Cavaliers Win 84-74: Sweep Hawks

While Shaver Sports predicted the Round 2 sweep of the Hawks that came to fruition last night - before the series started - I would be remiss if I did not remind you that (9) of the (10) NBA Experts at ESPN did not. But instead of the Cavaliers being in the (6) game dogfight that Tim Legler and JA Adande prognosticated, the Cavaliers will take another week - plus off, while they await the winner of the Celtics - Magic series, which gives all indications of going the distance.

The Hawks kept it close for a while last night in Game 4, but eventually lost by (10), making it double digit wins for Cleveland for the (8th) straight time this postseason. LeBron James' Cavaliers now join D-Wade's 2005 Heat squad, as the last two teams to sweep the first two rounds of the playoffs. It should be noted, however, that the Heat did not win all (8) games by double figures that postseason. I will be calling to the Elias Sports Bureau later today to see how many teams in NBA History - like the 2009 Cavaliers - did just that in the first two rounds of the NBA Playoffs, because I believe there is a record there somewhere.

NBA Playoffs: Handicapping the 2nd Round

Celtics (-2.5) vs. Magic - Game (1) - in Boston

Before the first round series started, there probably weren't too many people willing to bet that the Bulls would push the Celtics into seven overtimes, along the way to extending the series to seven games, before eventually bowing out to the defending champs. But the they did that, and now that's over, and Boston has to re-group in a hurry with the Orlando Magic coming to town on Monday. Most online betting sites, currently have Boston giving Orlando 2.5 points in the opening game of the series. Should be interesting.

Lakers (-8) vs. Rockets - Game (1) - in LA

Ron-Ron and Yao might be able to give Kobe and company trouble for a game or two, but expect the Lakers to close Houston out in (6) games at the most. Lakers in (5) wouldn't suprise me either, but I do think Houston will get (1) game. The question is which one? I doubt it will be the first one, and so do the handicappers, who have LA giving Houston (8) in the first game of that series.

Cavaliers (-11) vs. Atlanta - Game (1) - in Cleveland

I honestly don't think I am being biased when I say this series won't be close. As much as feel like the right thing to do would be to say that Atlanta wins (1) game, I really don't think they will. I don't see it. The Cavaliers are on a mission, and I am predicting a second round sweep as an encore to the sweep of the Pistons, starting on Tuesday. However, the (11) number is a big one, and I am not sure I would quite go there, but its surely possible.

Denver vs Dallas - Game (1) Recap - in Denver

If you are looking for 2nd round trends, the Nuggets beat the Mavericks 109-95 in the first game of that series earlier today, and covered. Denver was giving Dallas 6.5 points, and won by (14).

So Who Do Want Next: Hawks or Heat?

The Cavaliers made short work of the Pistons, sweeping the series with double digit wins in each of the the (4) games. The Cavaliers became (1) of (3) teams in NBA history sweep a series in that fashion, and now sit in wait for their next opponent. So who do you want next, the Miami Heat - who currently hold a (2) games to (1) lead in the series - or the team picked by most to advance before the series began - in the Atlanta Hawks.

In the spirit of NBA History, I say bring on the Heat. Why? Because how good would this title run read in the tales of NBA lore:

1st Round: Sweep a Pistons team that once laid claim as the perennial power in the Eastern Conference in the seasons soon to be referred to as B.L. (Before LeBron).

2nd Round: Beat Dwayne Wade - Olympic teammate of James - and a Miami Heat team that won the NBA Title (3) short seasons ago, prompting some to ask the question, is Dwayne Wade better than LeBron James?

Eastern Conference Finals: Beat the Defending NBA Champions, and one of the (2) most storied franchises in all of the NBA, in the Boston Celtics.

NBA Finals: Beat the other (1) of the (2) most storied franchises in all of the NBA, in the LA Lakers. In addition to that, beat the coach who coached LeBron's hero (Jordan) in Phil Jackson, and the player said to be the closest to Jordan since, in Kobe Bryant.

To me, there would be no better way to close the book on the Best Season In Cleveland in last 45 years, than to go through those teams, those franchises, and those players. And the next chapter begins with Dwayne Wade.

Around the NBA Playoff Blogosphere

Pistons Offer No Resistance as Cavaliers Advance via Waiting for Next Year

Lakers Bounce Back on Saturday to take a 3-1 Series lead, after losing with 2.2 Seconds left to Utah on Thursday via With Malice

With Game 4 Going the Rockets way, as well as a 3-1 Series Lead, Portland is asking...What Now for the Blazers? via Blaze of Love

Ray Allen tied it up at the end of regulation, but (2) OT's Later, The Bulls Tie the Series up with the Cetlics via Sports of Boston

Four Games into the series with the Spurs, the Dallas Mavericks look like The Better Team via Uwe Blog

Are the Bulls better than people thought, or are the Celtics worse? via Pippen Ain't Easy

Game Two Tonight: 8pm FSO / TNT

Brought to you by the man known as Chosen Two himself...



Expect a lot of what you saw from the Cavaliers in Game 1 again tonight. Cavs in (4).

Bulls Beat Celts: Both Sides of Blogosphere

While I wasn't surprised with the Cavaliers workmanlike dismantling of the Pistons Sunday, I was a bit surprised - not shocked, but surprised - with Chicago's Game 1 upset of Boston. With the Biggest of the Big-3 sidelined, Derrick Rose of the Bulls looked like the best player on the court.

Here's what both sides of the Blogosphere had to say about Chicago's 105-103 OT Win:

Chicago: Pippen Ain't Easy via Zoner Sports:

"Rose had 36 points on 12-19 shooting and added 11 assists, 4 boards and a steal. He converted all 12 of his free throw attempts and crossed over Rajon Rondo so many times he might have vertigo."

Boston: Sports of Boston:

"Ray Allen, meanwhile, was ice cold and missed his shot attempt at the end of the first overtime that would’ve won the game. He finished an awful 1-12 from the field and 0-6 from beyond the arc and was really the reason the Celtics lost the game."

Tough break for Beantown.