NBA Playoff Picture 2016: Bracket, Early Odds and Predictions for Final Teams
Following a long and arduous regular season, the 2015-16 NBA playoff field is officially set, and while it seems as though there are only a few championship contenders, all 16 teams will begin on equal footing.
There is no shortage of intriguing matchups scheduled for the first round, as top teams such as the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs all have tricky opponents that should at least put up a fight and potentially lengthen the series.
Prior to the start of the highly anticipated postseason, here is a snapshot of the current bracket, an early look at the championship odds and a preview of the potential NBA Finals clash.
NBA Playoff Bracket
| Team 1 | Team 2 |
| (1) Cleveland Cavaliers | (8) Detroit Pistons |
| (4) Atlanta Hawks | (5) Boston Celtics |
| (2) Toronto Raptors | (7) Indiana Pacers |
| (3) Miami Heat | (6) Charlotte Hornets |
| Team 1 | Team 2 |
| (1) Golden State Warriors | (8) Houston Rockets |
| (4) Los Angeles Clippers | (5) Portland Trail Blazers |
| (2) San Antonio Spurs | (7) Memphis Grizzlies |
| (3) Oklahoma City Thunder | (6) Dallas Mavericks |
NBA Championship Odds
| Golden State Warriors | 25-32 | -128 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 209-50 | +418 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 53-10 | +530 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 33-2 | +1650 |
| Toronto Raptors | 32-1 | +3200 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 42-1 | +4200 |
| Atlanta Hawks | 80-1 | +8000 |
| Boston Celtics | 85-1 | +8500 |
| Miami Heat | 85-1 | +8500 |
| Charlotte Hornets | 160-1 | +16000 |
| Indiana Pacers | 210-1 | +21000 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 260-1 | +26000 |
| Detroit Pistons | 285-1 | +28500 |
| Houston Rockets | 360-1 | +36000 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 425-1 | +42500 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 525-1 | +52500 |
NBA Finals Predictions
One season after the Warriors knocked off the Cavs in the NBA Finals, both teams are the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences and are heavily favored to meet in a rematch.
The Dubs figure to receive a challenge from the San Antonio Spurs, while the Cavaliers finished just one game ahead of the Toronto Raptors, which makes them far from a lock to go all the way. Despite that, the overall talent level and big-game experience on both sides will ultimately rise to the occasion.
Golden State set the NBA's single-season wins record by going 73-9 during the regular season, which is a feat that Cavs superstar LeBron James couldn't help but praise, via Uninterrupted:
While there is no question that winning 73 games is a massive accomplishment, it is clear the Warriors are focused on an even bigger goal.
Per the team's official Twitter account, reigning MVP Stephen Curry has a fairly simplistic, straightforward outlook entering the playoffs:
The Dubs have already established themselves as the greatest regular-season team in NBA history by surpassing the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls' mark, but that won't mean much unless they once again hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy at the end of the campaign.
Curry understands he and the Warriors have a chance to build a dynasty, and he fully intends to take advantage of it, according to Sam Amick of USA Today: "We just know we have a good thing here, and we want to take advantage of it and keep pushing the envelope. That's what we’re about. ... I want to be great, and I want to be the best I can be."
Steph's personal greatness is unquestioned, as he shattered his own NBA record by making 402 three-pointers over the course of the season. That makes him a virtual lock to win back-to-back MVP awards.
In addition to that, Curry joined an extremely exclusive club thanks to his shooting efficiency, per ESPN Stats & Info:
Although Curry has surpassed LeBron as the NBA's top player, James remains an all-around stud with a great supporting cast to boot. The Cavs gave the Warriors a run in last year's Finals despite being without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love for most of the series, but both are back and healthy.
Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy understands the problems Cleveland presents, as it is far more than a one-man team, per Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com:
"They've got two guys that are very, very difficult to keep out of the paint with a ton of shooting around them. So, they're second in the league in threes made and first in attempts. A lot of shooters on the floor around guys who can get to the rim whenever they want. It makes them very, very difficult to guard.
"
There were undoubtedly some bumps along the road for the Cavaliers this season, but they are easily the East's most complete team, which should get them back to the NBA Finals once again.
The Warriors will likely be substantial favorites should a rematch occur, but LeBron is hungry to bring a title back to his home region, and he may finally have the supporting cast needed to get the job done.
James versus Curry is as big as it gets in terms of individual matchups, but even when taking into account the entirety of both teams, it doesn't get better than a Cavs-versus-Dubs battle for the championship.
Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
