2012 NBA Playoff Predictions: Picking Winners for Sunday's First-Round Action
Brace yourselves, kiddos, because things are getting crazy.
After Saturday's round one NBA action featured two torn ACLs, two intense crunch-time comebacks and one vintage Kevin Durant game-winner, it will be hard to top the drama today. But if you don't think it can be done, then you don't know the NBA.
Today's slate features four salivating Game 1 matchups, each one bursting with potential. Here are my predictions for the day's games.
No. 8 Utah Jazz @ No. 1 San Antonio Spurs
Stylistically, the Jazz can present some major problems for San Antonio.
The Spurs are mainly a finesse team at this point, meaning the Jazz should be able to punish them inside with Al Jefferson, Paul Milsap and Derrick Favors.
That said, San Antonio isn't going to lose to an eight seed two years in a row. Tony Parker is too good, Gregg Popovich is too smart, and the Spurs have too many shooters on the outside.
Prediction: Spurs 101 — Jazz 95
No. 6 Denver Nuggets @ No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers
The Nuggets could definitely cause some headaches for the Lakers.
Ty Lawson makes every Laker look like a snail, Arron Afflalo should give Kobe some trouble, and Danilo Gallinari could explode offensively without having to worry about getting a Metta World Peace 'bow to the dome.
Eventually, this game will come down to the battle in the post. Considering that Andrew Bynum has developed into a dominant force inside, and JaVale McGee is still JaVale McGee, I like the Lakers' chances.
Prediction: Lakers 98 — Nuggets 94
No. 4 Boston Celtics @ No. 5 Atlanta Hawks
In a series that is pretty evenly matched, Rajon Rondo will be the key.
If he plays up to his potential, the Celtics will cruise. If he doesn't, they could be in for a long series. Judging by his 20-assist performance against Atlanta earlier this month, I'm expecting him to tear it up.
The Celtics also have a major advantage inside, as both Al Horford and Zaza Pachulia will miss the game for Atlanta.
Look for Boston to steal home court in their first opportunity.
Prediction: Celtics 89 — Hawks 83
No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers @ No. 4 Memphis Grizzlies
In the postseason's most intriguing first-round matchup, I'm expecting the Clippers to strike first.
Although they are inexperienced and on the road, the Clippers do have one favorable advantage: they have Chris Paul and the Grizzlies do not.
As he proved last year, Paul shifts into another gear come playoff time. He's magical with the ball in his hands, and although he occasionally has to go 1-on-5 in crunch time, I think he's got enough help around him to get the job done.
I'm expecting Paul to lead his team to the victory, proving yet again that he's the best point guard in the league.
Prediction: Clippers 97 — Grizzlies 92
