Finals Preview?

For anyone who wants the playoffs to start ASAP, they got a quick little preview in the form of a 2009 Finals rematch between the Lakers and Magic yesterday. It was a regular season game, and there was nothing to lose but pride in what was probably the most physical game of the season. Matt Barnes played the Kobe-stopper by getting into his head for 3 quarters, Dwight Howard fought for every rebound, and contact was everywhere during the whole game. Every player on both teams, for the most part, was pulling his own weight and playing with the amount of hustle every coach preaches about before, during, and after games.

What caught my attention, though, was how different this Orlando team is compared to the one that lost in 5 games last year to L.A. They're surprisingly more aggressive this time around, as seen by the rough play especially against Kobe and Derrick Fisher late in the game. Their defense, although already impressive, has become even more stifling. Ron Artest may have been too enamored with the glory of his new 'do to play any defense on Vince Carter, who almost looked vintage while going off for 25 points, 10 off of free-throws in the first quarter. There were other improvement's here and there as well, but I don't feel like talking 'bout ALL of 'em.

Speaking of the Dennis Rodman-ish look, here's what NBA Style Watch has to say about it:

The Look: Ron Artest's(notes) "Defense" hair

The Breakdown: Clearly, Ron Artest's hair is amazing. It is reminiscent of simpler times, in particular, the 1990s. A time when a man could call himself Sisqó and sing about thongs. A time when the world's best rebounder could dye myriad symbols in his hair.

So there's the precedent and inspiration, but Ron Artest's hair means so much more. Literally. Across his head, Artest got the word "defense" dyed in purple in Japanese, Hebrew and Hindi.

Why he did it? That's quite the question. Apparently, Shin Shin — a recording artist, suggested the colors. Naturally, Artest agreed it was a great idea. I can't help but concur.

Artest called it his "Dennis Rodman tribute," which is more than fitting coming from the man who has worn Rodman's number in the past, and wears the inverse of it now. They're soulmates.

The Verdict:

What do y'all think about Ron Ron's hair? Do you think the Lakers could win a 7 game series against THIS Magic team? Do you think Orlando can go all the way to the Finals, especially with their recent play? Answer these questions in the chat box or comments, and tell me what you think.

Playoff Predictions

Well, about 3 quarters or so of the season has been completed, and I think this would be a good time to start thinking about the playoff picture. Personally, I don`t really like predictions too much, but there is some pretty solid evidence based on the way teams have been playing lately. Any late runs or slumps can change everything, but as long as everything goes the way they are expected, here`s my predictions for the playoffs:

East:

1. Cleveland

2. Orlando

3. Boston

4. Atlanta

5. Toronto

6. Miami

7. Chicago

8. Charlotte

Based on Boston`s recent play, I don`t think they will really step up their level of play until the playoffs actually start, so an Orlando resurgence is not unlikely. They have looked pretty good together recently, but in order to build a decent lead over Boston, Vince Carter has to become the player Otis Smith traded for. 

Toronto should return to their surprising winning ways once Chris Bosh returns from his injury, so I think they will maintain the 5th seed going into the postseason. Look for Dwayne Wade to also add a spark to his team too. The All-Star Game MVP has to go back into MVP-mode though if they want to move past the 1st round, which would be against Boston if my guess` are right.

Leaving out Milwaukee is a tough one, especially with their 7-3 record over the past 10 games, but Charlotte has also been playing hard lately, trying to make this season the first one in the short franchise history to make the playoffs. Stephan Jackson, Gerald Wallace, and Tyrus Thomas have all been great surprises this year, and I would love to see them put their 3-1 record against Cleveland to the test.

West:

1. L.A. Lakers

2. Dallas

3. Denver

4. Utah

5. Oklahoma City

6. Phoenix

7. San Antonio

8. Portland

Not much to be said about the Western Conference. Dallas has been playing much better lately, not that it`s surprising anyone. Caron Butler, Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Brendan Haywood, it`s a pretty decent roster. OKC has been playing great all season, and look for them to continue to play at a high level all the way till the postseason.