Early 2011-2012 NBA Predictions*

[DeadlyDynasty]

I am interested to see the effect that Rudy Gay has on that team, especially since they looked so good w/o him. He has the potential to make them great, imo...but he could also destroy their chemistry

[Nathan89]

They had the capability of knocking out the thunder and many other teams, IMO.

[DPG21920]

Memphis is a solid team. Not just bc they beat the Spurs but because they are very good defensively and are very balanced team. If Rudy can come back healthy and fit in, they will be a legit threat.

[skut_farkus]

Memphis could knock any team out in any given series.

great ing team. any team who lives by the 3 with a old bag down low will be in trouble

[NASpurs]

I think a lot of it has to do with at ude and "hunger"--to be cliche. That Mavs team last year was full of ringless, hungry vets going all-out. Staying focused and having the same fire to defend your le isn't easy...just ask the Spurs, who are a cool 0-4 in that department. I think the West will come down to Dallas, LA, and OKC with all having a chance to make a run.

That being said, I think this is ultimately LeBron's year and I'd be very surprised to see him not win it all this year.

Miami might have something to prove next year so yeah, they'll probably be the hungriest but that team is still full of holes and can be exploited.

[DPG21920]

What gives you that idea?

All they did last season was knock out a team full of 3 point chuckers; a formula that has never been successful in the playoffs

Worked for the Mavs tbh

[DeadlyDynasty]

Russell Westbrook had the capability of knocking out the thunder.

fify...they win that series in 5 if RW isn't a complete assclown

[skut_farkus]

okc aint doing . they need a closer on that team durant folds like a cheap tent late in games

[Axe Murderer]

Worked for the Mavs tbh

A superstar player who could get his own shot anytime withstanding

tee, hee

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

A superstar player who could get his own shot anytime withstanding

Also a center who wasn't a red headed honky with T-Rex arms outstanding

[DPG21920]

Miami might have something to prove next year so yeah, they'll probably be the hungriest but that team is still full of holes and can be exploited.

Even with their holes they still got to the finals and should have won if not for an epic game 2 collapse.

[skut_farkus]

Worked for the Mavs tbh

theres a difference between chucking up 3's and making them

[DeadlyDynasty]

Miami might have something to prove next year so yeah, they'll probably be the hungriest but that team is still full of holes and can be exploited.

Mainly in the FC, tho. Chalmers played very well in the playoffs and would be a solid starter around that talent. Despite the holes they had, they had numerous chances to win the Finals in their first year together. Dallas was just hungrier, more veteran, and better coached. Miami will be a to contend with this time around.

[Giuseppe]

Just a hunch, but, I'm taking the Suns again to come out of the West.

[DUNCANownsKOBE]

Miami has the potential to be completely dominant over the rest of the NBA.

As DPG said, they win it all last year if not for a game 2 collapse. That's without a center on the roster, with Haslem and Miller banged up all year and never having any rhythm, and plenty of other weaknesses I don't feel like listing.

If Miller and Haslem stay healthy, they get a real center (Dalembert is the rumor everyone keeps hearing), and Chalmers improves, they'll have the potential to roll through the playoffs regardless of how much better Lebron gets.

[skut_farkus]

mavs have a good shot at making it back to the finals i really dont see a threat in the west other than if the blazers are healthy they might be a big speed bump. the heat will be a tougher matchup this year, but i think we can get it done again.

[DMC]

theres a difference between chucking up 3's and making them

One generally precedes the other. You have to chuck it before you can hit it.

[Axe Murderer]

i really dont see a threat in the west other than if the blazers are healthy they might be a big speed bump.

Weren't the Blazers healthy last season?

[skut_farkus]

i cant argue with that Dmc

[Giuseppe]

One generally precedes the other. You have to chuck it before you can hit it.

& it helps when Pierce forgets.

tee, hee.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Vegas currently has Miami as the favorites to win the le, at 2-1, followed by:

Lakers 5-1
Bulls 6-1
Mavs 7-1
Thunder 7-1
Celtics 10-1
Knicks 15-1
Magic 20-1

I'm half-tempted to put $50 on the Knicks, just for the of it.

[DMC]

& it helps when Pierce forgets.

tee, hee.

o McFly, you're still in the past. Come forward a few years.

[baseline bum]

ECF: Heat over Bulls
WCF: Thunder over Lakers
NBAF: Heat over Thunder
FMVP: King Rogaine

MVP: Dwight Howard - Doesn't have one and the media doesn't want to give it to LeBron anymore.
DPOY: Dwight Howard - Obvious
COY - Who knows? Someone who sucks, so maybe Collins was a good guess above.
ROY: Kyrie Irving, as he is their immediate franchise player there

[Giuseppe]

o McFly, you're still in the past. Come forward a few years.

Uh, uh. None of that .

Pierce forgot & Artest made him sorry.

[skut_farkus]

Weren't the Blazers healthy last season?

i dont think they were as healthy as they could of been. imo they gave us the most trouble.