Coming back from such a deficit in a 7-game series is a feat that has not once been accomplished during the NBA’s existence, and it rarely happens in sports. The only examples are a handful in the NHL and the legendary ’04 Boston Red Sox, who came back from 0-3 against the Yankees.

To make things even worse for Knicks fans, there was a trending topic on Twitter that practically put a dagger in the back of each Knicks fan. It read “Massacre Square Garden”; enough said. Then this morning, I had to wake up to tweets about how Knicks fans are complaining about the calls and how it’s not fair that Chauncey and Amar’e are injured, and everything in between.

While I can agree that New York should have won at least ONE game thus far in the series, and should be putting up more of a challenge in a series we deemed the best in the first round, Knicks fans are forgetting to look at the big picture.

So for all of my followers, and for those Knicks fans who are disgusted with what is going on, let this article serve a positive note. Here is why even though your team is falling hard, and falling hard right now, there are still plenty of reasons for you to be happy and optimistic.

While it was clear that last night’s game was essentially a series finisher, and it was an embarrassing loss for the team’s first home-playoff game in about 10 years, New York should not hang their heads completely.

This current series against Boston was never going to be easy. No one predicted it would be. I at least gave the Knicks two Ws coming into the series, but as of now it doesn’t look like that is going to happen. But there are reasons as to why this series has gone the way it has up to this point, a couple of uncontrollable factors that have dipped their noses into this Atlantic Division rivalry.

One, obviously, is that this Knicks squad is not at full health.

It’s simply a fact that when your team isn’t 100% healthy, it’s going to be tough to do much against good competition. And not only is the health of this team hindered, but it probably happened to the two most crucial players for the Knicks: Chauncey Billups, and Amar’e Stoudemire. Not that I don’t think Carmelo is crucial, but I do think If I had a choice, I’d rather lose Carmelo than lose Amar’e simply due to the fact that New York’s gaping holes on both ends are clearly down-low.

Boston has both of the positions vacated by the absences of Chauncey and Amar’e, point guard and power forward, occupied by two of the game’s best in Rondo and KG. So obviously not having Billups for two games, and having a hindered Amar’e for another, is going to cause a big disadvantage for New York.

And if you’ve never experienced back-spasms before, which Stoudemire is suffering from, they are disgustingly painful. I give huge props to Amar’e for playing last night!

As for Chauncey, his loss is probably the biggest factor. While he can give you 20 points and 10 assists on a given night, he is also the most experienced player on the roster and the team’s engine. To lose his playoff experience is huge for New York. Enough said.

Then there is the matter of Boston’s surprising surge.

Watching the Celtics during the tail-end of the 82-game regular season, they looked the opposite of invincible. They were vincible. It seemed that ever since the trade of Kendrick Perkins for Jeff Green that Boston’s mean, green, and tough attitude had disappeared. They had losing streaks all over the schedule, and were falling to opponents that held records below .500.

Coming into this series, I thought that there was a possible chance that the Knicks could upset the defending Eastern Conference champs. Everyone did. Little did we know that in a span of a couple days, this Celtics team would come together and start playing the type of defense that we had seen since ’08. It shocked me, and shocked everyone else that I knew.

Even with all that said, remember this Knicks fans: excluding last night’s game, the Knicks lost games 1 and 2 by a total of five points. Let me repeat that. The Knicks lost games 1 and 2, by a mere 5 points, or if you want to get even more literal, the Knicks lost games 1 and 2 by a three-pointer and a layup.

So again, even though New York is down 0-3  in this series, I want to know why all the Spike Lees out there are going crazy.

Game 1 was basically won by the Knicks…if you exclude the last 11.6 seconds of the fourth quarter. The Knicks led by one point going into the game’s final 20 seconds, but everyone knew that Jesus Shuttelsworth was going to get the ball. So, Ray Allen curled off of a screen, a screen that might have been an offensive foul on Garnett, and hit a three like he always does. Game 1 was over when I saw Carmelo pull up from super-deep, as he clanked the ball off the rim.

As for Game 2, it was lost by a horrible pass from Jared Jeffries in the paint. Watching the game live, I saw the play and noticed Jeffries could’ve either pump-faked and gotten the layup, or he could’ve thrown himself at KG and gotten the call. I mean, the refs do like to exaggerate the “any contact is a foul” rule, so I’m sure Jeffries would’ve gotten the call in this one.

