NBA Fever: 4 Things to Look Out for in the 2010 NBA Playoffs

This years NBA playoffs is looking to be one of the best of All-Time! Mark my words. Teams 2-8 in the West are virtually inseparable. Los Angeles is still slightly a cut above the rest, but they haven't been playing well recently. They will be tested. Out east, the Cavs, Magic and Hawks are forces to be reckoned with. However, players like D-Rose and D-Wade don't lay down easy. It should be exciting.

Amidst all the craziness though, here's 4 things to look out for in this years playoffs.

1.) Michael Beasley in the Celtics-Miami series

As crazy as it seems for the Heat to take out the ailing Boston Celtics in the first round, it's very possible. We already know Dwyane Wade won't lay down easy, that's a given. Bill Simmons announced his unofficial playoff bet that he would have the highest first round scoring average. However, if the Heat are going to have any chance of beating the C's, Flash is going to need some help. That help is going to have to come in large part from Michael Beasley. If Wade's teammates show up, look for another 7 game series for the Celtics this year.

2.) The Spurs

Should we really be surprised that the former champs are making a push right around playoff time. It's what they do. The Spurs have been one of the toughest teams to beat in the playoffs for a number of years and this year won't be any different. Ginobili is playing like it's contract year. (Which it was) Tony Parker is getting back into rhythm. Dejaun Blair and George Hill are emerging as key role players. And then there's Tim Duncan. If the Spurs get a rhythm early, look for them to cause a ruckus in the playoffs.

3.) Shaquille O'neals impact

Lebron will be Lebron, and the Cavs will likely make their way to the East finals with relative ease. But when it comes to the East finals where they will likely be matched up against Superman and the Orlando Magic, Shaq's presence down low will be imperative to success. Last year, the Cavs were destroyed by Dwight Howard because Big Z and Varejao couldn't hold their own. The Cavs made the move for the diesal to counter that this season. Let's see if it works out.

4.) The Return of George Karl

The Nuggets are matched up against the Jazz in the first round this year. In a hard nosed series between two gritty teams, I think they Nuggets will come out on top in six or seven games. In the second round though, they will likely see the LA Lakers and The Black Mamba (Kobe Bryant). If they want any chance of winning that series, George Karl will have to return to the sidelines. The Nuggets could be fueled by the return of their beloved coach who is the heart and soul of the Nuggets team. If that happens, look out for a game 1 steal and one hell of a series.