NBA Playoffs 2012: Predictions for Each Potential Postseason Matchup

The 2012 NBA playoffs begin on April 28, and it’s going to be an incredible couple of weeks as teams battle for the right to make it all the way from the first round to hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy at the end of the Finals.

Let’s take a quick look at each potential first-round series and make predictions on who will advance.

East

No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 8 Philadelphia 76ers

Chicago may have a lot of questions to answer this postseason, but they certainly won’t have to address them against the fast-fading 76ers in the first round.

No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 7 New York Knicks

Nobody wants to play Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks in the playoffs, but the Miami Heat are well equipped to take them on. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will take this series over when it counts. 

No. 3 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 6 Orlando Magic

Indiana may have drawn the easiest first-round matchup on paper. Orlando simply does not deserve the No. 6 seed without Dwight Howard—who has been shut down due to his back injury and childish behavior.

No. 4 Boston Celtics vs. No. 5 Atlanta Hawks

The C’s are gearing up for their last postseason run of the Big Three era and are hoping to make some noise. They have played extremely well in the second half of the season and will use their experience to overwhelm the Hawks.

West

No. 1 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 8 Utah Jazz

It’s no surprise that Gregg Popovich has somehow managed to lead his team to the No. 1 seed again. They need to be careful of an upset, but it’s unlikely that the Jazz can pull off what the Grizzlies did in 2011.

No. 2 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 7 Dallas Mavericks

Upset Alert. The Dallas Mavericks are limping into the playoffs, but they have too much pride to exit without a fight.

Expect Dirk Nowitzki to give his all and beat the upstart Thunder, a team nearly everyone feels will win the West.

No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 6 Denver Nuggets

The Lake Show is getting hot at the right time, and Kobe simply will not allow his team to lose against the Nuggets. He’s battled all season long to make this team into a contender and will prove there is plenty left in the tank.

No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers vs. No. 5 Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis is a team no one wants to mess with in the postseason. They have a group of skilled, athletic and sizable players that know what it takes to hang with the best. Look for them to stun the upstart Clippers, who have yet to cut their teeth with a playoff run.