3. How Big A Role Will Injuries Play?
The injury factor can be huge in the playoffs. When Chicago lost Derrick Rose last year, it completely changed the entire outlook of the East and allowed Philadelphia to sneak into the second round. The Bulls are missing Rose again this year, and theyre not alone. Indiana have lost Danny Granger, Boston dont have Rajon Rondo, Danilo Gallinari is out for Denver, and Kobe wont be able to carry the Lakers. The list of guys not at full strength is even longer; Andrew Bogut and Manu Ginobli are doubtful to play, nobody really knows whats happening with Amare Stoudamire, Tyson Chandler, Zach Randolph and Kevin Garnett are all under injury clouds, Tony Parker and Ty Lawson are coming back but are obviously not yet at full fitness. The biggest questions are the last three. With Garnett at full or even near-full fitness, the Celtics are an elite defensive team, and always a chance to beat anybody. Any less than that and theyll almost certainly be a quick first-round exit. Tony Parker and Ty Lawson are both crucial to their teams chances. Lawson has played the second half of the year at an all-star level, and while the loss of Gallinari hurts Denver, if Lawson isnt fit they go from possible contender to a probable second round exit. Parker is much the same for the Spurs. Ginobli not playing can probably be covered, but if Ginobli doesnt play and Parker isnt himself? The Spurs/Lakers matchup in the first round could be very, very interesting. For a lot of these teams being healthy can be the difference between winning and losing a series. By the way, you know who does look healthy? Oklahoma City and Miami.