NBA Playoff Bracket 2015: Predictions for Remainder of Postseason Picture
Draymond Green has been somewhat overshadowed by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson all season, but he's been almost as instrumental to the Golden State Warriors' success. Saturday's playoff opener was no exception, as he nearly posted a triple-double to help push the Warriors to a Game 1 lead in the best-of-seven series against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Green had 15 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in the Warriors' 106-99 win. He continues to prove himself to be the ultimate glue guy for the team with the best record in the NBA. The Pelicans did trim a 25-point lead down to a seven-point final deficit to show some fight.
Anthony Davis was as advertised. He scored 35 points in his NBA postseason debut. He's the primary reason I still believe the Pels get one game in the series. Here's a look at my prediction for the entire playoff bracket.
| Atlanta Hawks over Brooklyn Nets | Atlanta over Washington | Cleveland over Atlanta | Cleveland over San Antonio |
| Cleveland Cavaliers over Boston Celtics | Cleveland over Chicago | San Antonio over Golden State | |
| Chicago Bulls over Milwaukee Bucks | Golden State over Memphis | ||
| Washington Wizards over Toronto Raptors | San Antonio over Houston | ||
| Golden State Warriors over New Orleans Pelicans | |||
| Houston Rockets over Dallas Mavericks | |||
| San Antonio Spurs over L.A. Clippers | |||
| Memphis Grizzlies over Portland Trail Blazers |
Good Signs
Bulls Backcourt
Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler combined for 48 points and 13 assists on Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks. It's no wonder the Chicago Bulls jumped out to a 1-0 series lead with the 103-91 win. Butler was his normal consistent self, but Rose's shot selection and efficiency got some love from ESPN Stats and Info:
If Rose is healthy and plays the way he did on Saturday, the Bulls can give any team issues. He and Butler make one of he league's most dynamic backcourts. When you also throw in backup point guard Aaron Brooks, who had 13 points and two assists off the bench against the Bucks, the Bulls smalls are really creative.
The Bucks will have to make some adjustments to slow down the Bulls guards for the rest of the series.
Howard and Harden Tandem
The Houston Rockets had seven players in double figures in their 118-108 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Not least of which were James Harden and Dwight Howard. They combined for 35 points.
Harden also had 11 assists, while Howard blocked five shots. At last, the Rockets had the inside-outside threat that they've been waiting on all season while Howard tried to get healthy.
In Game 1, the dynamic duo was too much. Chances are, the Rockets will ride those two to a relatively easy series win.
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