The NBA: Where A Lucky Bastard Happens

First round playoff games are going to be tipping off  tomorrow night and this NBA junkie couldn’t be more pumped.  Sixteen teams have a chance of winning a ring, but seven of them are really nothing more than pretenders.  Let’s count down the teams that have a shot to win it all…

9.     San Antonio Spurs - Simply too much talent and savvy veteran leadership to dismiss completely.  The Spurs might be down but don’t count them out.   

8.    Utah Jazz - The injury bug will likely prevent Utah from being a major player this year.  Deron Williams is sensational but he can’t do it alone.

7.    Denver Nuggets – The talent is definitely there to contend, but too may question marks exist.  Maybe next year.

6.    Dallas Mavericks – Touch opening round matchup will really put the Mavs to the test.  As Dirk goes, so goes Dallas. 

5.    Phoenix Suns – Lack of a dominant inside presence will plague the Suns but if the outside shots keep falling then Phoenix will be dangerous.

4.    Atlanta Hawks – A more athletic version of the Suns.  The Hawks could certainly rise above the rest of the teams in the East and shock the world.

3.    Los Angeles Lakers – Is there anyone luckier than Phil Jackson? First he had Jordan and Pippen, then Kobe and Shaq and now Kobe and Paul Gasol.  Although the defending champs are still a formidable foe, this team looks very vulnerable.

2.    Cleveland Cavaliers - King James and the Cavs look loaded on paper, but it all comes down to two words: Mike Brown.  Enough said.       

1.    Orlando Magic – Having Vince Carter as the go-to-guy is definitely a scary proposition.  However, there are plenty of other options if and when Carter implodes.  The Magic came up a little short last season, but look for Dwight Howard to carry Orlando to the title.