So again, if the refs call KG for an obvious moving screen (or Carmelo at least glances at D’Antoni for the play-call), or if Jeffries (a veteran) doesn’t make a rookie decision, then we could easily be talking a 2-1 series with the Knicks in the lead!

But here’s the beautiful thing my Knicks fans: yes, NY is seemingly done this post-season; but that is not what you should be looking at. Instead, gain some refreshing perspective by taking a look back at the Isiah years. Take a look back at when Jamal Crawford was your team’s best scorer. Take a look back at when Eddy Curry was the best big man available.

There is more than one reason to be happy if you’re a Knicks fan.

This past offseason was dream-like for the Knicks. Sure, you didn’t get LeBron or any of the other talents down there in South Beach, but you did get the game’s best power-forward right now. Amar’e came into New York with all smiles. The spotlight was on him, and he gladly accepted the offer and the challenge. He came into the season putting up 30 points on consecutive nights, rallying the young guys around him, and giving New York-basketball a positive atmosphere that had not been seen in years.

Months later, the Carmelo-drama began to unfold. Ultimately, multiple players were sent packing to Denver in exchange for one of the league’s premier scorers in Carmelo Anthony, a former NBA Finals MVP in Chauncey, and two solid role players in Renaldo Balkman and vet Anthony Carter.

So as a Knicks fan, can you really be upset right now?

New York’s dog days are over guys. The Knicks are back!

Knickerbocker basketball is back, and the resurgence is being led by two of the game’s better stars in Carmelo and Amar’e.

I mean, let’s be real here: nobody with a high NBA IQ expected the Knicks to be in the Finals this year, even after the deal for Carmelo; and most didn’t even expect them to reach the East Finals.

But let me tell you something Knicks fans: you should still feel like champions.

The first set of short-term goals were accomplished on July 8th and February 21st. These are the dates Amar’e and Carmelo came to New York and finally brought hope back to those who had none.  All it is going to take is some time together, the addition of a role player or two, and the Knicks shall soon be right up there with the beasts of the East.

Who knows…I’ve heard rumors of other All-Stars joining forces in the Big Apple; but that discussion is for another time.

What I do know is that the Knicks have completed their first set of goals, and that was to bring the Knicks back to the playoffs with renewed star power.

With the first goal complete, you can bet that the next one is on its way: winning an NBA Championship.

So don’t you want to catch it all?

Well, I’ve got you covered NBA fans!

Check out the full TV schedule for the first round of the NBA Playoffs, with games scheduled to be televised on TNT, ABC, and ESPN.

And if you need a little opinion, here are my Eastern Conference and Western Conference Playoffs previews!

Also don’t forget to get at me on Twitter, as I’ll have continuous playoff updates to keep you satisfied!

Enjoy my fellow NBA fans!

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Game 1 - Sat April 16, Indiana at Chicago, 1:00 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN3D
Game 2 - Mon April 18, Indiana at Chicago, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 3 - Thu April 21, Chicago at Indiana, 7:00 p.m. ET, NBA TV
Game 4 - Sat April 23, Chicago at Indiana, 2:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 26, Indiana at Chicago, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 28, Chicago at Indiana, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sat April 30, Indiana at Chicago, TBD, TNT

Game 1 - Sat April 16, Philadelphia at Miami, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC/R
Game 2 - Mon April 18, Philadelphia at Miami, 7:00 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 3 - Thu April 21, Miami at Philadelphia, 8:00 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 4 - Sun April 24, Miami at Philadelphia, 1:00 p.m. ET, ABC
Game 5 * Wed April 27, Philadelphia at Miami, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Fri April 29, Miami at Philadelphia, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 1, Philadelphia at Miami, TBD, TBD

Game 1 - Sun April 17, New York at Boston, 7:00 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 2 - Tue April 19, New York at Boston, 7:00 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 3 - Fri April 22, Boston at New York, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 4 - Sun April 24, Boston at New York, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC/R
Game 5 * Tue April 26, New York at Boston, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Fri April 29, Boston at New York, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 1, New York at Boston, TBD, TBD

