Today kicks off the 2011 NBA Playoffs, which include some intriguing match ups, an insane amount of hoops over the next few weeks, and of course the ever-entertaining crew over at TNT making jackasses of themselves (Craig Sager, I’m looking at your stylist). Without further adieu, let’s get to the first round match ups.
Eastern Conference, Round 1
(1) Chicago Bulls vs (8) Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are the only team in either conference to make the playoffs with a sub-.500 record and the Bulls sport what should be the league’s MVP in Derrick Rose. Even more remarkable is that the Bulls were able to secure the top spot in the East with a lineup that was beaten up for most of the season. I honestly can’t think of a reason for the Bulls not to sweep this series, if not hold the Pacers to some record-low offensive performances.
Prediction: Bulls in 4
(2) Miami Heat vs (7) Philadelphia 76ers
Too much of the Big 3 and an inopportune time for a Philly team that’s slumping means the Heat will make quick work of the Sixers.
Prediction: Heat in 4
(3) Boston Celtics vs (6) New York Knicks
This series is going to come down to playoff experience and will. The Cs have too much talent, play great defense and will frustrate Amare and Melo into bad shots. With the Knicks possibly picking up one game at home in the series it should be a hard fought but quick series.
Prediction: Cs in 5
(4) Orlando Magic vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks
I’m actually not a fan of either team, although if there’s one thing we’ve learned it’s that the Magic are inconsistent and the Hawks are spiraling downward after ending the season on a six game losing streak. That being said, I think the younger Hawks stand a chance to steal a game on Orlando’s court and give Orlando an early exit. Fouls are going to be key here, in particular can Dwight Howard not lose his cool after every two-handed chop across the arms, every tackle and every flagrant elbow to the head? Will Gilbert Arenas not suck? There are too many questions on the Orlando side of the ball for me to feel good about the team from the land of Disney.
Prediction: Hawks in 6
Western Conference, Round 1
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs (8) Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizz are playing sans Rudy Gay and you can’t ever bet against Gregg Popovich. Look for the Spurs, who failed to clinch the overall #1 seed, to drop one game before the Pock whips their asses into shape.
Prediction: Spurs in 5
(2) Los Angeles Lakes vs (7) New Orleans Hornets
Chris Paul is already thinking about his next gig and the Lakers have too much talent to lose this matchup. Look for Paul to keep things close but Kobe to assert his will and take over at the end of every game, willing the Lakers to a sweep.
Prediction: Lakers in 4
(3) Dallas Mavericks vs (6) Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers adding Gerald Wallace makes this series a dog fight. As much as I’d like to take Portland I just can’t see the Mavs dropping a game seven at home.
Prediction: Dallas in 7
(4) Oklahoma City Thunders vs (5) Denver Nuggets
George Karl should win Coach of the Year for the crap he’s had to endure this year. When all is said and done, he’s taken a team that changed over mid-way through the season – without a superstar – and put together a sceme and system that wins. I think their defensive pressure could give Kevin Durant and the Thunder fits, but I just can’t see Oklahoma City getting bounced in the first round.
Prediction: Thunder in 6
Eastern Conference Semis
(1) Chicago Bulls vs (6) Atlanta Hawks
While the Hawks have some playoff experience, the Bulls are too good with their supporting cast and the Hawks don’t have an answer for Derrick Rose. Look for the Bulls to pull out a road victory in Atlanta and end the series on their home floor.
Prediction: Bulls in 6
(2) Miami Heat vs. (3) Boston Celtics
The Heat may have home court advantage but their supporting cast just isn’t there to compete at this level. The Big 3 will talk smack with Boston’s trash talking cast of characters but they won’t have enough fire power to wipe that shit-eating smirk off Rondo’s face or reach the Eastern Finals this year.
Prediction: Boston in 6
Western Conference Semis
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (4) Oklahoma City Thunder
The potential for an upset is definitely there, with a younger Thunder running up and down on the Spurs. However, the Spurs number one ranking was earned for a reason – the ability to make adjustments and wear down opponents. Look for the Spurs to battle their way into the Western Conference Finals with Popovich’s adjustments being the difference.
Prediction: Spurs in 6
(2) Los Angeles Lakers vs (3) Dallas Mavericks
The Lakers will make quick work of the Mavs, who will have struggled to make it this far. The Mavs might pull out a game in Dallas but even that one will be close.
Prediction: Lakers in 5
Eastern Conference Finals
Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics
Even on paper it’s tough to pick against the C’s. Rose is a stud and will carry his team to a few victories, but don’t think that Doc Rivers won’t be forcing the ball out of Rose’s hands every trip down the floor, which makes it a Noah and Boozer game against KG, Pierce and Allen. Three beats two any day.
Prediction: Celtics in 6
Western Conference Finals
(1) San Antonio Spurs vs (2) Los Angeles Lakers
The Spurs may have retained home court advantage but is there a better player in the game than Kobe? The only way I can see this going in the Spurs favor is if Manu or RJ can force the ball out of Kobe’s hands and make his supporting cast beat them — but even a double team can’t stop Kobe from jacking up the ball. He turns it on when he needs to and can provide the leadership the Lakers need to get back to the Finals again.
Prediction: Lakers in 6
No, it's not a double-take: Kobe's going to win it again
Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics
It’s the lesser of two evils once again, and based on last year’s roster the Celtics are again without Kendrick Perkins and now have two gumpy O’Neals down low, neither of which has better days ahead. Bynum’s ability to recover from a hyperextended knee is going to be crucial for the Lakers to compete with Boston’s size, but if there’s one thing we learned last year it’s that they can’t stop Kobe, don’t have an answer for Lamar Odum’s size and Ron Ron will shut down whoever he’s guarding.
Prediction: Lakers in 7, Kobe Bryant as MVP
