Just some predictions and comments today about the Playoffs.
Eastern Conference
(1) Chicago Bulls vs (8) Indiana Pacers
Prediction: Bulls in 5.
Comments: Easy series for the Bulls, I do expect the Pacers to win a game in Indiana though.
(2) Miami Heat vs (7) Philadelphia 76ers
Prediction: Heat in 4
Comments: Horrible match up for the 76ers. They were 0-3 against the Heat, and this series will yield the same result.
(3) Boston Celtics vs (6) New York Knicks
Prediction: Celtics in 5
Comments: In order for the Knicks to have a shot, the following has to happen. A) Put Toney Douglas in the starting lineup and have him guard Rondo, Billups would guard Ray Allen. B) Melo has to attack Paul Pierce every time he has the ball. C) Amare plays some defense and grab lots of rebounds. D) The Knicks actually put effort in transition D. I don’t have a lot of faith the Knicks nor D’Antoni will do any of those.
(4) Orlando Magic vs (5) Atlanta Hawks
Prediction: Magic in 7
Comments: On paper, this shouldn’t be even close. The Hawks has to be the worst looking 44 win team in history. Plus they lost to the Magic in 4 blowouts last playoffs. Here are the reasons why I don’t think it will happen this time, and why the result will be much closer: A) The Hawks won the season series 3-1, Dwight Howard shot 43% from the field against the Hawks this season. Jason Collins is a pretty useless basketball player, except when he has to guard big guys like Dwight Howard. Howard had a huge series against the Hawks last playoffs, but it won’t happen with Collins guarding him. B) Hinrich replaces Bibby as the starting PG, Bibby can’t play D but Hinrich is darn good at it. Nelson may not be able to score as easily this time around. C) Micheal Pietrus was guarding Joe Johnson in the last playoff match up, Johnson ended up having a horrendous series. No one in the Magic wing rotation right now can guard a chair. Johnson should be ok here. D) I do believe the Hawks were embarrassed by the results last year, so they should put a much better effort. I can’t predict them winning the series, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they end up winning.
Western Conference
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs (8) Memphis Grizzlies
Prediction: Spurs in 7
Comments: Tough series for the Spurs. It really depends on Ginobilli, if he is not 100%, the Spurs may not get out of the first round. Having Tony Allen and Shane Battier on the wings defending perimeter guys is such a luxary for the Grizzlies. I am not sure they can hit enough shots to beat the Spurs though.
(2) LA Lakers vs (7) New Orleans Hornets
Prediction: Lakers in 4
Comments: Game over for the Hornets. It will be ugly.
(3) Dallas Mavericks vs (6) Portland Trail Blazers
Prediction: Blazers in 6
Comments: Is it an upset if everyone is picking the lower seed team to win? The Mavericks has to be the least respected 57 win team in quite some time. If I am Nate McMillan, I would send traps and double team on Dirk Nowitzki whenever he has the ball. Look for lots of zone defense from the Mavs, Blazers can’t shoot the ball.
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (5) Denver Nuggets
Prediction: Thunder in 6
Comments: Not a good match up for the Nuggets. It’s too bad, because they would have a good shot at beating the Mavs and may even give the Lakers some trouble. Unfortunately, they are facing a team that’s ready to take the next step and has all the tools it need to get there. The Nugget’s strength is their depth, which isn’t as noticeable in the playoffs. I am not sure they can find anyone who can stop Durant in a 7 game series. Chandler and Afflalo will definitely try.
Tags: NBA playoffs
