Friday, April 19, 2013

Playoff Predictions

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

Oklahoma City Thunder VS Houston Rockets:
This is going to be an up and down series. Although it may be fun basketball played at a breakneck pace the Rockets only shot is to get incredibly hot.  I'm going with the sweep
OKC wins 4-0

San Antonio Spurs VS Los Angeles Lakers:
There is a lot of talk about this series. Many people are thinking the Lakers may put up a  fight in this series and I think they can win a game or possibly two, but I don't realistically buy the idea the Lakers can beat a Spurs team that is dialed in, especially without Kobe.
Spurs win 4-2

Denver Nuggets VS Golden St. Warriors:
I just really like how the Nuggets are playing. I feel like Coach Karl has that team built perfectly and they have bought into his system there.  There is no way that Golden St. wins in Denver so I can't go with GS. Might as well take the time to throw this prediction out there: Stephen Curry will be an MVP at some point, and go down in history as the greatest shooter of all time. However,
Nuggets win 4-1

Los Angeles Clippers VS Memphis Grizzlies
This series is a toss up. Flip a coin and pick one. This has to be the most exciting series in the first round.  Count on game 7.  The animosity between these two teams, and last years 7 game series makes it that much more intriguing. I'm going to give this series the edge for "Most Flagrant Fouls" AND "Most Flop Fines." I think its coming down to that last game, and I'm going to pick the road team
Memphis wins 4-3

2nd Round:
Oklahoma City Thunder VS Memphis Grizzlies:
A rematch of the awesome conference semi-final 2 years ago.  I think this series will be much more interesting than people would expect.  That said, I just can't go with Memphis. OKC is too good. I do think it will go 7 though,
OKC wins 4-3

San Antonio Spurs VS Denver Nuggets:
I'm most excited for this potential match up than any other playoff series this year. These are two teams that I love to watch, with great coaches. I may be the minority here, but
Denver wins 4-2

Conference Finals:
Oklahoma City Thunder VS Denver Nuggets:
I'll say this, if Gallinari was healthy and I knew for sure Lawson and Faried were 100%, I was prepared to go with Denver to win the west. I really was. I just think Gallinari hurts them just enough that they won't be able to beat the Thunder. However, because of Denver's home court strength, I think it still goes 7.
OKC wins 4-3

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

Miami Heat VS Milwaukee Bucks:
There is nothing I can say here that wouldn't be obvious.
Heat win 4-0

Boston Celtics VS New York Knicks:
I am intrigued by this match up and I really think Boston could win. I am hesitant to pick them though. I want to, but I just feel like that is the NCAA March Madness mindset lingering in my brain. 
Knicks win 4-2

Indiana Pacers VS Atlanta Hawks:
Although I do like the Hawks quite a bit I think the Pacers are going to be tough. Coach Vogel will have them dialed in with a solid gameplan.  The Hawks are much more watchable than in years past, but I don't think they have a playoff run in them.
Indiana wins 4-1

Brooklyn Nets VS Chicago Bulls:
I love this match up. Especially now that Deron Williams seems to be back to himself. Having seen him here in Salt Lake for many years I know what he is capable of come playoff time. The Bulls have an amazing defensive system thanks to Thibodeau but I have to go with my gut on this one,
Nets win 4-3

2nd Round:
Miami Heat VS Brooklyn Nets
As much as I like D-Will I can't imagine the Heat losing in the 2nd round to anyone. Not with Lebron. Again, not much to say that isn't cliche or obvious here.
Miami 4-1

New York Knicks VS Indiana Pacers
This is getting redundant but this could be another great one. I like the match ups for both teams and once again think it might come down to a few lucky plays, bounce of the ball, or some officiating (unfortunately) but  I have to go with the Pacers.
Indiana 4-2

Conference Finals:
Miami Heat VS Indiana Pacers:
There will be a lot of speculation when Indiana pulls out one of those first two games in Miami, but then that will just be a wake up call for the Heat,
Miami 4-2

NBA FINALS:
Oklahoma City VS Miami Heat
The rematch. I will spare you all the obvious information you will see on sportcenter during this time, but suffice it to say I feel it could go either way. I'm going to go with the slightly less popular pick (I really wanted to pick Denver) and go with OKC in 7.
OKC wins Championship 4-3

(For the record, I picked OKC over Miami at the beginning of the year, so I'm sticking to my guns)

1 comment:

  1. The Heat will win the Championship in 6 and Golden State will beat Denver. The Nuggets always flop in the playoffs. Other then that pretty good. Idk about OKC sweeping round 1. I think they will get 1 win.

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