The NBA season is over and the playoffs will begin Saturday. The first round match ups are set and this year's playoffs is primed to be great a great one.
THE WEST
Spurs/Jazz
The #1 Spurs are facing #8 Utah Jazz. Usually, series between a 1 and a 8 seed are the worse but the Jazz are a team that I believe can challenge the Spurs. The Spurs have an undersized front line while the Jazz are deep with talented big men. But I still believe the Spurs will win this series in 6.
Thunder/Mavericks
These two teams met last year in the Western Conference Finals. Dirk Nowitzki was just unstoppable in that series and the Mavs won in 5 games. This year I believe the results will be reversed. The Thunder have gotten better while the Mavs have gotten older. Kevin Durant will have a stellar series along with Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Thunder in 5.
Lakers/Nuggets
Coming into the season, I thought the Lakers would barely make the playoffs, but they surprised me. The Lakers won the Pacific Division and gained the #3 seed in the West. They face the #6 Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets are a scrappy, high scoring team with the potential to upset any team that sleeps on them. I don't see them beating Kobe and Andrew Bynum. Lakers in 6.
Grizzlies/Clippers
The 4 and 5 match up is usually the most competitive. This series will not disappoint. The Grizzlies clinched the 4th seed on the last day of the season with a record of 41-25. The Clippers ended the season on a low note losing the last two games and Chris Paul to a groin injury. The Grizzlies are completely healthy unlike last year in the playoffs (Rudy Gay separated shoulder). The Grizzlies are deep and they have talented big men. The Clippers are small and their bench is not that great. But their small guards are talented and can score. Their size will be a issue on defense. CP3 will be the driving force behind the Clippers but it will not be enough. Grizzlies in 7.
THE EAST
Bulls/76ers
This is probably one of the more underrated series. Many people think this will be a breeze for the Bulls, but the 76ers are the second best defensive team in the NBA. The Bulls are limping into the post season with a ton of injures. Derrick Rose is still recovering from an ankle injury. Luol Deng has been playing with a torn ligament in his shooting wrist. Richard Hamilton missed 38 games with a shoulder injury. Despite all of the injuries, the Bulls still played at a high level. These two teams are the 1st and 2nd best defensive teams in the NBA. I see this series being a tough, ugly series. But the Bull will prevail. Bulls in 6 close, low scoring games.
Heat/Knicks
The Heat ended the season with inconsistent play but I believe they will be fine in the post season. The Knicks have been playing well since Mike Woodson took over but they are no match for the Miami Heat. Everyone seems to be intrigued by this match up but I think this series will be easy for the Heat. The Heat swept the Knicks during the season but I don't think the Knicks will get swept in this series. Heat in 5.
Pacers/Magic
The Pacers are probably the surprise team of the season. The Pacers have played at a high level all season gaining their highest seed in the playoffs since 2004. They are deep and talented lead by Danny Granger and Roy Hibbert. The Magic are an excellent three point shooting team, but Dwight Howard opened up a lot of the three point shooters. Dwight had season ending back surgery and will miss the playoffs. They will have no one to deal with 7'2 Roy Hibbert. The Magic may be able to steal one at home but I'm predicting a sweep. Pacers in 4.
Celtics/Hawks
Why does it seem like these two teams meet every year in the playoffs! Atlanta always get either the Celtics or the Magic every year! Anyway, the Hawks have quietly had a decent season without their All-Star center Al Horford. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith have had all-star worthy seasons. The Celtics on the other hand have been playing great despite multiple injuries. The play of Kevin Garnett at the center position has been key. The emergence of rookie, Avery Bradley has helped tremendously and Rondo is playing great continuing to be an amazing floor general. Even thought the Celtics are the 4th seed, the Hawks have home court because they have a better record. I expect this to be a good series but the Celtics are battle tested and have peaked at the right time. Celtics in 6.
Playoffs begin tomorrow at 1pm. Bulls vs 76ers on TNT
