NBA Playoff MVP Rankings - 22 Apr

The NBA Playoffs have been happening for about a week now, and several players have stood out as their teams have taken control of various series. Here is my statistical ranking of the top 5 players of the playoffs so far, with winning also a big factor in the equation (sorry, Danny Granger).

1. Dwight Howard - ORL - 39.5 pts, 19.0 reb, 1.0 blk

Howard played all but two minutes in the first two games of the Atlanta series, and although they failed to win game 1, Howard cannot be blamed for that. Orlando's big man has shot over 70% from both the field and the free throw line (not sure which is more impressive coming from him) and showed that he is ready to take over as the best player in the NBA.

2. Kevin Durant - OKC - 32.0 pts, 7.0 reb, 3.5 ast

The Thunder were believed by many, myself included, to be the team most likely to be upset in the first round of the playoffs, but Durant has not allowed the Nuggets to win a game yet, scoring 41 points in a close game 1 win, then scoring 23 points in their blowout of Denver in game 2.

3. LeBron James - MIA - 24.7 pts, 12.0 reb, 5.7 ast

James may not be the favorite to win the regular season MVP award (although the voting should have been closer than it probably will be), he is the reason that Miami is up 3-0 against the 76ers today. D-Wade struggled in the first two games, and James took control of those games, pulling down rebounds like a power forward and ensuring that Philadelphia wouldn't steal a game in Miami.

4. Derrick Rose - CHI - 32.7 pts, 5.7 reb, 4.7 ast

Rose is still scoring points and winning games, but his shooting percentage and assist average are both way down so far in the playoffs. It seems that both of those problems could be remedied in the same way - he needs to trust his teammates enough to pass the ball more often. He may be able to beat Indiana by himself, but he's going to need his teammates to beat Orlando and Miami.

5. Dwyane Wade - MIA - 21.0 pts, 7.7 reb, 5.0 ast

Wade was definitely not himself in the first two games, averaging only 15.5 points on 41% shooting, but his migraines cleared up in time for game 3, and he proved his health by nearly recording a triple-double as Miami beat the 76ers by 6 points to take a 3-0 lead in the series.

NBA Player of the Day

Dwyane Wade - MIA - 32 pts, 10 reb, 8 ast, 2 blk, 10-19 FG, 12-12 FT

Only six players in the last 20 years have reached 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists in a road playoff game, and the other 5 are all pretty good players too: Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, LeBron James, Paul Pierce and Baron Davis. The strength of this game was nearly enough to make up for his poor showing in the previous two all by itself.

Predictions - 22 Apr

Upset picks are in italics.

NBA

Celtics at Knicks - Celtics by 1

Magic at Hawks - Magic by 3

Lakers at Hornets - Lakers by 2

MLB

Dodgers at Cubs - Cubs by 1.1

Yankees at Orioles - Yanks by 2.2

White Sox at Tigers - White Sox by 3.0

Nationals at Pirates - Nats by 0.3

Rays at Blue Jays - Rays by 1.7

Diamondbacks at Mets - D-Backs by 1.6

Rockies at Marlins - Rockies by 2.8

Royals at Rangers - Rangers by 0.8

Indians at Twins - Indians by 0.7

Astros at Brewers - Brewers by 1.8

Reds at Cardinals - Cards by 2.0

Red Sox at Angels - Angels by 2.8

Phillies at Padres - Phillies by 0.3

Athletics at Mariners - Mariners by 1.2

Braves at Giants - Braves by 1.0

Prediction Results - 21 Apr

NBA Playoffs: 3-0 (1.000) 17-3 overall (.850)

MLB: 7-4 (.636) 74-68 overall (.521)

Upsets: 5-1 (.833) 196-135 overall (.592)