Let The Games Begin!!!!!!!!!

LeBron James of the Miami Heat is eyeing his first NBA Championship

     Start your engines!!! The time that everyone has been waiting for is officially here! The 2011 NBA Playoffs tip off today with the Chicago Bulls taking on the Indiana Pacers. This has to be one of the most anticipated playoffs in recent memory. The big question around the league is, "Will the Miami Heat back up their offseason talk and win it all?" I certainly know that if Miami fails to win the title, no one will feel sorry for them at all. On the other hand, the Lakers enter this playoff season with hopes of accomplishing another 3 peat in Coach Phil Jackson's final season. The Lakers certainly have to be favorites to win again, but their play this season leaves me to believe that they aren't as invincible as they were in season's past. All things considered, the Lakers still have a certain #24 on their team...and you can't beat that.

      The Bulls and Spurs are two of the biggest surprises this season. Chicago has captured the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference behind the stellar play of their MVP candidate in Derrick Rose. I must admit that I had them picked to finish at least 4th in the conference, but they have exceeded all expectations. The scary thing about Chicago is that are still relatively young. Look out for them to compete for years to come! On the other hand, San Antonio is known for being an old and boring team. They have definitely found the Fountain of Youth over the summer because they have remarkable all season long. This is a surprise because nothing they did in the last playoffs indicated this kind of a 2010-11 campaign. They have the experience, defense, and great coaching needed to win it all. This may be their last stand.

   Things to watch for....
1. Can Boston and L.A. overcome recent struggles to regain their dominant postseason form?
2. Miami Heat..how far will they go?
3. Will Carmelo back up his move to NY?
4. San Antonio's dominant window appears to be closing in the next few seasons. Can they make one final run?
5. Will Derrick Rose lead his surprising Bulls to their first NBA title since the great Michael Jordan did in '98?