Lockout Shmockout

Well now that that's over!

The NBA owners and players have finally come to a tentative agreement to end the lockout, that would see the 2011-12 season tip off on Christmas Day once the deal is ratified. Due to needing a certain amount of games against your own division, conference and other conference teams, the schedule needs to be completely revised. This schedule is set to have 66 games, which makes for 33 home and 33 away containing at least one set of back-to-back-to-back games. Each team will play 48 conference games and 18 non-conference games, and thus would not have the opportunity to play every team in the league. There will also be two preseason games for each team,one at home and one away versus an opponent in the best geographical location.

There has been lots of speculation who this will benefit the most from this new schedule. Will it be the older veterans who have experienced a shortened season before? Maybe it will be the younger guys whose bodies will be able to better handle playing more games in a shorter period of time?

While we eagerly count down the days until we can finally watch NBA games again for the first time in almost 5 months, here are a few early season prediction as well as the predictions for those games on opening night.

Here We Go!!

Christmas Day game Predictions: 

Boston Celtics @ NY Knicks:

Ryan: So the first game of the 2011-12 NBA season pits the old folks of the Celtics against the Knicks duo of Melo and Amare and their supporting cast. Which may end up being Melo, CP3, and Amare if Paul is traded to the Knicks before the season starts. Either way the Knicks defense would probably still be as bad as it's been over that last few years, so expect the Celtics to get a win here.

Chris: For this game I'm going to have to go against Ryan and take the Knicks. The biggest reason why? Unrest in Boston. There has been on going talk about the Celtics potentially trading Rajon Rondo, and that can have an effect on a guy. Plus the Knicks will be playing at home in front of a loud and dedicated crowd at MSG who has been dying to start the season. I'm taking the Knicks by 3.

Miami Heat @ Dallas Mavericks:

RR: After losing to the Mavs in the finals the Heat would have to sit back and watch as the Mavs championship banner is revealed and raised to the rafters. If that isn't enough motivation to go out and get a win, then I don't know what is. Unlike the finals the Mavs could be without Tyson candler and J.J Barea who are now free agents. Those guys played a huge role in that championship season last season and if they choose to go on the greener pastures then the entire dynamic of this Mavs team could change. The Heat will pick up the victory in a close game, unless Lebron disappears in the 4th quarter again, which he won't.

CA: Typically, I would take the Mavs, but this time I have to take my predictions to South beach. The Heat are going to be coming out looking to get off to a hot start (no pun intended) to the season, and what better way than to defeat the team that stopped them from winning a championship. There's been a lot of talk about Chris Bosh bulking up in the summer, and I feel he will play a crucial roll this season if they want to avenge their finals loss. You can expect Lebron, and Wade and Bosh to come out fired up (pun intended that time) and ready to get things underway.

Chicago Bulls @ LA Lakers:

RR: After a pretty lackluster showing in the playoffs last season the Lakers are looking to bounce back this season and an opening match-up against D-Rose and his Bulls. With rumors circulating that the Lakers are actively pursuing both Dwight Howard and Chris Paul the team that is in uniform then could be totally different than their current roster, but at least they'll still have Kobe, whose knee is supposedly 100% healed, and Metta World Peace. After last seasons disappointment the Lakers would be looking to prove something this season so expect them to be victorious when the final buzzer sounds on Christmas day.

CA: Now this is a match up I am really looking forward to. How will the young MVP, Derrick Rose fair against one of the best players all time after a delayed start to the season? Well, Rose's talent is undeniable, but so is Kobe's experience and his drive to improve off of things last season. I completely expect Kobe to take over and lead his Lakers to the victory.

Orlando Magic @ OKC Thunder:

RR: This one is pretty much up in that air depending on whether Dwight is dealt or not. KD will be on track for having an MVP type season so, his Thunder will get the win here, even if Dwight is still with the Magic.

CA: I gotta take the Thunder here, why? James Harden. Harden absolutely came alive in last years playoffs and the combination of him, Westbrook and KD, is just too good not to win here.

LA Clippers @ GS Warriors:

RR: The most important question here is why exactly are the Warriors playing on Christmas Day? Couldn't the NBA have found a better opponent to take on Blake Griffin and the Clippers. With the Warriors offense this could end up being the highest scoring game of the night, filled with a few thunderous Blake dunks (not including a KIA) as well, but in the end the Clippers would be the one's starting their season with a 1-0 record.

CA: I have to agree with Ryan here, but for a different reason. Why would either of these teams be playing Christmas day? Yes, the Clippers have a fan favorite in Blake Griffin, and yes, the Warriors have a young team led by Ellis and Curry. Still though, this isn't that interesting! The Clippers improved last season, but not to a point where I feel they can stand up and defeat a team like the Warriors. I have to take Golden State by 7 here.

Which team shall win the Eastern Conference?

RR: The Miami Heat. After a season filled with ups and downs, a ton of media criticism, and a few bad quotes the Heat were able to make it all the way to the finals in the Big 3's first year together. Last season they got off to a really disappointing 9-8 start and went though a five game losing streak after the all-star break. This season those things aren't likely to happen as the Big 3 are now comfortable playing with each other and will know what to do to avoid the same things they went through a year ago and at the end of April shall have secured the 1st seed in the playoffs.

CA: Basically what Ryan said, lol. As much as we laugh and joke about the Heat sometimes, you can't deny their talent. Lebron may be the best player in basketball, and D-Wade isn't far behind. Bosh showed a passion last year that many people joked about, but I find respectable. I expect the Heat to do some big things this year right out the get-go. My sleeper is the Nets, especially if they can snatch up Superman (Dwight Howard).

Which team will win the Western Conference?

RR: OKC. Depending on what happens with the Mavs and Lakers this young Thunder team will be able to put up with this condensed schedule and win enough games to secure the top seed in the tough Western conference.

CA: Apparently me and Ryan are on the same page with this NBA stuff, because I agree. They're a young team but they are an extremely talented team and with this condensed schedule they have a clear upper hand. If you want a sleeper though I'm gonna have to say Denver. After that Melo trade they acquired a lot of young players that also seemed to mesh together. Keep an eye on them.

Which team will win it all this season?

RR: Miami. They made it to the finals in their first year, with 3 main players surrounded by a few solid guys and a bunch of guys in their 30's and they'll most likely have the same team this year so who says they can't do it all again. They'll probably also be utilizing Dexter Pittman more as well as Norris Cole who they drafted this year, so that two more young guys to play alongside Wade, Bosh and Lebron. If they truly do make it to the finals again, don't be expecting Lebron to become passive again in the 4th quarter, plus he's the one who promised the Heat would win 6 championships, so it's about time he starts backing that up.

CA: The NBA championship trophy, and rings and banner will be taking it's glory to South beach in 2012. The Heat got that first season out of the way and have learned from their mistakes. As me and Ryan have been preaching this whole blog, keep an eye on them. In a 66 game season I wouldn't be surprised with a 50-16 record. I'm calling it now.