2011 NBA Playoff Predictions: A Texas Team Is In Jeopardy
The 2011 NBA playoffs begin with a much different landscape than in years past. The subplots are much more compelling.
The "MoHeatos" begin their quest to prove the world wrong and live up to unrealistic expectations. The Spurs and Celtics are trying to prove they've still got it. The Oklahoma City Thunder are hoping to give their best Muhammad Ali impersonation (We shook up the world!).
Superman is trying to fix the hole in his cape, and the "Melo" drama begins in the Garden. Joe Johnson may come to the realization he is nothing more than Rashard Lewis 2.0
You would think with so many intriguing subplots the first round would be suspenseful.
On the contrary. The way I see it, the first round offers only one upset. Here are the first-round winners from each conference in the 2011 NBA playoffs.
Chicago over Indiana
1 of 8
The Pacers earned the opportunity to host two more games this season, and that's something to build on for the future.
The Chicago Bull are on a mission, however, and the future is now. Chicago in four.
Miami over Philadelphia
2 of 8
Although Miami has the tendency to play down to its competition, the Heat have too much talent and playoff experience to lose this series.
Philly might squeak out one, but that's it. Miami in five.
Boston over New York
3 of 8
Even if Carmelo Anthony does his best Bernard King impersonation, the Celtics have too much experience and too much riding on this year's playoffs.
The wild card is Chauncey "Mr Big Shot" Billups. If he lights up Rajon Rondo, the Knicks could make it interesting. That's all, though. Boston, 4-2.
San Antonio over Memphis
4 of 8
This cast of wily veterans knows the window of opportunity is closing rapidly for them, and the key to success is health and rest. They will waste no time with Memphis.
San Antonio in four for sure.
Orlando over Atlanta
5 of 8
As I mentioned previously, Joe Johnson has yet to prove he's worthy of superstar status, and the Hawks have been a dysfunctional team all year. Dwight Howard's Magic in four.
Los Angeles over New Orleans
6 of 8
Not only do the players have a significant advantage in playoff experience, Monty Williams is entering his first playoff game while Phil Jackson will be coaching his 10,596th (not really, but he's coached a lot more than Monty).
Lakers in a smackdown: Los Angeles, 4-0.
Portland over Dallas
7 of 8
The upset special of the first round!
Although the Mavericks will have the best player on the court in Dirk Nowitzki, the Blazers' front line of Marcus Camby, LaMarcus Aldridge and Gerald Wallace will give Dallas fits.
Since 2006 the Mavs haven't shown the ability to respond to adversity or pressure. Mark Cuban is starting to panic already. Portland, 4-2.
Oklahoma City over Denver
8 of 8
By the time this series is over George Karl will be eating his words about how much better the Nuggets are without Carmelo Anthony.
It would be nice to have someone at least pretend they could match Kevin Durant's 30 points a game on a consistent basis.
In addition, Karl doesn't make the proper adjustments in the playoffs when situations call for a change. Oklahoma City, 4-1.
