NBA Playoffs: My Predictions

There's less than 10 games left in the NBA season so the current playoff picture should be a pretty close representation of the real thing coming in just a few weeks. Here's what I think (and/or hope) will happen.

First Round:


Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers: This should be an easy series for Chicago.

Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks & Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers: The second, third, sixth and seventh seeds have been flipping a lot down the stretch so these match ups could be switched. Miami vs. New York should be a fun series to watch as two of the strongest and highest profile offensive teams meet. Their season series is tied so it could come down to the wire. Miami has established itself as 'the' team to beat this season and if expectations weren't so unbelievably high then they'd be shattered. New York has similarly had a massive turnaround from last season and are one of my favorite all time teams. However, New York has terrible defense and hasn't yet hit their stride with their new lineup. Miami should ultimately come out on top. Meanwhile, Boston will beat Philadelphia with their egos alone.

Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks: Orlando is a terrible team carried by a superstar. This could be a tight match or blowout in favor of Atlanta. I don't think Dwight Howard can carry the team any further than he has already and if he wants to win should take his business elsewhere.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Memphis who? San Antonio wins.

Lakers vs. New Orleans Hornets: If the Hornets are able to pull themselves up to a sixth seed or fall to an eighth seed then I think they have a better chance of making it to round two. Otherwise, Lakers won't be stopped by the Hornets. I'm a fan of the Hornets (I live and grew up around New Orleans) so this is a worst case scenario in my opinion. Against San Antonio or Dallas (both division rivals) they have a solid shot. Due to their early success this season fading out towards the end and the season ending injury to David West the Playoffs will just be a consolation prize for New Orleans. Despite this I believe Monty Williams should be commended and would be my pick as head couch of this season for the turnaround (in the hardest division in the NBA no less) and he did it in his first season.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trailblazers: Sigma was a Maverick, I'm going with Dallas.

OKC Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets: The Thunder used to be Seattle's team and they're one of the most talented teams around so I'm going with them. I'm surprised Denver was able to pull off a winning record down the stretch after trading their primary players to New York. Meanwhile, New York has been lackluster after the trade. Perhaps the trade wasn't as lopsided as I thought?

Second Round:


Bulls vs. Hawks: Bulls can't be stopped, be glad you came this far Atlanta!
Heat vs. Celtics: The Heat have what it takes to beat the Celtics, no doubt. But can the team pull off a series against playoff veteran Celtics? Miami will put up a good fight but will fall because they're still green. I'll be cheering for the Heat though.

Spurs vs. Thunder: I don't know if this'll be the year for the Thunder but I'll believe they can topple the mighty Spurs.
Lakers vs. Mavericks: Kobe Bryant will be arrested for being a horrible person and Dallas will prevail!

Final Four:


Bulls vs. Celtics - Thunder vs. Mavericks: The Bulls have had nothing but obstacles to overcome this season and they've blown everyone out of the water. They spent half of the season without their starting lineup and managed to stay in the top three in the east the whole time. Once the injuries healed and the lineup reunited they rocketed to the top. There should be nothing that can stop the Bulls from clinching their first championship since MJ. The Celtics' Big Three have had their turn, the Thunder aren't quite ready yet and the Mavericks...they'll just choke...or something. Lebron and Carmelo will have to wait because D. Rose and Co. are taking the title this year.