So you think you can predict?!?!

Hello everyone! So sorry for not getting back to you sooner, but we here at http://polrexpress.blogspot.com were going through some major changes, but we're back (and we're back just in time)!!!! Its this time of year that always has TPE (new nickname???) very excited and that time is THE NBA FINALS!!!!!!! I'm hype, my sidekick definitely is hype, heck, even Lil Wayne is hype for this! (Ro, u gon love this) This is somewhat of a special time for me specifically because it was around this time last year that The P.O.L.R. ExPRESS got its start. Last year, I asked everybody to try to predict the outcome of the Finals. The popular pick was Lakers in 6 and Boston in 7 and Boston proved us wrong by winning in 6! I wanted everybody to be unbiased in their predictions, so lets see what happens this time around! Let's go!

Rochard Robinson (Sidekick)-

Welcome to this years NBA Finals! Excitement permeates the atmosphere as this has been some of the BEST playoff basketball my eyes have ever seen. The Spurs-Mavs rivalry (Big Ups to the Mavs for making something out of nothing this season), Rockets in the 2^nd round!!!!!!! (Big Ups to the Rockets for FINALLLY getting to 2^nd base…bunch’a prudes! [sidebar: good to see Yao play inna playoff game…]), last years champions exposed by perhaps this years champions??? More GOAT-ty from the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), King James’ MAGICal Shot against the Magic! Then, Superman to save the day!…..Man o Man! This postseason is almost as exciting as my honeymoon that starts June 15^th! I will be relaxing in a beautiful tropical paradise, with my Heaven Sent, smelling the sea breeze and watching the sunset to the tune of the GOAT’s first NBA MVP title and a 4^th ring for his display case…now that's l.i.f.e. (Laker’s In Five Efforts)

Sidekick out

Eric Adams (Oakwood Ambassador/Laker fan/Law Student) - While this series will be a tough match up for both teams I am picking the Lakers to win in six. Here's why:

1. The Magic won't have Jameer Nelson*. The Lakers biggest defensive weakness is their vulnerability to quick penetrating guards (i.e. Aaron Brooks and Deron Williams). Because of this, the Lakers will be able to double off of Rafer Alston who, while being a decent shooter and penetrator just can't be expected to produce efficiently for four games. *(At the time this was written, Nelson was still on the injured list)

2. Dwight Howard won't be playing against two centers past their prime. Let's not forget that in the Celtics series Dwight was good (not great) against Kendrick Perkins. Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol are not as good of defenders as K. Perkins but they're young enough, long enough, and big enough to at least keep up with Dwight.

3. Rashard Lewis won't be guarded by Anderson Varajeo. Lamar Odom proposes a much better match up for Lewis and if Lamar plays on the offensive end anywhere near what he did in the last two games of the Conference Finals, then Rashard's defensive deficiencies will be thoroughly exposed.

If the Magic continue to shoot the 3 ball well, they can legitimately beat LA. I just believe that LA will be able to contest the three pointers much better than the Cavs or Celtics and if both teams are playing at the top of their games I just don't see any team beating LA.

Lastly, the Lakers have Kobe Bryant who, contrary to popular opinion, is still the best player in the game and will prove so during this series.

Derek Long (Oakwood Ambassador/Orlando fan) - If the magic three ball is falling then I have the Magic in 6 games, but if the Lakers get Dwight in foul trouble and if Lamar and Trevor can shut down Rashard and Hedo, then the Lakers in 5 games, easy.

Kwasi Agyeman (SWAU hooper/Med Student/Kobe fan) - I say Lakers in 6. Kobe gets his ring without Shaq, and all the Kobe haters finally shut the h*** up.......(a little hostility there Kwasi?!?!?) But seriously though, I do think the Lakers are gonna win, although the matchups are interesting I dont think they will be as big a factor in this series since the Lakers have the length to match up with the Magic's wing players. but I'm curious to see who plays more, Gasol or Bynum? and about the point guards, Jameer will give his team an emotional shot in the arm when he comes back, but he will be ineffective....he practiced for the first time on monday..... and lakers are deeper! Alston vs. Fisher might go either way but no one can say Anthony Johnson will win his match up with either Farmar or Shannon Brown....Lakers have a better bench which translates well for the playoffs.....Lakers in 6 or 7

