Friday, April 19, 2013

NBA First Round Playoff Predictions

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks

Winner:  Pacers in 6

Why:  We've seen this movie before the Hawks makes the playoffs, the Hawks makes an early exit from the playoffs.  The Hawks are looking forward to free agency.

Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Winner:  Heat in 4

Why:  Brandon Jennings already predicted the Bucks would win in 6.  Rule no. 1 don't add fuel to LeBron's fire.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Winner:  Grizzlies in 7

Why:  This will be one of the more entertaining series of the first round.  Ultimately the Grizzlies toughness, will to play defense  and the low post play will be too much for Chris Paul and Lob City.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs

Winner:  Spurs in 7

Why:  This is a really tough pick for me.  The way the Lakers matchup with the Spurs even without Kobe sounds pretty favorable and Pau Gasol is playing like '09 Pau. The issue is you have a Greg Popovic coached team against a Mike D'Antoni coached team, advantage Spurs.  With Manu and Tony Parker not at 100% look for a really competitive series, with a possible surprising outcome.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets

Winner:  OKC in 5

Why:  James Harden will go off and Houston will steal one game, keyword one.


Golden St. Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets


Winner:  Denver in 6

Why:  If your looking for points this will be the most entertaining series of the first round.  Both teams can score with the best of them and both teams play an uptempo style of basketball.  Difference is, Denver's veteran leadership, bench depth and upgraded defensive play will cool the Warriors out real quick.

Ny Knicks vs. Boston Celtics

Winner:  Knicks in 6

Why:  Carmelo has a lot to prove, he's not losing in the first round.

Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls

Winner: Bulls in 7

Why:  I still believe D. Rose will be back for the playoffs and if this holds true Chicago and their tough defensive minded brand of basketball will put the other New Yorkers to sleep.  With Joakim Noah likely to miss a few games this series could really go in anyones favor.  Look for this to be one of the more entertaining series of the first round.






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