at the point guard spot, with Chauncey Billups and Derek Fisher. But expect the superior Laker bench, which has been sporadic this year, to overcome that one disadvantage and guide LA to its second straight Finals appearance.

Finals

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers (Los Angeles in 6 games)

This will be a hard-fought series, with both teams looking to their home court to give them the slightest advantage. Cleveland has the advantage in that department, but the Lakers have already proven they can beat a Cleveland team at full strength in their own building. I do think that KB24 will outperform LBJ (not to say that LeBron won’t have a great series), especially because he is entering the twilight of his career and this is his best chance to win that championship. Both teams have strong rotations, but it will be the low-post scoring by the Lakers, where they have the clear advantage, that will prove to be the difference in the series. One year after losing in the Finals, the Lakers will emerge victorious this time around.

The postseason gets underway with the defending champion Boston Celtics playing the Chicago Bulls in Boston (12:30 on ESPN), followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers beginning their title run in the Quicken Loans Arena (3:00 on ABC). Since the second, and more important, NBA season is about to start, here are my picks for the entire 1st round of the Playoffs:

Eastern Conference

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons (Cleveland in 4 games)

The Cavs are simply too deep for the aging Pistons, who have had a very inconsistent season this year. Their postseason experience will not help them with a motivated Cleveland club.

Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls (Boston in 6 games)

Boston will be challenged by the young Bulls, who rely on their athleticism like the Atlanta Hawks did last year, but their experience and savvy will be enough to overcome Chicago, who is led by a rookie.

Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Orlando in 5 games)

The Magic will be too much to handle for the 76ers, especially with Dwight Howard in the post. The three-point shooting from Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu will also trouble Philly.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat (Atlanta in 6 games)

Despite Dwyane Wade’s remarkable scoring ability, which will keep the Heat in the series, the depth of the athletic Hawks will wear down the Heat, who are relying on two rookies to help D-Wade.

Western Conference

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz (Los Angeles in 5 games)

Their play in Utah will be enough to prevent a sweep, but the Jazz cannot match the heavily favored Lakers, who are poised to start their title run with a bang.

Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Hornets (Denver in 6 games)

Denver will be able to overcome the remarkable play of Chris Paul and consistency of David West with the scoring of Carmelo Anthony, veteran leadership of newly-acquired Chauncey Billups, and post play of both Nene and Kenyon Martin.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks (San Antonio in 6 games)

Despite the loss of Manu Ginobili, the Spurs will beat the inconsistent Mavs. The one-two punch of Tony Parker and Tim Duncan and overall experience of the club will prove to be too much for Dallas.

Portland Trailblazers vs. Houston Rockets (Portland in 7 games)

Home court advantage will play a major role in this series in the favor of the young Blazers. They will be able to counter Yao Ming with both LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden. Brandon Roy will prove to be too much for both Ron Artest and the Rockets.