NBA Predictions 2008-2009: And the Winner Is...

Here are the playoff matchups, based on my predictions.

Eastern Conference

1) Boston
2) Detroit
3) Orlando
4) Cleveland
5) Philadelphia
6) Washington
7) Toronto
8) Atlanta

I'm amazed. It is the exact same eight teams as last season (not all in the same positions).

But I don't really see any of the bottom teams making the jump to the playoffs.

Miami could. Chicago definitely could. But I'm not a believer in either.

Detroit and Boston should lead again. Orlando, Cleveland, and Philly are all about the same, IMHO. Then there's Washington and Toronto, while Atlanta barely makes it again. Cavs could again be dangerous in the playoffs.

East

First Round

Boston over Atlanta
Detroit over Toronto
Orlando over Washington (tough pick)
Cleveland over Philly

Eastern Semis (Deja vu all over again)

Boston over Cleveland
Detroit over Orlando

Eastern Finals

Boston over Detroit

Western Conference

1) Lakers
2) Houston
3) New Orleans
4) Utah
5) San Antonio
6) Phoenix (tie)
7) Portland (tie)
8) Dallas

Again, amazing. One team out—Denver—and one team in: Portland.

Clippers, Golden State, and Denver all have a chance—but I doubt it.

West

First Round

Lakers over Dallas
Houston over Portland
New Orleans over Phoenix
San Antonio over Utah

Western Semis

Lakers over San Antonio
Houston over New Orleans

Western Final

Houston over Lakers (and home court disadvantage)

NBA Championship Series

Boston over Houston

2009 NBA Champions: Boston Celtics

Thoughts...

Denver is talking defense and always had the talent. Coach Karl's been to the Finals once. Still, I have a hard time believing. Though Portland faded last year, with Oden they make the top eight.

Houston is a scary team and will give the Cs a whale of a battle, but the Boston Celtics repeat as NBA Champions. I have Boston and Houston both with 58 wins, so I don't know who gets home court. But it won't matter.

Until someone plays as hard and as unselfishly, it is the Celtics' title to lose. The Celtics' bench might not be as good, but the starting five will be better.

What team has a third option as good as Ray Allen?

Answer: None.

Boston brings back banner No. 18.