The Sports Inquirer

Sorry for the delayed NBA preview. Its been a hectic time in the Pourtout household but things are settling down. No more delays, lets get to them.

Eastern conference playoff teams (in order):

1) Chicago

2) Miami

3) Brooklyn

4) Indiana

5) New York

6) Detroit

7) Cleveland

8) Washington

Eastern Conference Finals: Chicago over Miami

Thoughts: Last night’s results withstanding, I believe that the Bulls will have a better regular season than Miami based on several factors. First, Chicago’s style of play (aggressive defense, maximum effort, Derrick Rose offensive growth) will automatically push the Bulls towards the 60-win mark. Second, as witnessed with Dwayne Wade sitting out of tonight’s game against Philadelphia, the Heat are going to throw away some games because health at the end of the season is more important than home court advantage.

The Nets, particularly Deron Williams, have the chance to have a special season. Williams was arguably the best point guard in the NBA in the second half of last season and I expect him to continue his strong play with the addition of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Brooklyn may have the best starting lineup top to bottom in the East when you consider Brooke Lopez at center.

You could make a case for Indiana as the top team in the East as well especially if Roy Hibbert continues his defensive play and scoring inside. Paul George has the chance to be one of the best two-way guards in the entire league.

The Knicks will score some points, Carmelo Anthony will have a two-week stretch of being the best player in the NBA and there will be some “Can New York beat Miami talk.” If Amare Stoudemire was healthy, I’d have more optimism about New York but a five seed seems about right.

I told you out there that Andre Drummond had the chance to be a special player since he was playing college ball at Connecticut. The Pistons are going with a different approach having Drummond, Greg Monroe and Josh Smith in the frontcourt. Monroe likes to work the circle and elbow, Drummond can be on the block but Smith will be asked to be an outside shooter which he struggled with in Atlanta. Detroit’s front court defense will be stout and it will need to be with Brandon Jennings getting beaten often by quick guards but the shooting will cost the Pistons some spots in the playoff standings.

Cleveland and Washington both have strong, young point guards and supporting casts that should help them get them into the postseason.

Yes, I have the Bulls beating the Heat. The only wild card is if Chicago trades Luol Deng, who along with Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson play the best defense against James as a unit. You’re not going to stop Lebron but slowing him down is a possibility.

Western conference playoff teams:

1) Oklahoma City

2) San Antonio

3) Los Angeles Clippers

4) Houston

5) Memphis

6) Golden State

7) Minnesota

8) Denver

Western Conference finals: Houston over Golden State

Thoughts: The demise of the Thunder has been greatly exaggerated. Kevin Durant alone gets these guys a top-three seed in the West. Russell Westbrook will come back in fine form from his knee injury. Look out for Jeremy Lamb to be a strong contributor for them as well.

The Spurs have the regular season plan down to a science. They will rest players and still find a way to 55 wins. The dip in production from Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili will be picked up by Kawhi Leonard who will receive talk of being an All-Star this season.

The Clippers will take some time to get their act together as seen by the season-opening loss to the Lakers. However, Chris Paul will benefit greatly from having shooters around him and may pull off leading the league in assists and steals in the same season for the third time. The DeAndre Jordan/Blake Griffin duo during crunch time worries me, especially with free throws. That will prevent the Clippers from making the conference finals.

Houston has the best center in the league, the best shooting guard in the league and a roster of players who know their roles. I like Jeremy Lin coming off of the bench giving the team solid ball handling for the second unit and scoring. Patrick Beverley will be a good point guard for the Rockets because James Harden handles the ball the majority of the time and the point needs to play defense which Beverley can do quite well. People are also sleeping on Dwight Howard. The Lakers’ experience was bad but he’s still one of the ten best players in the league, even top-five if healthy. I expect a strong season from him.

Memphis has seen better days but will still have a solid regular season.

I didn’t have the testicles to put Golden State in the NBA Finals for two reasons only; the health of Stephen Curry and Andrew Bogut. Both have injury histories and both will miss time this regular season which will hurt the win total for the Warriors. They will however make a run in the postseason.

I’m banking on Kevin Love staying the entire season with Minnesota even though a trade deadline deal wouldn’t surprise me. Him and Ricky Rubio combined, if they can stay healthy, should push the Wolves into the playoffs.

Somebody has to make the eighth seed from the West and while New Orleans intrigued me, I’ll take the Nuggets with their deep roster and home court advantage.