Time for the AFC Playoff Picture Predicitions

Since the Monday Night game features two NFC games, and I am a big Ravens fan, I am going to predict the way the AFC playoffs shape up next week, and how the postseason will go for the conference.

Sixers Looking to Start Fast

As the 66 game, shortened season begins for the Sixers tonight as they travel to Portland, the young team needs to start quickly. A winning streak to begin the season is the most important thing this team could do for themselves to be positioned well when the playoffs come around. The Celtics and Mavericks proved yesterday that the teams with less new additions, either talent or coaching wise, will prevail early in the season since the lockout put a strain on the offseason. The Sixers welcome back basically the exact same team that finished 41-41 last season and 38-28 in the team's final 66 games.

The Sixers are getting 4.5 points when I typed this, even though I think the Sixers should win pretty handily tonight. Portland does not look as good as it did last year, especially with Brandon Roy, arguably the teams best player, retiring in the offseason. I expect Thaddeus Young to have an incredible season, even winding up posting 20 points a game by season's end. I expect the Sixers to start fast as they take advantage of being in a familiar system as other teams adapt to new schemes and faces. Also, they play the East Conference alot with the schedule for the 66 game season, and the East is pretty weak. I like this team to finish 39-27 and make some noise in the playoffs.