NBA 2010 New Kids on block make a playoff splash  

The NBA playoffs for 2010 will highlight some new and returning teams in the playoff hunt and of course maintain some some old vets in perhaps their last hurrahs.

New teams to the playoff party include Kevin Durrent and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durrant has had an MVP like year with a 29pt average and along with Russell Westbrook has led the Thunder to a 5th seed under first year coach Scott Brooks. The Thunder will take the place of the Houston Rockets in this years playoffs who despite a late season push could not overcome the lost of Yao Ming and not having aan effective Tracy McGrady who was eventually traded away. Other playoff teams in the west will be the top seed Lakers, 2 seed Denver, improved 3 seed Dallas with the addition of Caron Bulter and Brendan Haywood. Also making the playoff push are the Utah Jazz at 4, Phoenix at 5, Oklahoma 6, San Antonio 7 and The Portland Trailblazers at 8th despite a slew of injuries to centers Greg Oden and Joel Prizbilla. Nate Mcmillen did a masterful job and should win coach of the year.

In the east the new kids will be the Charlotte Bobcats who will make the big dance with their new owner the greatest player ever Michael Jordan. Charlotte has put together a scappy team of veterans and young players led by all star Gerald Wallace and the raschally Stephen Jackson. Larry Brown will lead another team to the playoffs. Milwaukee will also return to the playoffs after a hiatus for a few years. Despite losing Michael Redd for the year, The Bucks have rallied around center Andrew Bogut and guard Bubba jennings.

Charlotte replaces Chicago and Milwaukee replaces the Philadelphia 76ers who the final downfall of icon Allen Iverson epitomizes their fortunes.

Cleveland will be the 1 seed, Orlando 2, Atlanta 3, Boston 4, Milwaukee 5, Charlotte 6, Miaimi 7 and Toronto will round out the east playoff teams.

In the east Orlando and Cleveland will fight for the championship.

In the west The Lakers will battle the Mavericks in the Western Finals

My picks Orlando vs The Lakers again

Lakers win again