Raptors Rapture’s NBA Playoff Preview: New Orleans Vs LA Lakers

Raptors Rapture is covering the 2010-11 NBA playoffs, check back daily for more NBA Playoff news, notes, and analysis.

Series Story:  The Lakers start their title defense and Phil Jackson’s last playoff run against the Chris Paul led Hornets.

Why the Lakers Will Win:  Kobe Bryant doesn’t lose in the first round, well except those times against the suns. And do you really think even Michael Jordan would of won with Smush Parker and Chris Mihm as starters? Exactly what I thought.

*Waits for Kobe Vs. MJ backlash to pile up*

Why the Hornets Will Win:  Chris Paul will take advantage of Derek Fisher’s shortcomings on defense and put his team and New Orleans on his back, earning the upset and squashing all those free agency rumours.

Lakers Advantage(s):  Coaching, Post Play, Veteran Leadership, Coaching, Having Kobe Bryant.

Hornets Advantage:  Chris Paul and that’s about it.

Player to Watch (Lakers):  Matt Barnes. I love role players so I am a little biased here, but if i had to make a list of my All-Time Favorite Playoff Players I Have Watched, Matt Barnes may crack the list. He is going to do at least one crazy thing per series, book it.

Player to Watch (Hornets):  Continuing with the Chris Paul theme, Chris Paul.

Quick Rant:  IF DEREK FISHER STEALS ONE MORE EFFING PLAYOFF SERIES AFTER DOING NOTHING BUT FLOPPING AND SCORING SIX PPG I AM GOING TO SMASH SOMETHING.

Subject That Will Be Over Analyzed All Series:  Andrew Bynum and should the Lakers sit him?

My Take Even Though No One Asked For It:  It is the playoffs, he plays no matter what.

Season Series:  4-0 Lakers

Schedule:

Game 1: 12:30 p.m. Pacific time Sunday, Staples Center, ABC telecast

Game 2: 7:30 p.m. Pacific time Wed., Apr. 20, Staples Center, TNT

Game 3: 6:30 p.m. Pacific time Fri., Apr. 22, New Orleans Arena, ESPN

Game 4: 6:30 p.m. Pacific time Sun., Apr. 24, New Orleans Arena, TNT

Game 5 (if necessary): Tues., Apr. 26, Staples Center, TBD

Game 6 (if necessary): Thurs., Apr. 28, New Orleans Arena, TBD

Game 7 (if necessary): Sat., Apr. 30, Staples Center,  TNT

Prediction:  Lakers in 5