2009 NBA Playoff Predictions: Conference Semifinals

The first round had its fair share of excitement, as well as disappointment. If you've been keeping track, I correctly predicted five of the eight first round match-ups, giving me a grade of a D-. But, the playoffs have only begun, so I will attempt to raise by basketball G.P.A. from now until June. But, Sunday, May 3^rd, the conference semifinals officially began, which is my chance for redemption. Since the West decided to finish first, I will begin there.

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Houston Rockets

First off, all apologies to the Houston Rockets, whom I predicted would once again crumble in the first round. But congratulations Yao Ming, who now has reached the upper echelon of NBA centers, finally overcoming the obscurity of no playoff highlights on the resume. Along with defensive specialist Shane Battier (who also finally advanced when basketball really matters) and the best acquisition but a team trying to get over the hump since the Pistons nailed Rasheed Wallace, forward Ron Artest. I must admit that I was wrong about Tracy McGrady. The Rockets' defense has been the best in the west during the playoffs, and the team seems to no longer miss their former superstar, who may be on his way out of Houston in the very near future. Unfortunately, the exuberant joy flooding out of Texas will turn to utter despair in the next round. In the Rockets' way stands the best team in the conference, the Los Angeles Lakers. The underdog will need both Artest and Battier to completely smother Kobe Bryant in order to even a shooter's chance in this series. Yao's dominance over Portland will be tested against the twin towers of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, who will flash double-teams at every opportunity. But the most intriguing match up in this second round just may be the head coaches. Phil Jackson and Rick Addelman will once again meet face-to-face in the postseason setting, after a long and much storied history (including Bulls vs. Blazers in the 90's and Lakers vs. Kings earlier this decade) in which Phil has continually had Rick's number. The trend will continue in this series, as the Lakers continue to flow towards the Finals, as the Rockets will most definitely miss a deadly scoring threat to match Kobe's killer instinct. Lakers win series 4-2

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks

Secondly, all apologies to the Dallas Mavericks, who completely capsized the aging "team of the decade" San Antonio Spurs to advance into the second round. Dirk Nowitzki has been the most neglected MVP candidate for the entire season, and accompanied by guaranteed future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd and current Sixth Man of the Year Jason Terry, they've led the Mavericks on a tremendous roll down the stretch of the regular season, and without skipping a beat in the playoffs. But, in there way stands another team finally overcoming the "first round syndrome", the second-seeded Denver Nuggets. In a series full of stars, the one which stands alone is former Finals MVP Chauncey Billups, who picked the New Orleans Hornets completely apart (and he still remains the most underrated point guard in the league today). Also, Nuggets forward Carmello Anthony, another first-time second-rounder, is beginning to grow the competitive urge which his former 2003 Draft Class-Mates (Dwayne Wade and Lebron James) have quenched over recent years with Finals appearances. Anthony is poised to have a legendary series, as the Mavericks lack the consistent interior defense to stop the Nuggets from driving to the basket. Although a highly competitive series, Denver will eventually overcome the city of Dallas' desire. Nuggets win series 4-2

Eastern Conference:

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Atlanta Hawks

The best team in the NBA (with fresh legs and the recent dismantling of the east's team of the decade), the Cleveland Cavaliers have already fitted their fingers for championship rings, but they must first overcome the worst team in the entire second round, the Atlanta Hawks, who won their first game seven in the city of Atlanta in the team's long and storied history (and congrats to them, as I picked the Heat in seven games). Although the Hawks have the young legs and defensive savvy to aggravate LeBron James and company, they stand little chance against the team ready, willing and able to march on to the Conference Finals. Despite the best efforts of All-Star Joe Johnson and the second-most freakishly gifted small forward in the Association (Josh Smith), the Cavaliers continue their hot streak well beyond the second round. Cavaliers win series 4-0

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) Orlando Magic

The reigning world champion Boston Celtics overcame the stampede of the Chicago Bulls in one of the greatest basketball series in the history of recorded time. But standing in their way in the road to a repeat is the up-start Orlando Magic, anchored in the middle by Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard. The only way for Orlando to win this series and advance to the conference finals is to take advantage of Boston's depleted presence in the paint, by passing into Howard in the fourth quarter (not just the first three) and not relying solely on the three-point shot which comes and goes for every team. But, Boston's playoff experience (by now, at least five season's worth in two years) will supersede anything Stan Van Gundy can throw at Doc Rivers (and assistant coach Kevin Garnett), and despite another tumultuous fight (with imminent suspensions), the Celtics advance once again to the Eastern Conference Finals. Celtics win series 4-3