Quick Notes and Predictions on Each NBA Playoff Series
The highly-anticipated NBA playoffs tip-off this weekend. The matchups are set, so let the conversations begin! With games starting tomorrow, here are my playoff predictions.
SATURDAY
CHICAGO BULLS VS. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
This matchup doesn't intrigue me too much. Love what Doug Collins has done with this Sixers team, and although Andre Iguodala is one of my favorite players in the league, the 76ers don't stand much of a chance against the Bulls. The only hope Philly fans have is Derrick Rose's unpredictable play due to injury.
76ers will put up a fight in most games, but look for Chicago to win in 5 games. (Game 1: TNT, 1:00 PM ET)
MIAMI HEAT VS. NEW YORK KNICKS
This series has my vote for the best matchup of the first round, mostly because we get to see Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James square off at least 4 times in approximately a week. Mike Woodson finally has the Knicks playing at a consistent level, and Tyson Chandler's defensive leadership will be key come playoff time.
New York's poor point guard play won't be highlighted too much in this round, but their perimeter defense definitely will be. We know what we'll get from guys like Melo, Amare, and Chandler, but it's guys like Landry Fields and J.R. Smith who will determine how long this series goes.
Fans can expect lots of intensity, sweat, and maybe even a little blood. I'll have my NY hat on, but I think the Heat take this in 6, but not without a bit of trouble in MSG. (Game 1: ABC, 3:30 PM ET)
ORLANDO MAGIC VS. INDIANA PACERS
Can the Pacers just get a bye for this matchup? Why is it even on national television? The Magic are not a playoff team without Dwight Howard, and we've seen that in their recent lackadaisical play. Led by coach Frank Vogel, who deserves the Coach of the Year award, Indiana has been this year's surprise team.
Pacers win the series in 5 games. (Game 1: ESPN, 7:00 PM ET)
DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
This series is going to be a lot closer than most are expecting; do not underestimate the defending champs despite what their record says. Oklahoma City is looking to take back what could have been theirs last year. Two teams with names such as Durant, Nowitzki, Westbrook, Terry, Ibaka, Kidd, Perkins, Carter, and Harden, these teams are set for a battle royale.
Who will advance? My vote goes to the Thunder in a tough, competitive 6 game series. (Game 1: ESPN, 9:30 PM ET)
SUNDAY
UTAH JAZZ VS. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
I know most aren't too hyped for this series, but I'm looking forward to seeing Utah's solid front line go against the Spurs' balanced attack. With Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Enes Kanter, and Derrick Favors holding down the paint for Utah, the Jazz have a clear advantage with size; however, where they fall extremely short is in their guard and perimeter player.
The Spurs are a great team, and they don’t buckle under pressure. Most importantly, they're not going to beat themselves with unforced turnovers and failed possessions. Remember, they aren't last year's San Antonio team that lost to Memphis in the first round; they're healthy, rested, and poised for another title run.
Spurs win the series in 6 games, only because Utah is pretty tough place to play. (Game 1: ESPN, 1:00 PM ET)
DENVER NUGGETS VS. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
This series comes down to size vs speed. Okay, size vs speed and depth.
The Nuggets are a team filled with B's and B+'s, but no A caliber superstar. Historically, the team with the superstar has the advantage in the playoffs, a reason I still can't count out Dirk and the Mavs. Denver's lack of a "go-to" guy will hurt them down the stretch. Bynum has been beast, Gasol is always reliable, and Kobe is Kobe.
However the Nuggets are a solid team, and who doesn't want to see JaVale McGee on the NBA's biggest stage?
Lakers in 6. (Game 1: ABC, 3:30 PM ET)
BOSTON CELTICS VS. ATLANTA HAWKS
This series would have been a lot different if Al Horford had in fact come back. This won't be too exciting of a series, with each game having a grind-it-out type feel. I see Boston taking it in 5. (Game 1: TNT, 7:00 PM ET)
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS VS. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
I think I'm a bit over-excited for this series. I can't wait for the Grizzlies to send the Clippers and all the bandwagon fans home. If you're one of the few legitimate Clippers fans, my apologies, both for my statement and for being attached to that team.
All bias aside, this series goes 6 or 7, no doubt.
The Grizzlies scare every team in the West particularly stack up quite well against the Clippers. They can put Tony Allen on Chris Paul in case he starts taking over, and they have the size down low in Marc Gasol, Marreese Speights, and Zach Randolph to contain Blake Griffin.
This will be a career-defining moment for Blake Griffin- will he be able to elevate his game for the occasion?
The Clippers losing home-court advantage will play part, and I think the Grizzlies take this in 7. (Game 1: TNT, 9:30 PM ET)
Just like first rounds in the past, we have some really exciting playoff games and a couple that are nothing to write home about. The NBA Playoffs are here ... can't wait!