Stevie Valles (Fellow Sports enthusiast/Ohio bred/Lakers & Kobe fan)- I see L.A. winning in 6. Dwight will have a solid series but I dont see Hedo and Rashard doin what they did to the Cavs to L.A. with L.O, Ariza, Luke(who is underated) and if KB24 has to, him as well...Shane Battier has made Kobe step his game and now anyone guarding him just can't...I do think Rafer Alston and Courtney Lee are the difference makers in this series. If they ball out, we (Lakers) may have an issue...Kobe will get Finals M.V.P...then the stadium roof will open and a dove will land on his shoulder and he will ascend unto the clouds never to return again. (TPE-Ummmm......)

David Cox (Spurs fan/Knicks supporter) - Lakers should be able to have a rebounding advantage ... but not that big because of Dwight Howard. Lakers pick and roll defense isn't great ... Orlando's pick and roll offense is the best in the league. If Bynam and Gasol are on the court at the same time, who guards Rashard Lewis? ... Can the Lakers depend on Bynam to expose Lewis in the post and on the boards during those minutes? ... When Lewis pulls his man out to the 3 pt line, can they keep Howard off the offensive boards? ... How far can Gasol pull Dwight Howard away from the basket? Can the Lakers guard Howard 1 on 1? (I don't think so).

For me the biggest problem for the Lakers is they don't play 48 minutes of defense ... not even close. Any lapses on defense will mean an automatic big run from Orlando, as u saw from all the blown leads in Cleveland. I don't know if the Lakers know what they up against, so I'll give Orlando game 1. Lakers rebound in a must win game 2.

But I've found that unlike other series, SIZE wins in the NBA FINALS. They blow less whistles, maybe thats what it is, or the pressure of the game meaning less made shots, and more rebounds. Because of the pick and roll advantage for ORL, I don't think Los Angeles can win without winning rebounds. So I think the wild card mite be Odom. The only way the Lakers can win the series in my opinion is if they win rebounds. Odom has to be able to guard Rashard Lewis, and hit the boards, and it would help if he could score a little in the paint. He has to make a difference in the paint. 2nd wild card is Bynum. He's gotta get boards and score in the paint during his minutes.

Can the Pietrus/Howard connection stop Kobe in the 4th? Can dat combo stop the 4th qtr Kobe/Gasol pick and roll? Can the Magic get 4th qtr calls IN LA? Can they get good 4th qtr shots IN LA?

There's a lot of unanswered questions ...This means that coaching will play a big part in the series, and here is why I must pick LA to win the series. I give LA game 3, game 5 (IN ORL), a loss in game 6 at home, and a WIN in GAME 7.

If Orlando gets swept I'll look retarded for this long answer. (TPE- You sure will....)

Nicholas Vernon (Knicks fan/Kobe sacker/bum at 2K!) - I respect and love orlando for all they've done this yr...I know Dwight will get his.....one day...i just don't see Van Gundy beating Phil Jackson.

(TPE- Hmmm, you are right. Coaching will play a major part in this. And something to ponder, Patrick Ewing is teaching Dwight how to get a ring......OUCH)

Brenton Harrison (Grizzlies fan/Knows his basketball....except for his hating on Joe Johnson)- Lakers in 6. The Magic are the only team with a point guard who isn't good enough to abuse Fisher. Plus the Magic win by exploiting mismatches,and I don't see any major major ones this series.

Krystal Thompson (Lone Female asked for her opinion/Knicks fan/sexier version of Jemele Hill, lol! She knows her stuff yall)- I'm honored to be the only female in this thread!!! (TPE-We're honored to have you Krystal)

Now for my prediction: : : With Howard in the middle, Courtney Lee, Turkoglu, and Alston, all of whom can shoot the three pointer, pass and rebound, supporting Dwight Howard, and Peitrus coming off the bench the Magic have a great offensive game!

The Lakers are a solid team from top to bottom with good scorers in Kobe, Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol, good defenders in Trevor Ariza and Luke Walton PLUS a Deep bench! SO There’s no doubt that IF Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol play to their potential, that they should be able to wear down the starting five of the Magic! And they have home court!!