Game 1 - Sat April 16, Atlanta at Orlando, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 2 - Tue April 19, Atlanta at Orlando, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV
Game 3 - Fri April 22, Orlando at Atlanta, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2/ESPN3D
Game 4 - Sun April 24, Orlando at Atlanta, 7:00 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 26, Atlanta at Orlando, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 28, Orlando at Atlanta, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sat April 30, Atlanta at Orlando, TBD, TNT

___________________________________________________________________

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Game 1 - Sun April 17, Memphis at San Antonio, 1:00 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 20, Memphis at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV
Game 3 - Sat April 23, San Antonio at Memphis, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 4 - Mon April 25, San Antonio at Memphis, TBD, TBD
Game 5 * Wed April 27, Memphis at San Antonio, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Fri April 29, San Antonio at Memphis, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 1, Memphis at San Antonio, TBD, TBD

Game 1 - Sun April 17, New Orleans at L.A. Lakers, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC/R
Game 2 - Wed April 20, New Orleans at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 3 - Fri April 22, L.A. Lakers at New Orleans, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 4 - Sun April 24, L.A. Lakers at New Orleans, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 26, New Orleans at L.A. Lakers, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 28, L.A. Lakers at New Orleans, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sat April 30, New Orleans at L.A. Lakers, TBD, TNT

Game 1 - Sat April 16, Portland at Dallas, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 2 - Tue April 19, Portland at Dallas, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 3 - Thu April 21, Dallas at Portland, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 4 - Sat April 23, Dallas at Portland, 5:00 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 5 * Mon April 25, Portland at Dallas, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 28, Dallas at Portland, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sat April 30, Portland at Dallas, TBD, TNT

Game 1 - Sun April 17, Denver at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 20, Denver at Oklahoma City, 8:00 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 3 - Sat April 23, Oklahoma City at Denver, 10:00 p.m. ET, ESPN/R
Game 4 - Mon April 25, Oklahoma City at Denver, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Game 5 * Wed April 27, Denver at Oklahoma City, TBD, TBD
Game 6 * Fri April 29, Oklahoma City at Denver, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 1, Denver at Oklahoma City, TBD, TBD

Additional scheduling information will be furnished as soon as possible consistent with the need to fulfill league obligations.

If first-round series are completed in six games or less, the conference semifinals may move up to begin on either Saturday, April 30 or Sunday, May 1.

All games, except those televised on ABC, are available to be televised locally.

*If necessary
TBD – To Be Determined
R – ESPN Radio
ESPN3D – ESPN 3D

Schedules, and additional info accredited to NBA.com

The NBA playoffs are about to begin, and surely this is one of the most exciting playoffs I have seen in recent years. With new-look teams like Miami and New York on the prowl, we are sure to be in for a treat almost every night.

Then there are the young rising talents such as Derrick Rose and Kevin Durant, guys who are ready to prove to the NBA world that they are ready for the big show!

And let’s not forget the usual contenders like Los Angeles, San Antonio, Boston and the many other powerful teams seeking a ring!

Yes, the time has come!

And what better way to start my favorite time of year than to write and analyze each series’ matchups, advantages, disadvantages, and who I think will ultimately take it to the next round. And don’t forget, to get my real-time updates as the playoffs progress, you can get at me on Twitter as well!

Update: Click here to view the complete first round TV schedule.

Update: 2011 Western Conference Playoff preview!

Without further ado, I present to you my 2011 NBA Playoffs Preview: Eastern Conference Edition.

(1) Bulls vs (8) Pacers

Season Series: Chicago won 3-1

You don’t just get a 60+ win season for no reason. It requires hard work, dedication, a great coaching effort, and you almost always need that star. And boy, the Bulls don’t just have a star, but also this season’s soon-to-be-named Most Valuable Player. Enough cannot be said of what Derrick Rose has become in the past couple of seasons. The Bulls know it, Chicago knows it, and the NBA knows it.

But it wasn’t just D.Rose who helped this Bulls squad reach seed No.1. Boozer, Noah, Thibodeau, Deng and the rest of Chicago’s defensive-minded squad had a lot to do with it as well.

On the other end, the Indiana Pacers come into this series with not that big of a chance. Coming into the playoffs with a losing record is never something to be proud of, but hey, you made it and the other 7 teams didn’t. So you must have had done something right, right?

And to be honest, this Pacers team doesn’t look too bad on paper.

