2011 NBA Playoff Predictions: Eastern Conference 1st-Round Matchups
The NBA playoffs are upon us. There are many intriguing matchups and story lines to look forward to.
The Celtics and Knicks renew their old rivalry. LeBron and the Miami Thrice vs. Iguodala and a balanced Sixers team. D-Rose and the top-seeded Bulls vs. a rejuvenated Indiana Pacers team. And the Magic and Hawks meet once again.
Those are the Eastern Conference matchups we will see starting this weekend. Here are some early predictions for each series.
No. 1 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 8 Indiana Pacers
1 of 4
MVP-to-be Derrick Rose will lead the Bulls charge this postseason. Between his stellar play, the team's defense and an underrated supporting cast led by Luol Deng, Chicago will be tough to beat this year.
Indiana on the other hand, will squeeze into the playoffs with a sub-.500 record and an inexperienced roster. They have some talent and a lot of depth, but they are far from Chicago's level at this point.
The Pacers were one of the league's most inconsistent teams this year. If they can get some consistent production from Roy Hibbert, Danny Granger and Darren Collison, it could be somewhat interesting. Otherwise it will be a short run for them.
My guess is that, although a sweep is a strong possibility, the Pacers will be able to grab one at home before falling.
Prediction: Chicago Wins 4-1
Key Matchup: Luol Deng/Danny Granger
No. 4 Orlando Magic vs. No. 5 Atlanta Hawks
2 of 4
After being swept in the second round last year by Orlando (with an average losing margin of 25 points!), the Hawks will be eager to prove themselves against their Southwest Division foes.
The Hawks have an athletic team with several good players. Al Horford and Josh Smith have played well this year. Unfortunately for them, Joe Johnson hasn't played up to his contract, and Jamal Crawford hasn't provided the same boost he did last year. Kirk Hinrich is a solid point guard, but nothing spectacular.
For Orlando, the story is pretty much the same: Dwight Howard inside and a lot of three-point shooters. It will be interesting to see how well new members of the team Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu and Gilbert Arenas play.
They will need Arenas to show up in the playoffs at some point.
It is difficult to predict and things could go either way with these two inconsistent teams. Ultimately though, Howard and Co. will prove to be too much for Atlanta.
Prediction: Orlando Wins 4-2
Key Matchup: Dwight Howard vs. Al Horford/Jason Collins/Zaza Pachulia/The Kitchen Sink
No. 3 Boston Celtics vs. No. 6 New York Knicks
3 of 4
Ahh...The most intriguing matchup in the first round.
The old rivals meet again after playing each other for over 60 years. The old Big Three vs. the newest Big Three. Defense vs. offense.
After struggling out of the gate, the new-look Knicks have played well of late. Carmelo Anthony has been putting up lots of points with Amar'e Stoudemire, while Chauncey Billups provides shooting and veteran leadership.
Each of those three has been to the conference finals in the last two years, and Billups has an NBA championship and a Finals MVP award. They won't give up without a big fight.
Meanwhile, the Celtics, one of the favored teams in the East, have struggled since trading away Kendrick Perkins in February. It will be interesting to see if Jeff Green can play well and appease the Boston fans. The health of Shaq makes him the Big X-Factor.
Despite their recent struggles, Boston should be able to flip the switch. The playoffs are what really matter.
New York's Big Three is probably a little better than the Celts', but NYK's supporting cast (Landry Fields, Shawne Williams, Toney Douglas, Ronny Turiaf et. al.) is not in the same ballpark as Boston's (Rajon Rondo, Shaq, Jeff Green, Baby Davis et al.)
Expect a good series here; MSG should go crazy for their Knicks. In the end though, the experienced Celtics team has the advantage. I expect at least one buzzer-beater here.
Prediction: Boston Wins 4-3
Key Matchup: Amar'e Stoudemire/Kevin Garnett
No. 2 Miami Heat vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers
4 of 4
This will be an interesting match between a team focused on its top three players, and a team that is probably the most balanced in the league.
The Sixers have had a resurgence this year led by new head coach Doug Collins. Their scoring load is balanced and one of many players can lead them on any given night. Their lineup of Elton Brand, Thaddeus Young, Andre Iguodala, Jodie Meeks and Jrue Holliday lead the league in outscoring their opponents when those five are on the floor.
Everyone knows about the Miami Big Three. It's been an up-and-down season for them, but LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have continued to be two of the best players in the game.
The Sixers have a lot of athleticism and some good perimeter defenders to throw at the Heat. That could make it interesting.
Ultimately though, the Heat should be able to win because of their superior talent and good defense. The Sixers lack size, which could really be used to punish Miami.
Prediction: Heat Win: 4-2
Key Matchup: James/Iguodala