With that being said.............. Lewis, Turkoglu and Alston all can at least slow down Bryant while Gasol, Odom or Bynum have no shot at slowing down Dwight Howard.

I'm going against the odds, MAGIC in 7!!!

Anthony Davis (Magic fan/King Twitterer -@asdavis10) - I want my magic to win. (TPE- so much for being unbiased......) I think we have a really good chance. The regular season doesn't mean anything now but I think it shows how we can beat the Lakers. Rafer has filled in good for Jameer and I still think we have the better point guard matchup. we shoot a high volume of 3s which will always keep us in the game. Pietrus and Lee will do a better job keeping Kobe out of the paint than they did against Lebron. I don't think Dwight will be able to be contained unless Gasol and Bynum can manage to stay on the court together for long periods of time. I doubt it because Bynum is always in foul trouble. If Gasol averages 20+ and Odom averages 15+, the Lakers win in 5 maybe 6 at most. If those guys aren't producing, then its Orlando in 6. If it goes to 7 games, then Lakers win.

Samuel Nwosu (Lakers fan/negrodamus) - FEELS SOOOOOO GOOD TO BE BAAAACCCKKK...David Cox..my regards to your age-less spurs (TPE- Told you he was a Spurs fan!)..My predictions are as follows ..LA in 5 at the most 6...for this simple reason...as much as Orlando spreads the floor....we wont collapse on Howard 24/7 like the Cavs..furthermore, Hedo and, yes, ONLY Hedo is the only player able to legitimately create his own shot...the rest are more prone to either spot up and shoot (usually a missed shot attempt if contested) or pass the ball inside...we are more of a physical team and hands down better defensively....the matchups can only be a problem for us on the OFFENSIVE side..based on strictly Odom and Bynum's gameplay..inspite of all of that, we got the best player in basketball to close out games...and actually hit free-throws when they count...I could go on for days..Orlando, like I have said from the begining (please check my references)...was the best team in the EAST (after KGs injury)...unfortunately they are still not ready for the LAKE SHOW..Enough Said.

Sean Small (Lifelong Bulls fan/Shares my disdain for Mamba man)- Kobe will have a landmark series but he will get little or no help. basically...Orlando will do to L.A what they did to Cleveland. D Howard will get the name MVP killer and Kobe WILL NOT WIN A RING WITHOUT SHAQ and despite his comments to Magic, IT BOTHERS HIM! Orlando in 6...When their 3pt shot goes down they're unstoppable. Lakers big men can't contend with D. Howard in the paint. He's too much MANNN and they don't play that kinda game. They can't stop Hedo AND Lewis for 4 quarters. Maybe one but not both. If pietrus (sp) and the rest of them clowns play strong there's no chance for LA...

TPE>>> Opinion given after Game 1- Brandon Rose (Rockets fan/Extreme opinionator) - I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that Orlando is gonna get SWEPT...at first I thought they MIGHT get ONE GAME...but I doubt it...granted the Magic did have a bad shooting night...but WHO THE HELL IS GONNA GUARD KOBE?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Courtney Lee? Michael Pietrus is the only guy on the Magic that has the best shot...but even he was getting ABUSED...this game was UNBELIEVABLE BORING...I stopped watchin...I change my predictions...not Lakers in 5....Lakers in 4...this is gonna be like the Spurs vs Cavs a couple of years ago...i at least hope game 2 is work watchin... (TPE- Wowzers....)

Thank you all for your contributions and whoever gets it right will recieve a special, Lebron style, handshake from yours truly!

As for what I believe will happen in this series......Well, I believe that the Lakers will win in 6. Like I said earlier, Patrick Ewing is teaching Dwight how to win a ring......LOL! No, but seriously, the Lakers are more focused on the ring right now and nobody welcomes the pressure like Kobe Bryant does. NOBODY. This will be an interesting series, but when Anthony Johnson and Tyron Lue are the only people on your team with previous NBA Finals experience and a coach with no Finals experience (remember he "took time off" before the Heat won in '06), its very hard for me to see this upset happening. The magic carpet ride will be drowned, baptized, and submerged.....into the Lake Show!!! LOL! Enjoy the Finals everybody and stay tuned for more coverage, right here at http://polrexpress.blogspot.com