NBA Finals are Here!!!

Game One Tipping off on Tuesday night

The 2010-2011 NBA season has reached the Finals Series and Game 1 kicks off in Miami on Tuesday night ( Wednesday morning Aussie time). 

Well, waaayyyy back in October, I predicted a Lakers/Heat final with the Heat winning it: http://cdstarrbblog.blogspot.com/2010_10_24_archive.html

At the start of the playoffs, I correctly predicted a Bulls/Heat Eastern Conference final with the Heat meeting San Antonio in the Finals that pick went slightly awry!! http://cdstarrbblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/nba-playoff-preview.html

Now we have reached the finals series. The Dallas crew are a seasoned outfit and will look to continue their regular season success against Miami. A missing link from that success is Caron Butler who proved to be Kryptonite on two legs for LeBron James in their two meetings. Although Shawn Marion has shown his value in the playoffs, the Mavs can not afford any lapses or let downs in this series. 

On the other side of the coin, the Heat will have Dirk to deal with!! Dirk Nowitzki has stamped his authority on each series for Dallas so far. Miami will look to Chris Bosh, LeBron James and a few others in their effort to slow the German Gunner down. Dallas will have to be at their best to deal with Dwayne Wade, LeBron and the rejuvenated Bosh.

Prediction wise: 

I see Dallas having their moments but in the end, look for Miami to take it in six.

Dirk's Day!!

Dirk gets Down in Game one

(NBA Review)

Dirk Nowitzki scored on/over all comers (defenders) in the opening game of the Western Conference finals Tuesday night (Wednesday morning Aussie time). The big man finished the night with 48 points, 6 rebounds, 4 blocks and 4 assists in the 121-112 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Nowitzki set an NBA playoff record with a perfect 24-24 night at the foul line to go with a 12-15 night from the field.

Oklahoma City, led by Kevin Durant who had 40 points himself, fought valiantly but could not get past the sizzling Mavericks who had adequate support for Nowitzki from Jason Terry (24 points) and J.J. Barea (21 points). Mavericks’ leader Jason Kidd dished out 11 assists while controlling the tempo.

The Thunder will look to reverse their fortunes in Game 2 on Thursday in Dallas.  I am on record at a few places in predicting Dallas to take this series 4-2…I’ll stick with that as I feel OKC will pull out a couple of victories.

In the Eastern Conference Chicago walloped Miami in game one. Game Two tips off Wednesday night in Chicago, I am looking for the Heat to rebound in this one but it will be close.

Draft Lottery

The Cleveland Cavaliers own the Number 1 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft after winning the NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday night. Through the Baron Davis trade Cleveland has two early picks…1 and 4 in the first round as they look to rebuild after a disastrous season.

The complete draft order can be found on nba.com.


Back in a day or so with more....