If you are going to match up against one of the league’s speediest teams, why not have speed against speed, right? Well the Pacers might have a decent shot at keeping up with Rose, as their extremely quick point-guard Darren Collison will take the job against the league’s MVP. I’m not saying that Collison is going to stop Rose, but when you’ve played under guys like Chris Paul in New Orleans, it’s got to help, right?

Then there’s the Pacers leader: Danny Granger. The kid can score, attack the rim, shoot, and he has decent length on the perimeter. Averaging 20 points a game, Granger has proven that he will draw some defensive attention. I’m really looking forward to seeing how Luol Deng will match up against the still-rising-star.

Then there are the role players like Paul George, Brandon Rush, and Roy Hibbert. Solid contributors, but nothing that the league’s best defense can’t handle.

In the end, I can’t see Indiana winning more than a game. With guys like Boozer and Noah in the paint, it is going to be tough for slashers like TJ Ford, Darren Collison, and Paul George to attack the paint with any ease.

Let me also remind you again: the Bulls have the league’s MVP.

Chicago Bulls-Indiana Pacers Prediction: Bulls beat Pacers in 5

———-

(2) Heat vs (7) Sixers

Season series: Miami won 3-0

The time has come Heat fans. The Miami Heat are now in the NBA playoffs, and after a very up-and-down season, Miami has made it to the second starting line with a strong finish that has awarded them the East’s 2nd seed in the playoffs.

The trio of LeBron, Wade, and Bosh did what we all thought they would: finish as the best statistical trio in the NBA. LeBron’s scoring did go down, as did his steal and block numbers, but he finished with a career-high in FG percentage and averaged nearly the same amounts of assists and rebounds per game.

As for Wade, he also had a career high in FG percentage. He lost a point in scoring averages, and a couple in the assists department, but he did jump up his rebounding average by almost two rebounds a game.

If anyone’s numbers dropped, it was Bosh. All across the board, he his averages went down. At the end of the day, he ended up on a better team, and upped the most important statistic: the chance at winning a title.

Now, some might argue that the talents in South Beach were destined to destroy everything in their path, beat down opponents by 20 points a game, and finish with a record of 82-0. But let’s be real here: they are not unstoppable.

Miami comes into this series having swept the Sixers in three games. But don’t let that statistic fool you one bit my friends.

Led by the great coaching ability of ex-TNT analyst and Bulls coach Doug Collins, the Sixers seem to come into each night with the chip-on-the-shoulder attitude we like to see. Many folks didn’t see the 76ers making the playoffs this season. I mean, you have a really young roster, you have a huge contract in a never-100-percent-healthy Elton Brand, and you have to adjust to the style of a new coach. Let’s not forget the whole Allen Iverson departure.

But the point is this: the 76ers should not be slept on!

With a solid defensive system and a core of athletic freaks, Philadelphia is the type of team that can surprise anyone. On the court, the are led by the explosive Andre Iguodala, who might not have turned out into the player we had hoped for, but he sure is one hell of an athlete. Surrounded by a nice core of run-and-gun players like Thadeus Young, Louis Williams, Jodie Meeks and a few others, Philadelphia can tire you out in a hurry. As for the elder of the team, Elton Brand brings an inside presence, and great experience value to this young team. Think of what Kendrick Perkins did for OKC, but in a much lesser form.

I believe Philadelphia gives Miami a run for their money in about a game or two, but Miami comes out on top in each game as the Heat’s big three just proves way too much for the young Philadelphia squad. But much props goes to Doug Collins for a great coaching season! A definite top three, in my “Coach of the Year” race.

Miami Heat-Philadelphia 76ers Prediction: Heat beat Sixers in 4

———-

(3) Celtics vs (6) Knicks

Season series: Boston won 3-0

This is without a doubt the highlight of the Easter Conference first round! I mean, why would I put a picture of KG and Amar’e as my article thumbnail? It could’ve easily been LeBron or D.Rose, but I couldn’t do that!

This is easily the most interesting first-round matchup I have seen in recent years. Could this be a possible rivalry waiting to happen? I mean, the Red Sox and Yankees go way back, so why not a little Boston and New York rivalry NBA-style?

This series features two teams coming head-to-head that are seemingly going in two exact opposite directions.

