NBA Playoffs: First Round Predictions
The 2016 NBA Playoffs tip off tomorrow morning. We’ve got some good looking match-ups in this first round and we are looking forward to a weekend full of games. Curt and Marco are going to give you predictions on the first round contests.
Eastern Conference
Indiana Pacers (7) vs. Toronto Raptors (2):
Marco: I’m going with Toronto winning the series in 6 games. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozen are one of the best backcourts in the league due to their combined scoring efforts. The pair average 47.7 points per game, which is just 5 points short of what Steph Curry and Klay Thompson produce. Ultimately I think Lowry and DeRozen will be too much for a young, inexperienced Indiana team to defend. I’ll give the Pacers at least 2 wins because of Paul George, although if DeMarre Carroll is defending PG, that might slow his role.
Curt: Raptors have really improved this year and got the second spot in the Eastern playoff tree. This is a young and strong team that has some potential to make a decent run in the playoffs. As for the Pacers, they don’t have enough key players on their team to make it far in the playoffs. Paul George can only take his team so far in the playoffs. Raptors in 5
Boston Celtics (5) vs. Atlanta Hawks (4):
Marco: I’m choosing the Celtics in 7 games for this series. I think this series will be a battle all the way through. I love what the Celtics have been able to do this season without that one star on their roster. When they pick up the tempo and play together as a unit, that’s basketball at its best. The Celtics are a fun team to watch and if their defense shows up, they have a good chance of moving on to the second round. Atlanta will look for Al Horford to dominate in the post, which he most likely will. But the Hawks aren’t as good defensively as they were a year ago, which may give them trouble. On the other hand, the Celtics have two great perimeter defenders in Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder, who can slow the production from Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver.
Curt: This is will the best series in the first round of the playoffs. Both teams have very good offense and defense. They both don’t have big star names but have a lot of very good players. In the end though, I have to go with Boston because they know how to close out big games, like giving the Warriors their first L at home. Celtics in 7.
Detroit Pistons (8) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (1):
Marco: Sorry Pistons fans, but I’m predicting a clean sweep from the Cavs. I think Lebron is going to go into beast mode and carry the Cavs like he did last year. The Pistons have a nice young team and this will most likely not be their only playoff series with this roster. Respect to Stan Van Gundy, I love what he’s been able to do with this team. Cavs 4–0.
Curt: This is the one and only match-up that I will predict a sweep. The Eastern Conference is very weak compared to the Western Conference, except for the Cavs. LeBron seems to be playing really well in the last couple of games and if he continues this type of play, then the sweep is no doubt. The Pistons are in no way,shape, or form ready for the playoffs. Cavs in 4.
Charlotte Hornets (6) vs. Miami Heat (3):
Marco: This series will go in the Heat’s favor. Miami is going to have to rely on their veterans in this series. They have Dwyane Wade, Joe Johnson, Luol Deng, and Goran Dragic, who all have significant playoff experience. If Wade and Johnson can both be their vintage selves, then Charlotte is going to have a hard time matching that. If the two of them can both average 20+ points, then the Heat have it in the bag. The Charlotte Hornets were a surprise team this year, but shout out to Kemba Walker on a stellar season. I’ll say 4–1 Miami.
Curt: One of the more odd matchups in the playoffs but this one for me comes down to just experience. The Heat have more experienced players and more playoff experience in general. Hornets go have a strong team but the lack of experience is what is going to hurt them here. Heat in 6.
Western Conference
Houston Rockets (8) vs. Golden State Warriors (1):
Marco: There’s not much to say here other than “Steph Curry with the shot boy!” This series is all for the Warriors, they’re the best team in the league and play such an uptempo game that will be hard for a guy who doesn’t play defense like James Harden. If Curry and Klay Thompson continue to put up 52 combined points per game, then this series might be a blow out. Draymond Green is also going to be a pivotal player in this matchup, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Warriors with the 4–0 sweep. … PS: Dwight Howard is soft.
Curt: Warriors vs. Rockets: There is no question here that the Warriors are going to win this series. The Rockets offense is not clicking at all and their defense is always poor. To go from a top team last season to a team that barely made the playoffs this year, they don’t deserve to make it past the first round, but I will give them one win over the Warriors. Warriors in 5.
Dallas Mavericks (6) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (3):
Marco: I don’t think this is going to be much of a series either. I can’t see Dallas’ defensive being able to stop Russell Westbrook who is tearing it up this year. He probably would have been MVP is Steph Curry was nonexistent. For real, the guy is a triple-double machine. Then factor in Durant who is also going to get you buckets with his tremendous length that is especially hard to guard. I think the Mavericks will get at least one good game out of Dirk, but this series goes to OKC. I’ll say 4–1 OKC.
Curt: The Thunder are going to take this one easily in my opinion. I have the Thunder going far in this playoff run. I feel like they finally found a good groove in their style of play and as long as they stay in it, they could make it to the Western finals. Thunder in 5.
Memphis Grizzlies (7) vs. San Antonio Spurs (2):
Marco: Unfortunately for the Grizzlies they have been dealt injuries to several players, which negatively affects the grit-and-grind culture they have established. With their defensive abilities down and the Spurs’ “beautiful game”, I think this is a no brainier. If the Grizz were healthy they might be able to put up a defensive fight against the Spurs, but I don’ think they have a chance right now versus that ball movement. Not to mention, they would most likely not be able to stop Kawhi Leonard. I know Memphis has been a playoff regular lately, but I’m actually going to predict a Spurs sweep.
Curt: Like most of the Western Conference first round games, I feel like this one isn’t going to be too entertaining, as the Spurs will easily beat the Grizzlies. Grizzlies are hurting without Marc Gasol and with no chance of him coming back for the playoffs, the won’t stand a chance against the Spurs. Spurs in 5.
Portland Trailblazers (5) vs. Los Angeles Clippers:
Marco: I’m surprised the Trailblazers got a top 5 seed, considering LaMarcus Aldridge left for the Spurs. Damian Lillard has been carrying this team all year long, but he’s also received some supporting help from CJ McCollum. McCollum could easily win Most Improved Player this year. I don’t think the scoring backcourt has what it takes to beat the Clippers though. The point guard battle will be a nice matchup between Lillard and Chris Paul, I’m giving the edge to Lillard, but Portland does not have bigs to match up with Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan. The Clippers also have a high scoring bench which is huge come playoff time. For this series I’m going to predict a 4–2 outcome in favor of the Clippers. Gotta give a couple games to Damian Lillard who will look for a dominating performance.
Curt: For everyone that doesn’t know, I’m a huge clippers fan so I’m obviously going with my Clippers in this series, but it will be a good match up. Both teams are good defensively, but I’m worried with the offense of the Blazers in this series. Clippers will take it in 6.
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