The battle for the Larry O’Brien Trophy begins on Saturday. To get you ready for the first round matchups, here is an Eastern Conference preview.
Indiana Pacers (1) VS Atlanta Hawks (8)
Season Series (Tied 2-2)
Why the Pacers will win:
While many will watch this series to see if Indiana implodes, they are the deeper, more talented team; which should lead them to a series win. The Pacers are ranked 2nd in points allowed, and when they take away both Teague and Milsap, Atlanta will find it difficult to score in this series.
Why the Hawks will win:
The only chance Atlanta has is if the Pacers totally combust and their end of season struggles carry into the playoffs. After Jeff Teague and Paul Milsap, the Hawks really don’t have another player that you can count on to contribute on a consistent basis. It will be interesting to see if Antic and Milsap’s outside shooting will cause any problems for Hibbert & West.
Prediction: Indiana will probably have one game where their offense disappears, so my guess is Atlanta steals one and the Pacers take the series in 5.
Miami Heat (2) VS Charlotte Bobcats (7)
Season Series (Heat lead 4-0)
Why the Heat will win:
The reigning NBA champions and most seasoned Eastern Conference playoff team will not look past an inexperienced Bobcats team, who are just happy to be in the playoffs. There is really no analysis required on why the Heat will win. They have the best player in the league and will use this matchup to ease Dwayne Wade back into the mix in preparation for the second round.
Why the Bobcats will win:
There are two things that need to happen for Charlotte to upset the Heat. First, LeBron James will need to go down with a season ending injury, and Two; Josh McRoberts and Al Jefferson magically turn into Tim Duncan and David Robinson for seven games. Seriously though; there is zero chance that the Bobcats get past the Heat.
Prediction: This one is pretty simple, Miami wins in 4 games.
Toronto Raptors (3) VS Brooklyn Nets (6)
Season Series (Series tied 2-2)
Why the Raptors will win:
The Raptors are young, energetic and have more talent that Brooklyn. If the Raptors are able to push the ball against an older Nets team, and stay hot from three point land (ranked 9th in the NBA), they will be able to pull out a series win. Also, with Lowry and Derozan being one of the top scoring backcourts this season, they should be able to exploit the slower Deron Williams and Joe Johnson.
Why the Nets will win:
The Nets have been on a tear since the New Year and have looked like the team everyone thought they would be. The one advantage that Brooklyn has is experience; Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett are all playoff tested and proven playoff performers. Health will also be a key factor for Brooklyn. If the Nets stay healthy over seven games, they should be able to prevail.
Prediction: These two teams match up well and you can guarantee this series will go the distance. Generally, in a seven game series, the more experienced team prevails; Nets in a tough 7 games.
Chicago Bulls (4) VS Washington Wizards (5)
Season Series (Wizards lead 2-1)
Why the Bulls will win:
One name: Tom Thibodeau. The Bulls may not have that elite player who will take over a game, but their coach’s game-plan and defensive schemes will be too much for Randy Wittman and the Washington Wizards. The Bulls have two solid perimeter defenders in Kirk Hinrich and Jimmy Butler. Throw in Joakim Noah manning the middle and the Bulls should be to neutralize the Wizards offense.
Why the Wizards will win:
The Wizards have arguably the most talented player in the series with John Wall; who averaged 20.6 points per game this season versus Chicago. Chances are the Bulls will use Jimmy Butler on Wall and try to make him beat the Bulls from the outside. However if Wall can consistently score with his jumper, and make the right decisions on offense, the Wizards may just be able to steal this series.
Prediction: The Wizards may have more individual talent, but the Bulls have the better overall team. The playoffs are a different level, and Chicago has been playing at that level all season. The Bulls are 1st in points allowed this season and their defense will carry them to a series win in 5.
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