Boston finished the season much bumpier than it had started, and much of it was due to injuries. Whether it was Shaq, ex-Celtic Perkins, Rondo, or anyone else, this Boston squad always seems to catch the eye of the injury-bug. But it wasn’t just injuries that plagued the C’s.

The trade that sent Perkins and Nate Robinson to OKC in exchange for Jeff Green and Nenad Kristic seems to have affected the team in a negative way. Whenever you watch them, you can sense something is missing, both mentally and physically. This will happen anytime a piece of your team’s core has departed, and well, the Celtics are experiencing it. It showed when they lost the heated match against Miami and the shocker out in DC.

But either way, Boston is the Eastern Conference’s defending champion, and there is no reason to believe they will not fight hard to defend their title. Doc Rivers is still pushing the strong defensive agenda of his team, and for the 3rd straight year his team has finished in the top five of the NBA’s defensive elite And to no surprise, while this team’s defensive mindset is set by Doc, it is led on the court by Rajon Rondo, who I believe will one day earn a Defensive Player of the Year honor. Need more defense? The C’s added two more guys this offseason in Shaquille O’neal and Delonte West to help on that end. Enough said!

Not only can this team defend, but they have an arsenal of scorers on their team. Whether it is the C’s sniper Ray Allen, or the team captain Paul Pierce, or even from guys off the bench like Delonte or Glen Davis, the Celtics can fill it up after they stop you.

Yes, the Celtics have shown signs of slowing down, but we can never underestimate the experience and approach of a former champion.

On the opposite end is a team that has nearly opposite features, but the same goal in mind: an NBA championship.

Yes, the New York Knicks await Boston in this enticing first-round series.

While New York was still adjusting to the recent acquisition of Amar’e, they later obtained yet another superstar in Carmelo Anthony. The idea of this tandem was a daydream for many, and people all over the NBA spectrum were pulling for this one to happen. It eventually would, as the Knicks would receive Carmelo along with his sideman in Denver Chauncey Billups. The trade significantly changed the look of the Knicks and Nuggets rosters, and most were surprised when the Nuggets began stacking on more W’s while the Knicks were piling on more L’s after the trade. Things seemed to be caving inward in New York, but luckily for them, things eventually settled down.

New York’s season ended with a 6-game win streak recently snapped, but things still have started to look upwards. Carmelo and Amar’e are beginning to understand how to play off eachother, while the other key players like Chauncey, Fields, Douglas, and Turiaf are learning how to play alongside the two mega-stars. Basically, as the Celtics began crashing downwards, the Knicks began to get into the groove of things – though Boston did beat New York to end the regular season.

So what can we expect from this Boston, and New York series?

Well for starters, I expect this one to be a very physical series. Both teams are stacked with brutes. Whether I’m talking about Shaq, KG, Amar’e, Turiaf, Pierce, or Carmelo, these guys like the physical side of the game. They like the banging, they like the hard drives to the rim, and they love the contact.

Most of the contact is going to come from the Garnett-Stoudemire matchup! I can picture it already: KG attempting to get into Amar’e's head; Stoudemire trying to jam one over KG; then KG going for the swats, getting the elbows involved, and making his presence felt with his strong interior play. This is probably the most enticing matchup in my opinion. But can KG’s knees keep up with Amar’e? We’ll have to see.

And we can’t forget Carmelo and Pierce, can we?

The two have nearly the same game. Both like to attack the basket off the dribble, but both also like to take the mid-range jumper in your face when their path to lane is closed off, and both even have a sweet post-game. This matchup will be great to watch for all NBA fans. If you don’t believe me, watch the matchup between Pierce and LeBron back in the ’08 conference semis. That was one hell of a matchup. But like KG, Paul Pierce has shown his age every now and then recently. Will Carmelo get this one?

Another huge matchup is going to be between the two floor generals: Chauncey and Rondo, two polar opposites who both have the same role. Chauncey is the guard that will elevate your team’s play to another level, while not being afraid to sink the dagger right in your face (See: Mr.Big Shot). And he has terrific vision out there on the court. As for Rondo, the kid still has yet to reach his prime (scary), and he plays with toughness whether it’s attacking the rim, using his quick hands for the robbery, or taking a body-blow for the charge.

Yes, these two are going to be great to watch. Both have the ability to dish the ball out and score in their own ways. Which will take it? Experience, or youth? We’re going to have to find out.

