It came down to the last game of the regular season, but the playoff picture is finally set. Victories by the Lakers and Dallas secured their position as the 2nd and 3rd seeds in the West. In the East, the Chicago Bulls clinched home court advantage throughout the entire playoffs and the best record in the NBA with a win over the Nets, coupled by a Spurs loss to Phoenix.
With that being said… let’s break down the 1st Round Matchups.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (8) Indiana Pacers:
The Chicago Bulls have been a model of consistency all season long. Not only do they possess the best record in the NBA, but also have probably the best defense. They are set to face the Indiana Pacers, who although have a sub .500 record, have shown that they are no walkover with that core of young talent, led by Danny Granger, Roy Hibbert, and Darren Collison. This team is capable of putting up points, and if they want to compete in this series, everyone will have to be on fire for the Pacers. Unfortunately for Indiana, they are outmatched in almost every aspect against the Bulls. Chicago is the more physical team, and Indiana has nobody to match up against Derrick Rose or the Bulls front-court. To top it off, Chicago is riding a nine game winning streak into the playoffs. Tom Thibodeau will have this team fired up, and I predict a sweep for the Bulls.
PREDICTION: BULLS IN 4
(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers:
The Miami Heat have been the most scrutinized team in the NBA. After the “Big 3” took their talents to South Beach, no other team has had to deal with as much criticism over a win or loss as they have. The 76ers on the other hand, have flown under the radar nearly the entire year and have become one of the better surprises of the season. Led by Andre Iguodala and a healthy Elton Brand, they have turned into a well balanced team. While they have a solid mixture of good coaching (led by Doug Collins), young athletic players, and veteran leadership, they won’t be able to handle the trio of Lebron, Wade, and Bosh. Iguodala is known as a shut down defender, but even then he will probably be matched up against Lebron, leaving Jodie Meeks or Jrue Holiday to cover Wade. Bosh’s quickness and perimeter shooting will stretch out the offense and force Brand out of the paint which will take away Philly’s best rebounder.
Miami has too much fire power for the 76ers to handle, and I see them maybe taking one down at home, with the Heat laying off a bit after taking control of the series.
Miami has too much fire power for the 76ers to handle, and I see them maybe taking one down at home, with the Heat laying off a bit after taking control of the series.
PREDICTION: HEAT IN 5
(3) Boston Celtics vs. (6) New York Knicks:
This series might be the most exciting one of all the East’s 1st Round matchups. As I mentioned in my previous post, Boston has basically limped its way into the playoffs. After a strong start to the season, their age has started to take its toll on them and have gotten a little beat up towards the latter end of the season. The Knicks on the other hand, finally have started to mesh and find a groove since the Carmelo Anthony trade. Finishing off the season winning seven out of their last ten games, the streaking Knicks go into the playoffs with confidence and may present a matchup problem for the Celtics. With no Kendrick Perkins to body up Amare Stoudemire, the Knicks can expose that weakness and attack the paint. Also, D’Antoni’s run and gun offense against an older, slower Boston team could wear them down and soften up that defense.
While the Knicks have enough fire power behind Amare, Melo and a surplus of three point shooters to outscore Boston, I don’t think it will be enough to take down the defending Eastern Conference champions. Let’s not forget, Boston still has their main core of guys healthy, in Rondo, KG, Allen, and Pierce, which have proven that they turn it up a gear when playoff time comes. The key to this series will be if Rondo can get back to that elite level he has shown the last couple of seasons. With all that veteran leadership and experience, and the anemic New York defense, I see the Celtics taking down the Knicks in six. New York might be able to pull out a couple of wins at home with their streak shooting, but it won’t be enough against the veteran Celtics squad.
While the Knicks have enough fire power behind Amare, Melo and a surplus of three point shooters to outscore Boston, I don’t think it will be enough to take down the defending Eastern Conference champions. Let’s not forget, Boston still has their main core of guys healthy, in Rondo, KG, Allen, and Pierce, which have proven that they turn it up a gear when playoff time comes. The key to this series will be if Rondo can get back to that elite level he has shown the last couple of seasons. With all that veteran leadership and experience, and the anemic New York defense, I see the Celtics taking down the Knicks in six. New York might be able to pull out a couple of wins at home with their streak shooting, but it won’t be enough against the veteran Celtics squad.
