NBA Tipoff 2011: Picking the Winner of Each Christmas Day Matchup
The NBA season begins Christmas day after a lengthy lockout. The lockout began on July 1, 2011, and has resulted in a shortened 66-game regular season. The league has pulled out all the stops for the tipoff in the hopes of regaining a waning fan base.
Two historic franchises face off when Boston takes on New York in the first game. The second game in the lineup is a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals between Dallas and Miami.
The third game is between the Bulls and Lakers and showcases two of the best in the game—Derrick Rose and Kobe Bryant. In the fourth game, a drama-riddled Orlando team faces off against a rising Thunder squad.
To finish off the lineup, the Clippers, with new star Chris Paul, take on the up-and-coming Warriors.
The exciting lineup of games showcases the league's best teams, and there is no better time to be a fan of the NBA than on Christmas day.
With that being said, here is analysis and predictions for each game:
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
1 of 5The aging Celtics travel to New York for the first game on Christmas. Boston realizes its championship window is rapidly closing, while the Knicks are hoping to begin a championship run built around the nucleus of Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire.
Boston will rely on the “Big Four” of years past—Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. Jermaine O’Neal and recently-acquired Brandon Bass will have to help Garnett down low. The recent loss of Jeff Green hurts the team’s depth.
Anthony and Stoudemire recruited some help to New York this offseason in the form of point guard Mike Bibby and center Tyson Chandler. The team isn’t the deepest, but the explosive potential of the offense will allow the Knicks to keep up with any team.
Prediction:
Boston wins a close game by frustrating the Knicks with tenacious defense. Paul Pierce will effectively contain Carmelo Anthony, and while Boston will struggle down low with Stoudemire, Rajon Rondo will run wild and ensure a Celtics victory.
Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks
2 of 5In a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals, the Heat look to exact revenge on the defending champs.
The Heat will of course rely on their Big Three—LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. The team also added some much-needed depth and veteran presence in the form of Shane Battier this offseason.
The Mavericks boast one of the deepest teams in the league, centered around Dirk Nowitzki. Additions of Vince Carter and Lamar Odom help in this regard. The loss of center Tyson Chandler hurts, but Brendan Haywood looks to fill in comfortably.
Prediction:
The Mavericks win in a repeat of the Finals as superior depth leads the way. Good defense combined with sharp shooting from Jason Kidd and Jason Terry kill the Heat’s revenge bid.
Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers
3 of 5Reigning MVP Derrick Rose leads the Bulls into Los Angeles to face a Lakers team that is a shambles.
The Bulls recently added veteran Rip Hamilton to fill a huge need. Hamilton’s addition completes a starting five that may be the best in the league. The rest of the team is rounded out by Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah. Taj Gibson and Omer Asik provide talented depth.
The Lakers are trying to recuperate from the loss of Lamar Odom and the failure of missing out on Chris Paul. Kobe Bryant will potentially be distracted by his off-the-court issues, and Andrew Bynum will miss the game due to suspension.
Prediction:
Bulls win by a large margin. The Lakers aren’t deep enough at the most important positions, and the absence of Bynum kills the Lakers. Kobe can’t do it on his own, and the Lakers begin their fade into a progressive decline.
Orlando Magic vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
4 of 5The Magic take their turmoil-ridden team to Oklahoma City to face off against the rising stars of the Thunder.
The Magic are attempting to deal with a disgruntled franchise player in Dwight Howard. Orlando’s biggest moves this offseason have been to trade for forward Glen Davis and re-sign guard Jason Richardson. Off-the-court distractions could be a huge issue for what is otherwise a very talented squad.
Oklahoma City is led by young phenom Kevin Durant. Russell Westbrook and Kendrick Perkins combine with Durant to form a formidable trio. Serge Ibaka and James Harden are emerging as important playmakers for the Thunder.
Prediction:
Thunder win by a large margin. The explosiveness of the Thunder offense is too much for the Magic. Orlando won’t have trouble defending inside, but stopping Durant is an impossible task for anyone on the Magic roster.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors
5 of 5The new-look Clippers travel to take on the Warriors in what is a showdown between two Western Conference teams on the rise.
Los Angeles is a changed franchise after the addition of point guard Chris Paul. Combining Paul with forward Blake Griffin will keep the team in championship contention for years to come. The addition of veteran Chauncey Billups adds much needed leadership. Center DeAndre Jordan is also a rising star that looks to contribute.
Golden State has two explosive stars in Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis. David Lee is a force down low along with the emerging Ekpe Udoh. The team is hoping to run opponents up and down the floor all season while scoring more than most teams in the league.
Prediction:
Clippers win in a blowout. Golden State doesn’t match up very well with the well-rounded attack the Clippers will present. The Paul and Griffin pick-and-roll will be too much for the Warriors to handle.