The reality is this: the New York Knicks are not a complete roster yet. They are still lacking a key role player or two, the chemistry they have is nowhere near what the C’s is, and they still have yet to fully understand how to play with one another.

So in the end, I’m going to take Boston in this one. The Knicks do fight this one out and hand the C’s a couple losses, but Boston is way too deep, too good, and too experienced to lose in round one. But expect a classic my friends!

Boston Celtics-New York Knicks Prediction: Celtics beat Knicks in 6.

———-

(4) Magic vs (5) Hawks

Season series: Atlanta won 3-1

Probably the closest series in the first-round, in my opinion. It doesn’t get much more typical than this. These two teams have played each other in the playoffs for the past few seasons. Each time, the Magic and Hawks were always solid teams. Is there a possible upset in the making here folks? Let’s examine.

The Orlando Magic began the season with a strange start. From the beginning, rumors were surfacing that Dwight would leave the team in 2012 and head for the gold in LA. So what did Otis Smith and the rest of Orlando’s front-office do? First, they traded Rashard Lewis’ huge contract to Washington in exchange for the recently suspended Gilbert Arenas. Then, they would trade away Marcin Gortat, Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus, and a pick to the Suns in exchange for Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson, and Earl Clark. All of this hoopla was to make the Orlando Magic a better, and more fit team to reach the NBA Finals…and to make the soon-to-be-named Defensive Player of the Year happier. This trade did give Orlando a great offensive look, but it hindered their defense a little. With the loss of Gortat, the Magic only had Dwight and Bass as their true big men.

Though it did take time, the Magic began to get the hang of things, and began pulling together strings of W’s. But like seemingly every other team this season, the Magic also had an up and down year, as the L’s shortly began to follow any time it looked like they had things figured out.

As for the Hawks, they were involved in trades as well. They were in search of a defensive-minded guard on the perimeter, and that is exactly what they got when they sent Mike Bibby, Jordan Crawford, and Mo Evans, along with their 2011 1st-round pick, to Washington in exchange for Kirk Hinrich and big man Hilton Armstrong. A bit too much if you ask me, but the Hawks got what they wanted.

So by the end of All-Star break, both teams were different. One had offense in mind, while the other had defense.

How will this whole thing go down?

Well for the Hawks, they simply schooled the Magic in the season series, taking them three games to none. However, no game was won by more than 10 points; so let’s not overreact here.

Looking back at the tape, the Hawks do not fear any of the Magic’s perimeter plays at all. Most of what I’ve seen was Joe Johnson slashing to the rim, kicking it out to Teague for the three or to Smith for the mid-range jumper. While Dwight did hold his own against Horford in the paint, the Hawks have been exposing the Magic’s wings.

As for Josh Smith, he seems to do a decent job at handling Howard during double-teams, but don’t expect too much of that in the playoffs, as the Magic do have the snipers set up from deep.

But the main battle isn’t going to come on the court, but off the bench. And no, I’m not talking players, but I’m talking coaches. Yes, Stan Van Gundy vs Larry Drew.

While the Magic have the inside game advantage almost each night, against any opponent, the Hawks seem to have an advantage on the wings against Orlando. So it’s is going to come down to which coach can get his team to execute the offense better and which coach can expose the matchups.

If that’s the case, I don’t see how Stan Van Gundy can lose this one.

He’s easily one of the smarter coaches in the NBA. You can put him up there with Phil and the other greats if you want in terms of knowing the game. In a series as closely talented as this one, it’s going to come down to X’s and O’s.

I see this series going six, maybe seven games. But I’m going to take my gut and go six. Al Horford does a good job of containing Howard, but the wear and tear in a seven game series against that guy will hurt you. This will force the extra big-men have to help, which will leave Turkoglu, Arenas, or Richardson open for the three, and that will be the storyline of this series.

Orlando Magic-Atlanta Hawks Prediction: Magic beat Hawks in 6

Thanks for reading NBA fans!

Since it’s almost that time, you know what that means, right? My NBA nuts sure do! It means that the NBA is about to dish out another magnificent NBA schedule, just for us on the magical December 25th.

So what’s in store?

Well, courtesy of the fellas at ABC and ESPN, we can watch each and every single game on national television. So don’t worry, while you’ll be enjoying the amazing cranberry sauce, tweeting your butt off, cleaning up the wrappings, or ripping them apart, you’ll be able to have the TV on in the background and enjoy some great NBA action!