PREDICTION: CELTICS IN 6
(4) Orlando Magic vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks:
Out of all the series in the East, this might be the most evenly matched one. Atlanta got the best of Orlando in the regular season, winning three out of four. Larry Drew has instilled a more defensive mentality to this team, and they match up well against Orlando. The acquisition of Kirk Hinrich may play a key role if the Hawks want to pull out this series. Shutting down Jameer Nelson will be vital, and the whole reason Atlanta traded for Hinrich is because he is known as a defensive specialist. The Hawks no question possess the more talented, athletic team with Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, and Al Horford in their lineup. Orlando on the other hand, they own the best player on the floor; Superman himself, Dwight Howard. Atlanta has no one who can play Howard straight up, and if they decide to double team him, Orlando’s perimeter shooting will be tough to guard against.
Atlanta will be playing with something to prove after last seasons embarrassing first round sweep. I think if the Hawks can somehow find a way to contain Howard, and utilize their offensive weapons effectively, they have a chance to make this series go the distance. Don’t forget, in the three victories against Orlando, Atlanta held them down to an average of 79 points per game. I’m going to make a bold prediction and say Atlanta will seek their revenge against the Magic with a chip on their shoulder after last years embarrassing display.
Atlanta will be playing with something to prove after last seasons embarrassing first round sweep. I think if the Hawks can somehow find a way to contain Howard, and utilize their offensive weapons effectively, they have a chance to make this series go the distance. Don’t forget, in the three victories against Orlando, Atlanta held them down to an average of 79 points per game. I’m going to make a bold prediction and say Atlanta will seek their revenge against the Magic with a chip on their shoulder after last years embarrassing display.
PREDICTION: HAWKS IN 7
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies:
The Spurs came out this season looking rejuvenated and fresh. Led by great coaching and veteran leadership, San Antonio steadily picked apart the Western Conference with that same championship core of Duncan, Parker and Ginobli. Their role players such as Richard Jefferson and George Hill have also been solid throughout, and add another dimension offensively which Spurs teams of the past lacked. The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the more underrated teams this year, heading to the playoffs for the first time since the 05-06 season.
Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, they lost their best player, Rudy Gay for the remainder of the year. Even with out Gay, Memphis has put their offensive load on the back of Zach Randolph and O.J. Mayo. Randolph has been almost unguardable at times, and if Memphis wants a shot to beat the Spurs, he will have to be. The Grizzlies will have to take advantage of their size over San Antonio, with both Gasol and Randolph being interior scoring threats. Even with their young talent, the absence of Rudy Gay eliminates their most consistent shooter, and I feel will be too much to overcome against San Antonio. I don’t see this series going more than five games, even if Ginobli misses any time.
Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, they lost their best player, Rudy Gay for the remainder of the year. Even with out Gay, Memphis has put their offensive load on the back of Zach Randolph and O.J. Mayo. Randolph has been almost unguardable at times, and if Memphis wants a shot to beat the Spurs, he will have to be. The Grizzlies will have to take advantage of their size over San Antonio, with both Gasol and Randolph being interior scoring threats. Even with their young talent, the absence of Rudy Gay eliminates their most consistent shooter, and I feel will be too much to overcome against San Antonio. I don’t see this series going more than five games, even if Ginobli misses any time.
PREDICTION: SPURS IN 5
(2) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (7) New Orleans Hornets:
The two-time defending champs, much like the Miami Heat, have been scrutinized every time they won or lost a game this season. While the Lakers didn’t end the year on a good note, losing five out of their last six, they still ended up with the 2nd seed in the West. Kobe Bryant is still one of the top five players in the world, and the Lakers are too deep for New Orleans to match up against. The absence of David West takes away the Hornets second best scoring option, and one of their best defenders/rebounders. Chris Paul has simply not been the same since his injury, and is missing that quickness and burst he once had.
