Now that the snooze fest that was the NBA regular season is over, it’s FINALLY time to enjoy NBA basketball.
The Playoffs are here… and here are my predictions.
Eastern Conference:
#1 Celtics vs. #8 Bulls: The Bulls shouldn’t be here and over the course of this series it will show. I don’t think they have the defense or the fire power to stay with Boston. Prediction: Celtics in 5
#4 Wizards vs. #5 Hawks: This should be an entertaining series as both teams have the potential to score a lot of points… and give up a ton as well. In the end the Hawks don’t have an answer for PG John Wall. Prediction: Wizards in 6.
#3 Raptors vs. #6 Bucks: This is a trap series for Toronto. The size, speed & athleticism for the Bucks could cause them all kinds of problems if they aren’t careful. The Bucks are on the rise… just not yet. Prediction: Raptors in 6.
#2 Cavs vs. #7 Pacers: The Pacers got a lift when Lance Stephenson rejoined the team. They look to use that momentum against a Cavs team that slept walked through the last few weeks of the regular season. Expect the switch to be turned on for the playoffs. Prediction: Cavs in 6
East Semis: The Celtics will run into a dead end against the Wizards in 7 tantalizing games while the Cavs will dispatch of the Raptors in 6 games.
Eastern Conference Finals: No matter how great John Wall’s game will be it won’t be enough to overcome The LeBrons. Cavs in 6 games.
Western Conference:
#1 Warriors vs. #8 Blazers: PG Damian Lillard predicted the Blazers will beat GSW in 6 games. I glad he’s got confidence because he’ll need it after the Dubs sweep them. Prediction: Warriors in 4.
#4 Clippers vs. #5 Jazz: While everyone is waiting for the Clippers to implode, I still think they’ve got one more run left in them. It will start by dismantling the upstart Jazz. Prediction: Clippers in 5.
#3 Rockets vs. #6 Thunder: This will be the most interesting match-up in the 1st round. It’s really the James Harden vs. Russell Westbrook show… and I’m here for it. And despite all of Westbrook’s heroics, it won’t be enough. Prediction: Rockets in 6.
#2 Spurs vs. #7 Grizzlies: These two teams have met in the playoffs before and it was great theater. This match up will be less so because the aged Grizzlies simply won’t have enough to keep up with MVP candidate Khawi Leonard & the Spurs. Prediction: Spurs in 5.
West Semis: The Warriors will officially end this version of the Clippers in 6 games while the Spurs will take out the Rockets in 6 games.
Western Conference Finals: The two best teams in the NBA all year will meet in the West Finals. I feel the Spurs are the only team equipped to beat the Warriors. It just won’t happen though. Warriors in 7 games
NBA Finals
When LeBron James met Kevin Durant in the NBA Finals back in 2012, you knew Durant didn’t have enough to take out the Heat. That won’t be a question this time around as Kevin is surrounded by a team that ALREADY beat The LeBrons back in 2015.
This will mark the 3rd straight year the Cavs & Warriors have met in The Finals. They each have a win a piece. Look for the Warriors to take the rubber match.
Prediction: Warriors in 6.
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