NBA Playoffs 2012: Early Projections and Winners for 2nd-Round Matchups
If we've learned one thing from the 2012 NBA Playoffs so far, it's this: There is no such thing as a sure thing.
Just ask the Memphis Grizzlies how certain they felt about their 27-point lead in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers. Ask the Chicago Bulls how they feel about their title chances now that their MVP is out for the playoffs. Ask the Indiana Pacers about how they thought they would cruise to a series sweep against the Orlando Magic sans Dwight Howard before the Magic took Game 1 in Indianapolis.
Here is a look at the potential second-round matchups in each conference.
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 4 Boston Celtics
The Bulls will regroup after Tuesday's terrible performance against the Philadelphia 76ers. The team has dealt with injury adversity all season and came through with the top record in the NBA; they won't go down that easily. Besides, Philly shot the lights out in Game 2, and Jrue Holiday made 11-of-15 shots. That won't happen again.
Boston is in a defensive struggle with the Atlanta Hawks as the 1-1 series shifts to the TD Garden. The Celtics will be without Rajon Rondo in Game 3 tonight thanks to his referee bump, but the veteran Celtics have enough to get past Atlanta, even if the series goes seven games. But it won't be easy.
The Bulls will benefit in the second round if Boston continues to struggle with the Hawks. This isn't 2008, and the aging Celtics will feel the toll of a six- or seven-game first-round series. Regrouping to defeat Philadelphia would give the Derrick Rose-less Bulls plenty of confidence heading into the second round. The combination of Chicago's confidence and Boston's age will be two major determining factors in the series.
Prediction: Bulls over Celtics in six games
No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 3 Indiana Pacers
Miami has steamrolled the New York Knicks thus far and will get plenty of rest heading into Round 2 after it completes the sweep. Seriously, should the Knicks even show up on Sunday? LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Heat may have under-performed all season, but they are rounding into shape in the playoffs. The Miami train is picking up steam like LeBron on a fast-break.
After losing Game 1 to the Orlando Magic, the Pacers have restored order with two double-digit victories. Orlando put on a spirited display in the opening game of the series without Howard, but unfortunately, it just doesn't have the horses to compete in this race. Expect Indiana to advance in five games.
Don't underestimate this Pacer group. They may be inexperienced, but this is a talented, deep and balanced team. Last postseason against Chicago, the Pacers game plan for Rose was to punish him every time he came into the lane. Indiana may use this strategy against Miami, especially with Wade. However, beating up the Heat stars won't be enough. This Heat squad is on a mission, and it won't let Indiana get in the way of its title aspirations.
Prediction: Heat over Pacers in five games
Western Conference
No. 1 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 4 Memphis Grizzlies
This is clearly a different Spurs team than the No. 1 seed that got eliminated in the first round of the postseason in 2011. This team is playing some of the best ball in the league right now. The additions of Kawhi Leonard and Stephen Jackson and the emergence of Danny Green are paying dividends so far in the playoffs, and Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker still know how to get it done.
After blowing a 27-point lead in Game 1 to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Grizzlies rebounded to take Game 2. This is a dangerous team that nearly made the Western Conference finals as the No. 8 seed last year without one of its best players in Rudy Gay. The team has Gay back for this postseason run, and it has added depth in the frontcourt with Marreese Speights. Lob City will battle, but the Grizzlies will prevail in six games.
That sets up a rematch of last year's first-round matchup, and the reloaded Spurs squad is looking for revenge. However, the Grizzlies are much more battle-tested for this postseason after pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games in the second round last season. This should be a fun series, and it will come down to the wire.
Prediction: Grizzlies over Spurs in seven games
No. 2 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers
After the Thunder thrashed the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, Oklahoma City has the defending champs on the brink of elimination after squeaking out the first two victories of the series. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant form a dangerous tandem, but Dirk Nowitzki and Dallas won't go down without a fight. The Mavericks will at least send the series back to OKC, but the Thunder should wrap up the series in Game 5.
The Lakers have looked strong so far, even when the Denver Nuggets threatened to steal Game 2 at the Staples Center. Kobe Bryant laid down the hammer, and Andrew Bynum is finally performing to his capabilities. The Lakers should have no problem finishing off the Nuggets in four or five games.
Bynum and Pau Gasol form one of the best frontcourts in the NBA when they are playing at the top of their games. This is the series where Oklahoma City's lack of a low-post scorer will be exposed. Serge Ibaka can't guard both Gasol and Bynum, and the duo will dominate the paint on the defensive end. Add Kobe to the mix, and that is the recipe for an early exit for the Thunder. The Lakers have made three out of the last four NBA Finals and captured two rings in those trips -- don't count them out just yet.
Prediction: Lakers over Thunder in six games