Here’s the lineup:

Game 1 (Noon ET/ESPN)

Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks

Final Score:

Chicago Bulls – 95

New York Knicks – 103

What’s better than having a Christmas in New York? Really, what is? You have Radio City, you have the snow, you have the parades, and everything else that comes with an NY Christmas. But this year there’s one more thing to pay attention to: the New York Knicks.

With the Knicks having been on a win streak of 9 games, they are everything different from previous Knicks teams. They are actually a playoff contending team, and can do some damage come April. Most of the credit can go to MY current MVP, Amar’e Stoudemire, the more improved play of Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, and Wilson Chandler. Props to rookie Landry Fields as well, whose been making a nice little run for ROY as well.

But with the Bulls, one of the East’s more improved teams coming in, the Knicks aren’t going to have a walk in the park. Derrick Rose continues to amaze me, season after season. He’s without a doubt, in the conversation of the A’s best point guards. Then when you have Joakim Noah, and the newly acquired Carlos Boozer on the block, your life is that much easier.

Look for fast-paced, physical play, and a great way to start your NBA Christmas!

Game 2 (2:30 PM ET/ABC)

Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic

Final Score:

Boston Celtics – 78

Orlando Magic – 86

Ah, yes. We’ve been accustomed to these two Eastern elites meeting up a few times a year. One being Christmas, a couple times in late March, and the rest in May.

Yes, the Celtics and Magic never cease to impress. The Magic might be struggling a bit at the moment, but without a doubt they are still a championship contending squad. It’s hard not to be, when you have the best big man in the game, a great head coach, and snipers all over the wing. And now they have made significant trades in hopes of bolstering their playoff chances. Could this be in time for Christmas? The Magic sure hope so.

As for the Celtics, they have the best record in the East, and continue to show us that they know where Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth is hiding. Seriously, Ray Allen, KG, Paul Pierce, Shaq, and Jermaine O’neal? All these guys were MVP contenders from 2003-2006, and now they are playing on the same squad. What has that given us? Continued success, and hopes for a second NBA championship in 4 seasons.

I encourage you to watch this one, NBA nuts. No matter what you say, these two teams are almost bound to meet sometime in the playoffs.

Game 3 (5:00 PM ET/ABC)

Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakers

Final Score:

Miami Heat – 96

Los Angeles Lakers – 80

The main event my friends. The big show, the one we’ve all been waiting forever. The red-hot, new-look Heat bring their talents to Los Angeles, and see for the first time ever what Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and the rest of the defending champion Lakers are made of.

This is what we’ve been waiting for people. More star-studded than last years Cavaliers, and Lakers matchup, and you can assume that this one will be much flashier.

The Miami Heat had started the season very rusty, and were questioned up to their necks, but they sure have silenced the haters as of late, no? They are defending better than most teams in this league, and it shows. The Heat rarely give up anything over 100 ppg for the opposing team, which allows their offense to come even easier to them, if that is even humanly possible.

The trio of Wade, LeBron and Bosh is what I call the “pick-your-poison” offense, because either way you’re going to lose, so you might as well choose which way it will be dealt to you. As for the rest of the Heat, they have been playing their roles to a perfect T! Mario Chalmers, Carlos Arroyo, James Jones, Erik Dampier..psh, perfect! There’s also a good chance that Heat sniper, Mike Miller, might be back by Christmas as well.

But hold up, don’t let anything I said fool you. The scorching Heat have been heating up, but the Lakers are still the defending champions, and with much reason. They are simply good!

Kobe Bryant is continuing to have another MVP-like season, and the same goes for Pau Gasol. It’s crazy when I think about it, but Kobe and Pau are both top ten, in this year’s MVP race. I don’t think many of you can argue that. Then there’s the rest of this Lakers squad. Ron Artest, Lamar Odom, and Matt Barnes each present trouble on the wing for any team. The Heat do have Wade and Bron, but it won’t be easy for either. Stick Ron and Barnes on both, and they will feel the pressure. Then there’s the return of Bynum, which could prove to be huge for the Lakers in this game. Will he expose to Heat in the center, or will Erik Dampier prove enough?

All something to watch NBA fans. Without a doubt, the NBA’s main course of action!

