Conference Finals predictions

May 20, 2009 By: Ongai Category: Playoffs

I’m just excited for this year’s conference finals as we see two new teams – the Orlando Magic and the Denver Nuggets. The Magic will be facing Lebron James and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers while the Nuggets will go head to head with Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers.

Here are my predictions:

Cleveland wins 4-3

Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win: The Cleveland Cavaliers are on another level this playoff. They’re 8-0 now but that doesn’t mean they’ll be sweeping the Magic. As long as Lebron James can penetrate Dwight Howard’s defense and Mo Williams, Delonte West and the rest hit their shots when Lebron is doubled then they should be good. Their bigs will also have to work extra hard stopping Howard. If they can do this, then they will win. They also have more playoff experience after being in the Finals two years ago.

Why the Orlando Magic will win: Dwight Howard. No one will be able to guard the big fella. Not Z, not Varejao..no one. If the Cavaliers decide to double team then this will free up the Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu, Rafer Alston and Courtney Lee who all can hit it from downtown. Howard just needs to make his presence felt down low and once again emerge as their leader just like what he did against the Boston Celtics.

LA wins 4-3

Why the LA Lakers will win: They will only win if the real LA Lakers show up in this series. They were really inconsistent against the Houston Rockets and if you’re a Lakers fan, you wouldn’t want to see the Lakers show up that way. Although he has shown at times in this playoff, but Kobe hasn’t been the same leader he once was. A reason for this might be he’s looking for a more challenging opponent. Well, if he could be the old Kobe then he will lead his team to victory.

Why the Denver Nuggets will win: They’ve come through a lot of obstacles the past few seasons and they still have their core with the addition of super guard Chauncey Billups. Carmelo Anthony has matured and looks to be leading his team to new heights. He also has been on a hot scoring streak this playoff. If he can continue then this will be a big lift for them. And with Billups’ composure and playoff experience, other players won’t feel that excited and lose their focus in winning. They have lots of energy, they now play defense and they will score from inside and out. They really could go all the way.

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