NBA Conference Finals and Finals Picks

This is a tentative projection of the teams I expect to play in both the Eastern and Western Conference Finals, who will represent their conferences and who will win it all.

Eastern Conference Finals.

Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics

Chicago should get through the first two rounds with ease. The Celtics will likely have the misfortune of having to go through a total 6 NBA Superstars to get to this point. The Celtics come into the playoffs losing 11 of their last 20, and although this isn't the same team as last year, they will turn it up in the playoffs. I had the big 3 going out early last season. I won't make that mistake again. However, I expect this to be the last deep postseason run for Boston. I am buying in to the Chicago hype. Derrick Rose has shown that Rajon Rondo cannot stop him and the Bulls overall are just a bad match-up for Boston.

Prediction: 4-2, Chicago


Western Conference Finals

San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers

I'm going old school here. The Spurs and Lakers have dominated the West for over a decade and they account for 9 of the last 12 NBA championships.  They will likely have a tough second round, but no other WC teams are as talented or battle-tested as the Lakers and Spurs. This has been a relatively one-sided rivalry as far as head-to-head match ups go.  Phil Jacksons Lakers and Greg Popovich's Spurs have met 5 times in the playoffs, with Phil holding a 4-1 lead. Lakers advance.

Prediction: 4-1 Los Angeles



NBA Finals

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Chicago Bulls

Twenty years after Michael Jordan lead the Chicago Bulls past the Los Angeles Lakers and the consummate NBA player of that era, five time champion, Magic Johnson, we will see Derrick Rose try and do the same against the consummate NBA player of this era, five time champion, Kobe Bryant. The Kobe/Magic/Rose/Jordan comparisons will be found in sports media everywhere. However this time, the living legend will complete his legacy and the up and coming superstar will have to wait another season to decorate his ring finger. Phil wins his titles in threes. The greatest coach of all time will go out on top and Kobe Bryant will strengthen his case for the distinction of the greatest player not named Michael Jordan.

Prediction: 4-1, Los Angeles