Game 4 (8:00 PM ET/ESPN)

Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder

Final Score:

Denver Nuggets – 106

Oklahoma City Thunder – 114

Congratulations to the Thunder! First ever NBA Christmas game in OKC, and with much reason! First, there’s Kevin Durant. No matter what, dude’s a monster. He has started the season in somewhat slow fashion, but don’t let that fool you, KD can play ball. Then, there’s the OKC fans! Are you kidding? These guys go bananas every time I watch the Thunder play, and just seem to be one of the better fan bases in the entire A.

The Nuggets and Thunder don’t seem to be favorites of anything at the moment, but that isn’t the point. This game is all about the marquee matchup at the small forward position. Melo, on Durant, Durant on Melo. Two of the league’s premier forwards, and two of the league’s best scorers. You can pretty much call this one a  shootout from a mile away. With each averaging over 24 ppg, it will be an “anything you can do, I can do better” type of battle.

Let’s not forget the current cloud surrounding Carmelo. It’s been looming ever since the talents were taken to South Beach, and it seems like it will never have an end. Will Carmelo even be around for this game? Yeah, I’m pretty sure. I’d give it up until the All-Star break, so no worries Nuggets fans.

In summation, this game will be for those of you who like the individualistic performances. It should be a great one, at that!

Game 5 (10:30 PM ET/ESPN)

Golden State Warriors at Portland Trailblazers

Well, I’m not going to lie. You look at this matchup, and you can’t help but laugh somewhat. Neither team is going to do a lot of damage in the postseason, and neither team is a lock for the postseason. So you might ask, what is there to look forward to? Well, that’s why I’m here!

The Warriors have to be one of the more electric teams in the NBA. When your backcourt consists of Monta Ellis, and Stephen Curry, there is basketball to watch at all times. Monta Ellis, in my mind, is making a nice run for MVP as well. Though he won’t get the award, he will have some really nice numbers at season’s end. The And 1 poster child, can almost do anything with a basketball.

Then there’s Curry. This kid is going to be special in a couple years. You can see it in him, almost like you can see it in Blake Griffin. The drive to get better continues to glow in the eyes of both. The difference is, Curry has one heck of a role model in Ellis.

As for the Blazers, they seem to be having one rough season, eh? First Oden is gone for the rest of the year, then Brandon Roy continues to get hammered? Not good, but things are beginning to progressively improve in Portland. Brandon Roy will most likely be available for this game, and the matchup of Roy and Ellis will be nothing short of exciting!

It should be nice watching the young guys like Aldridge, Fernandez, Batum, Curry, Roy and Ellis perform on the 25th.

If that’s not enough to keep you happy this Christmas season, I don’t know what is folks!

But honestly, Christmas is a little more than basketball, so make sure while you’re enjoying LeBron throw one down, or watching Kevin Durant net one at the buzzer, make sure you’re with your loved ones, and just enjoy the company.

From me to you, have a happy and safe holidays sports fans!

Enjoy!

What was the best city to be a sports fan in 2008?

What was the worst city to be a sports fan in 2008?

I think the best city argument can come down to a few different cities.

1. Boston

Positive: Super Bowl runner up, Return to NBA dominance with their first championship since the 80′s, and another post season run in baseball.

Negatives: The Tom Brady injury, Tom Brady went to Michigan, lost the super bowl in which they were heavily favored and ruined their historical season.

2. New York

Positive: Their improbable super bowl win puts them in contention for the year.

Negative: the Yankees didn’t make the playoffs this year for the first time since the early 90′s, Brett Favre moved there.

3. Philadelphia

Positive: First World Series win in over 20 years.

Negative: Franchise QB doesn’t know the rules of football.

4. Detroit – Positive: NHL championship…which is pretty neat…I guess; finally got rid of Matt Millen; Pistons made another post season run.

Negative: Detroit Lions still winless after 10 games, the Detroit Tigers in general, and it’s in Michigan.

I don’t think you can argue that Seattle was the worst city in which to be a sports fan this year…maybe worst of all time.

Postives: ………coffee?

Negatives: Lost NBA team to Oklahoma City, Kept WNBA team, Mariners were basement dwellers, the Seahawks are horrible and apparently the Space Needle doesn’t actually go to outer space.

What city do you think was the best?

Worst?

Leave your comments below so we can debate them.