The size of L.A. will dominate New Orleans inside, and make it that much easier for Kobe Bryant to score at will. Even if Bynum ends up missing any time, I still see the Lakers taking this one in no more than five games.
The size of L.A. will dominate New Orleans inside, and make it that much easier for Kobe Bryant to score at will. Even if Bynum ends up missing any time, I still see the Lakers taking this one in no more than five games.
PREDICTION: LAKERS IN 5
(3) Dallas Mavericks vs. (6) Portland Trailblazers:
The Mavericks and Blazers series is another one I deem poised for an upset. While the Mavs have the big name superstar in Dirk, and Hall of Fame point guard with Jason Kidd, they have shown this season that when it comes to big games, they tend to crumble when the pressure is on. Portland has had to deal with a plethora of injuries all season long. They lost Greg Oden before the year even began, with Marcus Camby and Brandon Roy hurt most of the year also. Nevertheless, Portland has filled those voids with the All-Star caliber play of LaMarcus Aldridge, and the veteran leadership of Andre Miller. Acquiring Gerald Wallace was probably the biggest reason why they are playing at such a high level right now. Wallace brings another dimension to Portland, giving them a tenacious defender as well as someone who could stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting, and create his own shot whenever needed. I think Brandon Roy will emerge as the key to Portland defeating Dallas in the first round. Although he is no longer in the starting lineup, the guy has always been a winner, and I feel he will play more like his old self once the playoff intensity kicks in.
Dallas on paper has the better team, but they have been knocked out of the playoffs the last three years in the first round. I think history will repeat itself once again, and I see the Trailblazers taking out the Mavs in seven.
Dallas on paper has the better team, but they have been knocked out of the playoffs the last three years in the first round. I think history will repeat itself once again, and I see the Trailblazers taking out the Mavs in seven.
PREDICTION: BLAZERS IN 7
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (5) Denver Nuggets:
The Oklahoma City Thunder seem to be the most feared team in the Western Conference right now. With the All-Star combination of point guard Russell Westbrook, and the scoring champion Kevin Durant, its no surprise why this is the case. The addition of Kendrick Perkins and emergence of Serge Ibaka have solidified the Thunders front-court significantly on defense. James Harden coming off the bench as the sixth man has given the second unit a big advantage against their opponents, averaging nearly 16ppg and around 30 minutes per game since the departure of Jeff Green.
The Denver Nuggets have had a terrific and eventful season as well. While the trade of Carmelo Anthony would seem to have derailed this team, it actually strengthened it. The additions of Galinari, Felton and Wilson Chandler were just what George Karl needed. Ironically, the Nuggets lead the NBA in scoring even without the Melo, and have added great depth and balance with their new additions. This should be an exciting, high scoring series. I have to give the edge to OKC, only because they have the two best players on the court. Denver has nobody to stop Durant or Westbrook, and the presence of Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka down low will slow down the Denver front court of Martin and Nene.
Denver’s season has been impressive to say the least, unfortunately for them they have to face probably the best overall team in the West, with the exception of perhaps the Lakers. I’ll take the Thunder in six games.
The Denver Nuggets have had a terrific and eventful season as well. While the trade of Carmelo Anthony would seem to have derailed this team, it actually strengthened it. The additions of Galinari, Felton and Wilson Chandler were just what George Karl needed. Ironically, the Nuggets lead the NBA in scoring even without the Melo, and have added great depth and balance with their new additions. This should be an exciting, high scoring series. I have to give the edge to OKC, only because they have the two best players on the court. Denver has nobody to stop Durant or Westbrook, and the presence of Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka down low will slow down the Denver front court of Martin and Nene.
Denver’s season has been impressive to say the least, unfortunately for them they have to face probably the best overall team in the West, with the exception of perhaps the Lakers. I’ll take the Thunder in six games.
PREDICTION: THUNDER IN 6
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